Close Menu
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram Pinterest LinkedIn YouTube TikTok
    • Home
    • Submission Guidelines
    • Advertise
    • Mentorship
    • Editing Services
    • About
    • Contact
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram Pinterest TikTok
    The Children's Book Review
    Subscribe
    • Books by Subject
    • Books by Age
      • Ages 0-3, Infant and Toddler
      • Ages 4-8, Preschool to Elementary
      • Ages 9-12, Preteen and Tween
      • Ages 12+, Teen and Young Adult
      • Books for First Grade Readers
      • Books for Second Grade Readers
      • Books for Third Grade Readers
    • Favorites
      • Diverse and Inclusive Books
      • Books About Activism
      • Best Books for Kids
      • Star Wars Books
      • Board Books
      • Books About Mindfulness
      • Dr. Seuss Books
    • Showcase
    • Interviews
      • Growing Readers Podcast
      • Author Interviews and Q&A
      • Illustrator Interviews
    • Kids’ Book Giveaways
    • Directory
    • Podcast
    The Children's Book Review

    What’s in Your Library Bag? Classic or New Picture Books?

    TCBR ContributorBy TCBR Contributor3 Mins Read Ages 0-3 Ages 4-8 Award Winners Book Lists
    Share
    Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Email

    I’ll tell you what’s in mine if you tell me what’s in yours?

    Okay, twist my arm, I’ll go first …

    Going to the library is such an exciting trip for me. I get so excited about being surrounded by so many excellent books, and the thought of being able to take home 50 at a time is just WAY too much for me to handle. My husband often has to remind me that my daughter is doing a much better job at containing herself than I am. Thankfully I haven’t been given any “shh looks” by the librarians, but I am sure it’s only a matter of time.

    My daughter’s picks were based on her fascinations of the week — Cinderella and witches.

    Cinderella

    Translated and illustrated by Marcia Brown.

    Reading level:
    Ages 4 – 8

    I am no expert on Cinderella, besides watching the Disney version umpteen times as a child, but what I can tell you about this book is that it has very classic beauty. I believe it won the 1955 Caldecott Medal. It is a translation from the French version by Charles Perrault, which is apparently a favorite amongst story-tellers.

    The Witch of Hissing Hill

    by Mary Calhoun (author) and Janet McCaffery (illustrator)

    Reading Level: Ages 4 – 8

    I quite enjoyed this oldie from 1964. It’s about a nasty old witch who breeds nasty black witch cats, but when one of the cats is born yellow — and even worse, nice — the witch is not happy. The good news is the nasty witch is sweetened by the cat. Although, by the time it takes her to become nice it could have pre-schoolers and kindergartners feeling a bit unsettled. A good choice for first and second graders.

    My Picks:

    Who Ate All the Cookie Dough?

    by Karen Beaumont (author) and Eugene Yelchin (illustrator)

    Reading level: Ages 3-7

    This is a book I reviewed in July, 2008, and I loved it. I didn’t get
    the chance to read it with my daughter, so that’s why I picked it. It
    has been a huge hit! It gets a child approved gold star!

    The Magic Hat

    by Mem Fox (author) and Tricia Tusa (illustrator)

    A page-turning, belly laughing, picture book that everyone should read. Mem Fox is an Aussie favorite of mine. You may know her from her latest book, Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes, or one of her oldies, like Possum Magic. Parents Thumbs-up award!

    What to Read Next:

    1. 2009 Summer Reading Suggestions: Preschool – Kindergarten
    2. 2 Coffee Table Books that Encourage Family Reading
    3. 5 Reasons to Love Dr. Seuss
    4. The Children’s Book Review Turns One

    *Disclosure: Please note that this post may contain affiliate links that share some commission. Rest assured that these will not affect the cost of any products and services promoted here. Our team always provides their authentic opinion in all content published on this site.

    Eugene Yelchin Janet McCaffery Karen Beaumont Library Marcia Brown Mary Calhoun Mem Fox Tricia Tusa
    Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
    Previous ArticleAuthor Interview: Bonny Becker
    Next Article Read Across America, 2009
    TCBR Contributor
    • Website
    • Facebook
    • X (Twitter)

    The Children’s Book Review, named one of the ALSC (Association for Library Service to Children) Great Web Sites for Kids, is a resource devoted to children’s literacy. We publish reviews and book lists of the best books for kids of all ages. We also produce author and illustrator interviews and share literacy based articles that help parents, grandparents, teachers and librarians to grow readers. This article was written and provided by one of TCBR's regular contributors.

    2 Comments

    1. Debbie Diesen on February 28, 2009 4:35 pm

      This post brought a smile to my face, because I recall The Witch of Hissing Hill from my own childhood. The yellow cat is such a great visual on that blue and black cover.

      I think I still have the book around here somewhere. Perhaps I’ll go unearth it for a re-read.

      Reply
    2. Bianca Schulze on February 28, 2009 7:55 pm

      Hi Debbie,

      It’s always nice to know you helped someone smile!! Enjoy re-reading it.

      We have a copy of Cross Country Cat which I have just discovered is by the same author, Mary Calhoun. The copy is from my husbands childhood – he grew up in Steamboat Springs, CO, which is where she is from. I think it may even be a signed copy. I’ll have to do some unearthing, too.

      Reply
    Leave A Reply Cancel Reply

    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    TCBR Supporter
    Recent Articles
    • 5 Award-Winning Teen Audiobooks for Ages 12 and Up
    • The Chubby Bubbies: Trip to the Museum | Dedicated Review
    • Flora and the Jazzers, by Astrid Sheckels | Dedicated Review
    • SCREECH: His Hunt for a Home | Dedicated Review
    • Interview with P. E. Shadrick, Author of ‘Elephants DO Forget’
    TCBR Supporters
    sponsored | become a TCBR supporter today
    sponsored | become a TCBR supporter today
    sponsored | become a TCBR supporter today

    sponsored | become a TCBR supporter today
    Discover Kids Books by Age
    Best Books For Kids
    Media Kit: The Children's Book Review
    Author and Illustrator Showcase
    SEARCH
    BOOKS BY SUBJECT
    Archives
    Professional Resources

    Book Marketing Campaigns

    Writing Coaches and Editing Services

    Mentorship

    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram Pinterest YouTube LinkedIn TikTok
    • Submission Guidelines
    • Policies
    • Advertise
    • TCBR Buzzworthy Mentions
    • About TCBR
    © 2025 The Children’s Book Review. All rights reserved.

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.