Bibliotechies » Lessons for Life

2010 Caldecott Medal Winner The Lion & the Mouse by Jerry Pinkney

Lizsays — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 18:42:31 +0000

In this wordless retelling of an Aesop fable, an adventuresome mouse proves that even small creatures are capable of great deeds when he rescues the King of the Jungle.

Liz says:

“Through incredible watercolor paintings, Pinkney recounts the Aesop fable of the brave little mouse who saves the fearsome lion. A simple and tender book for kids of all ages.”

Where the Wild Things are by Maurice Sendak

carascherzer — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 04:30:52 +0000

After he is sent to bed without supper for behaving like a wild thing, Max dreams of a voyage to the island where the wild things are.

Liz says:

“The lyrical cadence, poignant story and amazing pictures make this a timeless classic. It is an awesome read-aloud!”

Stone Soup by Marcia Brown

carascherzer — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 14:20:02 +0000

When three hungry soldiers come to a town where all the food has been hidden, they set out to make soup of water and stones, and all the town enjoys a feast.

Liz says:

“This is a timeless folktale that teaches the important lesson of sharing. Parents, teachers and kids love this book!”

Squashed in the Middle by Elizabeth Winthrop

carascherzer — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 09:45:59 +0000

When Daisy, a middle child, is invited to spend the night at her friend’s house, her family finally pays attention to her.

Liz says:

“For all middle children or for anyone who’s ever felt disregarded, this story is for you. The text and illustrations are wonderful.”

No, David! by David Shannon

carascherzer — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 08:09:43 +0000

A young boy is depicted doing a variety of naughty things for which he is repeatedly admonished, but finally he gets a hug.

Cara says:

“I absolutely love this book! David is always getting into all sorts of trouble, he can’t seem to get it right. Don’t we all have days like that sometimes?”

The Jester Has Lost His Jingle by David Saltzman

carascherzer — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 06:35:54 +0000

When they discover that laughter is missing from their kingdom, a jester and his helpmate set out on a quest to find it.

Liz says:

“This is a fun book with a very important message. Without laughter, life is pretty miserable. It’s a rhyming book that has a great cadence – very easy to read aloud. There’s an autobiographical note at the end which will make you cry for a moment but will make you appreciate this story even more!”

Imogene’s Antlers by David Small

carascherzer — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 06:32:31 +0000

One Thursday, Imogene wakes up with a pair of antlers growing out of her head and causes a sensation wherever she goes.

Liz says:

“This is a whimsical story -you’ll love it!”

Farmer Duck by Martin Waddell

carascherzer — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 06:07:35 +0000

When a kind and hardworking duck nearly collapses from overwork, while taking care of a farm because the owner is too lazy to do so, the rest of the animals get together and chase the farmer out of town.

Liz says:

“This was recommended to me years ago by an English teacher. It was one of his kids’ favorites and it quickly became one of my kids’ favorites as well. It’s a VERY simplified version of Animal Farm. The writing is simple yet almost poetic and the pictures are adorable.”

Chrysanthemum by Kevin Henkes

carascherzer — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 05:26:15 +0000

Chrysanthemum loves her name until she starts going to school and the other children begin to make fun of it.

Liz says:

“Anything by Kevin Henkes is a winner. This is a great story of learning to be proud of yourself even when others try to make you feel bad. In this case, Chrysanthemum remains proud of her name. (It doesn’t hurt that her teacher’s name is Delphinium.)”

Big Bad Bunny by Franny Billingsley

carascherzer — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 05:18:14 +0000

Mama Mouse hurriedly searches the forest for her missing little one, Baby Boo-Boo, while Big Bad Bunny stomps and growls not far away–but the bunny may not be as bad as it seems.

Liz says:

“When a little mouse takes on the role of the big bad bunny she feels strong and powerful until she realizes she is lost and needs her mommy. This is a great story for kids going off to pre-school. This book demonstrates a child’s desire to be independent while still being safe and protected.”