Fantastic books for the family
Sometimes time doesn't allow to read individually to each child in your care. The books reviewed today are perfect choices to read aloud to children from age 5 or 6 up to age 10, while providing equal entertainment for adults as well.
Spending time reading together as a family is a good habit to get into, and one everyone can enjoy. Try it; I think you'll agree.
The following book is available at many public libraries.<B>“The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane” </B>by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Bagram Ibatoulline, Candlewick, 198 pages; read aloud: age 5 to 6 and older; read yourself: age 8 to 9 and older.Edward Tulane was an extraordinary china rabbit who was loved by a little girl. She fussed over him so much that Edward began to think of himself almost as highly as the girl did. But when Edward was lost at the bottom of the ocean, he felt his first true emotion — fear.Caught in a net by an old fisherman, Edward was presented to the fisherman's wife. Edward grew very fond of the old couple and was happy until their jealous daughter stole Edward and tossed him in a trash dump. And so, Edward's story continued, of being loved and then lost, then found again by someone new and loved once more.By the time Edward found himself in a doll shop, he had loved many times, but he had lost all of those people and his heart had hardened. A wise old doll sat on the shelf next to Edward, and he confided in her that he was done with loving; it was too painful. The old doll admonished him. “If you have no intention of loving or being loved, then the whole journey is pointless,” she said. Then she gently told Edward something that gave him hope. “Someone will come for you. But first you must open your heart.”Profound on many levels and superbly written and illustrated, this choice is extraordinary in every way.
<B>Library: </B>Butler Public Library, 218 N. McKean St., Butler<B>Library Director: </B>Lori Campbell<B>Youth Services Librarian: </B>Peter Bess<B>Choices this week: “Nate the Great and the Owl Express”</B> by Marjorie Weinman Sharmat;<B> “Secret in the Old Attic”</B> by Carol Keene; <B>“The Tale of Despereaux” </B>by Kate DiCamillo
The following books are available at favorite bookstores.<B>“The Masterwork of a Painting Elephant” </B>by Michelle Cuevas, illustrated by Ed Young, Frances Foster Books/Farrar Straus Giroux, 2011, 136 pages, $15.99 hardcover; read aloud: age 6 and older; read yourself: age 9 to 10 and older.Soon after the boy was born, he was placed outside of an orphanage. The boy didn't wait to be found and crawled out into the world. That is how he met the white elephant, Birch, who named the boy Pigeon Jones, placed him in a basket on his back, and tenderly cared for him.As the years passed, the two friends shared their innermost thoughts, desires, sorrows and joys. As Birch found success as an artist, their lives took a new turn, eventually leading them both to<B> recognize what it is to be loved, loved in return and how to let go.A remarkable achievement in every regard, this heartfelt, wise novel is simply perfect.</B>“Secrets at Sea” by Richard Peck, illustrated by Kelly Murphy, Dial, 2011, 241 pages, $16.99 hardcover; read aloud: age 6 to 7 and older; read yourself: age 10 and older.When the human Cranstons decide they must sail to London to find a husband for their oldest daughter, little do they know they will be accompanied by their secret resident family of mice — oldest sister Helena (who narrates the story) and her three younger siblings. Stowing away in the human's luggage, they are off on an adventure of a lifetime, and one whose outcome none could begin to predict.Aboard the prestigious sailing vessel, Helena quickly recognizes that the Cranstons' plan to find a husband for Olive will surely backfire unless Helena and her siblings take action. Having met several intriguing seagoing mice, such as head steward Nigel, the handsome Lord Peter and the regal Duchess of Cheddar Gorge, secret and overt plans emerge, ultimately saving the day for both mice and humans.Loaded with humor, adventure, surprises and fun, author Richard Peck has once again crafted a novel that is certain to bring rounds of loud, enthusiastic applause.Nationally syndicated, Kendal Rautzhan writes and lectures on children's literature. She can be reached at her website: www.greatest booksforkids.com.<B><I></B></I>
