It Doesn't Have to be the First!

A First Poetry Book
By Pie Corbett and Gaby Morgan
Published by Macmillan's Children's Books
ISBN: 978-0-330-54374-3
Rating: 6/10

This book is a collection of poems for children. It is broken down into different themes that most kids will love: fairies, princesses, families, nature, food, monsters, and so much more! I think this is a good book for children to have, but as their first one I think it would be too overwhelming- especially because it has almost three-hundred poems in it. It could be, however, be a nice way to keep children interested in poetry after they are already introduced to it.

Are You a Bella or Bean?

Bella and Bean

Written by  Rebecca Kai Dotlich

Illustrated by Aileen Leijten 

Published by  Atheneum Books for Young Readers

ISBN: 0689856164

Rating: 6/10

Bella and Bean is a poem book about two best friend mice. Bella wants to write poems and Bean wants to do anything, but that. The story goes on to follow the two very different friends and their little adventure they have together. It is a fun book for young readers- exposing and easing them into poetry. It also shows them dynamics of different character types- maybe even allowing them to identify with one!

Wonderfully Wonderful

The Wonderful Things You Will Be
Written and Illustrated by Emily Winfield Martin 
Published by Random House Books for Young Readers
ISBN: 0385376715
Rating: 7/10

The Wonderful Things You Will Be is an adorable poetry book about the loving thoughts a parent has about his/her child. The beautiful text flows effortlessly with the rhyme. The words are also accompanied by soft, cute yet quirky illustrations. It is a good read for children and their parents to do together! 

Esperanza Does Rise!

Esperanza Rising
By Pam Munoz Ryan
Published by Scholastic
ISBN: 9780439120425
Rating: 6/10

 Esperanza Rising is a story of a young wealthy Mexican girl set in  California during the Great Depression. She goes from living an easy life to one of hard-work and physical labor.

I remember having to read this in elementary school, and it was never a favorite. It is interesting to learn about the hardship people of Mexico coming into the United States during the time of the Great Depression, and the plot line is suspenseful. There are not many books like it so is definitely a fresh one for children to read.

Ferocious Fever

Fever 1793
by Laurie Halse Anderson
Published by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
ISBN: 978-0-689-84891-9
Rating: 10/10


Fever 1793 educates readers on a historical plague that not many people are familiar with. It takes readers through the life of a young girl, Mattie, and her experiences in 1793 Philadelphia with the outbreak of yellow fever. Mattie herself gets the fever, but readers get to see her struggle, losses, and overall strength.

I thought this was an excellent example of historical fiction. I personally did not know much about yellow fever, and this book really opened my eyes to it all. Young readers can benefit immensely from reading this story. Not only will they be educated on the tragedy of yellow fever, but following someone their age will help keep their interest and relationship to the character.

A Diary You'll Never Forget

Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl
By Anne Frank
Translated by B.M. Mooyaart
Published by Bantan
ISBN: 0-553-29698-1
Rating 10/10

The story of Anne Frank is a moving yet tragic one. Through her own words, this young girl tells about her life during the Holocaust. She lived in an attic for twenty-five months during World War II hiding from the Nazi Army because of her Jewish religion.

This book is a good way to ease children into learning about dark topic such as this. By reading a diary written by someone near relatively near their own age group, children can relate and empathize with what is going on. The truth and devastation of this time is still present, but the youth and innocence Anne gives it a gentle touch.

A Twisting Tuesday

Magic Tree House: Twister on Tuesday
Written by Mary Pope Osborne
Illustrated by Sal Murdocca
Published by Random House Inc.
ISBN: 978-0-679-89069-0
Rating: 5/10

Twister on a Tuesday is from the Magic Tree House series where the two main characters Jack and Annie are taken to different times and places. In this particular book they are taken back to the 1800s on a prairie. It starts off as a fun story, but then takes a turn when the two encounter their first twister.

This is a chapter book that is better for older children. It gives information about twisters that is helpful for children to know about, but it was not my favorite informational text. I found myself getting bored reading it.

Look At Us!

Creature Features: Twenty-Five Animals Explain Why They Look the Way They Do

Written and Illustrated by Steve Jenkins and Robin Page

Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company

ISBN:978-0-544-23351-5

Rating: 9/10

Creature Features: Twenty-Five Animals Explain Why They Look the Way They Do lets the animals tell the story. There are realistic cartoon illustrations show each different animal and the narration is done by each animal.

I personally really enjoyed this book. I think it will interest children to learn about animals. Not only are the illustrations captivating, but having it told from the animals' perspective makes it fun for the children to learn! 

The Magic of Germs

The Magic School Bus: Inside Ralphie - A Book About Germs

Written by Joanna Cole 

Illustrated by Bruce Degen and Beth Nadler

Published by Scholastic Inc.

ISBN: 0-590-40025-8

Rating: 7/10

The Magic School Bus series is known for its information texts, and Inside Ralphie is a great example. When poor Ralphie does not show up to class one day, the ecentric and quirky Ms. Frizzle and her class go to his house to make sure he is okay. When they see he is sick they take it upon themselves to help him get better- by taking their magic bus and going inside Ralphie himself to kill the germs. 

This book does a nice job simplifying what can be a difficult concept for children: the immune system and inside the body. Germs, red blood cells, and white blood cells are not something most second graders would be familiar with but Cole's manner of writing makes does not over-complicate the science. The plot-line is a little interesting, but it overall is an efficient and fun way to learn about germs.   

All Aboard!

The Polar Express
Written and Illustrated by Chris Van Allsburg
Published by Houghton Mifflin
ISBN: 0395389496
Rating: 7/10

The Polar Express is holiday favorite: the ideal fantasy of going to the North Pole. A mysterious train shows up on Christmas Eve and brings children to see Santa and his workshop. The reader follows the main character of a little boy who no longer believes in Santa and the innocent magic of Christmas. Throughout this trip his faith starts to strengthen, and by the end of the story it gives the message that seeing is not believing- believing is seeing. I believe this story is great for children of all ages. Although the plot is pretty predictable, this book is one that all children should experience not only to get them in the Christmas spirit, but to show them to that having a little faith is not a bad thing.

Do You Believe in Magic?

Matilda 
By Roald Dahl
Illustrated by Quentin Blake 
Published by Puffin
ISBN: 0141301066
Rating: 7/10


Roald Dahl is an author who is known for his unique and fantastical books and Matilda is a popular of one. Matilda takes the word prodigy to the next level- with her incredible mind she was able read and do advanced school work before she was even five. She also has the magical power to levitate and move objects, which thickens the plot. The reader follows her through her interesting family and school life where she just wants to be noticed and cared for.

Matilda is a great book for children who are ready to read chapter books. The magic makes it intriguing and exciting, but the plot allows readers to follow characters and really feel for them.

Born to Be Wild

Where the Wild Things Are
By Maurice Sendak
Published by Haper Collins Publishers: 1964
ISBN: 0-06-025492-0
Rating 10/10

 Where the Wild Things Are is a perfect example of children's fantasy books. It is a household classic- I believe I still have two copies of it in my house to this day. This book vividly depicts the fantasy that every child experiences when they get in trouble- to run away. When Max's mother sends him to his room, his imagination takes over, and as it grows so do the illustrations. His mind takes him to a new world with wild creatures who he befriends, but by the end of the story he discovers that his world is where he belongs, and returns to his room, where he finds supper waiting for him.

I believe this is an excellent book for young children. It shows them the power of imagination, but also the lesson that running away from problems is not the answer.

The Art of the Dot

The Dot
Written and Illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds
Published by Candlewick
ISBN: 0763619612
Rating: 7/10

The Dot is a realistic fictional book aimed towards younger readers. It tells the tale of a girl who thinks she cannot draw. Her teacher encourages her and she ends up drawing a dot. The teacher frames it and the girl realizes that she can draw! No matter how simple it may be, it is still art. This allows her to have confidence in herself and abilities and to encourage others to do the same.

The story sends a nice message to children about self-worth and personal creativity.

Diggin Up Them Holes

Holes
By Louis Sachar
Published by Yearling Books
ISBN: 9990833087
Rating: 10/10

I seem to be getting a lot of good ones lately, but here is another great example of realistic fiction: Holes. It tells the story of a boy who gets in trouble for something he didn't even do and has to go to a disciplinary camp and dig holes. There is the subject of curses when a promise is broken and crazy characters, but still is something that can happen.

It teaches children to stick to their word and always be honest. The good guys win in the end because they fix the broken promise from the past. Older children should definitely read this book and check out the Disney movie!

Anyone Can Be a Princess

A Little Princess
By Frances Hodgson Burnett
Illustrated by Graham Rust
Published by David R. Godine
Rating: 10/10

This story has always meant so much to me. I remember reading it as a child and watching the movie. Laughing, crying, and thinking that I myself too could be a little princess, too. It's about young girl who goes off to boarding school when her wealthy father has to go to war. She is unfairly judged by the headmistress because of her wealth and when new arrives that her father has "died" in battle she becomes a pauper and the maid to the boarding school. The story tells the journey of this kind and bright spirited girl who does not give up on her dreams and finding if her father really is alive.

Though this book is rather lengthy, I think it is a realistic fictional book that older children definitely should read. She is not technically a "princess" her actions and how kind she is- especially when she was poor and suffering. It shows good morals and the possibility that anything can happen.

A Disney Favorite

Sleeping Beauty
Adapted by Michael Teitelbaum
Illustrated by Ron Dias
Published by Golden Books
ISBN: 978-0-7364-2198-0
Rating: 10/10

Although there are many different adaptations, this version of Sleeping Beauty is the one I have always known. Aurora was born, Maleficent cast a curse on her, and she and her castle shall sleep for one hundred years until she is awoken by true love's kiss. She eventually gets rescued by Prince Phillip and lives happily ever after.

This is the Disney version so not much surprise with the illustrations or content. However that does not make it a bad read. It is quick, simple, and a perfect way to tell children the story of Sleeping Beauty.

Scupting Rapunzel

The Fairy-Tale Princess: Seven Classic Stories from the Enchanted Forest
Rapunzel
Retold by Wendy Jones
Illustrations by Su Blackwell
Published by Thames and Hudson
ISBN: 978-0-500-65006-6
Rating: 7/10

This retelling of the beloved fairy-tale Rapunzel was different than other versions I had seen/read. It starts off the same with the witch taking Rapunzel away from her parents and locking her in a tower where a Prince visits her daily. However, I was a little thrown off when after the witch discovered this, she chopped off Rapunzel's hair and left her to die in the woods. Thank goodness after the Prince was injured by the witch he founded Rapunzel he was cured and they lived happily ever after at his kingdom. I was disappointed that she never went back to her own though.


I would recommend this version not necessarily for its content, but for the unique illustrations by Su Blackwell. Instead of regular painting or cartoon like images, Blackwell used paper sculptures to tell go along with the story. It is such an interesting and original way to display this well-known fairy-tale that I think would children would really be fascinated by.

Thumbs Up for Thumbelina

Thumbelina 
Retold by Brian Alderson
Illustrated by Bagram Ibatoulline
Published by Candlewick Press
ISBN:978-0-7636-2079-0
Rating: 9/10

I was not too familar with the classic fairytale Thumbelina, so I opened the book with a fresh slate. Thumbelia came from a flower and was taken care of by a woman who could not have children. Because of her beauty and size, she is kidnapped by various creatures- toads, maybugs, mice, and a mole. She cared for a sick sparrow and in the end got rescued by it to be united with crystal fairies just like herself.

The story was simple, charming, and had beautiful detailed illustrations. For someone looking for a good version of this tale, Nat definitely recommends this one.

Running Away Comes to Life

The Runaway Bunny
by Margaret Wise Brown
Illustrated by Clement Hurd
Published by HarperFestival
ISBN: 987-0-694-01671-6
Rating 10/10

I still remember my mother reading this book before bedtime. I still own the oversize-book to this day.  It is a hold-hold classic in my opinion. The cute little bunny wants to try his own sense of independence and he does so by running away. However his mother counters each of his arguments by saying she will follow where him wherever he goes. So, he decides to stay!

The illustrations switch from sketchily-drawn and black and white when with the text, but then magnificently come to life with bright radiant colors. Those pages tell the story so well I understand Brown did not include any words on those pages. Beautifully drawn, beautifully painted images, and beautiful story. A+

Fine By the End of the Day

One Fine Day
By Nonny Hogrogian
Published by Aladdin Paperbacks
ISBN: 0-606-01196-X
Rating: 6/10

One Fine Day was not as "fine" as I expected it to be. I was immediately enticed by the warm colors and adorable fox on the cover, but as I kept reading I felt myself starting to get just as discouraged the fox. The fox found himself very thirsty after an adventure through the woods, and drank some milk he saw as he came out. Turns out the milk belonged to an old who then-in my opinion- aggressively chopped off his tail. In order to get his tail back, he had to get replacement milk which took him on a long discouraging journey bargaining with others. By the end of the story with the help of a nice old man, the fox accomplished his mission. So lesson learned: do not steal boys and girls.

The illustrations were what originally attracted me to the book. They looks as those someone freshly painted then on the pages. One can see the brush strokes in every character and background scenery. The images are simply and not super realistic, but that is what I like about it. I think children would enjoy looking at the pictures themselves thinking- "Hey! I can paint something like that!"

I did judge this book by its cover and even though it wasn't what I initially expected, it had a good moral lesson and beautiful pictures.

The Lonely Yet Lovely Firefly

The Very Lonely Firefly
Written and Illustrated by Eric Carle
Published by Philomel Books
ISBN: 0-339-22774-1
Rating: 10/10

The Very Lonely Firefly is a classic by Eric Carle. The story of the lonely firefly is told not only with words, but with beautiful illustrations as well. Carle is known for his specific artistic style. The pictures are so vivid and detailed, but with a jagged-cartoon-like quality. Seeing the journey of this firefly doesn't even need words- can be shown through the pictures alone. The illustrations of this book make you really feel for the firefly, and enjoy his excitement at the end when he unites with all the other fireflies.