The Beckoning Cat by Koko Nishizuka; illust by Rosanne Litzinger Holiday House x398 ages 4-8
In the Japanese culture a cat with an upraised paw signifies good luck. The Beckoning Cat explains how this charm came to be by focusing on Yohei, a poor boy who feeds and comforts a stray cat. In gratitude the cat brings customers to the child’s home enabling the boy to earn money for himself and his sick father. The customers all talk about the cat’s talent of raising his paw and waving forth the patrons until they reached Yohei’s home. This charming little tale shines a light on a custom that has long been handed down in Japan. Today, lucky cat figurines are found in Japanese homes, restaurants and stores.
Erika-San written and illustrated by Allen Say Houghton Mifflin xz k-2
As a child Erika is fascinated by Japan. She studies the culture and language all through school and gets a job as a teacher in Tokyo. Tokyo is too crowded and modern for her tastes but she discovers a remote island that is steeped with old-world charm. It is here that Erika fulfills her destiny and discovers the place where she belongs. This lovely story about following your dreams will inspire young readers to learn more about Japan, its people and geography. Caldecott medallist, Say portrays each illustration as a window reflecting the message in the text. This little story reflects two love stories. One is a love for a country and the other is a romance between two young teachers.
Voyages: Reminiscences of Young Abe Lincoln by Neil Waldman Calkins Creek x92 gr 3-5
Neil Waldman writes a touching narrative to fill out the original quotes from Abe Lincoln. Waldman sets the scene of Lincoln’s early life as a flatboat driver along the Mississippi. The horrors of slavery are captured first by Waldman, as Lincoln’s voice, and then in Lincoln’s own words. A quiet book this can be read in one sitting. The impact that slavery made on Lincoln is profound and sets the stage for his later passions.
The Imaginary Garden by Andrew Larsen; ill by Irene Luxbacher Kids Can Press xz ages 4-7
Grandfather loses his beloved garden when he moves from a house to an apartment. But, he and his granddaughter perk up the new balcony with a canvas filled with flowers. This book shows the way a person can bring beauty into their lives by thinking outside the box. The beautiful mural provides a creative outlet for grandfather and child and the end result is a work of art. Luxbacher is able to transfer the serenity and beauty of a real garden to the confines of apartment life.
Betsy B. Little by Anne McEvoy; ill by Jacqueline Rogers HarperCollins xz ages 4-7
Betsy is a very tall giraffe who loves to dance. Unfortunately, her talents cannot blossom in the confinements of a dance studio. She is clumsy and cannot stay on her feet. But, falling doesn’t get her down. Betsy finds another place to follow her dream and become a success. Readers will understand the difficulty Betsy has in fitting in with those who are not like her and will cheer when she overcomes her problems.
Willoughby & the Lion by Greg Foley HarperCollins xz ages 4-7
A young boy hates his boring, lonely home. He meets a magical lion who is stuck on a rock and can only be freed when the boy wishes for that which is most important. After a series of many spectacular requests Willoughby figures out what he really wants in life. Compelling detailed illustrations bring charm and dignity to the pages this handsome book.
Listen to the Wind: the story of Dr. Greg & Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson and Susan Roth; ill by Susan Roth
Dial k-4
This nonfiction picture book tells the story of a lost hiker who is cared for by the poor people of Korphe Pakistan. Dr. Greg was nursed back to health and wanted to repay his benefactors. “Listen to the wind,” said the wise man of the village. What Dr. Greg heard were the children asking for a school. The remarkable story of how a school was build in this remote hamlet is set down for young children in a colorful book full of bright collages. Children can learn how one person can make a difference in the lives of others. An afterward includes photos of the people, village and school in Korphe.
The Negro Speaks of Rivers by Langston Hughes; ill by E. B. Lewis Disney ages 4-8
This is a poem that reaches into rivers’ depths and comes up with the soul of the African-American. Around the world and through the ages black people have lived and worked near rivers. This moving testimony is equaled by watercolors that capture the character of man and land.
Read it, Don’t Eat it! By Ian Schoenherr Greenwillow ages 1-3
The Read to Me LA skills of print motivation and print awareness are perfectly illustrated in this simple text. For the very youngest listener this book explains in rhyme and bright colors what a book is and how to take care of it.
The Day-Glo Brothers by Chris Barton; ill by Tony Persiani Charlesbridge gr 2-5
This is a book about a subject that doesn’t often cross one’s mind. Day-Glo is the florescent paint that lights up traffic cones and hula- hoops. After much experimentation, the Switzer brothers discover that paint can glow in sunlight. This picture book science study not only follows the road to discovery but also talks about the importance of Day-Glo in war and civilian life. Black and white cartoon characters pop out when day-glo colors are introduced to the picture. Boys and girls will appreciate the brothers’ determination.
A Book by Mordicai Gerstein Roaring Brook Press ages 4-7
Unique story about characters who live in a book that has the reader looking down at them as if we are observing their lives, which we are doing. Except for the girl in the family, everyone in the story knows their place and duties. The girl spends the entire book searching for her “story.” This clever picture book by Caldecott winner Mordicai Gerstein has the child roaming through fairytales, science fiction and historical fiction in order to find her role in life. Kids will love identifying the stories alluded to in this book.
Riki’s Birdhouse by Monica Wellington Dutton ages 4-7
Riki wants the beautiful bluebirds to stay in his yard so he builds them a birdhouse. After he finds the most suitable spot in his garden he settles in to watch and nurture the birds throughout the year. Bright, happy illustrations help to introduce the joys of bird watching to young children. Feeding, sheltering, providing materials for nesting are all ways of making the bird sanctuary inviting. Because readers will get caught up in Riki’s hobby the instructions for building a birdhouse, a recipe for bird food cupcakes, and a note about birdbaths and feeders are included at the end of this picture book.
The Fabulous Feud of Gilbert & Sullivan by Jonah Winter; illust by Richard Egielski Scholastic gr 1-4
Over a hundred years ago, Gilbert and Sullivan wrote very silly light operas that charmed Victorian England. Their “topsy-turvy” take on love and politics brought smiles to a society that were harsh and grim to many. This colorful book reflects the bright scenes of the opera house where the glory of the Gilbert and Sullivan magic shines through. The story, however, tells the tale of a disagreement that almost ended the partnership. Children will understand a friendship that might end in disagreement but will rejoice in the happy ending. A link mentioned in the afterward takes the reader to a site that allows one to hear the music and read the lyrics of the classic plays.
Hamlet and the tales of Sniggery Woods by Maggie Kneen Henry Holt gr 1-3
Hamlet the pig inherits a café which he turns into a cooking school. His animal friends help him make a success of the business and he in turn helps his friends achieve their goals. This lovely tale of friendship is set in an charming village and is reminiscent of English classics like Winnie the Pooh and Wind in the Willows. Delightful illustrations are filled with whimsical charm.
Panda Kindergarten by Joanne Ryder photos by Katherine Feng HarperCollins all ages
Adorable photos show baby pandas in poses that remind one of human youngsters. The pandas go to school and practice climbing, chewing and loving. The pandas are irresistible and the book keeps everyone smiling.
Max Said Yes!: The Woodstock Story by Abigail Yasgur and Joseph Lipner; ill by Barbara Mendes Change the Universe Press k-3
Half a million young people came to a dairy farm in New York to celebrate peace, music and the joy of living in 1969. Like Woodstock itself, this picture book explodes with color images and expressions of hope for a better world. The exuberance of the historic weekend is transferred to its lively pages. The complicated 1960’s are introduced in bottom line concepts like peace, love and friendship. The decision by Max Yasgur to take a chance on hundreds of thousands of strangers flocking to his farm for three days is a testament to man’s belief that goodness will prevail.
Applesauce Season by Eden Ross Lipson; ill by Mordicai Gerstein Roaring Brook ages 4-7
When the first blush is on the fruit, everyone in the family participates in making and eating applesauce. The reader follows the family to the farmers’ market to view all the different types of apples. Together, reader and family buys the apples, cuts the apples and makes the sauce. Gerstein’s homey pictures add to the intimacy of the text. This simple story, complete with recipe, is the perfect Fall read, when apples are the primary fruit of the season.
Happy Birthday, Bad Kitty by Nick Bruel Roaring Brook gr 2-4
In this engaging romp, Bad Kitty is back to celebrate her birthday. Each chapter outlines different aspects of a party but it is the cast of characters that steal the show. Readers get a dose of silliness mixed in with some facts about felines. The cartoon images make this series a winner with young readers.
The East-West House: Noguchi’s childhood in Japan by Christy Hale Lee & Low gr 2-4
Renowned sculptor Noguchi was born in America but grew up in Japan. His lonely childhood arose from not fitting in with his Asian contemporaries who made fun of his biracial heritage. He found solace in nature and art, eventually melding his American roots and Asian life to become one of the most famous sculptors of the twentieth century. In an afterward this book goes on to tell of Noguchi’s wonderful accomplishments and includes pictures of his work.
First Come the Zebra by Lynne Barasch Lee & Low ages 4-7
A tale of peace and friendship set on the plains of Africa, show that people are the same throughout the world. Sandwiched between the facts of how animals migrate to eat the grass they need and leave some for the next group, this tale primarily tells the story of two boys from different tribes who learn to trust each other and put aside their differences. This book explores Africa, animals and the theme of friendship which should be discussed with children.