Category Books

Book Thoughts: The Yellow Star (Deedy)

Type: picture bookAges: 5-10Author: Carmen Agra DeedyIllustrator: Henri Sørensen The author’s note in the back describes why this is more of a legend than history (or historical fiction), and which parts were actually true in Denmark’s history. She leaves an…

Book Thoughts: Sergeant Billy (Messier)

Type: biographical picture bookAges: 4-8Author: Mireille MessierIllustrator: Kass Reich For a book about a war, this was a pretty gentle story. Some difficulties were mentioned, such as the cold and difficult living situations in Europe, but briefly. And the closest…

Book Thoughts: Emil and the Detectives (Kästner)

Type: chapter bookAges: 8-12Author: Erich KästnerIllustrator: Walter Trier As Maurice Sendak says of this book, “Here is the essence of boyhood, with all its endearing human quirkiness.” The story is a memorable adventure as Emil and the city boys immediately…

Book Thoughts: The Cable Car and the Dragon (Caen)

Type: longer picture bookAges: 4-8Author: Herb CaenIllustrator: Barbara Ninde Byfield This is an odd and quirky book but memorable! If your kids know San Francisco, they’ll understand the descriptions of all the hills. And what child doesn’t like to go…

Book Thoughts: Little Polar Bear (de Beer)

Type: picture bookAges: 2-7Author: Hans de Beer This is really an all-around lovely book. Lars, the young polar bear, makes friends with different animals who help him find his way back to his parents. A great, safe choice for your…

Book Thoughts: Radio Rescue (Barasch)

Type: biographical picture bookAges: 5-10Author: Lynne Barasch Any language lovers out there? This book would definitely be a hit with children who love codes, secret languages, etc. And it’s really neat that it’s a true story!

Book Thoughts: Legends & Leagues: South (Bustard)

This review covers two different books! First up, the storybook: Type: illustrated chapter bookAges: 7-10Author: Ned BustardIllustrators: Ned Bustard, Matthew Clark The idea for the book is good and clever. Peter Pan appears in the office of Mr. Latitude and…

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