Books to Inspire, Thrill and Engage Children
For those who enjoy Alexander McCall Smith's The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency, he has now written a story for younger readers. The Great Cake Mystery tells readers of Precious Ramotswe's first case as a detective - when she was in elementary school. Her classmates are missing sweets - cake, bread with strawberry jam. Iced... Continue Reading →
Three little Swedish sisters with blond hair and blue eyes have many adventures together - in the kitchen, at the neighbor's house, on the farm, and even in town. They dress alike, love to help people and animals. The Flicka, Ricka, Dicka books by Maj Lindman were first published in the United States in the... Continue Reading →
Benjamin's historic seaside school is about to be torn down to make way for a huge amusement park. Benjamin is kind of excited about it, until an unusual encounter with the school janitor right before he dies. The janitor entrusts Benjamin with a heavy gold coin with a long history, and directions to 'save the... Continue Reading →
Nathaniel Fludd feels a little flummoxed. He has just discovered his missing parents are presumed dead and his governess has shipped him off to an aunt he's never met before. Aunt Phil was nothing like he expected - and her house was strange too. Then suddenly they're off on an adventure - in a newfangled... Continue Reading →
Ronnie and his aunt are anticipating a delightful Christmas, celebrating with friends at the school Christmas program and enjoying their holiday traditions. But first, they've agreed to spell the keeper of the lighthouse at Tern Rock for two weeks so he can visit his niece and her family. He promised to be back on December... Continue Reading →
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 →
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 →
Author Jean Fritz grew up in China, which she credits for her obsession with American history. She's written many children's books about American history, and I've enjoyed every one I've read. (See my review of several of her books, including What's the Big Idea, Ben Franklin? here.) My children read The Cabin Faced West for... Continue Reading →
Set in the days of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table, The Sword in the Tree by Clyde Robert Bulla tells the story of Shan, the son of Lord Weldon. Shan dreams of becoming a great knight like his beloved father, but then his nefarious uncle appears at the castle gate. Lord... Continue Reading →
In Sarah, Plain and Tall by Patricia Maclachlan, Anna tells the story of her family. Her mother died shortly after her little brother, Caleb, was born and Anna can't help feeling sad and somewhat resentful towards him. But her father's surprising announcement quickly diverts her attention. He has placed an ad in the newspaper for... Continue Reading →
Cultivating Readers 