Take a moment and look below at the reviewed books and those recommended by your local librarian. Each is a treasure worth sharing with the children in your life, both during the holiday season and all year long!
Books to borrow
The following books are available at many public libraries.
“The Inquisitor’s Tale: Or, The Three Magical Children and Their Holy Dog” by Adam Gidwitz, illuminated by Hatem Aly, Dutton, 363 pages
Read aloud: age 10 and older.
Read yourself: age 10 and older.
In the year 1242, France was plagued by the Inquisition where those who might be deemed heretics were zealously sought after. Who would have thought the three most wanted were children — Jacob, a Jewish boy who had the power to heal; William, born Muslim but training to be a monk who possessed super-human strength; Jeanne, a peasant girl who can see the future; and Jeanne’s loyal dog, Gwenforte. Were they heretics or saints?
With the entire kingdom fascinated with the snippets they’d heard of this story, a dark night at a small French inn provides the perfect time for travelers to tell what they know, each narrator adding to the tale of this unlikely group of children who came to know one another, became friends, were chased across France and ultimately were called upon to do the unthinkable for the sake of what is right and truly human in the face of narrow-mindedness, prejudice and hate.
Brimming with action, history, humor and much more, Gidwitz has crafted a masterful novel that is thought-provokingly relevant, making this selection nothing short of brilliant.
“Bah! Humbug!” retold by Michael Rosen, illustrated by Tony Ross, Walker Books, 188 pages
Read aloud: age 8 – 12.
Read yourself: age 8 – 12.
Harry was playing the starring role of Scrooge in his school’s production of “A Christmas Carol.” He’d worked very hard at his lines, portraying his character, and was eager to perform the play before an audience.
The night of the show, Harry could see that his father was, as always, distracted by his cellphone. Disappointed that his dad was more interested in his work, Harry continued with his performance with great gusto.
As the play continued with the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future, Harry began to see parallel undercurrents to his father. The question was, would Harry’s father be able to face his own ghosts and make some changes of his own, just like Scrooge?
A magnificent, magical retelling of Charles Dickens’s “A Christmas Carol,” author Rosen has woven a brilliant tale within a tale, perfectly complemented by the marvelous illustrations of Ross. Both a lighthearted and a cautionary story for young and old alike, “Bah! Humbug!” is perfectly executed in every way.
Librarian’s choice
Library: Village Library, 207 N. Walnut St., Morgantown
Library director: Carol Donahue
Children’s librarian: Pam Mohl
Choices this week: “Waiting for Magic” by Patricia Machlan; “This Is Not My Hat” by J. Klassen; “Miracles on Maple Hill” by Virginia Sorensen
Books to buy
The following books are available at favorite bookstores.
“How Carrot and Cookie Saved Christmas” by Erica S. Perl, illustrated by Jonathan Fenske, Penguin Workshop, 2024, 40 pages, $18.99 hardcover
Read aloud: age 4 – 8.
Read yourself: age 6 – 8.
Carrot and Cookie were best friends and always exchanged presents on Christmas. This year was different; they both couldn’t decide on a special gift for their friend.
On their annual Christmas Eve sleepover, just as they were trying to fall asleep, they heard jingling bells and a loud crash outside. When they looked out the window, they saw Santa’s sleigh upside down, his reindeer in pieces and Santa nursing a very bad cold. Santa was thinking he would have to cancel Christmas, but Carrot and Cookie were determined to help.
After tucking Santa in to recover, Carrot and Cookie got to work. They iced the broken bits of the reindeer back together, but the reindeer were too tired to go on. Presents had to be delivered, but how? Why not a group of their vegetable friends? After all, if reindeer can fly . . .
Full of food puns and lots of laughs, “How Carrot and Cookie Saved Christmas” is loads of fun.
“The Most Beautiful Winter” written and illustrated by Christina Sitja Rubio, translated by Vineet Lal, Eerdmans, 2024, 52 pages, $18.99 hardcover
Read aloud: age 4 – 8.
Read yourself: age 6 – 8.
When the snow begins to fall in the forest, many animals are beginning to sleep for a long time. Badger, however, doesn’t feel like sleeping and has plans for the many fun things he will do for the several months ahead.
When Badger discovers his friends are sleeping and don’t want to be disturbed, Badger is sad and realizes he doesn’t want to be alone for such a long period of time. Will he be able to make new wintertime friends?
Delightful illustrations perfectly complement this charming story of friendship and trying new things.
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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