Children

A friend pointed out that I had not yet included any book picks from Chris Van Allsburg. I figured Van Allsburg did not need my help, as The Polar Express has sold a zillion copies. Everyone needs to be familiar with Van Allsburg’s work, though, as he is one of the most important children’s book authors and illustrators working today. I love this book about the misadventures of two mischievous ants. It is one of my favorite books to read aloud to kids.

I don’t know how I missed this wonderfully charming bedtime story, but this is a must-purchase. When the king’s kiss misses the prince’s cheek, the knight is sent to retrieve it. Original story, wonderful illustrations and a nice message about a busy family’s love for one another. I couldn’t ask for more in a book.

Broach’s Masterpiece is a wonderful book but a little too difficult for younger elementary students to read. This companion for younger readers will spark an interest that will get your little ones excited to listen to you read aloud the original.

The beautiful story about a poor Appalachian girl who proudly wears a coat made from the rags of her neighbors, only to find herself ridiculed by her classmates. Touching and uplifting, and a good lesson.

The perfect book for students returning to school in need for clever ideas to enliven their summer vacation adventures. Tons of fun.

I thought I’d throw in at least one funny kids’ book.  This hilarious retelling of the three little pigs, as explained from the wolf’s point of view, is sure to make you laugh.  Like he says, poor wolf just had a horrible case of the sneezes one day.

Just in time for Easter, this beautifully-illustrated and wonderfully-told tale of a forgotten toy bunny ranks among my favorite stories written by Wilhelm, who has one of my favorite websites, www.hanswilhelm.com. Go to the website and check-out the “Story Time” area, which boasts FREE downloadable FULL-TEXT and PICTURES of Wilhelm’s out-of-print books.

This book has always been one of my favorites for interactive read-alouds with children, as there is so much repetition and fun motions that go along with this story. A must-have for every library.

I guess I am recommending bunny books for Easter this month (is it me, or do Easter and daylight savings time get earlier every year?). Mo Willems can do no wrong, as this former Sesame Street writer is one of the top children’s book authors in America today. If you have never read one of his books, you are in for a treat (and, come on, his books take less than five minutes to read from cover to cover).

This beautiful biography of Langston Hughes makes a great introduction to free verse poetry for children, as Langston’s story is told in free verse. After you read this one, why not pick out some real Langston Hughes books, as his poetry is some of the best to come out of America in the 20th century.

Rosemary Wells, please forgive me for taking so long to include you on my recommended reading list. Rosemary Wells should be REQUIRED reading, as her tales of Max and Ruby are hilarious. My kids especially love this store of Ruby and Max going into town to buy Grandma a birthday present, only to see Max squander most of Ruby’s Money on food and fake vampire teeth. I have never met a child who did not adore these books.

I figured I’d be a little late with next month’s list, so I should include a groundhog book on this one. While the book shows kids what groundhogs are and do (besides look for their shadows), it is a great little story loaded with information that kids will find interesting about how different things in nature work together.

What a treat! The local residents of an island in Maine are not too pleased when the animals of a wrecked circus ship scatter about – until a tiger saves a baby. Then it is the residents who disguise their new friends so the circus owner cannot take them away. Funny and heartwarming.

Let’s put it this way: if you are a teacher or parent of young children, I suggest you feed your kids, clothe them and buy them books by Steve Jenkins. He is one of the greatest children’s authors out there, as his books inspire kids to ask all sorts of questions, and his illustrations are simply beautiful. I’ll add this book to my growing list of essentials by Jenkins: Actual Size, I See a Kookaburra, etc.

I had to give you at least one great Mother’s Day gift idea. In this delightful role reversal, a little girl tries to get her Mommy to go to bed, despite Mommy’s protests to stay up later. Any parent will be tickled, and kids get a kick out of the story and LeUyen Pham’s illustrations.