Category Books

Book Thoughts: The Christmas Tree Ship (Crane)

Type: historical fiction picture bookAges: 4-8Author: Carol CraneIllustrator: Chris Ellison *The text says, “Then the schooner slowly slipped beneath the churning lake. Lost were the captain and his crew, this Christmas Ship heartbreak.” If you’re looking for a unique addition…

Book Thoughts: A Kite for Moon (Yolen)

Type: picture bookAges: 3-7Authors: Jane Yolen, Heidi E.Y. StempleIllustrator: Matt Phelan As this was dedicated to Neil Armstrong, it appears to be painting the picture of what his childhood might have looked like. It’s a sweet story with even sweeter…

Book Thoughts: Tippy Lemmey (McKissack)

Type: beginner chapter bookAges: 5-8Author: Patricia C. McKissackIllustrator: Susan Keeter *The kids are punished for disobeying a big rule, but there’s one scene toward the beginning of the book when they skip Sunday School without consequences. The Korean War is…

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: 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…

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