"Read books. They are good for us."

Storm Is Coming!

2006-02-28T16:29:00.000-05:00

a picture book by Heather Tekavec, illustrated by Margaret Spengler

"Storm is Coming! We better get the animals safely to the barn!"

When Dog hears the old farmer bellowing, he quickly rounds up the farm animals. The sheep race for the barn behind him. On the way, they bleat a warning to Duck. In turn, Duck quacks a warning to the cows.

In a panic, the animals huddle together in the barn, and wait anxiously for the arrival of the ominous and mysterious Storm.

Who could this frightening creature be?

Duck acts as a lookout. "No Storm! No storm!" he reports.

Soon, the wind picks up, thunder rolls, and the zig zag flash of lightning bolts fill the sky. The animals cheer in relief, for nature is working in their favor. The clouds are growling to scare Storm away, and the sky is flashing to blind him. But when all is calm again - the animals wait... and listen. The barn door opens. Could this be the dreaded Storm?

Storm is Coming! is an entertaining story that will make readers of all ages hold their breath and giggle. The silliness of the animals shows that thunderstorms don't have to be scary. In fact, they can be fun!

Heather Tekavec's ultimately reassuring tale glows from the soft, yet dynamic, illustrations by Margaret Spengler.

Here in the Bonny Glen: First Carnival of Children's Literature

2006-02-16T14:27:00.000-05:00

I participated in my first blog carnival this week.

Thank you, Here in the Bonny Glen, for letting me set up a tent in your Carnival of Children's Literature!

The Youngest Fairy Godmother Ever

2006-01-12T20:23:00.000-05:00

a picture book by Stephen Krensky, illustrated by Diana Cain Bluthental

Every kid dreams of what they want to be when they grow up. Some imagine themselves as astronauts, others as ballerinas, and there are those who cannot seem to choose.

But not Mavis. Her plans were set.
When she grew up she wanted to be a fairy godmother.
"Because," she said, "I want to make wishes come true."

But how would Mavis make her wish come true? There's a lot of work to being a fairy godmother. To practice, Mavis begins by "popping up out of nowhere," and even makes her very own magic wand. But when Mavis tries to cast her spells, she finds her results to be... not so magical. "This is very tricky," she soon realizes. Can she make someone's wish come true?

The Youngest Fairy Godmother Ever is an enchanting story that glitters with humor and personality. It's for anyone who's ever wished a wish - or dreamed of making one come true.

Oliver's Must-Do List

2005-11-15T06:08:00.000-05:00

a picture book by Susan Taylor Brown, illustrated by Mary Sullivan

"Will you play with me today?"

That's the question on Oliver's mind. His desired playmate? His mother. But when she checks her Must-Do list, she discovers there are far too many chores to get done, and no time to play.

Oliver tries to entertain himself, but his games aren't nearly as much fun without someone to share them with. How can one tell knock-knock jokes, without someone to say, "Who's there?"

Oliver comes up with a clever solution. It leads to a most remarkable day that promises to be the first of many like it.

Oliver's Must-Do List gently reminds us of what is truly important. The illustrations by Mary Sullivan have hilarious details that will make readers of all ages laugh out loud.

I immediately fell in love with Oliver. He's a sweet, imaginative, creative character that will reach out and touch the hearts of all who meet him. Kids will feel his frustration, and time-pressed parents (and older siblings!) will relate to his mother's guilt. In our busy world, there seems to be less and less time for simple pleasures like playing. Fortunately, this sweet picture book shows us that it's well worthwhile to re-prioritize our Must-Do lists.

It's important to spend time with the children in your life, and engaging yourselves in this charming story is a wonderful way to do it. And it won't hurt to set aside a teeny place on the fridge. Don't be surprised if your young reader puts up her own Must-Do list after reading this book. ;-)

(Teachers can invite Oliver to visit their schools and classrooms. Drop in on Oliver's LiveJournal to find out how.)

June 29, 1999

2005-10-24T21:37:00.000-04:00

a picture book by David Wiesner

When her science project produces some inexplicable results, Holly Evans has some reservations. Is it possible that the seedlings she sent aloft to the ionsphere transformed into the massive mutant vegetables falling from the sky?

"Cucumbers circle Kalamazoo. Lima beans loom over Levittown. Artichokes advance on Anchorage... Argula covers Ashtabula."

As the list of produce grows longer, Holly realizes that not all of these veggies were part of her experiment. If these giant specimens aren't from her research... then whose are they? And what became of hers?

David Wiesner's June 29, 1999 is a visually entertaining story that will spark the imaginations of all who read it. The whimsical and inventive illustrations (e.g., the gourds selling as homes in North Carolina, the Mt. Rushmore-like potato carvings of Presidents Reagan, Bush, Nixon, and Carter, and the people of the Big Apple renaming themselves the "Big Rutabega") are sure to make readers laugh.

June 29, 1999 is a timeless treasure that should be enjoyed by generations of families to come.

Cabbages and Kings

2005-10-02T21:07:00.000-04:00

a picture book by Elizabeth Seabrook, paintings by Jamie Wyeth

On the first day of spring in Farmer John's garden, a young asparagus stalk (who calls himself Albert) pokes thorugh the ground. He notices his new neighbor, a cabbage named Herman.

Neither is sure what to make of the other, yet despite their doubts and differences, they become fast-growing friends. Together, the endure the fears of being picked (by the farmer's wife) and eaten (by the mischievious rabbit that stalks the garden). But most of all, they enjoy the pleasure of each other's company.

Cabbages and Kings is a fresh, charming story about a friendship happening when least expected. The beautiful paintings by Jamie Wyeth bring this delightful story to its full bloom.

This picture book teaches about friendship. It educates, too, on how vegetables grow.

Ninjas, Piranhas, and Galileo

2005-08-24T17:59:00.000-04:00

a novel by Greg Leitich Smith

Elias, Honoria, and Shohei are best friends facing the threshold of their teenage years at The Preshtigo School of Chicago.

Elias (reluctant science fair participant) finds himself fighting against the accusations of Mr. Eden (the chemistry teacher who idolizes Elias's older brother) of not properly conducting his experiment (the one he copied from his brother).

Honoria realizes that telling a best friend you like him, is a lot harder than it seems. Harder, even, than to convince a piranha to prefer fruit over meat.

Shohei deals with an interesting, yet universal, situation with his adopted parents, who have decided that he needs to become "one" with the culture of the Land of the Rising Sun.

Ninjas, Piranhas, and Galileo is a hilarious and entertaining read, filled with wit, wisdom, and even a bit of science. I greatly enjoyed reading this book. There were many parts where I laughed out loud.

My personal favorite scenario, out of the three main characters, was Shohei's. I found his little brother - who adapts to the introduction of the Japanese culture easily, and more willingly, than Shohei - to be a hoot!

This book is sure to bring a smile to your face, as well as introduce you to a different culture, and scientific procedures, while taking you into the challenging world of young teenagers.

The Birthday Moon

2005-08-24T17:12:00.000-04:00

a picture book by Lois Duncan, illustrated by Susan Davis

What could be a better gift than the moon?

A full moon can be a balloon, or a coin to purchase comet tails, or the sun. It can even be a ball, to "hurl at the stars or... bounce off a wall."

If one's birthday lands on a half moon, it can be used for a hammock, a bowl, or a bow, "so the arrows you shoot will all shimmer and glow."

The Birthday Moon, by Lois Duncan, and illustrated by Susan Davis, uses bright, rhyming text, and beautiful, glistening pictures to show wonders the imagination holds.

When I was little, my mum would read The Birthday Moon to me every year on my birthday. It is one of my fondest and most cherished childhood memories. I'm sure that this story will have that same effect on anyone who reads it. Whether your birthday is tomorrow, or months away, this gorgeous picture book glows with every read.

The Silver Path

2005-07-26T17:17:00.000-04:00

a picture book by Christine Harris, illustrated by Helen Ong

Niko and Penny are pen pals on opposite ends of the world. Just like their locations, their lifestyles are very different. Penny lives in a nice, peaceful world, with a big garden to play in with her dog, Scruff. Niko lives in a world destroyed by war. Forced to flee from their village, Niko and his mother live in a hotel that houses refugees.

In his letter to Penny, Niko writes of his hopes that one day he and his family will be free to return to their village, and be happy again. He describes the view from the balcony of the hotel at night. "When the night comes, the moon builds a silver path over the sea, going all the way from where I am to where you are, Penny. I close my eyes and imagine I am running... to meet you."

The Silver Path, by Christine Harris, is a moving story that speaks of an unidentified setting and conflict, the innocent people (children especially) who are its victims, and the everlasting hope for a better and happier life. The story is told beautifully, not only by the words, but by the stirring illustrations by Helen Ong. This is a story that will make young readers aware of the hardships of war. It will help them relate, on their level, conflicts and tragedies like those going on in the world today.

Under the Moon

2005-07-26T16:11:00.000-04:00

a picture book by Dyan Sheldon, illustrated by Gary Blythe

While digging in her backyard, Jenny finds an arrowhead poking through the soil. She spends the rest of the day trying to imagine life before cars and cities. But no matter how hard she tries, she isn't able to picture the world when "the land was as large and open as the sky."

Then Jenny falls asleep, while camping in her tent, and wakes up in the very place she had tried so hard to imagine. There, she meets the Native Americans that made/own the arrowhead. They tell her about the world when it was "just the people, the animals, and the land itself," and she comes to know that the beautiful place she discovered was once very real.

Under The Moon, written by Dyan Sheldon, with beautiful and breathtaking paintings by Gary Blythe, is a story that will open the eyes of readers of all ages to the wonder and marvel of what America once was.

Mrs. Merriwether's Musical Cat

2005-07-26T13:47:00.000-04:00

a picture book by Carol Purdy, illustrated by Petra Mathers.

Mrs. Merriwether was very ordinary. "Every day of the week was exactly like the other." Well... except Tuesdays. Tuesdays were dreaded by the neighborhood, especially Mr. Crump, because on Tuesdays, Mrs. Merriwether gave piano lessons to the children of Peach Tree Lane.

First came Morton, who "mangled Mozart" and "butchered Bach and Brahms." Then Florence Danube, whose "one-two-threes kept coming out as three-two-ones." Rhonda was next; she had energy, fire... but, sadly, no talent. Always last to arrive was Mr. Crump, who went only to complain about the noise.

One day, a cat appeared, and Mrs. Merriwether named him Beethoven. With a swish of his tail, the music was instantly glorious, and "Peach Tree Lane was never ordinary again."

Mrs. Merriwether's Musical Cat, by Carol Purdy, and illustrated by Petra Mathers, is an endearing story about believing in yourself. When I first read this book, I was taking piano lessons, and I could relate to the students (pre-Beethoven, that is) :-p

This is a fun book, with illustrations to set the mood that will bring a smile to your face.

The Gentleman and the Kitchen Maid

2005-06-25T11:30:00.000-04:00

a picture book by Diane Stanley, pictures by Dennis Nolan

In the city there was a great art museum.

There, two paintings, "Portrait of a Young Gentleman" and "The Kitchen Maid," hung across from each other.

Over the years, the two (the gentleman and the kitchen maid) fell in love. Unfortunately, they were trapped in their different worlds, in separate canvases, on opposite walls.

Other portraits in the room criticized their romance. "I can't imagine what he sees in her," a Grand Duchess sniffs.

One day, Rusty, a young art student, realizes the couple's longing for each other. By the end of the book, she finds a way to bring the lovers together at last.

The Gentleman and the Kitchen Maid proves that picture books can be very romantic! This love story shows young readers that beauty is in the eye of the beholder - and that true love knows no boundaries.

Louisa and I love this book. The romance is so sweet - and the artist, Dennis Nolan, did an amazing job bringing a museum to life.

Louisa and I agree that the book's ending is one of our all time favorites.

Miro in the Kingdom of the Sun

2005-05-09T18:58:00.000-04:00

a picture book by Jane Kurtz, woodcuts by David Frampton

"Once upon a time, in the great city of Cuzco, in the ancient Inca kingdom of Peru, a prince was born to the Sun King...

Around the same time, a girl named Miro was born in an adobe and stone house by a vast grassland where thousands of llamas grazed."

Miro ran races with her brothers, cared for her family's llamas, and conversed with birds.

While Miro grew strong, the prince in the royal palace grew weak. Only water from a magic, hidden lake could heal him. Many were sent to retrieve the water, but few returned. Those who did brought back with them only terrifying tales of the jungle; none found the magical lake.

Among those who set out in vain were Miro's brothers. When they tried to pass off ordinary water as the magic healing water, the enraged Sun King "had the two brothers thrown into a dungeon filled with spiders and scorpions."

It was up to Miro, then, to save not only the ailing prince, but her brothers as well.

Miro in the Kingdom of the Sun was inspired by an old Incan folktake, "The Search for the Magic Lake." Jane Kurtz's version is an excitingly told story of adventure and bravery, featuring fascinating woodcuts by artist David Frampton.

I remember reading this book when I was little and dreaming up adventures similar to Miro's. It really got my imagination going!

Miro in the Kingdom of the Sun is a great read-aloud adventure. I can't imagine young readers not being enchanted by the story.

The Tenth Good Thing About Barney

2005-03-17T17:27:00.001-05:00

a picture book by Judith Viorst, illustrated by Erik Blegvad

"My cat Barney died last Friday. I was very sad.

My mother sat down on my bed, and she gave me a hug.

She said we could have a funeral for Barney in the morning.

She said I should think of ten good things about Barney so I could tell them at the funeral."

The little boy has a problem though. He can only think of nine. But later, after helping his father in the garden, he discovers the tenth, and understands that Barney will always be special to him.

The Tenth Good Thing About Barney is a heartwarming story that shows children how to cope with the death of a loved one. I remember I received this book from my parents after my hamster, Spotty, died. The Tenth Good Thing About Barney showed me that remembering the good things about Spotty would always keep him alive in my heart.

The Bat Boy & His Violin

2005-03-15T21:12:00.000-05:00

a picture book by Gavin Curtis, illustrated by E. B. Lewis

"I sashay my bow across the violin strings the way a mosquito skims a summer pond."

Reginald loves his violin. His beautiful music can "make the hairs on the back of my neck do a jig."

But Papa could care less about Reginald's "fiddling." Being the manager of the Dukes, a basketball team in the Negro National League, Pap is more concerned about the team's losing streak.

When Papa makes Reginald the Dukes' bat boy, Reginald is worried that he won't have time to practice and prepare for his violin recital.

Between batters and innings, Reginald uses every free moment to play, and his beautiful music fills the dugout. Coincidentally, the Dukes' losing streak turns around and they start winning their games. But, with a very important game against the Monarchs coming up, there's still Papa's heart that needs winning over.

The Bat Boy & His Violin is a moving story of family ties and team spirit. E. B. Lewis's paintings bring the warmth of the story to life. This book will inspire all who read it. I know it inspired me!

Fire on the Mountain

2005-02-16T19:56:00.000-05:00

a picture book by Jane Kurtz, illustrated by E. B. Lewis

"In the high and beautiful mountains of Ethiopia there once lived a dreamer named Alemayu. Day after day he wandered over the mountains with his uncle's sheep. While the sheep grazed, he would find a rock somewhere out of the wind where he could play his shepherd's flute and watch the birds and dream of flying."

When a disease sweeps through his village and claims the lives of his parents, Alemayu travels a long way (through "ribbons of mountain paths") to live with his sister. They both work for a very rich, bad-tempered, conceited man.

One day, the pompous master boasts, "Why, once I became lost in the cold mountains at night; but I leaned against my mule until morning, and miraculously I survived to tell of it." He poses an intimidating question to his cowering servants: "Tell me, have you ever heard of anyone else as strong or brave?" Alemayu is the only one to reply:

"Many times when I watched my uncle's sheep, I, too, stayed in the cold air of the mountains throughout the night with only a thin cloak against the cold."

The enraged master challenges Alemayu to spend a night alone in the mountains, with only a "thin shemma" to shield him from the cold. If Alemayu succeeds, he is to receive "four cows and a bag of money besides." If Alemayu fails, the master sneers, "You and your sister will be out of a job. You must leave my house and never come back."

But the next day, when the master injustly claims victory, Alemayu and his sister, and all the other servants, pitch in to beat the selfish man at his own game.

Fire on the Mountain features poetic and deeply moving text by author Jane Kurtz, and beautiful illustrations by artist E. B. Lewis. It's a story about courage and believing in yourself. My mom used to read this book to me all the time when I was little. I loved it so much, I asked her to come into my school and read it to my second grade class during "Book Week."

Fire on the Mountain and its unforgettable young hero will leave you with a warm feeling inside - a comforting sense that things can work out the way they should.

Prince Nautilus

2005-02-06T20:38:00.000-05:00

a picture book by Laura Krauss Melmed, illustrated by Henri Sorensen

"In a weathered shack by a windswept shore, two girls lived with their father."

The older sister, Columbine, was very beautiful. "But her heart was as cold as kelp." In contrast, the younger sister, Fiona, was kind and warm-hearted and full of dreams.

One day, while walking along the beach, Fiona finds a shell. When she picks it up, it cries, "Help me, please!" Fiona is amazed to learn that a prince has been trapped inside the shell by an evil wizard.

The sisters set out to free the prince of his spell. Fiona is motivated by purely by the goodness of her heart. Columbine, however, is driven by her shallow goal to marry the prince.

Prince Nautilus is an enchanting fairy tale that takes readers on an exciting adventure filled with magical moments. I remember reading this book with my mom when I was little. Ever since, whenever I see a seashell, I hold it up to my ear in hopes of hearing the voice of a prince who will whisk me away on journeys of my own.

This gorgeous picture book is perfect for all who love adventure. And, the story shows that it's not what's on the outside that counts - it's all about the beauty within.

Have You Seen Chester?

2005-01-23T19:57:00.000-05:00

a picture book by Andrew Murray, illustrated by Nicola Slater

"Buddy the dog and Chester the cat were always fighting."

No matter how much Lucy, their little girl, begs and pleads, the two animals clash.

One night, Chester decides, "I've had enough," and runs away.

Buddy watches as Lucy searches everywhere for the missing cat. He slowly comes to realize that he misses Chester, too. Buddy finds some of Chester's friends and, with their help, sets off to bring his feline friend home.

Have You Seen Chester? shows kids that, sometimes, you don't realize what's important to you until it's gone.

Louisa brought this book home from her school library. She liked the illustrations. She thought all of the animals were "cute." Her favorite part was when Buddy found the alley cats, and they became friends. She liked this book so much, she had me read it to her again right away.

No Such Thing

2005-01-06T17:14:00.000-05:00

a picture book by Jackie French Koller, illustrated by Betsy Lewin

Howard has always been told that there's no such thing as monsters. But when he moves to a new house, he has his doubts.

"I think there's a monster under my bed," Howard told his mommy when she came in to kiss him goodnight.

Monster is afraid of little boys, and tells his mother:

"I think there's a boy on top of my bed."

But his mommy tells him there's no such thing as boys:

"You've been reading too many comic books, Monster," she said. "I told you, boys are only pretend."

But no amount of convincing can stop Howard or Monster from being afraid of the dark. Until one night....

No Such Thing is the perfect spooky bedtime book. Louisa and I always laugh when we read it. We love it!

I Am Too Absolutely Small for School

2004-12-27T20:34:00.000-05:00

a picture book by Lauren Child

Lola's back! Along with her infinitely patient older brother, Charlie. This time, Lola has a dilemma: SCHOOL. Luckily, she has Charlie to convince her that school is fun.

This picture book is so cute! My favorite part is when Lola is trying to explain to Charlie why she won't need to count up to one hundred.

"I don't need to learn up to one hundred. I already know up to ten, and that is plenty.

I have ten fingers. And also I have ten toes. And I never eat more than ten cookies at one time. Ten is enough."

Louisa loves this book, too. Her favorite part is when Lola comes up with an outfit for school.

"'Well, Lola,' I say, 'that's certainly stylish, but you cannot go to school dressed as a crocodile.'"

I am Too Absolutely Small for School is a charming picture book that addresses universal first-day-of-school anxieties, and shows that school is indeed worthwhile :)

Humphrey's Corner

2004-12-16T22:48:00.000-05:00

a picture book by Sally Hunter

Humphrey and Mop, Humphrey's favorite toy, are looking for the perfect place to play. They try many places, but nothing seems right. When Mommy comes to help, Humphrey and Mop find a secret, warm, and cozy place that is perfect.

Humphrey's Corner is a gorgeous picture book. The soft, dreamy illustrations portray plenty of delightful details.

I remember being a toddler and looking for a cozy, interesting place to play. This story will remind readers of being that wide-eyed age, or of someone they know who is that age right now.

Humphrey's Corner taps into the imaginative toddler in all of us.

If You Give A Mouse A Cookie

2004-12-06T21:37:00.000-05:00

a picture book by Laura Joffe Numeroff, illustrated by Felicia Bond

"If you give a mouse a cookie, he's going to ask for a glass of milk."

And so, the dominoes begin to fall.

If You Give A Mouse A Cookie is one of my favorite picture books. Felicia Bond's illustrations are adorable! And Laura Joffe Numeroff's text is giggle-out-loud funny. I love how the little energetic mouse always keeps the boy on his toes.

I love this story so much, I used it for a calligraphy project. For the project, students were required to choose a favorite storybook and write some lines from the book in calligraphy. I'm working on the project now. I can't wait until it's finished! I'm smiling a lot while working on it, and I hope it makes my little sister smile when it's done.

This is a story that is bound to keep young readers laughing. It is hilarious how so many things can happen in the length of a picture book - all because of one little cookie and one very funny, high-maintenance mouse.

Biscuit

2004-11-28T21:16:00.000-05:00

early reader books by Alyssa Satin Capucilli, illustrated by Pat Schories

The Biscuit books are wonderful stories for young children learning to read. The books follow an adorable puppy named Biscuit.

Biscuit takes readers on many adventures, like going to school, and helping a lost duckling find its way home.

I enjoy the Biscuit books because they are fun to read. Louisa loves them because she could read them all by herself in kindergarten! She was so proud to read them out loud to me.

The sweet, kid-friendly illustrations help young readers figure out what is going on in the story.

The Biscuit books are perfect for kids who are ready to start reading on their own.

Owen

2004-11-21T16:48:00.000-05:00

a Caldecott Honor picture book by Kevin Henkes

"Owen had a fuzzy yellow blanket.
He'd had it since he was a baby.
He loved it with all his heart."

Fuzzy is Owen's best friend. They do everything together.

"Fuzzy goes where I go."

The neighbor, Mrs. Tweezers, does not approve of Owen's attatchment to his blanket. It's Mrs. Tweezers' opinion that Owen is far too old to be "carrying that thing around." Mrs. Tweezers advises Owen's parents on how to stop Owen from carrying Fuzzy all the time. Owen's parents try everything - from the Blanket Fairy, to soaking Owen's favorite corner of Fuzzy in vinegar. But nothing stops Owen from bringing Fuzzy with him everywhere.

Owen's parents explain that he cannot bring Fuzzy to school. Owen does not take this news well. But, by the end of the story, Owen is still able to carry Fuzzy with him - even at school! But, not the way he thought he would.

Owen is one of my all time favorite books. I love the cute, colorful illustrations. When I was little, I remember being able to relate to Owen so much. At the time, I was very attached to my first (crib) pillow, which I'd named Blue Pillow. Owen made me realize that lots of kids have a hard time letting something go. It wasn't just me! To this day, I still have Blue Pillow. It's barely holding together now, it's so old and worn. But, my mom does the occasional patch job on it, and it has a special place on my bed - and in my heart.

Owen would make an excellent companion book to Wemberly Worried, also by Kevin Henkes. You can find my review for that book here.

Corduroy

2004-11-16T20:35:00.000-05:00

by Don Freeman

Corduroy is, and always will be, one of my all-time favorite children's books.

The story follows a little stuffed toy bear, Corduroy, as he searches a department store for his lost button. His adventure includes climbing a "mountain" (an escalator):

"I think I've always wanted to climb a mountain."

While exploring the "palace" (the department store's furniture department), Corduroy searches for his button with hope that a little girl, who admired him earlier, will return and buy him.

But, Corduroy does not realize something: He is not the only one awake in the store. A night watchman is fast on Corduroy's tracks. He finds Corduroy (before he's managed to yank off a mattress button to replace his missing button). Corduroy's adventure is over. The night watchman brings the little bear back to the toy department.

The next morning, Corduroy wakes up to find the little girl from the previous day peering at him. And so begins a whole new adventure, and this one is truly magical.

"You must be a friend," said Corduroy. "I've always wanted a friend."

Corduroy is one of those books that gives you the warm fuzzy feeling inside when you read it. So, grab your favorite teddy bear, open up this classic picture book, and snuggle!

Oliver: A Story About Adoption

2004-11-16T19:55:00.000-05:00

a picture book by Lois Wickstrom, illustrated by Priscilla Marden

Oliver is a story about a little adopted alligator named Oliver.

Angry with his parents for sending him to his room, Oliver wonders about his birth parents. What were they like? Oliver fantasizes that they might be astronauts, or maybe trapeze artists, or even scientists. But, Oliver realizes that he loves his parents just as much as he would have loved them had they been his birth parents instead of adoptive parents.

Oliver is a book that children (not just adopted) can easily relate to. Why? Oliver finds out in this book that it doesn't matter if you're adopted or not: Sometimes, kids just wish for different parents. In this book, Oliver learns that the fantasy is not unique to adopted kids.

Katy and the Big Snow

2004-11-13T18:47:00.000-05:00

a picture book by Virginia Lee Burton

A blizzard has buried the City of Geoppolis with snow. When the smaller snow plows break down, it's up to Katy to save the day.

The book follows Katy's heroic deeds as she helps people get to where they need to be. Because of Katy:

"The Fire Department had put out the fire."

"The doctor had saved his patient."

"The Water Department had repaired the main."

"The telephone and electricity were on."

"The mail could go through."

"And the Police could protect the city."

"Thanks to what Katy did...."

Katy accomplishes a lot more on that snowy day in Geoppolis. Seek out a copy of this action-packed picture book and read about her other heroic acts. Katy and the Big Snow teaches kids the importance of being persistent and doing your best.

Thank goodness Katy didn't give up!

Old Henry

2004-11-13T17:45:00.000-05:00

a picture book by Joan W. Blos, illustrated by Stephen Gammell

"No one thought he meant to stay;
the house was drafty, dark and gray...."

So it was said about Henry.

Neighbors grew annoyed when Henry did nothing to fix up his house. They tried talking to him. No luck.

"Then they fined him fines. They threatened jail. They wrote him long letters and sent them by mail."

But still, "the gatepost stayed crooked, the walk stayed unswept."

Henry, too, had had enough. He decided to pack his things and leave. But in Henry's absence, old grudges and bitter resentments softened. Everyone discovered, even Henry, that no one was happy with Henry's decision to leave. Oddly enough, the misfit neighbors found themselves missing Henry as they passed his now dark and empty house. And Henry missed his home - and the neighbors, too.

In the end, Henry comes up with an idea that just might soothe everyone's hurt feelings.

I love Old Henry because it shows that everyone, no matter how different or pecular, can get along. This is a great book about accepting people's eccentricities, and learning to make compromises when it makes sense to do so.

As Old Henry's neighbors conclude by the end of the story:

"And we don't have to make such a terrible fuss because everyone isn't exactly like us."

Isn't that the truth?

Wemberly Worried

2004-11-12T20:12:00.000-05:00

a picture book by Kevin Henkes

"Wemberly worried about everything. Big things, little things, and things in between."

Wemberly is a little mouse who constantly worries. She worries about shrinking in the bathtub. She worries about not having enough cake at her party. And, especially, she worries about her doll, Petal.

When Wemberly worries, she looks to Petal for comfort; she rubs Petal's ears.

"Wemberly worried that if she didn't stop worrying, Petal would have no ears left at all."

Poor Wemberly is told by her parents and grandmother:

"You worry too much."
"When you worry, I worry."
"Worry, worry, worry."

Then, a new worry comes her way - a very big worry... school. The big first day she has dreaded finally arrives, along with an almost endless list of new worries.

How does Wemberly handle her first day of school? Don't worry. Everything works out fine in the end.

Wemberly Worried is a perfect story for anyone who worries. The bright, colorful, detailed illustrations add to the fun of this terrific read-aloud.

When I was little, one of my favorite books was Owen, another excellent picture book by Kevin Henkes. I will always be a fan of this gifted author/illustrator's wonderful stories and artwork. My sister says, "Me, too!"

I Am NOT Sleepy and I Will NOT Go to Bed

2004-11-11T20:08:00.000-05:00

a picture book by Lauren Child

"Lola says she never gets tired."

This makes it very hard for Charlie, Lola's older brother, when he has to "get her off to bed." Lola is "not slightly sleepy at 6." She's "still wide awake at 9." She's "not at all tired at 10." Lola predicts that she "will probably still be perky at even 13 o'clock in the morning."

Every time Charlie suggests getting ready for bed, Lola comes up with an inventive reason not to:

"But Charlie, I can't have a bath because of the whales... The whales swimming in the bathtub. They're taking up all the room."

"But Charlie, I can't brush my teeth... I saw a lion with my toothbrush and now he's brushing his teeth with it."

"Those are not my pajamas... Oh, no. Those pajamas belong to two dancing dogs."

I Am NOT Sleepy and I will NOT Go to Bed is hilarious. My little sister, Louisa, loves this book because, "Lola's just like me!" And I can certainly relate to Charlie, who is very patient and kind towards his little sister.

Louisa is a huge fan of Lauren Child's books. She especially loves the Clarice Bean books, and frequently chooses them when her first grade class visits the school library. I enjoy reading Lauren Child's picture books with her, and watching her reactions to the fun and nutty adventures the characters have. The illustrations (which often combine photographs with drawn art) are as entertaining and witty as the texts!

Simple Pictures Are Best

2004-11-10T18:06:00.000-05:00

a picture book by Nancy Willard, illustrated by Tomie dePaola

Simple Pictures Are Best is a funny story about a shoemaker and his wife who want to get their picture taken for their wedding anniversary.

When the photographer arrives, the couple can't seem to agree on anything! One wants the picture taken in front of the house. The other wants to show off their squash in the garden. One likes the blue hat. The other prefers the red.

During this process, the photographer constantly stresses, "Simple pictures are best!" But the couple don't listen.

When they're finally ready for the picture, they look... well, bizarre. Feathery hats, fiddles, carrots, shoes - on ears. In the end, they do discover that the photographer was right all along: "Simple pictures are best."

This was one of my favorite books when I was little. I found the illustrations hilarious, and I love the story. This book helped me to learn to accept good advice when given. And, of course, that simple pictures are best.

Just Not the Same

2004-11-07T20:50:00.000-05:00

a picture book by Addie Lacoe, illustrated by Pau Estrada

Cleo, Mirabelle, and Gertrude are sisters who can't seem to agree on anything. They are very stubborn and refuse to share with one another.

Whether it's the biggest apple slice, sitting on the front seat of the car, or sleeping on the top bunk, there's always something to argue about. The parents end up having to make compromises that leave the girls feeling that it's "just not the same."

However, with the consideration of a new addition to the family - a puppy - the girls learn that sharing can indeed be enjoyed by all if they put aside their greedy ways.

Just Not the Same is a book that siblings can easily relate to. I have to admit, there are times when my little sister and I disagree on things. But, this book helps you realize that sharing and getting along can make life more fun.

Rain Is Not My Indian Name

2004-10-28T20:01:00.000-04:00

a novel by Cynthia Leitich Smith

The main reason that this book lingers with me (months after reading it) is Cassidy Rain Berghoff, the fourteen-year-old title character. After losing her best friend, Galen, in a tragic way, Cassidy shuts out the world. Months pass before she grows to realize that she has to get in touch with the world again, even if it's through a job.

The author doesn't make it easy for Cassidy. For example, while on the job as a photographer of an Indian camp run by her Aunt Georgia, Cassidy finds herself torn between getting involved in a personal issue and staying objective and professional. The author does a sensitive and realistic job of handling Cassidy's conflict.

Even though Cassidy is both strong and brave, I found her believable and easy to relate to. By the end of the book, I felt like I knew Cassidy. The author made me care about her - about what would happen to her.

I recommend Rain is Not My Indian Name to anyone who loves a good story and good characters. This book has both!

(Note: This review was written in 2002, and originally appeared on Virtually Adria.)

The Bremen-town Musicians

2004-10-25T21:22:00.000-04:00

a picture book by Ruth Belov Gross (retold from Grimm), illustrated by Jack Kent

This is a story about a donkey running away from home. He hears that he is considered too old to work, so he decides to leave and go to Bremen-town to be a musician.

Along the way, he meets a dog, a cat, and a rooster. They become friends and decide to all go become musicians together. On their way, they come across a house. The new friends see that there is food - and lots of it. But, enjoying the food is a tableful of robbers.

The animals agree that they want the food. "But, how can we get rid of the robbers?" They all think "hard" about their dilemma - and together come up with an ingenious way to scare away the robbers for good.

But, did they get to Bremen-town and become musicians? Read this fun book to find out!

The Bremen-town Musicians is an entertaining read-aloud. You can also click here to read the Grimm Brothers' fable.