One of the most important things we can give our children is a love of books. Whether we are parents, aunts, uncles, grandparents or friends, the love of books is a gift that will last a lifetime.
I have a special love for books aimed at the youngest children. Most of the literature I review is for the young child - books with simple ideas and vibrant artwork that can be enjoyed by child and adult at quiet moments. Sometimes the story is laced with moral teaching; sometimes with simple ideas, such as the joy in watching an ant at work, the way a cloud moves across the sky, or the delight of a morning bowl of oatmeal with chewy raisins; sometimes just plain silliness.
Reviews are updated frequently and most books are easily found on eBay or Amazon for very little cost. It is my hope that these reviews will help you to create a library for the little one in your life. I invite your comments and suggestions.
Draw Me a Star by Eric CarleThis is another book by the author of well loved The Very Hungry Caterpillar.
A child asks an artist to draw a star. It was a good star. The star then asks the artist to draw a sun. Again, it was a good sun. The sun requests the artist to draw a tree, and so it goes, each being drawn and each requesting the next until the circle closes with the artist catching a ride through the night sky on the tail of the star.
This is beautifully illustrated in the Carle style, with vibrant and simple forms. Delightful to look at and fun for evening story time.
Uncle Jed's Barbershop by Margaree King Mitchell
Jedediah Johnson was a travelling barber with a dream - to own a barbershop - but times were tough in the south just before the Great Depression and even tougher during it. Each time Uncle Jed would save up some money for his dream something would happen to cause his savings to be depleated. He never gave up, but would start over again. His example helped the author to not give up on her own dreams.
Illustrated by James Ransome this is a charming story with a solid moral. Beautiful illustrations.
Cat and Mouse in the Rain
by Tomek Bogacki
Remember the fun you had as a child playing in the rain? What child doesn't love it. Sometimes they need to be introduced to it. Cat and Mouse go out one day to play and meet Frog. Their brothers and sisters don't understand why they want to play in the rain and get wet. Cat, Mouse and Frog spend the day having fun and return home full of excitment. The next day it rained again and who do you think went out to play?
Beautifully illustrated in a dream like wash. Another wonderful read at bed time and a story little ones will relate to and repeat.
An Extraordinary Egg by Leo LionniJessica was always bringing things home to her siblings exclaiming "Look what wonderful thing I found!" They were never very interested until one day she brought home a "chicken" egg. The egg hatches and they become great friends. Eventually they find the "chicken's" mother for a warm welcome home.
Vibrant drawings, interesting story especially for the child who loves to explore the woodlands and waterways.
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