I mentioned Chicken Sunday by Patricia Polacco in an earlier post about Polacco's books. But I enjoy this book so much, it deserves it's own recognition. Chicken Sunday is a personal story from Polacco's childhood in southern California. She and two brothers from her neighborhood are siblings, "by a solemn ceremony [they] had performed in... Continue Reading →
Rechenka’s Eggs
Every day in winter, Babushka would prepare for the Easter Festival in Moskva by painting an egg shell from her basket. Until one day, when the goose she rescued was startled and broke all of Babushka's eggs. Babushka was so sad - she would not be going to the Easter Festival that year. But her... Continue Reading →
Kindred Souls
If the child in your life has lost a beloved grandparent or other loved one, Kindred Souls by Patricia MacLachlan will help them process that loss. MacLachlan has a gift for expressing emotion in strong simple words, and actions of her characters. Sarah, Plain and Tall is an award-winning example of her gift. I think... Continue Reading →
Chicken Soup with Rice
Chicken Soup with Rice by Maurice Sendak sounds like a book about food. But really, it's a book about months of the year. As it says on the front flap: Each month is gay, Each season nice, when eating chicken soup with rice. Sendak takes readers through each month of the year, espousing the wonders... Continue Reading →
Shakespeare’s Secret
When I first saw the cover for Shakespeare's Secret by Elise Broach (author of Masterpiece), I thought, "Oh, a Chasing Vermeer knock-off. I wonder how good it is?" I discovered it's very good. And in my opinion, much better than Chasing Vermeer. (I haven't reviewed Chasing Vermeer because while I like that the book, and... Continue Reading →
Masterpiece
Marvin is a bug - a very unusual bug. He not only enjoys swimming, but he's also become friends with a human boy. His parents are horrified, concerned about Marvin stepping outside their safe little world in the wall behind the Pompaday's sink. But Marvin, through his artwork, finds an unexpected friend in James -... Continue Reading →
Mercy Watson
Kate DiCamillo, author of Because of Winn-Dixie and The Tale of Despereaux, brings her skill and humor to beginning readers in her Mercy Watson books. My first introduction to Mercy Watson was by CD - when my daughter checked out the first two books on CD and we listened to them together in the car. ... Continue Reading →
Mr. Men & Little Miss
As a child, some of my favorite books were Roger Hargreaves' Mr. Men and Little Miss books. He wrote dozens of them, under the titles like Mr. Tickle, Mr. Messy, Little Miss Sunshine, and Little Miss Chatterbox. Each story follows the adventures of it's main character as he or she goes throughout his or her... Continue Reading →
Clyde Robert Bulla
If you or your child is studying early American history, you will want to become familiar with Clyde Robert Bulla's works. Bulla has authored a whole, huge long list of books - including two books I've already reviewed, Donald's Duck and The Sword in the Tree. I really appreciate Bulla's sensitivity to children and their... Continue Reading →
The Bridge to Neverland
Fans of Peter and the Starcatchers rejoice! Authors Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson have teamed up again to write another series about Peter Pan, Neverland, Starcatchers, starstuff, and Lord Ombra. This time, they set the story in modern day America and London, featuring two teens - 17-year-old Sarah and 15-year-old Aidan. This brother and sister... Continue Reading →
Cultivating Readers 