by children's book list
By Kay Thompson
Eloise
Reviewed by Children’s Book List
“I am Eloise/I am six.” So begins the well-loved story of Eloise, the garrulous little girl who lives at New York’s Plaza Hotel. Eyebrow raised defiantly, arm propped on one jutting hip, Eloise is a study in self-confidence. Eloise’s personal mandate is “Getting bored is not allowed,” so she fills her days to the brim with wild adventures and self-imposed responsibilities. An average Eloise afternoon includes braiding her pet turtle’s ears, ordering “one roast-beef bone, one raisin and seven spoons” from room service, and devising innovative methods of torture for her guardians.
Rating: 4 ****
I’m not sure if this was a commentary on residents of the Plaza and how horrible they are, but that’s what it seemed like. I felt bad for this little girl who obviously was lonely and whose parents weren’t around. It’s actually rather sad.
Age 4 reading list independence lonliness routine
by children's book list
By Carrie Weston
Lucky Socks
All week Kevin suffered a string of bad luck, but when he wears his yellow socks on Friday everything goes great. Can the socks actually be lucky?
Rating: *****
If you’ve ever had trouble getting your children dressed when their favorite item is dirty this book is for you.
Age 3 reading list routine superstitions
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By Lauren Child
I Am Not Sleepy and I Will Not Go to Bed
Night owl Lola likes to stay up coloring and scribbling and wriggling and bouncing and chattering. Lola never gets tired. How can big brother Charlie convince her it’s time for bed?
Rating: ****
This book was much better than I thought it was going to be. The illustrations are very detailed and cleaver. And the girl, Lola is not as bad as the title makes her seem, she just has a routine.
Age 3 reading list bedtime imagination routine
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By Bob Graham
Queenie One of the Family
Caitlin and her parents rescue a hen from a lake, name her, and take her home with them, but even after they return her to the farm where she lives, her presence is still felt in Caitlin’s family.
Rating: ****
A month later my preschooler is still talking about Queenie. She definitely made an impact.
Queenie, One of the Family
Age 4 reading list animals family routine
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By Helen Cooper
Pumpkin Soup
What’s cooking in the old white cabin? Pumpkin Soup. The best you ever tasted! Made by the Cat who slices up the pumpkin. Made by the Squirrel who stirs in the water. Made by the Duck who scoops up the salt, and tips in just enough. But one day the Duck wants to stir. Then there is trouble, a horrible squabble, and the Duck waddles away.In this funny, observant, and highly original story, three animal companions discover the ups and downs of friendship and sharing, and what really makes the Pumpkin Soup taste so good.
Rating: *****
A great book to talk about sharing, job roles and even responsibilities and friendships.
Age 3 reading list friendship responsibilities routine teamwork
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By Pam Conrad
The Tub People
During an unseen child’s bath time, the seven members of a wooden toy family ride on the floating soap and compete in swimming races. But after the near loss of the Tub Child down the drain, they are all reunited on a warm bed, where they mountain climb on the ridges formed by soft quilts.
Rating: ****
As you’ve found out from your preschooler children love routine and so do The Tub People. After every bath they’re lined up in a row in the same places every night. Until something changes. This is a nice book because it opens the discussion for change in routine and ends with everything working out well.
Age 3 reading list routine
