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School is starting and fall sports are gearing up. This month’s books offer a potpourri of topics for different ages. There is a fantastic new lift-the-flap book for the youngest readers, and a historical novel that transports preteens into the court of Louis XIV in Versailles. For ages 2-6 The Little Red Hen Adapted by John Escott; illustrated by Annie West (McGraw Hill, hardcover, 32 pages, $15.95) The familiar story of the hard-working little red hen is given a charming retelling, mostly thanks to the wonderful illustrations by Annie West. Done in bright watercolors and ink, they are marvelously detailed and full of personality. The story’s lesson about the rewards of hard work is always useful. Doors By Roxie Munro (Chronicle Books, hardback, 24 pages, $15.95) This wonderfully innovative book opens a door almost literally on a world full of experiences for children. It is filled with more than 50 flaps that open onto everyday places like refrigerators, as well as more exotic locales, like a space station or the backstage of a theater. The clever text and bright pictures by Roxie Munro include a search-and-find game. For ages 4-8 Rosa’s Room Written by Barbara Bottner; illustrated by Beth Spiegel (Peachtree Publishers; hardcover, 32 pages, $15.95) Rosa and her mother have moved to a new house, and Rosa sets about making her room feel like her own. She unpacks her crayons and the treasure box that her father had made. She puts up a poster and gets a new bedspread. Yet still the room seems empty and she has dreams at night of decorating it. Then one day, she looks out the window and sees a little girl flying a kite in the park. And she realizes what would make her room just right a friend to share it. This simple story shows young readers that even big changes like moving can present exciting opportunities. The watercolor and gouache illustrations are sweet and sensitive. Lettice, The Flying Rabbit By Mandy Stanley (Simon & Schuster; hardcover, 26 pages, $14.95) Lettice Rabbit longs to fly, but realizes that she is indelibly earthbound. One day she spies a pink airplane buzzing around in the sky. She jumps up and follows it until it lands. She sees that the seat is just the right size for a tiny rabbit and in she goes. The plane takes off, and Lettice with it. A young girl shows the rabbit the special control box that makes the plane fly, and when Lettice goes back home, she is the envy of all her brothers and sisters. Lettice realizes that dreams sometimes do come true. Mandy Stanley’s second installment of Lettice Rabbit is charming, as are the watercolor illustrations. Harry and the Dinosaurs Say ‘Raahh!’ Written by Ian Whybrow; illustrated by Adrian Reynolds (Random House, hardcover, 32 pages, $14.95) Harry has an appointment with the dentist and he is a bit nervous. Will there be drills? He takes along his bucket of beloved dinosaurs for protection and reassurance. Especially from Tyrannosaurus, who has quite a few teeth. A continuation of Ian Whybrow’s first book about these characters, “Harry and the Bucketful of Dinosaurs,” this book is gently humorous. The illustrations are nicely observed. About Amphibians: A Guide for Children Written by Cathryn Sill; illustrated by John Sill (Peachtree Publishers, paperback, 48 pages, $7.95) Author-teacher Cathryn Sill has written an easy-to-read guide introducing amphibians to young children. The text stresses basic characteristics all amphibians share, as well as those that make them different. The illustrations by John Sill are incredibly detailed and help bring the animals to life. This is a continuation in a series of wildlife books by the husband-and-wife team. The Day the Trash Came Out to Play Written by David M. Beadle; illustrated by Laurie A. Faust (Ezra’s Earth Publishing; hardcover, 32 pages, $16.95) The town of Sutton Nash was always a clean and tidy place until one day when someone’s careless littering brings the rest of the trash out to play. This rhyming, whimsical tale, in which the townspeople rein in the trash and bring back the beauty of the neighborhood, teaches children to respect the environment and keep it clean for everyone. For ages 9-12 The Orange Trees of Versailles By Annie Pietri (Knopf Delacorte Dell; hardcover, 144 pages, $15.95) A 14-year-old servant girl, Marion, has the rare gift of the “nose,” the ability to recognize and blend scents into perfumes. This was a highly sought-after skill in 17th century France, and Madame La Marquise, the mistress of Louis XIV, is quick to employ her services. Here Marion realizes that the palace of Versailles is teeming with intrigue and deceit. This historical novel, with its plucky heroine and suspenseful plot, will appeal to young readers, particularly those with an interest in European history. BEST READ ‘The Eagle’ lands This quaint story is fuel for emerging readers. Across two nights, I read “The Eagle,” a story about a cat, a dog, three mice and an eagle. My 6-year-old twins, emerging readers, followed closely the story of Lila, Whistler, the rest of the menagerie, along with the lighthouse and the forest. What makes this book work is that it hits the mark for the 6-10-year-old age group. For the youngest, the story is compelling and the words perfectly formed. For the young reader, the story is all of the above as well as a “smart” read, as I like to say. Young readers will grow with this reading experience. By the time the eagle reveals his real name, well, you just can’t put it down. And then, onward to the safety of family. “The lighthouse!” cries Lila. “Home!” “The Eagle,” by Newbery Medal-winner Cynthia Rylan. Illustrated by Preston McDaniels. Simon & Schuster, hardcover, 62 pages, $14.95. |
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