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"Hooray, school's out," the kids all cheer. Moms and dads may breathe a sigh of relief as well. They, too, have a break from the school routine. However, frantic couples often wonder about filling up those summer hours with at least a few activities to nourish young readers. Here is a sampling of books - some new, some reissues of old favorites. All have something to offer youngsters, in between trips to the beach and long days of play. For ages 3-8 The Arnold Lobel Book of Mother Goose Illustrated by Arnold Lobel (Alfred A. Knopf, 176 pages, hardcover, $19.95) Caldecott-winning illustrator Arnold Lobel had a humorous, slightly dark take on life, making him the perfect person to illustrate this unabridged volume of 306 Mother Goose nursery rhymes, from Humpty Dumpty to Cock Robin. His drawings, full of expression, capture a warm scene in "Christmas Is Coming," while the illustration for "Hey Diddle Diddle" is more than a little unnerving, with an unnaturally huge cow jumping over the moon. Kids will love the classic rhymes, as well as the full-of-life pictures. Andrew's Bright Blue T-Shirt Written by Jessica Wollman; illustrated by Ana Lopez Escriva (Doubleday, 32 pages, hardcover, $14.95) Andrew can't wait for the day when he will play soccer with his big brother and the other big kids. So when his brother grows out of his blue shirt with the soccer ball on it, Andrew wears it every day. In fact, he wears it so much, people begin to wonder when he will ever take it off. But all he cares to wear is that soccer shirt, dreaming of the day when he will be able to play. This charming book, with fanciful illustrations by Ana Lopez Escriva, perfectly captures the longing of a little sibling to be accepted by an older one, and the happiness of the day when that finally happens. The Moonflower Written and Illustrated by Peter and Jean Loewer (Peachtree Publishers, 28 pages, hardcover, $15.95) Ever wonder what happens out in the back yard after you go sleep? Children certainly always wonder about the hidden, and this book beautifully explores what happens when the sun sets and the moon comes out. Because that is when the white moonflower opens and greets the bats, owls and hawkmoths. The paintings by Jean Loewer are wonderful, and the text by her husband, Peter, is filled with information about the various creatures in the book. Clarence the Copy Cat Written by Patricia Lakin; illustrated by John Manders (Doubleday, 32 pages, hardcover, $15.95) Clarence is a peaceful, loving cat. But he is most definitely not a mouser. He has been kicked out of his previous home in a sandwich shop for not doing his part as a mouse terminator. Just when he has given up hope of finding a home, the town librarian takes him in to live in the library. It's the perfect place for Clarence, until an annoying mouse shows up. The librarian, naturally, wants Clarence to kill the mouse, but is history doomed to repeat itself? Children will love this tale of the peace-loving cat. The illustrations by John Manders are terrific - fanciful and funny. And the message of being true to yourself, while subtle, is nonetheless valuable. Bear Wants More Written by Karma Wilson; illustrated by Jane Chapman (Simon & Schuster, 32 pages, hardcover, $16.95) When Bear wakes up from his winter nap, he is hungry. I mean, really hungry. NO matter what he eats or how much, he always wants more. The way his friends try to satisfy his enormous appetite is hilarious. And maybe Bear learns that there can be too much of a good thing. The illustrations by Jane Chapman, done in acrylic, are wonderful. She has created a lovable character in Bear. The rhyming text is great fun for kids. Frederick and his Friends Written and illustrated by Leo Lionni (Alfred A. Knopf, 128 pages, hardcover, $24.95) Prolific and award-winning, Leo Lionni is one of the most beloved of American illustrators, the creator of Frederick the mouse, Swimmy the fish and other characters. Knopf has produced a collection of four Lionni stories in one treasury volume. Included is a CD with a narration of the text. Lionni's art is rightfully beloved. It is full of the color, character and humor that kids love. This volume, with the CD included, would be a great way for a budding reader to feel independent while enjoying some great stories. For ages 6-10 Ellen's Lion Written by Crockett Johnson (Alfred A. Knopf, 64 pages, hardcover, $12.95) Originally published in 1959 and out of print for nearly 20 years, Knopf has reissued this charming collection of short stories from Crockett Johnson, the creator of the classic "Harold and the Purple Crayon." These stories find a young girl named Ellen and the conversations she has with her floppy, stuffed lion. Together Ellen and her lion explore her fear of the dark, being sad, singing and becoming a fairy princess. The illustrations, all in shades of orange, gray and brown, capture the whimsy of the stories. For ages 8-12 The Random House Book of Shakespeare Stories Retold by Andrew Matthews, illustrated by Angela Barrett (Random House, 128 pages, hardcover, $20.95) Andrew Matthews' volume, originally published in Great Britain two years ago, does a splendid job of retelling in prose eight great Shakespearean plays, including "Hamlet," "Romeo and Juliet" and "A Midsummer Night's Dream." The illustrations by Angela Barrett are a lovely accompaniment. While some purists may argue that a "retelling" such as this dilutes the original work, Matthews takes great care to include all the details and characters, as well as some of the beautiful original dialogue where needed. And while it's hard to envision many modern families sitting down around the living room hearth to read aloud Shakespeare's original plays, it is easy to imagine parents reaching for this volume. Hopefully, it will whet the appetites of youngsters to go back to the original source when they are old enough. |
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