Booklists

Time Travel

Tales involving time travel based on the Pigeon Post essay of the same name from February 22, 2008.

This book list is divided into two sections:
(1) Books for Independent Readers
(2) Books for Young Adults

The list begins below with books for Independent Readers, but you can use the following link to skip directly to books for Young Adults.
Go to books for Young Adults


Independent Reader

Time Cat by Lloyd Alexander Suggested

Something Upstairs by Avi Suggested

The Indian in the Cupboard by Lynne Reid Banks Highly Recommended

The House With a Clock in Its Walls by John Bellairs and illustrated by Edward Gorey Recommended

A String in the Harp by Nancy Bond Recommended

The Children of Green Knowe by L. M. Boston and illustrated by Peter Boston Highly Recommended

Stonewords by Pam Conrad Suggested

The Dark Is Rising by Susan Cooper Highly Recommended

Edward Eager's Tales of Magic : Half Magic, Knight's Castle, the Time Garden, Magic by the Lake by Edward Eager Recommended

Charlotte Sometimes by Penelope Farmer and illustrated by Chris Connor Suggested

The 13th Floor by Sid Fleischman and illustrated by Peter Sis Suggested

A Girl Called Boy by Belinda Hurmence Suggested

A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle Highly Recommended

The Root Cellar by Janet Louise Swoboda Lunn Suggested

The Story of the Amulet by Edith Nesbit and illustrated by H. R. Millar Recommended

Bed-Knob and Broomstick by Mary Norton and illustrated by Erik Blegvad Recommended

Tom's Midnight Garden by Philippa Pearce and illustrated by Susan Einzig Recommended

Fog Magic by Julia L. Sauer Recommended

Time Warp Trio by Jon Scieszka Suggested

The Time Machine by H. G. Wells Recommended

The Devil's Arithmetic by Jane Yolen Receommended

Young Adult

The Land That Time Forgot by Edgar Rice Burroughs and illustrated by J. Allen St. John Recommended

The Lost World by Arthur Conan Doyle Recommended

The House on the Strand by Daphne Du Maurier Highly Recommended

A Connecticut Yankee at King Arthur's Court by Mark Twain Suggested

Posted by Charles Bayless on July 8, 2008 4:56 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Summer Camp(ing)

Posted by Charles Bayless on July 8, 2008 5:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Patriotism

From the July 1, 2007 Pigeon Post essay of the same name. This is a topic where there is a huge inventory of really good books. What are your suggestions?

This book list is divided into three sections:
(1) Picture Books
(2) Books for Independent Readers
(3) Books for Young Adults

The list begins below with Picture Books, but you can use one of the following links to skip directly to either of the other two sections.
Go to books for Independent Readers
Go to books for Young Adults


Picture Books

And Then What Happened, Paul Revere? by Jean Fritz and illustrated by Margot Tomes

The Fourth of July Story by Alice Dalgliesh and illustrated by Marie Nonnast

I Pledge Allegiance by Bill Martin, Jr. and illustrated by Christopher Raschka

The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and illustrated by Christopher Bing

Paul Revere's Ride by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and illustrated by Ted Rand

Paul Revere's Ride, The Landlord's Tale by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and illustrated by Charles Santore

A Picture Book of Thomas Jefferson by David A. Adler and illustrated by John C. and Alexandra Wallner

The Rooster Crows by Maud and Miska Petersham

Shh! We're Writing the Constitution by Jean Fritz and illustrated by Tomie dePaola

The Star Spangled Banner by Ingri and Edgar Parin d'Aulaire

When Washington Crossed the Delaware by Lynne Cheney and illustrated by Peter M. Fiore

Will You Sign Here, John Hancock? by Jean Fritz and illustrated by Trina Schart Hyman

Independent Reader

American Revolution by Stuart Murray

American Revolution Battles and Leaders by Aaron R. Murray

Ben and Me by Robert Lawson

Can't You Make Them Behave King George? by Jean Fritz and illustrated by Tome dePaola

Childhood of Famous Americans Series

Childhood of Famous Americans - Abigail Adams by Jean Brown Wagoner and illustrated by James J. Ponter

Childhood of Famous Americans - John Adams by Jan Adkins and illustrated by Meryl Henderson

Childhood of Famous Americans - Crispus Attucks by Dharathula Millender and illustrated by Gray Morrow

Childhood of Famous Americans - Benjamin Franklin by Augusta Stevenson

Childhood of Famous Americans - Tom Jefferson by Helen Albee Monsell and illustrated by Ken Wagner

Childhood of Famous Americans - Molly Pitcher by Augusta Stevenson

Childhood of Famous Americans - Paul Revere by Augusta Stevenson

Childhood of Famous Americans - Betsy Ross by Ann Weil

Childhood of Famous Americans - George Washington by Augusta Stevenson and illustrated by Joseph E. Dreany

Childhood of Famous Americans - Martha Washington by Jean Brown Wagoner and illustrated by Leslie Goldstein

The Children's Book of America by William Bennett and illustrated by Michael Hague

Constitution Translated for Kids by Cathy Travis

Early Thunder by Jean Fritz and illustrated by Lynd Ward

The Fighting Ground by Avi

The Founders by Dennis B. Fradin and Michael McCurdy

Gettysburg Address by Abraham Lincoln and illustrated by Michael McCurdy

The Great Little Madison by Jean Fritz

Johnny Tremain by Esther Forbes and illustrated by Lynd Ward

Our Country's Founders by William Bennett

Paul Revere and the World He Lived In by Esther Forbes

Revolutionary War on Wednesday by Mary Pope Osborne and illustrated by Sal Murdocca

The Secret Soldier by Ann McGovern and illustrated by Harold Goodwin

The Signers: The 56 Stories Behind the Declaration of Independence by Dennis B. Fradin and illustrated by Michael McCurdy

Traitor by Jean Fritz

Where Was Patrick Henry on the 29th of May? by Jean Fritz and illustrated by Margot Tomes

Why Don't You Get a Horse, Sam Adams by Jean Fritz and illustrated by Trina Schart Hyman

Young Adult

America (the Book): A Citizen's Guide to Democracy Inaction by Jon Stewart

The American Revolutionaries: A History in Their Own Words 1750-1800 by Milton Meltzer

The Dawn's Early Light, Walter Lord

Founding Brothers The Revolutionary Generation by Joseph J. Ellis

Founding Mothers by Cokie Roberts

A Patriot's Handbook by Caroline Kennedy

The Patriot's Handbook by George Grant

The Pocket Book of Patriotism by Jonathan Foreman

Rebels and Redcoats The American Revolution Through British Eyes by Christopher Hibbert

Report from Philadelphia, Bill Moyers

Posted by Charles Bayless on July 8, 2008 6:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

France

This book list is based on the Pigeon Post essay Liberté, égalité, fraternité from July 7, 2007. These are books by French authors, Americans of French heritage, are set in France or cover French history. What are your suggestions?

This book list is divided into three sections:
(1) Picture Books
(2) Books for Independent Readers
(3) Books for Young Adults

The list begins below with Picture Books, but you can use one of the following links to skip directly to either of the other two sections.
Go to books for Independent Readers
Go to books for Young Adults


Picture Books

Madeline by Ludwig Bemelmans

The Five Chinese Brothers by Claire Huchet Bishop

Twenty and Ten by Claire Huchet Bishop

Stone Soup by Marcia Brown

Bonsoir Lune by Margaret Wise Brown and illustrated by Clement Hurd

The Story of Babar by Jean de Brunhoff

Histoire de Babar by Jean de Brunhoff

Babar's Museum of Art by Laurent de Brunhoff

The Hare and the Tortoise by Jean de la Fontaine and Ranjit Bolt and illustrated by Giselle Potter

Puss in Boots retold and illustrated by Paul Galdone

Katie Meets the Impressionists by James Mayhew

Puss in Boots by Charles Perrault and illustrated by Fred Marcellino

Cinderella by Charles Perrault and illustrated by Marcia Brown

Little Red Riding Hood and other stories by Charles Perrault and illustrated by W. Heath Robinson

The Complete Fairy Tales of Charles Perrault by Charles Perrault and illustrated by Sally Holmes

Cajun Alphabet by James Rice

This is Paris by Miroslav Sasek

Max Et Le Maximontres (Where the Wild Things Are in French) by Maurice Sendak

The Happy Day by Ruth Krauss and illustrated by Marc Simont

Many Moons by James Thurber and illustrated by Marc Simont

Nate the Great by Marjorie Weinman Sharmat and illustrated by Marc Simont

The Stray Dog by Marc Simont

Eloise in Paris by Kay Thomoson and illustrated by Hilary Knight

Eloise a Paris (in French) by Kay Thompson and illustrated by Hilary Knight

Anatole by Eve Titus and illustrated by Paul Galdone

Cajun Night Before Christmas by Trosclair and illustrated by James Rice

Independent Reader

The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo

Fables by Jean de la Fontaine and illustrated by R. de la Neziere

The Adventures of Tintin by Herge

Red Balloon by Albert Lamorisse

The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupery

Le Petite Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupery

Journey to the Center of the Earth by Jules Verne

20,000 Leagues Under the Sea by Jules Verne and illustrated by Paul Wright

Around the World in 80 Days by Jules Verne and illustrated by Barry Moser

Young Adult

Bulfinch's Mythology by Thomas Bulfinch

The Song of Roland by Glyn Burgess

Papillon (in English) by Henri Charriere / Jean-Pierre (INT)

A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens

The Three Musketeers by Alexandre Dumas

The Man in the Iron Mask by Alexandre Dumas

The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas

The Day of the Jackal by Frederick Forsyth

Marie Antoinette by Antonia Fraser

The Hunchback of Notre Dame by Victor Hugo

Le Morte D'Arthur by Sir Thomas Malory

The Necklace and Other Tales by Guy de Maupassant

Flight to Arras by Antoine de Saint-Exupery

Night Flight by Antoine de Saint-Exupery

Wind, Sand and Stars by Antoine de Saint-Exupery

The Song of Roland by Dorothy Sayers

Desiree by Annemarie Selinko

Henry V by William Shakespeare

The Friend of Madame Maigret, Inspector Maigret Series by Georges Simenon

The Yellow Dog, Inspector Maigret series by Georges Simenon

The Guns of August by Barbara Tuchman

A Distant Mirror by Barbara Tuchman

Mysterious Island by Jules Verne and illustrated by N. C. Wyeth

Posted by Charles Bayless on July 8, 2008 6:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Family Stories

From the July 30, 2007 Pigeon Post essay of the same name.

Family stories are a treasure that with any luck are passed down from generation to generation. We have, in our children's literature, many wonderful instances of family story-telling. In the collection following you will find examples of family stories as narrative (Moomintrolls and The Borrowers) as well as family stories that are really a collection of vignettes told by master raconteurs (Mama's Bank Account, Cheaper by the Dozen, etc.) Particularly these latter are a pleasure to read as an adult regardless of when you read them to your children.

This book list is divided into three sections:
(1) Picture Books
(2) Books for Independent Readers
(3) Books for Young Adults

The list begins below with Picture Books, but you can use one of the following links to skip directly to either of the other two sections.
Go to books for Independent Readers
Go to books for Young Adults


Picture Books

All the Places to Love by Patricia MacLachlan and illustrated by Mike Wimmer

When Jessie Came Across the Sea by Amy Hest and illustrated by P.J. Lynch

Independent Reader

All-of-a-Kind Family by Sydney Taylor and illustrated by Helen John

Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery and illustrated by Jody Lee

Caddie Woodlawn by Carol Ryrie Brink and illustrated by Kate Seredy

Five Little Peppers and How They Grew by Margaret Sidney

Little House on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder and illustrated by Garth Williams

Little Women by Louisa May Alcott

My Naughty Little Sister by Dorothy Edwards and illustrated by Shirley Hughes

Our Only May Amelia by Jennifer L. Holm

The Borrowers by Mary Norotn and illustrated by Beth Krush

The Littles by John Peterson

The Penderwicks by Jeanne Birdsall

The Railway Children by E. Nesbit

The Wouldbegoods by E. Nesbit

Under the Lilacs by Louisa May Alcott

Young Adult

Cheaper by the Dozen by Frank B. Gilbreth and Ernestine Gilbreth Carey

Mama's Bank Account by Kathryn Forbes

My Life and Hard Times by James Thurber

My Family and Other Animals by Gerald Durrell

Oddballs by William Sleator

Posted by Charles Bayless on July 8, 2008 6:38 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Observation

From August 12, 2007 Pigeon Post, You See But You Do Not Observe.

What books have you used to help your children observe their world more closely?

This book list is divided into three sections:
(1) Picture Books
(2) Books for Independent Readers
(3) Books for Young Adults

The list begins below with Picture Books, but you can use one of the following links to skip directly to either of the other two sections.
Go to books for Independent Readers
Go to books for Young Adults


Picture Books

I Spy Christmas by Jean Marzollo and illustrated by Walter Wick

I Spy Mystery by Jean Marzollo and illustrated by Walter Wick

I Spy Treasure Hunt by Jean Marzollo and illustrated by Walter Wick

Little Fur Family by Margaret Wise Brown and illustrated by Garth Williams

Snowflake Bentley by Jacqueline Martin Briggs and illustrated by Mary Azarian

Wait Till the Moon is Full by Margaret Wise Brown and illustrated by Garth Williams

Where's Waldo by Martin Handford

Where's Waldo in Hollywood by Martin Handford

Where's Waldo; The Great Picture Hunt by Martin Handford

Where's Waldo; The Wonder Book by Martin Handford

Independent Reader

The Best of The Hardy Boys by Franklin W. Dixon

Nancy Drew by Carolyn Keene

Young Adult

Empires of Light by Jill Jonnes

Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

Posted by Charles Bayless on July 8, 2008 6:43 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Building Things

From the August 19, 2007 Pigeon Post essay of the same title.

Among these books, there are really three categories: books that tell you how to build something, books that are about building in general, and books that are stories in which building or making something is a central and pivotal event in the book.

This book list is divided into three sections:
(1) Picture Books
(2) Books for Independent Readers
(3) Books for Young Adults

The list begins below with Picture Books, but you can use one of the following links to skip directly to either of the other two sections.
Go to books for Independent Readers
Go to books for Young Adults


Picture Books

To Fly: The Story of the Wright Brothers by Wendie C. Old and illustrated by Robert Parker

Full Steam Ahead: The Road to Build a Transcontinental Railroad by Rhoda Blumberg Out of Print

Machines at Work by Byron Barton

Mike Mulligan and His Steamshovel by Virginia Lee Burton

One Big Building: a Counting Book About Construction by Michael Dahl and illustrated by Todd Ouren

The Quilt Block History of Pioneer Days by Mary Cobb and illustrated by Jan Davey Ellis

Ten Mile Day by Mary Ann Fraser

Construction Zone by Tana Hoban

Sky Boys How They Built the Empire State Building by Deborah Hopkinson and illustrated by James E. Ransome

Construction Zone by Cheryl Willis Hudson and illustrtaed by Richard Sobol

Alphabet Under Construction by Denise Fleming

Round Buildings Square Buildings, & Buildings That Wiggle Like a Fish by Philip M. Isaacson

So You Want to Be An Inventor? by Judith St. George and illustrated by David Small

The Little Red Lighthouse and the Great Gray Bridge by Hildegard Swift and illustrated by Lynd Ward

Independent Reader

Ballpark by Lynn Curlee

Brooklyn Bridge by Lynn Curlee

Capital by Lynn Curlee

Liberty by Lynn Curlee

Parthenon by Lynn Curlee

Seven Wonders of the Ancient World by Lynn Curlee

Skyscraper by Lynn Curlee

You Can Draw Anything by Kim Gamble

Nature Got There First: Inventions Inspired By Nature by Phil Gates Out of Print

In Search of the Spirit: The Living National Treasures of Japan by Shiela Hamanaka Out of Print

How a House is Built by Gail Gibbons

Building Big by David MacAulay

Castle by David MacAulay

Cathedral by David MacAulay

City by David MacAulay

Mill by David MacAulay

Mosque by David MacAulay

Pyramid by David MacAulay

Unbuilding by David Macaulay

Underground by David MacAulay

Empire State Building by Elizabeth Mann and illustrated by Alan Witschonke

Hoover Dam by Elizabeth Mann and illustrated by Alan Witschonke

Machu Picchu by Elizabeth Mann and illustrated by Amy Crehore

Brooklyn Bridge by Elizabeth Mann and illustrated by Alan Witschonke

The Great Pyramid by Elizabeth Mann and illustrated by Laura Lo Turco

The Great Wall by Elizabeth Mann and illustrated by Alan Witschonke

The Hoover Dam by Elizabeth Mann and illustrated by Alan Witschonke

The Panama Canal by Elizabeth Mann and illustrated by Fernando Rangel

The Parthenon by Elizabeth Mann and illustrated by Yuan Lee

The Roman Colosseum by Elizabeth Mann and illustrated by Michael Racz

Tikal by Elizabeth Mann and illustrated by Tom McNeely

Ben and Me by Robert Lawson

Why Buildings Fall Down by Matthys Levi and Mario Salvatori and illustrated by Kevin Woest

A Single Shard by Linda Sue Park

The Art of Construction by Mario Salvatori and illustrated by Saralinda Hooker

Why Buildings Stand Up by Mario Salvatori

Inventors and Inventions in Colonial America by Charlie Samuel

From Pictures to Words: A Book About Making a Book by Janet Stevens

Built to Last by George Sullivan

Girls Think of Everything: Stories of Ingenious Inventions by Catherine Thimmesh and illustrated by Melissa Sweet

A Subway for New York by David Weitzman

Young Adult

Rocket Boys by Homer H. Hickam

To Engineer is Human by Henry Petroski

The Pencil by Henry Petroski

The Evolution of Useful Things by Henry Petroski

Eureka! Great Inventions and How They Happened by Richard Platt

Posted by Charles Bayless on July 8, 2008 6:46 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Time and Seasons

From the August 26, 2007 Pigeon Post essay Marking Time.

This book list is divided into three sections:
(1) Picture Books
(2) Books for Independent Readers
(3) Books for Young Adults

The list begins below with Picture Books, but you can use one of the following links to skip directly to either of the other two sections.
Go to books for Independent Readers
Go to books for Young Adults


Picture Books

The Four Seasons of Mary Azarian by Mary Azarian - Not Available

The Four Seasons of Brambly Hedge by Jull Barklem - Not Available

Around the Year by Elsa Beskow

If You're Not From the Prairie by David Bouchard and illustrated by Henry Ripplinger

The Little Fir Tree by Margaret Wise Brown and illustrated by Jim Lamarche

The Little House by Virginia Lee Burton

The Winter Wren by Brock Cole - Out of Print

My Favorite Seasons by Dandi and illustrated by Teddy Edinjiklian - Out of Print

Book of Greek Myths by Ingri and Edgar Parin D'Aulaire

When the Root Children Wake Up by Helen Dean Fish and illustrated by Sibylle Olfers - Out of Print

In the Small, Small Pond by Denise Fleming

Paddle to the Sea by Holling C. Holling

Tree in the Trail by Holling C. Holling

On Earth by G. Brian Karas

From Dusk till Dawn by Natalie Kinsey-Warnock and illustrated by Mary Azarian

The Happy Day by Ruth Krauss and illustrated by Marc Simont

A Circle of Seasons by Myra Cohen Livingston and illustrated by Leonard Everett Fisher - Out of Print

Mousekin's Woodland Sleepers by Edna Miller - Out of Print

McCrephy's Field by Christopher A. Myers and Lynne Born Myers and illustrated by Normand Chartier - Out of Print

When the Frost is on the Punkin by James Whitcomb Riley and illustrated by Glenna Lang - Out of Print

Chicken Soup with Rice by Maurice Sendak

Song of the Water Boatman and Other Pond Poems by Joyce Sidman and illustrated by Beckie Prange

Woods by Donald Silver and illustrated by Patricia J. Wynne

Around the Year by Tasha Tudor

A Time to Keep by Tasha Tudor

Welcome To The Ice House by Jane Yolen and illustrated by Laura Regan

When the Wind Stops by Charlotte Zolotow and illustrated by Stefano Vitale

Independent Reader

The Incredible Journey by Sheila Burnford and illustrated by Carl Burger

Birchbark House by Louise Erdrich

Stone Fox by John Reynolds Gardiner and illustrated by Marcia Sewall

Julie of the Wolves by Jean Craighead George

My Side of the Mountain by Jean Craighead George

Seaman by Gail Langer Karwoski and illustrated by James Watling

Big Red by Jim Kjelgaard and illustrated by Bob Kuhn

The Robber Girl by Astrid Lindgren - Out of Print

The Call of the Wild by Jack London and illustrated by Andrew Davidson

Nature in the Neighborhood by Gordon Morrison

Pond by Gordon Morrison

Circle of Seasons by Gerda Muller - Out of Print

Have You Seen Trees? by Joanne Oppenheim and illustrated by Jean Tseng - Out of Print

The Sign of the Beaver by Elizabeth George Speare

Farmer Boy by Laura Ingalls Wilder and illustrated by Garth Williams

Young Adult

The Oxford Companion to the Year by Bonnie Blackburn and Leofranc Holford-Strevens

The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett and illustrated by Tasha Tudor

Calendar by David Ewing Duncan

It's Not the End of the Earth But You Can See It From Here by Roger Welsch

Posted by Charles Bayless on July 8, 2008 6:51 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Fairness, Justice and the Legal System

From the September 2, 2007 Pigeon Post essay, You Have the Right to Remain Silent.

What are the books that can open children's eyes to fairness, justice and the legal system?

This book list is divided into three sections:
(1) Picture Books
(2) Books for Independent Readers
(3) Books for Young Adults

The list begins below with Picture Books, but you can use one of the following links to skip directly to either of the other two sections.
Go to books for Independent Readers
Go to books for Young Adults


Picture Books

Aesop's Fables by Aesop and illustrated by Fritz Kredel

Aesop's Fables by Aesop and D.L. Ashliman and illustrated by Arthur Rackham

Aesop's Fables by Aesop and illustrated by Lisbeth Zwerger

Aesop's Fables by Aesop and illustrated by Don Daily

Aesop's Fables by Aesop and illustrated by Helen Ward

Unwitting Wisdom by Aesop and illustrated by Michael Hague

Han Christian Andersen's Fairy Tales by Hans Christian Andersen and illustrated by Michael Hague

The World of Peter Rabbit The Complete Collection of Original Tales 1-23 by Beatrix Potter

The World of Peter Rabbit The Original Tales 1-12 by Beatrix Potter

The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter

Rapunzel by Wilhelm and Jacob Grimm and illustrated by Paul O. Zelinsky

Mother Goose by Michael Hague

Hansel and Gretel by Rika Lesser, Wilhelm and Jacob Grimm and illustrated by Paul O. Zelinsky

Independent Reader

Andersen's Fairy Tales by Hans Christian Andersen and illustrated by Arthur Szyk

Uncle Wiggily's Storybook by Howard R. Garis

Grimm's Fairy Tales by Wilhelm and Jacob Grimm and illustrated by Arthur Rackham

More Tales from Grimm by Wilhelm and Jacob Grimm and illustrated by Wanda Gag

The Complete Tales of Uncle Remus by Joel Chandler Harris and illustrated by Barbara McClintock and A.B. Frost

The Favorite Uncle Remus by Joel Chandler Harris

Struwwelpeter by Heinrich Hoffmann

Ingri and Edgar Parin D'Aulaire's Greek Myths by Ingri and Edgar Parin D'Aulaire

Just So Stories by Rudyard Kipling and illustrated by the author

The Crimson Fairy Book by Andrew Lang

The Blue Fairy Book by Andrew Lang

The Green Fairy Book by Andrew Lang

Young Adult

Aesop The Complete Fables by Aesop and edited by Olivia and Robert Temple

Blind Justice by Bruce Alexander

Lord of the Flies by William Golding

Mythology by Edith Hamilton

Tales of Greek Heroes by Roger Lancelyn Green

The Adventures of Robin Hood by Roger Lancelyn Green

The Juniper Tree by Jacob Grim and illustrated by Maurice Sendak

To Kill a Mocking Bird by Harper Lee

Posted by Charles Bayless on July 8, 2008 6:53 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Animals in our lives

From the September 9, 2007 essay of the same name.

Even in the most urban environment there are still books to open a door to the world around us and begin to expose children to that which is still wild, the unknown and even the unknowable. Following are some wonderful books about animals which children love. What are your suggestions?

This book list is divided into three sections:
(1) Picture Books
(2) Books for Independent Readers
(3) Books for Young Adults

The list begins below with Picture Books, but you can use one of the following links to skip directly to either of the other two sections.
Go to books for Independent Readers
Go to books for Young Adults


Picture Books

Big Red Barn by Margaret Wise Brown and illustrated by Felicia Bond

Home for a Bunny by Margaret Wise Brown and illustrated by Garth Williams

Wait Till the Moon is Full by Margaret Wise Brown and illustrated by Garth Williams

The Kingfisher Treasury of Pet Stories by Suzanne Carnell and illustrated by Michael Reid

Shep by Sneed B. Collard III and illustrated by Joanna Yardley

In the Small, Small Pond by Denise Flemming

The Big Snow by Berta and Elmer Hader

Ellen's Lion by Crockett Johnson

The Legend of Sleeping Bear by Kathy-jo Wargin and illustrated by Gijsbert van Fankenhuyzen

Floss by Kim Lewis

Carolina's Story by Donna Rathmell and photographs by Barbara J. Bergwerf

Hachiko by Pamela S. Turner and illustrated by Yan Nascimbene

Independent Reader

The Good Dog by Avi

The Incredible Journey by Sheila Burnford

Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo

Black Stallion by Walter Farley

Brighty of the Grand Canyon by Marguerite Henry and illustrated by Dennis Wesley

Misty of Chincoteague by Marguerite Henry and illustrated by Dennis Wesley

All Creatures Great and Small by James Herriot

Pagoo by Holling C. Holling

Minn of the Mississippi by Holling C. Holling

Seabird by Holling C. Holling

Call of the Wild by Jack London and illustrated by Wendell Minor

The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams Bianco and illustrated by William Nicholson

Go Home! The True Story of James the Cat by Libby Phillips Meggs

A Dog's Life by Ann M. Martin

Never Cry Wolf by Farley Mowat

Black Beauty by Anna Sewel and illustrated by Fritz Eichenberg

Young Adult

My Family and Other Animals by Gerald Durrell

Posted by Charles Bayless on July 8, 2008 6:57 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Exploration

From the September 16, 2007 Pigeon Post essay, To Boldly Go . . . "Keats in three stanzas captures much of what I am attempting to tackle here: the wonder of what is revealed through exploration (goodly states and kingdoms seen): the exploration through the mind (till I heard Chapman speak out loud and bold); and the physical exploration (like stout Cortez)."

What are your suggestions?

This book list is divided into three sections:
(1) Picture Books
(2) Books for Independent Readers
(3) Books for Young Adults

The list begins below with Picture Books, but you can use one of the following links to skip directly to either of the other two sections.
Go to books for Independent Readers
Go to books for Young Adults


Picture Books

A Hole is to Dig by Ruth Krauss and illustrated by Maurice Sendak

Lewis and Clark by Steven Kroll and illustrated by Richard Williams

One Morning in Maine written and illustrated by Robert McCloskey

Independent Reader

Coral Island by R.M. Ballyntine

The Incredible Journey of Lewis and Clarke by Rhoda Blumberg

York's Adventures with Lewis and Clark: An African-American's Part in the Great Expedition by Rhoda Blumberg

Uncommon Traveler: Mary Kingsley in Africa by Don Brown

The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett and illustrated by Tasha Tudor

Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe and illustrated by N.C. Wyeth

Dive! My Adventures in the Deep Frontier by Sylvia A. Earle

Seaman's Journal On the Trail with Lewis and Clark by Patti Reeder Eubank

Around the World in a Hundred Years From Henry the Navigator to Magellan by Jean Fritz and illustrated by Anthony Bacon Venti

Where Do You Think You Are Going, Christopher Columbus? by Jean Fritz and illustrated by Margot Tomes

Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis

Ferdinand Magellan by Milton Meltzer

Streams to the River, River to the Sea: A Novel of Sacagawea by Scott O'Dell

Space Exploration by Carole Stott and illustrated by Steve Gorton

Mysterious Island by Jules Verne

Young Adult

The Endurance: Shackleton's Legendary Antarctic Expedition by Caroline Alexander

Over the Edge of the World by Laurence Bergreen

Lost City of the Inca's by Hiram Bingham

Pathfinders by Felipe Fernandez-Armesto

The Explorers by Tim Flannery

Dragon Hunter Roy Chapman Andrews and the Central Asiatic Expeditions by Charles Gallenkamp

Endurance Shackleton's Incredible Voyage by Alfred Lansing

1421 The Year China Discovered the World by Gavin Menzies

Antarctica by Walter Dean Myers

The Ice Master: The Doomed 1913 Voyage of the Karluk by Jennifer Niven

Travels Into the Interior of Africa by Mungo Park

Seven Daughters of Eve by Bryan Sykes

Before the Dawn by Nicholas Wade

Swiss Family Robinson by Johann David Wyss and illustrated by Louis John Rhead

Posted by Charles Bayless on July 8, 2008 7:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Scary Stories

From the September 30, 2007 Pigeon Post essay of the same name. We hope you enjoy the list below and welcome other suggestions of scary stories for children.

This book list is divided into three sections:
(1) Picture Books
(2) Books for Independent Readers
(3) Books for Young Adults

The list begins below with Picture Books, but you can use one of the following links to skip directly to either of the other two sections.
Go to books for Independent Readers
Go to books for Young Adults


Picture Books

The Sneetches and Other Stories by Dr. Seuss (What Was I Scared Of? Is the scary story in this collection)

Heckedy Peg by Audrey Wood and illustrated by Don Wood

The Fierce Yellow Pumpkin by Margaret Wise Brown and illustrated by Richard Egielski

A Dark, Dark Tale by Ruth Brown

Independent Reader

Scary Stories To Tell In The Dark by Alvin Schwartz and illustrated by Stephen Gammell

The Improbable Cat by Allan Ahlberg and illustrated by Peter Bailey

The Dark is Rising by Susan Cooper

Young Adult

The Legend of Sleepy Hollow by Washington Irving and illustrated by Nenad Jakesevic

Frankenstein by Mary Shelley

Dracula by Bram Stoker

Posted by Charles Bayless on July 8, 2008 7:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Sea Adventures

From the Ocotber 7, 2007 Pigeon Post essay of the same name.

This book list is divided into three sections:
(1) Picture Books
(2) Books for Independent Readers
(3) Books for Young Adults

The list begins below with Picture Books, but you can use one of the following links to skip directly to either of the other two sections.
Go to books for Independent Readers
Go to books for Young Adults


Picture Books

Tim and the Brave Sea Captain by Edward Ardizzone

The Little Ships by Louise Borden

Arabella by Wendy Orr

The Edmund Fitzgerald by Kathy-Jo Wargin and illustrated by Gijsbert Van Frankenhuyzen

The Ballad of the Pirate Queens by Jane Yolen and illustrated by David Shannon

Independent Reader

Shipwrecked The True Adventures of Japanese Boy by Rhoda Blumberg

Powder Monkey by Paul Dowswell

The Story of the H.L. Hunley and Queenie's Coin by Fran Hawk and illustrated by Dan Nance

Midshipman Bolithio by Alexander Kent

Young Adult

The Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors by James D. Hornfischer

Endurance Shackleton's Incredible Voyage by Alfred Lansing

A Night to Remember by Walter Lord

The Cruel Sea by Nicholas Monsarrat

Master and Commander by Patrick O'Brian

In the Heart of the Sea The Tragedy of the Whaleship Essex by Nathaniel Philbrick

The Caine Mutiny by Herman Wouk

Posted by Charles Bayless on July 8, 2008 7:07 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Harvest

From the October 14, 2007 Pigeon Post essay of the same name. Below is a collection of stories marking the bringing in of the harvest, of Autumn, of pumpkins and of apple picking. What are your suggestions?

This book list is divided into two sections:
(1) Picture Books
(2) Books for Independent Readers

The list begins below with Picture Books, but you can use the following link to skip directly to books for Independent Readers.
Go to books for Independent Readers


Picture Books

Christopher's Harvest Time by Elsa Beskow Recommended

The Thanksgiving Story by Alice Dalgliesh and illustrated by Helen Sewell Suggested

Little Red Hen by Paul Gadone Suggested

The Ox-Cart Man by Donald Hall and illustrated by Barbara Cooney Recommended

Johnny Appleseed by Reeve Lindbergh and Illustrated by Kathy Jakobsen Highly Recommended

Blueberries for Sal by Robert McCloskey Highly Recommended

Puss In Boots by Charles Perrault and illustrated by Fred Marcellino Suggested

The Ant and the Grasshopper by Aesop and illustrated by Amy Lowry Poole Suggested

Little Red Hen by Jerry Pinkney Suggested

When the Frost is on the Punkin by James Whitcomb Riley and illustrated by Glenna Lang Out of Print Suggested

Little Red Hen by Margot Zemach

Independent Reader

The Classic Treasury of Aeseop's Fables by Aeseop and illustrated by Don Daily Suggested

The First Thanksgiving by Jean Craighead George and illustrated by Thomas Locker Suggested

Possum's Harvest Moon by Anne Hunter Suggested

N.C. Wyeth's Pilgrims by Robert D. San Souci and illustrated by N.C. Wyeth Suggested

Farmer Boy by Laura Ingalls Wilder Recommended

Posted by Charles Bayless on July 8, 2008 7:09 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Stories from Many Lands

From the October 21, 2007 Pigeon Post essay of the same name. So what are some good books to expose children to Stories from Many Lands? As someone once said in reference to translated poetry: if beautiful, not true; if true, not beautiful. So it can be with books attempting to introduce stories from one culture to another. Below are an assortment of folktales, travelers tales, and stories that expose children to different countries and ways of thinking. We have attempted to strike an impossible balance between those that hue close to an original source while rendering in a way comprehensible and enjoyable to someone unfamiliar with that culture. Let us know if there are other candidates you would recommend.

This book list is divided into three sections:
(1) Picture Books
(2) Books for Independent Readers
(3) Books for Young Adults

The list begins below with Picture Books, but you can use one of the following links to skip directly to either of the other two sections.
Go to books for Independent Readers
Go to books for Young Adults


Picture Books

The Barefoot Book of Animal Tales by Naomi Adler and illustrated by Amanda Hall

Madeline by Ludwig Bemelmans

Peter's Old House by Elsa Beskow

Snipp, Snapp, Snurr and the Red Shoes by Maj Lindman

The Race of the Birkebeiners by Lise Lunge-Larsen and illustrated by Mary Azarian

Raven: A Trickster Tale from the Pacific Norhwest by Gerald McDermott

The Stonecutter by Gerald McDermott

Indian Tales by Shenaaz Nanji and illustrated by Christopher Corr

Anatole by Eve Titus

Independent Reader

The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett and illustrated by Tasha Tudor

Finn Family Moomintroll by Tove Jansson

The Adventures of Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lindgren and illustrated by Michael Chesworth

The Railway Children by E. Nesbit

Young Adult

Hans Brinker or the Silver Skates by Mary Mapes Dodge

The Histories by Herodotus

Death in Venice and Other Tales by Thomas Mann

The Kite Rider by Geraldine McCaughrean

Posted by Charles Bayless on July 8, 2008 7:11 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

American Military Stories

From the October 28, 2007 Pigeon Post essay of the same name. From the essay:

We have always taken the position with our children that war is always a disaster for individuals and for nations but that it is sometimes an unavoidable disaster. There is no such thing as a good war, though some wars may be more clearly unavoidable than others. At the same time we have tried to strike a balance with them: the crucible of war that destroys so much also often presents the extreme circumstances that permit acts of unalloyed giving, self-sacrifice, and nobility. So the challenge becomes how to extract the examples and valuable lessons of personal conduct and noble goals from the context of war without glorifying war itself.

What suggestions would you make?

This book list is divided into three sections:
(1) Picture Books
(2) Books for Independent Readers
(3) Books for Young Adults

The list begins below with Picture Books, but you can use one of the following links to skip directly to either of the other two sections.
Go to books for Independent Readers
Go to books for Young Adults


Picture Books

The Story Of The H.L. Hunley And Queenie's Coin by Fran Hawk and illustrated by Dan Nance Recommended

The Gettysburg Address by Abraham Lincoln and illustrated by Michael McCurdy Highly Recommended

Paul Revere's Ride by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and illustrated by Ted Rand Highly Recommended

There Come a Soldier by Peggy Mercer and illustrated by Ron Mazellan Recommended

The Last Brother by Trinka Hakes Noble and illustrated by Robert Papp Suggested

America's White Table by Margot Theis Raven and illustrated by Mike Benny Recommended

They Called Her Molly Pitcher by Anne F. Rockwell and illustrated by Cynthia von Buhler Suggested

H Is for Honor by Devin Scillian and illustrated by Victor Juhasz Recommended

Independent Reader

Turn Homeward Hannalee by Patricia Beatty Suggested

House of Sixty Fathers by Meindert De Jong Suggested

Annie Between the States by L.M. Elliott Suggested

April Morning by Howard Fast Suggested

Bull Run by Paul Fleischman and illustrated by David Frampton Suggested

Johnny Tremain by Esther Forbes and illustrated by Lynd Ward Recommended

Thunder at Gettysburg by Patricia Lee Gauch and illustrated by Stephen Gammell Suggested

Across Five Aprils by Irene Hunt Suggested

Rifles for Watie by Harold Keith Suggested

Best Little Stories from World War II by C. Brian Kelley Suggested

Best Little Stories of the Blue and Gray by C. Brian Kelley Suggested

Magic Treehouse Civil War on Sunday by Mary Pope Osborne and illustrated by Sal Murdocca Suggested

Magic Treehouse Revolutionary War on Wednesday by Mary Pope Osborne and illustrated by Sal Murdocca Suggested

Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson and illustrated by Donna Diamond Recommended

The Perilous Road by William O. Steele and Jean Fritz Suggested

Clara Barton Founder of the American Red Cross by Augusta Stevenson Suggested

Molly Pitcher Young Patriot by Augusta Stevenson Suggested

Mr. Lincoln's Drummer by G. Clifton Wisler Suggested

Young Adult

Band of Brothers by Stephen Ambrose Recommended

Flags of Our Fathers by James Bradley and Ron Powers Recommended

Flyboys by James Bradley Suggested

The Great Escape by Paul Brickhill Recommended

The Red Badge of Courage by Stephen Crane Recommended

Into the Valley by John Hersey and Donald Dickson Recommended

Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors by James D. Hornfischer Highly Recommended

Goodbye Darkness by William Manchester Recommended

We Were Soldiers Once...and Young by Harold G. Moore and Joseph L. Galloway Highly Recommened

With the Old Breed by E.B. Sledge Highly Recommended

Posted by Charles Bayless on July 8, 2008 7:13 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

American Indian Stories

From the November 4, 2007 Pigeon Post essay of the same name.

The list of books below focuses on the traditional stories that survive from the first inhabitants of these New World continents. There are, of course, many hot potatoes in selecting stories such as these. Stories always have a way of becoming hostage to political or cultural agendas. Can a native story be properly told by someone not of that ethnic group? Are stories the "property" of one people over another? Who is the arbiter as to which stories are authentic? These are chosen, not on some putative measure of authenticity or the ethnicity of the author or some of the other criteria that have become popular. Rather they are chosen on the basis of whether the story is written (and illustrated) in a fashion likely to engage a child and to encourage him to start that journey of walking in another's moccasins. Do you have favorites you would like to have added to the list? Please use the comments section to suggest them. I am especially interested in any suggestions members might have for stories south of the border. We have many wonderful renditions of Native American stories from the US and Canada but where are the stories from the Aztecs, Mayans, Incas and others?

This book list is divided into two sections:
(1) Picture Books
(2) Books for Independent Readers

The list begins below with Picture Books, but you can use the following link to skip directly to books for Independent Readers.
Go to books for Independent Readers


Picture Books

Between Earth & Sky by Joseph Bruchac and illustrated by Thomas Locker

How Chipmunk Got His Stripes by Joseph Bruchac and illustrated by Jose Aruego

The First Strawberries by Joseph Bruchac and illustrated by Anna Vojtech

Brave Wolf and the Thunderbird by Medicine Crow and illustrated by Linda R. Martin & Joseph Medicine Crow

They Dance in the Sky by Jean Guard and illustrated by Edgar Stewart

Buffalo Woman by Paul Goble

Dream Wolf by Paul Goble

Girl Who Loved Wild Horses by Paul Goble

Song of Creation by Paul Goble

The Legend of the White Buffalo Woman by Paul Goble

The Tale of Rabbit and Coyote by Tony Johnson and illustrated by Tomie dePaola

Fire Race by Jonathan London & Lanny Pinola and illustrated by Sylvia Long

Arrow to the Son by Gerald McDermott

Coyote by Gerald McDermott

Jabuti the Tortoise by Gerald McDermott

Papagayo by Gerald McDermott

Raven: A Trickster Tale from the Pacific Northwest by Gerald McDermott

Legend of Michigan by Trinka Hakes Noble and illustrated by Gijsbert Van Frankenhuyzen

The Story of Jumping Mouse by John Steptoe

The Gift Of The Inuksuk by Michael Ulmer and illustrated by Melanie Rose

The Legend of Leelanau by Kathy-Jo Wargin and illustrated by Gijsbert Van Frankenhuyzen

The Legend of Mackinac Island by Kathy-Jo Wargin and illustrated by Gijsbert Van Frankenhuyzen

The Legend of the Lady's Slipper by Kathy-Jo Wargin and illustrated by Gijsbert Van Frankenhuyzen

The Legend of Sleeping Bear by Kathy-Jo Wargin and illustrated by Gijsbert Van Frankenhuyzen

How Raven Stole the Sun by Maria Williams and illustrated by Felix Vigil

Independent Reader

Native American Animal Stories by Joseph Bruchac & Michael J. Caduto and illustrated by John Kahionhes Fadden

Our Stories Remember by Joseph Bruchac

Return of the Sun by Joseph Bruchac and illustrated by Gary Carpenter

Indian Legends of the Pacific Northwest by Ella E. Clark and illustrated by Robert B. Inverarity

Posted by Charles Bayless on July 9, 2008 9:44 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Adventure Stories for Boys

From the November 11, 2007 Pigeon Post essay of the same name.

So, below are a series of boys adventures stories which tend to appeal much more to boys than to girls and which usually have many of the above mentioned traits. I omit, and it is a terrifically long list, those adventure stories which appeal to both sexes (The Chronicles of Narnia, Hatchet, etc.)

What books would you suggest?

This book list is divided into two sections:
(1) Books for Idependent Readers
(2) Books for Young Adults

The list begins below with books for Independent Readers, but you can use the following link to skip directly to books for Young Adults.
Go to books for Young Adults


Independent Reader

Crispin: the Cross of Lead by Avi

High Citadel by Desmond Bagley

The Vivero Letter by Desmond Bagley

Adrift by Steve Callahan

King Solomon's Mines by H. Rider Haggard

Seven Years in Tibet by Heinrich Harrer

The Dark Frigate by Charles Boardman Hawes

Captains Courageous by Rudyard Kipling

Endurance by Alfred Lansing

The Call of the Wild by Jack London

Young Adult

The Great Escape by Paul Brickhill

Sharpe's Tiger by Bernard Cornwell

Wind, Sand and Stars by Antoine de Saint Exupery

The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

Lord of the Flies by William Golding

Kon-Tiki by Thor Heyerdahl

Posted by Charles Bayless on July 9, 2008 9:51 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Strong Girls

From the November 18, 2007 Pigeon Post essay of the same name.

Below is a sampler of titles where the female protagonist displays self-reliance, confidence, strength and good humor to overcome circumstances or to achieve something which they value. Critically, these books are 1) great stories that just happen to have a female protagonist and 2) don't preach. While they might have some particular resonance with girls and serve as role-models as they address day-to-day issues, I think you will find that virtually all of these books are thoroughly enjoyed by boys as well, though they might not readily admit it.

Are there others which you might recommend? Please use the comments section to nominate additional titles.

This book list is divided into three sections:
(1) Picture Books
(2) Books for Independent Readers
(3) Books for Young Adults

The list begins below with Picture Books, but you can use one of the following links to skip directly to either of the other two sections.
Go to books for Independent Readers
Go to books for Young Adults


Picture Books

Amazing Grace by Mary Hoffman and illustrated by Caroline Binch Suggested

Brave Margaret by Robert D. San Souci and illustrated by Sally Wern Comport Suggested

Country Bunny and the Little Gold Shoes by Du Bose Heyward and illustrated by Marjorie Flack Highly Recommended

Heroines: Great Women Through the Ages by Rebecca Hazell and illustrated by Rebecca Hazell Suggested

Joan of Arc by Josephine Poole and illustrated by Angela Barrett Suggested

Kate Shelley Bound for Legend by Robert D. San Souci and illustrated by Max Ginsburg Recommended

The Little Ships; The Heroic Rescue at Dunkirk in World War II by Lousie Borden and illustrated by Michael Foreman Highly Recommended

Miss Rumphius by Barbara Cooney Recommended

Queen Esther Saves Her People by Rita Gelman (Out of Print)

Sacagawea by Flora Warren Seymour Suggested

Susanna of the Alamo by John Julius Jakes and illustrated by Paul Bacon Recommended

The Ballad of the Pirate Queens by Jane Yolen and illustrated by David Shannon Highly Recommended

The Bus Ride by William Miller and illustrated by John Ward Recommended

The Gardener by Sarah Stewart and illustrated by David Small Recommended

The Library by Sarah Stewart and illustrated by David Small Highly Recommended

Independent Reader

A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle Highly Recommended

Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll and illustrated by John Tenniel Highly Recommended

American Girl series by various authors Recommended

Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery and illustrated by Jody Lee Recommended

Ballet Shoes by Noel Streatfeild and illustrated by Diane Goode Recommended

Birchbark House by Louise Erdrich Recommended

Boston Jane by Jennifer L. Holm Suggested

Caddie Woodlawn by Carol Ryrie Brink and illustrated by Trina Schart Hyman Recommended

Catherine, Called Birdy by Karen Cushman Suggested

Daddy Long-Legs by Jean Webster Suggested

Helen Keller by Katharine E. Wilkie and illustrated by Robert Doremus Suggested

Ida Early Comes Over the Mountain by Robert Burch Recommended

Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O'Dell Recommended

Joan of Arc by Angela Bull Suggested

Little House on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder and illustrated by Garth Williams Highly Recommended

Little Women by Louisa May Alcott and illustrated by Louis Jambour Highly Recommended

Mary Poppins by P.L. Travers and illustrated by Mary Shepard Highly Recommended

Not One Damsel in Distress by Jane Yolen and illustrated by Susan Guevara Highly Recommended

Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lindgren and illustrated by Michael Chesworth Highly Recommended

The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett and illustrated by Tasha Tudor Highly Recommended

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee Highly Recommended

Young Adult

A Bone from a Dry Sea by Peter Dickinson Suggested

Founding Mothers by Cokie Roberts Recommended

Mama's Bank Account by Kathryn Forbes Highly Recommended

The Warrior Queens by Antonia Fraser Suggested

To the Heart of the Nile by Pat Shipman Highly Recommended

Posted by Charles Bayless on July 9, 2008 9:55 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Winter Stories

From the November 25, 2007 Pigeon Post essay of the same name.

Here is a collection of winter stories. Explicitly excluded are Christmas stories which are a list of their own. These are stories taking place in winter or have to do with winter activities.

Are there others you would suggest?

This book list is divided into three sections:
(1) Picture Books
(2) Books for Independent Readers
(3) Books for Young Adults

The list begins below with Picture Books, but you can use one of the following links to skip directly to either of the other two sections.
Go to books for Independent Readers
Go to books for Young Adults


Picture Books

The Mitten by Jan Brett Recommended

Katy and the Big Snow by Virginia Lee Burton Highly Recommended

An Indian Winter by Russell Freedman and illustrated by Karl Bodmer Suggested

Dear Rebecca, Winter Is Here by Jean Craighead George and illustrated by Loretta Krupinski Suggested

The Big Snow by Berta Hader & Elmer Hader Recommended

Snowie Rolie by William Joyce Suggested

The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats Highly Recommended

The Tomten and the Fox by Astrid Lindgren and illustrated by Harald Wiberg & Karl-Erik Forsslund Recommended

Froggy Gets Dressed by Jonathan London and illustrated by Frank Remkiewicz Suggested

The Race of the Birkebeiners by Lise Lunge-Larsen and illustrated by Mary Azarian Recommended

Snowflake Bentley by Jacqueline Briggs Martin and illustrated by Mary Azarian Recommended

Snow by Roy McKie and illustrated by P. D. Eastman Suggested

There Come a Soldier by Peggy Mercer and illustrated by Ron Mazellan Highly Recommended

Don't Wake Up the Bear by Marjorie Dennis Murray and illustrated by Patricia Wittmann Suggested

Henry and Mudge in the Sparkle Days by Cynthia Rylant and illustrated by Sucie Stevenson Suggested

Here Comes Darrell by Leda Schubert and illustrated by Mary Azarian Suggested

Brave Irene by William Steig Recommended

When Winter Comes by Nancy Van Laan and illustrated by Susan Gaber Suggested

Owl Moon by Jane Yolen and illustrated by John Schoenherr Highly Recommended

Independent Reader

Cam Jansen and the Snowy Day Mystery by David A. Adler and illustrated by Susanna Natti Suggested

Corduroy's Snow Day by Don Freeman and illustrated by Lisa McCue Suggested

Where Fish Go in Winter and Other Great Mysteries by Amy Goldman Koss and illustrated by Laura J. Bryant Recommended

Changes for Felicity by Valerie Tripp and illustrated by Dan Andreasen Suggested

The Long Winter by Laura Ingalls Wilder and illustrated by Garth Williams Recommended

Young Adult

Endurance by Alfred Lansing Highly Recommended

The Snow Walker by Farley Mowat Suggested

Blizzard by Jim Murphy Suggested

Posted by Charles Bayless on July 9, 2008 9:58 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Holy Season

From the December 2, 2007 Pigeon Post essay of the same name.

The following is a list, eclectic in the extreme, of books that might help bring a sense of wonder and awe and the holy to your children in this holy season.

What books do you suggest?

This book list is divided into three sections:
(1) Picture Books
(2) Books for Independent Readers
(3) Books for Young Adults

The list begins below with Picture Books, but you can use one of the following links to skip directly to either of the other two sections.
Go to books for Independent Readers
Go to books for Young Adults


Picture Books

Grandfather Twilight by Barbara Helen Berger Highly Recommended

Christopher's Harvest Time by Elsa Beskow Recommended

A Small Miracle by Peter Collington Highly Recommended

King Midas and the Golden Touch by Charlotte Craft and illustrated by Kinuko Craft Recommended

Carl's Masquerade by Alexandra Day Highly Recommended

Because I Love You by Max Lucado and illustrated by Mitchell Heinz Recommended

Silver Packages by Cynthia Rylant and illustrated by Chris K. Soentpiet Highly Recommended

The Whales' Song by Dyan Sheldon and illustrated by Gary Blythe Highly Recommended

A Time to Keep by Tasha Tudor Highly Recommended

Oscar Wilde's the Happy Prince by Oscar Wilde and Elissa Grodin and illustrated by Laura Stutzman Recommended

Independent Reader

Peter Pan by J. M. Barrie and illustrated by Scott Gustafson Recommended

The Nutcracker by E. T. A. Hoffmann and illustrated by Roberto Innocenti Recommended

Norman Rockwell's Faith of America by Fred Bauer illustrated by Norman Rockwell Suggested

The Magician's Nephew by C.S. Lewis Highly Recommended

The Holy Bible Illustrated by Barry Moser Recommended

Young Adult

Holy Terrors by Janetta Rebold Benton Suggested

Hieronymus Bosch by Hieronymus Bosch and Larry Silver Suggested

The Book of Kells by Bernard Meehan Suggested

Posted by Charles Bayless on July 9, 2008 10:01 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Art and Stories

From the December 9, 2007 Pigeon Post essay of the same name.

Many children's books are in my view, works of art in themselves. But holding that thought in abeyance, there are also many books in which art is some pivotal part of the story. These are great ways for children to not only enjoy but also absorb much knowledge of their wonderful visual heritage. Stories about artists, their works, the process of creating, etc.

Do you have suggested books?

This book list is divided into three sections:
(1) Picture Books
(2) Books for Independent Readers
(3) Books for Young Adults

The list begins below with Picture Books, but you can use one of the following links to skip directly to either of the other two sections.
Go to books for Independent Readers
Go to books for Young Adults


Picture Books

Camille and the Sunflowers by Laurence Anholt Suggested

Linnea in Monet's Garden by Christina Bjork and Claude Monet and illustrated by Lena Anderson Recommended

Tell Me a Picture by Quentin Blake Recommended

Come Look With Me by Gladys S. Blizzard Suggested

The Shape Game by Anthony Browne Recommended

Babar's Museum of Art by Laurent de Brunhoff Suggested

Toulouse-Lautrec: The Moulin Rouge And The City Of Light by Robert Burleigh Suggested

Liang and the Magic Paintbrush by Demi Suggested

The Art Lesson by Tomie dePaola Suggested

Round Trip by Ann Jonas Suggested

Painting the Wind by Patricia MacLachlan & Emily Maclachlan and illustrated by Katy Schneider Recommended

Weaving the Rainbow by George Ella Lyon and illustrated by Stephanie Anderson Suggested

Katie Meets the Impressionists by James Mayhew Recommended

Matie's Sunday Afternoon by James Mayhew Recommended

The Fantastic Drawings of Danielle by Barbara McClintock Suggested

Why Is Blue Dog Blue? by George Rodrigue & Bruce Goldstone Suggested

The Sign Painter by Allen Say Recommended

Look! Zoom in on Art by Gillian Wolfe Suggested

Independent Reader

Chasing Vermeer by Blue Balliett and illustrated by Brett Helquist Recommended

Emily's Art by Peter Catalanotto Suggested

The Dinosaurs of Waterhouse Hawkins by Barbara Kerley and illustratde by Brian Selznick Recommended

From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E. L. Konigsburg Recommended

The Art of Keeping Cool by Janet Taylor Lisle Suggested

A Picnic With Monet by Julie Merberg and Suzanne Bober Suggested

I Spy Shapes in Art by Lucy Micklethwait Suggested

A Place in the Sun by Jill Rubalcaba Suggested

Degas and the Dance by Susan Goldman Rubin Suggested

The Magic Paintbrush by Laurence Yep and illustrated by Suling Wang Suggested

You Can't Take a Balloon into the Metropolitan Museum by Jacqueline Preiss Weitzman and illustrated by Robin Preiss-Glasser Suggested

Young Adult

Escher on Escher by M. C. Escher and J. W. Vermeulen Suggested

100 Great Artists by Charlotte Gerlings Suggested

Lust for Life by Irving Stone Suggested

The Agony and the Ecstasy by Irving Stone Recommended

Posted by Charles Bayless on July 9, 2008 10:06 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Holiday Traditions

From the December 9, 2007 Pigeon Post essay of the same name.

Following are books that are especially evocative of the Christmas season. We think they are especially touching or helpful in communicating and explaining the holiday traditions.

What are your suggestions?

This book list is divided into three sections:
(1) Picture Books
(2) Books for Independent Readers
(3) Books for Young Adults

The list begins below with Picture Books, but you can use one of the following links to skip directly to either of the other two sections.
Go to books for Independent Readers
Go to books for Young Adults


Picture Books

The Jolly Chistmas Postman by Allan and Janet Ahlberg Suggested

Madeline's Christmas by Ludwig Bemelmans Recommended

Christmas Trolls by Jan Brett Suggested

The Twelves Days of Christmas by Jan Brett Suggested

A Small Miracle by Peter Collington Highly Recommended

Carl's Christmas by Alexandra Day Recommended

The Christmas Candle by Richard Paul Evans and illustrated by Jacob Collins Highly Recommended

The Light of Christmas by Richard Paul Evans and illustrated by Daniel Craig Recommended

Cat in the Manger by Michael Foreman Recommended

Wombat Divine by Mem Fox and illustrated by Kerry Argent Recommended

The Elves and the Shoemaker by Paul Galdone Recommended

The Nutcracker by E.T.A. Hoffman and illustrated by Maurice Sendak Recommended

Great Wolf and the Good Woodsman by Helen Hoover and illustrated by Betsy Bowen Recommended

Santa Calls by William Joyce Recommended

I Spy Christmas by Jean Marzollo and illustrated by Walter Wick Suggested

Amahl and the Night Visitors by Gian-Carlo Menotti and illustrated by Michele Lemieux Suggested

The Night Before Christmas by Clement Clarke Moore and illustrated by James Rice Suggested

The Night Before Christmas by Clement Clarke Moore and illustrated by Christian Birmingham Recommended

The Night Before Christmas by Clement Clarke Moore and illustrated by Tasha Tudor Recommended

Rocking Horse Christmas by Mary Pope Osborne and illustrated by Ned Bittinger Recommended

The Cajun Night Before Christmas by James Rice Highly Recommended

Silver Packages by Cynthia Rylant and illustrated by Chris K. Soentpiet Highly Recommended

How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss Highly Recommended

Santa's Snow Cat by Sue Stainton and illustrated by Anne Mortimer Suggested

Look-Alikes Christmas by Joan Steiner and illustrated by Ogden Gigli Suggested

Corgiville Christmas by Tasha Tudor Recommended

The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey by Susan Wojciechowski and illustrated by P. J. Lynch Highly Recommended

Who Is Coming to Our House? by Joseph Slate and illustrated by Ashley Wolff Recommended

Independent Readers

Miracle on 34th Street by Valentine Davies Suggested

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson Recommended

Why Christmas Trees Aren't Perfect by Richard H. Schneider and illustrated by Elizabeth J. Miles Recommended

A Child's Christmas in Wales by Dylan Thomas and illustrated by Fritz Eichenberg Recommended

On the Banks of Plum Creek by Laura Ingalls Wilder and illustrated by Garth Williams Recommended

Young Adults

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens and illustrated by Arthur Rackham Highly Recommended

The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams Bianco & Magery Williams and illustrated by William Nicholson Highly Recommended

Silent Night by Stanley Weintraub Suggested

Posted by Charles Bayless on July 9, 2008 10:09 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

In Praise of Bad Books

From the January 14, 2008 Pigeon Post essay of the same name. In this essay we were looking at books that are well loved by children but might be criticized at the time of publication or later by adults on some grounds of offensiveness. This is how we concluded the long essay.

So, moving away from some of the fields of contention, and despite TTMD being premised on identifying great books for children, I am forced to conclude that we should praise bad books. If we want more children to experience the pleasure of reading, it is not for us to tell them which books they ought to enjoy, but rather release to them the full flowering of story-telling from the good to the bad. Let us now praise bad books.

What politically incorrect or otherwise offensive books that are yet well loved by children would you name?

This book list is divided into three sections:
(1) Picture Books
(2) Books for Independent Readers
(3) Books for Young Adults

The list begins below with Picture Books, but you can use one of the following links to skip directly to either of the other two sections.
Go to books for Independent Readers
Go to books for Young Adults


Picture Books

The Story of Ferdinand by Munro Leaf and illustrated by Robert Lawson Highly Recommended

The Story About Ping by Marjorie Flack Highly Recommended

The Five Chinese Brothers by Claire Huchet Bishop and illustrated by Kurt Wiese Highly Recommended

The Story of Little Black Sambo by Helen Bannerman Recommended

How The Moon Regained Her Shape by Janet Ruth Heller and illustrated by Ben Hodson

Independent Reader

The Story of Doctor Dolittle by Hugh Lofting and illustrated by Michael Hague Highly Recommended

Favorite Uncle Remus by Joel Chandler Harris Recommended

Adventures of Tintin by Herge Recommended

Young Adult

Collected Essays by James Baldwin Suggested

The Histories by Herodotus Suggested

Posted by Charles Bayless on July 9, 2008 10:14 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Chinese New Year

From the January 20, 2008 Pigeon Post essay of the same name.

Below are some books that cover Chinese New Year as a particular event.

Let us know in the comments section whether there are additional books that you think do a good job of introducing children to China.

This book list is divided into two sections:
(1) Picture Books
(2) Books for Independent Readers

The list begins below with Picture Books, but you can use the following link to skip directly to books for Independent Readers.
Go to books for Independent Readers


Picture Books

The Dragon New Year by David Bouchard and illustrated by Zhong-Yang Huang Suggested

Sam and the Lucky Money by Karen Chinn and illustrated by Cornelius Van Wright and Ying-Hwa Hu Suggested

The Runaway Rice Cake by Ying Chang Compestine and illustrated by Tungwai Chau Suggested

Happy, Happy Chinese New Year! by Demi Suggested

Chinese New Year by Alice K. Flanagan and illustrated by Svetlana Zhurkina and Linda D. Labbo Recommended

D Is For Dragon Dance by Ying Chang Compestine and illustrated by Yongsheng Xuan Suggested

Celebrating Chinese New Year by Diane Hoyt-Goldsmith and illustrated by Lawrence Migdale Recommended

Chinatown by William Low Suggested

Chinese New Year's Dragon by Rachel Sing and illustrated by Chao Wei Liu Suggested

Moonbeams, Dumplings & Dragon Boats by Nina Simonds and Leslie Swartz and illustrated by Meilo So Suggested

Lion Dancer by Kate Waters and Madeline Slovenz-Low and illustrated by Martha Cooper Recommended

This Next New Year by Janet S. Wong and illustrated by Yangsook Choi Suggested

Independent Readers

The Chinese New Year Mystery by Carolyn Keene and illustrated by Jan Naimo Jones Suggested