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

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!

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