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Did you hear the story about..." How many times have we said that in our lifetimes? Well, as wild and enthralling a story as you might have heard, there are few that match the great tales written by children's book authors. In this issue's selections, we have chosen true stories and great myths and tales pulled from a vivid imagination. These books should give your young reader a strong understanding of just how good a great story can be. For ages 4-8 "The Boy on Fairfield Street: How Ted Geisel Grew Up to Become Dr. Seuss " Written by Kathleen Krull; paintings by Steve Johnson and Lou Fancher Random House, hardcover, 44 pages, $16.95 Ted Geisel of Fairfield Street in Springfield, Mass., wasn't the best student in town. Neither was he the best athlete, nor the most popular student. But he harbored a great imagination and a love for doodling, which never abated. That Ted Geisel grew up to become the beloved children's author Dr. Seuss may be common knowledge, but this astute portrait of his childhood and youth is not. It may be encouraging for some children to read about a boy who didn't always fit in, but was always true to himself and his talent. The illustrations are sweet and evocative. "Saturdays and Teacakes" Written by Lester L. Laminack; illustrated by Chris Soentpiet Peachtree Publishers, hardcover, 32 pages, $16.95 In a kinder era, not so long ago, a young boy rides his bicycle to his grandmother's house every Saturday morning. She sits waiting for him on the porch, and after a sweet snack of biscuits and syrup, the grandson mows the lawn while Mammaw, as he calls her, works her vegetable garden. Afterwards, together they bake teacakes, the best part of the day. In this lovely tale by Lester Laminack - written about his own grandmother and childhood days in Alabama - the text slows down to match the unhurried pace of life. The watercolor paintings are warm and full of delightful details. For ages 5-9 "The Story of Noah and the Ark" Paintings by Gennady Spirin Henry Holt and Co., hardcover, 32 pages, $18.95 The biblical tale of Noah and the ark is stunningly illustrated by Russian native Gennady Spirin in this beautiful edition. His paintings, done in tempera, watercolor and pencil, are stunning in their detail and almost classical in their beauty. This is a book to savor with your children, and they won't tire of looking at page after page of noble animals and the mighty ark. For ages 9-12 "A Is for Abigail: An Almanac of Amazing American Women " Written by Lynne Cheney; illustrated by Robin Preiss Glasser Simon & Schuster, hardcover, 40 pages, $16.95 In her second book, Lynne Cheney, the vice president's wife, sets out to bring great American women into the spotlight for a generation of children who may never had heard of Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Zora Neale Hurston or Abigail Adams. Every page of this primer is filled with interesting women of the past and present. The illustrations by Robin Preiss Glasser, a Newport Beach resident, are done in black ink, watercolor and colored pencil. "American Moments: Scenes From American History" Written by Robert Burleigh; illustrated by Bruce Strachan (Henry Holt and Co., hardcover, 42 pages, $18.95) In this refreshing and inventive little book, selected episodes from America's past are delightfully brought to life. Events such as Washington crossing the Delaware, Lewis and Clark reaching the Pacific, and Rosa Parks starting a bus boycott are told with immediacy and humor. The illustrations are terrific; sculptor and photographer Bruce Strachan created clay figures of the historical characters, then painted them in oils. The background scenery was painted on wood panels. "Island of the Minotaur: Greek Myths of Ancient Crete" By Sheldon Oberman; illustrated by Blair Drawson Crocodile Books, hardcover, 104 pages, $19.95 This beautifully illustrated book weaves together the myths of the mysterious Minoans of Crete, whose tales were rescued by the Greeks and became an essential part of their own mythology. There's the tale of the Minotaur roaring in its labyrinth, Icarus flying toward the sun, and Theseus struggling with the deadly witch Medea. The tales are lively and will be sure to fascinate children. "Sailors, Whalers, Fantastic Sea Voyages: An Activity to North American Sailing Life" Written by Valerie Petrillo Chicago Review Press, paperback, 224 pages, $14.95 In this lively historical book, children can learn about sea captains and pirates and whalers, and their fascinating life on the high seas. In addition to historical tales, the book is filled with sea-related activities, such as making a sea chest and a shadow box ship, or learning to dance the hornpipe. "The Tale of Tales" Written by Tony Mitton, illustrated by Peter Bailey Random House, hardcover, 112 pages, $15.95 As Monkey and Elephant make their way to Volcano Valley, they are joined by travelers who are anxious to hear the Tale of Tales, a collection of 9 legends. Some are told in poetic couplets and others in Aesop-style prose. All are reminders of the timeless appeal of fables. And all are accompanied by striking black-and-white drawings. For ages 11 and older "Traveling the Lewis and Clark Trail " Written by Julie Fanselow (Falcon Publishing, paperback, 336 pages, $15.95) "Fodor's The Lewis and Clark Trail " (Fodor's Travel Publications, paperback, 300 pages, $17.95) These 2 books are a perfect education for youngsters and their families who might be willing to follow the trail of Lewis and Clark - or part of the trail, anyway. Both contain plenty of maps and photographs, and they break the expedition down into manageable segments. Seen 200 years after the original expedition, embarking on even part of this journey will create lasting memories. |
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