A little fish has stolen a hat. Will the big fish from whom he stole it wake up and find him? This is a simple story of a f2013 Caldecott Medal Winner
A little fish has stolen a hat. Will the big fish from whom he stole it wake up and find him? This is a simple story of a fish on the run (or would it be "on the swim"?), but with a delightfully ambiguous ending that leaves plenty of room for interpretation and discussion. Klassen's digital illustrations resemble paper cutouts against a black background. Although his art is not complex, he manages to incorporate a lot of emotion and humor in the characters. As the little fish tries to make justifications to himself for his theft, the book will invite discussions between children and adults about stealing. A funny, cute, and interesting picture book for everyone....more
For as long as anyone in the kingdom of Bamarre can remember, people have been afflicted by a plague called the Gray Death. Though a painless disease,For as long as anyone in the kingdom of Bamarre can remember, people have been afflicted by a plague called the Gray Death. Though a painless disease, it is fatal, and it strikes at random. Princesses Meryl and Addie always thought that if one of them should sicken from the Gray Death, it would be shy fearful Addie, and heroic Meryl would go forth boldly to find the cure. To both of their shock, it is Meryl who falls ill and Addie who must find the courage to save her. Addie inherits some helpful magical objects from her mother and gets encouragement from her friend Rhys (a member of a curious race of sorcerers born only when lightning strikes marble), but she ultimately finds that her love for her sister on its own enables her to face ogres, gryphons, and worse—dragons. A very fun, quick, love-triumphs-over-fear-and-evil story. Recommended to young teens on up, with some parental guidance for mild violence and light romance.
(Wrote the review above for a newsletter)
On a side note... the romance with Rhys was fun, but I had flashbacks to LotR. The whole human-marrying-an-extremely-long-lived-creature thing. I felt like Levine could have fleshed that out a little more. She decided not to delve into how much it would suck for Rhys to stay a young man while he got to watch Addie grow old and die. I guess immortality (or near enough) wasn't a main theme of the book, so I get that, but it still felt very glossed over. It was kinda like "Hahaha, my teacher thinks it's a bad idea to marry a human, but I'm not even going to think about why." Should the story have continued, I sense tragedy ala Aragorn and Arwen....more
Black Beauty, a book that has sold millions of copies since it was first published in 1877, has gained somewhat curious status as a children's classicBlack Beauty, a book that has sold millions of copies since it was first published in 1877, has gained somewhat curious status as a children's classic. The author originally wrote it as a work for adults to promote awareness of cruelty to horses. She succeeded in this when it became very popular soon after publication. It's the story of a horse who starts out his life well taken care of, but through circumstances beyond his control goes through a series of masters both kind and terrible.
Adults may find the author's message heavy-handed, but there are definitely a few gems, such as “...if we see cruelty or wrong that we have the power to stop, and do nothing, we make ourselves sharers in the guilt,” and “...we have no right to distress any of God's creatures without a very good reason; we call them dumb animals, and so they are, for they cannot tell us how they feel, but they do not suffer less because they have no words.”
For many children this is their first horse book and they want their parents to read it to them over and over again. Other children, however, might be upset by the scenes of animal cruelty on the way to the happy ending. You know your child best, so adult guidance is suggested....more
With adorable cartoon line drawings sprinkled throughout, this book of poems by the famous author of Winnie the Pooh is a treasure. The subjects of thWith adorable cartoon line drawings sprinkled throughout, this book of poems by the famous author of Winnie the Pooh is a treasure. The subjects of the poems include nonsense, King John, an old sailor, a little black hen, Sir Thomas Tom (the knight whose armor never squeaks), and Christopher Robin with his friends Pooh and Elizabeth Anne. The rhyme schemes vary and the poems are funny and wise. Recommended to everyone....more
Peter is happy when Jesus comes to stay with him at his home. Jesus plays with him, cares for him, and protects him from harm. However, Peter has a sePeter is happy when Jesus comes to stay with him at his home. Jesus plays with him, cares for him, and protects him from harm. However, Peter has a secret—a box that he keeps in his room that he's afraid to show to Jesus. What could be in the box, and will Jesus forgive him when he finds out? This is a story with many layers of meaning, enabling it to connect with both children and adults. It presents Jesus to children in a gentle way that they can understand and opens the door for discussion between children and adults about love, sin, forgiveness, and what Jesus means to them. Illustrated with realistic paintings, this book manages to both tell a good story and allow children to learn more about who Jesus is on further re-readings....more
This simple board book based on Luke 5:17-26 tells the story of the paralytic man whom Jesus healed in front of a crowd. Though simplified and condensThis simple board book based on Luke 5:17-26 tells the story of the paralytic man whom Jesus healed in front of a crowd. Though simplified and condensed, it's true to scripture and a great quick story to introduce Jesus' miracles to young children....more
In this picture book, Knopf uses a series of simple poems to express a mother's love for her child and how she shares God's love through prayer. BrookIn this picture book, Knopf uses a series of simple poems to express a mother's love for her child and how she shares God's love through prayer. Brooks uses a palette of pink, orange, blue, and green to illustrate each phase of the child's life in simple, well-composed ink and watercolor. The story shows that in the cycles of our lives, a parent's demonstration of God's love for a child can eventually come full-circle. The rhyme scheme makes it a fun read-aloud and a great bedtime story—children will quickly catch onto the chorus in between each poem: And all the angels everywhere / Hear mother's love as it fills the air / Day and night I say this quiet prayer / Lord, keep my child in your care....more
Stellaluna is a bat, but when she was a baby, her mother was attacked by an owl while carrying her, and she fell far down into a bird's nest. StellaluStellaluna is a bat, but when she was a baby, her mother was attacked by an owl while carrying her, and she fell far down into a bird's nest. Stellaluna tries very hard to fit in with the birds, but she likes to hang upside-down and can't land gracefully at all. Luckily, she discovers that her mother survived the owl's attack, and she meets up with a group of bats who teach her what being a bat means. Stellaluna remains friends with her bird nest-mates even though they are very different from one another. This charming picture book speaks to people who feel like they don't fit in, and shows how to be understanding to friends who are different. The author's acrylic and color pencil illustrations beautifully complement the story....more
It isn't often that the award-winning fantasy and sci-fi author Ursula K. Le Guin has written a book for children, but Catwings is just such a book. IIt isn't often that the award-winning fantasy and sci-fi author Ursula K. Le Guin has written a book for children, but Catwings is just such a book. In this story, we meet four kittens named James, Roger, Harriet, and Thelma who share an unusual trait—they each have a pair of functional wings. Their mother Jane doesn't know how it happened, but she does know that she wants her children to use this gift to fly as far away as possible from the inhospitable city. The kittens make it to a forest where they take up residence in a hollow tree and encounter both dangers and new friends. This beautifully-written little book speaks to parents' hopes for their children's differences to take them far in life, to children who need to know that they are uniquely made, and to everyone with enough imagination to believe, even for just a moment, that a cat could have wings....more
The Cooper Kids Adventure Series, of which The Door in the Dragon's Throat is the first book, features Jay and Lila Cooper, teenage siblings who have The Cooper Kids Adventure Series, of which The Door in the Dragon's Throat is the first book, features Jay and Lila Cooper, teenage siblings who have adventures with their archaeologist father. In the first volume, the three travel with a small team to the fictional Middle Eastern country of Nepur. There, they investigate the Dragon's Throat, a mysterious cavern containing a huge door made out of indestructible metal. Some think that a magnificent treasure is behind the door, but as the Coopers learn more, they find it increasingly likely that it hides an unspeakable evil against which only their unwavering Christian faith may protect them.
Although the writing is lacking and the story can be melodramatic and cheesy (they use an awful lot of explosives for archaeologists, and they have a huge tendency to tempt fate and put God to the test), the series features nonstop, adrenaline-filled stories with characters who rely on their faith to get them through difficulties. I was very drawn into this series as a kid, and believe that other kids would enjoy it too....more
Princess Hwei Ming, daughter of an emperor of ancient China, has been blind since birth. Monks, magicians, and doctors all try to give her back her siPrincess Hwei Ming, daughter of an emperor of ancient China, has been blind since birth. Monks, magicians, and doctors all try to give her back her sight, but no one is able to help her until an old man comes to the great city with his seeing stick. By carving intricate images on the stick, the old man teaches the princess to see with her hands rather than her eyes. Her father is overjoyed that she's learned a new way to see, and he rewards the old man with a post in the palace. Hwei Ming goes on to teach other blind children how to see in a new way.
The illustrations in this book are especially impressive--as the old man arrives at the palace and opens up Hwei Ming's world with his stories, we see her life go from a dull gray to glossy pages filled with vibrant images suggestive of the stylized carvings on the seeing stick. We see that Hwei Ming's clothes are red, her father's yellow, and the courtiers' blue, yellow, and purple. Though the story is subtle and has no particular message, it deeply reminds us that a disability is only as limiting as we allow it to be, and that all of us must find the courage to "live by faith, not by sight" (2 Corinthians 5:7)....more
A Japanese-American girl tells the story of how her mother, Aiko, and her father, John, met while John was in the U. S. Navy stationed in Yokohama, JaA Japanese-American girl tells the story of how her mother, Aiko, and her father, John, met while John was in the U. S. Navy stationed in Yokohama, Japan. John wanted to marry Aiko, but there was one problem--he'd never even eaten a meal with her! He wanted to have dinner with her, but first he had to learn to eat with chopsticks--and when he finally asked her to dinner, she had to learn to eat with forks, knives, and spoons. Neither one of them had an easy time of it, but they persevered.
In this story, kids can see that even adults have to be brave in order to learn new things, especially when it comes to caring about someone from another culture. Allen Say's simple ink and watercolor illustrations give readers a glimpse of authentic Japan and show the awkwardness of re-learning to eat as an adult with gentleness and humor. Young readers will enjoy the adults in the story having trouble learning to eat and making a mess, and parents, even if not from different countries, will appreciate the difficulties that John and Aiko go through to meet in the middle culturally.
Edward Tulane is a spoiled, self-centered china rabbit with real rabbit fur on his ears and tail. He lives with Abilene, a little girl who loves him, Edward Tulane is a spoiled, self-centered china rabbit with real rabbit fur on his ears and tail. He lives with Abilene, a little girl who loves him, until her grandmother puts a curse on him(?) that launches him on a harrowing journey. Tossed off of a ship and landing on the bottom of the ocean, Edward is rescued by a fisherman, and that is only the beginning...
Edward's tale speaks to every human being who has to lose him or herself in order to find love. With every disaster and every friend who comes along, Edward slowly begins to understand what it means to matter to another person, and comes to feel that people matter to him. Even after losing friends and being swept along on a path beyond his control, another doll reassures him that "Someone will come. Someone always comes," as long as he will open his heart to receive them.
A wonderful and moving book for any person, especially those of us who need reminders to open our hearts, keep living life after loss, or remember that "Someone always comes."...more
This is really a unique picture book. The author describes the details of Joan of Arc's life and the complex political situation in which she found heThis is really a unique picture book. The author describes the details of Joan of Arc's life and the complex political situation in which she found herself in language that is simple enough for children to understand. The illustrations, patterned after illuminated manuscripts, shine with bright silver and gold. A wonderful way to introduce Joan's story to kids (at least for parents who are ready to tell their kids a tale about a martyred saint...)
Amidst the busyness of the holiday season, this beautiful Christmas picture book encourages us to stop and think of Christ and the not-so-silent nightAmidst the busyness of the holiday season, this beautiful Christmas picture book encourages us to stop and think of Christ and the not-so-silent night on which he was born. From the flip, flap, flap of Joseph's sandals to the flut-flut-flutter of angel wings, this rhyming story is a delight to the ear with wonderful illustrations. Johnson and Fancher depict a blue-black sky with sprinklings of stars, against which we see the white of the desert sand, the glory of the angels, and the warm lights of Bethlehem. The book will get everyone tapping their feet to the rhythm of the Christmas story, using the sounds of Mary and Joseph's journey to help us tangibly live out that night long ago....more
Young Sélavi, a homeless boy in Haiti, has only his other orphan friends for company. When they get chased away from their home in the banyan tree by Young Sélavi, a homeless boy in Haiti, has only his other orphan friends for company. When they get chased away from their home in the banyan tree by some angry men in uniform who think that all street children are thieves, Sélavi turns to a church for help. The people there build an orphanage and help the children found a radio station, teaching everyone that “alone we may be a single drop of water, but together we can be a mighty river.” Colorful borders decorate the simple watercolor illustrations in this book about life in Haiti, where children face poverty, the deaths of family, and corrupt authorities, but ultimately also find reason to hope. The back includes information about the story behind the story, as well as an essay by the author describing Haiti's history and culture. Especially recommended for families who are sponsoring children through Compassion International or other relief organizations....more
1986 Coretta Scott King Award (illustrator winner)
Tanya's grandma is making a patchwork quilt made up of fabric scraps that mean something to differen1986 Coretta Scott King Award (illustrator winner)
Tanya's grandma is making a patchwork quilt made up of fabric scraps that mean something to different members of the family. Grandma explains that a quilt can tell a person's life story, and Tanya wants to help. After Christmas, though, Grandma isn't feeling well and can't work on the quilt. So, Tanya takes it upon herself to sew more squares together until Grandma is better.
In this well-loved book, Flournoy shows how the generations of a family can relate to one another through an important shared activity, and how children often have the power to do something indirectly to help when a grandparent is in ill health. Jerry Pinkney won the 1986 Coretta Scott King Award for his detailed illustrations of African American family life....more
Ruby Bridges was chosen to integrate William Frantz Public School in Louisiana in 1960. Accompanied by federal marshals, she 2nd time through: 8/21/13
Ruby Bridges was chosen to integrate William Frantz Public School in Louisiana in 1960. Accompanied by federal marshals, she was escorted into the school to her first grade class through walls of screaming protesters. One day, her teacher asked her why she had stopped and talked to the mob, but Ruby explained that she wasn't talking to them, she was praying for God's forgiveness for them. This is an excellent picture book to introduce children to the topic of racism. What an inspiring little girl. I don't think I would have lasted one day in that situation....more
Sy Montgomery and Nic Bishop join an expedition of scientists and others to Papua New Guinea. Their mission? To find and2007 Orbis Pictus Award Winner
Sy Montgomery and Nic Bishop join an expedition of scientists and others to Papua New Guinea. Their mission? To find and put tracking collars on Matschie's tree kangaroos, enabling researchers around the world to learn more about the behavior of these rare and mysterious animals. Lisa Dabek from Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle leads the team. Montgomery writes a lot about Lisa's love of animals and her battle to overcome asthma and allergies to follow her dream of studying them. Lisa has contributed much to the conservation of tree kangaroos in Papua New Guinea, creating programs to educate the local people about the importance of saving them. Some of the locals have even incorporated conservation into their Christian beliefs. With Montgomery's clear writing and Bishop's beautiful photographs, this book serves as a perfect way for kids to dip their toes into the world of field science while learning about the adorable and intriguing tree kangaroo....more
In 1914, Ernest Shackleton led an expedition of twenty-seven men to the Antarctic, intending to cross the continent. His1999 Orbis Pictus Award Winner
In 1914, Ernest Shackleton led an expedition of twenty-seven men to the Antarctic, intending to cross the continent. His ship, the Endurance, never made it there. Trapped in pack ice, the ship drifted northward and was eventually crushed by the pressure, sending Shackleton and his crew off on one of the most shocking survival journeys in modern history. After camping on the ice for months and risking a harrowing lifeboat journey across open water, everyone barely made it to Elephant Island alive. From there, Shackleton and five of the men embarked on their greatest challenge yet--an 800-mile trip in a small boat to South Georgia Island, their only hope of connecting with humanity and sending a rescue party to the others. They battled monstrous waves, blizzards, and hurricanes for two weeks only to land on the wrong side of South Georgia. From there, three of them trekked for 36 hours over rugged, frozen mountains, finally reaching help. Their heroic efforts led to the rescue of the entire crew more than two years after they originally set out. This well-written account will keep children and adults alike turning pages, and is illustrated with actual surviving photographs taken by the expedition's photographer, Frank Hurley. Note that, although not gruesomely detailed, Armstrong does reference some disturbing situations such as having to put down a pet cat and dozens of sled dogs, and one instance of frostbite in a crew member's toes that led to gangrene and amputation. Recommended for older children and young teens....more
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