Children's Book List

Reviews of Children's Literature

The Story of Ferdinand

By Munro Leaf

The Story of Ferdinand
Reviewed by Children’s Book List

A true classic with a timeless message, this story about a docile bull who would rather smell flowers than engage in the bullfights in Madrid is now packaged with a compact disc featuring a professional reading of the unabridged story.

Rating: 5 *****

Ferdinand stays tried and true to who he is no matter how much they provoke him. This is a nice story focusing on individuality.

Comments Off

Frederick

By Leo Lionni

Frederick
Reviewed by Children’s Book List

While the other field mice work to gather grain and nuts for winter, Frederick sits on a sunny rock by himself. I gather sun rays for the cold dark winter days, he tells them. Another day he gathers colors and then words. And when the food runs out, it is Frederick, the dreamer and poet, whose endless store of supplies warms the hearts of his fellow mice, and feeds their spirits during the darkest winter days.

Rating: 5 *****

A story about individuality and how everyone can make a contribution in their own way.


buy-from

Comments Off

The Poky Little Puppy

By Janette Sebring Lowrey

The Poky Little Puppy
Reviewed by Children’s Book List

A puppy who is always late coming home finds one night that there is no dessert for him.

Rating: 5 *****

This is the most adorable book. The illustrations are so cute and you really feel for the poky little puppy.


buy-from

Comments Off

Quiet Wyatt

By Bill Maynard

Quiet Wyatt

It seems “Quiet, Wyatt” is always the answer when Wyatt asks to do anything. His father says he’s not big enough to help make breakfast, the big kids say he’s too young to play with them, and Wyatt’s mom says he’s not old enough to buy the cute, fluffy puppy.

Rating: *****

This book is as much for parents as it is for children. It’s a nice reminder that children have a voice and should be allowed to use it.


buy-from

Comments Off

Duck on a Bike

By David Shannon

Duck on a Bike

One day down on the farm, Duck got a wild idea. “I bet I could ride a bike,” he thought. He waddled over to where the boy parked his bike, climbed on and began to ride. At first he rode slowly and he wobbled a lot, but it was fun!

Rating: *****

There is so much that’s great about this book: trying something new, overcoming fear, and even showing individuality. That duck sure is one good role model.


buy-from

Comments Off

Tacky The Penguin Review

By Helen Lester

tacky-the-penguin

Tacky The Penguin

Tacky is an odd bird who marches to the beat of a different drummer. Tacky’s perfect friends find him annoying until his eccentric behavior saves the day.

Rating: *****

Your child will love tacky. It’s a fun story about conventions and conformism.


buy-from

Suggested Activity: Watch the animated movie Happy Feet. It’s very similar to Tacky.

Comments Off

A Chick Called Saturday Review

By Joyce Dunbar

chick-called-saturday

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.


buy-from

Comments Off

Ella Sarah Gets Dressed Review

By Margaret Chodos-Irvine

ella-sarah-gets-dressed

Ella Sarah Gets Dressed

Despite the advice of others in her family, Ella Sarah persists in wearing the striking and unusual outfit of her own choosing.

Rating: ****

I think this story might be more for parents then kids. If you’ve ever fought with your child in the morning about what they’re going to wear you’ll appreciate this story. In the end, you’ll see that all kids dress funny, and then at least you know that it’s a struggle all parents face and that you’re not alone.

buy-from

Comments Off

Copycat Review

By Ruth Brown

copycat

Buddy the cat imitates all those around him, whether they are cats, dogs, or squirrels.

Rating: ***

There’s not much to this story, but it does show consequences of being a copycat of something you are not. It also has half pages, which when turned show the copycat, that your child will love.

Buy Now

Comments Off

Incredible Me Review

By Kathi Appelt

incredible-me

Incredible Me

A girl celebrates her own individuality, from her freckles to her wiggles.

Rating: 4

This is a great book to show your preschoolers the importance of celebrating themselves. That every part of them is special and important.

Buy Now

Comments Off