Trip to library starts the year right
There are thousands of reasons to read to children every day. One of those reasons is for the messages good books can impart to the listener. In such books, the child will identify with the characters and their conflict, and in that identification will learn empathy.
Such is the case with the books reviewed below. Ask your local librarian to point you in the direction of others.
Excellence in children's literature is something your librarian knows a lot about and wants to share that knowledge with you.
It's up to you to make the first two moves — go to the library, then ask your librarian.
Before you know it, you'll have an armful of great books with important messages to share with the special child in your life, week after week, all year long.
The following book is available at many public libraries.<B>"Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge"</B> by Mem Fox; illustrated by Julie Vivas; Kane/Miller; 32 pages; read aloud: age 4 and older; read yourself: age 7 to 8.Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge is a young boy. He lives with his parents in a house next door to an old people's home, and the boy knows every person who lives there. As much as he likes everyone at the old people's home, his favorite person is Miss Nancy Alison Delacourt Cooper. He calls her Miss Nancy and tells her all of his secrets.One day Wilfrid Gordon hears his parents talking about Miss Nancy and what a pity it is that she has lost her memory. Wilfrid Gordon doesn't understand what a memory is, so he asks his parents and all the people at the old people's home (except for Miss Nancy), and each time he gets a different answer. Suddenly, Wilfrid Gordon has an idea, and he rushes home to look for memories for Miss Nancy because she has lost her own.Tender, heartwarming and perfectly wrought in every way, it's no wonder librarians have been recommending this wonderful book for more than two decades.
<B>Library:</B> Mars Public Library, 107 Grand Ave., Mars<B>Library Director:</B> Heather Love<B>Children's Librarian:</B> Joyce Pappert<B>Choices this week:</B> <B>"Who Sees the Lighthouse"</B> by Ann Fearrington; <B>"When I'm Big"</B> by Tim Drury; <B>"Bit by Bit"</B> by Steve Sanfield
The following books are available at favorite bookstores.<B>"Urso Brunov and the White Emperor"</B> by Brian Jacques; illustrated by Alexi Natchev; Philomel, 2008; 48 pages; $17.99 hardcover; read aloud: age 4 and older; read yourself: age 8 and older.One cold winter evening, Urso Brunov rushes into the forest to save two young polar bears from a pack of threatening wolves. While Urso Brunov is only the size of a thumb, he is brave and mighty in battle, and is a kind and gentle bear. Urso immediately places himself in the midst of the snarling wolf pack. In no time, Urso's clever tactics cause the wolves to quickly run away, but the polar bears are still worried. They are lost and don't know how to get back home.Urso soothes their fears."I promise I will take your and your brother home to the Land of Rainbow Lights. And I must tell you that the Little Father of All Bears always keeps his promises," he tells them.With the assistance of wild boars, deer and a whale, the tiny Urso journeys with the polar bears a great and snowy distance to finally return them safely home, where a special celebration takes place to honor Urso Brunov.Brimming with imagination and adventure, this exciting tale is certain to whisk readers/listeners away on a wonderful journey.<B>"Where Is Home, Little Pip?"</B> by Karma Wilson; illustrated by Jane Chapman; McElderry, 2008; 36 pages; $16.99 hardcover; read aloud: age 3 and older; read yourself: age 7 to 8.Little Pip is a young penguin, born in a nest of pebbles on the Antarctic shore. Pip's Mama and Papa love her very much, and are often hunting for food to keep Pip's tummy full. They are never gone long, but during their absence they always tell Little Pip not to wander too far, and she doesn't, until the day she follows a feather being tossed by the wind.Little Pip finally catches the feather, but when she looks around, she doesn't see her home or any other penguins, and Little Pip doesn't know which way to go to find her home."Where Is Home, Little Pip?" provides a flawless execution of addressing a child's common fear of being lost (and found).
