Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson

Fifth grader Jess has been practicing all summer to win the school race. Newcomer Leslie beats Jess and afterwards the two become inseparable, best of friends, despite being a girl and boy. They create a make believe world of Terabithia reached by a rope swing where they reign as king and queen. One day, Leslie goes to Terabithia and a terrible accident happens. Jess suffers through guilt, grief and rage before reaching acceptance.

Themes of friendship, love and loss are found in the story.

This book has been challenged frequently because of the sudden death and religious references. I believe that the religious references are demonstrative of people found in this setting. The death took me by surprise when I read the book. I can understand the impulse to protect a child from learning of death. When the time comes, this would be a good book to begin the conversation of how to deal with it.

Paterson, K. (1977). Bridge to terabithia. New York, NY: Harper and Row, Publishers.
ISBN: 0064401847
Illustrated by Donna Diamond

The Great Gilly Hopkins by Katherine Paterson

Eleven year old Gilly Hopkins has been living in foster care been through a few homes. She has become tough, hardened and distrustful as a result. Hope comes only from the thought of reuniting with her mother someday. Gilly is placed in a new home with a cast of unusual characters and over time Gilly finds herself softening. Just when she feels safe and loved in her new home, her grandmother finds her and takes her back to live with her and eventually reunites with her mother. Some language used could be offensive to the reader.

A story told in chronological order from Gilly's omniscient point of view. Conflict can be found between Gilly and herself as she fights off trusting her new family and teacher. Themes of loss, family, love, trust and consequences of actions are here in the story. Gilly's character is unpleasant, racist, bratty in the beginning and her actions are frustrating. As the story continues, she becomes lovable.

I wasn't wild about the book in the beginning. I found her character hard to like and I wonder what children think of her? As a rule, I wouldn't recommend it for a hesitant reader. The pace was slower in the beginning. Towards the end, I found Gilly's story more compelling.

Paterson, K. (1978). The great gilly hopkins. New York, NY: Scholastic, Inc.
ISBN: 0590613898

Harriet the Spy by Louise Fitzhugh

Third-grader Harriet M. Welsch knows she will be a writer when she grows up. In preparation, she carries a notebook and takes notes on her family, friends and even some neighbors she spies on. She does this to make sense of her world. Harriet learns some tough lessons when first her governess, Ole Golly, leaves her post to get married leaving Harriet alone for the first time and then her notebook is found and read by her classmates who are not pleased with the unflattering comments.

Harriet's story is told in chronological narrative order. Throughout the book, conflict can be found within Harriet, with her family and friends individually and her school class. The book is split into three. The first introducing Harriet and ends with Ole Golly leaving. The second book finds Harriet lonely without Ole Golly and ends with her even lonelier after her notebook is read. In the final book, Ole Golly sends a letter and Harriet's problems at school are resolved. The setting is important in creating a place where Harriet is left alone frequently and the city is large enough that her spying is not noticed. Themes of loss, self-acceptance and kindness over truth are found in this story.

I really enjoyed this book as an adult. I was completely entranced turning pages quickly. I did not remember the Ole Golly storyline at all only the spying and notebook trouble. When I first read the book, I would have been in school and the school storyline must have been more appealing. Harriet is a great character and the story depicts cliques and conflicts that arise in school accurately. (At least it did for my school.) I understand that this book was highly controversial because Harriet is a flawed character. I don't find her flawed, I find her true to a child raised in that environment. I would have no problem giving/reading this book to a child.

Fitzhugh, L. (1964). Harriet the spy. New York, NY: Dell Yearling.
ISBN: 0440416795
Illustrated by the author

Loser by Jerry Spinelli

Donald Zinkoff is a uniquely optimistic exuberant child that lives everyday as an adventure with loving support and encouragement from his parents. He has been considered odd by his classmates and, in fourth grade, he ruins the chances of his team winning and is nicknamed "loser". Donald moves on to middle school and is no longer a loser just a nobody. He is happy, giving and odd right until the end when he perhaps made a friend.

Donald's story is told from an omniscient point of view. It is a character study not a traditional conflict driven story. Not that Donald doesn't encounter conflict, it just doesn't end with conflict being resolved. The ending is left open for interpretation. What a character the author has created! Looking beneath the superficial to find goodness and self acceptance are the themes I took away from this book.

I was disappointed in the pacing of this book and the open ending can be challenging for readers to accept. I don't think there is a good ending because he needs to stay who he is to be true to the story. It would have made me happy to see Donald make some friends but not all"losers" do. In that regards, the open ending is appropriate.

Spinelli, J. (2002). Loser. New York, NY: Harper Collins Publishers.
ISBN: 0060540745

Ramona Forever by Beverly Cleary

The story of third-grader Ramona Quimby and her family weathering numerous changes beginning with the return of neighbor Howie Kemp's uncle, Hobart, death of a cat, job change for Mr Quimby, a wedding and ending with a new addition to the Quimby family.

This story was written from the limited omniscient view of Ramona and told in a linear chronological narrative order. Character versus character conflict and episodic plots were used throughout the book. These characteristics are simpler for children to understanding explaining in part the success of the Ramona's books. As the primary character, Ramona is well-rounded and the tone and language she uses is spot on.

It had been many years since I read a Ramona book and I thoroughly enjoyed this one. The author writes convincingly as a third-grader!

Cleary, B. (1984). Ramona forever. New York, NY: Harper Collins Publishers Inc.
ISBN: 0380709600
Illustrated by Alan Tiegreen

Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lindgren

Pippi lives with her pet monkey and her horse in her home, Villa Villekulla. She is so strong she can lift a horse, so self sufficient she can cook all her meals and so clever she doesn't have to go to school. Everyday with Pippi is an adventure and Tommy and Annika can't wait to join her on them. Pippi is irreverent, humorous and does just what she wants!

In this book, it is apparent the author understands children's impulses. Pippi's why not attitude and her common sense are appealing. Why wouldn't you draw a friendly face on the walls? Why not invite the horse in to live? Each chapter is a new adventure with Pippi and captivates the imagination. The situations and words are silly and mostly familiar to children even today. Unfamiliar words will not stop a reader from understanding the story. Worth reading again at any age!

Lindgren, A. (1978). Pippi longstocking. New York, NY: Puffin Books.
ISBN: 0881037761
Illustrated by Louis S. Glanzman
Translated by Florence Lamborn

Amber Brown is Feeling Blue by Paula Danziger

Amber Brown learns the lesson that decisions can be difficult to make and the end result doesn't make everyone happy when she must choose between spending Thanksgiving with her father or her mother. On top of this, a new girl starts school who has a colorful name too and Amber Brown doesn't know how to feel about this. The story is told from a first person narrative.

The author's choice of the name Amber Brown and the speaking style (I, Amber Brown...) used throughout the book made it enjoyable to read. The repetition of her name provides word recognition helping children feel they can get through a big book. The first person style draws in the reader and makes Amber feel like a real person.

It is a modern story dealing with the impact of divorce on a child and the feelings and situations that occur when parents begin dating. Amber's friends and scenes set in school are recognizable to what children encounter each day. There are some illustrations throughout the book but they are not the focus.

Danziger, P. (1998). Amber brown is feeling blue. New York, NY: Scholastic, Inc.
ISBN: 0439071682
Illustrated by Tony Ross

Bunnicula: A Rabbit-Tale of Mystery by Deborah and James Howe

Harold, the family dog, tells the tale of the introduction of Bunnicula, a rabbit, to the family and the problems that ensue. Chester the cat is convinced that Bunnicula is a vampire and goes to great lengths to prove this to the family with hilarious results.

This book was great fun to read. The author captured the personality of the dogs and cats perfectly. The dialogue is just what I imagine my cat or dog thinking sometimes. The chapters were short, 8-10 pages, and each chapter told of an event that concluded with the chapter end. Few illustrations were used but the story was engaging enough to keep a child interested. The humor was written to appeal to children and adults. I laughed out loud at times while reading the story especially when Chester dons the towel like a cape. A good choice for a child to move to a new level of reading.

Howe, D. and Howe, J. (1979). Bunnicula: A rabbit-tale of mystery. New York, NY: Avon Books.
ISBN: 0380510944
Illustrated by Alan Daniel

Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing by Judy Blume

Peter Hatcher's account of the injustices and problems he has because of his 3 year old brother, Fudgie. Among these problems are temper tantrums, smearing mashed potatoes on walls, Fudgie's broken front teeth and ruined homework. Illustrations are not used.

This is the first of the transitional books that I read. Transitional books use simple words and short sentences. Stories should be compelling and applicable to the age group and each chapter contains a standalone story within it.

This book fit the descriptors above. Any oldest child can relate to the change in rules, injustices, burdens and embarassments that come along with a younger sibling. Even as an adult, I can remember the same feelings Peter expresses. Each chapter tells of an incident that Peter faces with Fudgie. The author's words and sentences ring true of a child at this age. For example, calling your brother Fang when he loses his two front teeth feels exactly right. The stories and environments are familiar to children. Excellent book.

Blume, J. (1972). Tales of a fourth grade nothing. New York, NY: Puffin Books.
ISBN: 9780142408810

Commander Toad in Space by Jane Yolen

The crew of Star Warts led by the bright and brave Commander Toad land on a water filled planet on a plastic lily pad. While there, they awake a water monster who shakes their cruising ship off the lily pad. Commander Toad finds a way to inflate the lily pad further so it floats up to their spaceship while the crew members distract the monster.

Unfamiliar word choice means a level three reader. The sentence length mixes short and complex. The illustrations are descriptive of something happening in the story.

Yolen, J. (1980). Commander toad in space. New York, NY: Coward, McCann & Geoghegan, Inc.
ISBN: 0698307240
Illustrated by Bruce Degen

Nate the Great and the Pillowcase by Marjorie Weinman Sharmat and Rosalind Weinman

In the middle of the night, Nate the Great is called upon to solve the case of the missing pillowcase so Rosamond's cat, Big Rex, can fall asleep. After stopping at the diner, it is his dog, Sludge, who helps solve the case.

A mystery story written humorously and accompanied by simple illustrations that aid in solving the case alongside Nate the Great. The pages are covered mostly in text with simple sentences and mostly simple, known words. It is written for level two readers. Are milk bottles familiar to kids these days?

Sharmat, M. W. and Weinman, R. (1993). Nate the great and the pillowcase. New York, NY: Delacorte Press.
ISBN: 038531051X
Illustrated by Marc Simont

The Open Road: from the Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame

The illustrated story of Rat and Mole on a trip in a brand new cart with Toad. Toad likes new things and when their cart is upended by a car Toad buys a new one the next day. Adapted from The Wind in the Willows.

An easy reader book with chapters and large size text and spacing. The sentence structure and vocabulary read like a level one. Illustrations at time are full page and complement the story. I am now inspired to read The Wind in the Willows again.

Grahame, K. (2003). The open road: From the wind in the willows. New York, NY: Sterling Publishing Company, Inc.
ISBN: 9781599613413
Illustrated by Ann Iosa

Frog and Toad are Friends by Arnold Lobel

A collection of five stories demonstrating the friendship shared between Frog and Toad.

An I Can Read Book written for level two readers. The sentences are complex and are filling most of the page - 8 to 15 lines per page. Words are familiar and most are simple. Those two or three syllable words are familiar objects for a child. The illustrations are consist of mostly brown and green which fit the colors of Frog and Toad.

Lobel, A. (1970). Frog and toad are friends. New York, NY: Harper Collins Publishers.
ISBN: 0060239573
Illustrated by the author

Arthur's Pen Pal by Lillian Hoban

Arthur annoyed by his little sister and babysitter glorifies his new pen pal. When he finds out his pen pal is a tough girl not a boy, he begins to realize his sister isn't so bad.

An I Can Read Book written for a level two reader. The book does not contain chapters but the text and illustrations are large enough to not leave a child overwhelmed. The actions Arthur and his sister go through are common to a young reader and what isn't is covered by the illustration. The text lines up on the left side and is not indented helping train the child's eye to start at the left each time.

Hoban, L. (1976). Arthur's pen pal. New York, NY: Harper Collins Publishers.
ISBN: 0060223723
Illustrated by the author

Amelia Bedelia by Peggy Parish

Amelia Bedelia begins a new job and is given a list of tasks to complete. She takes the tasks literally with humorous results. Her lemon meringue pie saves the day and her job!

An I Can Read Book that deviates from the last two I have read. Here, there are no chapters dividing the action. However, the large text, spacing between lines/words, illustrations and list items break up the text so it is not overwhelming for a child. Amelia's literal translation of the text introduces some of the odd things about the English language but the words are not unheard of. It is likely children have heard this vocabulary before. It is written for level two readers in part because of the use of cursive words found on the list. I forgot how funny this book is - trimming a steak! It would definitely draw readers in.

Parish, P. (1963). Amelia bedelia. New York, NY: Harper Collins Publishers.
ISBN: 006020186X
Illustrated by Fritz Siebel

Minnie and Moo: The Attack of the Easter Bunnies by Denys Cazet

When hearing that the farmer is not going to dress up as the Easter Bunny, Minnie and Moo try and find a replacement by asking many of the farm animals. No one will commit to being the Easter Bunny so Minnie and Moo dress up themselves. Dressed up and hiding in the closet to surprise the farmer's grandchildren, they find everyone else is hiding dressed as well.

An I Can Read Book with action contained in the chapters and illustrations that complement part of the story. The vocabulary is simple, the actions are simple and using animals helps the child relate the story and illustration. Sentences are complex and simple making this appropriate for level two readers.

Cazet, D. (2004). Minnie and moo: The attack of the easter bunnies. New York, NY: Harper Collins Publishers.
ISBN: 0060005068
Illustrated by the author

Braces for Cori by Christine Florie

Cori needs braces and is nervous about them. She goes to the orthodontist and has her teeth brushed, picked the color and had the braces applied. After looking in the mirror and hearing others positive comments, Cori decided that braces are not so bad.

A Rookie Reader book written for level one readers. The book includes in the endnotes a word list along with the author and illustrator bios. The illustrations are large and follow the story. The word choice is simple, font/spacing large and sentences are short.

Florie, C. (2005). Braces for cori. New York, NY: Scholastic, Inc.
ISBN: 0516251368
Illustrated by Christine Tripp

Hooray for the Golly Sisters by Betsy Byars

May-May and Rose, the Golly sisters, continue their traveling show and encounter humorous adventures along the way, including crossing a river, a high-wire act, using pigs in a magic show, going through a swamp and creating cheers. Their adventures are told in five chapters along with colorful illustrations portraying pioneer clothing, life and landscapes.

An I Can Read Book that follows the recommended rules for easy readers - pictures complement the story, large print, lots of space between words and sentences, action ends and begins within the chapters, simple known vocabulary words, short sentence length, etc. I would say it is written for level two.

Byars, B. (1990). Hooray for the golly sisters. New York, NY: Harper Trophy.
ISBN: 0064441563
Illustrated by Sue Truesdell

Piaget's Stages of Development

I reviewed my notes from the developmental psychology class and here are Jean Piaget's stages with the caveat again that not all will go through the stages in order or in the ages listed:

• Sensorimotor (0-2): reflexes become smooth and coordinated, reflex trigger reactions (sucking thumb feels good so I'll keep doing it), external events trigger circular reactions (shaking a rattle makes noise so I will keep doing it), repeating movements in different variations to try and understand them (keep hitting the table but with different objects). At the end of the stage, able to hold an image in mind, imitate previously seen behavior, pretending and able to solve simple problems
• Preoperational (2-7): able to solve more complex problems, egocentric view of the world, gradually develop ability to read, write, numbers, think slightly more abstract.
• Concrete Operational (7-12): now the difference between appearance and reality, less egocentric and can see other perspectives, capable of understanding logical actions such as conservation (things can change appearance but still be the same), reversibility (things can change shape big to small but still same item), classification (black dogs are a part of the group of dogs), seriation (ordering by size, shape, etc).
  
• Formal Operations (12+): reason abstractly, form hypothesis and draw conclusions mentally, plan for future events, generalize between objects

Reviewing this, I found myself drifting off. I must have a block when it comes to Piaget!

Papalia, D.E., Olds, S.W., & Feldman, R.D. (2006). Human Development. (10th ed.)
New York, NY: McGraw-Hill.

The Life Cycle Completed by Erik Erikson

I read this book before for school and reread it recently to refresh my memory on his stages. In developmental psychology, I found myself more in line with his stages and seemed to forget all about learning Piaget. I thought it would be interesting to reread both Erikson and Piaget developmental stages and see if this would give an explanation for why a book might appeal to one age over the other. Also, if I were to write a book for children, what would appeal? After reading so many books, I think I have a pretty good idea. Here are my notes on Erikson's stages through young adulthood with the caveat that not all people go through these stages at the ages listed:

• Infant (0-1): mastering trust but not at the point of extinguishing mistrust, look to mom - dad less so, develop hope and faith
• Toddler (2-3): develop autonomy and independence, look to parents, exploration and manipulation of the environment, gain independence, develop self-esteem, learn self control, leave this stage with determination and will in own abilities
• PreSchool (3-5): mastering initiative, play, having purpose, learning new skills, family is significant, develop purpose and courage to try
• School Age (6-12): master industry, able to focus on education and completing a task, become aware of rules, learning social skills like sharing and collaboration, classmates become influential, develop competence
• Adolescence (13-18): form an identity of who they are and how they fit within the community, without forming an identity may experience role confusion, peer groups and role models are important to this stage, develop fidelity and loyalty to community
• Young Adult (18- 30): master intimacy, lose and find oneself in another, two equals coming together to form something larger, be close to others and society, opposite of isolation, develop ability to love

Erikson, E. (1998). The Life Cycle Completed. New York, NY: W.W. Norton and Company, Inc.

Caldecott Medal Manual by ALA

In 1922, the American Library Association (ALA) approved the creation of the Newberry Medal to honor the most distinguished children's book published the previous year. Recognizing the artists creating picture books were neglected in this category, the Caldecott Medal was created in 1937. The medal was named for Randolph Caldecott, a great english illustrator, who's style can be described as energetic, realistic and humorous.

Members of the Association of Library Service to Children (ALSC) nominate members for the Caldecott (and Newberry) committee. Those committee members must be free from conflict of interests, understand confidentiality and be willing to spend time reading books published that meet the criteria. In addition to reading the books, they must also be prepared to write critically and read through various texts what a picture book represents. Not all members of ALSC would have the reviewing skills necessary.

Criteria for the Caldecott Medal

With the criteria, in mind, the committee takes specific note and criticism's of each book read so that when it is time to nominate books the information is readily available to jog memories. Each committee member is asked to submit nominations and it is recommended to do this on a monthly basis.

Once all recommendations have been submitted, the committee will choose the winner. It is optional to award Caldecott Honor Books and these should be a very select group.

The manual is available as a pdf file on the ALA website. Inside is an excellent example of a document used to track what has been read. I am going to adopt this with my future reading. I have seen numerous posts on the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA) listserv for ideas on how new graduates could learn how/practice/get paid to write reviews. It is a skill that would be difficult to acquire without having feedback from someone. By the way, the response to the posts is to contact journals, post on a blog, write for the library, etc.

Russian Folk-Tales by James Riordan

A collection of translated Russian folk-tales ranging from the familiar to the unknown.

This collection contains both fairy and beast tales. Interesting, woman/girls are portrayed more often as heroines and controlling their destiny and the author attributes this to the "Motherland" influence. Clearly identified as having model source notes located at the back and in endnotes. This really helped me understand the context of the stories as I am not Russian nor did I study children's literature. The text is the focus here with almost page long text and few illustrations. Repetition and cadence typically used to keep children's attention is not employed here making this more appropriate for 8-12 year old children. Illustrations are colorful and unique. I don't think I have seen anything quite like them in any of the books I have read.

I found the stories to be darker and not as interesting as other folktales. I wonder if it was my unfamiliarity with them that made the difference. Let's face it the witch fattening up Hansel and Gretel to eat is not the most heartwarming tale. And the nursery rhyme about 'when the bough breaks the baby will fall...' is disturbing now as an adult!

Riordan, J. (2000). Russian folk-tales. Oxford, England: University Press.
ISBN: 0192745360
Illustrated by Andrew Breakspeare

The Hare and the Tortoise by Helen Ward

A retelling of Aesop's fable of the race between the hare and the tortoise with beautiful watercolor illustrations. The author added detailed endnotes with facts about the animals and a key to the illustrations

A fable with fine-print source notes. (I am having a difficult time identifying the difference between well-made and fine-print. Here Aesop is mentioned on the front flap and title page but it doesn't mention the book or the cultural details so I am guessing fine-print). My memory of this fable is vague so I think the author shortened the text and instead focused on the illustrations. With my interest in animals of course, I was amazed at the illustrations not just for quality but also for the detail and the endnotes. The narrative was composed of very short sentences and the word choice fit the animal - slow, plodding turtle and hurtled hare. However, it is the illustrations that would interest the child more than reading aloud, in my opinion.

Ward, H. (1998). The hare and the tortoise. Brookfield, CT: The Millbrook Press.
ISBN: 0761313184
Illustrated by the author

The Three Little Pigs by Steven Kellogg

A retelling of the English fairy tale popularized by Joseph Jones in 1890. Here, mother pig, Serafina Sow, begins a waffle making business. When she retires, her three sons takeover the business where they encounter the familiar wolf. It is mother pig who helps save the day and no one is killed.

A beast tale with well-made source notes referencing Joseph Jacobs and briefly describing the tales many incarnations and insight on writing this version. The narrative uses short sentences, repetition, cadence and amusing word choices making this an excellent read aloud choice. The illustrations are amusing, detailed and will amuse children and adults. My favorite sign within the illustration was:

"Hamlet and La Toasta
an opera
by Porcini"

I read this after The Sleeping Beauty and it was obvious this book was written and illustrated for a younger audience.

Kellogg, S. (1997). The three little pigs. New York, NY: Morrow Junior Books.
ISBN: 0688087329
Illustrated by author

The Sleeping Beauty by Trina Schart Hyman

A retelling of the Brother's Grimm tale accompanied by beautiful illustrations. An angry fairy places a spell on a princess so that on her fifteenth birthdays she will fall asleep for 100 years. As the princess sleeps, so does the other staff and family in the castle and briars grow over the castle. A prince wakes her with a kiss after 100 years and the other castle inhabitants awake and everyone lives happily ever after.

A fairy tale retold from the Brothers Grimm folktale of the same with fine-print source notes on the title page. The narrative style, like the original folktale, does not rely on rhyming or cadence but pulls the reader in with descriptions and short sentences. The detailed illustrations are a work of art and bring an originality to a well-known fairy tale.

Hyman, T.S. (1977). The sleeping beauty. Boston, MA: Little, Brown and Company.
ISBN: 031638702
Illustrated by the author

Babushka's Mother Goose by Patricia Polacco

A collection of stories based on the author's Russian grandmother's storytelling. Some stories seem to be retelling of Mother Goose's tales but with a Russian focus. Others appear to me to be folktales. The illustrations have a Russian/Eastern European flair.

I picked this up because the word Babushka reminded me of my grandmother. I enjoyed the rhyming and the unfamiliar words used are fun to say even if a child doesn't know what they mean. The illustrations are bright, colorful and detailed.

Polacco, P. (1995). Babushka's mother goose. New York, NY: Philomel Books.
ISBN: 0399227474
Illustrated by the author

The Real Mother Goose illustrated by Blanche Fisher Wright

A collection of over 300 Mother Goose's nursery rhymes illustrated beautifully.

I enjoyed reading this book and remembered many of the illustrations and rhymes. The book is large and the text is somewhat crowded for a new reader. It would be a good book to read to a child and the illustrations could tell a story in of themselves.

(1994). The real mother goose. New York, N.Y. : Scholastic, Incorporated.
ISBN: 0590225170
Illustrated by Blanche Fisher Wright.

Kitten's First Full Moon by Kevin Henkes

Kitten mistakes her first full moon for a saucer of milk. She chases and climbs after the saucer only to be disappointed. Until the end of the evening, her owner places a saucer of milk on the porch for her. The book is illustrated in black and white drawings.

A very cute book! The text is simple and large on the page. Kitten's adventures are shown beautifully through the illustrations. They complement the text and are even larger than the text which will hold children's attention.

Henkes, K. (2004). Kitten's first full moon. New York, NY: Greenwillow Books.
ISBN: 0060588284
Illustrated by the author

Hazel's Amazing Mother by Rosemary Wells

Hazel, a badger, goes shopping for picnic supplies while pushing her doll in a stroller. She gets lost and ends up lost and roughed up by three mean children. Hazel wails for her mother and like magic Mom appears and forces the mean children to make amends. The illustrations are humorous and colorful.

I liked the story but I think some children might be scared when Hazel is being bullied. I felt that Mom coming to Hazel's rescue took the book into a less scary place for a child. I thought Hazel was adorable!

Wells, R. (1985). Hazel's amazing mother. New York, NY: Dial Books for Young Readers.
ISBN: 0803702094
Illustrated by the author

That New Animal by Emily Jenkins

Two dogs have to adapt to the introduction of a new baby in the household. At first suspicious and unhappy, they surprise themselves when grandpa comes to visit.

An excellent book that could be used to explain the new baby concept to an older sibling or the importance of pet's roles in the household. The illustrations are amusing and colorful.

Jenkins, E. (2005). That new animal. New York, NY: Farrar, Straus and Giroux.
ISBN: 0374374430
Illustrated by Pierre Pratt

The Napping House by Audrey Wood

Members of a household are sleeping soundly only to be woken when a flea bites the dog. Repetitive text encourages participation. The colors used in the book mimic the activity in the house.

I loved the colors in this book. The soothing blues and greens when sleeping slowly give way to bright yellow when the full household awakes. Children will respond to repeating the text as a new member of the household is added to the bed.

Wood, A. (1984). The napping house. San Diego, CA: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich.
ISBN: 0152567089
Illustrated by Don Wood

Madeline by Ludwig Bemelmans

Madeline lives in Paris in a home with 11 other girls and Miss Clavel. Madeline is the smallest and the bravest. She must have her appendix removed and her absence is felt by the whole household. The illustrations are mixed between simple lines and colors when describing the story to brilliantly detailed representation of true buildings in Paris, such as Notre Dame.

An appealing little girl living in an exotic location begins the start of a great series. The rhythmic text draws in a young reader along with the illustrations.

Bemelmans, L. (1967). Madeline. New York, NY: Viking Press.
ISBN: 0670445800
Illustrated by the author

A Pocket for Corduroy by Don Freeman

A bear visiting the laundromat with his owner wants a pocket of his own. In searching for something to make his pocket, he gets left overnight at the laundromat until the next morning when his owner comes to search for him again. Upon hearing what happened, she makes him a pocket and a name card for it.

The elements of the story - laundromat, getting washed, staying overnight- are familiar to children. The curiosity Corduroy experiences mirrors that of children and this is why the Corduroy books are so successful.

Freeman, D. (1978). A pocket for corduroy. New York, NY: Puffin Books.
ISBN: 0140503528
Illustrated by the author

Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel by Virginia Lee Burton

Mike Mulligan and his steam shovel, Mary Anne, struggle to find their place when modern machines come into existence. Mike works a deal with a town to build a basement for city hall and in his rush to get the job done by the deadline he forgets to allow an exit. The town suggests that the hall be built around Mary Anne allowing her to act as a furnace and Mike can be the caretaker. This solves their current dilemma of how to get out of the foundation but also of what to do with Mary Anne in an increasingly complex world.

I enjoyed the illustrations in this book as much as the text. It is a classic story that would still be loved by children today. I also liked the message of adapting to a changing world.

Burton, V. (1939). Mike mulligan and his steam shovel. Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin Company.
ISBN: 0395169615
Illustrated by author

Winnie-the-Pooh and Some Bees by A.A. Milne

Winnie-the-Pooh attempts to gather some honey from the bee's nest with the help of a balloon and Christopher Robin. Beautiful illustrations accompany this unsuccessful adventure to get the honey.

This is an adapted story from the larger Winnie-the-Pooh book and the illustrations appear to me to be more appealing and childlike than the Disney edition. This book was just the right length for a child learning to read or preschool age. I suppose that is why it was adapted into a standalone edition. A. A. Milne, writing for Winnie-the-Pooh, has an original voice that I haven't read anywhere else. Very enjoyable!

Milne, A.A. (2001). Winnie-the-pooh and some bees. New York, NY: Dutton Children's Books.
ISBN: 0525467815
Illustrated by Ernest H. Shepard
Adapted by Stephen Krensky

Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Martin, Jr.

Rhyming text accompanies numerous pictures of colorful animals and a mother showing what a child may see.

Perfect book to read aloud to children. The rhythm of the text is simple allowing children to catch on quickly. The pictures are large and colorful so a child could be amused alone paging through the book.

Martin Jr, B. (1983). Brown bear, brown bear, what do you see? New York, NY: Holt, Rinehart, and Winston.
ISBN: 0805002014
Illustrated by Eric Carle

Good Night, Gorilla by Peggy Rathmann

A mischevious gorilla follows an unaware zookeeper as he makes his rounds. At each cage, the gorilla lets the animal out and all follow the zookeeper home to sleep. Upon hearing the animals say good night, the zookeeper realizes what has happened and returns the animals to the zoo. Still unobservant, he does not notice when he finally returns to sleep the gorilla and mouse are there. Illustrations are colorful and tell the story without using the words.

A fun book that would make a good gift for a child that doesn't read yet. The text is simple so the child can make up the story based on the illustrations.

Rathmanm, P. (1994). Good night, gorilla. New York, NY: G.P. Putnam's Sons.
ISBN: 0399224459
Illustrated by the author

George and Martha by James Marshall

A collection of five stories about two great friends, George and Martha. Each story humorously teaches an important lesson regarding friendship. The illustrations of these two hippopotamuses.

Excellent book to introduce the concept of friendship to children. Wonderful pictures!

Marshall, J. (1972). George and martha. Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin Publishing.
ISBN: 0395166195
Illustrated by the author

Bears by Ruth Krauss

Rhyming text describes the many places bears can be found by Max from Where the Wild Things Are.

The flap copy explains there are only 27 words found in this book. My first thought is that the illustrations must be telling a parallel story or else this won't be very interesting to read with children. Of course, with Maurice Sendak illustrating, I should have known it would be visually interesting.

Krauss, R. (2005). Bears. New York, NY: Harper Collins Publishers.
ISBN: 006027994x
Illustrated by Maurice Sendak

Muncha! Muncha! Muncha! by Candace Fleming

Mr McGreely plants his dream vegetable garden. When the vegetables begin coming in, he finds he must continually be outsmarting some rabbits. The illustrator draws the rabbits and Mr McGreely with expressive faces.

This is a read aloud book, for sure. The author's choice of words, like tippy-tippy-tippy and muncha, invoke the image of children yelling those out, especially as they are repeated throughout the book. The words are very active and feel like they are describing what is happening in the illustrations. Or is the illustration showing what the words feel like. The author and illustrator are in sync!

Fleming, C. (2002). Muncha! muncha! muncha! New York, NY: Atheneum Books for Young Readers.
ISBN: 0689831528
Illustrated by G. Brian Karas

Miss Nelson is Missing by Harry Allard

The rambunctious children in Miss Nelson's class must deal with a strict substitute teacher when Miss Nelson disappears. The children learn their lesson and when Miss Nelson reappears behave. The drawings of people are exaggerated and provoke a reaction before reading the text.

The author teaches a good lesson in treating teachers with respect. The students really experience what it is like to have a strict teacher and the teacher looks and sounds mean. The pictures emphasize the story.

Allard, H. (1977). Miss nelson is missing. Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin Company.
ISBN: 0395252962
Illustrations by James Marshall

The Complete Adventures of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter

A collection of four stories involving Peter Rabbit: The Tale of Peter Rabbit, The Tale of Benjamin Bunny, The Tale of the Flopsy Bunnies and The Tale of Mr. Tod. When first we meet Peter, he is a young rabbit and in the last story he has a family of his own. In addition to Peter, numerous other animal characters are introduced. The illustrations are beautiful and reflect a love of nature.

There is more text on these pages than normally found in a picture book. However, paragraphs are separated by much white space to draw a child's focus to one spot. The animals take on familiar human characteristics that children will relate. Interesting word choices, such as soporific or lippity, are unfamiliar to children but are fun to say. I had forgotten how much I enjoyed the illustrations until I opened the books.

Potter, B. (2003). The complete adventures of peter rabbit. London, England: Frederick Warne and Company.
ISBN: 072324734X
Illlustrated by the author

Curious George by H.A. Rey

George's curiosity gets the best of him causing him to be captured and taken to the city. Here, he finds adventure while exercising his curiosity and eventually finds his home in the zoo.

I haven't read this since I was a child and I still found the text and illustrations to be interesting to me, an adult. The illustrations would capture the attention of young children during story time if distracted away from the words. However, I tried reading it aloud and found it had excitement and rhythm that would entertain a child.

Rey, H.A. (1941). Curious george. Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin Company.
ISBN: 0395159938
Illustrated by the author

Looking for a Moose by Phyllis Root

Children go to the woods in search of a moose and find many moose.

I liked the choice of words the author used to repeat throughout the book. I can imagine children saying them over and over again getting great enjoyment. Inside the illustrations are clues that moose are close by even when the children in the book can't see them. The illustrations are colorful and animals are clearly defined.

Root, P. (2006). Looking for a moose. Cambridge, MA: Candlewick Press.
ISBN: 076362005X
Illustrated by Randy Cecil

Harry the Dirty Dog by Gene Zion

Harry dislikes taking a bath so he hides the scrubbing brush and runs off. He plays and enjoys the day becoming dirtier and in the end must insist on a bath. The illustrations are filled with detail following the story.

A great story applicable to younger children not liking bathing and getting dirty. Children also can recognize the idea of running off and exploring on their own without mom and dad around. The illustrator captured dog movements and expressions.

Zion, G. (1956). Harry the dirty dog. New York, NY: Harper and Row.
ISBN: none listed
Illustrated by Margaret Bloy Graham

Make Way for Ducklings by Robert McCloskey

Mr and Mrs Mallard look for a safe place to raise their ducklings in the city of Boston. The first location, the Public Garden, is not safe enough for hatchlings so they settle on a second locations. After the ducklings are born and learn some skills, Mrs Mallard leads them on an adventure by land back to the Public Garden to live. The drawings illustrate the story and include actual places in Boston.

Great story! My favorite part is "...and when Mrs Mallard heard them she was so proud she tipped her nose in the air and walked along with an extra swing in her waddle." I can just see a duck doing that! Observing animals was a part of my childhood and I think it must have been of the author's to write this story. The drawings are full of activity supporting the story which provide more details for children.

McCloskey, R. (1969). Make way for ducklings. New York, NY: The Viking Press.
ISBN: 0670451495
Illustrated by the author

Rickie & Henri by Jane Goodall

Rickie, an orphaned chimpanzee, rescued from a Congolese market by a man who brings her home and Rickie struggles to adapt to this very different world. She learns to love the man and Henri, the dog. As she grows too large, she is taken to a chimpanzee sanctuary. Illustrations are beautifully done and can really feel Rickie's emotions throughout the story.

I am a great admirer of Dian Fossey and Jane Goodall so seeing Jane's name on this book I immediately picked it up. Rickie's mother is killed in front of her and Rickie is shot in the process. I was surprised at that in a picture book designed for easy readers. American children might be upset by this turn of events depending on how protective their parents are in reading materials. Overall, Rickie's story is too important to not tell. Perhaps educating children early will help instill a value for animals/conservation early on. Jane also writes a postscript describing Rickie's status today and information on the chimpanzee sanctuary.

Goodall, J. (2004). Rickie and henri. New York, NY: Penguin Young Readers Group.
ISBN: 069840002X
Illustrated by Alan Marks