Children's Book List

Reviews of Children's Literature

The Great Big Scary Dog Review

By Libby Gleeson

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The Great Big Scary Dog

Jen is scared of the big dog down the street. Her brother and his friend Diep decide to scare the dog by dancing under the Chinese Lion Dance costume. When they come out of their yard, the dog is not where it should be, safe behind the fence.

Rating: ****

Lots of kids are afraid of dogs. This is a nice book that will let you talk about their fear of dogs and how to overcome it.


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Red Hen and Sly Fox Review

By Vivian French

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Red Hen and Sly Fox

A kind and clever hen manages to outwit the sneaky fox that hopes to make her his next dinner.

Rating: *****

You and your kids will love this modern day fairy tale. Plus the fox makes some great fun-to-read sounds.


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Muncha Muncha Muncha Review

By Candace Fleming

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Muncha Muncha Muncha

After planting the garden he has dreamed of for years, Mr. McGreely tries to find a way to keep some persistent bunnies from eating all his vegetables.

Rating: ****

As cute as the bunnies’ actions are portrayed, I always feel so bad for the farmer. This book does allow for a discussion of many topics though including how hard work can pay off, how animals get their food, and sequences.


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Bark, George Review

By Jules Feiffer

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Bark, George

“Bark, George,” says George’s mother, and George goes: “Meow,” which definitely isn’t right, because George is a dog. And so is his mother, who repeats, “Bark, George.” And George goes, “Quack, quack.” What’s going on with George?

Rating: ****

A nice spin on the traditional “what does a dog say…” kind of books. Also has a great surprise ending.


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The Gingerbread Boy Review

By Richard Egielski

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The Gingerbread Boy

“Run run run as fast as you can. You can’t catch me! I’m the gingerbread man.”

Rating: *****

This classic book will have your child chasing the gingerbread boy along with all of the storybook characters. A timeless story from your childhood that you can share together.


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Suggested Activity: Make your own gingerbread boys. Your child will love decorating him and even more so catching and eating him.

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A Chick Called Saturday Review

By Joyce Dunbar

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A Chick Called Saturday

Saturday wants to know all about the other farmyard animals and do all the things they can do–things that his mother tells him he can never do. Soon, Saturday discovers something that a little chick can do.

Rating: ****

This book will let you discuss your child’s natural abilities as well as inspire an attempt to try new things.


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Don’t Be Afraid Tommy Review

By Klaus Baumgart

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Don’t Be Afraid Tommy

Tommy is afraid of absolutely everything, from the rain to the paper crown he must wear at his birthday party. His mother gives him a puppy as a present and tells Tommy he must teach it not to be scared. Together, the two overcome their fears.

Rating: ****

This book will let you discuss everyday fears with your preschooler and ways to overcome them. It also has a surprise ending.


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What’s the Time Grandma Wolf Review

By Ken Brown

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What’s the Time Grandma Wolf

When the little animals hear that a big, bad wolf lives in their forest, they decide they have to get a closer look. Excitement mounts with every turn of the page, and children will delight in discovering the surprise Grandma Wolf has in store for the curious animals.

Rating: ****

A fun book with a surprise ending.


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Tinka Review

By Rainy Dohaney

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Tinka

Tinka, a sheep the size of a cupcake, feels left out because she is so small, until a friendly crow helps her discover that size doesn’t matter.

Rating: ****

A beautifully illustrated book about friendship and pride.


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NY Times 2009 Best Illustrated Books

http://www.nytimes.com/gift-guide/holiday-2009/20091108_best-illustrated_gg/slide-show.html?page=1#curr_item_4423

Every year since 1952, the Book Review has asked a panel of judges to select 10 books from among the several thousand children’s books published that year.

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