Field Guide to Parenting Book Reviews, Summer 2009
Heartbeat for Horses
by Laura Chester, photographs by Donna Demari, Willow Creek Press
“…big, wonderful creatures who give us so much of their animal warmth, who bring us their stillness as well as their power, who give us the sound of their hoof beats, forever imprinting our hearts.”
A collection of poems, excerpts from fiction and autobiograhy, and stunning photographs, this magnificent tribute to a most beloved animal and the writers who love them is something special. From Will James to Jane Smiley, and from the classic Black Beauty to contemporary Don’t Let’s Go to the Dogs Tonight, words on the page bring alive the senstivity, sense, and intelligence of horses and their relationships with people. This collection of writings and photographs, divided into three sections, “Heartbeats,” “Hoofbeats,” and “Drumbeats,” is expertly compiled.
An excellent choice for school and home libraries, for gifts, and for those who may need to be inspired by reading about something they love. If you were not a horse lover before you read this book, you surely will have a new appreciation for the beauty of horses after.
A Small Surpriseby Louise Yates, Knopf, 2009An adorable, personality-fillled bunny discovers the pros and cons of being small amid the large or long circus animals. The guessing games begins with the bunny saying, “I am too small to…” Children have a chance to guess before turning the page to find the answer. Despite being too small to do many things like tie shoes, the bunny finds magic in what he can do. Obviously, the story is a vehicle to help young children feel good about themselves, no matter how little in size and young in abilities.The large cartoon-like circus animals all have very expressive eyes and show great energy. Lots of light comes through the colors and backgrounds of the pictures. There is much to look at on every page, but offers the opportunity to talk with young kids while reading aloud.
Room for One Moreby Matthew Price, illustrated by Ian P. Benfold Haywood
Matthew Price Limited, 2008One lucky day we all went shopping…but what happens next is anything but an ordinary shopping trip. Along the way they first rescue a frog and put him in a jar. On subsequent pages, the jar becomes a flap to open with the frog underneath. And so it goes with the kitten, the canary, a mouse, and a puppy that Mommy wants to rescue. Daddy draws the line at bringing home an elephant, but the last scene is of an idyllic countryside teeming with more animals, and the child remembers that “Mommy says there’s always room for one more.”The illustrations are cheery and charming; it’s a beautiful summer day for a family adventure. The story is clear, building on each animal rescued and the lift-the-flap added one by one. Preschoolers and kindergartners, especially, will love “reading” what’s under the flaps and guessing just what will happen next. Bottom line: it’s just plain fun to read with a child.
Have You Ever Seen a Duck in a Raincoat?by Etta Kaner, illustrated by Jeff Szuc (The Have You Ever Seen Series)
Kids Can Press, 2009The animals in human garb are silly and fun, just like they are supposed to be. So, if cheetahs don’t wear soccer cleats, what does help them run? The goofy acrylic paintings of a duck, whale, eagle and more are followed by clear and simple information about how wild creatures keep dry, stay warm, protect their eyes, and other interesting tidbits. An imaginative invitation that will spark interest in the natural world.
My People by Langston Hughes, photographs by Charles R. Smith
Athenuem/Simon & Schuster, 2009As Charles Smith tell us, it’s a challenge to put pictures to an eloquent poem of only thirty-three words by one of America’s best loved poets. Though the background is largely black, Smith does an outstanding job of illuminating glorious faces next to large text of this simple but affecting poem. As you can probably tell from the cover alone, what Langston Hughes wrote, back in the 1920’s, is as true today as it was then: The night is beautiful, so the faces of my people. A timeless and excellent choice for young and old alike.
A Whiff of Pine, a Hint of Skunk: A Forest of Poems by Deborah Ruddell, illustrated by Joan Rankin
McElderry Books/Simon & Schuster, 2009Sometimes funny ( A Wild Turkey Comments on His Portrait), sometimes dramatic (The Forest’s Royal Family), the rhymes and illustrations are always engaging and excellent to read aloud. Subtle yet beautiful watercolors show the beauty of the forest, the bright and subtle colors of nature, AND the character of each forest topic, whether it be the “Biography of a Beaver” or “Eau de Forest.” Whether you “Ponder yonder salamander,” (Ode to a Salamander), or find yourself in the middle of “Chipmunks, Inc.” who work all daty in pinstriped suits without a word of thanks, faithfully investing in the Acorn Savings Bank,” you and your child will find delight in each poem.
Have You Ever Tickled a Tiger?
by Betsy Snyder, Random House, 2009OK, so I love a book for the wee ones that asks questions and invites participation like this sturdy touch-and-feel does. The usual “touched” and “kissed” verbs are included along with the more inviting “fluffled” and “tickled.” Each question is accompanied by an illustration with a soft belly, prickly body, or willowy feathers to feel. Two-line rhymes follow each question.The pictures are pleasing and bright, the text is just the right amount, and the interactive questions and textures are fun. All in all, a fun addition for our youngest readers.
Oops-a-Daisy by David Algrim, illustrated by Rosalind Beardshaw
Golden Books, 2009Little kids have calamaties of all sorts seemingly all the time. In this gentle, affirming, lift-the-flap board book, it’s really OK to drop your ice cream, make a mess painting, or even have a potty accident. Caring adults and kids both make mistakes and assure each other that, oops-a-daisy, there is no sense crying over spilled milk. Soft people and colors add to the warm and comforting nature of the story.
