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“One night, my 3-year-old asked me if she could sleep in my bed. I told her no. She said, “That’s not fair! Why does Daddy get to sleep in your bed?” READ MORE
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This issue’s collection of books is a potpourri of choices, a bit of this and a bit of that, to help round out a year’s worth of reading, and being read to. Sometimes, it is good to have a selection that doesn’t fit into one of our neat categories, but rather, gives a variety of choices in which to pick and choose. That’s what every November is for; as the holiday seasons kick in, it is time to kick back with that child of yours, and let the words, and imagination, seep in. Something for every reader in the family [For ages 2-5] A Perfect Day By Remy Charlip (Greenwillow Books, 32 pages, hardcover, $16.99) “What could be better than spending the day together” very well would be a fine subtitle for this book by the multi-talented author, who also illustrated this work. From the moment the day begins, a father and child spend the too-quickly-passing hours together. First, there is breakfast; lastly, the classic tucking into bed. The warm colors make this a cuddly book, where the few words go a long way. [For ages 3-7] Duck, Duck, Goose By Tad Hills (Schwartz & Wade Books, 40 pages, hardcover, $21) Author/illustrator Tad Hills wrote the New York Times bestseller “Duck & Goose,” and returns with the story of how to handle a touchy situation: What to do when your best friend makes a new friend? It’s what happens when a new duck named Thistle moves to town. Turns out, Duck thinks the little guy is great, but Goose does not. Thistle has a lot of attributes, including one that little kids may really enjoy. He loves puddles. How will Goose find a spot in the heart for the precocious new arrival? That’s a question every parent has to ask a child. When Thistle is finally asleep, the lesson really begins. Yes We Can! By Sam McBratney; illustrated by Charles Fuge (HarperCollins Children’s Books, 32 pages, hardcover, $16.99) This just-released story revolves around 3 friends – Little Roo, the kangeroo; Country Mouse; and Quacker Duck. The colorful illustrations help move the simple story along about the threesome’s interesting adventures. The tale revolves around the silly challenges given one to another, such as who can jump over the “big, big log.” Like your child on the school’s handball court, everyone loves a challenge, particularly if they can succeed. [For ages 8-10] Good Sports: Rhymes about Running, Jumping, Throwing and More By Jack Prelutsky; illustrated by Chris Raschka (Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers, 40 pages, $16.99) Children’s poet laureate Jack Prelutsky and 2006 Caldecott Medal illustrator Chris Raschka put their talents together in a rhyming book that deals with the competitive spirit. The reality of youth sports is played out here – that thrill of victory, the agony of defeat – without the baggage of pressure, noisy coaches and overbearing parents. In other words, this duo captures the essence of sport and reminds us, as it will your child, of the goodness of the battle, won, lost or played to a draw. There is humanity in the carefully chosen words, such as, “Oh no! I’ve been tackled – I fumble the ball. I don’t like this game, not a bit, not at all.” Your young athlete, though, will like this book. [For ages 6-9] Martina the Beautiful Cockroach: A Cuban Folktale Retold by Carmen Agra Deedy; illustrated by Michael Austin; also in Spanish (Peachtree Publishers, 32 pages, hardcover, $16.95) Can a little green cockroach find true love? That is the theme of this story from Cuba, boldly illustrated by Michael Austin, who finds the right way to bring sympathy and life to something we would typically squish in a moment. In this folktale, it is the suggestion of spilled coffee that gets Martina’s attention. Yes, this is a different book, from another culture. But the way it is told is worth the time. Because when love is in the air, everyone can relate. Even to a cockroach who meets her match, a mouse who is a dream. [For ages 2-4] In the Fiddle Is a Song By Durga Bernhard (Chronicle Books, flap-up hardcover, $10.95) Are the ordinary things we see in life, really all that ordinary? Lift the flap and find the answer. For example, an acorn is just an acorn…or is it? Because, perhaps within an acorn is “a tree waiting to grow tall.” Author/illustrator Durga Bernhard turns life’s possibilities into early lessons about the outcomes. It’s just a very nice touch, with a profound last page. [For ages 6-10] Old Mother Bear By Victoria Miles; illustrated by Molly Bang (Chronicle Books, 40 pages, $16.95) There have been many books about bears, but few as well told and illustrated as this tale. The author gives credit to many experts for advancing the story, which makes this one of a grizzly quite close to the truth. In fact, this “old she-bear” is based on a bear from British Columbia. This is a particularly well-written story – just read the page about her hibernation. And it is true to bear life, with the birth of 3 cubs and the awkwardness of those first steps. It is the call of the wild, the call of a mom’s protective shield and, as winter falls, the call of the long sleep. For, with every life, there comes a final rest, the end of a magnificent imprint. [For ages 8-12] The Snow Goose By Paul Gallico (1940); illustrated by Angela Barrett (2007) (Alfred A. Knopf, 50 pages, hardcover, $17.99) Author Paul Gallico, who also wrote “The Poseidon Adventure” and scores of short stories, may be best remembered for this one about the marshes along the English coast. A young girl, a wounded snow goose and a painter with a past first meet at a lighthouse. Once time has cemented their bond, a historic World War II event occurs that separates them. Or are they ever apart? The new illustrations by Angela Barrett help move the story ahead. A great story and a real tear-jerker. |
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