Sarah's Reading Blog...A Note

The following entries are a little glimpse into the books I've read in order to compile a survey of Children's literature. I intended to read for as many age ranges as possible, and believe I achieved this. Some of my novels may be meant for children of a higher reading level, but I just couldn't resist reading The Hunger Games and Catching Fire.

Rating the stories and books wasn't easy for me. I like to give people an opportunity to read something themselves, because to me a bad book is still one you've read, giving you a chance to articulate why you didn't like something. This is a concept I would encourage for children, because I think critical thought is important. That being said, I still gave them a rating out of 5. Within this rating 1 would have been the worse, and 5 the best. I'm an easy marker though ;)

I hope you enjoy this reading blog, but I hope you go out and pick up all the books...Because I think that only you can be the best judge!

Happy Reading!

The Fire Fly Princess

I decided for my second audio recording, to listen to a podcast from Itunes (they're free! Something parents might like to know!) called The Fire-Fly Princess, originally published in 1887 by William Elliot Griffis.

This is a story of a Firefly princess raised to adulthood in a lily. As soon as she is ready to have a suitor, the insect men start buzzing around. But alas, none of these men are willing to risk their life for the Fire-Fly princess which is exactly what she is looking for! She says any man who is willing to do so, will be her suitor asking of the suitors who come, to gather fire. Of course, the only one who can do it is the Firefly Prince, who gathers her fire, but is more so dazzled by her beauty. They fall in love, and their love serves as a precedent for other insects!

This story was certainly not my favorite. I think children might enjoy listening to it, but they may not be able to hang on for the whole 11 minutes. The reader of the story does do some wonderful voices to go along with the podcast. She was a good storyteller, but possibly more effective in person. This story and the medium of which it was delivered would be great for children who are a bit younger, 5+.

I give this audio-podcast a 3 out of 5

Genre: Audio Recording (podcast)

Audio Recording - Lion King Soundtrack

I decided to listen to the Lion King Soundtrack, to get a true sense of what a child might have fun listening to...OR because I own this soundtrack and still listen to it!

I really enjoyed this soundtrack (as well as the movie), because I think it's fun and uplifting. Children so often listen to adult (or young adult) music, that they might not understand or isn't really suitable for their age. The Lion King Soundtrack is obviously meant for children, and any child over the age of 8 or 9 may find it too childish. It's a fun recording to throw on in the car, and have your younger kids dance around to, and let's be honest...It's catchy!

5 out of 5!

Disney Recording - The Lion King.

Genre: Audio Recording

Oprah Winfrey Story

This levelled reader book doubles as a biography. This book tells the story of Oprah, from her poor upbringing to her successful life as a television super star. This book doesn't really speak to Oprah's great fortune, rather how important education was to her, the different things she did in her life to ensure she was successful and finally, how much she has used her power to help children in her similar position.

The way this levelled reader book works is that there is a yellow dot and a green dot. The child can either read the book themselves, or choose the text by the dot that has different degrees of difficulty. There is vocabulary that is in bold that children may stumble on, giving an older reader and opportunity to clarify the word and it's meaning.

This was a good example of a true levelled reader, and a nice little book if children were asking who the mega-rich lady was! For some reason, Oprah makes me a little crazy, but I'd still recommend this for a child!

3.5 out of 5

Maria, Lisa, Scott, Marc. (2009). Oprah Winfrey Story. San Anselmo, CA.

Genre: Levelled Reader

Little Book of Fairy Tales

I decided to read Puss-In-Boots from a collection of Fairy Tales. I had never actually read the tale of the little cat that could, but was delighted with the outcome of this feline's story. Puss-In-Boot is left to the third son, after his miller Father passes away. He figured the cat was useless, how would he make any money off of this animal? The cat proved himself worthy though, trapping animals and presenting them to the King (of course, he could only do this after the miller's son presented him with a pair of hunting boots). Puss-In-Boots delivers the goods to the King, saying they are from the Marquis of Carabas, who is really the miller's son. Puss-In-Boots continues to do this, going so far as the bring the Kind to the miller's son (the Marquis of Carabas to him), and eating an Ogre to secure the miller's son land and a castle, and having the King offer his daughter's hand in marriage to the miller's son. There really isn't anything this cat can't do!

I like how this story is presented in the Little Book of Fairy Tales. It's short, and enjoyable (still containing some elements of fairytale gore, the miller's son was going to eat Puss-In-Boots!), and I think children of a younger age (5-6), may enjoy this fairy tale.

3 out of 5!

Fairy Tales retold by Veronica Uribe. (2004). Little Book of Fairytales. Toronto, Ontario.

Genre: Fairy Tales

Ellen Fremedon

Ellen Fremedon, by Joan Givner is another summer time story of a child with a case of the "what should I do all summer's?". Ellen Fremedon is a 12 year old girl who, much like Lucy Rose in our last novel, wants to be a writer. She goes to her local library, checks out some books on how to actually write a novel (all the while wondering how she might budget to take the time to write a novel, especially with her love of ice cream!), and begins her journey. Ellen is the daughter of a philosopher, and her mother has MS. She is also the older sister to twin boys, who she happens to find very annoying. Her best friend Jenny is a constant by her side, and encouraging in her novel writing process. Ellen worries that her novel won't be that exciting, but when her real life turns into a true crime, her novel takes a turn for the adventurous. With her twin brothers missing and found again, figuring out that her grandmother's new fiance had something to do with it, and her everyday adventures with her family, her lifetime story becomes an exciting way to spend a summer. Ellen grows, and learns a lot about being from a family why stays strong.

This novel is geared at older children, roughly grades 5-7. I enjoyed this novel, although I did find it was a bit slow to climax in some spots. This can sometimes lose the reader, but I think the big plot revelation of the twins being lost, and the grandmothers fiance having something to do with it, would hold the attention of the reader. This is another novel that would probably be geared at girls.

I would give this book a 3.5 out of 5!

Givner, Joan. (2004). Ellen Fremedon. Toronto, Ontario.

Genre: Realistic Fiction

CBC Kids (cbc.ca/kids)

One of my favorite websites to visit (every morning, while enjoying coffee in fact) is cbc.ca. This was my first time looking into the kids cbc website, and it was a lot of fun! The different menu selections are games, tv shows, reviews, get stuff, videos and preschool. Each of the menu bars contains exactly what they say, and are easy to use.

Although the nature of this website is different than the askkids.com website, I still liked the content. It felt more trusted, due to the fact that all the sources were from the cbc. I also really liked the 'preschool' tab, giving younger children a place to go.

I would give this website a 4 out of 5, because it was fun and I wouldn't mind a child using this on their own. The preschool page would be perfect for children of that age group, while the rest is suitable towards any child older.

cbc.ca/kids

Genre: Website

Ask Kids (askkids.com)

There are indeed many websites geared at children, and one of them is askkids.com. The basic search tabs for this website are school house, movies, games, video and images. Much like the adult ask.com, you type in a topic or question and it directs you to a secondary websites. Ask Kids shows a little cue card with some basic information about the subject, and then gives the list of secondary websites. I did an initial search for a few topics, and all the websites seemed alright for children. Children can interact with the website, and play with the games, as well as explore the other options within the website.

I would recommend an adult sitting with children while they are using this website, just to help the decipher between websites that are useful, and ones that really aren't that great. Also, I realized that using the 'images' tab that usually, they were popular child celebrity images (for example Zac Efron...who I can only refer to has Zefron for some reason). Again, having an adult by the child's side to talk to them about the content of the site. I would recommend a child who is 7-8+, who wants to explore the Internet.

askkids.com

I wasn't a huge fan of this website, it just wasn't that exciting and I didn't like the idea of a child using this alone. I would give it a 2 out of 5.

Genre: Website

Lucy Rose - Big on Plans

The summer time story of Lucy Rose is a busy one. Lucy Rose, a self identified planner, is spending her summer full of fun. What has she planned you might ask? Well, there's summer Parks and Rec's, then there's this young lady named Ashley at Parks and Rec who Lucy Rose really isn't a fan of. Also, she plans on crafting, spending tonnes of time with her grandparents (fighting squirrels away from their beloved Apricots), adventuring with her best friends Jonique and Melonhead and of course, spending time with her Dad. Here's the thing about Mom and Dad though, they're "separated" and Lucy Rose is attempting to stop this separation from turning into divorce. You see, Lucy Rose has many summer plans and even though they don't all go as planned, Lucy Rose has an adventurous and wonderful summer none the less.

Lucy Rose - Big on Plans is part of a series by Katy Kelly. Reading these as an adult was indeed a bit tedious, but it helps you understand why they are a levelled reader book. They are really meant to be a child's first chapter book. Compared to books of the like, it does a wonderful job of helping children along the way. There are pictures and Lucy Rose even has a word of the day, in turn helping children learn some new vocabulary. This book is not gender neutral, so I would recommend it for a young girl. The age range of this first time chapter book would probably be grades 3-4.

Kelly, Katy. (2005). Lucy Rose - Big on Plans. Yearling (Imprint of Random House). New York.

Genre: Levelled Reader

Sleeping Beauty, Disney Movie

We all know the story of Sleeping Beauty, and mostly we know it from the Disney film version. The cartoon film version of this, by Disney was and still is one of my favorites. The princess is cursed by the evil fairy, Maleficent. Before her 16th birthday, she will be pricked by a spinning wheel, and die. One of Aurora's fairies, weaken the curse so that true loves kiss will be able to awaken her from the curse, if it should happen. Aurora lives her life in the forest to protect her (side note- Her forest name is Briar Rose!), with her three fairy godmothers, until she meets the prince. She is lured out of the forest, and pricks her finger on the spinning wheel causing her to fall into a deep slumber. But not to worry, for she is indeed awaken by the true loves kiss, when the Prince kisses her to life.

Although not a Pixar children's movie, I believe that something like Sleeping Beauty can still hold a child's attention. It's still filled with the same sexist type element that most classic fairy tales are (who are we kidding, no one's true love kiss can wake me up!), but I think the music and the colorful look of the film will still entice a child. Again, it's another opportunity to show a child story's from days gone by. The age range of this film really depends on what a child can watch and not be to frightened, since some of the scenes are indeed, evil. I would recommend it for 7+

Sleeping Beauty (1959). Disney Corp.

Genre: Movie

Scaredy Squirrel

One of the scariest things for a human being is fear of the unknown...And Scaredy Squirrel is the most fearful of all! This charming story follows the (mundane) life of the round headed little Squirrel who is terrified to leave his beloved nut tree. A few things Scaredy is scared of? Well, there's tarantulas, poison ivy and green martians, just to name a few. All this changes on a Thursday, at 9:37 am when Scaredy Squirrel spies a killer bee, and of course drops his emergency kit out of the tree (that he never leaves). Scaredy Squirrels leaps into the unknown and all of a sudden starts gliding realizing that he is indeed a flying squirrel. His daily routine now includes venturing into the unknown, because Scaredy Squirrel realizes that the outside world isn't so bad after all!

Compared to other books for this age range, I think Scaredy Squirrel, an award winning children's book, is among the most endearing. The main character is so cute and likable, boys and girls alike will find this tale funny and exciting! It's a great book to give to children, and discuss the idea of being courageous and trying new things (although, one of them should NOT be gliding out of a tree!) The age range for this book is approximately 6-8.

Watt, Melanie. (2006). Scaredy Squirrel. Kids Can Press: Toronto, ON.

Genre: Picture Book

Marie-Claire: Book Three. Visitors. Our Canadian Girl

Our Canadian Girl is a historical fiction series for young girls. I decided to learn a little about Marie-Claire, a French speaking girl from Quebec. Marie-Claire lived through a small pox epidemic, one that took her sister's life. Through her graciousness, she suggest to her family to take in another family that has lost their home to a fire. Although this was her suggestion, she holds a little resentment to this family taking up the space in her home, and the small children fighting for her attention. Amongst all the turmoil at home, Marie-Clair goes out to fetch her mother some cheese, and is hit by a runaway horse. She is brought into a wealthy, English speaking home and is nursed back to health. In this house she discovers the luxury of having money, but returns home to her loving family.

This is a levelled reader book, meaning it is written for a specific age range, and is a great tool for teaching literacy skills. This book would be a perfect first chapter book for children in grade 1+. The content is interesting enough that you could use this for an older child, who may be having problems with reading.

An enjoyable book, with good content!

3 out of 5

Stinson, Kathy. (2003). Marie-Claire: Book Three. Visitors, Our Canadian Girl. Penguin Group: Toronto, Ontario.

Genre: Levelled Reader

Mud City

Mud City by Deborah Ellis, is the story of a little girl who has left the war torn Afghanistan for Pakistan. Shauzia and her dog, Jasper have big dream, to make it to the flowered fields of France to a better life of freedom. The journey is proving difficult, and getting to the sea is not as easy as it seems. Shauzia is placed in a women's refugee camp, that shows no sign of freedom. Shauzia leaves this camp, begging and looking for any work, in exchange for money. She works hard, and is thankful for the protection of her old herd dog. Shauzia faces difficult occurrences, being taken in by a western family, who cannot fathom nor handle the hardships she's been through, injury, and finally being returned to the refugee camp she finds so heartbreaking. The entire time, Shauzia is posing as a young boy, knowing that this may be her only ticket out of the life she has been born into.

Compared to other realistic fiction for children, Mud City is definitely in its own category. I like what Mud City does with the subject matter of the book, it doesn't shy away from the terror that Shauzia is feeling, but it also doesn't use frightening language to demonstrate the point. I think this type of book, especially with children, should always be accompanied with discussion. Children need to be able to discuss this, and the best way to create awareness is through discussion. I recommend this book for 11+. I also think this would be a valuable read-aloud book for teachers, especially considering the difficult place names within.

4 out of 5!

Ellis, Deborah. (2003). Mud City. Groundwood Books, Toronto: Ontario.

Genre: Realistic Fiction

101 Ways you can Save the Planet Before You're 12!

Saving the Planet is so in vogue! And wonderful fashion statement if you ask me, and a subject that should be taught to all children. 101 Ways you can Save the Planet Before You're 12!, gives kids tips and tricks to reducing their carbon footprint. This book gives children the opportunity to figure out what their style is when it comes to being environmentally friendly. The second tip is giving the children the language that is used when it comes to environmental issues, defining concepts like biodiversity, carbon neutral, ecosystems and greenhouses gases. For children, learning the language is important because of the popularity of using these words in the media. If they understand what these words mean, it'll make them more aware of what is going on in the world!

I would recommend this book for children between the ages of 8 and 12. A great resource for teachers who are looking for idea to teach children about this subject.

4 out of 5.

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Up

Wonderfully enough, Up was on my "to watch" list, making deciding upon a movie to watch for this blog, very simple.

Up seems to follow a Pixar recipe, within the first 10 minutes you are in tears (hello, finding Nemo?). The main character in Up, Carl Fredricksen, is a crotchety old man who's lost the love of his life, his wife. She fell in love with the Zoo balloon sales man, and they always promised each other to go on wonderful worldly adventures. Life gets in the way, as it always does, causing them to never have enough money to embark on their dreams. As they age, they live a happy life, ending with Carl's wife passing away. In Carl's sadness and loneliness he decides to use his reliable balloon business to float the house to their life's dream destination. Of course he was suppose to do this alone, but upon lift off notices he has a partner in crime, a little boy scout trying to get his "help an elderly" badge. Landing in Carl's dream spot is harder than expected, fighting with another man who inhabits the Island, who is attempting to catch a tropical bird. Carl reaches his dream and in the meantime softens, learning to enjoy the little boy who annoyed him so in the beginning, becoming a surrogate grandfather to him.

Pixar has created a definite formula to creating films for children. Sometimes, I find they they are actually a little bit frightening for children, but I think Up is a wonderful movie for children, even the sad opening with Carl's wife passing away. It teaches children about reaching for your dreams, but also finding happiness in a life of love.

It's hard to give an age recommendations for this film. It's rated PG, and there were certain elements that might bother children. Taking this all into consideration, I would recommend this film for children 6+ (Or for a 26 and 34 year old, which were the ages of the people who chose this film).

5 out 5, I loved Up!

Genre: Movie

Goldie and the Three Bears

Goldie and the Three Bears, by Diane Stanley is a wonderful revised fairytale of Goldilocks and the Three Bears. Goldie is a little girl who knows what she likes. When she's at a restaurant ordering pasta she is very clear about what she'd like "I want plain pasta with just butter and no green things, please" says Goldie. Goldie's only problem is that she can't seem to find a friend that she can love, Alicia is too snobby and Penny was far too rough. One day, Goldie gets off the bus at the wrong stop, and goes into a house. Inside, she find three sandwiches one is too sweet, one is too bland but one is juuuuust right. She carries on in the classic Goldilocks fashion, only to fall asleep in a perfect bed. In comes the three Bears, and Baby Bear launches herself at the bed. Bouncing happily, they realize they will become the most wonderful friends.

I really enjoyed this revised fairytale, if for nothing else but the wonderful illustrations. The little bear details in the entire story lead up to the big reveal of Goldie's modern day encounter with the Bear family, something that can be really fun to point out to a child while reading this book to them of if they are reading it on their own, something exciting for them to find.

This book would be wonderful to read to a child in preschool-grade 1, a wonderful practice reading book!

I give this book a 4 out of 5!

Stanley, Diane. (2003). Goldie and the three bears. Harper Collins Publisher, NY: New York.

Genre: Fairytale (revised!)

Percy Jackson & The Olympians , The Lightning Thief

When it comes to YA literature, a common storyline is that the child is orphaned or has some sort of circumstance that makes them different, and forced to live outsides the line of normality. Percy Jackson & the Olympians, The Lightning Thief, is a book that could be read by both children and young adults (and adults, because I picked this one up on my own!). Percy Jackson is very similar to these orphaned young people in similar books, except for one thing...He has his mother and his stepfather, but his real father...well, he's a god, the Greek god of the Sea, Poseidon. Gods don't exactly get along, and between being shipped of between boarding school for behavior problems and running into weirs circumstances (with water AND monsters!), Percy begins to understand how different he is. This journey brings him to a camp of children who are the same as he is, half god half human. But when he learns he's the son of Poseidon, he also learns he must go on a journey to find a thunderbolt that will stop his Father and Zeus from fighting. This little trip leads him to the underworld, and with the help of his two friends Grover and Annabeth he defeats god after god to stop the pending war of the Gods. But with the completion of this journey, he realizes that there are many more to be had.

Besides the fact that this book is really well written, this would also be a great book to entice some reluctant readers. This book also has a male lead character which may be something that appeals to boy readers. I would compare this book to both the Hunger Game series and the Graceling series, not because of the level it is written at, but more so of its interest level...like those series this book is an absolute page turner.

Percy's diagnosis of ADHD is explained because of his half god half human status. It was hard for him to read, because he was meant to read Greek, and he couldn't sit still because he was so sensitive to detail. I really like that Riordan does this, because it's a great way to incorporate something that is very common (even if a child doesn't have this diagnosis, the indeed know what it is).

I would recommend this book for grade 5-6 and above, depending on their reading level.

I give this book a 5 out of 5!

Riordan, Rick. (2006). Percy Jackson & The Olympians. Hypherion Books, NY: New York.

Genre: Fantasy

Explore Your World: The Five Senses

Explore Your World, The Five Senses is a non-fiction book for children around the ages of 5-6 I would say. It's a beginner book, and could also be read to a child and they could follow along.

Basically this book explores the five senses, but as an added bonus has little activities kids can play with, to further their understanding of the concepts and even use the senses being explained.

I like this book for children because it's bright and interactive!

4 out of 5

Ciboul, Adele. (2001). Explore Your World, The Five Senses. Buffalo, NY: Firefly Books.

Genre- Nonfiction

Popcorn

A book of children's poetry by James Stevenson, is a collection of short (almost all the time) nonsensical poems. Titles like Driftwood, Under the Hull, Some Say there are Ghosts in the All-Star Restaurants and May Morning are all short poems, that don't really have any rhyme scheme.

He writes silly poems, but he also has some that are just about a dog under a boat (Under the Hull), and one called May Morning, that goes like this:

You could say this isn't much of a morning:
Cold mist across the meadow,
The woods in tatters,
Fog horns bleating.
The ocean drones like traffic on a highway,
Towels hung out to dry are dripping from the line....

When suddenly
From around the side of the house
A soft wind comes,
Carrying the smell of lilacs.

I enjoyed this little book of poetry, and believe children will genuinely enjoy reading it and looking at the pictures!

I would recommend this book of poetry for children in the age range of 7-8, it's a great first book of poetry to give to a new reader!

3.5 out of 5

Stevenson, James. (1998). Popcorn, Poem by James Stevenson. New York, NY: Greenwillow Books.

Genre- Poetry

ChickaDEE

Now, the Chickadee in my day did not look like this! I have to say though, this one is much more fun!

Within the issue of Chickadee I chose (Dec. 2008), featured were articles like comics, a "did you know" section, animals, games, recipes (for children, of course), an "eye-spy" type thing, stories, poems, science experiments and an opportunity to mail different things in the be included in the magazine. The magazine is bright and fun, and I think children would really enjoy this. I know during my time at the Fredericton Public Library in New Brunswick, the children loved reading this and looking at the pictures. This magazine is probably best for children within the 6-9 year old range.

I give this magazine a 4 out of 5! Lots of fun!

Genre- Magazine

Lily B. on the Brink of Love

I had never heard of the Lily B. series before, and within the first few pages I began to realize this was probably a very popular book for children. It's obviously geared at young girls, at an age where they are a little bit past reading simple chapter books.

Lily B. is a budding writer, intelligent and quirky. She is her schools advice columnist, and of course meets The Boy of her dreams. Not only has she met the love of her life, but she has just gotten a new job with an real life author...Who turns out to be The Boys mother. Along with her friends Charlotte and Bonnie she immerses herself in her new job, and figuring out how to make The Boy fall in love with her. Along the way, there are upsets and of course he never sees her the way she sees him, but throughout the book, she learns how to be herself and find someone who truly appreciate her for who she really is.

Although this book was very "girly" it was fun, and I would recommend it to girls who are ready to read a chapter book that isn't necessarily for beginners. Girls in grade 5-6 would enjoy this!

3.5 out of 5

Kimmel, Elizabeth C. (2005). Lily B. on the Brink of Love. New York, NY: Harper Trophy.

Genre- Realistic Fiction

The Hunger Games and Catching Fire

Thank goodness for my class-mate Danielle, because she introduced me to both The Hunger Games and Catching Fire, written by Suzanne Collins. Also, thank goodness Collins plans on penning a third book in this series.

The basic premise of these two book follows the life of Katniss Everdeen, a young girl from a nation that has the land of North America, but is divided into districts and run by the Capitol. Each of the districts must give up two of their very own children, a boy and a girl, to the hunger games, a literal fight to death. The brave Katniss steps forward to take her sister's place, to fight in the hunger games. Through a devoted friend, she makes it out alive, with her friend Peeta. She fools the Capitol into letting them both live, and in Catching Fire, she pays for this mistake and is entered into the Games again. Making it out alive yet again, the Capitol has never been more angry and Katniss knows she will eventually have to pay for this. She feels like she's starting a revolution in the districts, something that she is indeed doing.

These stories are amazing, and say much more about the society in which we ourselves live in. This book is recommended for upper level readers, grade 6-7.

These books are a 5 out of 5!

Collins, Suzanne. (2008). The Hunger Games. New York, NY: Scholastic Press.

Collins, Suzanne. (2009). Catching Fire. New York, NY. Scholastic Press.

Genre- Series Fiction (x2)

The House in the Night

My first interaction with The House in the Night was using it for a comparison paper, where I looked only at the illustrations. I realize now how much I missed from my first encounter with the text. The story is a little tale within a tale, having the main character taking flight on a beautiful bird, which is the main character in their book. I say "their" because you really can't tell if the person in the story is a little girl, or a little boy, which I find intriguing and wonderful. This is a whimsical story, with very cool illustrations, being primarily colored in black and white, with bright flashes of yellow for things that should draw focus, that end up feeling so alive.

I adore these types of stories that have the sentiment of lulling you into a sleep.

I would recommend this book for parents looking for something to read to their infant, or for a child just learning to read.

5 out of 5.

Swanson, Susan.(2008). The House in the Night. New York, NY: Houghton Mifflin Company.

Genre- Picture Book

Muhammed Ali - Champion of the World

Muhammad Ali is a name most people know, and one a lot of children may hear often but not really know the story of who this man was.

The story begins with a little history on black boxers, talking about Jack Johnson, Joe Louis and then finally Cassius Clay, the man who would eventually become Muhammad Ali. The momentous times in Ali's life are highlighted in this children's story talking about his first win, when he refuses to fight in the war, his imprisonment and finally his comeback to the ring, overtaking George Foreman in an unexpected win.

I didn't think I'd enjoy this little story as much as I did. I always found Muhammad Ali annoyingly arrogant, which he has admitted on his own. The story includes all the major points of Ali's life, and even his extreme confidence, but still remains a children's tale. This is a great read for a child who is asking about Ali's life! I would recommend this for 7-8 year olds. Also, the illustrations are wonderful!

I would give this a 4 out 5

Winter, Jonah. Roca, Francoise. (2007) Muhammed Ali - Champion of the World. New York, NY: Shwartz & Wade Books.

Genre- Biography

Little Women

Wonderfully enough, Little Women is one book that I was most looking forward to reading for this reading log. I've read Little Women as a child, and remember falling in love with the characters. To me, they were so completely endearing and lovable. I then remember getting the VHS movie with Winona Ryder as Jo, and still loving them. But, oddly enough I didn't love them as much this time. I found Meg pretentious, Jo rude, Beth so very weak and scared and Amy, well Amy was always hard to take. The real question of course is whether or not a child would enjoy reading this book, or at the very least have this book read to them. What I remember loving was all the "old fashion" references, and I think this is something that many children would enjoy hearing about now. Little Women is a classic, a book I'm sure many young girls would enjoy reading.

*Note- The copy of Little Women that I borrowed from the library was the original publication format, meaning it stops immediately after Mr. March arrives home after being at war, then injured. We also miss out on all the sad Beth stuff, so that might be ok for really sensitive children.

2.5 out of 5

Alcott, Louisa May Alcott. (this edition published in 1997). Little Women. Viking Press.

Genre- Classic Fiction

The Long Winter

What to do when your a family of six, gearing up for a long winter? Really, it's no big deal, make sure the winter tires are on the car and the woodpile is high. No worries if there's a blizzard, snow plows will be out in no time!

Not the case for poor Laura Ingalls the main character of The Long Winter, by Laura Ingalls Wilder herself, who's family is facing the longest winter in Seven years. Between lack of coal, food and cabin fever setting in, the family begins to lose all hope, until thankfully Spring sets in and all is saved. The wonderful moments in this historic tale really lie in the families love for one another and their humble attitudes towards life. Between celebrating Christmas and having Pa break out the fiddle every now and then (to lift their spirits), the family survives the long, snowy season.

Of course this book, first published in the 1940's doesn't necessarily have the best language or social attitudes (calling aboriginal people "Indians", making women and their lives be solely dedicated to the home and some rather heavy religious tones), but it has something that children will fall in love with, a way to really take a look at the "olden days". It's a way to talk to your kids about life back in the 1800's, and just a lot of fun to read!

I give this book a 3.5 out of 5!

Wilder, Laura Ingalls. (1940). The Long Winter. Harper and Row Publishing: New York, New York.

Genre- Historical Fiction

Snow-White and the Seven Dwarfs

Oh Grimm fairy-tales, why do you continue to terrify me, even at the age of 26?

I kid, I kid. Snow-White and the Seven Dwarfs, translated by Randall Jarrell and illustrations by Nancy Ekholm Burkert, is the fairy-tale that we have come to expect, in that it is indeed the original story filled with the mystical (something that draws the child in) and of course, the violence which we always seem to forget exists in these pages.

The classic story leaves Snow-White cast away by her wicked step mother, but happily taken in by seven dwarfs (no worries, she repays them by being their lady-servant and doing all the household chores). Snow-White's Step Mother has the magic mirror that will NOT stop selling Snow-White out, claiming her alive every time the Step-Mother asks, mirror mirror on the wall, who's the fairest of them all? Her attempts at killing Snow-White all fail, and the good news? Snow-White's prince charming comes along, and she (thank god!) lives happily ever after.

Should children read this? Sure, it's history but please, please talk to your child about this. And if they look the least bit frightened, just look at the beautiful illustrations!

I'd recommend reading this book to a child 6+!

I love the Snow-White story, in all it's wickedness,

5 out of 5

Genre- Folktale/Fairy Tale

Rainy Day With Bear

Rainy Day With Bear follows our main character, a teddy bear, through the rainy day blues. Inspired by his owner (father?) to use his imagination and travel to all of the places he longs to be on this rainy day, the reader gets to follow him on these adventures. From Trinidad, Spain, Switzerland, Arctic, Russia and Venice. With this, his owner's book is finished and they get to go on a real trip, to Costa Rica!

A great book for an around the world theme, this book is a great teaching tool. It's also very whimsical, having bear and the human have a very father son bond. I think this book could be a perfect read-a-loud, with bright pictures, and great fun! Great for a 4-6 year old!

A 4 out of 5!

Hull, Maureen. (2004). A rainy day with bear. Lobster Press: Montreal: Quebec.

Genre- Picture Book

How to Catch a Falling Star

A story about a little boy who decides that a star as a friend would be wonderful. The book follows the little boy through his quest to reach the stars, and pull one down for his very own friend, "He dreamed how this star might be his friend. They would play hide-and-go-seek and take long walks". The little boy waits for morning and night, with several failed (but adorable) attempts at catching the star, when he spots one in the water. He waits patiently on the shore, until it washes up and he finds the star friend he's been waiting for.

How to Catch a falling star is perfect for both a read-a-loud or as a personal storytime between child and guardian. You could have the children stretching and reaching for the stars, and also teach them a valuable lesson about aiming high. This story could be read to infants-up to 4 or 5 year old children. I really enjoyed this book!

5 out of 5

Jeffers, Oliver. (2005). How to catch a star. Harper Collins: Great Britain.

Genre- Picture Book

Full Moon Rising

Another bed time story...

This story, Full Moon Rising, felt like the second in a series of bedtime stories (especially since I just read it after Can You See A Little Bear?). Joanne Taylor uses the monthly full moons to poetically explain what the going ons are in each month of the year. My favorite line being from the Harvest Moon "In September, Mom sings of the Harvest Moon. Our garden and orchard are almost empty now. The kitchen is full!" This book is written by a Nova Scotia author which is influences every page, and is a wonderful read for any child from the East or any child wanting to know about all the different seasons and activities and feelings that arise from those seasons.

Another Children's book with stunning illustrations by Susan Tooke, who integrated different Nova Scotia authors into the pages. I think this could be another interactive book, by using the months and the pictures to talk to a child about seasons and how the moon rising and setting really guides our lives.

I give this book a 4 out 5

Taylor, Joanne. (2002). Full Moon Rising. Tornto, Ontario: Tundra Books.

Genre- Picture Book

Can you See A Little Bear?

Can You See a Little Bear? follows a tiny, pristine white polar bear through a series of equally tiny adventures. As an adult reader, the tale can be immediately seen as a interactive picture book, meant to bring children in to the story. The story uses other animals, and their colors (or body shapes in the case of the poor, fat walrus) as a way to bring the children on the adventure with the little bear. With no exponential plot ups and downs, the story is soothing and ends with the little Bear curled up with his mother, ready for a nights sleep.

I think this is a classic bed time story. As I was reading it, it certainly felt interactive but not necessarily for story time. This indeed depends on your tone of voice while reading it, but it was a sentiment of being lulled intro a dream, which I very much enjoyed. The illustrations are beautiful and full of vibrant, eye catching colors. They also have this circus, jesters court type feel to them, that will help in holding the adults attention as well! This story could be read to a wide age range I believe, and would more than likely hold the attention of an infant to possibly 3 or 4 years of age.

The only limitation may be within what I found beautiful. Because the illustrations are so vibrant and detailed, they may be a bit overwhelming for a child being read to in the age range I mentioned above. An older child, who is learning to read with this story may be more likely to appreciate and enjoy the illustrations.

I give this story a 4 out 5

Mayhew, James. (2006). Can You See A Little Bear?. London: Frances Lincoln
Children's Book.

Genre- Picture Book