Something From Nothing
Author and Illustrator: Phoebe Gilman
Genre: Picture Book
Age Level: 4-8 years
"When Joseph was a baby, his grandfather made him a wonderful blanket..." As Joseph grows older and wears out his precious gift, his grandfather transforms it into ever smaller items until finally he is left with only enough material for one final alteration.
Children will enjoy the repetition and cadence of Ms. Gilman's retelling of this Jewish folktale. The illustrations are filled with interesting details including what is happening under the floorboards of Joseph's house.
Officer Buckle & Gloria
Author and Illustrator: Peggy Rathmann
Genre: Picture Book
Age Level: 4-8 years
Officer Buckle knows a lot of safety tips and is happy to share them with others. The trouble is that his presentations are quite boring. That is, until one day when Gloria, the police dog, accompanies him. Then, all of a sudden, the children sit up and pay attention.
I would encourage you to take a close look at the illustrations in this 1996 Caldecott Medal winner. It is a humorous story with a good message.
The Relatives Came
Author: Cynthia Rylant
Illustrator: Stephen Gammell
Genre: Picture Book
Age Level: 4-8 years
This is a simple story of a family whose Virginia relatives come for their annual extended visit. The book portrays the joy and the chaos of a large family gathering. It reminds readers of the importance of familial bonds.
Having a large extended family whom I saw regularly was very important to me as a child. I hope that my own children will also be able to relate to the excitement of welcoming relatives to their home.
Island Boy
Author and Illustrator: Barbara Cooney
Genre: Picture Book
Age Level: 4-8 years
Ms. Cooney's tale follows the life of Matthais Tibbetts whose family first settles an island along the coast of Maine at the turn of the century. Despite all the changes happening around him and the attractions of the outside world, Matthais remains faithful to his island and teaches others to love and appreciate it as well.
This picture book is lengthy yet poetic. The illustrations are beautiful and accurately reflect the emotions of the story. The story does touch on some weighty themes, so please be prepared to discuss these with your children.
Owl Moon
Author: Jane Yolen
Illustrator: John Schoenherr
Genre: Picture Book
Age Level: 3-8 years
This story is about a young girl and her Pa who go owling in the woods one night near their home. Although all of her older brothers have already experienced this adventure, this is her first time. She is very excited, but she knows not to make a sound. She is rewarded for her patience and gets to see the majestic Great Horned Owl.
Although this book was awarded the 1988 Caldecott Medal for its watercolor illustrations, what I appreciate most about this book is the hauntingly beautiful language. The melody of the text makes it a great read-aloud.
The Kissing Hand
Author: Audrey Penn
Illustrators: Ruth E. Harper and Nancy M. Leak
Genre: Picture Book
Age Level: 4-8 years
Chester Raccoon doesn't want to leave his mother and go to school. His mother explains that sometimes we have to do things we don't want to and assures him that he will like school. Then she tells him the secret of the Kissing Hand. His mother's love and warmth stay with him wherever he goes and he is ready to face his first night of school, but not before giving his mother a Kissing Hand too.
As stated in the forward, "The Kissing Hand is a story for any child who confronts a difficult situation and for the child within each of us who sometimes needs reassurance." I suspect that sentimental mothers may appreciate this story more than the youngsters to whom they are reading, but it is a great story to share with your children nonetheless.
