Book Thoughts: Apple Tree Christmas (Noble)
Type: picture bookAges: 3-10Author: Trinka Hakes Noble The final scene always pulls on my heartstrings! What a sweet, sweet book.
keenlykept
Book Thoughts: The Mother’s Day Mice (Bunting)
Type: picture bookAges: 3-6Author: Eve BuntingIllustrator: Jan Brett This was probably the first Mother’s Day book I’ve ever read. It was very sweet, although I was sad there wasn’t a daddy mouse. 😉 I especially liked how the siblings acted…
Book Thoughts: The Story of Holly & Ivy (Godden)
Type: long picture bookAges: 6-10Author: Rumer GoddenIllustrator: Barbara Cooney Porter (of the 1985 version) *Because this is a secular book, its message is that Ivy no longer feels empty inside after having her wishes come to pass. However, you might…
Book Thoughts: The Wee Christmas Cabin (Hodges)
Type: picture bookAges: 4-7Author: Margaret HodgesIllustrator: Kimberly Bulcken Root *Example: departing words “God and Mary go with you” were said. This is the main religion in Ireland. It may be the cultural differences (or something else), but this didn’t rate…
Book Thoughts: Who Was J.R.R. Tolkien? (Pollack)
Type: chapter bookAges: 6+Authors: Pam Pollack, Meg BelvisoIllustrator: Jonathan Moore It is written very matter-of-factly, but it is readable and interesting. His history is occasionally interrupted by neat side bars of information–for example, some details about C.S. Lewis (his friend)…
Book Thoughts: We’re Going on a Bear Hunt (Rosen)
Type: picture bookAges: 3-6Author: Michael RosenIllustrator: Helen Oxenbury Be sure to exaggerate the onomatopoeias! Or even act it out with your kids as you read it. 🙂 The story is great, but the illustrations seal the deal. This book’s a…
Book Thoughts: The Giant Jam Sandwich (Lord)
Type: picture bookAges: 3-7Story and pictures: John Vernon LordVerses: Janet Burroway I’ve always loved reading this one aloud, but I can’t let myself imagine the scenario in real life. Ha! Four million wasps?? No, thank you! But, really, the story…
Book Thoughts: Emmett’s Pig (Stolz)
Type: longer picture bookAges: 6-10Author: Mary StolzIllustrator: Garth Williams This book is just pure, clean fun. Emmett’s bedroom is covered with pigs, his favorite animal, but when will he get to meet, hold and play with a real one? Enjoy!
Book Thoughts: Bobbie the Wonder Dog (Brown)
Type: biographical picture bookAges: 4-8Author: Tricia BrownIllustrator: Cary Porter You may have heard this story before (I know I have, but I don’t remember from where!). All by himself, Bobbie makes his way from Indiana to western Oregon over the…
Book Thoughts: Oliver (Hoff)
Type: picture bookAges: 3-7Author: Syd Hoff Your littles will likely make some giggles with this one. Oliver is a funny elephant sure to charm them. 🙂