I recently had a chance to browse the children's section of Barnes and Noble - I found a book that made me cry, a book that made me laugh, a book that left me in awe and a book that made me wish I had a five year old niece or nephew.14 Cows for America by Carmen Agra Deedy, in collaboration with Wilson Kimeli Naiyomah tells a simple story of how one man from Kenya (who was studying in the US) was so altered by the events of 9/11 (he was in the city ) that he returns to his village and tells his community they must do something. An amazing story with beautiful illustrations.
The Dunderheads by Paul Fleischman with illustrations by David Roberts tells a rollicking story of students determined to get revenge on their tyrannical teacher, Miss Breakbone. Every student has a special gift - whether it's throwing spitballs or making paperclip chains and the Dunderheads need to work together to prevail. This isn't great literature but it is a fun read and not too intimidating.
Jerry Pinkney is amazing - in his brand new The Lion and the Mouse he wordlessly leads the
reader/observer so successfully that you are left with your mouth agape. The illustrations are vibrant, fill the page and express emotion while at the same time reminding us we are all capable of great things, no matter our size. Aesop would be proud.
Otis by Loren Long is the story of a reliable tractor who with his delightful personality manages to calm the animals around him, in particular a new calf. Despite his wonderful work ethic, the farmer eventually replaces Otis with something bigger and better and sends Otis out behind the barn where he is left unused and forgotten. Oh sure the yellow tractor is bigger but is it better? Does the new tractor know what to do when the calf flees into the muddy pond? Can the new tractor rescue the calf? Can Otis. A perfect read for kindergarten and first grade.
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