BOOK REVIEW: Childrens Books

Now, to begin reviewing books you can put in your neat and tidy book closet, or shelf!!!  (See previous post)I thought I would list four books today, two for older children 6 – 10, and two for younger children, 4 – 6, however, I feel children of both age groups will enjoy all four books.

For the younger age, “Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs“, by Judie Barrett. A darling tale of raining food on the town and how the people cope.  This is one of those children’s books that stands out forever in your memory and I pick up now and again even if I have no one to read too at the time.

“Mouse, Cookies and More, A Treasury“, by Laura Numeoff and Felica Bond.  This book containes several tales , similar in nature, all equally funny.  It deals with how things can be blown out of proportion as you try to be creative in dealing with a mouse, a moose, and others.  It will have your children engaged and laughing asking for you to read it over and over again.

For a little older children, one of my favorites for years has been “Sylvester and the Magic Pebble“, by William Stieg.  In this fairy tale like story, Sylvester, a donkey, finds a pebble, not knowing it is magic, makes a wish, and then the trouble begins.  This book is quite well known, and you can even purchase teaching materials to encourage discussion with your children to go along with it.

And, to jump into the holiday season,  “The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus“, by Amelia C. Houghton.  (Pen name, Julie Lane)  Published in the 1930’s this tale is timeless, it describes how Nicholas, an orphan lived to become the beloved Santa Clause.   Longer than the others, it makes a great read-a-loud on those nights leading up to the holiday season.  My children, grown and not so grown loved this book.  Written by a long time school administrator, with illustrations by Hokie, her husband, began its popularity by being read over the school sound system during the holidays.  This book is beloved by many and makes a wonderful holiday tradition.