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READING TO
CHILDREN
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We present some of the best in children’s literature for
reading aloud and reading. These books are listed by grade, theme,
and title. Age or grade categories usually cover a broad period
in a child’s life, however, please consider our ratings by
grade as a recommendation, not a rigid limitation on the use of
the books.
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Parents will find the best in current books selections
for their children in this bi-monthly book review guide.
BOOKS BY THEME
Adventure
Animals
Anthologies
Bears
Bedtime
Classics
Chapter Books for Young
Concept Books
Countries & Cultures
Dinosaurs
Families
Famous People
Fantasy
Fiction for the Young
Folk Literature
Friendship
Historical Fiction
Holidays & Special Days
Humor & Nonsense
Insects
Mysteries & Detective Stories
Nature
Non-Fiction
Oceans, Rivers, Lakes, & Ponds
Poetry
Recordings
Rhythm & Rhyme
Science Fiction
Sports
Trains, Planes, Cars, & Boats
Wordless Books
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RAISING SMART KIDS
To create a nation of readers, parents need to read
to children early in their child's life and continue well past the
point when their children learn to read.
No education reforms or laws will matter unless parents do their job
and teach children at an early age to love reading. Parents need to
create an atmosphere in the home that nurtures reading. Children get
the impression that reading is valuable when they see their parents
take time to enjoy reading quality books, magazines, and newspapers.
Parents set a powerful example of the importance of reading when they
check out library books for themselves, as well as for their children.
It is a sad reflection on American life when less than ten percent
of the American people regularly use the public library system.
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BARRIERS TO READING ALOUD
Television may be a great babysitter, but it is a huge
obstacle to family togetherness. Television deprives a child of asking
questions. It encourages deceptive thinking and stifles their imagination.
It overpowers and desensitizes a child's sense of sympathy for suffering.
It is a passive activity and discourages creative play.
Most American children do minimal reading. They do not know very much
about history, unless they have seen it on television. This is ignorance,
not illiteracy.
Our society offers so many distractions and negative role models that
most children either cannot read, will not read, or hate to read.
What does this say about their choices in the voting booths, how they
choose to spend their money and leisure time, how they raise their
children, or the value systems they adopt and whom they emulate? |
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HOME ENVIRONMENT
Read to your child on a regular basis. In addition
to stories, read labels on cans and boxes, street signs, receipts,
coupons, etc. Be available to answer questions and praise your child's
efforts. Make available a wide variety of printed material-books,
magazines, newspapers, comics, etc. Have paper and pencil available
for scribbling and drawing, and display their artwork where everyone
can admire it.
Establish the habit of reading aloud everyday, and try to schedule
it around the fewest interruptions. For a busy parent, usually bedtime
is chosen. At this time, children often look for security and appreciate
the physical closeness. They are also tired enough to stay in one
place.
Some hyperactive children listen best while they are
soaking and swishing in the bathtub. Water is magically calming and
enables them to enjoy a story better.
A big, comfortable chair or recliner may be just the ideal place for
children who have physically outgrown their lap sitting and bed sharing
days.
Make sure the readings are interesting and exciting enough to hold
their interest while building up their imagination. Use plenty of
expression when you read aloud and have fun with the language. Whisper,
laugh, oink, meow, or speak gruffly or softly. Read slow or fast to
fit the story and allow time for children to point to everything in
a picture and discuss it.
For children who are not used to listening to stories, keep the initial
readings short enough to fit their attention spans, and gradually
increase the reading time as well as the length of the book. Do not
turn every reading session into a question and answer session. Be
sensitive to the times when your child simply wants to enjoy the story.
Read aloud every day. Turn off the television, get comfortable, have
good light, and enjoy a good book. |
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BOOK SOURCES
The greatest bargain in America today is still found
in the libraries. In addition, patronize bookstores that either specialize
in children's books or have a large children's section. Many parents
also take advantage of school book fairs that offer paperback selections.
Books also can be purchased secondhand at garage sales, thrift shops,
and used bookstores.
Students are usually introduced to a variety of book clubs offered
through their school. Most of these offer paperbacks, and the prices
are good. Children like paperbacks and often choose them over hardcover
editions because they are soft and more flexible. If a book will only
be read once or twice and then forgotten, a paper edition will do.
Begin a children's home library. For young children, divide books
into two categories: expensive (place up and out of reach, but in
sight) and inexpensive (place on lower shelves within easy reach).
Books make perfect gifts. Make a list of favorite titles for grandparents
or relatives and friends to give as gifts. Use holidays, seasons,
or any other fun experiences as an excuse to give a child a good book.
Unlike toys, books are difficult to break and are ready-made with
no assembly or batteries needed. Portable, they can be enjoyed anywhere,
at any time of the day, take up less space than most toys, and never
go out of style. |
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BUILDING A CHILD'S HOME LIBRARY
Every child should own a book with his or her name
inscribed inside-one that cannot be returned to the library or shared
with a sibling. Place a bookrack where it can be used often by a child,
no matter how large or small it is. If parents wish to raise a reader,
they should invest in a bed lamp, when their child is old enough to
stay up late at night and read in bed.
A child's home library should have a least one good nursery rhyme
book by a good illustrator. Purchase one that is beautiful, one the
child will want to pass on to the next generation. They need picture
books that say "good-night" or talk about their world in a way that
makes them feel safe and loved. Include at least one good poetry book,
and purchase a new one for each major shift in the child's comprehension.
A good dictionary is a must, one with large enough print to invite
reading. Finally, a good atlas needs to be part of a standard child's
library. Ask the children's librarian at your local public library
or check with your local children's bookstore for a good recommendation.
Because of their flexibility, children like paperback books. If a
book is read a few times and then forgotten, paperbacks are fine,
but if the book becomes special, an investment in the hardcover edition
is recommended. |
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AWARDS
Each year, several awards are given for the best books
published.
John Newbery and Randolph Caldecott are men in whose names awards
are given annually by the Association for Library Service to Children,
a division of the American Library Association.
The Caldecott Medal has been awarded annually since 1938 to the most
distinguished illustrator of a children's book during the preceding
year.
The Newbery Award has been awarded since 1921 to the author of the
most distinguished contribution to children's literature during the
preceding year.
The Laura Ingalls Wilder Medal is presented every three years to an
author or illustrator who has, "made a substantial and lasting contribution
to children's literature."
The Coretta Scott King award is, "given to a black author and to a
black illustrator for an outstanding inspirational and educational
contribution."
As prestigious as they are, do not let awards or medals dictate a
choice in children's books. Awards are given for the quality of the
writing or the illustrations and do not guarantee that a book will
be successful. It is the parent's interest, good taste, and discretion
that should be the influencing factor. |
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Welcome to The Children's Hour where those interested
in reading to children will find information on various aspects
of reading aloud, as well as hundreds of memorable children's
books. Our recommendations are also great choices for children,
teens, and young adults to read.
The Children's Hour has partnered with a non-profit organization,
BookSteps, to distribute many of our reviewed books to educators
for the development of their classroom libraries and for the
enjoyment of their students. For more information, please contact
us.
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THE ERASERHEADS
written by Kate Banks, Illus. by Boris Kulikov, (Farrar, Straus
and Giroux, $16.99, ISBN 978-0-374-39920-7), 40p,
Ages 4-8.
"Once there were three eraserheads: an owl, a crocodile, and
a pig. They lived with a boy in the land of pencils, paper,
rulers, letters, numbers, and drawings. And they had an important
job. They erased mistakes." Residing atop the colored pencils,
crocodile erases numbers, owl likes backward letters and words,
and pig erases everything except animals larger than him. Adventures
begin when the boy abandons his lessons to draw an imaginary
world of wild animals (some with pointy teeth, which frightens
pig), oceans, roads, and bridges. By mistake, Crocodile accidentally
erases the entire road, the trio is nearly drowned by a tidal
wave, and wild animals chase them. However, Crocodile devises
a clever SOS for the boy, who sketches a boat to float them
to safety. Messages of friendship and cooperation for younger
children and persevering through mistakes for older kids should
inspire them to create their own adventures. |
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PIGS TO THE
RESCUE
written/illus. by John Himmelman, (Henry Holt, $16.99, ISBN
978-0-8050-8683-6), 32p, Ages 4-8.
Eight enthusiastic pigs on the Greenstalk Farm overreact to
several minor accidents. When rooster awakes with a sore throat,
they take over the wake-up call with loud oinks, squeaks, and
snorts. Farmer Greenstalk need not worry about his broken tractor,
as the pigs plow the fields with shovels and buckets. Wearing
swimsuits and carrying a kiddie pool, they water Mrs. Greenstalk's
garden after the hose springs a leak. When Luke the cat spills
her milk, the family manages to avoid alerting the crazy pigs.
The story concludes with the cows beating a path to the kitchen
with bottles, pans, and dishes of milk. All in good fun and
with hilarious illustrations, kids will look forward to the
next animal rescue mission. |
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ELEPHANT
SOUP
written/illus. by Ingrid & Dieter Schubert, (Lemniscaat, $17.95,
ISBN 978-1-59078-807-3), 32p, Ages 2-6.
Feeling down in the dumps, a mouse longs for the comfort of
elephant soup. The recipe calls for vegetables, salt, pepper,
an enormous pot, water, and an elephant. After capturing the
elephant, who happily cooperates, the mice scrub him down and
gently slide him into the pot. Elephant even stirs the mixture,
but as things heat up, he has second thoughts, overturns the
soup pot, and stomps off. All ends well with apologies and Elephant
uses his trunk as a diving board for the mice to enjoy the swimming
pool soup pot. |
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THE GREAT
MONSTER HUNT
written by Norbert Landa, illus. by Tom Warnes, (Good Books,
$16.99, ISBN 978-1-56148-681-6), 32p, Ages 4-7.
"Early one morning, a funny noise woke up Duck. It sounded like,
pshh pshh! And it came from right under her bed." Afraid to
investigate, Duck enlists the help of Pig, who tells Bear about
the frightening sound, and Bear passes along the information
to wolf. By the time Wolf tells Owl, the noise has grown to
pshh pshh, bang bang, wham wham, grrrrowl, and owooooooooo.
Deciding that the monster needs trapping, they gather rope,
net, and pokey things, and march to Duck's house, only to discover
that the monster is only a small mouse asleep under the bed.
The expressions and sense of urgency in this humorous tale of
friendship and loyalty will please all. |
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ONE TOO MANY:
A Seek and Find Counting Book
written/illus. by Gianna Marino, (Chronicle Books, $16.99, ISBN
978-0-8118-6908-9), 40p, Ages 4-8.
This nearly wordless counting book will captivate kids as they
count each bounce of a flea at sunrise leaping around an empty
water trough in the barnyard. As the day progresses and animals
gather around the water trough, the flea bounces from animal
to animal, corresponding to the number on each page. As the
jumps increase, so do the number of animals on each page, until
there is a jumble of 36 animals interacting with each other.
At sunset, a skunk comes for a drink, sprays everyone, and the
barnyard quickly empty. The final page asks questions, give
answers, and create challenges for readers and listeners of
this remarkable concept book. Art students can appreciate the
illustrations, which feature mostly black and white animals
presented in a fascinating and appealing way. |
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THE HERMIT
CRAB
written/illus. by Carter Goodrich, (Simon & Schuster, $16.99,
ISBN 978-0-4169-3892-7), 40p, Ages 4-8.
"The hermit crab in this story didn't set out to be a hero.
And he wasn't particularly brave. He was actually very shy."
While searching for food one day, he discovers a new home and
takes up residence in the top half of an action figure toy.
When a wooden chute falls near the town square and lands on
a flounder, the hungry crab investigates the delicious smelling
trap, inadvertently frees the flounder, and becomes the town
hero. Not ready for fame, the shy crab abandons the toy and
returns to his original shell. The action figure is cheered
as the hero, but the little crab, "smiled to himself, and he
even cheered the fancy new shell. But he cheered very softly.
And just a little bit. He didn't want to be noticed." True heroes
come in many shapes and sizes, but they have one thing in common-modesty
and bravery in spite of danger. |
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GOING HOME:
The Mystery of Animal Migration
written by Marianne Berkes, illus. by Jennifer Di Rubbio, (Dawn
Publications, $ 16.95, ISBN 978-1-58469-126-6), 32p,
Ages 4-10.
"Going home, going home,/We feel the urge to go./It's time for
us to travel on,/It's something we just know./ Many of us look
for food,/Others find a mate./And when the weather starts to
change,/There is no time to wait." Migration by sea, air, and
land of Loggerhead turtles, Monarch butterflies, Manatees, California
gray whales, Ruby-throated hummingbirds, Pacific salmon, Caribou,
Artic tern, Canadian geese, and Emperor penguins is presented
through poems written from each animal's perspective. Brief
facts about each animal explain the how and why of their migration.
Information at the back includes a color-coded list and migration
routes, as well as suggested readings, web sites, and information
on each animal. This wonderful introduction into the mysterious
world of animal migration offers additional activities for classroom
and home. |
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WILD TIMES
AT THE BED & BISCUIT
written by Joan Caris, illus. by Noah Z. Jones, (Candlewick
Press, $15.99, ISBN 978-0-7636-3705-7), 128p, Ages
6-10.
The endearing characters from Welcome to the Bed & Biscuit are
back in a new adventure at the animal boarding house and temporary
sanctuary for injured wild animals. While veterinarian Grandpa
Bender treats an injured Canadian goose, a cranky muskrat with
a hurt foot, and a pair of orphaned fox kits, Ernest, the mini-pig
has his hoofs full being a good host to the wild animals. He
also takes on the job of training the newest addition to the
family, Sir Walter the Scottie, who yearns to run with the wild
foxes. Keeping the peace, managing wild animals, helping with
chores, and convincing a puppy to return home, is all in a good
day's work for Ernest. This beginning chapter book, with its
gentle humor and wonderful illustrations, will have young readers
and listeners yearning for more warm family stories. Author's
Note gives information on Canadian geese, red foxes, and muskrats.
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EMILY'S FORTUNE
written by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor, illus. by Ross Collins,
(Delacorte Press, $14.99, ISBN 978-0-385-73616-9), 160p,
Ages 7-10.
Unexpectedly orphaned at eight, Emily is advised by kindly neighbors,
Mrs. Ready, Mrs. Aim, and Mrs. Fire, to travel by stagecoach
to her Aunt Hilda's. Emily decides to leave when the Catchum
Child-Catching Services tries to detain her. It seems that they
will collect a bonus for delivering Emily to her next of kin,
conniving Uncle Victor, who only wants her inheritance (10 million
dollars). With stops every 20 miles, the five-day journey is
long and uncomfortable, but with determination and persistence,
Emily overlooks the grumpy passengers and bumpy ride. At a way
station a fellow orphan, Jackson, gives her pointers on avoiding
adults, changes her appearance to resemble a boy, and protects
her from Uncle Victor's clutches. In spite of difficult traveling
companions, hardships, near drowning and bandits, Emily gains
strength, courage, confidence, and new friends who help her
to freedom and a new life. With villains and cliffhangers galore,
Phyllis Reynolds Naylor presents a fun and wild adventure with
hilarious comments ending each chapter–"What in
pickin' poppies could possibly happen next?" For a
great summer read, discover Uncle Victor's destiny and what
the future holds for Emily and Jackson. |
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THE DRAGON
IN THE LIBRARY: BOOK 3
written by Kate Klimo, illus. by John Shroades, (Random House,
$15.99, ISBN 978-0-375-85591-7), 224p, Ages 8-12.
Book three in the Dragon Keepers series about two kids and their
pet dragon introduce readers/listeners to a magic library of
shelf elves, and enormous books containing famous dragons. Dragon
keepers, Jesse and Daisy, and baby dragon Emmy find themselves
involved a series of adventures to find their missing red book,
locate a kidnapped professor, and solve the mystery of Emmy's
cranky disposition. They suspect that newcomer to town, Sadie
Huffington, girlfriend to the infamous St. George the Dragon
Slayer, is behind the kidnapping of their beloved Professor,
an authority on dragons. Storming her castle, they seek to rescue
the Professor while avoiding Sadie's viscous dog-men. Kids will
enjoy the library sleepover, Emmy's new flying ability, the
surprise contained in the red book, and Jesse's alter ego dog
personality The next installment will be eagerly awaited. |
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JACOB TWO-TWO
ON THE HIGH SEAS
written by Cary Fagan, illus. by Dušan Petrcic, (Tundra Books,
$10.95, ISBN 978-0-88776-895-8), 112p, Ages 8-11.
"He was called Jacob Two-Two because he was two plus two plus
two years old. Also, because nobody in his family ever heard
him the first time, so he had to say everything two times."
Continuing Jacob's adventures by the late Mordecai Richler,
Cary Fagan moves Jacob and his family from England to Canada
via the SS Spring-a-Leak. Also on board are a strange collection
of passengers and crew–the acrobat Bubov Brothers, a failed
toy inventor, the clueless Captain Sparkletooth, a gentle engine
room operator, a talking parrot, and a traitor among them. Along
with a new friend, Cindy, they uncover troubling secrets that
result in their capture by bumbling pirates, who believe that
gold is on board (Cindy's pet mouse named Treasure) and force
Jacob to walk the plank. Kids will enjoy the suspense, rescue,
and surprising conclusion of this humorous sea-worthy tale,
highlighted by marvelous black and white drawings. |
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A NEST FOR
CELESTE: A Story About Art, Inspiration, and the Meaning of
Home
written/illus. by Henry Cole, (Katherine Tegen Books, $16.99,
ISBN 978-0-06-170410-9), 352p, Ages 8-12.
Celeste wants a home. Preferably, one free from mean rats and
the family cat. On a Louisiana plantation, Celeste encounters
a visiting naturalist, John James Audubon and his teenage assistant,
Joseph, who becomes her friend and protector, as well as providing
a home in his pocket. She, in turn, helps him with his artistic
sketches, while rescuing birds that Audubon captures for his
drawings. For a quiet, basket-weaving mouse, adventures abound
for Celeste, including a wild ride down a rain-swollen river
and a flight home in a quickly made basket, carried by a friendly
osprey, Lafayette. Whether in a worn boot, Joseph's pocket,
or the attic dollhouse, Celeste decides that home is where friendship,
loyalty, and trust abide. Beautiful illustrations fill most
of the 352 pages of this wonderful story of courage, resourcefulness,
and needless animal endangerment. The Afterword describes the
life of John James Audubon (1785-1851) and the events surrounding
his 4-month stay at the Oakley Plantation near New Orleans,
Louisiana. |
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ABOUT US
The Children's Hour was created to promote and encourage reading
to children. We believe that reading aloud not only creates
a special bond between parents and children, but it is important
to the development of their imagination and curiosity. Our books are also great choices for children to read.
The Children's Hour
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