Category Books

Book Thoughts: Snow Treasure (McSwigan)

Snow Treasure (McSwigan) | keenlykept@gmail.com

Type: chapter bookAges: 9+Author: Marie McSwiganIllustrator: André LaBlanc This is one of my favorite WWII historical fiction stories for the intended age group. Its unique and adventurous storyline keeps the pages turning. The Norwegians are “liberty-loving people who think freedom…

Book Thoughts: Behind the Attic Wall (Cassedy)

Behind the Attic Wall (Cassedy) | keenlykept.com

Type: chapter bookAges: 10+Author: Sylvia Cassedy There comes a point (with me, personally) when examples of rotten behavior go on too long. Enough is enough already. Somebody love this poor 12-year-old! There’s legitimate reason for her defiant behavior, but as…

Book Thoughts: A Knot is Not a Tangle (Nayeri)

A Knot is Not a Tangle (Nayeri) | keenlykept.com

Type: picture bookAges: 4-8Author: Daniel NayeriIllustrator: Vesper Stamper One element of a well-written children’s story is its ability to powerfully communicate with so few words. We of non-Iranian backgrounds are sweetly welcomed into a tradition over 2,500 years old as…

Book Thoughts: The Call of the Wild (London)

The Call of the Wild (London) | keenlykept.com

Type: chapter bookAges: 12-18Author: Jack London If any one author could describe the rough wildness of nature, it is Jack London. Until recently, it had been many years since I last read this, and though it has a better ending…

Book Thoughts: Johnny Appleseed (Lindbergh)

Johnny Appleseed (Lindbergh) | keenlykept.com

Type: picture bookAges: 4-10Author: Reeve LindberghIllustrator: Kathy Jakobsen * Swedenborg held some concerning theological beliefs, so parents might want to avoid that paragraph in the after notes (or be ready to discuss). This poem is a delight to read aloud!…

Book Thoughts: Seed by Seed (Codell)

Seed by Seed: The Legend and Legacy of John "Appleseed" Chapman (Codell) | keenlykept.com

Type: biographical picture bookAges: 4-8Author: Esmé Raji CodellIllustrator: Lynne Rae Perkins * Not many picture books touch on this element, but Codell points out that Chapman claimed “spirits and angels” spoke to him, that he would gather friends for a…

Book Thoughts: The True Tale of Johnny Appleseed (Hodges)

The True Tale of Johnny Appleseed (Hodges) | keenlykept.com

Type: longer biographical picture bookAges: 5-10Author: Margaret HodgesIllustrator: Kimberly Bulcken Root Hodges makes such excellent word choices in her books! Her descriptions are unique yet understandable to little ears. “Every spring the blossoms were like white clouds.” The text throughout…

Book Thoughts: Johnny Appleseed (Kellogg)

Johnny Appleseed (Kellogg) | keenlykept.com

Type: biographical picture bookAges: 4-8Author: Steven Kellogg What’s myth and what’s real? Kellogg has done a good job here in recounting facts about John’s life while also humorously showing how myths grew out of those facts.  If you and your…

Book Thoughts: Robin Hood, Stepping Stones (Ingle)

Robin Hood, Stepping Stones (Ingle) | keenlykept.com

Type: bridge book (short chapter book)Ages: 7-11Original author: Howard PyleAdapted by: Annie Ingle Introduce a new generation to the classic legend of the man who stole from the rich to help the poor! There’s adventure, loyalty, courage, and strong friendship…

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