A Laurence Yep Book

The Curse of the Squirrel was written by Laurence Yep was written in 1987. This is a funny/scary story of some hunting dogs who are cursed by a giant squirrel. Once cursed, the main character Howie, has a problems convincing his long time friends of who he is or accepting him. I definitely need to check out more of Yep’s books. Some of his other works are City of Fire, Ribbons, and The Dragon Child: A Story of Angel Island.

Knuffle Bunny - A Cautionary Tale

Knuffle Bunny - A Cautionary Tale was written by Mo Willems in 2004 and received a Caldecott Honor in 2005. Knuffle Bunny is about Trixie and her stuffed bunny that she carries everywhere. When she goes with her dad to the Laundromat and Knuffle Bunny accidentally gets put into the washing machine Trixie has a meltdown to put it mildly. Dad saves the day when he rescues Knuffle Bunny from the washing machine.

Like all of Mo Willems books, you have to love Trixie and her bunny. She is so much like every other toddler in America. What parent doesn’t read this book and think, ‘Oh yeah…I remember those days.’ Kids can relate to Trixie and probably tell you of a very similar incident that happened to them when they were younger.

I particularly like the artwork of this book. Willems uses actual black and white photographs and adds his color cartoons to them. The characters run in and out of the photographs. The artwork is very entertaining and original. You won’t be disappointed with Knuffle Bunny!

A Chapter Book for Every Library!

Elijah of Buxton was written by Christopher Paul Curtis in 2007 and received a Newbery Honor in 2008. Elijah of Buxton is about a boy who is the firstborn free child in the Canadian settlement of Buxton, settled by free and escaped slaves. After his friend is double crossed by the town preacher, Elijah goes with the friend to help him get the money back he has been saving to buy is family into freedom. Elijah has never encountered anything as horrific as what he sees on the Underground Railroad in America.

I feel this book should be in every school library, aside from the fact that EVERY Christopher Paul Curtis book should be there, because Elijah is so relatable to students of his age. This coming of age story is what heroes are made of. Curtis is a master at researching his books and the historical aspects of this story are so educational. Elijah’s story is just an added bonus to keep the reader hanging on every page. Read it…enough said!

A Picture Book for Every Library!

Henry’s Freedom Box was written by Ellen Levine and illustrated by Kadir Nelson in 2007 and received the Caldecott Honor in 2008. This story is a true one about a man who lost his family as a slave. When his family was taken away he escaped his captors by mailing himself to freedom in a big wooden box.

I feel this book should be in every school library because not only does it have wonderful illustrations, it is an outstanding true story of courage and ingenuity! I always enjoy reading about the dominant group who assumes they are dominant in every way and are outsmarted in the end. Henry Brown is a hero to his people. His life and his story should be celebrated by children everywhere. I highly recommend this inspiring story!

So You Want to Be President?

So You Want to Be President? was written by Judith St. George and illustrated by David Small in 2000 and received the Caldecott Medal in 2001. My affinity for historical text drew me to this book. Judith St. George does a wonderful job of telling funny stories about several of the presidents. The illustrations are the best part though. David Small’s drawings remind me of the political cartoons you see in the newspaper. These caricatures are a delight to look at while reading.

Both Judith St. George and David Small worked together on two other “So You Want” books titled: So You Want to Be an Explorer? and So You Want to Be an Inventor? Both author and artist seem to enjoy working on historical stories. I am glad because I enjoy reading their work.