Well, for many of you, this is Spring Break Week. We are in Michigan, and the peacefulness, as well as watching the migrating swans and ducks swimming on the lake is making it really enjoyable, However, I must admit, I miss the warmth of Florida that we were experiencing a month ago! I hope you are in a warm and sunny location surrounded by lots of books, but if you are still looking for some book titles to add to your library list, here are some Kids’ Books to Remember.

kids’ books to remember: read aloud

James Herriot’s Treasury for Children by James Herriot

The animal stories from James Herriot, the British Veterinarian, are charming and heartwarming. This book will become a favorite in your house, I’m sure.

Ribsy by Beverly Cleary

Ribsy, the dog belonging to favorite character Henry in Beverly Cleary stories, gets his own book.

The World According to Humphrey by Betty G. Birney

Humphrey, a hampster, shares his experiences when he visits a grade school classroom. This is told completely from Humphrey’s point of view and is just the first of lots of Humphrey books.

 

KIDS’ BOOKS TO REMEMBER: picture books

   The Story of Ferdinand by Munro Leaf

This story focuses on the theme of being yourself.

How Rocket Learned to Read by Tad Hills

This book tells a story of friendship and the joy of learning to read.

Butterfly House by Eve Bunting

In the sweet story, your kiddos will not only learn about the life cycle of the butterfly, but also about kindness.

 

 

KIDS’ BOOKS TO REMEMBER: middle grade chapter books

All of the books this week are from well known authors who have written several books, so if your kids like one of these, there are more to look for.

  When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead

   Trouble River by Betsy Byars

   A Wind in the Door by Madeleine L’Engle

 

 

 

 

 

links for mom and dad

Here’s a post from a special teacher that is so true.

before smart phones and computers kids had real fun

Our kids are sure to encounter refuges and immigrants in their lives. These books can help develop empathy and understanding for what their new friends have experienced.

books that teach us about the experiences of refuges and immigrants

Although my kids are grown, this is what I hope for my boys.

how to live a good life: a recipe for my kids

Did you find some “oldies, but goodies” at the library this week? I’d love to hear about them in the comments!

Thank you for inviting me into your inbox to share some suggestions for your next library trip. Have a great week!

 

First of all, WELCOME SPRING!! We had some teaser days in February, but now maybe we can have the real thing. I’ve missed writing to you during the past few weeks, but we were enjoying 14 days in sunny Florida (here’s a sunset from our trip). Actually, we did have one day of rain and one hot and humid day, but other than that, the weather was great! We spent a lot of time reading, watching the birds off our balcony (Rosette Spoonbills, Ibis, Egrets and Pelicans) and hiking in state parks. We were in Cedar Key, which is very peaceful and laid back. All in all, it was a great change! Now we’re back and I want to share some Kids’ Books to Remember with you to help with your next library trip.

kids’ books to remember: read aloud

The Story of Doctor Dollitle by Hugh Lofting

The Best Loved Doll by Rebecca Caudill

The Adventures of Danny and the Dinosaur Treasury by Syd Hoff

 

 

KIDS’ BOOKS TO REMEMBER: picture books

The Man Who Lost His Head by Claire Huchet Bishop and Robert McCloskey

Daisy Gets Lost Chris Raschka

Dog Team by Gary Paulsen

KIDS’ BOOKS TO REMEMBER: chapter books

Two of these chapter books, Redwall and Seekers are book 1 in a series, so if your kiddos like one or both of these, there are lots more for them to read.

Redwall by Brian Jacques

When Zachary Beaver Comes to Town by Kimberly Willis Holt

Seekers, Return to the Wild, #1: Island of Shadows by Erin Hunter

 

 

Links for Mom and Dad

The world lost a remarkable person this week, author, Amy Krouse Rosenthal. I have reviewed two of her special books during the past year, I Wish You More and That’s Me Loving You. This is a touching tribute by her dear friend and editor.

Amy Krouse Rosenthal Remembered

Have Struggling or Reluctant Readers? These Hi-Lo Titles Will Keep Them Engaged

harvard PSYCHOLOGISTS reveal: Parents who raise “good Kids” do these five things

Thank you for inviting me into your inbox today. Have a wonderful week!

First of all, you may be wondering about the flowers.  These were a special gift from my son-in-law that brightened my day! Even though we’ve had unusually warm weather, my garden is a long way from blooming. These are helping me wait! Now, on to what I want to share today. There are so many picture books published every week. I follow lots of publisher websites and Twitter accounts, as well as Instagram accounts to help me learn about all of these. I often add the titles to my reserve list at the library, and thankfully I have a great local library which usually has every one. And if they don’t, they are happy to order it! Once I get the books, if I like them, I share them on Instagram. If you’d like to see my favorites, be sure and follow me there. The link is toward the bottom of this page on the right hand side. Or another option is to wait for me to share them on Red Canoe Reader. That’s what I’m doing today! Here are seven picture books you don’t want to miss!

MY WASHINGTON, D.C.

BY KATHY JAKOBSEN

Are you planning a family trip to Washington, DC this spring to see the cherry blossoms and visit some of the museums and monuments? If so, My Washington, DC, is a great book to prepare your kids for the experience. Kathy Jakobsen’s lavish paintings illustrate each stop that the two characters, Becky and Martin, make along their way as they explore our capital. The kids learn lots of little known facts, as well as a lot about history. The book ends with some fun facts about Washington, along with a seek and find throughout the pages in the book. The paintings contain so many details, that your kids will pour over the book for hours. It might even keep them occupied during your travels!

Washington, D.C.; history

the unexpected love story of alfred fiddleduckling

by timothy basil ering

I was completely enthralled by this story. The illustrations are exquisite from the first endpaper to the last. Timothy Basil Ering’s words and paintings draw you into the story as you find yourself rooting for Alfred Fiddleduckling, Captain Alfred, his dog and his wife.  You are hoping they can all find each other in the end, and the magical conclusion on the final pages of the book convinces you this will happen. In between, Ering uses his beautiful words and colorful illustrations to describe Alfred Fiddleduckling’s voyage, his love for the violin and the beautiful music Alfred creates as he drifts through the sea. I heartily recommend this story, that will warm your heart as you cozy up with your kiddos and get to know Alfred.

Caring; friendship; family; perseverance 

that’s me loving you

by amy rosenthal

This sweet book is the perfect one to share with your little one before his or her first day of school, or anytime the two of you will be separated. Amy Krouse Rosenthal’s reassuring text promises that “wherever you are, wherever you go, … that feeling you always have in your heart? That’s me loving you.” I could see this as a graduation gift for your child before they leave for college, or a book that will help your little ones as they struggle to work through their grief over losing a loved one. The simple, muted and whimsical illustrations add to this tender family story. Be sure and look for this on your next trip to the library!

Families; love.; grief

teacup

by rebecca young

Rebecca Young’s lyrical text and Matt Ottley’s magical illustrations tell the story of a young boy who is forced to leave his home and everything he has ever known to find another. All he carries with him is a backpack filled with a water bottle, a book and a blanket, along with a teacup filled with a speck of soil and a few seeds. Sometimes his days are peaceful and sometimes they are filled with peril. But as he travels, the seeds begin to grow, and grow, until he has an apple tree to protect him from the sun, to give him food to eat and to provide a cozy nook for reading. This beautiful story reminds us of what it must be like for the children who are currently fleeing their homelands in search of safety. And of how, even though we all face hardships, with bravery and determination we can succeed.

Determination; bravery; immigration; refugees.

the friend ship

by Kat Yeh

The Friend Ship ✨by Kat Yeh ✨illustrated by Chuck Groenink. Hedgehog is lonely and craves to be surrounded by friends, so he bravely sets sail in search of The Friend Ship. As he and a curious beaver sail along, they encounter animal after animal who also would love to find some friends, but no one has seen The Friend Ship. After sailing the world, Hedgehog’s boat is full of animals, but he’s so sad that he hasn’t found The Friend Ship. He’s instantly surrounded by his shipmates who offer encouragement “you can count on me”, we’ll stick with you till the end!”, and “don’t give up!” He vows to sail on, after all of the reassurances that he will indeed find The Friend Ship, until he meets an elephant on a very small island, who asks “isn’t that it right there?” This tender story will lead to a discussion with your little ones about friendship and the fact that friends are out there waiting for us. We just need to be a friend and to remember to keep looking!

Friendship; kindness; perseverance.

barefoot book of children

BY tessa strickland, kate depalma and david dean

Barefoot Book of Children will help your kiddos better understand the diversity of our world. It reminds us, that although children live in many different places and in many different situations, they all need a home to live in and people to teach them about the world. Barefoot Book of Children will help your little ones understand that there are many different families in our country and in our world. Some may be large, some may have a mom and dad, some may have two dads, some may be a foster family or some families may be yearning for someone who is very far away. The colorful illustrations will lead to a better understanding of our differences and to the fact that even though we eat different foods, play different games, speak different languages and worship differently, we all have love to give and we all have our own story to share.

Families; diversity; differences.

found

BY salina yoon

After reading and loving Salina Yoon’s, Be a Friend last fall, I decided to look for more of her books and I wasn’t disappointed after reading Found. Bear finds a lost bunny in the forest and decides to help the sad little rabbit find it’s home. He posts flyers all over the forest, by the pond and even on the top of the highest tree on the mountain. Sadly, he doesn’t get a response, so he decides to take the sad bunny on a picnic. They have an absolutely perfect day, until…they encounter Moose who is thrilled to find his long lost Floppy. However, Moose knows that sometimes passing along a special toy to someone who will love it very much is the kind thing to do. This heart warming book is full of empathy and kindness messages to share with your little ones.

Empathy; kindness.

That’s all for this time, but look for a post about more of my favorite picture books next month. Meanwhile, have you found some picture books lately that have become family favorites, old or new? We’d love to hear about them in the comments!