Young Reader in the Making

Young Reader in the Making

Tuesday, June 30, 2015

Book 460: Officer Buckle and Gloria

Officer Buckle and Gloria, by Peggy Rathmann, Scholastic, 1996.


We own a version of this book that is narrated by John Lithgow -- that probably makes all the difference in the world.  I could read this book, and it would be amusing; John Lithgow reads it and it is downright hilarious.  Still, even when I read it, there are some good features to the book.  The book is a great way to teach about safety.  And a great way to teach that, even though things may not go exactly as we've planned, that doesn't mean they didn't work out right.



Sunday, June 28, 2015

Book 459: The Lorax

The Lorax, by Dr. Seuss, Random House, 1971.

As an adult, this is my favorite Dr. Seuss book.   The illustrations are supremely good.  The rhyming scheme is excellent.  But that story... oh, that story... it stays with you and haunts you for years.  And that is a very good thing.


Thursday, June 25, 2015

Book 458: The Magic School Bus Gets Ants In Its Pants

The Magic School Bus Gets Ants In Its Pants, adapted by Linda Ward Beech, illustrated by John Speirs, Scholatic, 1996.



The Magic School Bus series does a great job of making information on a subject accessible to young readers -- keeping it funny, and light, and educational -- without talking down to them or preaching to them.  It's a talent.  My six-year-old son WANTS to read this book about ants, and I don't mind re-reading it to him.


Tuesday, June 23, 2015

Book 457: Little Red Riding Hood, My First Fairy Tales

Little Red Riding Hood, My First Fairy Tales, by Mara Alperin, illustrated by Loretta Schauer, Little Tiger Press, 2014.

I really like this series of retellings of classic fairy tales.  They contain a whole lot of humor, and, although they stay true to the spirit of the originals, no one dies.  Little Red and the wolf in this book are especially adorable.


Friday, June 19, 2015

Book 456: Walt Disney's Peter Pan

Walt Disney's Peter Pan, adapted by Eugene Bradley Coco, illustrated by Ron Dian, Little Golden Book, 1995.


In our house we love Little Golden Books, and London, and pirates.  We love fairy tales and any other stories that spark the imagination.  While this book does not tell the story of J.M. Barrie's Peter Pan perfectly or completely, it does make a very good introduction to the immortal character of boy who didn't grow up.



Tuesday, June 16, 2015

Book 455: The Reluctant Witch

The Reluctant Witch, by Sally O. Lee, 2014.


I ADORE Sally O. Lee's books because of the vibrant, seemingly simple, colorful illustrations.  I would want her books just for the illustrations.  But the stories are very often something special, too.  The stories, as in this book, tend to be gently told, and, while they have a moral, they avoid preachiness. And, they come with a heaping dose of humor.



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Saturday, June 13, 2015

Book 454: Walt Disney's Mother Goose

Walt Disney's Mother Goose, by Al Demspter, Little Golden Books, 1952.


This book is a fun and silly collection of Mother Goose stories illustrated in Disney's style and using many of Disney's famous characters.  I'm not always in love with Disney work, but, oddly enough, little six-year-old boys are very fond of fun and silly books that they can read by themselves.  I do, however, very much like the illustration for Old King Cole.



Wednesday, June 10, 2015

Book 453: I Love Mom

I Love Mom, Tasha Percy (editor), Sandy Creek Press, 2014.


Full disclosure:  I bought this book for my six-year-old son to read out loud around Mother's Day.   I would have bought it anyway for the adorable animal photos, but the text was great to hear.