|
|
|
Book Corner by Sharon Levin So many books, so little time! Bet you can all relate to that! There are so many wonderful new children's books released every year (and they're all covering every flat surface of my house) that who knows where to start? Well, here are a few treasures to get you started. The First Thing My Mama Told Me by Susan Marie Swanson, illustrated by Christine Davenier (Harcourt, Inc. 2002) The first thing Lucy's mama told her was her name. How many of our children have love affairs with their names? They love to see them in print, they LOVE personalized objects, they love to tell their name to everyone. Their name is the first thing they own and this book truly embraces that special relationship children have with their names, especially as they grow. The soft, adorable illustrations are the perfect compliment to this special book.  Turk and Runt by Lisa Wheeler, illustrated by Frank Ansley (Atheneum, 2002) This is the perfect Thanksgiving giggle! Runt's older brother Turk, is a fine specimen of a turkey. Big, meaty, juicy... you know, dinner. Runt (his name is a perfect description) understands what turkeys mean to people, however Turk and his parents do not. Turk's parents are quite proud of their big boy, "He's a dancer," said his mother. "He's an athelete," said his father. "He's a goner," said his brother, Runt. But no one ever listened to Runt." Runt's brains save the day more than once and the final page of this book will have you smiling anytime you think about it.A Place to Grow by Soyung Pak, illustrated by Marcelino Truong (Arthur A. Levine Books, 2002) All families, like seeds, need a place to grow. A place with sunshine (hope), rain, good land (love and nurturing). This is the story of Soyung Pak's family's emigration from South Korea to the United States. When she asks her father why seeds travel he says, "a seed needs land to grow." When she answers that there is land everywhere he says, "Not good land.." "Good land is warm and safe, like a cozy home." Are there parts that will make grown ups uncomfortable? Well, the mention of "too many guns and not enough love." might fit. Just (AS ALWAYS) know your audience and take it from there. Lizzy's Do's and Don'ts by Jessica Harper, illustrated by Lindsay Harper duPont (Harper/Collins 2002) Well, this book felt like it described my life. All Lizzy's mom seems to say is 'Don't!' "Don't shout indoors. Don't tickle so hard. Don't take the deck and lose one card. Don't, don't, don't!" Lizzy decides it's her turn and say's "Don't act too tough. Don't say 2 chocolates are enough. Don't, don't, don't!" Then they start listing all kinds of wonderful 'Do's'. A wonderful book to share with a child, especially on one of those really tough days.  Rain Romp by Jane Kurtz, illustrated by Dyanna Wolcott (Greenwillow Books, 2002). A delightful romp and stomp through a gray day and a gray mood. The words are lyrical and the illustrations really complement the mood of the page especially when the grouchy girl says, "The sky and I are two howling prowling scowling wolverines." Fabulous and just in time for our rainy season and the chance to stomp out our own bad moods.
Sharon Levin can be reached at sharonlevin@mindspring.com.
To stay up to date on new books on this topic, consider subscribing to The Children's Literature Comprehensive Database. For your free trial, click here.
Added 11/1/02
|
