‘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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Little Engine That Could
Reviewed by Children’s Book List
A classic tale of the determined little engine that, despite its size, triumphantly pulls a train full of toys to the waiting children on the other side of a mountain.
Rating: 5 *****
This is as classic as it gets. A wonderful story to teach your child about trying and hard work.
The antics of Baby Elephant as his mother tries to teach him to eat with a spoon at the clown family’s dining table.
Rating: 4 ****
I’m not particularly fond of books which show humans as better than animals. I would have liked this book better if it showed why the animals are special too.
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