|
While attending a
workshop on early literacy for preschoolers, I was reminded how
important it is for parents to share with their children books they
loved as a child. It helps to reinforce that reading is fun.
Talking about a favorite book can become a positive family activity.
“Wow! I just finished the most incredible book!”
Frequently at work, I am asked for book recommendations so I thought
I would take this opportunity to share some of my favorite books,
both old and new titles, with you.
One of my
qualifications for a good picture book is that it works well in story
time. The following books have stood the test of time over and over
again. The lure of Tiki Tiki Tembo, retold by Arlene Mosel
and illustrated by Blair Lent, is saying that great long name: Tiki
Tiki Tembo-no sa rembo-chari bar ruchi-pip peri pembo. When Tiki
Tiki Tembo falls into a well his great long name almost costs him his
life. Lent’s colorful illustrations bring this cautionary tale
to life. Alistair in Outer Space, written by Marilyn Sadler
and illustrated by Roger Bollen, is perfect when discussing the
importance of returning your library books on time. Alistair is
kidnapped by the Goots from the planet Gootula while walking to the
public library. Lost in outer space, will Alistair get his library
books back on time? For the very young, Silly Sally by Audrey
Wood begins with, “Silly Sally went to town, walking backwards,
upside down.” This simple, rhyming story will engage young
listeners.
For those just
beginning to read on their own, Cowgirl Kate and Cocoa by
Erica Silverman, with illustrations by Betsy Lewin will quickly
become a favorite. Kate’s best friend is her horse Cocoa. The
inseparable friends enjoy several adventures that take place in four
short chapters. Lewin’s characters, with their great facial
expressions, make this series a real winner. Being the new kid at
school is often a topic in children’s books. Stuart’s
Cape by Sara Pennypacker; illustrated by Martin Matje is
all about being the new kid in school. Third-grader Stuart is
worried about starting a new school. To quell his fears he makes a
magical cape using one hundred of his uncle’s old ties.
Matje’s pen and ink illustrations are wonderful and add just
enough detail for children making the transition from picture book to
chapter book. Being Teddy Roosevelt by Claudia Mills is
another delightful chapter book. Fourth grader Riley O’Rourke
longs to play the saxophone in the school band. Unfortunately, his
mother can’t afford one. While researching Teddy Roosevelt for
a school project in which students must get into character for a
special biography tea, Riley uses Roosevelt’s can-do spirit to
help him solve his dilemma. The plot moves smoothly to a satisfying
conclusion.
In the following three
stories, boys take the lead. My Side of the Mountain by Jean
Craighead George never falls out of favor and is the perfect survival
story. Told in diary format, this inspiring story is of young Sam
Gribbley, who runs away to live in a tree and who must use all his
resources to survive. Castle in the Attic by Elizabeth
Winthrop is a good introduction to fantasy. Written in1985, it tells
the story of William who has inherited a toy castle from his nanny.
When toy knight comes to life Sir Simon requests William’s help
save his kingdom. It is William’s skill as a gymnast that
saves the day, not some magical spell. The fantasy is gentle and not
too scary. Lenny’s Space by Kate Banks is a recent
publication and addresses the difficulty of being different. Lenny’s
inability to stay on task often has him sent to the principal’s
office. He’s lonely and has no friends. Then two things
happen that change his life for the better: he meets Van, who becomes
his first friend and kindred spirit, and he begins visiting Muriel,
the school counselor. Just as things seem to improve Van dies (he
has leukemia) but his friend’s death allows Lenny to express
more clearly his needs to his often preoccupied mother. This is a
moving story about friendship that will remain with you for some
time.
I encourage middle
schoolers to read the following three books which I like for
different reasons. First published in 2004 and translated from the
French, The Shadows of Ghadames by Joelle Stolz is set in
Lybia at the end of the nineteenth century. In an act of bravery,
eleven-year-old Malika’s mother disrupts the social order and
allows an injured male stranger into their home. Malika learns to
read and begins questioning the repressive atmosphere for women. The
Thief by Megan Whalen Turner appeared in 1996. Readers were
amazed at Turner’s ability to create a fully imagined country,
complete with folktales and customs. The story is absorbing, filled
with intrigue, adventure and surprise. One Whole and Perfect Day
by Judith Clarke Lily feels like the adult in her family. When she
learns that her grandmother is planning a family party, she hopes
that just this once she can have a perfect day of happiness. This
multi-threaded story, set in Australia, is perfectly executed to a
satisfying conclusion.
Find these stories a
more at you local public library.
Louise Capizzo (Mrs. C)
works as a children’s librarian in a public library in Maine.
|
