BOOK NOTES by Joan Ruddiman
For years, as a teacher, a reader and reviewer, I have relied on Suzanne Manczuk for book ideas. No one reads more or knows more about books. In particular, she is an acknowledged expert on middle-level literature. However, her current position as a reviewer for a professional library journal takes her back to her roots as an elementary librarian. Once again she is reading and reviewing children’s books.
As a service to parents who need ideas for books to look for on trips to the library, or for a new read-aloud adventure, or as gifts for their young book lovers, Ms. Manczuk has graciously shared some of the best of the most recent children’s literature she has seen this season.
This week we concentrate on picture books for preschool and primary age children. Next week, we will share elementary and early chapter books.
Before we look at the list, here are some criteria for what for a professional reviewer constitutes a "good" book for the very young. Of course, any worthwhile piece of literature is about a good story. Children’s books can be "advanced by pictures as well as text," Ms. Manczuk explains. In primary-level literature, Suzanne looks for repetitive text, which supports interactive read-alouds. Young children often cling to books as they do favorite stuffed toys or blankets. The familiarity of text comforts them like a friend. For a little kid, when almost everything in the world is a mystery, the repetition and familiarity of a story is mighty soothing. Just think about it no matter when or where they pick up that book, each page will be exactly the same. Books give little people a sense of control over their world.
Now to some top picks for preschool and primary readers beginning with animals in the role of main character always a favorite with tiny tots.
Linda Ashman’s "Babies on the Go" is a read-aloud for the toddler crowd.
"Tippy-Toe Chick, Go!" by George Shannon and illustrated by Laura Dronzek celebrates how the littlest chick saves the day. Your littlest one will cheer for the little hero in this colorful tale.
Getting ready for preschool? Are there some anxieties about how to make friends? Martin Waddell sets the stage in a positive light with "Hi, Harry! The Moving Story of How One Slow Tortoise Slowly Made a Friend." The tortoise and the snail each find a friend a slow friend. Repetition of words and watercolor, pen and ink illustrations by Barbara Firth make this a natural read-aloud for the preschool crowd.
What about issues of control? Can you imagine a preschooler who doesn’t want to obey? Mo Willems, in words and pictures, takes an amusing look at "following orders" in "Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!" The bus driver pleads with readers not to let the pigeon drive the bus when he leaves. Just like a preschooler, the pigeon is determined to do what he’s been told not to.
One of the most significant events in a preschooler’s life is the addition of another baby into the household. Mary Murphy, the author and illustrator, takes an amusing and soothing view of this monumental event in her story of how the barnyard animals are all talking about the new baby. "I Kissed the Baby!" is the perfect melding of text and pictures for the preschool crowd.
As children move into larger social settings, play groups, preschool, then kindergarten, relationships with others become important. The following titles address a variety of relationships for young children.
"Two Old Potatoes and Me" by John Coy and illustrated by Carolyn Fisher explores changing relationships. Instead of throwing away two old, sprouting potatoes, a young girl and her dad plant them. Mr. Coy portrays a lovely relationship between the divorced father and his daughter, and with Ms. Fisher’s detailed art work, shares a gentle lesson about making something out of "nothing."
"My Name is Yoon" by Helen Recorvits and illustrated by Gabi Swiatkowska is the story of a young Korean girl and how she adjusts to life in America. Simple yet powerful paintings illustrate Yoon’s new world.
"Morris the Artist" by Lore Segal and illustrated by Boris Kulikov blends child-like, slightly bizarre artwork with a classic situation the birthday party. Morris brings paints to Benjamin’s birthday party and eventually all the children end up painting.
Finally, for the active little boy or girl who loves sound effects and acting out with their read aloud, plow into Patricia Hubbell’s "Trucks: Whizz! Zoom! Rumble!" illustrated by Megan Halsey. Vivid illustrations and snappy rhymes make this perfect for that active boy or girl in your life.
Joan Ruddiman is a teacher and friend of the Allentown Public Library.