Highly Recommended Books #2
“Grammy, hi, it’s me, Noah….you know, your grandson?"
“Oh, yes, of course….Noah….. how are you?”
“I’m great, Grammy. Grammy, I have something very exciting to tell you!”
“Oh, good. What is it?”
“Grammy, I can read!!! Want to hear me?”
“Sure”. “ The big red car……is that enough?”
“Do you want to read more?”
“Not right now, but I will later, when I learn more words”.
“Okay. Thanks for sharing your exciting news with me.”
“Bye”. Five seconds later: “Grammy, hi, it’s me, Noah….you know, your grandson?”
“Hi again, Noah. What’s up?”
“You know how I can read now?”
“Yes, you just read to me a few seconds ago”.
“Well, will you still read to me? Even though I can read myself?”
“Of course, if you want me to…..”
“Phew. I was worried for a minute. Thanks, Grammy. Bye”.
This is the actual phone conversation we had, except for the specific words he read. Now that I think about it, it may have been from Mrs. Wishy Washy.* Noah is 9 now, so this happened at least 3 years ago, and it is a moment that sticks (more on “sticky moments” later). Recently Emma entertained a gathering at a friend’s baby shower by reading a book about a gosling aloud to the assemblage. She was so very proud of herself, and graciously accepted their applause. Reading is just such a huge part of our lives, and we try to celebrate the sheer joy of reading by doing it routinely, keeping a steady supply of old favorites in the house, going to the library often, and giving gift certificates to book stores so they can choose their own. Here are some more suggestions, from me and my family and friends. Please feel free to add any of your own favorites under the “comments” section so that we can all benefit.
Several by Mo Willems:
Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Tale (ages 4-8) From School Library JournalStarred Review. PreSchool-Grade 1–Trixie steps lively as she goes on an errand with her daddy, down the block, through the park, past the school, to the Laundromat. For the toddler, loading and putting money into the machine invoke wide-eyed pleasure. But, on the return home, she realizes something. Readers will know immediately that her stuffed bunny has been left behind but try as she might, (in hilarious gibberish), she cannot get her father to understand her problem. Despite his plea of "please don't get fussy," she gives it her all, bawling and going "boneless." They both arrive home unhappy. Mom immediately sees that "Knuffle Bunny" is missing and so it's back to the Laundromat they go. After several tries, dad finds the toy among the wet laundry and reclaims hero status. Yet, this is not simply a lost-and-found tale. The toddler exuberantly exclaims, "Knuffle Bunny!!!" "And those were the first words Trixie ever said." The concise, deftly told narrative becomes the perfect springboard for the pictures. They, in turn, augment the story's emotional acuity. Printed on olive-green backdrops, the illustrations are a combination of muted, sepia-toned photographs upon which bright cartoon drawings of people have been superimposed. Personalities are artfully created so that both parents and children will recognize themselves within these pages. A seamless and supremely satisfying presentation of art and text.–Martha Topol, Traverse Area District Library, Traverse City, MI Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! (ages 3-6) From School Library JournalPreSchool-Grade 2-A brilliantly simple book that is absolutely true to life, as anyone who interacts with an obdurate three-year-old can attest. The bus driver has to leave for a while, and he makes one request of readers: "Don't let the pigeon drive the bus." It's the height of common sense, but the driver clearly knows this determined pigeon and readers do not-yet. "Hey, can I drive the bus?" asks the bird, at first all sweet reason, and then, having clearly been told no by readers, he begins his ever-escalating, increasingly silly bargaining. "I tell you what: I'll just steer," and "I never get to do anything," then "No fair! I bet your mom would let me." In a wonderfully expressive spread, the pigeon finally loses it, and, feathers flying and eyeballs popping, screams "LET ME DRIVE THE BUS!!!" in huge, scratchy, black-and-yellow capital letters. The driver returns, and the pigeon leaves in a funk-until he spies a huge tractor-trailer, and dares to dream again. Like David Shannon's No, David (Scholastic, 1998), Pigeon is an unflinching and hilarious look at a child's potential for mischief. In a plain palette, with childishly elemental line drawings, Willems has captured the essence of unreasonableness in the very young. The genius of this book is that the very young will actually recognize themselves in it.Dona Ratterree, New York City Public SchoolsCopyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
The Pigeon Has Feelings, Too! And The Pigeon Likes Things that Go! (ages 3-6) From School Library JournalPreS–Everyone's favorite pigeon is back with two titles for the board-book crowd. In Feelings, the Bus Driver tries to get Pigeon to make a happy face. Pigeon, of course, has other ideas. Words such as happy, sad, and angry stand out in bold colors. Things That Go! presents popular modes of transportation such as a bus, a train, an airplane…and a hot dog (A hot dog can ˜GO' right into my belly!) while Pigeon provides colorful commentary. Both books use the same style and color scheme found in the original picture books, with clean bright pages and simple thick-lined illustrations. Pigeon's fans will be excited to see this wacky bird and his friends again.–Julie Roach, Watertown Free Public Library, MA
The Pigeon Finds a Hot Dog! (ages 3-6) From School Library JournalPreSchool-Grade 1-In this second book featuring the star of Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! (Hyperion, 2003), the shoe is on the other foot. Once again, the action starts on the title page, with the pigeon's joyous discovery of a hot dog. However, his initial delight is dampened when a small, wide-eyed duckling appears and asks, in a seemingly innocent manner, "Is that a `hot dog'?" The interloper's younger status is conveyed not just through his tinier size, but also through his dialogue, which is presented in smaller, rounder font. Though the duckling never directly asks for a bite, his incessant questioning-"Would you say that it tastes like chicken?"-infuriates the pigeon. Ultimately, the duckling's subtle approach proves successful, and both birds happily share the treat. Children, especially those with younger siblings, will have come up with this obvious solution long before the pigeon does. Willems's deceptively simple cartoon drawings convincingly portray his protagonist's emotional dilemma, from his initial joy to his frustration and struggle over what he wants to do versus what he knows is right.Robin L. Gibson, formerly at Perry County District Library, New Lexington, OHCopyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
As you have probably guessed, there are more pigeon books, and a sequel to Knuffle Bunny as well. We love these books because they are great read alouds, and the kids love joining in the chorus of “Don’t let the pigeon drive the bus!” so it is an interactive experience!
The Adventures of Max and Pinky: Super Heroes by Maxwell Eaton (ages 4-8) Book DescriptionTHEY BATTLE SNOW MONSTERS, save whales, and stop falling meteors - but Max hogs all the glory while Pinky mostly gets clobbered! Will the super-duo become solo-heroes? What will happen when one of them gets his head stuck in a fence? Who will save the day (and exact a little silly revenge)? All will be revealed in this thrilling tale of capes, friendship, and lemonade!Maxwell Eaton offers a sweetly zany tale that will have both kids and grown-ups laughing out loud and possibly donning a cape.
The Adventures of Max and Pinky: Best Buds by Maxwell Eaton (ages 4-8) From School Library JournalGrade 1–3—Max, a bald, Charlie Brown look-alike, and Pinky, a pig, are best friends, so when Pinky disappears, his pal is worried. However, with a little thinking and common sense, Max figures out just where to find his porcine pal. With minimal bold lines and bright colors, Eaton has created a humorous story of an unusual friendship. Max is fun, creative, and adventurous, while Pinky's one-track mind keeps him focused on consuming as many marshmallows as possible. Children will laugh at the silly conversations and at the funny art. The cartoon pictures offer an explanation of the simple text while the dialogue is a little more advanced. Max and Pinky will delight both readers and listeners.—Delia Carruthers, Sunset Ridge Middle School,
Me and the Pumpkin Queen by Marlane Kennedy (ages 8-12) From Booklist Mildred misses her mother. She died when the 11-year-old was only six. But one thing Mildred remembers about her mother is how she loved Circleville, Ohio's pumpkin festival. So Mildred takes up growing pumpkins, big ones—make that huge ones—all in hopes of winning the pumpkin show weigh-off. "I don't think I'm abnormally obsessive," Mildred says as the book opens, but frankly, anyone reading her story might beg to differ. Told in a first-person narrative, this novel offers a step-by-step, detailed explanation of how to grow giant pumpkins. Fortunately, there is more: Mildred's prickly relationship with her aunt; her satisfying bond with her veterinarian father (a rather graphic description of a calf’s birthing is included); and a little about her friendship with other kids. But, mostly, this is about growing pumpkins. Interestingly, even readers with no particular interest in the topic are likely to be drawn in by Kennedy's straightforward narrative, as solid and unadorned as a pumpkin, yet lovely in its own way. Cooper, Ilene
Go to Bed, Fred by Alison Inches; Lauren Attinello ill. (ages baby-preschool) Book Description As the sun goes down and night falls, in kids' rooms all across the country, the same scene is enacted: settling the children down and reading a story. Combining Alison Inches's crackling language with a new Muppet puppet from Jim Henson Productions, Go to Bed, Fred is a perfect good-night storybook that comes with its own custom-designed Muppet made of blue plush, with white googly eyes and a shock of bright yellow hair, sized to fit an adult's hand—which means that Fred himself can read and act out the story. Suitable for ages 6 months and up.Winner of a National Parenting Publications Honor Award. Illustrations by Lauren Attinello; Puppet by Rollie Krewson
Click, Clack, Moo: Cows that Type by Doreen Cronin; Betsy Lewin ill. (ages 5-8) The literacy rate in Farmer Brown's barn goes up considerably once his cows find an old typewriter and begin typing. To the harassed farmer's dismay, his communicative cows quickly become contentious: Dear Farmer Brown,The barn is very cold at night. We'd like some electric blankets.Sincerely,The Cows When he refuses to comply with their demands, the cows take action. Farmer Brown finds another note on the barn door: "Sorry. We're closed. No milk today." Soon the striking cows and Farmer Brown are forced to reach a mutually agreeable compromise, with the help of an impartial party--the duck. But this poor, beleaguered farmer's "atypical" troubles are not over yet! This hilarious tale will give young rebels-in-the-making a taste of the power of peaceful protest and the satisfaction of cooperative give and take. Witty watercolors by award-winning illustrator Betsy Lewin (Snake Alley Band, Araminta's Paint Box) will make this a favorite for one and all, even if words such as "ultimatum" and "neutral" throw the younger set. (Ages 5 to 8) --Emilie Coulter
Mrs. Wishy Washy* by Joy Cowley (ages baby-preschool) Book DescriptionCow, Pig, and Duck are playing in the mud, when along comes Mrs. Wishy-Washy. "Oh lovely mud," think the three friends. But Mrs. Wishy-Washy says, "Just LOOK at you!" and washes them clean: wishy-washy, wishy-washy.But what do you think happens the moment Mrs. Wishy-Washy turns her back on this mud-loving trio? Better have a scrub brush ready!Children around the world have laughed at the fastidious Mrs. Wishy-Washy as they first discover the joy of reading. A perfect introduction to the delightful storytelling of Joy Cowley.
Tip #12: Ask other grandparents, children's librarians, and classrooom teachers to recommend much loved books to you. Keep books easily accesible in your home, and read to and with your grandchildren often. Give gift cards to book stores, and take the children to the library with you. The more you celebrate books, the more they will want to interact with them, and you!
“Grammy, hi, it’s me, Noah….you know, your grandson?"
“Oh, yes, of course….Noah….. how are you?”
“I’m great, Grammy. Grammy, I have something very exciting to tell you!”
“Oh, good. What is it?”
“Grammy, I can read!!! Want to hear me?”
“Sure”. “ The big red car……is that enough?”
“Do you want to read more?”
“Not right now, but I will later, when I learn more words”.
“Okay. Thanks for sharing your exciting news with me.”
“Bye”. Five seconds later: “Grammy, hi, it’s me, Noah….you know, your grandson?”
“Hi again, Noah. What’s up?”
“You know how I can read now?”
“Yes, you just read to me a few seconds ago”.
“Well, will you still read to me? Even though I can read myself?”
“Of course, if you want me to…..”
“Phew. I was worried for a minute. Thanks, Grammy. Bye”.
This is the actual phone conversation we had, except for the specific words he read. Now that I think about it, it may have been from Mrs. Wishy Washy.* Noah is 9 now, so this happened at least 3 years ago, and it is a moment that sticks (more on “sticky moments” later). Recently Emma entertained a gathering at a friend’s baby shower by reading a book about a gosling aloud to the assemblage. She was so very proud of herself, and graciously accepted their applause. Reading is just such a huge part of our lives, and we try to celebrate the sheer joy of reading by doing it routinely, keeping a steady supply of old favorites in the house, going to the library often, and giving gift certificates to book stores so they can choose their own. Here are some more suggestions, from me and my family and friends. Please feel free to add any of your own favorites under the “comments” section so that we can all benefit.
Several by Mo Willems:
Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Tale (ages 4-8) From School Library JournalStarred Review. PreSchool-Grade 1–Trixie steps lively as she goes on an errand with her daddy, down the block, through the park, past the school, to the Laundromat. For the toddler, loading and putting money into the machine invoke wide-eyed pleasure. But, on the return home, she realizes something. Readers will know immediately that her stuffed bunny has been left behind but try as she might, (in hilarious gibberish), she cannot get her father to understand her problem. Despite his plea of "please don't get fussy," she gives it her all, bawling and going "boneless." They both arrive home unhappy. Mom immediately sees that "Knuffle Bunny" is missing and so it's back to the Laundromat they go. After several tries, dad finds the toy among the wet laundry and reclaims hero status. Yet, this is not simply a lost-and-found tale. The toddler exuberantly exclaims, "Knuffle Bunny!!!" "And those were the first words Trixie ever said." The concise, deftly told narrative becomes the perfect springboard for the pictures. They, in turn, augment the story's emotional acuity. Printed on olive-green backdrops, the illustrations are a combination of muted, sepia-toned photographs upon which bright cartoon drawings of people have been superimposed. Personalities are artfully created so that both parents and children will recognize themselves within these pages. A seamless and supremely satisfying presentation of art and text.–Martha Topol, Traverse Area District Library, Traverse City, MI Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! (ages 3-6) From School Library JournalPreSchool-Grade 2-A brilliantly simple book that is absolutely true to life, as anyone who interacts with an obdurate three-year-old can attest. The bus driver has to leave for a while, and he makes one request of readers: "Don't let the pigeon drive the bus." It's the height of common sense, but the driver clearly knows this determined pigeon and readers do not-yet. "Hey, can I drive the bus?" asks the bird, at first all sweet reason, and then, having clearly been told no by readers, he begins his ever-escalating, increasingly silly bargaining. "I tell you what: I'll just steer," and "I never get to do anything," then "No fair! I bet your mom would let me." In a wonderfully expressive spread, the pigeon finally loses it, and, feathers flying and eyeballs popping, screams "LET ME DRIVE THE BUS!!!" in huge, scratchy, black-and-yellow capital letters. The driver returns, and the pigeon leaves in a funk-until he spies a huge tractor-trailer, and dares to dream again. Like David Shannon's No, David (Scholastic, 1998), Pigeon is an unflinching and hilarious look at a child's potential for mischief. In a plain palette, with childishly elemental line drawings, Willems has captured the essence of unreasonableness in the very young. The genius of this book is that the very young will actually recognize themselves in it.Dona Ratterree, New York City Public SchoolsCopyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
The Pigeon Has Feelings, Too! And The Pigeon Likes Things that Go! (ages 3-6) From School Library JournalPreS–Everyone's favorite pigeon is back with two titles for the board-book crowd. In Feelings, the Bus Driver tries to get Pigeon to make a happy face. Pigeon, of course, has other ideas. Words such as happy, sad, and angry stand out in bold colors. Things That Go! presents popular modes of transportation such as a bus, a train, an airplane…and a hot dog (A hot dog can ˜GO' right into my belly!) while Pigeon provides colorful commentary. Both books use the same style and color scheme found in the original picture books, with clean bright pages and simple thick-lined illustrations. Pigeon's fans will be excited to see this wacky bird and his friends again.–Julie Roach, Watertown Free Public Library, MA
The Pigeon Finds a Hot Dog! (ages 3-6) From School Library JournalPreSchool-Grade 1-In this second book featuring the star of Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! (Hyperion, 2003), the shoe is on the other foot. Once again, the action starts on the title page, with the pigeon's joyous discovery of a hot dog. However, his initial delight is dampened when a small, wide-eyed duckling appears and asks, in a seemingly innocent manner, "Is that a `hot dog'?" The interloper's younger status is conveyed not just through his tinier size, but also through his dialogue, which is presented in smaller, rounder font. Though the duckling never directly asks for a bite, his incessant questioning-"Would you say that it tastes like chicken?"-infuriates the pigeon. Ultimately, the duckling's subtle approach proves successful, and both birds happily share the treat. Children, especially those with younger siblings, will have come up with this obvious solution long before the pigeon does. Willems's deceptively simple cartoon drawings convincingly portray his protagonist's emotional dilemma, from his initial joy to his frustration and struggle over what he wants to do versus what he knows is right.Robin L. Gibson, formerly at Perry County District Library, New Lexington, OHCopyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
As you have probably guessed, there are more pigeon books, and a sequel to Knuffle Bunny as well. We love these books because they are great read alouds, and the kids love joining in the chorus of “Don’t let the pigeon drive the bus!” so it is an interactive experience!
The Adventures of Max and Pinky: Super Heroes by Maxwell Eaton (ages 4-8) Book DescriptionTHEY BATTLE SNOW MONSTERS, save whales, and stop falling meteors - but Max hogs all the glory while Pinky mostly gets clobbered! Will the super-duo become solo-heroes? What will happen when one of them gets his head stuck in a fence? Who will save the day (and exact a little silly revenge)? All will be revealed in this thrilling tale of capes, friendship, and lemonade!Maxwell Eaton offers a sweetly zany tale that will have both kids and grown-ups laughing out loud and possibly donning a cape.
The Adventures of Max and Pinky: Best Buds by Maxwell Eaton (ages 4-8) From School Library JournalGrade 1–3—Max, a bald, Charlie Brown look-alike, and Pinky, a pig, are best friends, so when Pinky disappears, his pal is worried. However, with a little thinking and common sense, Max figures out just where to find his porcine pal. With minimal bold lines and bright colors, Eaton has created a humorous story of an unusual friendship. Max is fun, creative, and adventurous, while Pinky's one-track mind keeps him focused on consuming as many marshmallows as possible. Children will laugh at the silly conversations and at the funny art. The cartoon pictures offer an explanation of the simple text while the dialogue is a little more advanced. Max and Pinky will delight both readers and listeners.—Delia Carruthers, Sunset Ridge Middle School,
Me and the Pumpkin Queen by Marlane Kennedy (ages 8-12) From Booklist Mildred misses her mother. She died when the 11-year-old was only six. But one thing Mildred remembers about her mother is how she loved Circleville, Ohio's pumpkin festival. So Mildred takes up growing pumpkins, big ones—make that huge ones—all in hopes of winning the pumpkin show weigh-off. "I don't think I'm abnormally obsessive," Mildred says as the book opens, but frankly, anyone reading her story might beg to differ. Told in a first-person narrative, this novel offers a step-by-step, detailed explanation of how to grow giant pumpkins. Fortunately, there is more: Mildred's prickly relationship with her aunt; her satisfying bond with her veterinarian father (a rather graphic description of a calf’s birthing is included); and a little about her friendship with other kids. But, mostly, this is about growing pumpkins. Interestingly, even readers with no particular interest in the topic are likely to be drawn in by Kennedy's straightforward narrative, as solid and unadorned as a pumpkin, yet lovely in its own way. Cooper, Ilene
Go to Bed, Fred by Alison Inches; Lauren Attinello ill. (ages baby-preschool) Book Description As the sun goes down and night falls, in kids' rooms all across the country, the same scene is enacted: settling the children down and reading a story. Combining Alison Inches's crackling language with a new Muppet puppet from Jim Henson Productions, Go to Bed, Fred is a perfect good-night storybook that comes with its own custom-designed Muppet made of blue plush, with white googly eyes and a shock of bright yellow hair, sized to fit an adult's hand—which means that Fred himself can read and act out the story. Suitable for ages 6 months and up.Winner of a National Parenting Publications Honor Award. Illustrations by Lauren Attinello; Puppet by Rollie Krewson
Click, Clack, Moo: Cows that Type by Doreen Cronin; Betsy Lewin ill. (ages 5-8) The literacy rate in Farmer Brown's barn goes up considerably once his cows find an old typewriter and begin typing. To the harassed farmer's dismay, his communicative cows quickly become contentious: Dear Farmer Brown,The barn is very cold at night. We'd like some electric blankets.Sincerely,The Cows When he refuses to comply with their demands, the cows take action. Farmer Brown finds another note on the barn door: "Sorry. We're closed. No milk today." Soon the striking cows and Farmer Brown are forced to reach a mutually agreeable compromise, with the help of an impartial party--the duck. But this poor, beleaguered farmer's "atypical" troubles are not over yet! This hilarious tale will give young rebels-in-the-making a taste of the power of peaceful protest and the satisfaction of cooperative give and take. Witty watercolors by award-winning illustrator Betsy Lewin (Snake Alley Band, Araminta's Paint Box) will make this a favorite for one and all, even if words such as "ultimatum" and "neutral" throw the younger set. (Ages 5 to 8) --Emilie Coulter
Mrs. Wishy Washy* by Joy Cowley (ages baby-preschool) Book DescriptionCow, Pig, and Duck are playing in the mud, when along comes Mrs. Wishy-Washy. "Oh lovely mud," think the three friends. But Mrs. Wishy-Washy says, "Just LOOK at you!" and washes them clean: wishy-washy, wishy-washy.But what do you think happens the moment Mrs. Wishy-Washy turns her back on this mud-loving trio? Better have a scrub brush ready!Children around the world have laughed at the fastidious Mrs. Wishy-Washy as they first discover the joy of reading. A perfect introduction to the delightful storytelling of Joy Cowley.
Tip #12: Ask other grandparents, children's librarians, and classrooom teachers to recommend much loved books to you. Keep books easily accesible in your home, and read to and with your grandchildren often. Give gift cards to book stores, and take the children to the library with you. The more you celebrate books, the more they will want to interact with them, and you!
1 comment:
Also check out "Duck for President" by Doreen Cronin--a very timely book right now as the adults are following the election coverage. We love "Robots Everywhere" by Dennis Hebson, which has fantastic illustrations and a short snazzy rhyming story easy for toddlers to pick up. We also read "The Tin Forest" by Helen Ward and "The First Forest" by John Gile a lot--each one has a neat story and, again, great illustrations.
--Abbey--
Post a Comment