Children’s books by current writers which are both well-written and captivating. We use 1975 as the cut off date for calling something ‘contemporary’ or classic; however, contemporary generally means today’s kids can identify with the characters.
Published: 2015 Theme: Following a Dream Best for: 7 to 9 "Firefly didn't know if she should zoom straight up into the air or take shelter behind Cricket. There was no time to think, because with one step of his huge legs, the miniature giant was there." If you are looking for a message about staying in one place where you belong, this is not the children's book for that. This is adventuring, a la Wind in the Willows.
Published: 2015 Theme: Overcoming Worry Best for: 9 and up "The pencil didn't look magic. It looked the opposite of magic. It was the kind of pencil a parent might bring home from some boring financial-planning convention." This very clever and heart-warming children's book offers a novel approach to knowing the future... a pencil which can answer any factual question.
Published: 2015 Theme: Self-confidence Best for: girls 8 to 10 "Sadie imagined Jess and Maya calling from the road and asking what she was up to. 'Oh Nothing much. Just doing magic with a friend. Nobody you know.'" With a little imagination, and the help from the Backyard Witch, "a most magical and mysterious visitor, who always appears just when you need her," Sadie's summer, and her own sense of self-worth is transformed.
Published: 2010 Theme: Fairy Tale adventure Best for: 9 to 11 "It's a Story Book. It's actually pretty rare... My grandfather got this one when he rescued an old woman who used to ride a giant goose... The book writes down any stories you tell it..." First, the recommendation and review by a fifth-grade reader that led me to this children's book: “I liked how funny May was."
Published: 2015 Theme: Value of Community Best for: 9 and 10 "Burdock knew perfectly well he was strictly a barn cat. A barn cat, not a house cat, not even a sometimes-allowed-in-the-house barn cat. But Burdock loved warmth more than just about anything..." The banding together of the animals for a common cause - to save themselves from an impending fire- is the heart of this newly published children's book.
Published: 1998 Theme: Science Fiction Best for: 11 and up "Be quiet! You know the words of Arnold Bros. (est. 1905)! Everything Under One Roof. Everything! Therefore, there can be no Outside. Therefore you're from some other part of the Store. Corsetry. Or Young Fashions..." The first children's book in The Bromeliad Trilogy is filled with humor, puns, social commentary, and a clever plot. I admit to laughing out loud ...
Published: 2010 Theme: Irish Fairies Best for: 7 to 9 "Strange, sweet music came from the whistle. The music was both sad and happy. It was full of beauty and hope, pain and sorry. Like the fog over the river, the music seems to blend everything together." I personally learned a lot more about leprechauns and Irish fairytales after I read this delightful children's book.
Published: 2000 Theme: Adventure and Fantasy Best for: 9 and up "A water rat scuttled away as the children felt their way along the narrow passage. It led to a canal, like so many of Venice's alleys and passages...Someone had painted "Vietato Ingresso" in clumsy letters on the door- No entry." Once again, I am dazzled by Cornelia Funke and her masterful way of putting characters and plot together that is memorable and exciting...
Published: 2005 Theme: First Chapter Books Best for: 6 to 9 "Mr. Gaskitt was minding the baby. It was his turn. And doing the grocery shopping and opening the trunk and feeling in his pocket for the parking-lot ticket and tying his shoelace... and looking the other way." Imagine the above sentence written with only 4 or 5 words on a line, and you can see why these first chapter children's books are great for new readers
Published: 2015 Theme: Resilience Best for: Girls 9 and up "This semester you will be taking a very difficult course... You will be learning all about How to Find Your Way...You will be graded on the following: pluck, enthusiasm, spirit of adventure, brilliance, and self-reliance." The moment I saw the motto of "The Great Rapscott School for Girls of Busy Parents" I knew I'd love this children's book. Quoting Amelia Earhart, "Adventure is worthwhile in itself,"...
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