Books to Inspire, Thrill and Engage Children
I have tried to find a book by Andrew Clements I do not like, and I have had no success. Every book of his my children and I read we enjoy immensely. The first one we read was The School Story - a book about a girl, Natalie, who writes a book, and her and... Continue Reading →
I have read this book to my children over and over and over - and we enjoyed it every time. Now my children are enjoying reading it themselves, even though they are elementary school age, and a bit past the information in it. Things People Do is an oversize hardcover book from Usborne Publishing Company. ... Continue Reading →
There are some authors that no matter what book you pick up, you will be sure to enjoy it. Virginia Lee Burton is one of those authors. Virginia Lee Burton (1909 - 1968) wrote and illustrated several classic picture books - including The Little House, Katy and the Big Snow, Maybelle the Cable Car, Mike... Continue Reading →
I have read several of Eleanor Estes' books to my children, and they have loved every single one. So, instead of reviewing each of her books, I'm recommending all her books! Estes (1906-1988) was a children's librarian for many years before starting to write children's books. She grew up in West Haven, Connecticut, which she... Continue Reading →
Momo is a little girl who lives high in the mountains of Tibet. One day, at a festival at the Buddhist monastery, she spots a beautiful Lhasa terrier the head monk owns. That Lhasa terrier is the most beautiful dog she has ever seen and she wants one oh-so-badly. She prays to the Blessed One,... Continue Reading →
Jean Fritz grew up in China, the daughter of a couple who worked for the YMCA. She grew up during the time of conflict between the Nationalist Army and the Communists, right before World War II. Homesick is the story of her last year or so in China, as a 10-year-old girl. She hates her... Continue Reading →
I enjoyed Strawberry Girl by Lois Lenski as a girl, but I love Strawberry Girl as an adult. Perhaps it is because we lived in Florida for about eight years, and reading this book as an adult helped me to understand my neighbors. Perhaps it is because as an adult I can appreciate the humor,... Continue Reading →
My oldest daughter found 10 Lucky Things That Have Happened to Me Since I Nearly Got Hit by Lightning by Mary Hershey this book on the library shelf and asked if she could check it out. I read the first page and told her, "yes." "When you're the kid of a crook, and you live... Continue Reading →
My seven-year-old daughter brought me the audio book of Princess Academy by Shannon Hale this week when we were in the library. I'd never heard of it, but she told me her friend had told her that it was a really good book. Her friend is in junior high, so I thought I'd better read... Continue Reading →
For the past two years, Anna has been longing, longing, longing to be a part of the Mother-Daughter book club at our library. It is for girls in 4th through 6th grade. She's been waiting and waiting and now, tonight, will be her first opportunity to participate. She is beyond excited. And I, her mother,... Continue Reading →
Cultivating Readers 