Reviews Written By: AEKWD5WIFP6provided by Amazon.com |
 | ||
 | Rascal | |
 | "A Very Enjoyable Animal Story with Potentially Problematic Elements" | 2009-10-23 |
| Rascal is an autobiographical story about a year in the life of a boy growing up in a small American town during World War I, in which young Sterling takes in a young raccoon as a pet. It is exceptionally well written, receiving a Newbery Honor award in 1964. North's wonderful depictions of outdoor experiences, detailed descriptions of Rascal's behavior, and the warm affinity that grows between Sterling and Rascal have earned this book its classic status. It is a wonderful boy book, with many companionable scenes between Sterling and his loving father.
For parents and teachers who wish to cultivate a Christian worldview in their young readers, the story should be considered with some caution. Several elements of the story reveal an underlying view of the world that is at odds with biblical teaching. First, there are no whole and healthy families depicted in the story. Sterling's widowed father, though kind, seldom offers guidance, but indulgently allows him to stay out until all hours, build his canoe in the living room, and lead a rather bohemian life. Sterling's best friend, in contrast, lives in perpetual fear of his own father's abusive anger. The only marriage depicted in much detail is between Sterling's aunt and uncle. In this family his hardworking, saintly aunt, in worn but neatly mended sweater, quietly bows her head under the weight of her husband's cruel joking. None of these families represent God's design for loving family life with a father and a mother. Not only is the family not modeled well, but North shows religion in a negative light through his hilariously colorful depiction of the local Methodist pastor, a foul-mouthed, "terrible-tempered minister of the Gospel." The stories about Reverend Thurmond are undoubtedly based on true events, but readers may interpret Thurman's hypocritical behavior as representative of genuine Christianity. The story unfolds in the shadow of World War I, and near the end of the book Sterling compares the war to his practice of trapping animals. He makes a "truce" with the animals of the forest, promising never to hunt them again. This boyish gesture seems to reveal an underlying belief that humans and animals have equal status. This view is at odds with the biblical teaching that God created humans to be the caretakers and rulers of the rest of creation (Genesis 1:27-28; Psalm 8:4-8). North's view of human equality with animals is not surprising, given the fact that elsewhere he expresses his support for evolution. At the romantic high point of the story, while Sterling roams the woods alone with Rascal while camping near the beautiful Lake Superior, he recalls a time when his dearly departed mother had tried to explain the story of creation in the Bible as a means by which a primitive and poetic people sought to record the beginning of things... plants and animals had evolved from the simpler forms of life to the wonderfully complex flora and fauna of our present era. And I had thought there was no one more gracious or knowing than my mother, and nothing more pleasant than the sound of her voice. She seemed very close to me now as Rascal and I made our way up the branch of the Brule (92-93). Later, Sterling asks his teacher wistfully if raccoons might evolve into humans someday, and she doesn't laugh at his question. This makes him feel she is "a very special person" (139). These two highly-charged, emotional encounters with important women in Sterling's life present the reader with an unsubtle, positive appeal for the theory of evolution, made more powerful because the appeal is emotional rather than rational. The story is very well written and will be enjoyed by anyone who loves animals and the outdoors. It will be especially attractive to boys, with its masculine-romantic view of nature and his bohemian life with his father. However, North's depiction of families, religion and the created order (especially the origin of life) are sometimes at odds with a biblical worldview. For this reason, although it is written at an 8-12 reading level, Christian parents may want to wait to introduce this book until readers are old enough to read it with discernment. | ||
 | Harry Potter Hardcover Boxed Set (Books 1-6) | |
 | "An Entertaining Fantasy with Some Troubling Elements" | 2009-10-19 |
| Since the first book was published in 1997, Harry Potter has become a cultural sensation. There are movies and merchandise based on the series, and gallons of ink have been spilled discussing their literary quality and cultural significance. Additionally, there has been an ongoing debate among Christians about the moral quality of the series. Advocates such as John Granger argue that the books provide a cosmic good-against-evil battle that is essentially Christian (a claim that Rowling may have indirectly refuted in her strange 2007 announcement that Dumbledore, the deceased headmaster of Hogwarts, was gay.) Detractors claim the books could lead readers into occultic involvement. A good example of the spirited debate over Harry Potter is the July 18, 2005 discussion on the Albert Mohler radio program.
The books tell the story of the orphaned Harry Potter, who lives with his outrageously abusive (and nonmagical) aunt and uncle. On his eleventh birthday he receives a letter inviting him to study at the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, where his parents attended before him. There he discovers that his unique gifts make him special, and he earns his place at Hogwarts through excellence at the wizard's sport Quidditch. At Hogwarts he deals with the everyday trials of preadolescents, making some enemies and a few good friends who join him in his adventures. Most of the wizarding community are goodhearted, and many are heroic; but Voldemort, an evil wizard, holds the wizarding world in terror, and he emerges as Harry's nemesis. In each installment of the series his vendetta against Harry is expressed in a new way, and each time Harry defeats him. I have read books 1-6, and found that books 1-4 seem to be entertaining, basically innocent magical fantasy including loyal friends, some positive adult role models, and a classic good-against-evil struggle. Unfortunately, books 5-6 grow quite dark and are rather disturbing as Harry matures into a young teen. His confrontations with evil become progressively more frightening (at times horrifying and macabre), and sensitive readers will definitely be disturbed. More troubling than the magical elements, which can be dismissed as mere fantasy, are Harry's relationships with the people in his life, especially those in authority. The Hogwarts faculty who care about Harry often overlook important safety concerns, forcing him to break the rules in order to oppose Voldemort. Even Dumbledore, his primary advocate and father figure, is unable to prevent his own murder in front of Harry, and his death leaves Harry bereft of his primary source of adult guidance. Young teens are already prone to the belief that they know more than their elders, and Harry's experiences will do nothing to discourage this delusion. Harry's isolationism is also troubling. While his friends do show courage and loyalty as they join in the fight against evil, it is always Harry who ends up facing down the villain. At the end of book six Harry walks away from the wizarding community as a one-man vigilante. While his heroism is not all bad, there is an individualistic and self-absorbed quality to his departure that is likely to appeal to adolescent pride. If any readers have read book seven, I would be interested to know if this quality is altered in his final confrontation with Voldemort. The Harry Potter series is entertaining and well written, and follows a good-against-evil motif that is in some harmony with a Christian worldview. The magic in the early books seems for the most part fantastical, although the later books move into darker, more occultic territory. More problematic is Harry's isolationism, as well as the absence of trustworthy, competent adults in his life. Some families may feel that the books' popularity with their children's peers is reason enough for reading them, and a reasonable case may be made for their inclusion in home reading as a part of cultural literacy. However, I would recommend that if the books are approved, their introduction should be delayed until the early teen years, when readers are old enough to engage the problematic elements with the help of a discerning adult. | ||
 | Harry Potter Paperback Box Set (Books 1-6) | |
| "An Entertaining Fantasy with Some Troubling Elements" | 2009-10-19 |
| Since the first book was published in 1997, Harry Potter has become a cultural sensation. There are movies and merchandise based on the series, and gallons of ink have been spilled discussing their literary quality and cultural significance. Additionally, there has been an ongoing debate among Christians about the moral quality of the series. Advocates such as John Granger argue that the books provide a cosmic good-against-evil battle that is essentially Christian (a claim that Rowling may have indirectly refuted in her strange 2007 announcement that Dumbledore, the deceased headmaster of Hogwarts, was gay.) Detractors claim the books could lead readers into occultic involvement. A good example of the spirited debate over Harry Potter is the July 18, 2005 discussion on the Albert Mohler radio program.
The books tell the story of the orphaned Harry Potter, who lives with his outrageously abusive (and nonmagical) aunt and uncle. On his eleventh birthday he receives a letter inviting him to study at the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, where his parents attended before him. There he discovers that his unique gifts make him special, and he earns his place at Hogwarts through excellence at the wizard's sport Quidditch. At Hogwarts he deals with the everyday trials of preadolescents, making some enemies and a few good friends who join him in his adventures. Most of the wizarding community are goodhearted, and many are heroic; but Voldemort, an evil wizard, holds the wizarding world in terror, and he emerges as Harry's nemesis. In each installment of the series his vendetta against Harry is expressed in a new way, and each time Harry defeats him. I have read books 1-6, and found that books 1-4 seem to be entertaining, basically innocent magical fantasy including loyal friends, some positive adult role models, and a classic good-against-evil struggle. Unfortunately, books 5-6 grow quite dark and are rather disturbing as Harry matures into a young teen. His confrontations with evil become progressively more frightening (at times horrifying and macabre), and sensitive readers will definitely be disturbed. More troubling than the magical elements, which can be dismissed as mere fantasy, are Harry's relationships with the people in his life, especially those in authority. The Hogwarts faculty who care about Harry often overlook important safety concerns, forcing him to break the rules in order to oppose Voldemort. Even Dumbledore, his primary advocate and father figure, is unable to prevent his own murder in front of Harry, and his death leaves Harry bereft of his primary source of adult guidance. Young teens are already prone to the belief that they know more than their elders, and Harry's experiences will do nothing to discourage this delusion. Harry's isolationism is also troubling. While his friends do show courage and loyalty as they join in the fight against evil, it is always Harry who ends up facing down the villain. At the end of book six Harry walks away from the wizarding community as a one-man vigilante. While his heroism is not all bad, there is an individualistic and self-absorbed quality to his departure that is likely to appeal to adolescent pride. If any readers have read book seven, I would be interested to know if this quality is altered in his final confrontation with Voldemort. The Harry Potter series is entertaining and well written, and follows a good-against-evil motif that is in some harmony with a Christian worldview. The magic in the early books seems for the most part fantastical, although the later books move into darker, more occultic territory. More problematic is Harry's isolationism, as well as the absence of trustworthy, competent adults in his life. Some families may feel that the books' popularity with their children's peers is reason enough for reading them, and a reasonable case may be made for their inclusion in home reading as a part of cultural literacy. However, I would recommend that if the books are approved, their introduction should be delayed until the early teen years, when readers are old enough to engage the problematic elements with the help of a discerning adult. | ||
 | Unbuilding | |
 | "An Enjoyable Tribute to an Architectural Monument" | 2009-10-15 |
| What would happen if a crazy multibillionare in the Middle East decided to buy the Empire State Building and transport it across the ocean? Macaulay presents this scenario with a meticulously researched deconstruction with detailed illustrations of the building's internal structural features, showing over the course of two years what it would take to dismantle this monument of American architecture. In so doing, he helps the reader appreciate how significant an architectural achievement it is while also helping the reader understand how great buildings like this are made.
The concept of taking the building apart to show off its construction is a novel one, and Macaulay not only makes the reading worthwhile through his careful research, but also with humor. Tongue-in-cheek, he describes the local protests at the building's sale, and the appeasement of New York's residents by transforming the site into a park with the spire installed at its center. Ironically, after years of deconstruction, he chooses to have the building lost at sea en route to its destination. This plot twist is undoubtedly an acknowledgement of the Empire State Building's place in the American consciousness as a cultural icon, whose ownership cannot change hands. This book, like all of Macaulay's architecture books, focuses primarily on the physical details of the building, so it will appeal best to readers who experience life through the details. This is an outstanding choice to prepare for a trip to New York, as part of an architecture or history study, or just for entertaining reading. Because most of the information comes through the exquisitely detailed drawings, it's a better read-alone than read-aloud. | ||
 | The Winnie-the-Pooh | |
 | "A Children's Classic for Good Reason" | 2009-10-12 |
| Winnie-the-Pooh has been beloved by several generations because of the wonderful way Milne captures the imaginative play of children. In this book, he introduces the characters of Christopher Robin, Pooh, Piglet, Eeyore, Rabbit, Owl, Kanga, and Roo, and their adventures commence. These are the sort of pretend adventures a child might enact alone with their stuffed toys, but they are written with the sophisticated and original perspective of an adult who develops each toy as a unique character, and this takes the simple stories to a higher level.
Milne's excellent writing, wonderful use of language, subtle and silly sense of humor, and the unforgettable eccentricities of his characters make the world of Pooh a delightful place. Like other classic children's stories, Winnie-the-Pooh may not appeal to every reader, but every child ought to have a chance to experience it. If it is enjoyed at first, successive readings will provide even greater appreciation as the children grasp more of the story's subtleties. Since much of the humor hinges on dialogue, such as Rabbit's "Oh, must you?" when his greedy guest announces his departure, younger children may need adult help understanding some of the story events. Winnie-the-Pooh will appeal best to children are old enough to engage in imaginative play. It's a good read-aloud for the 4-8 crowd, but the 8-12 age group will also enjoy it as a read-alone. | ||
 | Babe: The Gallant Pig | |
| "An Exceptionally Well Written Story about a Sheepherding Pig" | 2009-10-07 |
| When the kind and taciturn Farmer Hoggett wins a piglet at the local fair, Mrs. Hoggett makes plans to fatten him for bacon and Christmas ham. But Fly, the sheepdog, decides to foster the orphaned piglet, and when Fly's puppies leave home Babe is left as her companion. He imitates everything she does, determined to become a "sheep-pig," and what he lacks in speed and intimidation he makes up for in friendly courtesy, winning the flock's cooperation and loyalty. He distinguishes himself by saving the flock from sheep-rustlers and marauding dogs, and finally wins first prize in the Grand Challenge Sheepdog Trials. By this time, of course, his future is assured.
Children who have enjoyed Charlotte's Web (Trophy Newbery) and James Herriot's Treasury for Children: Warm and Joyful Tales by the Author of All Creatures Great and Small will love this story, which is exceptionally well written with humor, pathos, and drama. The characters are wonderfully drawn, and Babe exemplifies loyalty, courage, determination, and courtesy while Fly provides a compassionate motherly figure who provides him with the means to distinguish himself. An outstanding read. | ||
 | Babe: The Gallant Pig | |
| "An Exceptionally Well Written Story about a Sheepherding Pig" | 2009-10-07 |
| When the kind and taciturn Farmer Hoggett wins a piglet at the local fair, Mrs. Hoggett makes plans to fatten him for bacon and Christmas ham. But Fly, the sheepdog, decides to foster the orphaned piglet, and when Fly's puppies leave home Babe is left as her companion. He imitates everything she does, determined to become a "sheep-pig," and what he lacks in speed and intimidation he makes up for in friendly courtesy, winning the flock's cooperation and loyalty. He distinguishes himself by saving the flock from sheep-rustlers and marauding dogs, and finally wins first prize in the Grand Challenge Sheepdog Trials. By this time, of course, his future is assured.
Children who have enjoyed Charlotte's Web (Trophy Newbery) and James Herriot's Treasury for Children: Warm and Joyful Tales by the Author of All Creatures Great and Small will love this story, which is exceptionally well written with humor, pathos, and drama. The characters are wonderfully drawn, and Babe exemplifies loyalty, courage, determination, and courtesy while Fly provides a compassionate motherly figure who provides him with the means to distinguish himself. An outstanding read. | ||
 | Tops & Bottoms (Caldecott Honor Book) | |
| "A Funny Moral Tale about Laziness" | 2009-10-05 |
| This tale is derived from European folktales and slave stories of the American South. In it, the industrious but unscrupulous Hare is pitted against the profoundly lazy Bear. Hare proposes that he and his family work Bear's land (some of which which had originally been his) in exchange for half of the crops produced, and Bear may have first choice of whether he gets the tops or bottoms of the crops. Bear agrees, chooses tops, and goes to sleep on the porch of his falling-apart house while Hare plants root vegetables. At harvest time, when he receives only inedible leaves, Bear chooses bottoms for the following year, then sleeps through Hare's planting of broccoli, tomatoes, and other surface-growing vegetables. Roaring in fury at being tricked again, he demands a year of tops and bottoms -- and Hare obliges with a corn crop, leaving Bear the tassels and stalks but keeping the corn cobs in the middle.
Trickster stories are moral tales, but not the kind in which a hero sets a good example. There is no hero in this story -- rather, the lazy bear provides an example of how not to act, since his laziness makes him vulnerable to being cheated. He provides an excellent illustration for Proverbs 25:28, which states that a person without self-control is "like a city whose [defensive] walls are broken down." The simple, repetitive humor is all at the foolish Bear's expense, but after the third transaction he learns his lesson. From then on he farms his own land outside his well-maintained house), and never enters into another business deal with Hare. There aren't many funny books for children about the dangers of laziness, and this one is a keeper. The story is brilliantly illustrated with lively, detailed paintings that carry the story, and and rather than reading from left to right it opens vertically to be read from top to bottom. This feature complements the story theme, but does take a little getting used to for reading aloud. | ||
 | Flat Stanley 40th Anniversary Edition | |
| "An Imaginative and Funny Transitional Reader" | 2009-09-30 |
| Stanley is an ordinary boy whose life changes when a large bulletin board falls on him during the night, flattening him to a thickness of a half-inch. His new shape enables him to do many fantastic things: travel to California via airmail, slip underneath doors, fly like a kite, and finally pose as a painting to capture a pair of art thieves in the local museum. Throughout the story, Stanley's brother Arthur struggles with envy. In a touching conclusion, when Stanley begins to be mocked by the other school kids because of his shape, Arthur compassionately helps him find a solution that returns him to his normal shape.
This whimsical story is entirely enjoyable, and what it lacks in depth of plot and character development (no pun intended) it makes up for in imagination. Stanley displays kindness and courage, and the reconciliation of the two brothers is heartwarming. This is a great fun read, and is the first in a series of similar stories. It's a great choice for children transitioning from picture books to chapter books, and for early readers who are aren't quite ready for full chapter books. | ||
 | Rikki-Tikki-Tavi | |
| "An Excellent Stepping-Stone to the Original Story" | 2009-09-28 |
| There are two schools of thought regarding illustrated adaptations of literary classics. One school holds that stories that are simplified for early listeners can be ruined in the process, because the listener's first experience doesn't contain the beauty and depth of the original. The second school holds that well-written adaptations can serve as stepping-stones to original works, making them more accessible. I am still between the two camps, but in making decisions about specific classic titles I ask two questions:
1. Is the story content appropriate for a reading level that can't yet master the language in the original? If not, it's probably better to wait until a child is linguistically and emotionally ready for the original. 2. Is the quality of the adaptation high enough that it entices, rather than discourages, readers to explore further? If it can't stand on its own merit but only piggybacks on the original's popularity, it may cause the reader to associate the original with mediocrity. The answer to question 1 will be different for different families and readers. I would say that Rikki-Tikki-Tavi, a young Indian mongoose who is adopted by a British family and drives the venomous snakes out of their home and garden, may appeal more to boys than girls, and parents of sensitive children should certainly screen this book since it contains dramatic animal violence, multiple attempted murders by talking snakes (in one of these a child is threatened), and Rikki-Tikki's merciless execution of many cobras in their eggs. But this story is a classic for good reason: Rikki-Tikki exemplifies courage, loyalty, defending the helpless, and a relentless commitment to oppose the evil snakes regardless of the cost. Every child will want a pet mongoose after experiencing this story. As for question 2, Pinkney's adaptation uses modern language, retaining almost none of Kipling's masterful language, but telling the story very well. What really makes this book are his lavish, exuberant watercolor paintings which draw the reader in and dramatize the story in a very vivid way. I recommend this story for children who are able to tolerate suspense and conflict, who have no reptile phobias, and who are transitioning out of the picture-book stage but are not yet ready for Kipling's sometimes challenging language. Although this book could stand on its own as a part of a home library, I recommend that it ought to be followed very closely by a version with the original language. Once the story is understood, this method will provide a great opportunity for vocabulary expansion and an appreciation of more elevated prose. | ||
 | Rikki-Tikki-Tavi | |
| "An Excellent Stepping-Stone to the Original Story" | 2009-09-28 |
| There are two schools of thought regarding illustrated adaptations of literary classics. One school holds that stories that are simplified for early listeners can be ruined in the process, because the listener's first experience doesn't contain the beauty and depth of the original. The second school holds that well-written adaptations can serve as stepping-stones to original works, making them more accessible. I am still between the two camps, but in making decisions about specific classic titles I ask two questions:
1. Is the story content appropriate for a reading level that can't yet master the language in the original? If not, it's probably better to wait until a child is linguistically and emotionally ready for the original. 2. Is the quality of the adaptation high enough that it entices, rather than discourages, readers to explore further? If it can't stand on its own merit but only piggybacks on the original's popularity, it may cause the reader to associate the original with mediocrity. The answer to question 1 will be different for different families and readers. I would say that Rikki-Tikki-Tavi, a young Indian mongoose who is adopted by a British family and drives the venomous snakes out of their home and garden, may appeal more to boys than girls, and parents of sensitive children should certainly screen this book since it contains dramatic animal violence, multiple attempted murders by talking snakes (in one of these a child is threatened), and Rikki-Tikki's merciless execution of many cobras in their eggs. But this story is a classic for good reason: Rikki-Tikki exemplifies courage, loyalty, defending the helpless, and a relentless commitment to oppose the evil snakes regardless of the cost. Every child will want a pet mongoose after experiencing this story. As for question 2, Pinkney's adaptation uses modern language, retaining almost none of Kipling's masterful language, but telling the story very well. What really makes this book are his lavish, exuberant watercolor paintings which draw the reader in and dramatize the story in a very vivid way. I recommend this story for children who are able to tolerate suspense and conflict, who have no reptile phobias, and who are transitioning out of the picture-book stage but are not yet ready for Kipling's sometimes challenging language. Although this book could stand on its own as a part of a home library, I recommend that it ought to be followed very closely by a version with the original language. Once the story is understood, this method will provide a great opportunity for vocabulary expansion and an appreciation of more elevated prose. | ||
 | Aesop's Fables | |
| "An Excellent Aesop for Younger Readers and Listeners" | 2009-09-25 |
| Every child should read Aesop at some point, not only because of the time-honored wisdom contained in the stories, but also because knowing Aesop gives a cultural literacy that will bring great pleasure. Many of Aesop's morals have become proverbs whose original meaning is not remembered. When these privileged readers hear someone mention sour grapes, or they are admonished not to count their chickens before they're hatched, they will know exactly what is meant.
This gorgeously illustrated version makes the ancient genre of morality tales accessible to young listeners. The collection includes 52 fables (about a quarter of the corpus attributed to Aesop), including most of the better-known stories -- the tortoise and the hare, the boy who cried wolf, Androcles and the lion, and the stork and the crane -- as well as some lesser-known ones. Pinkney's mesmerizing watercolor paintings will hold attention long enough for the well-written text to be read aloud, and the traditional pithy moral will help anchor it in the memory. A child who has experienced this book ought to be delighted to encounter a broader Aesop collection later (although they will always remember the pictures that accompanied their first Aesop experience). If you must choose only one Aesop collection, choose one with more stories, but if you can afford a version for the younger set, this is an excellent choice. | ||
 | James Herriot's Treasury for Children | |
| "A Unique and Important Addition to a Children's Library" | 2009-09-22 |
| This is an outstanding collection of eight of James Herriot's true stories about his life as a veterinarian in 1940's Yorkshire, adapted for children and beautifully illustrated. Adults who enjoy Herriot's memoirs (begun in All Creatures Great and Small) will love introducing their children to his life through this wonderful collection. The book stands well on its own, however, with a slightly higher reading level than most books of this genre. The stories really capture country life during this time period; they are often funny, and always interesting. When so many great stories about animals include the talking kind, this is a unique and important addition to a child's library. | ||
 | Elmer and the Dragon (Three Tales of My Father's Dragon) | |
| "A Continuation of My Father's Dragon" | 2009-09-20 |
| A continuation of the lighthearted fantasy begun in My Father's Dragon, in which the dragon delivers Elmer to his home after their adventures. Throughout their journey they meet similar challenges as in the first story -- a storm that maroons them, a riddle to be solved on an isolated island, and treasure discovered. Elmer's homecoming (bearing gifts for his parents) is heartwarming, although he never tells the secret of his adventure.
It would be better for his adventure take place with his parents' knowledge and blessing, but this is still an exciting, interesting and funny story excursion. | ||
 | My Father's Dragon (Three Tales of My Father's Dragon) | |
| "A Positive, Funny and Lighthearted Fantasy" | 2009-09-17 |
| Elmer Elevator, the narrator's father, is nine years old when he meets a talking alley cat, who tells him about his journey to a Wild Island where a baby dragon is held captive, forced to ferry animals across the river that divides the island. Elmer, annoyed with his mother for being rude to the cat, packs twenty-five peanut butter sandwiches, six apples, and assorted gear and stows away on a ship bound for the nearby Tangerina, then crosses a bridge of rocks to explore the island. There he outwits a succession of fierce animals bound on devouring him and frees the dragon.
This story is masterfully written, in very short chapters that each pack a punch and end with a cliffhanger. The plot points are simple enough that young children will be able to follow them, but clever enough that adults will enjoy the author's absurd sense of humor. It's perfect for children transitioning out of picture books. Published in 1947, it reflects mainly wholesome values of kindness, courage, and generosity, with a naivete that will appeal to children who enjoy this kind of playful fantasy. Some concerns that parents ought to consider when deciding about this book are that (as in many fantasies of this type) Elmer does disobey his mother by feeding the alley cat and sneaking out for walks with him. He also runs away, and during his travels he lies to some animals in order to protect himself. His mother does relent about the cat, and Elmer never lies outright to his parents, who in a later book welcome him home with glad relief. These moral elements can be dealt with through discussion, but the power of the story is far greater than a conversation. I believe that the warm family relationships, and other positive values in the story outweigh the effect Elmer's rebellion and lying. All told, this is a positive, funny and lighthearted fantasy with a potentially problematic plot device of lying and running away. | ||
 | How Do Apples Grow | |
| "A Good Seasonal Science Read" | 2009-09-17 |
| This book describes the way an apple grows on a tree, from the tiny leaf buds that exist in winter, to flowers blooming while bees pollinate them, through the time the apple ripens and is harvested. The text gives carefully detailed descriptions of how the fruit develops without being wordy, and children who like to understand how things work will appreciate the straightforward way these facts are presented. Like most of the books in this series, the illustrations are pretty average, but when apple harvest rolls around this is a great book to have in the reading basket. While the general concept of an apple growing from a flower will be understood by preschoolers, it is targeted toward primary school ages. | ||
 | Charlotte's Web | |
| "An Enduring Classic Story about Friendship" | 2009-09-15 |
| Wilbur is a white, runty pig who lives in Homer Zuckerman's barn. He is childish, innocent, and amiably piggy, and has two good friends: Fern, the girl who rescued him at birth, and an intelligent spider named Charlotte, who spins her web above his pen. One day the old sheep in the barn informs Wilbur of his future as bacon and ham, and Charlotte promises to rescue him from this dreadful fate. How she intends to keep her promise remains to be seen, and her plan unfolds in chapter after delightful chapter. The story closes soon after the natural end of her life, and Wilbur, mourning her loss, welcomes her children into his life.
White's writing is masterful, with a gentle touch and careful observation of human nature. This memorable story provides an example of genuine, loving friendship, which blooms among the hard realities of farm life: in the natural course of things, Charlotte does trap and eat insects, and the people do kill the animals they care for. In fact, without Fern's intervention Wilbur's life would have met an early end as the runt of his litter. But even given their pork-eating inclinations, the people on this farm are goodwilled and faithfully care for their livestock. The geese are hilariously goosey, and the old sheep provides several instances of savvy wisdom. Templeton the rat is memorable in his odious self-centeredness. Because the general tone of the book is warm, Charlotte's death stands out as an event of profound sadness. But it is the contrasts that have made this story such an enduring classic -- the reality of death and sadness make the joy and sweetness all the better where they exist. This is a chapter book with occasional illustrations, and should appeal best to ages 5-10. Because its story quality appeals to a wide age range, I recommend it as a first chapter book, although parents ought to be aware that Charlotte's death may come as a shock to sensitive listeners. | ||
 | Charlotte's Web | |
| "An Enduring Classic Story about Friendship" | 2009-09-15 |
| Wilbur is a white, runty pig who lives in Homer Zuckerman's barn. He is childish, innocent, and amiably piggy, and has two good friends: Fern, the girl who rescued him at birth, and an intelligent spider named Charlotte, who spins her web above his pen. One day the old sheep in the barn informs Wilbur of his future as bacon and ham, and Charlotte promises to rescue him from this dreadful fate. How she intends to keep her promise remains to be seen, and her plan unfolds in chapter after delightful chapter. The story closes soon after the natural end of her life, and Wilbur, mourning her loss, welcomes her children into his life.
White's writing is masterful, with a gentle touch and careful observation of human nature. This memorable story provides an example of genuine, loving friendship, which blooms among the hard realities of farm life: in the natural course of things, Charlotte does trap and eat insects, and the people do kill the animals they care for. In fact, without Fern's intervention Wilbur's life would have met an early end as the runt of his litter. But even given their pork-eating inclinations, the people on this farm are goodwilled and faithfully care for their livestock. The geese are hilariously goosey, and the old sheep provides several instances of savvy wisdom. Templeton the rat is memorable in his odious self-centeredness. Because the general tone of the book is warm, Charlotte's death stands out as an event of profound sadness. But it is the contrasts that have made this story such an enduring classic -- the reality of death and sadness make the joy and sweetness all the better where they exist. This is a chapter book with occasional illustrations, and should appeal best to ages 5-10. Because its story quality appeals to a wide age range, I recommend it as a first chapter book, although parents ought to be aware that Charlotte's death may come as a shock to sensitive listeners. | ||
 | Charlotte's Web (Trophy Newbery) | |
| "An Enduring Classic Story about Friendship" | 2009-09-15 |
| Wilbur is a white, runty pig who lives in Homer Zuckerman's barn. He is childish, innocent, and amiably piggy, and has two good friends: Fern, the girl who rescued him at birth, and an intelligent spider named Charlotte, who spins her web above his pen. One day the old sheep in the barn informs Wilbur of his future as bacon and ham, and Charlotte promises to rescue him from this dreadful fate. How she intends to keep her promise remains to be seen, and her plan unfolds in chapter after delightful chapter. The story closes soon after the natural end of her life, and Wilbur, mourning her loss, welcomes her children into his life.
White's writing is masterful, with a gentle touch and careful observation of human nature. This memorable story provides an example of genuine, loving friendship, which blooms among the hard realities of farm life: in the natural course of things, Charlotte does trap and eat insects, and the people do kill the animals they care for. In fact, without Fern's intervention Wilbur's life would have met an early end as the runt of his litter. But even given their pork-eating inclinations, the people on this farm are goodwilled and faithfully care for their livestock. The geese are hilariously goosey, and the old sheep provides several instances of savvy wisdom. Templeton the rat is memorable in his odious self-centeredness. Because the general tone of the book is warm, Charlotte's death stands out as an event of profound sadness. But it is the contrasts that have made this story such an enduring classic -- the reality of death and sadness make the joy and sweetness all the better where they exist. This is a chapter book with occasional illustrations, and should appeal best to ages 5-10. Because its story quality appeals to a wide age range, I recommend it as a first chapter book, although parents ought to be aware that Charlotte's death may come as a shock to sensitive listeners. | ||
 | All Things Bright and Beautiful (All Things Bright & Beautiful) | |
| "Utterly Enjoyable Fictionalized Memoirs" | 2009-09-07 |
| All Things Bright and Beautiful continues the memoirs of James Herriot, newly married to Helen, as he continues his veterinary practice in Yorkshire. This book is simply more of the same witty, incisive commentary on animal ways and human nature, and how they came together in his unique professional life. Utterly enjoyable. | ||
 | All Things Bright and Beautiful | |
| "Utterly Enjoyable Fictionalized Memoirs" | 2009-09-07 |
| All Things Bright and Beautiful continues the memoirs of James Herriot, newly married to Helen, as he continues his veterinary practice in Yorkshire. This book is simply more of the same witty, incisive commentary on animal ways and human nature, and how they came together in his unique professional life. Utterly enjoyable. | ||
 | All Things Bright and Beautiful | |
| "Utterly Enjoyable Fictionalized Memoirs" | 2009-09-07 |
| All Things Bright and Beautiful continues the memoirs of James Herriot, newly married to Helen, as he continues his veterinary practice in Yorkshire. This book is simply more of the same witty, incisive commentary on animal ways and human nature, and how they came together in his unique professional life. Utterly enjoyable. | ||
 | All Things Bright and Beautiful (All Things Bright & Beautiful) | |
| "Utterly Enjoyable Fictionalized Memoirs" | 2009-09-07 |
| All Things Bright and Beautiful continues the memoirs of James Herriot, newly married to Helen, as he continues his veterinary practice in Yorkshire. This book is simply more of the same witty, incisive commentary on animal ways and human nature, and how they came together in his unique professional life. Utterly enjoyable. | ||
 | All Creatures Great and Small | |
| "A Nearly Irresistible Memoir of a Country Veterinarian" | 2009-09-07 |
| All Creatures Great and Small opens an unforgettable series of personal memoirs by a country veterinarian in 1940's Yorkshire (also known as James Alfred Wight). These are written in a series of short chapter vignettes, with a warm, wry humor that vividly, affectionately, and sometimes mercilessly captures human nature in the context of this cultural scene. Many descriptions are laugh-out-loud hilarious, and will be spontaneously read aloud to the nearest listener. But Herriot is no cynic -- his writing pokes fun at himself at least as often as others, and his self-deprecating wit provides an appeal that is near irresistible. This first book in the series follows Herriot's starting-out years as a vet, his induction into Siegfried Farnon's local practice, his adjustment to the local ways and customs, and his courtship of the lovely Helen Alderson.
A country vet's life involves a lot of bloody and sometimes gross work, which will appeal to some readers and may repel others. There is an obvious appeal for animal lovers and potential medical students, as he treats both pets and farm animals, and Herriot sets a good moral example through his kindhearted willingness to undergo inconvenience and indignity for the sake of the animals under his care. Implicit throughout his books is the belief that humans have a responsibility to provide good care to the animals who serve them. In his portrayal of his Yorkshire clients, he attempts to capture the flavor of their speech, and this does include some profanities. The words "bloody," "hell," and "bugger" appear fairly frequently, but there are few American swear words. Parents ought to use discretion, but I don't think this element should not be too harmful for mature readers. Because some of the humor is rather sophisticated and Herriot's prose is sometimes difficult, I recommend this for ages 16-18, but if enjoyed with a parent it is quite likely to appeal to younger readers, especially those who have enjoyed Herriot's stories for children James Herriot's Treasury for Children: Warm and Joyful Tales by the Author of All Creatures Great and Small. | ||
 | How to Make an Apple Pie and See the World (Dragonfly Books) | |
| "A Delicious Excursion" | 2009-09-05 |
| Delectable is the word for this whimsical flight of fancy around the world. It begins with a girl opening a cookbook, and the narrator states, "Making an apple pie is really easy. First, get all the ingredients at the market. Mix them well, bake and serve. Unless, of course, the market is closed." In that case, it's time for a steamship voyage to Europe for semolina wheat, a train ride to France for a chicken (which will lay a fresh egg upon arriving home), a boat trip to Sri Lanka for cinnamon (peeled from the kurundu tree under which a leopard is napping). On to England for a milk cow, and Vermont for apples.
When the cheerful protagonist arrives home (by airplane, don't want the ingredients to spoil), she prepares the ingredients and serves up a warm pie for all her friends (sans ice cream, as the market is still closed). The book ends with a recipe for apple pie. This story is a wonderful early introduction to the concepts of trade, culture, and cooking, and for thoughtful readers may provide an opportunity to discuss the effect of globalization on national economies. It's infused with a lighthearted wit and and gives a whole new meaning to the phrase "As American as apple pie." A delicious excursion. | ||
 | Snowy Day | |
| "A Classically Charming, Tactile Experience of Snow Play" | 2009-09-04 |
| The Snowy Day is a simple, elegant story about a little boy's experience with snow. It is very tactile, showing rather than telling the reader about snow's characteristics as the little boy interacts with it visually, manually, and imaginatively. In one charming scene, he puts a snowball into his pocket "for later" before entering his warm house, and is disappointed later to find that it is gone.
This story really captures a child's wonder at experiencing snow for the first time. The collage-type art is interesting and unusual, and it makes a very nice addition to your winter reading basket. Probably best for the 2-4 age range, although older children are also able to appreciate it. | ||
 | The Snowy Day (Picture Puffin) | |
| "A Classically Charming, Tactile Experience of Snow Play" | 2009-09-04 |
| The Snowy Day is a simple, elegant story about a little boy's experience with snow. It is very tactile, showing rather than telling the reader about snow's characteristics as the little boy interacts with it visually, manually, and imaginatively. In one charming scene, he puts a snowball into his pocket "for later" before entering his warm house, and is disappointed later to find that it is gone.
This story really captures a child's wonder at experiencing snow for the first time. The collage-type art is interesting and unusual, and it makes a very nice addition to your winter reading basket. Probably best for the 2-4 age range, although older children are also able to appreciate it. | ||
 | The Snowy Day | |
| "A Classically Charming, Tactile Experience of Snow Play" | 2009-09-04 |
| The Snowy Day is a simple, elegant story about a little boy's experience with snow. It is very tactile, showing rather than telling the reader about snow's characteristics as the little boy interacts with it visually, manually, and imaginatively. In one charming scene, he puts a snowball into his pocket "for later" before entering his warm house, and is disappointed later to find that it is gone.
This story really captures a child's wonder at experiencing snow for the first time. The collage-type art is interesting and unusual, and it makes a very nice addition to your winter reading basket. Probably best for the 2-4 age range, although older children are also able to appreciate it. | ||
 | Snowy Day | |
| "A Classically Charming, Tactile Experience of Snow Play" | 2009-09-04 |
| The Snowy Day is a simple, elegant story about a little boy's experience with snow. It is very tactile, showing rather than telling the reader about snow's characteristics as the little boy interacts with it visually, manually, and imaginatively. In one charming scene, he puts a snowball into his pocket "for later" before entering his warm house, and is disappointed later to find that it is gone.
This story really captures a child's wonder at experiencing snow for the first time. The collage-type art is interesting and unusual, and it makes a very nice addition to your winter reading basket. Probably best for the 2-4 age range, although older children are also able to appreciate it. | ||
 | The Snowy Day | |
| "A Classically Charming, Tactile Experience of Snow Play" | 2009-09-04 |
| The Snowy Day is a simple, elegant story about a little boy's experience with snow. It is very tactile, showing rather than telling the reader about snow's characteristics as the little boy interacts with it visually, manually, and imaginatively. In one charming scene, he puts a snowball into his pocket "for later" before entering his warm house, and is disappointed later to find that it is gone.
This story really captures a child's wonder at experiencing snow for the first time. The collage-type art is interesting and unusual, and it makes a very nice addition to your winter reading basket. Probably best for the 2-4 age range, although older children are also able to appreciate it. | ||
| © 2009 GoSale.com (S2) |