Posted on by Laura

The Cats of Tanglewood Forest

Children's Book - Cats of tanglewood Forest

Published: 2013 Best for: 9 and older Theme: Choices in Life; Selflessness Five Stars "What's your name?" she asked the fox. "T.H. Reynolds." "What does the T.H. stand for?" "Truthful and Handsome. My mama always said that a child grows into his name, and I guess she was right because just look at me." I love everything about this fabulous, hot-off-the-press children's book. The typeface is the easiest to read that I've seen in a long time, the illustrations are lovely...

Posted on by Laura

A Necklace of Raindrops and Other Stories

Children's Book - Necklace of raindrops

Published: 1968 Theme: Fairy Tales Best for: 5- 8 "The cat sat on the mat. Lots of cats do that, everybody knows. And nothing strange comes of it. But once a cay sat on a mat and something strange did come of it." What a delight to find a contemporary writer who is able to create wonderful fairy tales. For that's what this children's book is: a collection of truly magical fairy tales.

Posted on by Laura

Moominvalley in November

Children's Book Moominvalley in november

Published: 1971 Theme: Getting along with others Best for: ages 7 and up "When Toft got outside in the darkness he stood and waited on the steps. The sky was a little lighter than the mountains, whose undulating contours rose above Moominvalley." This little book from Finland is a wonder in character studies, and has delightful language.

Posted on by Laura

Me in the Middle

Children's Book Me in the Middle

Published: 2002 Theme: Valuing the Past Best for: Girls up to 12 "We speak the same language, but sometimes it's hard to believe. Some things have changed so much that it's hard for us to understand each other at all." Finally -- a multicultural story to enrich my list of children's books. This book reminds me how much we deprive children of interesting experiences when we don't invite them into other worlds.

Posted on by Laura

Sir Gawain the True – The Knights’ Tales

Sir Gawain the True Children's book

Published: 2011 Theme: Courtesy Best for: 6 to 9 "King Arthur covered his eyes with his hands. Sometimes in those early days he wondered what it would take to prove to his knights that courtesy was as important as courage." In this series, Morris takes some of the same King Arthur legends, but reworks them for a younger audience. Children could read this book cover to cover, and enjoy both the writing and the message.

Posted on by Laura

The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane

Children's Book - Edward Tulane

Published: 2006 Theme: Learning to Love Best for: 7 and older "If you have no intention of loving or being loved, then the whole journey is pointless." The quote above is worth the entire journey of tears that this little children's book takes you on, as you move from the self-centered heart of a china rabbit to one that has been broken open with love and hope...

Posted on by Laura

A Bear Called Paddington

Children's Books Paddington Bear

Published: 1958 Theme: Coping with Circumstances Best for: age 5 and up "You know, Henry," said Mrs. Brown as they watched Paddington go up the stairs to bed, looking rather sticky and more than a little sleepy, "it's nice having a bear about the house." This is a real chapter book, perfect for young readers who have just learned to read, with a few choice illustrations to keep it moving.

Posted on by Laura

The Brownie and the Princess

Children's Book: The Brownie and the Princess

Published: 1865 (est.) Theme: Fairies, Bravery, Kindness Best for: everyone Five Stars "What will people say?" is the name of this formidable ghost; and it does much harm, for few of us have the courage to live up to what we know to be right in all things." What young person does not need to be reminded about being true to themselves? Or being brave, or being compassionate, or being fearless?

Posted on by Laura

Galaxy Zack: Books 1 and 2

Journey to Juno Children's Book

Published: 2013 Theme: Life in the Future Best for: 2nd grade boys The series of six children's books in Galaxy Zack are brand new, and intrigued me at first glance because the writing seemed accessible to early readers, especially boys...

Posted on by Laura

Amber Brown Is Feeling Blue

Amber Brown Children's Book

Published: 1998 Theme: Dealing with Divorce Best for: 7 and older "I, Amber Brown, don't get what she means by the paws refreshing...But there are a lot of things grown-ups say that I don't get." Is this great literature or not? I must admit, I cannot say yes. But I can say that this children's book is a great example of the kind of contemporary writing that floods the market today...