I finished reading a book that blew me away. (Readers of this blog know that happens to me from time to time.) It started me thinking about an earlier post on the same topic as this one. If I were on the committee of any award given to high-quality children’s and young adult literature, there are a few that would get my vote. So, without further ado, here are the winners of the Bookloving Grandma Award for Excellence in Literature for Young People.
The title of this masterpiece describes it better than I ever could. This book (the one I referred to at the beginning of this post) tells the story of Auggie (short for August) Pullman. The ten-year-old has been homeschooled until now for good reason: he was born with a rare genetic disorder that caused his face to be severely malformed and a host of other health issues, necessitating twenty-seven surgeries. However, his parents believe the time has come for Auggie to attend school. So, despite strong misgivings, the fifth-grader enters Beecher Prep, a private school with a beyond-understanding middle school director. However, Auggie discovers that his fears are not baseless. Other students’ reactions to his appearance range from disgust to teasing to a game called The Plague (resulting in many avoiding touching him). With only a couple of kids willing to even have anything to do with him, how will Auggie make it through a whole school year? His story is full of everything that makes a novel great. It is truly a wonder.
At the beginning of this marvelous picture book, Ella introduces herself and informs the reader that this is her book. It has all the things she believes a good story should include: pretty things like princesses, funny things, exciting things, and scary things. One thing a book does not need is BEARS. That’s why, Ella tell us, there are none in her book. However, as the little girl begins her story, a bear wearing a flowered dress makes an appearance. Not only that, but as the young storyteller tells the tale, the bruin becomes the behind-the-scenes heroine. Readers and listeners will relish pointing out the bear’s presence, and giggle with delight at Ella’s obliviousness to what is really happening in “her” story. The piece de resistance? The bear’s recounting the tale to a group of well-known fairy-tale characters.
One rainy day, a young caterpillar named Farfallina meets Marcel, a gosling. The two youngsters become fast, inseparable friends. As spring turns into summer, Farfallina and Marcel play games (each careful not to engage in activity too difficult for the other) and enjoy their time together. However, one day, the caterpillar does not feel right, and goes up into a tree to rest. Marcel, devoted friend that he is, waits and waits for her return. When Farfallina does not reappear, the young goose sadly wonders if he will ever see his beloved companion again. The marvelous conclusion to this heartwarming tale puts Holly Keller’s timeless treasure alongside the greatest friendship stories of all time.
In a kingdom far, far away, live three little dragons. The realm is also home to the Good Knight, who keeps faithful watch from his tower. One night, the Good Knight hears a loud roar. When he dutifully goes to investigate, who does he find but a pajama-clad young dragon who wants a drink of water before bed. Being a Good Knight, the dedicated guardian complies–then returns to his tower. He is on watch for only a short time when another loud roar sounds through the night. When the Good Knight arrives at the cave, another little dragon is waiting for him. After tending to her needs, he makes his way home, only to be summoned again, and a fourth time. The Good Knight’s introduction to the three little dragons is the beginning of something wonderful in the world of children’s literature. Little people (and their parents) will smile at the familiarity of the bedtime scene. And everyone will be delighted by the further adventures of the Good Knight and his new friends.
A mother bird watches with excitement as her eggs hatch. When all seven youngsters have emerged from their shells, they immediately begin a chorus of “Feed us! Feed us!” The new mother immediately responds, flying off to find food for her brood. As each baby is fed, he falls asleep–but the remaining hatchlings take up the chant. Naturally, the increasingly exhausted mama bird rushes to fulfill their needs, until every tiny bird is satisfied. This treasure begs to be read aloud, and listeners will have a marvelous time shouting out the refrain. (And mommies will love the spot-on ending!)
Ella knows what a story needs to be perfect. It should have words like “Once upon a time.” And, of course, a princess, fairies, and funny and exciting parts are important. But there is one thing a story doesn’t need: bears. Once having made her preferences known, Ella begins her tale. However, unknown to the storyteller, a bear not only makes an appearance, but is an important part of the story. Hilarious.
Ant is thrilled: the king has invited her to a dinner party. She is careful to arrive on time, and uses her best table manners. However, the same cannot be said for the king’s other guests. As they grab food and otherwise act horribly, the royal host says nothing. Things reach a crescendo when a cake is passed around the table. The elephant takes half, and each succeeding guest takes half of what is left. By the time the cake reaches poor Ant, the piece is too small to divide, and crumbles under the knife (leaving nothing for the king). Embarrassed, she offers to bake a special cake for her host. Another participant promises two cakes, another four, and so on. This rib-tickling story will have kids laughing so hard, they may not realize they are learning several math concepts (and a lesson in proper behavior, as well).
Speaking of wanderings, as I was mentally travelling through my stacks in search of a book to read to a class this afternoon, I recalled a gem “found” by a first-grader last year. Farfallina is a caterpillar who, on a rainy day, takes a bite out of a leaf–and inadvertently deprives Marcel, a young bird, of his “umbrella.” From this unlikely beginning, as so often happens, a marvelous friendship develops. The inseparable pals play together every day, and each is careful not to engage in activities that are impossible for his or her friend. However, one day, Farfallina is feeling tired, and climbs a tree to rest. Marcel, being a good friend, waits for her to come down. But, as the days pass and the caterpillar does not reappear, the lonely bird–who has grown into a beautiful goose–gives up. Will the friends ever be reunited?
Snappy rhymes and beautiful illustrations make up this splendid Thanksgiving story. As a young girl excitedly awaits the arrival of her uncles for the holiday, she asks her mother to tell her about them. The resulting dialogue paints a wonderful portrait of rural America early in the twentieth century. This book is not to be missed.
