Posted on by Laura

Island of the Aunts

Children's Book Island of the Aunts

Published: 2001 Theme: Caring for the Planet Best for: 8 and up "She went on to explain that the worm was a person who liked to think about important things like 'Where has yesterday gone?' or 'Why hasn't God made sardines without bones?' The trouble is he's so long that his thoughts don't easily get to the other end, and that upsets him." As a confirmed fan of Eva Ibbotson, I was so happy to find another quirky children's book by her on the library shelves, this one with both fun and seriousness....

Posted on by Laura

Journey

Children's Book Journey

Published: 2013 Theme: Imagination Best for: up to age 8 This is a children's book without a single word. Is it great children's literature? Absolutely, because the literature comes from the children themselves.

Posted on by Laura

Heidi

Heidi - children's book

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...

Posted on by Laura

Doctor Dolittle

Children's Book Doctor Dolittle

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...

Posted on by Laura

On A Beam of Light

Beam of Light: Children's Book

Published: 2013 Theme: Curiosity Best for: 5 - 8 "Suddenly he knew there were mysteries in the word, hidden and silent, unknown and unseen. He wanted, more than anything, to understand those mysteries." Here's a treasure - an authentic story about Albert Einstein, written with very young children in mind, accompanied by absolutely magical illustrations. I am so in love with this one...

Posted on by Laura

Four Dolls: Impunity Jane, Fairy Doll, Holly & Ivy, Candy Floss

Four Dolls - Children's Book

Published: 1963 Theme: Imagination Best for: 4 and over "Dolls are not like us; we are alive as soon as we are born, but dolls are not really alive until they are played with. 'I want to be played with,' said Holly... 'I wish! I wish!'" It is utterly entrancing in each story to be inside the heart and mind of a doll, or the little girl or boy who is taking care of the doll. Each story is unique, each doll is different, and yet ...

Posted on by Laura

Bink and Gollie

Bink and Gollie Children's Book

Published: 2010 Theme: Friendship Best for: 5 - 8 "Bink,"said Gollie, "the brightness of those socks pains me. I beg you not to purchase them." "I love socks," said Bink. "Some socks are more lovable than others," said Gollie." This quirky and fun book is a perfect easy reader. It moves fast, has funny lines, and great pictures...

Posted on by Laura

The Story of a Seagull and the Cat Who Taught Her to Fly

The story of a seagull- children's book

Published: 2003 Theme: Celebrating Differences Best for: ages 7 and up "It's very easy to accept and love those who are like us, but to love someone different is very hard, and you have helped us do that. You are a seagull, and you must follow your destiny as a seagull. You must fly." What a beautiful piece of children's literature this book is. Hopefully no one else in the gym noticed the tears in my eyes...

Posted on by Laura

Owen Foote, Soccer Star

Owen Foote Soccer Star Children's Book

Published: 1998 Theme: Loyalty and Courage Best for: Boys 6 and up "He had promised Joseph he'd protect him. But he didn't. They were best friends. Best friends were supposed to stick together. Even if it meant being called names...Even if it ruined the sport you loved more than anything in the world. Even then." This first chapter book delighted me from beginning to end. It places the dilemma of friendship front and center...

Posted on by Laura

The Old Woman Who Named Things

Children's Book: Old Woman who Named Things

Published: 1996 Theme: Letting Love In Best for: ages 5 and 6 "So she began to name things. But she named only those things she knew she could never outlive. Her car, Betsy, had more get-up-and-go than anything around. Her chair, Fred, had never sagged a day in his life..." Finally, a book that made me reverse my somewhat arbitrary policy of not reviewing picture books! This little illustrated children's book totally stole my heart...