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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
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By William Steig
Sylvester and the Magic Pebble
Reviewed by Children’s Book List
Sylvester the donkey finds a magic pebble and unthinkingly wishes himself a rock when frightened by a lion. Although safe from the lion, Sylvester cannot hold the pebble to wish himself into a donkey again.
Rating: 5 *****
A great beginning to discuss what would you wish for if you had a magic pebble and how would you use it.
Age 3 reading list family fear magic
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By Esphyr Slobodkina
Caps for Sale
Reviewed by Children’s Book List
This easy-to-read story about a peddler and a band of mischievous monkeys is filled with warmth, humor, and simplicity. Children will delight in following the peddlers efforts to outwit the monkeys
Rating: 5 *****
You monkeys you. You give me back my caps. My son adores this book and acts along with the monkeys while I act out as the peddler.
Age 3 reading list problem solving
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By John Steptoe
Stevie
Reviewed by Children’s Book List
When Stevie must adapt to being around the little boy that his mother looks after during the week, he is resentful. Eventually, the little boy’s family moves away, and Stevie realizes that the boy had come to mean a great deal to him.
Rating: 5 *****
A wonderful book about a young boy who’s not used to having another child around. Additionally, the author has a wonderful story about himself as well and how he came to write this book.
Age 4 reading list attention
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By Shel Silverstein
The Giving Tree
Reviewed by Children’s Book List
‘Once there was a tree…and she loved a little boy.’ So begins a story of unforgettable perception, beautifully written and illustrated by the gifted and versatile Shel Silverstein. Every day the boy would come to the tree to eat her apples, swing from her branches, or slide down her trunk…and the tree was happy. But as the boy grew older he began to want more from the tree, and the tree gave and gave and gave. This is a tender story, touched with sadness, aglow with consolation. Shel Silverstein has created a moving parable for readers of all ages that offers an affecting interpretation of the gift of giving and a serene acceptance of another’s capacity to love in return.
Rating: 3 ***
I never really liked this book even as as child. The boy is extremely selfish and only takes from the tree. Maybe that’s the point to show how selfish he is but he doesn’t even learn from himself.
Age 3 reading list love sharing
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By H.A. Rey
Curious George
Reviewed by Children’s Book List
The mischievous monkey Curious George has delighted millions of readers for more than 50 years with his hilarious hijinks.
Rating: 4 ****
Honestly, it’s a bit antiquated. I love the monkey and how he always saves the day, even though it was him that caused the trouble in the first place, but the original story has him smoking a pipe and other oddities that aren’t acceptable these days.
Age 3 reading list classics
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By Maurice Sendak
Where the Wild Things Are
Reviewed by Children’s Book List
Max is sent to bed without supper and imagines sailing away to the land of Wild Things, where he is made king.
Rating: 5 *****
One of the most wonderful books ever. The illustrations alone will make your child love these cuddly, adorable monsters. Also deals with love and respect within the family as Max learns the responsibilities of being in charge.
Age 3 reading list classics monsters respect responsibilities
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By Dr. Suess
And to Think that I Saw it on Mulberry Street
Reviewed by Children’s Book List
As little Marco describes the horse and wagon he saw on Mulberry Street, they are transformed into an elephant and a band wagon with a retinue of police.
Rating: 5 *****
Another great Dr. Suess book about imagination and impressing your father.
Age 4 reading list imagination
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By Charles Green Shaw
It Looked Like Spilt Milk
Reviewed by Children’s Book List
The white shape silhouetted against a blue background changes on every page. Is it a rabbit, a bird, or just spilt milk? Children are kept guessing until the surprise ending — and will be encouraged to improvise similar games of their own.
Rating: 5 *****
This is a fun book that lets children interact with the story. The pictures are more important than the words so you’re child will have just as much to add to the story as you do while reading it.
Age 2 reading list imagination
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By Beatrix Potter
the Tale of Peter Rabbit
Reviewed by Children’s Book List
The quintessential cautionary tale, Peter Rabbit warns naughty children about the grave consequences of misbehaving. When Mrs. Rabbit beseeches her four furry children not to go into Mr. McGregor’s garden, the impish Peter naturally takes this as an open invitation to create mischief. He quickly gets in over his head, when he is spotted by farmer McGregor himself.
Rating: 5 *****
A timeless book. Your child will be fretful of poor Peter as he struggles to get away from Mr. McGregor and might even learn a lesson about listening to grownups.
Age 4 reading list consequences