Books to Inspire, Thrill and Engage Children
My girls grabbed Chloe and the Lion by Mac Barnett before I had a chance to read it. Every time I picked it up, they both told me, "Oh Mom, you'll love that book! It's really funny!" And it is! Barnett, and his illustrator Adam Rex, get quite involved in the story Barnett is writing.... Continue Reading →
In the aftermath of September 11, 2001, people around the world mourned with America and the terrorist attack which claimed so many lives. However, one tribe in Kenya did more than mourn. When one of their own returned home for a visit from America, the tribe decided to give 14 of their cows to America.... Continue Reading →
My 12-year-old daughter read Powerless by Matthew Cody and insisted that I read it too. I'm glad she did. Powerless is a story about superheroes - but not the well-known comic book kind. These superheroes are kids who have super powers. All except Daniel. He is just an ordinary kid who loves detective stories, and... Continue Reading →
The saying goes, "The grass is always greener..." The main characters in The Castle Corona by Sharon Creech truly believe that saying. Pia and Enzio believe life has to be perfect for the princes and princess living in the Castle Corona. But the king, queen, princes and princess do not think their life is perfect... Continue Reading →
Princesses are supposed to be beautiful, aren't they? Drop-dead gorgeous, even. That's what the King and Queen of Phantasmorania expected of their seventh daughter. The other six girls were just what everyone expected princesses to be. But the Queen and the Ministers of State decided that all the fairies needed to be invited to the... Continue Reading →
Twelve-year-old Rob Horton cannot believe his eyes. He has discovered a real, live tiger! It's in the woods behind the hotel, locked in a cage. That very same day, he meets Sistine Bailey, a tough northern girl who strides onto the school bus in a pink dress. No one wears pink dresses to school, even... Continue Reading →
Lina Mayfleet is anxiously awaiting her assignment. She wants to be a Messenger, because she loves to run. Doon Harrow is equally anxious. He wants to do something to help his dying city - be an electrician so he can work on the generator which keeps the lights on, and the darkness away. Their work... Continue Reading →
In the spirit of Black Stallion, War Horse by Michael Morpurgo tells the story of a horse. Joey, a big red bay, narrates his story - from the time he was a colt sold at auction to the time he returns from World War I. He enjoys a special relationship with Albert, the son of... Continue Reading →
After reading Tippy Lemmey, my eight-year-old decided he wanted a chow. Tippy Lemmey is the only dog Leandra knows with two names, and Tippy Lemmey is a chow. Not just any chow, but a scary chow. This dog chases Leandra and her friends whenever they pass by his house. And his house is between them... Continue Reading →
Thomas Jefferson and John Adams, founders of the United States of America, were best friends. They were quite opposite, in size, shape and temperament, but they really liked each other. They worked together to create the United States of America. They worked together to find a solution to paying the bills of their new country. ... Continue Reading →
Cultivating Readers 