Spring 2010: Kids’ Book Picks
By Bianca Schulze, The Children’s Book Review
Published: March 8, 2010
Spring is in the air. Familiar floral scents are beginning to drift with the breeze, stimulating thoughts of rebirth—from flowering blossoms to new-born chickens. Spring just may be my favorite season. The following books are a great representation of this sweet and thriving time of year.
Silly Little Goose!by Nancy Tafuri
Reading level: Ages 0-5
Board book: 26 pages
Publisher: Cartwheel Books; Brdbk edition (February 1, 2010)
Little Goose is looking for a quiet and comfortable place to lay her eggs—a classic spring activity. Simple text combined with animal sounds and winning illustrations make Silly Little Goose a great read-aloud book. This book was first released in 2001, but it has just been released as a sturdy board book—a great choice for the younger set.
Add this book to your collection: Silly Little Goose!
The Grasshopper Hopped!by Elizabeth Alexander (Author), Joung Un Kim (Illustrator)
Reading level: Ages 3-6
Hardcover: 14 pages
Publisher: Golden Books (January 12, 2010)
I’m not sure if Grasshoppers would be considered synonymous with spring, but, when I saw the cover for this book, my mind immediately thought of gardening and blossoms. As Grasshopper searches for his “perfect” spot, readers are taken on a journey similar to the one that Goldilocks takes in The Three Little Bears: The soup pot is too hot, the fridge too cold. Kim’s cut-paper illustrations and interactive pull-tabs add extra pizazz to the already engaging rhyme and sounds of Alexander’s charming little story.
Add this book to your collection: The Grasshopper Hopped!
Forever Friendsby Carin Berger
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 40 pages
Publisher: Greenwillow Books (March 2, 2010)
From her collage artwork to her simple and reflective stories, Carin Berger is one of my favorites! Forever Friends, a companion book to The Little Yellow Leaf, is the story between two unlikely friends who must part because of the seasons. It is the season of spring that brings them back together. The cherry blossoms, mushrooms, and flower-chains, add extra panache to this heartfelt story of friendship.
Add this book to your collection: Forever Friends
You may also enjoy: The Little Yellow Leaf
Interview: Carin Berger
Mathilda and the Orange Balloon
by Randall de Seve (Author), Jen Corace (Illustrator)
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Balzer + Bray (February 16, 2010)
Spring time begs for youngsters to return to the great outdoors. It also welcomes vivid imaginations that are rekindled by a change of scenery. Mathilda is an adorable little lamby—illustrated by Jen Corace: Little Pea, Little Oink, and Little Hoot—who clearly has a profound imagination that is stimulated easily by her surroundings. Mathilda also has a level of curiosity that, when combined with her imagination, allows her to become anything (an important message for anyone). Very sweet!
Add this book to your collection: Mathilda and the Orange Balloon
You may also enjoy: Little Pea, Little Oink, and Little Hoot
Paris in the Spring with Picasso
by Joan Yolleck (Author), Marjorie Priceman (Illustrator)
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 40 pages
Publisher: Schwartz & Wade (March 23, 2010)
This is a visual and intellectual, cultural treat. Marjorie Priceman, the illustrator of two Caldecott Honor books, has superbly conjured images of 20th century Paris; an era of great artists, such as: Pablo Picasso and Gertrude Stein. The artwork is reminiscent of Ludwig Bemelmans’ Madeline books, only the colors are more vibrant. Francophiles will delight in author Joan Yolleck’s imaginative telling of how these great artists may have spent one of their wonderful spring days in Paris. Conceptual meets factual, ending in a brilliant soiree.
Add this book to your collection: Paris in the Spring with Picasso
Francophiles may also enjoy: Everybody Bonjours! by Leslie Kimmelman
My Little Pony: The Greenest Day (I Can Read Book 1)
by Jennifer Christie
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Paperback: 24 pages
Publisher: HarperCollins (March 9, 2010)
The Greenest Day is a level 1 I Can Read book, which means that it has short sentences and familiar words. At the beginning of the book there are a few words that are matched with a picture. Throughout the story, these pictures replace the words in the sentences they appear—a fun concept to spice-up learning to read. With spring, friendship, and good listening as the key concepts for this story, it’s a great choice for a reluctant reader or My Little Pony fan.
Add this book to your collection: My Little Pony: The Greenest Day
Source of all books: Publishing Houses
St. Patrick’s Day: 3 Lucky Kids’ Books
By Bianca Schulze, The Children’s Book Review
Published: March 3, 2010
From shamrocks to Leprechauns to fiddle music to the color green, these three books have St. Patrick’s Day (March, 17) covered. Oh, and in-case you’re wondering why people where shamrocks on St. Patrick’s Day, it’s because regular rocks are too heavy. *drum roll—ba-DUM-ching*
St. Patrick’s Dayby Anne Rockwell (Author), Lizzy Rockwell (Illustrator)
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 40 pages
Publisher: HarperCollins; 1 edition (January 26, 2010)
This is a very kid-friendly explanation of what St. Patrick’s Day is all about. The story is told from a child’s perspective and is set within a school classroom (most likely a kindergarten class). The class is led in a discovery type learning experience and encouraged to make group presentations, which gives a very familiar feel to the readers. The illustrations are colorful and energetic—a good representation of this lively Irish holiday. A wonderful introduction to Irish traditions and culture!
Magic Tree House #43: Leprechaun in Late Winter
by Mary Pope Osborne
Reading level: Ages 6-9
Hardcover: 128 pages
Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers; 1 edition (January 12, 2010)
Magic Tree House is a favorite amongst early readers and fluent readers. This installment finds Jack and Annie on an Irish adventure that is fit for a St. Patrick’s Day read. The bother and sister duo have been sent on another mission by Merlin the magician. They have to find a girl named Augusta and inspire her to discover her hidden talents. On their quest to forfill their mission, they encounter many a creature from Irish folklore. It’s a very entertaining read—Magic Treehouse fans will not be dissapointed.
Magic Tree House Research Guide #21: Leprechauns and Irish Folklore: A Nonfiction Companion to Leprechaun in Late Winterby Mary Pope Osborne and Natalie Pope Boyce
Reading level: Ages 6-9
Paperback: 128 pages
Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers (January 12, 2010)
A great companion to Leprechaun in Late Winter, but certainly a first-rate stand-alone non-fiction resource for learning about Leprechauns and Irish folklore. The combination of text, fun facts, photos, and illustrations make this an enjoyable way for children to gain knowledge.
Updated Post (March, 6) to include a 4th book:
Calendar Mysteries #3: March Mischief
by Ron Roy
Reading level: Ages 6-9
Paperback: 80 pages
Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers (January 26, 2010)
A great choice for those looking for an introduction to an easy-to-read chapter book. The author, Ron Roy, is extremely popular with both kids and parents—especially the mystery book lovers. This particular instalment is about the luck of the Irish. Thumbs-up!
Leave us a comment: Tell us about your favorite St. Patrick’s Day book or activity.
Last minute Valentine’s Day Ideas
By Bianca Schulze, The Children’s Book Review
Published: February 11, 2010
Just had to share these with you—after all, sharing is apart of loving. Right?
Have a beautiful Valentine’s Day weekend!
Younger Readers will enjoy … Read more
Winnie the Pooh: A Valentine For You: Special Edition
By Bianca Schulze, The Children’s Book Review
Published: January 13, 2010
Winnie the Pooh: A Valentine For You: Special Edition
Ages: 4-8
DVD: Animated
Studio: Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment
Source: Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment
What to expect: Friendship, Adventure
This is a review for all of you “Pooh” fans. In the event you and your sidekick can’t get enough of this lovable bear in the books that you read—or perhaps you’re looking for a way to connect your child with a book character, to encourage reading—Winnie the Pooh: A Valentine For You makes a fine choice for the holiday of love, Valentine’s Day. Read more
Is Santa Real? 2 Kids Christmas Books With Answers to the Questions That Kids Ask
By Bianca Schulze, The Children’s Book Review
Published: December 22, 2009
Mrs. Claus Explains It All: (At Last) Answers to the Questions Real Kids Ask!
by Elsbeth Claus (Author), David Wenzel (Illustrator)
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Sourcebooks Jabberwocky (November 1, 2008)
Source: Publisher
What to expect: Christmas, Mrs. Claus, Q & A
Mrs. Claus Explains It All is a must-have for any family with kids that are puzzled by the magic behind Santa’s skills, or, for the kids who are on the verge of becoming non-believers. Its question-and-answer format is attractively presented with illustrations by David Wenzel. Each question is illustrated as a hand written note by a child—Dear Mrs. Claus, I saw Santa on T.V. and he didn’t look the same!—and each response is answered in a grandmotherly way: This must be confusing, with all the many versions of Santa Claus and the North Pole on screen and on stage, but that’s the price of popularity. …
Last minute gift idea, under $10: My Little Pony book & toy
By Bianca Schulze, The Children’s Book Review
Published: December 19, 2009
What little girl does not love My Little Pony? My 3-year-old sure does!
At $3.99 for the book—which is actually a pretty sweet, little story—and $4.99 for the Winter Wish Pony, this is a good value option! My daughter has a bunch of ponies, so, when she saw this book she was ecstatic. Character books are a great choice for reluctant readers.
3 Kids Picture Books that Teach Good Manners, Just in Time for the Holidays
By Bianca Schulze, The Children’s Book Review
Published: December 8, 2009
Manners, manners, manners. The oh-so important skill: manners! We need them all year round but somehow they seem extra important during the holiday season. Here are a couple of books that have an encouragingly humorous take on socially acceptable behavior. I have read each one and give my complete seal of approval. I’ve included the publisher’s synopsis for your benefit, thank you!
Truce: Jim Murphy (The Christmas Truce)
By Bianca Schulze, The Children’s Book Review
Published: December 4, 2009
by Jim Murphy
Reading level: Teens/Young Adult
Hardcover: 144 pages
Publisher: Scholastic Press (October 1, 2009)
Source: Publisher
What to expect: Christmas Truce, World War I, Western front
Moving and empowering … War in the Western Front region pauses—if only briefly—to honor the true spirit of Christmas, with a Christmas Truce. Two-time Newbery Honor Book author Jim Murphy’s bold and brave narrative reveals the power of communication and shows us that peace is possible—even in the hardest of times.
Author Showcase: The Man Who Could Be Santa
By Joanna Wolper, for The Children’s Book Review
Published: December 1, 2009
Author Showcase: A place for authors and illustrators to gain visibility for their works.*
“A delightful holiday story that will rekindle the excitement about the existence of Santa Claus. Children who read this book may look at their own neighbors and ponder the hidden identities behind their everyday persona’s.
Shelly Becker
Assistant Librarian
Bridport, Vermont
Based on a true family adventure full of mystery and imagination, The Man Who Could Be Santa is the story of three children vacationing with their grandparents in Vermont who suspect that their neighbor might be Santa Claus.
Secrets of a Christmas Box: Steven Hornby
By Steven Hornby, for The Children’s Book Review
Published: December 1, 2009
The Children’s Book Review presents a guest post by Steven Hornby, author of Secrets of a Christmas Box. Hornby is a multi award winning animator—I’m sure you’ve seen some of his work in ‘The Lord of the Rings’, ‘King Kong’, and ‘Kung Fu Panda’—who has created a truly original Christmas novel that brilliantly showcases his creative mind. This year we selected ‘Secrets of a Christmas Box’ as one of the Best Christmas Kids Books of the year.
I was sat down outside a cafe, enjoying a warm late-afternoon Cafe Late, looking out over the lake in Queenstown on the South Island of New Zealand. With it being late June, and the middle of winter in New Zealand, I noticed the snow on top of the mountains across the water from me, usually a brilliant white, now glowed with a warm peach color just as the sun settled behind the opposing hillside.
As darkness crept over the lake, several trees alongside the cafe were suddenly illuminated by Christmas fairy lights that littered their trunks and branches. The path of lights had been twisted orderly up and around the trunk of each tree, like candy cane stripes.
