What We're Reading

These are just a few of the books we are reading right now. Some are mentioned on another post. 

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The Boy Who Grew a Forest: The True Story of Jadav Payeng by Sophia Gholz is based on the true story of a young boy in India who is saddened that the floodwaters destroy more and more of an island and surrounding land near his home. He plants trees in an effort to save the wildlife and carefully tends his trees and with time they grow and spread. Eventually, he grows into a man and continues to tend his trees which now cover a large area. Lovely illustrations. A story of hope and perseverance.

Goodby Autumn, Hello Winter by Kenard Pak is about a brother and sister who walk through the nature and then into town and talk about the changes in the seasons, saying hello and greeting them and then saying goodbye to other changes. Even though the text is simple for young readers, the beautiful illustrations are fascinating for all ages. The book encourages children to be more aware of the little changes that contribute to the changing of the seasons. The sister and brother relationship is also very sweet.

Blizzard by John Rocco is based on a true experience in the author's life of when he was a young boy and his journey to the grocery story after a blizzard. Great fun!

The Fishermen, the Horse, and the Sea by Barbara Joose, illus. by Renee Graef. Based on the true story, when two men are thrown from their rowboat during a fierce storm at night, a small group of fishermen and a horse gather to rescue them. Historical information is in the back.

One Boy Watching by Grant Snider. This vibrantly colored picture book follows a young boy as he waits for his school bus, climbs aboard, and notices the tractors, farms, and other details of the countryside out the bus window on his way to school and back home again.  

Little Red Sleigh by Erin Guendelsberger. A little red sled wishes to be Santa's sleigh. Of course, "everyone in the shop" told her she was "too small, too slow, and much too young." She sets out to prove them wrong and journeys north to Santa meeting a train and a truck and along the way is picked up by a little girl. Enchanting illustrations with a clever ending.

Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story by Kevin Noble Maillard. What is fry bread? Engaging all the senses with imaginative illustrations, the author explains what fry bread is in simple language. There is an appendix which offers more information about the historical aspects. This is for very young children, but written in a way to appeal to all ages.

The Christmas Pine by Julia Donaldson. Not just a cute story. The story is based on an actual event but written in a fun and engaging way in rhyme form for very young children. The child follows a pine tree growing up in Norway and being taken to England. The reader is not actually aware of the geography and history involved until after the story is over and the adult reads the end page. The lively text, charming illustrations and positive message about children make it a wonderful story. The book will appeal to younger children because of the very simple text.  

God's Great Love for You by Rick Warren. In very simple text for the very young reader, the author assures the child of God's great love for each one of us in various ways. The illustrations are very imaginative and sweet without being saccharine. Although the audience is for toddlers, it is a message we all need to be reminded of.

Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening  by Robert Frost, illus. by P. J. Lynch. From the perspective of a young woman and her horse, we follow Frost's famous poem. Captivating illustrations.

Palace of Books by Patricia Polacco. When Polacco was a young child, she had to leave the comfort of her home for a new home and school. There she discovers a palace of books. One of my favorite authors, who is a master at storytelling.

Bravest Man in the World by Patricia Polacco. Based on a true story, the length of the text and the trauma involved in the tragedy make it more appropriate for older children who have a deeper understanding of the meaning and beauty of self-sacrifice. 

Sticks and Stones by Patricia Polacco. How often to children have to deal with bullies in their school or neighborhood? Through kindness, encouragement and perseverance, three brave, resilient children battle against the bullies. This would be a great launching point for discussion on bullies and the many questions about handling them. The author's note on the end page is very inspiring to know that the kids who were bullied went on to achieve their dreams. 

Out of the Woods: An Unforgettable Event by Rebecca Bond is based on the true story of a young boy who lived in a hotel near a logging camp in Ontario, Canada. He has many fascinating memories of this happy time but the most memorable is when a fire raged in the forest and all the forest animals peaceably came out into the lake water where people from the surround area had gathered in safety. Fascinating story with lovely illustrations.

Dasher Can't Wait for Christmas by Matt Tavares. Another story about Dasher from the author Matt Tavares. Impatient for Christmas to come, Dasher wanders away from home in search of Christmas Carols and lights. After it starts to snow, she realizes she needs to get back home but gets lost along the way.

 Farmhouse by Sophie Blackall. Based on the stories of a family of 12 children who grew up in a farmhouse. Written in poem form, the lively text and charming, colorful illustrations bring to life the memories of another time.