EVERYTHING
FOR YOUR FAMILY
Books
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For all young ones who become wonderful readers, it begins with a book
and a parent. What better way to open the new year than to present some
extraordinary books that have just the right words to open the young
mind? Word books may be defined as the perfect complement of the story
and the phrases coming together. These make the stories flow, because
all mom or dad has to do is add the right inflection, a dash of drama
and a bit of love. Enjoy the read. Word books Titles that open the envelope to reading [For ages 2-5] Hug Time Written and illustrated by Patrick McDonnell (Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, hardcover, 44 pages, $14.99) We’re not sure this will make the rounds of local public schools, some of which are going through strict rules against hugging. But that doesn’t make it bad, as this book shows. Because this is about a little kitten who just wants to hug the world, he’s got so much love. Can’t you just feel it? You should see his Hug To-Do List; it goes on for blocks and blocks. That meant that, when it came time, Mooch, Noodles and Earl got hugs. As did the gray squirrel. [For ages 2-5] Llama Llama Mad at Mama By Anna Dewdney (Viking Children’s Books, softcover, 40 pages, $15.99) This story about a baby llama, named Llama Llama, is told in lilting rhyme and drawn in soft colors. But, for all the gentleness, it is a story that will be real to toddlers and parents, too. It is Saturday, time to go shopping, but guess who wants to play? Readers will be able to relate to this particular day of shopping, and the story is brought down to a little person’s height, so he or she will relate, as well. At the end of the day, guess who loves whom? [For ages 3-6] Yes We Can! Written by Sam McBratney, illustrated by Charles Fuge (HarperCollins Publishers, hardcover, 32 pages, $16.99) This new book has the feel of “Winnie the Pooh,” and that’s not at all bad. For this is a story about friendship in the woods, a familiar tale that never seems to grow old. Little Roo and his friends, Country Mouse and Quacker Duck, decide to do more than chase leaves. In fact, they collect them. Author Sam McBratney has fashioned an idyllic story, and illustrator Charles Fuge has done an exceptional job of bringing the words to illustrative life. You will smile at the antics of the day, and your young one just might say, “Yes I can!” [For ages 3-5] Coco Counts: A Little Chick’s First Book of Numbers Written by Sloane Tanen, photographed by Stefan Hagen (Bloomsbury U.S.A. Children’s Books, hardcover, 24 pages, $6.95) Counting books remain the rage, and this one is no exception. From 1-10, a young child will probably remain interested as the numbers cross the page in this simple story that asks simple questions, such as: “Should 4 knit a sweater?” The photography is just enough to carry the day. Or, at least a few minutes. [For ages 2-5] Go to Sleep, Russell the Sheep Written and illustrated by Rob Scotton (HarperCollins Children’s Books, hardcover, 16 pages, $9.99) This is a delightful, if very quick, book about the sheep who couldn’t go to sleep. You can feel his wool on the cover and find a surprise at the end, when he really does find a way to doze off. The author and illustrator Rob Scotton turns the habit we humans have of counting sheep to fall asleep into a story that asks, “What’s a sheep to do?” Your youngster may want to have this book read to her, as well as learn about counting sheep. The lesson is found within these pages. But hurry, before your youngster falls asleep! [For ages 5-8] C Is for Caboose: Riding the Rails from A to Z (Chronicle Books, hardcover, 32 pages, $14.95) Part history, part illustration, part photography and a whole lot of fun, this alphabet book is a more mature story than the usual A-Z, beginning with, of course, “All Aboard!” A mixture of the letters and explanations makes this a model choice for those youngsters who, like millions of others, find a fascination in things that move. Especially trains. And here’s a clever idea: The book jacket offers a knowledge quiz at the end. [For ages 6-10] I Love My Mommy (Cartwheel Books, hardcover, 86 pages, $7.99) This compilation is really 3 books in one – “Mother, May I?” “The Most Thankful Thing” and “Clifford’s Happy Mother’s Day.” In each instance, mommy is the real thing. She is giving: “Mother, may I go outside?” and wise: “In your whole long, long, long life, what are you the very most thankful for?” and loving: “Because he was so small, his mother took special care of him.” This is a book that will prompt the little one to hug his mommy. It is also a very well thought-out product, one that you’ll find yourself reaching for time and again. That’s Not How You Play Soccer, Daddy! Written by Sherry Shahan, illustrated by Tatjana Mai-Wyss (Peachtree, hardcover, 36 pages, $15.95) For anyone who has ever done an AYSO season, there are pieces of memory on each page. The story moves from playing field to sideline – a wonderful illustration of cheering parents ought to elicit a smile – and the action never lets up. Just when it seems as though everything is moving toward the big game, daddy gets involved in an impromptu practice. And, between the antics, he proves to be a wise man: “Just have fun, son,” he advises. [For ages 5-10] You Can Do It, Sam Written by Amy Hest, illustrated by Anita Jeram (Candlewick Press, hardcover, 32 pages, $5) In this wintry story, Mrs. Bear and Sam are baking cakes in their cozy home. The flavorful treats are for their friends on Plum Street. While this is a feel-good story about giving, it also is a subtle tale about growing up. For Sam, so used to having mama help him with everything, is in charge of getting out of the truck alone, and trudging through the snow on yet another delivery. The story is as warm and simple as the night is cold. The illustrations by Anita Jeram are particularly effective. NEXT MONTH: Pets & Animals |
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