Books to Inspire, Thrill and Engage Children
Ethel, Kermit and Archie are under strict orders to be good. Their dad, President Teddy Roosevelt, is hosting the Russian ambassador that evening, trying to negotiate the end to the Russian-Japanese War. (Whatever THAT is, thinks Archie.) They decide to settle down to an interesting book, Treasure Island, when they find a mysterious paper inside... Continue Reading →
Many years ago, my sister told me I needed to read The Stinky Cheese Man and other Fairly Stupid Tales by Jon Scieszka and Lane Smith. I looked at her a bit strangely, because it is a picture book, and I didn't have any children at the time. "Really, Michelle, read it." I conceded. And... Continue Reading →
My 12-year-old told me over and over again, "Mom, you need to read Once Upon a Marigold!" When she checked it out, for the third time, I decided to see what she was so excited about. And I'm glad I did. Once Upon a Marigold by Jean Ferris is a delightful read - a funny,... Continue Reading →
The people were mourning their king, who was dying. They were also fearful of the future, because the king's son & heir, Prince Raphael, was not a pleasant person. As the king lay dying, he blessed his son, saying, "You cannot wear my crown until the day you marry a woman who is your equal... Continue Reading →
Private Voytek of the transport company of the 2nd Polish Corps of the British Army in World War II turned lots of heads, and made many other soldiers scream in fright. Why? He was a bear. Yes, a Syrian brown bear. A few Polish soldiers who had escaped Russia into Iran picked him up somewhere... Continue Reading →
Norway in winter seems insulated against the forces at work on the European mainland in 1940. But then, Nazi paratroopers parachuted into the villages of Norway, and Peter Lundstrom and his friends are called into action. Not to fight the Nazis, but to fool them. Peter and his friends work together with Peter's uncle to... Continue Reading →
For most people, the thought of dandelions brings thoughts of desperate efforts to eradicate them from their yards. But for Zoe, dandelions are a symbol of hope. Hope that her mother will feel at home on the prairies of Nebraska. Hope that their sod house will soon feel like home. Hope that the family will... Continue Reading →
The little ghost Georgie takes great comfort in his evening routine. He makes the stair creak, the parlor door squeak, and the inhabitants of his house know what they need to do next. It's the same routine every evening. Until Mr. Whittaker decides to fix the creak in the stair, and oil the parlor door's... Continue Reading →
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 →
In 1939, those European Jewish families who could sent their children to Sweden - a safe haven from the Nazi soldiers. Twelve-year-old Stephie Steiner and her seven-year-old sister Nellie are two of the lucky ones to escape Vienna. At first, they don't feel so lucky. Once in Sweden, they are placed with separate host families. ... Continue Reading →
Cultivating Readers 