My summer book reading was absolutely wonderful.
Not only were the books terrific, the collection was broad,
from picture books to chapter reading,
to books for much older children (and adults.)
Can I pick a favorite? Absolutely not.
Sea Dog, by Astrid Sheckles
I am a huge fan of her Hector Fox series of picture books, and this new book is just as wonderful. Sea Dog's main character, Walter, is from a long family line of seafaring dogs, yet he is not seaworthy. His real talent is is in baking his aunt's recipes. When Walter discovers a new recipe and brings it to town, the sea cake is a flop and he tosses it into the sea. And so the adventure begins, deep under the sea, with Big Boris, a sea dragon, merpups, and the King. The illustrations are as good as the text.
Amanda in France, Fire in the Cathedral
by Darlene Foster
I treasure the Amanda series because within the pages, there is adventure, geography, and history, not to mention characters that bring into the story everything from conflict to giving. I was especially interested in this Amanda book, as I learned far more about Notre Dame Cathedral's devastating fire. I couldn't put this book down.
Pax, by Sara Pennypacker
Pax is a fox, and his trusted boy is Peter. Each chapter alternates between being told by Pax and by Peter. Peter had raised Pax, and now he must take him back to the woods as his dad is leaving to go to war. What Pax and Peter go through to find each other will leave you cheering and praying. My favorite character is Vola who finds Peter with a broken leg. She is bold, and their relationship helps Peter to heal the wounds of sorrow. By the time I got to page 227 and read Vola's words as Peter left, "Boy, I'm going to leave the porch door open", I cried.
How Do Dinosaurs Learn to Read?
by Jane Yolen
The 'How Do Dinosaurs' series is outstanding. Each book has dinosaurs in conflict and doing the wrong thing - all in rhyming verse - and then doing what is right. The illustrations are superb, depicting most dinosaurs. Every child likes dinosaurs, rhyming words, and good and bad behavior. Each year I donate a dinosaur book and stuffed dinosaur to many raffles. Yes, it's that good.
This is a Story, by John Schu
From a word, to a word on a page, to a page in a book, to a book on a shelf, to a library - each page depicts the simple evolution of words to libraries. Then there is more - humans needing help, connecting books to readers, some with questions, ideas, imaginations, and hearts. It is the library. The words are sparse, spread out on the beautiful and plentiful illustrations. Thank goodness.
Cress Watercress, by Gregory Maguire
Cress is a rabbit with a baby brother and a mother. They have to leave their home and find another place to live after their dad doesn't return one night. The family is strong, yet Cress has much to learn in her life. They move into a tree with a diverse group of tenants, including the landlord and superintendent. This is a whole new life for Cress. The book has plots and sub plots, with so many different characters. I have to say the book is 'Life-101'. It has everything - adventure, love, worry, anger, fear, understanding, and giving - and is beautifully written.
A Kitten in Gooseberry Park,
by Cynthia Rylant
The Gooseberry Park books are very popular. I loved the first book in the series (which I will read aloud at the public library), and this book is delightful. The characters have their own personalities, from the dog, to the bat, to the squirrel, to the wise hermit crab. In this book, Murray the bat finds a lost kitten, which happens to be a bobcat, and the gang needs to find a way to get the kitten back to his home.
These books were a wonderful read, and I highly recommend them. Remember, the best children's books really aren't just for children.
Jennie
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