Generally best enjoyed by children between five and eight years old; but every child is unique, so only you know best.
Published: 2013 Theme: Power to Create Best for: 8 and up "[The Gods] did tell one another what they would make once they got back to work, if only they had the energy, and if only they had the time, but in truth their world was still unfinished, still had many gaps and spaces in it, and there was still much making to be done." This book has a profound message for all ages - within each of us is the power of the Gods to create our world, and... we must be responsible...
Published: 2011 Theme: Friendship Best for: 8 - 11 "Ipswitch, Pennsyvlania, is a small town. In July of 1955, the population was one hundred and sixty-two. People who visited Ipswitch commented on what a happy place it was." At the heart of this book is friendship ...between two young people, Alice and Charlie; between Alice and her aunt Polly; between Polly and her whole town...
Published: 2011 Theme: Growing up Best for: 7 - 9 "After her very important call my mom sat on the couch with me and read five whole chapters of a book to me... And when we got to the happy ending, my mom's eyes got red...My mom always cries at happy endings." Here's one of the absolute best early readers/ first chapter books I've come across. The writing is simple, laid out with only a few words on a line for ease of reading...
Published: 2014 Theme: First Chapter Book Best for: 5 to 8 "Being an explorer's assistant is hard work," said Harold. "Being an explorer is even harder!" said Pigsticks. Harold wasn't convinced. He hadn't realized that The Ends of the Earth would be so far away." Interspersed with delightful illustrations, filled with humor and jokes, this is a fabulous first chapter book...
Published: 2014 Theme: Standing up for others Best for: 6 to 10 "Our Pentagon is a surprise my dad and I are building to celebrate the new baby coming. Our Pentagon is a table, one that will be just right for our new family because it has five sides, one for everybody." There's a nice mix of humor, emotions, and easy reading that makes this a very attractive book for young children.
Published: 1994 Theme: Poetry Best for: all ages "Hope is the thing with feathers/ That perches in the soul,/ And sings the tune without the words,/ And never stops at all" Do our children today love poetry? Can they tune into the subtle way that the poetic verse touches something outside the mundane? This children's book asserts an affirmative...
Published: 2014 Theme: Emily Dickinson Best for: 7 to 9 "She needs our eyes to see these things for her, for --playful as she is with us-- she isn't part of the world's hubbub anymore. She is getting old!" This poetic children's book is a wonderful addition to bringing Emily Dickinson to young people, depicting her playful nature with children.
Published: 2014 Theme: Friendship, First Chapter Book Best for: 5 to 8 "Under the kitchen sink, where the beetles live, there is an art studio just for Marvin. James gives him paper and ink. He can draw and draw. Marvin loves making pictures. But today he just doesn't feel like it." This children's book succeeds on several counts - imagination (the world as seen by beetles), clear simple writing, and a single message: friendship.
Published: 2011 Theme: Family Best for: 8 and 9 "So four dogs and a cat named Lula replaced my father...My friend Max thought it was very exciting. Not that my father was gone, but that Mama had brought home four dogs and a cat." The magic in this children's book is the degree to which we can really relate to animals when our hearts are young and open, and they with us...
Published: 2006 Theme: Love and Loss of Grandparents Best for: 6 to 9 "'He can only speak French in my journal,', I said. 'I suppose that's what writing is for,' said Grandfather. 'To change life and make it come out the way you want it to.'" This children's book addresses something so precious - preparing a child for the death of the grandparent. I cry just writing those words. Yet there is nothing maudlin or sad about this children's book. It is exquisite.
Litkidz 