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This month’s books are all about people, places and things of interest to children. We’ve got books about the sea, nature and ancient Pompeii, as well a biography about Anne Frank. During these hot summer months, it’s nice to be able to cool off with some interesting true-life tales that just might light a fire under a young reader’s imagination. Even the simplicity of an egg should be a big enough tale to capture a child’s interest, as well as a very happy hydrant. People, places and things fuel the imagination [For ages 4-10] An Egg Is Quiet Written by Dianna Aston; illustrated by Sylvia Long (Chronicle Books, hardcover, 40 pages, $16.95) Children will be fascinated to learn about the life of eggs, how they are nurtured, why they are colored the way they are, and what they yield. From tiny hummingbirds to giant ostriches, penguins, sea turtles and frogs – all get their start in eggs. The watercolor and ink illustrations are lovely, showing the rainbow of colors that exist in nature. A Place for Butterflies Written by Melissa Stewart; illustrated by Higgins Bond (Peachtree Publishers, hardcover, 40 pages, $16.95) Butterflies need certain conditions to survive and thrive: They need the right food and the right habitat. Science writer Melissa Stewart, with simple, concise language, explains the life cycle of butterflies and how humans can have a positive impact on these beautiful and important insects. Included are tips on how to aid butterfly survival. The acrylic paintings are bright and show the insects in their full, colorful glory. What the Sea Saw Written by Stephanie St. Pierre; illustrated by Beverly Doyle (Peachtree Publishers, hardcover, 44 pages, $16.95) The combination of plants, animals and birds that exist together on the seashore is one that can be easily upset. This book nicely shows the puzzle of the different systems, and how they all need each other to survive. In simple language and with beautiful illustrations, children can learn how to appreciate this delicate balance. They may memorize new terms, such as ecosystem and habitat. Included are eco-tips, with things kids can do to contribute to a healthy seashore. Pompeii Lost & Found Written by Mary Pope Osbourne; illustrated by Bonnie Christensen (Alfred A. Knopf, hardcover, 40 pages, $16.95) Mary Pope Osbourne, creator of the popular “Magic Treehouse” historical series, here delves into the history of Pompeii. She takes readers back in time to AD 79, and includes fascinating details on the everyday lives of the people there, as well as on the horrible destruction brought by Mount Vesuvius. The muted illustrations are done in the fresco technique, and which still decorate the walls of the ruins of ancient Pompeii. [For ages 2-8] Henry, the Happy Hydrant Written and illustrated by Guy Carrozzo Jr. (Anthonick Publishing; to order, lulu.com, $23.95) Guy Carrozzo Jr., the former mayor of Fountain Valley, dreamed up this story of a happy fire hydrant before living the political life in Orange County. As a mayor, he probably could relate to the opening pages when “Henry was not always a happy hydrant.” The poor hydrant has the feelings of a child as he realizes he doesn’t look good in yellow, he’s always being ignored, and he feels like a punching bag as balls bounce off his head while children play around him. How can he have more meaning in life? And, isn’t that the question we need to start discussing with our children? To be ready to help when help is needed, as Henry finds out? The wonderful story line and simple but elegant illustrations make this hard-cover book a must for families in search of a meaning beyond the story. [For ages 9 and older] Anne Frank Written by Josephine Poole, illustrated by Angela Barrett (Alfred A. Knopf, hardcover, 40 pages, $17.95) With a moving simplicity, Josephine Poole introduces young readers to the Holocaust through the life and death of Anne Frank. The beautiful pictures dim in color as the book takes readers through the longs days of the Frank family hiding from the Nazis in that Amsterdam attic. We meet Anne first as a very young girl, and as the story unfolds, children can begin to understand how Anne must have felt as she saw her freedoms taken away from her and her family. Theodore Written by Frank Keating; illustrated by Mike Wimmer (Simon & Schuster, hardcover, 40 pages, $16.95) Theodore Roosevelt lived a fascinating life – maybe more so than any other man who has become president. He was a man not necessarily born to greatness, but one who created his own persona through hard work and determination. It is written by former Oklahoma Gov. Frank Keating, in language simple enough for younger readers to grasp, while still being of interest and inspiration to older children. The oil paintings are beautiful portraits of the man and his adventures. Sky Boys: How They Built the Empire State Building By Deborah Hopkinson and James E. Ransome (Schwartz & Wade Books, hardcover, 48 pages, $16.96) In the depths of the Depression, there was reason for optimism on a corner of Fifth Avenue in New York. This book, told through the eyes of a boy who watches the men work every day on the structure, relays the hard work and manpower. |
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