The Passing of the Old Guard

This may be old news to many of you, but many of our readers don't follow children's literature news. The month of May has witnessed some tragic deaths in the world of children's literature--tragic because the three listed below did SO much for children's literature. Some of my all-time favorites and some of the most prolific in their respective fields. I'm afraid this is only going to increase as many of my favorite childhood authors/illustrators are now aging.

Maurice Sendak (Where the Wild Things Are and MANY more) died earlier this month after suffering a stroke.

Jean Craighead George (My Side of the Mountain, Julie of the Wolves, and MANY more) died mid-May.

Leo Dillon (half of the Dillon pair; illustrated Pish, Posh Said Hieronymus Bosh, The Sorceror's Apprentice, The People Could Fly, Mother Goose Numbers on the Loose, and countless others) died this week. (See this biography as well)

Weekly Round-Up: Fairy/Folk Tale Picture Books

Don't forget about our give away ending Thursday night!

There are seemingly infinite numbers of fairy and folk tales retold in picture book form. Rather than list all of the great ones, we'd like to highlight a few authors/illustrators that stand out to us as well as tell you how to find these gems in your local library.

If you have preschoolers at home, no doubt you are well acquainted with the picture book section of your local library (if not, you should be!). But there is another treasure trove of picture books lurking in the 398.2 section of the juvenile nonfiction/Dewey section: the "traditional literature" we usually call "fairy tales." Yes! And, it's filled with picture books that are often geared to school age children. Take some time on your next library visit to check out this section of books. You might look for something done by one of the following author/illustrators (many of these appear on our book lists!). (And, please read different versions to your children! It's a great way to showcase different illustrative styles and to demonstrate how different people tell the same story in different ways.)

Trina Schart Hyman (illustrator): books such as Sleeping Beauty, Little Red Riding Hood, Saint George and the Dragon, and others. Hyman's style is distinctive, complex, and heavy (not quite the right word, but I can't think of another right now!). Her books will no doubt appeal to school age children--perhaps even more than preschoolers.

Paul O. Zelinsky (illustrator/sometimes author): many books such as Rapunzel, Rumpelstiltskin, Hansel and Gretel. Zelinsky paints lavish illustrations in many of his books, although he also does line drawings and other styles (particularly for early chapter books).

Paul Galdone (illustrator/reteller): many folk and fairy tales in this genius' arsenal, running the gamut from The Little Gingerbread Boy and The Three Billy Goats Gruff to The Monkey and the Crocodile. Thankfully, several of his books have been reprinted in recent years. Illustrations may seem a touch dated to your eyes, but they will delight your children! His retellings are wonderfully "traditional," too--no softening up.

Jerry Pinkney (illustrator/author): many, including his recent Caldecott The Lion and the Mouse and one of my favorite Little Red Riding Hood versions. I particularly like his use of color. Pinkney has also collaborated with Julius Lester on a couple of anthologies of Uncle Remus tales--they are very well done.

James Marshall (illustrator/author): several, including Hansel and Gretel, The Three Little Pigs, and Goldilocks and the Three Bears. Marshall (of George and Martha fame) offers us traditional retellings of these tales with hilarious, comic illustrations to accompany them. Very fun for school age children.

Cover images from goodreads

The Dragon's Tooth

The Dragon's Tooth
(Ashtown Burials #1)
N. D. Wilson
Random House
2011


I was delighted to get a copy of The Drowned Vault (Ashtown Burials #2) as an Advance Reader Copy, but this meant I needed to read the first book, The Dragon's Tooth, post haste. Which I did (thank you, public library, for coming through for me once again!). I thoroughly enjoyed Wilson's 100 Cupboards trilogy and Leepike Ridge, so I knew I'd enjoy his latest series-in-progress. And I was correct.

The Chestnut King

The Chestnut King
(100 Cupboards Trilogy)
N. D. Wilson
Random House
2010


I neglected to review this final book in the 100 Cupboards Trilogy last year when I whipped through the three books (see 100 Cupboards and--my favorite--Dandelion Fire reviews). I must say, Wilson knows how to end a series with a bang. Seriously.

One of the reasons fantasy can be so enjoyable is that it helps us picture the reality lurking outside our temporal, earth-bound viewpoints. The Story of the Bible is grand, over-arching, and firmly grounded in a spiritual realty that the earth merely participates in. And there are battles being waged that we can't see. And there are truly wicked forces at work--and the heroes that rise up to fight for the side of good aren't always the strong, beautiful, or brave folks. But they are fighting for what they believe in because they have been called to do so.

This is what The Chestnut King communicates so well: epic battle, incredibly wicked foes, ordinary heroes, sacrifice, reunion--just what the final book in an epic fantasy trilogy should be.

For things to Note/Discuss, see the Dandelion Fire review, in particular.

Recommended for upper elementary and up (same as the rest of the series); sophisticated enough for young adults and grown-ups to enjoy as well.

Cover image from goodreads

Don't forget our give away ending Thursday! 

Truth and Story in the Fantastic

Don't forget about our giveaway! Ends Thursday at midnight.

Some people object to fantasy and fairy tales because they contain magic or are simply not "true." While these forms of literature require discernment like any other, we'd like to point out that the Bible is the greatest model of such imaginative stories. Creation, Fall, Redemption. A princess captured by the enemy and rescued by a prince at great sacrifice to himself; he marries her and they live happily ever after. Isn't this the theme of the book of Revelation, and, indeed, of all of Scripture? This wonderful story is God's idea, and we, His people--His bride, are still hanging out the dragon cave awaiting our great Hero's return so that we can start living happily ever after!

God uses words and pictures in such beautiful ways to reveal Himself, through His Word and Creation; it is our privilege to use them with our children to point out these shadows of His reality. The sun, for instance, reminds us that Jesus is the Light of the world (as Megan and her sons recently learned through My Father's World Kindergarten curriculum). Any book that refers to the sun in story or in pictures is indebted to God for creating the sun and whispers a reminder that "Jesus is the Light of the world."

Like every part of creation, literature belongs to God and we can enjoy it and use it for His glory. Make reading with your children an act of worship, whether in the Bible or simply in the captivating words of a good story well told!

Some of the best and most beautiful pictures of spiritual truths have come to us from the pages of a fantasy. Why is this so? Perhaps because when people write about deeply spiritual truths, it often comes across as cheesy or trite--even in the hands of a gifted writer. Extrapolate out the essence, place it in another world, and suddenly it sounds more majestic and captivates our imaginations better: 

• Aslan's country might not be the Celestial City, but it surely helps us imagine the awe, the freedom, the eagerness, the glory that awaits us. 
• We can't see demons and angels with our earthly eyes, but reading about a fight between Henry's relatives and the evil forces in the 100 Cupboards books helps us get a feel for what an awesome and terrifying spectacle it would be if our eyes were opened as Elijah's and his servant's. 
• Or, what about the awe at hearing--really hearing--the voice of God and then obeying? Gen certainly feels this on the rooftop in The Queen of Attolia and The King of Attolia.

Is it okay to read Harry Potter? We have no problems with it. There is ultimate good in those books, and the good soundly trounces the evil. The final book is quite redemptive in nature as characters are revealed for who they truly are, unknown sacrifices come to light, and heroes step forward to lay their lives on the line. Are we going to let our young children read it? Not yet--but someday, they will. In contrast to the clear sense of good and evil in Harry Potter, the postmodern ambiguity in the Lemony Snicket series started out humorous and collapsed into an empty fading away, denying the reader any satisfaction of their hopes and speculations. The humor became shallow mockery, and our enthusiastic recommendations for the series sadly lessened.

We use the same standards for fantasy that we use for other works of literature: is sin revealed to be sin/evil? Are the right qualities shown to be right/honorable? Is it redemptive? Are there consequences for disobedience? Are humans shown to be something set apart, a special creation? etc.

As always, we encourage you to practice discernment. But you will certainly see reviews of fantasy--referred to in literary circles as the fantastic.... If the shoe fits,....

Gardening + Giveaway! (Planting a Rainbow and Growing Vegetable Soup)

 


Planting a Rainbow
Lois Ehlert
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
1992


Growing Vegetable Soup
Lois Ehlert
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
1987



These two charming books have been around a while, but they're worth reminding folks about. My daughter could not get enough of Planting a Rainbow when she was a toddler and preschooler. Recently, we gave board book editions of both books to a friend for her kids; I could hardly pry the books out of my trio's hands in order to wrap them up. They're all old enough to read the books now, so they have a renewed enjoyment in them.

Both books are structured the same way: a garden is planted from start to harvest. The seeds/bulbs/rhizomes/cuttings are all labeled with the name of the resulting fruit/flower. The book progresses through the growing season, showing each plant growing and blossoming (labeled on each page). Ehlert's bold, collage style illustrations are an especial hit with young children.

Friday Fun Activity!

You guessed it: go plant a garden!! These books are wonderful aids in showing our children the intricacies of Creation as well as how much work and time goes on behind the scenes for that delicious carrot or beautiful zinnia. Children love to see how different all the seeds look and love getting their hands dirty and poking around in the dirt. It's not too late to start a garden--flowers or vegetables--this year.

Flowers: Planting a Rainbow features many common flowers, some of which are very kid-friendly. Pick up a packet of zinnia or marigold seeds and let your children have some fun. These flowers are easy to grow and you will still get some nice summer blooms out of them (you may have to water them/baby them a bit if it's already quite hot in your area).

Vegetables: Growing Vegetable Soup talks about a lot of different veggies. Some of the easiest to grow are things like zucchini ; you still have plenty of time to plant those for a harvest (cucumbers, melons, snap/pole beans--all are easy to plant from seed now). No time to garden? You might consider making a regular visit to your local farmer's market or joining a CSA (community supported agriculture).

Just to inspire you MORE, we have 1 board book copy of each book to give away!! We will be including a little extra special surprise for you along with the board book. Leave a comment saying what your gardening plans are and/or a favorite children's book about gardens and which book you'd prefer (no guarantees). We'll choose names at random.

Giveaway ends midnight EST, Thursday May 31. Check back next Friday for the winners!

Giveaway Tomorrow!

We're going to include a giveaway with our Friday Fun post tomorrow! A couple of retro picture books in board book form for your enjoyment... so make sure to check in!!

Weekly Round-Up: Fairy Tale Anthologies

Megan and I share a deep, abiding enjoyment of the classic folk and fairy tales. I recently asked her if I should get rid of some of my duplicate copies; she replied that she'd happily "help" me find a home for them... ahem. I thought I might share with you, the peanut gallery, some of my favorite fairy tale anthologies (we'll save folk tales for later). These happen to be ones I currently own--yes, yes, it's true. I do, indeed, own this many versions of the same thing. But all are terrific if you can find them. Some are more readily available than others. Any of these would make terrific gifts--even to a family as a whole. Fairy tales are meant to be read aloud and enjoyed in all their various forms. This summer, ditch the Disney versions and read the real deal. See my Pinterest board for some more--particularly picture book forms. It's a work in progress, as all Pinterest boards are!

(I should note that I personally have very little issue with my children reading/hearing the original tales; it's worth pointing out, though, that some of the originals are quite dark. Exercise discretion if you have a very sensitive child; all the more reason to read these together for a reassuring Mom/Dad presence.)

Hans Christian Andersen

Seven Tales by Hans Christian Andersen illustrated by Maurice Sendak

The Complete Tales of Hans Christian Andersen... nothing too glamorous about this one; multiple versions of this exist.


The Brothers Grimm

The Juniper Tree and Other Tales From Grimm translated by Lore Segal with four tales by Randal Jarrell; illustrated by Maurice Sendak. Sendak's illustrations are somewhat dark, in keeping with the "feel" of many of the Grimms' tales.

Household Stories by the Brothers Grimm illustrated by Walter Crane. Crane is a famous British illustrator from the 19th century. Delightful. (Reprinted/reissued in 1979 but you may be able to find these online somewhere, too--they might be in the public domain)

Tales of the Brothers Grimm edited by Clarissa Pinkola Estes and featuring illustrations by Arthur Rackham--another famous British illustrator. 

The Complete Tales of the Brothers Grimm --no illustrations on this one and there are LOTS of these around under various covers. This is just in case one of my other anthologies left out a particularly juicy tale ☺.

Rainbow Fairy Books

The Blue Fairy Book compiled and edited by Andrew Lang--older British compiler. You cannot go wrong with this book if you want a good fairy tale collection. Tales from around the world (including Perrault's, some Grimm, Arabian Nights, etc.) all retold in English. This is one of the standards for English fairy tale collections and is still a great read.
The Lilac Fairy Book (and Brown, Red, etc.)  More of the same, but not as familiar as the Blue Fairy Book.

The Rainbow Fairy Book illustrated by Michael Hague. No cover image, here, sorry! But it's a nicely illustrated version of some of the more famous of Lang's tales from the various Rainbow colored books.


Miscellaneous Fairy Tale Anthologies

The Fairy Tales of Oscar Wilde--if you haven't read these yet, you're missing out! See "The Selfish Giant" in particular. It will make you tear up. These are forgotten gems in my opinion.

The Victorian Fairy Tale Book edited by Michael Patrick Hearn. This book is one of my all-time favorites. It contains many familiar tales (like Grahame's "Reluctant Dragon") plus some other wonderful discoveries (like Thackeray's "Rose and the Ring"). Hard to find, but worth it!

The Random House Book of Fairy Tales illustrated by Diane Goode. This is a readily available and nicely illustrated anthology--particularly if you don't have anything else. Most of the famous tales are here!

Goldilocks and the Three Bears and Other Classic English Fairy Tales illustrated by Arthur Rackham and Jessie Wilcox Smith (Children's Classics edition). Another wonderful collection featuring thoroughly British tales (some familiar--but not as much). And you can't go wrong with these illustrators!

The Giant Golden Book of Fairies and Elves by Jane Werner and illustrated by Garth Williams. A delight, truly. Some famous and not-so-famous tales and poems featuring fairies, elves, pixies, brownies, and mermaids. Recently re-printed/re-issued--I've seen it at Barnes and Noble. Yea! For YEARS, it was out of print.


I also have a ridiculous collection of random other types:

• World's Best Folktales
• Scottish Fairy Tales (two versions)
• Yeats' Irish Fairy Tales
• British Folk and Fairy Tales
• Marvelous Tales of Japan
• etc. etc. etc.

Rush for the Gold: Mystery at the Olympics

Rush for the Gold: Mystery at the Olympics
John Feinstein
Random House
2012



Apparently this is a "Final Four Mystery," number 6 to be exact. I read this particular one first, and, if it's like the earlier ones in this series, I've made a nice little discovery!

Mysteries are often a touch formulaic, but that's part of their charm. We know the kid sleuths will solve the mystery and save the day (remember Nancy Drew?). We know there will be a tad bit of danger, some intrigue, an action-heavy plot, and some slimy bad guys. This is what makes these books fun. And Rush for the Gold delivers nicely. The "story" qualities in mysteries are usually not as heavily crafted; these aren't books to savor--they're books to swim through, enjoying the fast pace.

Middle Grades Book List

The books below have a lot of overlap with the 5th-6th grade book list, but we have also included some more mature titles. We feel that every book on this list is worth reading; indeed many 4th and 5th graders would enjoy them. However, they tend to contain some messy elements and/or topics that will promote a bit more discussion. You certainly do not need to read all the books on this list. But by now your child probably gravitates to one or more genres (and avoids one or more). Encourage them to read broadly!

Alpha by author; most are in juvenile fiction section of local library. Literaritea reviewed titles are linked.

QUITE similar to Middle Grades list; this list includes some titles that more mature middle schoolers might find too juvenile; similarly, the Middle Grades list includes some titles that are on the more mature end of "middle school." List is broken down into genres because many kids by this point have particular genre interests and/or you may need a particular category to round out your school list!

Fantasy
Alexander, Lloyd. The Book of Three (series). High Fantasy
Auxier, Jonathan. Peter Nimble and his Fantastic Eyes. 2011. FantasyBillingsley, Franny. The Folk Keeper 2000. Fantasy.
Boston, L.M. The Children of Green Knowe. 1955. Fantasy. 
Brooks, Walter. Freddy the Pig (series) Talking animal fantasy

Carroll, Lewis. Alice in Wonderland. Nonsense/Fantasy.
Carroll, Lewis. Through the Looking Glass. Nonsense/Fantasy.
Coombs, Kate. The Runaway Princess. 2006. Princess/Dragon Fantasy
Grahame, Kenneth. The Wind in the Willows. Talking animal fantasy.
Jacques, Brian. Redwall (series) Talking animals/fantasy.
Juster, Norton. The Phantom Tollbooth. Fantasy
Kendall, Carol. The Gammage Cup. 1959. High Fantasy 
L’Engle, Madeleine. A Wrinkle in Time. Science Fiction
Lowry, Lois. The Giver. Fantasy (distopian)
MacDonald, George. At the Back of the North Wind. Fantasy.
MacDonald, George. The Princess and the Goblin. High Fantasy.
Morpurgo, Michael. Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. 2004. Arthurian Legend.
Morris, Gerald. The Adventures of Sir Lancelot the Great. 2008. Arthurian Legend. 
Morris, Gerald. Sir Gawain the True. 2011. Arthurian Legend. 
Norton, Mary. The Borrowers. Fantasy.
Sharp, Margery. The Rescuers. 1959. Talking animal fantasy.
Tolkien, J. R. R. The Hobbit. High Fantasy.
Tolkien, J. R. R. The Lord of the Rings. High Fantasy.
Turner, Megan Whalen. Conspiracy of Kings. 2010. MG/YA. Fantasy.
Turner, Megan Whalen. King of Attolia. 2006. MG/YA. Fantasy.
Turner, Megan Whalen. Queen of Attolia. 2000. MG/YA. Fantasy.
Turner, Megan Whalen. The Thief. 1996. MG/YA. NH. Fantasy.
White, John. Archives of Anthropos         
Wilson, N. D. 100 Cupboards. (series) High Fantasy 
Wilson, N. D. Dragon's Tooth (series; book 2 is coming out in 2012)


Unrealistic Fiction  (because we can't classify them any other place ☺; mostly "realistic")
Applegate, Katherine. The One and Only Ivan. 2012. Talking animals (but very realistic) 
Babbitt, Natalie. Tuck Everlasting   
Dahl, Roald. Danny, Champion of the World  

Dahl, Roald. The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar and Six More    
Funke, Cornelia. The Thief Lord. 2002.
Ness, Patrick. A Monster Calls. 2011. MG.

Sachar, Louis. Holes     

Snicket, Lemony. A Series of Unfortunate Events       
Wood, Maryrose. The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place #1: The Mysterious Howling. 2010.



Realistic Fiction

Anderson, Laurie Halse. Speak. 2000. upper MG/YA.
Birdsall, Jeanne. The Penderwicks. 2005.
Cheaney, J. B. The Middle of Somewhere
Henkes, Kevin. Olive's Ocean. 2005. Palacio, R. J. Wonder. 2012.  
Paterson, Katherine. Bridge to Terabithia     





Historical Fiction (really, anything 1980s or earlier!)
 
Anderson, Laurie Halse. Chains. 2008. MG/YA. NBA. Scott O'Dell Award. Revolutionary war/slavery. 
Arrington, Frances. Prairie Whispers   
Cheaney, J. B. My Friend, the Enemy. (WWII/Japanese-American)
Cheaney, J. B. The Playmaker and The True Prince (Shakespearean England)
Collier, James Lincoln and Christopher. My Brother Sam Is Dead
Cushman, Karen. Rodzina
Gantos, Jack. Dead End in Norvelt. 2011. (1960's setting. )Ibbotson, Eva. Journey to the River Sea    

Karr, Kathleen. The Great Turkey Walk. 1998. (1860 setting)
Konigsburg, E. L. From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler. 1967. (1960's setting.)
Konigsburg, E. L. The View From Saturday. 1997. (1990's setting.)
Lai, Thanha. Inside Out and Back Again. 2011. (Vietnam War setting) 
Lenski, Lois. Indian Captive. 2011 (1750s. )
Levine, Kristen. The Lions of Little Rock 2012. (Civil Rights era)
Little, Jean. From Anna    
McSwigan, Marie. Snow Treasure (Nazi era)
Paterson, Katherine. Jacob Have I Loved
Peck, Richard. A Long Way from Chicago    
Peck, Richard. A Year Down Yonder     
Peck, Richard. Here Lies the Librarian. (early 20th c/automobiles)
Peck, Richard. The Teacher's Funeral.
Porter, Eleanor. Polyanna. 1913. (Early 20th century (or maybe late 19th?) )
Reiss, Johanna. The Upstairs Room      historical fiction
Schmidt, Gary. Okay for Now. 2011. MG.
Speare, Elizabeth George. The Witch of Blackbird Pond.
Streatfield, Noel. The Magic Summer. 1966.  Old-fashioned realistic fiction.
Taylor, Mildred. Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry. 1976. (Early 20th century. )
Vanderpool, Clare. Moon Over Manifest. 2010. (WWI/Depression jointly.) 
Wiles, Deborah. Countdown. 2010. (Cuban Missile Crisis)

Adventure/Mystery/Survival
Boyce, Frank Cottrell. Cosmic. 2010.  Adventure (with a hint of sci-fi).
Dowd, Siobhan. The London Eye Mystery. 2007. Mystery.
Holl, Kristi. Fading Tracks (a FaithGirlz boarding school mystery). 2008. 
Montgomery, Hugh. Voyage of the Arctic Tern      Adventure Ballad
O’Dell, Scott. Island of the Blue Dolphins  Survival
Wilson, N.D. Leepike Ridge. 2007. Adventure novel.


Nonfiction
Dash, Joan. The Longitude Prize  

Eamer, Claire. The World in Your Lunchbox. 2012. 
Fleming, Candace. Amelia Lost. 2011. 
Menzel, Peter. What the World Eats.
Nelson, Kadir. Heart and Soul: The Story of America and African Americans. 2011. (told from a fictional character's perspective, but a history lesson, nonetheless).
Wilson, Douglas. Beyond Stateliest Marble: The Passionate Femininity of Anne Bradstreet
 

"Classics"
Austen, Jane. Pride and Prejudice (and others)
Bronte, Charlotte. Jane Eyre
Orwell, George. Animal Farm

Short Stories/Poetry/Anthologies
Fleischman, Paul. Joyful Noise: Poems for Two Voices
Henry, O. Collected Stories

























***Dahl, Roald. The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar and Six More     Magical Realism

Our First Giveaway!!

We are finally going to start offering some giveaways on Literaritea!

This FRIDAY is our first one, so stay tuned.

5th-6th Grade (10-12 Year Old) Book List

Alpha by author; most are in juvenile fiction section of local library. Literaritea reviewed titles are linked.

QUITE similar to Middle Grades list; this list includes some titles that more mature middle schoolers might find too juvenile; similarly, the Middle Grades list includes some titles that are on the more mature end of "middle school." List is broken down into genres because many kids by this point have particular genre interests and/or you may need a particular category to round out your school list!

Fantasy
Alexander, Lloyd. The Book of Three (series). High Fantasy

Auxier, Jonathan. Peter Nimble and his Fantastic Eyes. 2011. FantasyBillingsley, Franny. The Folk Keeper 2000. Fantasy.
Boston, L.M. The Children of Green Knowe. 1955. Fantasy. 
Brooks, Walter. Freddy the Pig (series) Talking animal fantasy

Carroll, Lewis. Alice in Wonderland. Nonsense/Fantasy.
Carroll, Lewis. Through the Looking Glass. Nonsense/Fantasy.
Coombs, Kate. The Runaway Princess. 2006. Princess/Dragon Fantasy
Grahame, Kenneth. The Wind in the Willows. Talking animal fantasy.
Jacques, Brian. Redwall (series) Talking animals/fantasy.
Juster, Norton. The Phantom Tollbooth. Fantasy
Kendall, Carol. The Gammage Cup. 1959. High Fantasy 
L’Engle, Madeleine. A Wrinkle in Time. Science Fiction
Lowry, Lois. The Giver. Fantasy (distopian)
MacDonald, George. At the Back of the North Wind. Fantasy.
MacDonald, George. The Princess and the Goblin. High Fantasy.
Morpurgo, Michael. Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. 2004. Arthurian Legend.
Morris, Gerald. The Adventures of Sir Lancelot the Great. 2008. Arthurian Legend. 
Morris, Gerald. Sir Gawain the True. 2011. Arthurian Legend. 
Norton, Mary. The Borrowers. Fantasy.
Sharp, Margery. The Rescuers. 1959. Talking animal fantasy.
Tolkien, J. R. R. The Hobbit. High Fantasy.
Tolkien, J. R. R. The Lord of the Rings. High Fantasy.
White, John. Archives of Anthropos         
Wilson, N. D. 100 Cupboards. (series) High Fantasy 



Unrealistic Fiction
Babbitt, Natalie. Tuck Everlasting   
Dahl, Roald. Danny, Champion of the World 
Funke, Cornelia. The Thief Lord. 2002.
Sachar, Louis. Holes     

Snicket, Lemony. A Series of Unfortunate Events      




Realistic Fiction

Birdsall, Jeanne. The Penderwicks. 2005.
Cheaney, J. B. The Middle of Somewhere
Henkes, Kevin. Olive's Ocean. 2005. Palacio, R. J. Wonder. 2012.  
Paterson, Katherine. Bridge to Terabithia     








Historical Fiction (really, anything 1980s or earlier!)
Arrington, Frances. Prairie Whispers   
Cheaney, J. B. My Friend, the Enemy. (WWII/Japanese-American)

Cheaney, J. B. The Playmaker and The True Prince (Shakespearean England)
Collier, James Lincoln and Christopher. My Brother Sam Is Dead
Cushman, Karen. Rodzina
Gantos, Jack. Dead End in Norvelt. 2011. (1960's setting. )Ibbotson, Eva. Journey to the River Sea    

Karr, Kathleen. The Great Turkey Walk. 1998. (1860 setting)
Konigsburg, E. L. From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler. 1967. (1960's setting.)
Konigsburg, E. L. The View From Saturday. 1997. (1990's setting.)
Lai, Thanha. Inside Out and Back Again. 2011. (Vietnam War setting) 
Lenski, Lois. Indian Captive. 2011 (1750s. )
Little, Jean. From Anna    
McSwigan, Marie. Snow Treasure (Nazi era)
Paterson, Katherine. Jacob Have I Loved
Peck, Richard. A Long Way from Chicago    
Peck, Richard. A Year Down Yonder     
Peck, Richard. Here Lies the Librarian. (early 20th c/automobiles)
Peck, Richard. The Teacher's Funeral.
Porter, Eleanor. Polyanna. 1913. (Early 20th century (or maybe late 19th?) )
Reiss, Johanna. The Upstairs Room      historical fiction
Selznik, Brian. Hugo Cabret. 2007. (Early 20th century. )
Selznik, Brian. Wonderstruck. 2011. (Early-mid 20th century.)
Speare, Elizabeth George. The Witch of Blackbird Pond.
Streatfield, Noel. The Magic Summer. 1966.  Old-fashioned realistic fiction.
Taylor, Mildred. Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry. 1976. (Early 20th century. )
Taylor, Sidney. All-of-a-Kind Family. 1951.  (Early 20th century setting.)
Vanderpool, Clare. Moon Over Manifest. 2010. (WWI/Depression jointly.)
Wood, Maryrose. The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place #1: The Mysterious Howling. 2010. Historical fiction? (not sure how to classify this one) 


Adventure/Mystery/Survival
Boyce, Frank Cottrell. Cosmic. 2010.  Adventure (with a hint of sci-fi).
Dowd, Siobhan. The London Eye Mystery. 2007. Mystery.
Holl, Kristi. Fading Tracks (a FaithGirlz boarding school mystery). 2008. 
Montgomery, Hugh. Voyage of the Arctic Tern      Adventure Ballad
O’Dell, Scott. Island of the Blue Dolphins  Survival
Wilson, N.D. Leepike Ridge. 2007. Adventure novel.


Nonfiction
Dash, Joan. The Longitude Prize  

Eamer, Claire. The World in Your Lunchbox. 2012. 
Fleming, Candace. Amelia Lost. 2011. 
Menzel, Peter. What the World Eats.
Nelson, Kadir. Heart and Soul: The Story of America and African Americans. 2011. (told from a fictional character's perspective, but a history lesson, nonetheless).
Wilson, Douglas. Beyond Stateliest Marble: The Passionate Femininity of Anne Bradstreet
 

"Classics"
Austen, Jane. Pride and Prejudice (and others)
Bronte, Charlotte. Jane Eyre
Orwell, George. Animal Farm

Short Stories/Poetry/Anthologies
Fleischman, Paul. Joyful Noise: Poems for Two Voices
Henry, O. Collected Stories

4th-5th Grade (9-11 Year Old) Favorites

Alpha by author; most are in the juvenile fiction section of your local library unless otherwise noted. As always, check out the lists on either end of this age group for more possibilities.

Alcott, Louisa May. Little Women (and others, such as Little Men)
Auxier, Jonathan. Peter Nimble and his Fantastic Eyes. 2011. 
Birdsall, Jeanne. The Penderwicks. 2005.
Boston, L.M. The Children of Green Knowe. 1955. Fantasy.
Brink, Carol Ryrie. Caddie Woodlawn
Brooke, William J. A Telling of the Tales
Burnett, Frances Hodgson. A Little Princess
Burnett, Frances Hodgson. The Secret Garden
Butterworth, Oliver. The Enormous Egg

Carroll, Lewis. Alice in Wonderland. Nonsense/Fantasy.
Carroll, Lewis. Through the Looking Glass. Nonsense/Fantasy.
Chase, Richard. Jack Tales
Cheaney, J. B. My Friend, the Enemy. (WWII/Japanese-American)
Cheaney, J. B. The Middle of Somewhere
Collodi, Carlo. The Adventures of Pinocchio
Coombs, Kate. The Runaway Princess. 2006. Princess/Dragon Fantasy
D’Aulaire, Ingri and Edgar D’Aulaire’s Book of Greek Myths
Dahl, Roald. The BFG
Du Bois, William Pene. The Twenty-One Balloons
Ellis, Sara. The Several Lives of Orphan Jack
Fitzgerald, John D. The Great Brain (series!)
Fleischman, Paul. Joyful Noise: Poems for Two Voices
Fritz, Jean Why Don’t You Get a Horse, Sam Adams? (and others)
Grahame, Kenneth. The Wind in the Willows. 
Haviland, Virginia. Favorite Fairy Tales Told Around the World
Hauff, Wilhelm. The Heart of Stone
Jacques, Brian. Redwall (series)
Juster, Norton. The Phantom Tollbooth.
Karr, Kathleen. The Great Turkey Walk. 1998. 
Kendall, Carol. The Gammage Cup. 1959.
Konigsburg, E. L. From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler. 1967. 
Lenski, Lois. Indian Captive. 2011 
Lindgran, Astrid. Mischievous Meg
Macauley, David. The (New) Way Things Work
MacDonald, George. The Princess and the Goblin.

McCloskey, Robert. Homer Price
McCloskey, Robert. Centerburg Tales
McGraw, Eloise Jarvis. The Moorchild
McKinley, Robin. Beauty
Montgomery, L. M. Anne of Green Gables (series)
Montgomery, L. M. Emily of New Moon (series)
Morpurgo, Michael. Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. 2004. 
Morris, Gerald. The Adventures of Sir Lancelot the Great. 2008.  
Morris, Gerald. Sir Gawain the True. 2011. 
Norton, Mary. The Borrowers. 
Paterson, Katherine. Jacob Have I Loved
Peck, Richard. Here Lies the Librarian.
Peck, Richard. The Teacher's Funeral.
Porter, Eleanor. Polyanna. 1913.
Robinson, Barbara. The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
Sachar, Louis. Holes
Selden, George. The Cricket in Times Square
Selznik, Brian. Hugo Cabret. 2007.
Selznik, Brian. Wonderstruck. 2011.

Sewell, Anna. Black Beauty
Sharp, Margery. The Rescuers. 1959.
Streatfield, Noel. The Magic Summer. 1966. 
Taylor, Sidney. All-of-a-Kind Family. 1951. 

Twain, Mark. Tom Sawyer
Vande Velde, Cornelia. The Rumpelstiltskin Problem
Wood, Maryrose. The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place #1: The Mysterious Howling. 2010.

Nonfiction
Eamer, Claire. The World in Your Lunchbox. 2012. 
Fleming, Candace. Amelia Lost. 2011. 
Menzel, Peter. What the World Eats.
Nelson, Kadir. Heart and Soul: The Story of America and African Americans. 2011. (told from a fictional character's perspective, but a history lesson, nonetheless).

3rd-4th grade (8-10 year old) Favorites

Alpha by author; most are in juvenile fiction section unless otherwise noted. As with any list, feel free to check out the lists on "either end" of this age group depending on your child.

Atwater, Richard and Florence. Mr. Popper’s Penguins
Baum, Frank. The Wizard of Oz (series)
Bearn, Emily. Tumtum and Nutmeg: Adventures Beyond Nutmouse Hall. 2009. 
Birdsall, Jeanne. The Penderwicks. 2005. 
Burch, Robert. Ida Early Comes Over the Mountain
Dahl, Roald. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Dahl, Roald. James and the Giant Peach
DiCamillo, Kate. The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane. 2009. 
DiCamillo, Kate. The Tale of Despereaux
Dowell, Francis O’Roark. Dovey Coe
Enright, Elizabeth. Thimble Summer. 1938. 
Fleischman, Sid. McBroom Tells the Truth
Kaye, M. M. The Ordinary Princess
Kennedy, Richard. Collected Stories
Lewis, C. S. Chronicles of Narnia
Lindgren, Astrid. Pippi Longstocking
Lofting, Hugh. The Story of Dr. Doolittle
Lowry, Lois. Number the Stars
MacDonald, Betty. Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle
MacLachlan, Patricia. Sarah, Plain and Tall
Opie, Iona. I Saw Esau  (poetry; 398.8 section)
Sachar, Louis. Sideways Stories from Wayside School
Selden, George. The Cricket in Times Square
Selznik, Brian. Hugo Cabret. 2007. 
Selznik, Brian. Wonderstruck. 2011.

Seuling, Barbara. You Can’t Eat Peanuts in Church…
Sobol, Donald J. Encyclopedia Brown, Boy Detective
Spyri, Johanna. Heidi
Streatfield, Noel. The Magic Summer. 1966.  

Taylor, Sydney All-of-a-Kind Family (series)
Thayer, Ernest Lawrence. Casey at the Bat
Travers, P. L. Mary Poppins
Wallace, Barbara Brooks. Peppermints in the Parlor
Willard, Nancy. Beauty and the Beast

2nd-3rd Grade (7-9 year old) Favorites

Alpha by author; parentheses indicate likely section of your local library.

398.2 is common Dewey section for folk/fairy tales (even picture book forms)
398.8 is common Dewey section for poetry anthologies 

Aiken, Joan. Arabel and Mortimer
Andersen, Hans Christian. Fairy Tales (3982.)
Asbjornsen, P. C. The Squire’s Bride
Barrett, Judi. Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs (Picture book)
Bearn, Emily. Tumtum and Nutmeg: Adventures Beyond Nutmouse Hall. Talking animal fantasy/juvenile fiction.
Birch, David. The King’s Chessboard
Bulla, Clyde Robert. The Sword in the Tree
Cleary, Beverly. Beezus and Ramona (juvenile fiction)
Cleary, Beverly. Henry Huggins (juvenile fiction)
Clements, Andrew. Frindle (juvenile fiction)
Dahl, Roald. Fantastic Mr. Fox (juvenile fiction)
Estes, Eleanor. The Hundred Dresses (juvenile fiction)
Fisher, Dorothy Canfield. Understood Betsy (juvenile fiction)
Gannett, Ruth Stiles. My Father’s Dragon (juvenile fiction)
Grimm, Jacob and Wilhelm Fairy Tales (398.2; anthologies and picture books)
Hodges, Margaret. St. George and the Dragon (398.2)
Johnson, Crockett. Ellen’s Lion
Julian, Nancy R. The Peculiar Miss Pickett
Lang, Andrew. Colored Fairy Books (Blue, Red, Lilac, etc.) (398.2)
Lester, Julius Tales of Uncle Remus (398.2; anthologies and picture bookes)
MacDonald, George. The Light Princess (juvenile fiction)
McCloskey, Robert. Lentil
Milne, A. A. Winnie-the-Pooh
Peet, Bill. Chester the Worldly Pig
Pennypacker, Sara. Clementine. 2006. (Juvenile fiction)
Perrault, Charles Fairy Tales (398.2; many picture book forms)
Polacco, Patricia. Pink and Say (picture book)
Robinson, Barbara. The Best Christmas Pageant Ever (juvenile fiction)
Thurber, James. Many Moons
White, E. B. Charlotte’s Web (juvenile fiction)
Wilder, Laura Ingalls. Little House in the Big Woods (series) (juvenile fiction)
Williams, Jay. Everyone Knows What a Dragon Looks Like

1st-2nd Grade (6-8 year old) Book List

Alpha by author; likely location in library noted for your convenience ☺. If your child is a strong reader already and/or you need more read aloud ideas, check the 2nd-3rd grade list.

398.2 refers to a common location for many fables/fairy tales/folk lore in the juvenile Dewey shelves
398.8 refers to a common location for poetry anthologies in the juvenile Dewey shelves

Atinuke. Anna Hibiscus. 2010. (Early Chapter book/juvenile fiction).
Atinuke. The No. 1 Car Spotter. 2011 (Early Chapter Book/juvenile fiction). 
Brown, Marcia. Cinderella (398.2)
Brown, Marcia. Stone Soup (picture book)
Burton, Virginia Lee. The Little House (picture book)
Cooney, Barbara. Miss Rumphius (picture book)
DePaola, Tomie. The Clown of God (picture book)
DePaola, Tomie. Helga’s Dowry (picture book)
DiCamillo, Kate. Bink and Gollie (early chapter book--may also be in easy reader or even picture book)
DiCamillo, Kate. Mercy Watson Series. 2000's. (Early chapter book series/juvenile fiction)
Estes, Eleanor. The Hundred Dresses (early chapter book/juvenile fiction)

Gannett, Ruth Stiles. My Father’s Dragon (chapter book/juvenile fiction)
Farjeon, Eleanor. Elsie Piddock Skips in Her Sleep
Galdone, Paul. (any folk/fairy tale) (398.2)
Hoban, Russell. How Tom Beat Captain Najork and His Hired Sportsmen (picture book)
Kellogg, Steven. Pinkerton, Behave (picture book)
Kimmel, Eric A. Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins (picture book)
Kipling, Rudyard. Just So Stories (Juvenile fiction)
McCloskey, Robert. Make Way for Ducklings (picture book)
McCloskey, Robert. One Morning in Maine. (picture book)
McKissack, Patricia. Flossie and the Fox (picture book)
McPhail, David. The Magical Drawings of Mooney B. Finch (picture book)
Noble, Trina Hakes. The Day Jimmy’s Boa Ate the Wash (picture book)
Opie, Iona. I Saw Esau (poetry; 398.8)
Pennypacker, Sara. Clementine. 2006. (Early chapter book)
Parish, Peggy. Amelia Bedelia (easy reader)
San Souci, Robert D. The Red Heels (picture book)
San Souci, Robert D. Robin Hood and the Golden Arrow. (picture book or 398.2)
Seuss, Dr. Bartholemew and the Oobleck (picture book)
Seuss, Dr. The 500 Hats of Bartholemew Cubbins (picture book)
Seuss, Dr. Horton Hatches the Egg (and other Seuss) (picture book)
Seuss, Dr. The King’s Stilts (picture book)
Silverstein, Shel. The Giving Tree.(picture book)
Silverstein, Shel. Where the Sidewalk Ends (poetry; 398.8)
Steig, William. Dr. DeSoto (picture book)
Steig, William. Sylvester and the Magic Pebble (picture book)
Titus, Eve. Anatole (picture book)
Trivizas, Eugene. The Three Little Wolves and the Big, Bad Pig (picture book)
Viorst, Judith. Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day (picture book)
Waber, Bernard. Ira Sleeps Over (picture book)
Zelinsky, Paul O. The Lion and the Stoat (picture book)
Zelinsky, Paul O. Rapunzel (398.2)
Zemach, Harve. Duffy and the Devil (picture book)

Kindergarten (4-6 Year Old) Favorites

This list below reflects read alouds which delight emerging readers and children just beginning their school adventures. Alpha by author; easy readers noted because they will be in a different section in your library. See also the separate beginning/easy reader list and, if your child is an experienced listener, the first-second grade list.

Allard, Harry. Miss Nelson is Missing
Aylesworth, Jim. The Tale of Tricky Fox
Barrett, Judi. Benjamin’s 365 Birthdays
Bemelmans, Ludwig. Madeline’s Rescue
Brown, Margaret Wise (auth) and David Diaz (ill.) The Little Scarecrow Boy. 2005.
Browne, Anthony. Willy and Hugh
Charlip, Remy. Fortunately. 1964.
DePaola, Tomie. Strega Nona
Duvoisin, Roger. Petunia
Flack, Marjorie. The Story about Ping
Fujikawa, Gyo. Fairy Tales and Fables. 2008 (re-issued)
Galdone, Paul. The Gingerbread Boy. 1983.  (and others)
Hoban, Russell. Bedtime for Frances
Hoban, Russell. Bread and Jam for Frances
Hoban, Russell. Egg Thoughts and Other Frances Poems
Jeffers, Oliver. The Way Back Home. 2008.
Kimmel, Eric A. Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins
Kirsch, Vincent. Forsythia and Me. 2011.
Krauss, Ruth. A Hole is to Dig
Krauss, Ruth. The Carrot Seed.
Leaf, Munro. The Story of Ferdinand
Lobel, Arnold. Frog and Toad (easy reader)
McElligott, Matthew. The Lion's Share. 2009
Marshall, James. George and Martha (easy reader)
Minarik, Else. A Kiss for Little Bear (easy reader)
Montes, Marisa. John Bobo Goes to Work. 2000.
Numeroff, Laura. If You Give a Mouse a Cookie (and others)
Potter, Beatrix. The Tale of Peter Rabbit (and others)
Rocco, John. Blackout. 2011. 
Schneider, Howie and Susan Stelig. Amos: The Story of an Old Dog and His Couch. 1987.
Sendak, Maurice. Outside Over There
Seuss, Dr. Horton Hatches the Egg
Seuss, Dr. Horton Hears a Who
Shulevitz, Uri. What is a Wise Bird like you doing in a silly tale like this?
Sidman, Joyce (auth) and Pamela Zagarenski (ill). Red Sings From Treetops: a Year in Colors. 2010. 
Smith, Lane. Grandpa Green. 2011.
Spier, Peter. Noah's Ark. 1985. Caldecott.  

Stanley, Diane. Raising Sweetness
Stanley, Diane. Saving Sweetness
Waber, Bernard. Lyle, Lyle Crocodile
Waber, Bernard. Ira Sleeps Over
Wells, Rosemary. Hazel’s Amazing Mother
Wilson, Karma. Moose Tracks.

Preschool Favorites Book List

Alpha by Author's Last Name (just like you'll find these in your local library!) 

**Preschoolers' attention spans/interests very greatly; if at first you don't succeed, try, try again! If your preschoolers are experienced listeners, check out the kindergarten list.

Asch, Frank. Happy Birthday, Moon
Baker, Keith. LMNOPeas.
Baker, Keith. No Two Alike. 2011. 

Brown, Margaret Wise. The Runaway Bunny
Burton, Virginia Lee. Katy and the Big Snow
Burton, Virginia Lee. The Little House
Burton, Virginia Lee. Maybelle the Cable Car.
Burton, Virginia Lee. Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel
Cronin, Doreen. Click, Clack Moo
De Regniers, Beatrice Schenk. May I Bring a Friend?
deRegniers, Beatrice (auth) and Maurice Sendak (ill). What Can You Do with a Shoe? 1955
Field, Eugene. Wynken, Blynken and Nod
Flack, Marjorie. Angus (various adventures)
Freeman, Don. A Pocket for Corduroy
Freeman, Don. Corduroy
Gag, Wanda. Millions of Cats
Fujikawa, Gyo. Mother Goose. 2007 (reprint)
Fujikawa, Gyo. A to Z Picture Book. 2010 (re-issued).
Fujikawa, Gyo. Oh, What a Busy Day. 2010 (re-issued.)
Hindley, Judy. Do Like a Duck Does!
Hoban, Russell. A Baby Sister for Frances (and Frances books in general)
Hyman, Trina Schart. Little Red Riding Hood
Jeffers, Oliver. Lost and Found. 2005.
Jeffers, Oliver. Up and Down. 2010.
Johnson, Crockett. Harold and the Purple Crayon
Keats, Ezra Jack. The Snowy Day. 1962.
Koide, Tan (auth) and Yasuko Koide (ill). May We Sleep Here Tonight? 1982.

Langstaff, John. Frog Went a-Courtin
Langstaff, John. Over in the Meadow
Lear, Edward. The Owl and the Pussycat
Mavor, Sally. A Pocketful of Posies: A Treasury of Nursery Rhymes. 2010. 

Mayer, Mercer. 4 Frogs in a Box (A Boy, A Dog, and a Frog). 1976. 

McBratney, Sam. Guess How Much I Love You?
McCloskey, Robert. Blueberries for Sal
McCloskey, Robert. Make Way for Ducklings
Martin, Bill, Jr. Chicka Chicka Boom Boom
Metropolitan Museum of Art. Museum ABC. 2002.
Milne, A. A. Now We Are Six
Mosel, Arlene. Tikki Tikki Tembo
Mother Goose.
Murphy, Jill. Five Minutes Peace
Pinkney, Jerry. The Lion and the Mouse. 2009. Caldecott. 
Potter, Beatrix. The Tale of Peter Rabbit (and other Beatrix Potter books)
Raschka, Chris. A Ball for Daisy. 2011. Caldecott.
Rey, H. A. Curious George
Rocco, John. Blackout. 2011. Caldecott Honor. 

Savage, Stephen. Where's Walrus. 2011. 
Sendak, Maurice. Alligators All Around
Sendak, Maurice. Chicken Soup with Rice
Sendak, Maurice. One Was Johnny
Sendak, Maurice. Where the Wild Things Are
Seuss, Dr. The Cat in the Hat
Seuss, Dr. Green Eggs and Ham
Shulevitz, Uri. Snow
Sidman, Joyce (auth) and Pamela Zagarenski (ill). Red Sings From Treetops: a Year in Colors. 2010. 

Slobodkina, Esphyr. Caps for Sale
Spier, Peter. Noah's Ark. 1985. Caldecott.  

Tashjian, Virginia. Juba This and Juba That
Tullet, Herve. Press Here. 2011
Wells, Rosemary. Max’s Dragon Shirt (and others)
Wilson, Karma. Bear Snores On (and others)
Wood, Audrey. Heckedy Peg
Young, Ed. Lon Po Po
Zion, Gene. Harry the Dirty Dog

Book Lists!

This is mostly a note to our regular subscribers who get Literaritea in their inboxes.... We're posting all of our book lists today--feel free to skip over them because we will be linking them in a new page at the top. They're  a work in progress, of course! We thought we'd post what we have so far... ☺

Summer Reading Activities

Summer is a terrific time to do some fun reading-related activities without the pressure of grades or the need to be "educational." Focus on enjoying some great books with your kids this summer.

We will be featuring book-related activities for you to enjoy with your children throughout the summer. Most of these are small--recipes that tie in with books or berry picking, for example. If you'd like to see some "bigger" book-centered vacation activities, check out our friends' list at Redeemed Reader.

For the car: traveling this summer? Ditch the DVD player, and check out your local library's selection of audiobooks. If you have an iPod, smartphone, or other digital listening device, there are places online from which you can download audio books (sometimes for free!). Look for favorites from your own childhood; books like the Narnia Chronicles can be terrific audio adventures for a wide age group. Even a well read Winnie-the-Pooh can delight listeners of multiple age groups.

Go to the library!! Check out your local library's summer offerings. There are often free programs for kids, summer reading rewards and contests, and storytimes. Our library also has programs for grownups; last summer, I won a Nook!

Community Activities: We can get a free minor league baseball ticket from the baseball team for every 10 books read (kids only)! There is a simple form to print and fill out. So, be sure to check around in your community for the options. Ask other parents about what they've done. These rewards can be great incentives for reluctant readers.

Family Goals: You might consider setting a family reading goal, particularly if you are in a small community which doesn't have many reading-related incentives. Perhaps you will make it through a certain number of books, and then treat yourself to a day at an amusement park or go to a baseball game or watch the movie based on the book or something.

Happy Reading!

Summer Reading Tips and Tricks

Summer is just around the corner if your children are in a traditional school. If you homeschool, summer may already have arrived! No doubt, there are some summer reading lists floating around that you have your eye on--perhaps your child's school has a couple of assigned books to read over the summer.

We are *finally* going to be putting up our own book lists next week!! We've organized these by grade and have filled them with books that are the "guarantees"--books children consistently enjoy and which we feel are of reasonably high quality. Megan has done the lion's share of this work--much of it during her years as a children's librarian. We hope they will be of help to you throughout the year, but particularly during summer.


Summer can be a great time to start a new series, but a few notes on "series":

• If the protagonist ages throughout the series, odds are good the later books will be more mature in content and tone (Harry Potter is an excellent example of this). If you know you don't want your child reading the second half of a series, it might be wise to old off on the first half.
• Series sometimes start out wonderfully but suddenly introduce more nefarious elements as the series progresses (or elaborate on things only hinted at in the first book). If we review a first book on this blog, please don't take it as a given that we'll like the entire series--unless noted.
•  Series which tend to deliver consistency are the formulaic ones (such as mysteries), and these can be very fun during the summer.

While you wait eagerly for our coming lists, here are a few words of note in regards to your young readers:

For children almost and just recently reading independently: KEEP READING. Please do not let their hard work during the school year go down the drain. We have a LOT of lists of wonderful easy readers on this site. In addition, you should still be reading to your child: picture books and chapter books both.

For children who are reluctant readers: you might consider backing off a touch on the types of books these children read. Summer can be a great time to "hook" a reader--especially when the child gets to exert a bit more choice in the matter. While we don't want their primary diet to be this, graphic/cartoon novels, mysteries, and "drama in real life"/action-packed types of fiction can be a nice treat. Don't sweat it if they want to read a few books "below" their reading level. Keep reading to them as well.

For children who are voracious readers: I was one of these. No doubt. Megan probably was, too. One summer (around 4th grade?), I regularly read 4 Hardy Boys books a day. Yes, yes I did. And Nancy Drew, Trixie Belden, and even Agatha Christie. Here's something to keep in mind with these children: when they are reading so fast, odds are good they are not picking up on all the details that might make you or I squirm. This is especially true for mild sexual innuendo, British slang/foul language, and even the ramifications of some violence. Big vocabulary words? Your child is skipping right over those as well as anything he or she doesn't understand. In addition, it's worth pointing out that audio books make these sorts of things "stand out" in a way that silent reading does not. Your child can't "skip" the bad words and/or phrases he or she doesn't understand when an audio recording is reading the book expressively. There are many "classics" that fall into this category; they tend to be older books and are often much more discreet sexually than our modern books, but there may be a sprinkling of language--bad words we might pick up on but which probably go right over your child's head--as well as some violence. We encourage you still to exercise discernment, most definitely, and to make sure they are reading a nice variety of books. But you probably don't need to sweat the details. Precocious voracious readers in the 1st-3rd grade window are often the hardest because they often aren't mature enough to read what they're intelligent enough to read. Remember: talk to your children about what they are reading--conversationally, not "teacherly" or confrontationally, and they will probably tell you a lot!

Used or Discount Book Sales--BIG ONES

I'm sure you fellow bibliophiles have managed to track down similar discount book sales as we have. Betsy was fortunate enough to attend our annual Friends of the Library sale this spring--and even made a quick call to dear Megan to check to see if she had a particular book. This particular sale featured primarily used books--many of them ex-library copies. We have attended other large book sales, some featuring new books but primarily publishers' overstocks and the like; we've done this together and separately.

Picture the scene: you enter the warehouse sized room, or collection of rooms, with the best of intentions. Perhaps you only bring cash (but notice a small credit card sign near the registers). Perhaps you only bring one tote bag--only to discover that they have shopping carts and curbside pick-up available. Perhaps you notice that they have the entire collection of small, hardback Beatrix Potter books for a mere $2 each; a beautifully illustrated edition of your favorite fairy tales for $1; a picture book by one of your favorite authors and illustrated by one of your favorite illustrators for $1; literature classics such as Little Women in a beautiful hardback edition for $2; the examples could go on and on and on and on and....you leave with a trunk load of books having no idea where you'll put them when you get home.

Here are some tips for navigating the book deals--be they used books, large overstock collections, or simply great sales.

1. Go with a budget or firm number of volumes...and STICK TO IT. You might have a few authors/illustrators in mind for which you'll make exception (case in point, Betsy's never regretted buying that set of Beatrix Potter volumes 11 years ago).


2. Go with a firm knowledge of what you already have. Yes, it's true--haven't we all bought a "great deal" only to come home and find...the same volume lurking on the shelves?


3. Go with a clear grasp on who you will be buying for: yourself? your children? nephews/nieces? a classroom library? If necessary, write these down. It is much easier to go with one or two groups in mind--otherwise, it's nearly impossible to scan for every workable title if you're looking for 4-5 different people/groups.


4. Be willing to bring home a few items of fluff to enjoy for a time and then move to better housing, especially if you have children with you who are clamoring for a particular book. It can keep them happy while you continue browsing.... Think of this as "renting" books--perhaps it's worth it to you to buy a few volumes you don't intend to keep, but which will come in handy for a particular stage in your child's life. This is okay! You are allowed to re-donate that book to the Friends of the Library, take it to Goodwill, or pass it on to a friend.


5. Ask yourself the following questions when in doubt:
   
   
   
   1. Can I get this book reliably at the library (for classics, medal winners, and the like, the answer is probably "yes" and will be in the future)? If so, do I really "need" a copy for my home?
   
   
   2. Is this copy worth paying money for? Is it remarkable in some way, well illustrated, nicely bound, etc.?
   
   
   3. Does someone I know have this book who will let me borrow it (nice for books which the public library often doesn't have--like missionary biographies)?
   
   
   4. If I already have a similar book at home, am I willing to purge the one at home in favor of this one? (perhaps you like the illustrator better in the new volume)
   
   
   5. Will I be just as content with an e-book version of this? (Most classics are free for e-readers; most novels or text only books worth quite well in e-book format if you're concerned about space. Picture books are better in print...)

The Strategy: Gather, then Sort
When we attend major booksales (a favorite is the Green Valley Bookfair in Harrisonburg, VA www.gvbookfair.com), we try not to clog up the aisles actually browsing through books we are unsure about. If possible, fill up baskets/cart and pile them in a secluded corner where you can go through them later when you can compare and evaluate more clearly. So the first objective is to gather; then we go into sort mode.

We have realized too many times that if we are at all hesitant about whether or not to purchase a book, we later regret having bought it. When in doubt, leave it out! We rarely wish we had bought something that we didn't feel strongly about at the time.

If you have the choice, opt for individual titles rather than collections in one volume (except collections of poetry and short stories, of course). A copy of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is far more portable and snuggly than a big heavy edition. Something is better than nothing, of course, just as a hardcover is usually better than paperback, but there is a good reason that Beatrix Potter originally published her books in small format! This is especially true for large collections of picture books in one volume--frequently illustrations are condensed or left out, and there is too much text/page to work a good read aloud to young children.

Happy Shopping! Let us know what you discover at your next sale!