Children's Book List

Benny’s Had Enough Review

sbederman — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 18:51:46 +0000

By Barbro Lindgren

Benny’s Had Enough

A dirt-loving pig with a mind of his own. Benny’s mother is cleaning up. First it’s Benny’s potatoes and sticks. She insists on arranging them in neat rows. Then it’s Benny. She wants to give him a bath! And then it’s Little Piggy. She wants to put him in the washing machine. Benny’s had enough. He and Little Piggy run off to find a more congenial home. But, even setting aside the mudholes, the world is not as inviting as Benny had thought. Both tender and hilarious, Olof Landstrom’s portrait of Benny will be immediately recognizable to anyone who has ever debated with a two-year-old.

Rating: *****

All children get angry at some point, especially when there’s so much outside of their control. This is a nice book to discuss anger and communication.

Friends Review

sbederman — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 20:07:21 +0000

By Kim Lewis

Friends

Two very young friends learn about cooperation and forgiveness in this reassuring story.

Rating: *****

This story nicely covers the difficulties of children’s friendships.

Friends

Tacky The Penguin Review

sbederman — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 20:00:17 +0000

By Helen Lester

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.

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

Zelda and Ivy Review

sbederman — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 19:55:39 +0000

By Laura McGee Kvasnosky

Zelda and Ivy

Zelda and Ivy are sisters with a flair for the dramatic. Whether they’re performing a circus act, fashioning their tails in the latest style, or working wonders with “fairy dust, ” their exploits are described with wit and charm in a trio of stories exploring the dynamic between an older and younger sister. Wry and genuine, the linked episodes and rambunctious illustrations will strike home with beginning readers, especially those who’ve experienced the warmth — and occasional wrath — of a sibling’s attention.

Rating: *****

The one sister is horrible to her younger sister and I think that’s the point and in the end she comes around. If you have siblings who aren’t the nicest to each other this is a great book to help discuss siblings and responsibilities and actions.

That’s Mine Horace Review

sbederman — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 19:46:40 +0000

By Holly Keller

That’s Mine Horace

When Horace the leopard finds an unclaimed toy truck on the school playground, he can’t help but pocket the truck for himself. Yet he has a decision to make when a classmate tells Horace that the truck belongs to him.

Rating: *****

What child hasn’t wanted a toy someone else owned. This book is a great opening for discussing belongings and friendship.

James Marshall’s Cinderella Review

sbederman — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 19:45:48 +0000

By Barbara Karlin

James Marshall’s Cinderella

Vain and horrid relatives, tons of laundry, and a fireplace that just never stays clean…this pooped and put-upon heroine needs a little magic in her life! Luckily for her, and for kids and delighted grown-ups everywhere, the inimitable James Marshall cast his wacky brand of enchantment upon Cinderella’s tale-complete with grinning rats, a daffy godmother, and a whole golden coachful of belly laughs! “Will take its rightful place on the fairy-tale shelves, but won’t sit there for long!”

Rating: *****

A classic tale that you can share with your children.

I Need a Snake Review

sbederman — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 20:05:13 +0000

By Lynne Jonell

I Need a Snake

Robbie says he wants a snake, but his mother won’t allow a snake in the house. After he and his mother look at snakes, Robbie finds a creative way to get his very own snake and keep his mother happy.

Rating: *****

A comical book that shows overcoming fear and responsibility in a very cleaver way.

Julius Review

sbederman — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 19:57:23 +0000

By Pat Hutchins

Julius

When Maya’s grandfather comes for a visit, he brings a surprise in a crate–something, he says, to teach her “fun and sharing”. Maya hopes it’s a horse or a big brother. But instead it’s Julius, a big, cool pig. Maya’s parents see Julius as a slob, but Maya herself sees another Julius altogether. She sees a playmate, a protector, and sharer in all that’s magical and wild.

Rating: *****

A nice book that focuses on love and responsibility.

Shrinking Mouse Review

sbederman — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 19:52:51 +0000

By Pat Hutchins

Shrinking Mouse

Mouse, Fox, Rabbit, and Squirrel watch fearfully as their friend Owl seems to get smaller as he flies away from them. Will he disappear altogether? A comic view of spatial perspectives.

Rating: *****

You’ll love that your kids are learning without even knowing.

The Big Alfie Out of Doors Storybook Review

sbederman — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 19:47:09 +0000

By Shirley Hughes

The Big Alfie Out of Doors Storybook

Preschooler Alfie has pleasant outdoor adventures with various family members, including his sister Annie Rose, Grandma, and Dad.

Rating: ****

It’s sad to say but this story is a bit antiquated. It just reads as if it’s from another era.