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Drop Everything And Read
Schools have been employing Drop Everything And Read-D.E.A.R.-for many years to promote reading and give everyone in the building an opportunity to read "just for the fun of it." In the early 70's, I was the librarian at a school where the principal would announce "DEAR" at different times each day…everyone was sure to have a book with them at all times so that they could, indeed, stop what they were doing and just read-it was a wonderful sight to see even the custodian and the principal sitting on chairs in the hall reading books. Everyone took it seriously and the students were fiercely proud of their ability to produce the book they wanted to read at a moment's notice. DEAR promoters are encouraging families to follow suit.
"DEAR stands for Drop Everything And Read. National D.E.A.R. Day is a special reading celebration to remind and encourage families to make reading together on a daily basis a family priority. The National D.E.A.R. Day partners are marking the 90th birthday of beloved author Beverly Cleary as the official event date, April 12th. Ramona Quimby is the program's spokesperson." This information comes from the informative web site:
http://www.dropeverythingandread.com
Plan ahead so that you are prepared to share books with your family. The following titles are just a few suggestions from the wonderful world of children's literature that will be enjoyed by a wide range of ages. Give yourself a real treat that only takes 15 minutes-or if you become absorbed a bit longer with responding to the requests to read "just one more chapter." Keep reading!
Contributor: Sheilah Egan
Reviews
Barnyard Dance!
Sandra Boynton
Funny, flocking, festivities are depicted in this bright and sturdy board book. Everybody sings along as the animals do-si-do in the barnyard. Winner of the 1994 Gold Medal from the National Parenting Publications Award. 1993, Workman, $6.95. Ages 1 up. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature).
Awards, Honors, Prizes:
National Association of Parenting Publications Awards (NAPPA) Winner 1994 Preschool/Toddler United States
State and Provincial Reading Lists:
Texas Reading Club, 2005; Texas
Texas Reading Club, 1999; Texas
ISBN: 1563054426
Feast for 10
Cathryn Falwell
Feast for Ten takes young readers on a trip to the grocery store and back home again with an affectionate African-American family's shopping experience every child can relate to. Author/artist Falwell's illustrations are clear and counting the objects on each page is but one aspect of the book's fun. 1993, Clarion, $14.95. Ages 2 up. Reviewer: Dr. Beverly Kobrin (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Adventuring with Books: A Booklist for Pre-K--Grade 6, 1997; National Council of Teachers of English; United States
Kaleidoscope, A Multicultural Booklist for Grades K-8, Second Edition, 1997; National Council of Teachers of English; United States
Standards of Learning Information
Project Stars: K-5 Children's Literature and Correlation of the Virginia Standards of Learning, Winter 2002, 1995; Kindergarten Objective 2; Virginia-Mathematics-Number and Number Sense; Virginia Department of Education
ISBN: 0-395-62037-6
Great Girl Stories
Chosen by Rosemary Sandberg
This large-format anthology presents chapter-long excerpts from sixteen classics that would probably appeal most to girls and those reading to them. The selections include older classics such as Little Women, Pollyanna and Heidi, and more modern classics, such as Ramona the Pest and The Great Gilly Hopkins. Each excerpt is prefaced by a brief explanatory introduction, and all are accompanied by color and black-and-white illustrations, some of which are original, while some are newly created for this anthology. While enjoyable on their own, these selections might also inspire young readers to find and read the complete, original works. Brief biographies of each author and an introduction are included. 1999, Kingfisher, $18.95. Ages 8 up. Reviewer: Gisela Jernigan, Ph.D. (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0753452073
Hey! Listen to This: Stories to Read Aloud
Edited by Jim Trelease
The title of Trelease's latest book is perfect to highlight those books that are excellent read-alouds. Jim's book is a collection of enticing chapters from some of the best children's books as well as entire retellings of some memorable folk and fairy tales. What makes this read-aloud anthology truly unique are Jim's delightfully informative introductions to each excerpt. He provides insights and enriching anecdotes about the authors and the stories. Call the family together for this one! 1992, Penguin, $12.95. Ages All. Reviewer: Jan Lieberman (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Books for You: An Annotated Booklist for Senior High, Twelfth Edition, 1995; National Council of Teachers of English; United States
Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, 2001; H.W. Wilson; United States
ISBN: 0140146539
The Kingfisher Book of Great Boy Stories: A Treasury of Classics from Children's Literature
Chosen by Michael Morpurgo
What boy hasn't dreamed of pirate adventures, heroic rescues or clever pranks? In this compilation of seventeen story "shorts," Michael Morpurgo has chosen the gems of children's literature where boys reign supreme. Each excerpt is preceded by a summary introduction to provide context and background information about the story. Original illustrations pepper the text and provide a visual delight. From Winne-the-Pooh to Tom Sawyer, Mowgli to Charlie Bucket (of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory fame), each boy's adventure offers readers opportunities to forage through the jungle, dive into chocolate dreams, outwit adults and generally enjoy the wonder of boyhood. The short excerpts are perfect for reluctant readers, providing manageable, yet entertaining reading material. And for the voracious reader, these glimpses act as the impetus to read the "real thing." Boys (and girls) of any age will enjoy these classic tales of childhood. 2000, Kingfisher, $19.95. Ages 9 to 12. Reviewer: Leah Hanson (Children's Literature).
Moonbeams, Dumplings & Dragon Boats: A Treasury of Chinese Holiday Tales, Activities & Recipes
Nina Simonds, Leslie Swartz, & the Children's Museum of Boston
Illustrated by Meilo So
Explanations for five Chinese festivals, New Year, the Lantern Festival, Qing Ming and the Cold Foods Festival, Dragon Boat Festival, and the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival are accompanied by stories, recipes and activities. The introductions to each of these provide cultural background. Through the tales, readers will learn why the festivals are celebrated. Simonds, a renowned chef and Chinese cultural expert, has created recipes simple enough for children to make. However, they seem intended for adults because there are no reminders to children to seek adult help while using an oven or heating water. Recipes include New Year Dumplings, Tea Eggs, Fresh Spring Rolls, Sweet Rice Packages and Moon Cakes. There are directions for making new year prints using Styrofoam instead of wood blocks, kites, bamboo clackers, shadow puppets, and more. Readers will learn about their zodiac signs and the characteristics of each animal sign. The back matter includes a pronunciation guide, two bibliographies: one for adults and one for children, and annotated Internet sources. The watercolor illustrations are well placed on the pages. They add an extra dimension to each story and illustrate the steps for the crafts. Well designed with quality content. 2002, Gulliver Books/ Harcourt, $20.00. Ages 6 to adult. Reviewer: Sharon Salluzzo (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
The Best Children's Books of the Year, 2003; Bank Street College of Education; United States
Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, Supplement, 2003; H.W. Wilson; United States
The Children's Literature Choice List, 2002; Children's Literature; United States
Kirkus Book Review Stars, September 15, 2002; United States
Notable Children's Books in the Language Arts, 2003; NCTE Children's Literature Assembly; United States
School Library Journal Book Review Stars, November 2002; Cahners; United States
Awards, Honors, Prizes:
ABC Children's Booksellers Choices Award Winner 2003 Folktale, Poetry, Arts United States
Parent's Choice Award Recommended 2002 Non-Fiction United States
Storytelling World Awards Honor 2004 Special Storytelling Resources United States
ISBN: 0152019839
Native American Stories
Joseph Bruchac
Illustrations by John Kahionhes Fadden
This 160-page book presents a rich collection of twenty-five myths from many North American tribes. The stories, which are superbly told by Abenaki storyteller Bruchac and magically illustrated by Mohawk artist John Kahionhes Fadden, originate from Cherokee, Yurok, Zuni, Sioux, and other Native American cultures. Readers of all ages will enjoy this outstanding resource, which fosters an appreciation for the natural world. 1991, Fulcrum Publishing, Ages 10 up, $12.95. Reviewer: Debra Briatico (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 1-55591-094-7
Old Turtle
Douglas Wood
Illustrated by Cheng-Khee Chee
This lyrical, haunting book tackles a complex subject--who is God, and what is man's place on earth? According to the author, people are "a message of love from God to the earth and a prayer from the earth back to God." It is a gentle cautionary tale about our place in the world and the responsibilities that entails. The watercolors are evocative and powerful, the style clearly influenced by the illustrator's Asian heritage. The description of God as "all that we dream of, and all that we seek" can serve as a springboard for discussion within families from any religious background. American Booksellers Book of the Year Award, Best Children's Book -Midwest Independent Publishers Association, and International Reading Association Children's Book Award. 1991, Pfeifer-Hamilton, $17.95. Ages All. Reviewer: Dr. Judy Rowen (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Adventuring with Books: A Booklist for Pre-K-Grade 6, Tenth Edition, 1993; National Council of Teachers of English; United States
Recommended Literature: Kindergarten through Grade Twelve, 2002; California Department of Education; California
Awards, Honors, Prizes:
American Booksellers Book Sense Book of the Year (ABBY) Award Winner 1993 United States
International Reading Association Children's Book Awards Winner 1993 Younger Readers International
Minnesota Book Awards Winner 1992 Younger children (Author) United States
ISBN: 0-938586-48-3
The People Could Fly: The Picture Book
Virginia Hamilton
Illustrated by Leo and Diane Dillon
Hamilton's compelling retelling of this black folktale appeared originally in her 1985 collection with the same title. As a stand-alone in picture book format, it has been newly and profusely illustrated as a tribute to the author who died in 2002. The tale is told in the language and cadences of an African griot. When Africans were captured and brought to America as slaves, those who had known magic and could fly had to leave their wings behind, the story goes, but they kept their magic. When they are subjected to the cruelty of Master, Overseer, and Driver, old Toby helps first his daughter Sarah and her child to rise and fly away; then he and others who are stricken rise and go as well. Those who can't fly tell the tale until they too are free. The Dillons introduce us to the soaring flyers on the jacket/cover in their multi-patterned African dress and hair styles. The end-papers display shiny black feathers on a subtle black surface, giving added credence to the tale. Full-page and half-page paintings with gold borders create believable portraits of the slaves and masters as the fields are worked and as the people fly to freedom. Mixed emotions are generated by the portrayals: the evil Overseer in black against the reddish sky, the joyous folks who can fly. Notes from both author and editor fill in further information. The final rising triumphant figure appears to be Hamilton herself. 2004 (orig. 1985), Alfred A Knopf/Random House Children's Books, $16.95. Ages 7 up. Reviewers: Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Best Children's Books of the Year, 2004; Bank Street College of Education; United States
Booklist Book Review Stars, Sep. 15, 2004; United States
Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, Supplement, 2005; H. W. Wilson; United States
Choices, 2005; Cooperative Children's Book Center; United States
Editors' Choice, 2004; American Library Association Booklist; United States
Kirkus Book Review Stars, November 1, 2004; United States
New York Times Notable Books, 2004; New York Times; United States
Notable Children's Books, 2005; American Library Association ALSC; United States
Publishers Weekly Best Children's Books, 2004; Cahners; United States
Recommended Literature: Kindergarten through Grade Twelve, 2002; California Department of Education; California
School Library Journal Book Review Stars, December 2004; Cahners; United States
Top 10 Black History Books for Youth, 2005; American Library Association-Booklist; United States
Awards, Honors, Prizes:
Coretta Scott King Awards Honor 2005 Illustrator United States
State and Provincial Reading Lists:
Texas Reading Club, 1998; Texas
ISBN: 0-375-82405-7
ISBN: 0-375-92405-1
Read-Aloud Rhymes for the Very Young
Selected by Jack Prelutsky
Illustrated by Marc Brown
With an introduction by Jim Trelease
Originally published almost 20 years ago, Read-Aloud Rhymes for the Very Young has just been reissued with a brand new bright and amusing cover. Jack Prelutsky selected the poems, and the beautiful illustrations are by Marc Brown, who also created the new cover. In his introduction to the collection, Jim Trelease writes, "The poets represented in this volume have not forgotten what it was like to be three years old.... Reading such poems aloud allows us to visit with the child within each of us, and each visit gives us a better understanding of the child in our lap or in our classroom." The 200 poems highlight all of the ordinary and special events in children's lives. It is a treasure for young and old. Also an added feature in this edition is website reference, www.randomouse.com/kids, which is a parents' guide to sharing poetry with children. 2004 (orig. 1986), Knopf, $19.95. Ages 2 up. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, 2001; H.W. Wilson; United States
ISBN: 0-394-87218-5
ISBN: 0-394-97218-X
Ride a Purple Pelican
Jack Prelutsky
Pictures by Garth Williams
Prelutsky's nonsense rhymes are paired with full-color illustrations by Williams, who is best known for his drawings for Charlotte's Web and the Little House books. Most of the rhymes are short and feature animals. A few are quite clever, the rest will appeal to Prelutsky's fans. 1997 (orig. 1986), Mulberry/William Morrow, $17.95 and $6.95. Ages 3 to 6. Reviewer: Dr. Judy Rowen (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
The Best Children's Books of the Year, 2000; Bank Street College of Education; United States
Booklist Book Review Stars, October 1, 1999; United States
Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, 2001; H.W. Wilson; United States
Publishers Weekly Book Review Stars, July 1999; Cahners; United States
State and Provincial Reading Lists:
Kentucky Bluegrass Award, 1988; Nominee; Kentucky
ISBN: 0-688-15625-8
ISBN: 0-688-09643-3
ISBN: 0-688-04031-4
The 20th Century Children's Book Treasury: Celebrated Picture Books and Stories to Read Aloud
Selected by Janet Schulman
Think of your favorite children's stories and you can be pretty sure that several of them will be represented in this collection. Numerous award-winning classics such as Freight Train, Make Way for Ducklings and The Snowy Day as well as more contemporary offerings such as Owen, Stellaluna, and Guess How Much I Love You are included. Adults can enjoy rereading the stories from their childhood and share the tales and illustrations with visiting grandchildren, nieces or nephews. It is also a wonderful book for a classroom. There are notes about the authors and illustrators, an index, symbols that depict suggested age levels for each story, and an age appropriate list at the end of the book. 1998, Knopf, $40.00. Ages All. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Publishers Weekly Book Review Stars, September 1998; Cahners; United States
Awards, Honors, Prizes:
ABC Children's Booksellers Choices Award Winner 1999 Special Subjects United States
ISBN: 0-679-88647-8
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