Published: 1880 Theme: Healing Power of Nature Best for: all ages "Soon all the lively goats came leaping up the mountain, the nimble Distelfinck bounding ahead of the others. Heide was at once in the midst of the flock, which pushed her hither and thither with loud, stormy greetings." It has been far too long since I re-read the classic children's book, Heidi, and once I picked it up, it was impossible to put it down...
Published: 2000-2010 Theme: Arthurian Tales Best for: 9 and up "Knight, holy man, family, poet--it is all that any land could want. If the knight will be honorable, the holy man true, the family loving..And if the poet will sing. After all, someone needs to tell the story of Arthur." I went on a "Knights of the Round Table" binge, reading all the remaining stories of the Squire's Tales that I had not yet read. Reading these children's books is somewhat like candy for the heart, mind, and soul.
Here are two lists of great 2013 picture books. Since I don't review many illustrated books, this might be a helpful resource for parents of younger children. They all sound great.
Re-Published: 1997 Theme: Kindness to Animals Best for: 5-8 "After a while, with the parrot's help, the Doctor got to learn the language of the animals so well that he could talk to them himself and understand everything they said. Then he gave up being a people's doctor altogether." The fantasy that is outlined in this edited versionis fabulous. Not only can the animals talk, but they do wonderful things for this kind man who takes care of everyone and everything...
Published: 2004 Theme: Self-confidence Best for: 8-10 "Toes had never heard of a chaconne, or a partita, but whatever they were, the music sounded far more angelic than devilish. In fact, if there was such a thing as a heaven for cats, the Bach took Toes there on a visit." This is such an imaginative children's book that it is completely fun to read it and suspend any question of belief or disbelief...
Published: 2000 Theme: Nonconformity Best for: ages 12 and up "I see, I hear. But not with eyes and ears. I’m not outside my world anymore, and I’m not really inside it either. The thing is, there’s no difference anymore between me and the universe." Where do I begin to sing the praises of this fabulous children's book for teens? It is about the most essential message you can give to teens...
Here is a really important article for all parents to read, particularly parents of young children, who may be wondering about 'interactive books.' The Atlantic: Effect of Reading Tablets Here's my favorite quote from the article: “Fiction can show you a different world. It can take you somewhere you’ve never been. Once you’ve visited other…
This children's book is number 3 in the series, The Squire's Tale. Each Arthurian tale has its own drama and excitement, and this is no exception. The characters, Roger, the dwarf, and Lady Lynette, a very strong woman, are very well drawn.
In this children's book, number 6 in the series, The Squire's Tale, we meet some very odd characters, who of course, turn out to be heroes. This dramatic episode involves the kidnapping of Queen Guinevere, and her daring rescue.
In book number 8 of The Squire's Tales, we follow our Arthurian heroes on an unusual quest, as Beaufils is searching for his father. This is one of the more profound stories in the cycle, as we find the vulnerability of men shown as they recognize themselves in each other.
Litkidz 