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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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Hard to argue with pets and animals; they are a recurring theme in our books section because children, and families, can relate. Amazing how children follow the cuddly, furry things, or watch in amazement on a nature show (or in nature itself) as a lion or tiger or bear – oh my! – passes through. Authors and illustrators love to write about these lovable critters because they can make them as human as the imagination will allow. And that’s what you will find in this month’s selections. Curl up with your child, and your pet, and turn the pages. [For ages 2-6] You’re All My Favorites By Sam McBratney; illustrated by Anita Jeram (Candlewick Press, hardcover, 42 pages, $5) Busy children’s illustrator Anita Jeram is at it again, creating wonderfully soothing and connecting portraits to make the words and story sing. In this case, a mama bear, a father bear and 3 baby bears keenly understand the connection of family. And they want their babies to know just how special they are to be part of the animal kingdom. Your child, always looking for reassurance like these baby bears, will ask you, “Mommy, am I wonderful, too?” [For ages 3-7] I’m Big Enough By Amber Stewart and Layn Marlow (Orchard Books, hardcover, 32 pages, $12.99) Bean the rabbit is big enough. At least, Bean believes so. There are many things you can do as you grow up – a theme that children, in particular, cling to – and this is a story about what Bean does, and does well. However, there is one thing that is hard to give up as you try to move into the bigger boy or girl stage (think blankie). In fact, growing up can be a bit hard when decisions have to be made. Bean understands this, and creates a “Keep Blankie Forever Plan.” We can all relate to the ache of letting go. If You Were My Baby: A Wildlife Lullaby By Fran Hodgkins; illustrated by Laura J. Bryant (Dawn Publications, softcover, 32 pages, $8.95) This is the most uniquely “nature” of this month’s selections, a love story about parenting and a lesson that family crosses all species. The lullaby works its way across the world, from “If you were my baby squirrel…” to “If you were my baby fox.” The idea is a wonderful one and connects young children with not only the tiny world around them, but the bigger one that exists beyond the back fence. Wonderfully illustrated by Laura J. Bryant, the pictures will put anyone of any age right into the scene. The last page makes this a perfect bedtime read. [For ages 4-7] Mommy’s Little Star By Janet Bingham; illustrated by Rosalind Beardshaw (Cartwheel Books, hardcover, 32 pages, $9.99) The story of Mommy and Little Fox is a bit hard to follow, but it does a good enough job of putting into context the immensity of forest life. There are the leaves, and the bees, and so much more. It’s a good tale for your future little John Muir, whose own walk through the forest will be a discovery such as this one. The dance on the “rainbow” is an excellent idea that helps explain imagination. The good-night-moon pages are worth the entire purchase price. For parents with slightly older kids, it’s a reminder of the times we put them on our shoulders… [For ages 2-4] Mama, Where Are You? By Diane Muldrow; illustrated by Rick Peterson (Golden Books, hardcover, 14 pages, $7.99) This is the complete peek-a-boo book, where questions are thrown at mommy, and she answers when the page is flipped up to reveal her answer. It is a reminder that, no matter how far mommy seems to have strayed, she actually is right there for you. And she is there to teach, as well. The Story of My Feelings Lyrics by Laurie Berkner; illustrated by Caroline Jayne Church (Orchard Books, hardcover, 36 pages, $12.99) Recording artist Laurie Berkner includes a CD single of her song, and title of the book, in this offering. It’s a good story about the feelings of laughter and other joy; as well as the feelings of life’s little challenges. Because all children cry, and then realize that they feel better afterward. [For ages 5-9] Tico and the Golden Wings By Leo Lionni (Alfred A. Knopf Book for Young Readers, hardcover, 32 pages, $16.99) This story, first told more than 40 years ago, has been brought back in honor of author Leo Lionni, who, across a 40-year career, won 4 Caldecott Honor medals. And this is one of his best stories, about a little bird who is born without wings and has a simple wish. Tico could do everything the other birds did – sing and hop – but he could not fly. However, he never went hungry because friends brought him food from flights around the countryside. So then Tico makes his wish, and suddenly, there appears a wishingbird, willing and able to listen. Soon, Tico discovers that the wings that give him real life can offer others much more. It’s a wonderful story of receiving and giving. [For ages 3-6] Mary and the Mouse, the Mouse and Mary By Beverly Donofrio; illustrated by Barbara McClintock (Schwartz & Wade Books, hardcover, 32, pages, $16.99) Mary and the Mouse live in the same house, but they don’t live the same lives. Two very different living things, and yet… Despite always being told to stay away from each other, the years go back and they realize just how much one means to the other – in little ways, and in big ways. So, it is natural that when their children meet, Maria and MouseMouse, they have a deeper understanding than most. This is a great way to explain how we really can all get along. The illustrations make this an easy read. Bear’s Day Out By Michael Rosen; illustrated by Adrian Reynolds (Bloomsbury Children’s Books, hardcover, 32 pages, $16.95) What happens when Bear decides to take a walk on the wild side and visit the city? The sing-song words of author Michael Rosen show how curiosity gets the best of Bear. He follows the sounds of the city, hops on the commuter trains and goes on his special discovery. Lot of buildings and lots of cars. Lots of noise and lots of people. But, best of all, lots of children. And everyone has a very good time until the day gets the best of them, and they fall asleep. |
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