It’s easy to settle into the idea that the world would be a better place if everyone thought like we did, did things the way we do them, liked what we liked and disliked what we found dull or objectionable. But if you think about it, that kind of world would be dull and colorless.
Not everyone thinks and feels the same way. The same is true for books; some like this while others prefer something else. That’s the beauty of all that your public library has to offer and your favorite bookstore — so many books for every personality and their tastes. Read on to discover some solid examples and ask your librarian to steer you in the direction of others!
Books to borrow
The following book is available at many public libraries.
“Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge” by Mem Fox, illustrated by Julie Vivas, Kane/Miller, 32 pages
Read aloud: age 4 – and older.
Read yourself: age 7 – 8.
Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge was a young boy. He lived with his parents in a house next door to an old people’s home, and the boy knew every person who lived there. As much as he liked everyone at the old people’s home, his favorite person was Miss Nancy Alison Delacourt Cooper. He called her Miss Nancy and told her all his secrets.
One day Wilfrid Gordon heard his parents talking about Miss Nancy and what a pity it was that she had lost her memory. Wilfrid Gordon didn’t understand what a memory was, so he asked his parents and all the people at the old people’s home (except for Miss Nancy), and each time he got a different answer. Suddenly Wilfrid Gordon had an idea, and he rushed home to look for memories for Miss Nancy because she had lost her own.
Tender, heartwarming and perfectly wrought in every way, it’s no wonder librarians have been recommending this wonderful book for decades.
Librarian’s choice
Library: Brandywine Community Library, 60 Tower Drive, Longswamp Township
Library director: Heather Wicke
Youth services coordinator: Amber Hadley
Choices this week: “Digging Up Dinosaurs” by Aliki; “Underground” by David Macaulay; “The Cow Loves Cookies” by Karma Wilson
Books to buy
The following books are available at favorite bookstores.
“Gladys the Magic Chicken” by Adam Rubin, illustrated by Adam Rex, Putnam, 2021, 48 pages, $18.99 hardcover
Read aloud: age 3 – 8.
Read yourself: age 7 – 8.
Journey back to ancient times where things were not like today. Among other differences, there was a magic chicken named Gladys.
Gladys first lived with a Shepherd Boy, who wished to be beautiful, not the gangly hideous reflection he saw in a puddle. Low and behold, some years later the boy saw his reflection again in a polished looking glass and realized he was in fact handsome and declared that it was Gladys — a magic wish-granting chicken — who had made him beautiful.
As the Shepherd Boy was admiring himself, Gladys was carted off with a Traveling Merchant, later stolen by a bandit, rescued by a Brave Swordsman, given to the Purple Pooh-bah who in turn gave Gladys to his daughter. With each excitable moment, Gladys plooped out an egg, and it seemed that each person Gladys was with had their wish granted. Was it simply a coincidence or was Gladys really a magical chicken?
On sale Tuesday, “Gladys the Magic Chicken” is a hilarious adventure that will have kids begging to read this story time and time again.
“Clarice the Brave” by Lisa McMann, illustrated by Antonio Caparo, Putnam, 2021, 266 pages, $17.99 hardcover
Read aloud: age 8 – 12.
Read yourself: age 8 – 12.
A young ship mouse, Clarice, and her younger brother, Charles Sebastian, lived on a large sailing ship. Their sister had been eaten by the ship’s cat, Special Lady, and their mother was lost to the sea. Alone and frightened, Clarice knew it was up to her look after her brother and keep them safe.
When a mutiny occurred, chaos followed. Quick decisions had to be made, most especially to stay hidden or run. Clarice tried to keep Charles Sebastian hidden with her, but his fear overtook him and he bolted away. Before Clarice knew what was happening, she was on a small boat with a dozen sailors and Special Lady.
Charles Sebastian was still aboard the main boat along with the mutineers, chickens and a human prisoner. As the two mice drifted away from one another, they promised to find each other again, but the sea was a big place and the mutiny supporters and captain supporters each had plans of their own for revenge.
“Clarice the Brave” is a magical, exciting, and sometimes nail-biting adventure that ultimately speaks to the importance of kindness, family, friendship and hope.
Nationally syndicated, Kendal Rautzhan writes and lectures on children’s literature. She can be reached at kendal.rautzhan27@gmail.com.
Source: Berkshire mont
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