My Side of the Mountain Book and Movie Review

Last year I read a book that apparently many read in junior high and high school, but somehow I had missed. I read Jean Craighead George’s My Side of the Mountain. I got to share it this year with Roo who loved it as much as I do.

Sam Gribley, a young boy leaves New York to run away to the Catskill Mountains. . He takes off with supplies, a seemingly small amount of money (at least by today’s standards) and a goal; to live off the land, to be one with nature. He tells his parents of his plan, but apparently no one quite believed he would get very far. Sam hitchhiked out of town and as the trucker he got a ride with deposits him alongside the road Sam tells him of his plans:

“He laughed. Everybody laughed at me. Even Dad. I told Dad that I was going to run away to Great-grandfather Gribley’s land. He had roared with laughter and told me about the time he had run away from home. He got on a boat headed for Singapore, but when the whistle blew for departure, he was down the gangplank and home in bed before anyone knew he was gone. then he told me, “Sure, go try it. Every boy should try it.” ”

Written in 1959 this Newbery Honor winner obviously hales from a time when video games were not even a dream, baseball was a game on a vacant lot or a treat to go to a pro game. Soccer didn’t exist on this continent. What was on children’s minds then? My Side of the Mountain also speaks of a time when it was safe to hitchhike and parents were able to let their children roam freely without worry of “something terrible” happening. It seems idyllic and totally impossible. It seems almost childish in our very “sophisticated” world in the United States today. But after about the first two paragraphs the story became real and I jumped in with happiness.

My Side of the Mountain is the runaway dream that many children have; the perfect meeting with nature and the majesty of Sam’s mountain and his falcon Frightful.

Jean Craighead George touched her readers and continued with the sequels On the Far Side of the Mountain, Frightful's Mountain and Frightful’s Daughter.

This week we watched the 1969 movie made from the book. As almost always, the producers/directors/screenwriters decided they could do better than the original. And while it was a fine movie, as almost always, the book is infinitely better. The movie begins, not in New York, but in Toronto and moves to the Laurentian Mountains instead of the Catskill Mountains. The acting is satisfactory. The scenery is gorgeous. The film is as dated as the book—but it’s very likely why we all enjoyed it. This is the old-fashioned family film many of us remember growing up. Not loud, no fancy effects, nothing from outer space, no super heroes. Just a simple premise and a goal to entertain.

We enjoy reading books and watching movies based on the books and discussing and critiquing them here. I recommend the movie as acceptable for all ages. There is some sadness in it with the death of a couple animals, but it is certainly not violent. The book I highly recommend again as a read aloud for

Guardians of Ga’Hoole Book One: The Capture

Guardians of Ga’Hoole Book One: The Capture by Kathryn Lasky

Keeping up with my sons’ reading has grown more and more difficult. I try to at least skim or read reviews from reliable sources before I go handing out books willy-nilly, but as they read faster and faster (and eat more, and create more laundry) I don’t always keep caught up. Then there is the difficulty of wanting to read books of my own, while I enjoy juvenile and young adult literature, it’s not my sole focus.

Roo has been reading the Guardian of Ga’Hoole Series. The cover art was effective and caught my attention. While definitely not an “easy reader” the print is not small and with under 250 pages it was a quick read for me.

I’ve always had a fascination with owls and Lasky’s thorough research and ability to translate that into prose, makes it easy to envision the owl characters of this story.

Book One: The Capture begins in the Forest of Tyto with one of the two focus characters, Soren a three week old barn owl. As the story unfolds he meets tiny, but mighty, Gylfie, an Elf Owl. The story tells of the abduction of these two owlets taken from their families and their plan and subsequent actions to escape their awful captors.

Guardians: The Capture has some very sad and dark themes: abduction, abuse, oppression, and destruction of families. There are positive themes also which include: friendship and loyalty, clinging to the teachings of family, remaining strong, persevering and believing.

Lasky’s writing was exciting enough to draw me in and keep me coming back to finish the story. Her use of anthropomorphism, giving human traits to animals, is well done, reminding me somewhat of Brian Jacques’ Redwall characters. I’ve noticed a lot of parents reading this series, either aloud to or alongside their children. Definitely the book provides a springboard for many topics.

Guardians of Ga H’oole is recommended for ages 9-13, although if a parent were reading aloud a younger audience would be able to follow it, depending on the temperament of the child—sensitive children may be upset by the violence that is inherent to the type of story, which I would describe as action/fantasy as much as a story about animals.

And yes…I will be reading the sequels…Roo’s enjoyed sharing with me and they are quite well done.

The Canada Geese Quilt

The Canada Geese Quilt—by Natalie Kinsey-Warnock, Illustrated by Leslie W. Bowman

Boo recently read The Canada Geese Quilt after I pre-read it. I was a bit concerned that he might feel a bit sad reading some of it, since illness of a grandparent is a topic, but it was such a special book, I felt the benefits of this lovely story outweighed the concern.

The story is set in on a farm in Vermont, beginning one spring to following fall during WWII. Ariel lives with her parents and her grandmother, an accomplished quilter. Grandma’s quilts are all over the world. They are treasures. Grandma is Ariel’s treasured friend and life is good at home.

But life is always changing and with Mama’s announcement of a new baby on the way, followed closely by Grandma having a stroke Ariel is confused and afraid of the future. How can she accept what is happening in her life?

This story is about family, love, growing up, changes and facing fears. And it is wrapped in the comfort of quilting. Even though I am a quilter only in my dreams, I love stories about quilts. This would be a good addition to any unit study about sewing or quilting.

While a story about a young girl, it was easy for Boo to relate to. He is a farm boy at heart (stuck in the concrete jungle of the city) and he loves stories that are about caring. He gave it a thumbs up.

We checked this book out from the library, even though it is will be outgrown in reading level soon, it is a book to be enjoyed at all ages. I will be looking for this on my “book hunts”—my quest for favorite (and possible new favorites) stories at a reasonable price. If you’ve read Sarah, Plain and Tall and enjoyed that, this would be a book you will enjoy sharing with your family.

Children's Book Monday--Dragonwings by Laurence Yep

Moon Shadow is eight or nine—depending on if you calculate the Demon way or the Middle Kingdom way. He has never seen his father, but knows him through his mother’s memories and the kites he left behind. Moon Shadow’s father is across the ocean in the land of the Golden Mountain.

When Uncle Clap shows up Moon Shadow has the opportunity to change his life forever and go to his father. Across the ocean and to a new land, a new language, a new life with his father. Moon Shadow exhibits amazing courage and incredible insight.

This Newberry Honor winning book is fantastic historical fiction. The story is told by a young Chinese boy who leaves China and goes to San Francisco at the turn of the twentieth century. Humanly told, these characters are richly woven, believable and easy to become attached to.

Laurence Yep is a prolific writer and we will be exploring more of his works. Dragonwings is his second book and part of a series called the Golden Mountain Chronicles.

Lots of opportunity to explore another culture and definitely opportunity to have some serious discussions. A recommended read.

Visit Elise at A Path Made Straight to find other participants for Children's Book Monday. Elise is in the process of moving, so I don't know if she will be having a Linky this week, but visit her earlier posts. I'm so soothed at her bloggy-home.

Children’s Book Monday

Dear Mr. Henshaw by Beverly Cleary.

She gave us Ramona Quimby and Henry Huggins and so many other wonderful children’s books and Beverly Cleary presents a touching story with Dear Mr. Henshaw.

Leigh Botts begins an inauspicious correspondence with author Boyd Henshaw when he is in second grade. The letter includes a salutation, a mere three sentences, and a closing. But it is only the first of many. The story is told solely through Leigh’s letters and his journal over four years. Through it we see Leigh’s spelling and punctuation improve and we see more. We see a young boy growing and maturing and becoming a writer himself.

Beverly Cleary’s poignant story, a 1984 Newbery Award winner, is humorous and human, a story for young people to identify with. It is deftly illustrated by Paul O. Zelinsky’s black and white drawings.

This was a favorite of Roo’s a while back and sure to be a favorite of Boo’s soon. This is a great reader for second to fourth graders.

Visit Elise at A Path Made Straight for more ideas for wonderful children’s books.

Technorati tags: children's books, books, reading, book review, homeschool, Beverly Cleary, Dear Mr. Henshaw

Children’s Book Monday--Miss Hickory

Miss Hickory by Carolyn Sherwin Bailey

Miss Hickory is a doll of the finest materials, her Hickory nut head is attached to her apple-wood twig body. She is dressed in clothes from her owner Anne and lives in a little corn cob hose at the base of the lilac bush. Life is perfect for Miss Hickory. That is until her owner leaves and forgets her prim and proper little doll.

Winter in New Hampshire isn’t easy if you are a twig doll with a nut for a head. Miss Hickory uses her wits and with the help of some of her friends embarks on her changing season adventure. Will Anne recognize her treasured toy upon her return.

First published in 1946, this Newbery Award winning story is a favorite of mine and my children. The lithograph illustrations by Ruth Gannett are the perfect compliment to this tiny adventure. Read it aloud, it is too good to miss.

Visit Elise at A Path Made Straight for more ideas for wonderful children’s books.

Technorati tags: Children's Books, children's book review, reading, homeschool Miss Hickory, Carolyn-Sherwin-Bailey

Children's Book Monday

Last night I got to hold a precious new baby Her mommy has been my friend for over sixteen years now. I’ve watched my friend grow from a teenager to a fantastic young woman and now a new mother. What a sweet and precious thing.

Before this lovely child was born the boys helped me pick out a shower gift for our friend. She told us last night how much she enjoys the books we got her. They are some of the boys and my favorites. Since she was pleased I will share the books we gave them for our review this week.

The first was The Quiltmaker's Gift by Jeff Brumbeau and I talked about that briefly during the Read to Me 2007 Challenge. It is a favorite of mine and since our new baby friend's grandma is a quilter, I thought it would be perfect for when Grandma babysits.

The second is Jamberry by Bruce Degen. It is a fast and nimble almost tongue-twister, certain to bring giggles and smiles. Who can resist"...Strawberry ponies, Strawberry lambs, Dancing in meadows, Of strawberry jam..." The colorful and lively illustrations are funny and joyful.


The next book is Tumble Bumble by Felicia Bond. We have a video of Roo's third birthday party where he "read" it for us. Of course he had just memorized it, but that was due to us reading it at least once a day...maybe more.

It is a book of meeting new and unexpected friends and a tiny adventure and surprises. Felica Bond has, of course created many other books, so this treasure is no surprise.

The last book is Time for Bed by Mem Fox, Jane Dyer Illustrator. This soothing, gentle bedtime rhyme sets just the right tone for the last book of the night. All the animals are ready for bed, from the bee to the horse, from the dog to the deer. Bedtime was so sweet reading this little gem.

All four books are books that I cannot bear to part with. Too many memories all wound up in the words.

Visit Elise at A Path Made Straight for more wonderful children's book recommendations and Children's Book Monday.

Sentinel: City of Destiny--A Review

Sentinel: City of Destiny by Landel Bilbrey

Recently, I received a request to review this book from the author. As the mother of two young sons I am always looking for age appropriate books for them to read or for us to share together. I visited Mr. Bilbrey’s website to find out more about his story. Of course once I read the premise for Sentinel I had to read it for myself to learn more.

From the author’s notes about the book:

One enemy.

Two brothers.

And a perilous quest in search of four mystical keys …

Keys that will unlock the gate of Sentinel, the timeless city of destiny—the place that all followers of the Light must one day find. Only true warriors of good King Deus can call it home.

From Gelandesprung, through the mysterious forest of Gravenwood, across the barren plain of Gall, and beyond the burning sands of Mammon, they will travel. But traveling will be only half their journey, for hidden throughout the regions of Callow are the keys. And to complete their mission into Sentinel, they will need all four. Even if the valiant brothers should find the hallowed walls that surround the city, without the keys their struggle will be for naught.

But Azrael awaits. Driven by an ancient vow to stop any boy from entering the sacred city. His plans are evil, his minions are many, and his aim is sure… Keep all seekers, at all costs, from finding the royal keys.

Even so, they embark. They search. And, eventually… One of them will fight to take hold of what is rightfully his—a place of honor at the mighty king's table.

I slowly worked my way through Sentinel. Not because it was a difficult read. It is not; it is a great match for young readers and is suggested for 8 and over. I took my time to savor the story, to hear the words and let them work in my heart and feel how they would affect my sons. I’ve enjoyed the book immensely and have been moved by the story.

Sentinel is the story of two brothers on the path to manhood. The journey is fraught with toil and trial. There are opportunities to earn honor and rewards but with those opportunities also come the possibility of failure and sorrow.

The brothers are twins; they have been raised with the same opportunities, the same education, the same loving and devoted parents. But they do not make the same choices, and therefore find themselves separated not long into the journey. They both face peril at every turn. Do their paths end at the same the same door?

Sentinel: City of Destiny can be many things. It is foremost a wonderful story, an unashamed allegory. There is no question of the message that the author intended. It can be used as a language arts tool. The vocabulary is supported by the Glossary at the end. There is a question and answer series at the end that will help with comprehension, Finally it is a devotional. The same question and answer portion is a study guide that could be completed by an older child alone, but would be even better as a discussion starter for the young reader and the parent.

As I read this book my oldest kept checking over my shoulder to see how far along I was.

“Gee, Mom, that looks interesting.” “It is, dear.”

“Is it an okay book for boys?” “Well, yes as a matter of fact, it is.”

“Mom, do you think I might be able to read it when you are done?” “I am sure that you can.”

“Mom? Are you done yet?”

Guess who gets to start a new book tomorrow.

Visit Mr. Bilbrey’s website. You can check out resources for parents, teachers and children. Sentinel: City of Destiny is available from Amazon, Borders, Barnes & Nobel and directly from the author.

A great book, a super gift for any young man. I highly recommend it.

Elise at A Path Made Straight is the lovely hostess of Children's Book Monday. I am hopping on over to put this review on her Mr. Linky. Visit Elise and all the great bloggers who join her for Children's Book Monday.

Children's Book Monday

Helen Keller: Courage in the Dark
by Johanna Hurwitz
Illustrations by Neverne Covington

The story of Helen Keller never fails to inspire me. Recently I began to search for biography's that Boo could start reading on his own. He has a very tender heart and I thought that he, too would be touched by her courage and accomplishments.

I found this "Step into Reading" series book and was not disappointed. The book is listed as a 2nd or 3rd grader reader and this is a very accurate description. The language is a wonderful balance of challenging and accessible, introducing the child reader to the inspirational Helen Keller.

Boo was very excited about reading this book and proceded (unasked) to give me the synopsis of the book. What better praise there could be, I'm not sure. Johanna Hurwitz story is precisely what I was looking for and the illustrations by Neverne Covington are colorful and delightful.

Looking for a way to introduce biographies to your young reader? Helen Keller: Courage in the Dark is a fantastic place to start.

Visit Elise at A Path Made Straight for more ideas for Children's Book Monday.

Children's Book Monday

The Vase of Many Colors
by Rachel Thoene

This lovely book that I received last week is a sweet parable about how God can take our ashes and create beauty. It is a book about restoration and love. It is more than a children's book, it is a family book. I can think of about four or five mommies that I know who would love to read this to their children--hmmm...gift ideas, anyone?

Rachel Thoene paints a picture that includes all of us, who sometimes get so caught up in the moment we become a little careless of the fagile things around us. And she also shows us a wise grandmother who is not so attached to the things of this world that she overlooks the precious heart of her granddaughter.

The bright and simple illustrations by Christian Cinder are sure to keep young listeners focused.

Children's Book Monday is hosted by Elise at A Path Made Straight.

Children's Book Monday

The Mix and Match Book of Dinosaurs by George Sanders
illustrated by Alex Block

About six years ago I stumbled upon this really fun and creative book. Roo was an early reader and a huge fan of dinosaurs. He memorized the names of various dinosaurs and was always ready for something new.

This book is spiral-bound. The ten "pages" are divided into thirds A large beautifully drawn dinosaur spans the whole page and is divided at the tail, body and then head and neck. You can flip one page at a time and will have a great illustration of a stegosaurus, triceratops or euoplocephalus, etc. Great for word/syllable recognition.

But the fun really starts when you flip a piece of a page randomly--mixing and matching tail, bodies and heads. You might come up with a STEGO-RANNO-DON (stegosaurus tail, tyrannosaurus body and iguanadon head). Or a GAL-CERA-SAURUS (gallimimus tail, triceratops body, tyranosaurus head). The blurb on the back says you can create 1000 variations. The art is impressive because it works amazingly well attaching to such varied dinosaurs.

This is a fun book to look at together or for some fun solo time for dinosaur fans. It is a unique idea.

Children's Book Monday is home at A Path Made Straight, Elise's blog. See the great reading ideas there!

Children's Book Monday

The Hundred Dresses by Eleanor Estes

With a name like that, you'd think it was a girls' book. And I suppose it is a book for girls. But it is also a book for boys because what it really is, is a book for children.

Little, Polish Wanda Petronski comes to school every day from Boggins Heights in the same blue dress. She is different from all the other children in clothes, in name, in residence and in manner. And children are not always nice when it comes to someone being different.

Peggy and Maddie are always on the lookout for Wanda. They like to have a little fun with her. They like to play a game called "The Hundred Dresses." For Wanda, in her shabby blue dress, claims that at home she has one hundred dresses, all lovely colors and rich fabrics. The girls quiz her about her wardrobe that she never wears so they might admire some of her dresses.

One day Wanda is not at school. In fact Wanda does not return at all, but she leaves something behind and in doing so she teaches a valuable lesson and is not forgotten.

The Hundred Dresses would be a fine book for first and second graders to read alone, but it makes an even better read aloud because it opens up many topics that are often familiar to children and by exploring the lessons in the book parents and children can talk about kindness and differences and how someone outside "the crowd" might feel.

Again, The Hundred Dresses was a book that I remember from when I was growing up. It left a memory on my heart that I've been happy to share with my children.

Elanor Estes' Newberry Honor Award book shares a timeless story and the dreamy, vague almost impressionistic illustrations by Louis Slobodkin allow children to put themselves into the story.

Children's Book Monday is home at A Path Made Straigth where you will find Elise and everyone who loves children's books who join her.

Children’s Book Monday

Dolphin Adventure by Wayne Grover

Man’s fascination with dolphins is legendary. It has long been a goal to connect and communicate with dolphins and Wayne Grover has a wonderful adventure series based on true accounts of his dives off the coast of Florida provides young readers with a way to experience that connection through his writing.

Grover a naturalist with a military background and many varied accomplishments writes first hand accounts of his dealings with dolphins. In the first of three books he finds and young injured dolphin and attempts to help it and return it to its family.

Jim Fowler’s shimmering black and white illustrations are captivating and capture the movement of the dolphins and the water. They are the perfect combination with Grover’s straightforward language to lure young readers into their wet and wild tales.

Dolphin Adventure is followed by Dolphin Freedom and Dolphin Treasure. They are wonderful as read alouds or as young readers.

For more reading ideas for children visit Elise at A Path Made Straight for Children’s Book Monday.

Children’s Book Monday

The Summerfolk written and illustrated by Doris Burn

Sometimes books stick with you. Sometimes books for whatever reason make an impression on you and over thirty years later you have a desire for your children to know them. One book that stuck with me is The Summerfolk by Doris Burn.

“Thick as sand fleas and twice as pesky.” That is what Willy Potts’ father Joes says. He’s talking about the summerfolk. The vacationers that come to the beach where Willy and Joe live year round. The beach from where Joe makes his living as a fisherman. Willy and Joe have no use for the silly summerfolk.

Willy and Joe each have their own boat. One summer day, the longest day of the year, Joe sets out for work and Willy sets out for the swamp. Willy meets some summerfolk like he’s never met before. He meets Fedderly, Rosebud, Cork and Spinner, and Twyla Loo, they form a flotilla and have some adventure.

Does Willy change his mind about summerfolk?

This book seems to be out of print, although I’ve seen some copies for sale on the internet. It is an engaging book, giving the reader just enough information to let their imagination go. Ms. Burns black and white drawings are superb. Worth a look around for. Check libraries. This book has survived since my first encounter in first grade. I think it stuck with me.

Children’s Book Monday is found at A Path Made Straight home of Elise.

Children's Book Monday

Tornado

Betsy Byars has written a superb chapter book for early readers (grades 1-3) that would certainly make a great read aloud also. I stumbled on this story while looking for appropriate readers that discussed real tornados for Boo.

Tornado is a black lab who finds himself deposited in a farmyard by (how’d you guess?) a tornado. The dog’s story is told during another tornado by Pete who found him. Pete is now a grown man and a hired hand on another family’s farm. The family gathers in the storm cellar when a tornado threatens. Pete tells the stories about his dog to give the children something to focus on besides the storm.

Boo read this not too long ago and enjoyed it immensely. He recounted the story to me during car rides and meals. We both liked Doron Ben-Ami’s black and white illustrations.

Children’s Book Monday is home at Elise’s A Path Made Straight. Visit her and all the readers who share a love of children's books.

Children's Book Monday

Prairie School by Avi

Recently Boo read Prairie School by Avi for his Silent Sustained Reading (assigned reading), but this would also make a wonderful read aloud book.

Nine year old Noah has come with his parents to the Colorado prairie. Noah loves his life, his work and his freedom on the prairie, but his parents want more for him. His mother’s sister travels by train from the east coast to teach Noah to read. The problem is—Noah doesn’t want to learn! He sees no use in “schooling.”

Follow Noah and his Aunt Dora through days and nights on the prairie as they struggle to see if Noah will come to see the need to learn.

With Bill Farnsworth’s well done color illustrations, Prairie School paints a captivating portrait of a boy in the 1880s out on the prairie.

Visit Elise who hosts Children’s Book Monday at her blog A Path Made Straight.

Children's Book Monday

The Lighthouse Family Series by Cynthia Rylant
The Storm, The Whale, The Eagle, The Turtle, The Octopus

She brought us Henry and Mudge, she brought us Mr. Putter and Tabby, and I was delighted to find that Cynthia Rylant wrote this series, also—The Lighthouse Family.

The stories are a bit more advanced reading than Henry and Mudge and Mr. Putter and Tabby. They are perfect for read alouds or for readers second grade and above.

The tales begin with Pandora, a solitary cat that saves lives by keeping a lighthouse. Pandora lives with the quiet, loneliness and hard work of running a lighthouse for four years before her life is altered by her rescue of Seabold, a sailing dog. Used to doing everything alone she continues to run the lighthouse and nurse Seabold’s injuries. Seabold, a solitary creature himself, has every intention of returning to the sea when he is healed. But the important work of the lighthouse and the company of Pandora change his mind.

Then Seabold rescues three young mice, Whistler,Lila and Tiny. The unlikely animals bond together to form a furry family and the lighthouse is full of light and not just from the big lamp in the tower.

Read about the family’s other creature friends and how they extend themselves to meet the needs of others. Preston McDaniels’ illustrations are delightful and detailed, the gray blue of the sea the animals reside by. Rylant’s soft and rich language is calm, comfortable and engaging, leading to requests of “Just one more chapter, please, Mom!” Music to my ears.

Children's Book Monday is home at Elise's A Path Made Straight.

Children's Book Monday--Frances

We've had these for a long time. And truth be told they are not politically correct. And of course my children quote the least PC line of the book Bedtime for Frances, “Whack and smack. Whack and smack…” which is followed IN THE BOOK by, “made Frances think of a sp@nking” but no………my children will run around and giggle and hysterically laugh, “Sounds like a sp@nking to ME!!!” Leading people not familiar with our lives to think I must apply that method to our children. BUT I DON’T. Really. Honestly. But what we do is read these wonderful books by Russell and Lillian Hoban.

Bedtime for Frances, Best Friends for Frances, Bread and Jam for Frances. We love Frances. Now if you look at the age recommendations my boys are getting to old for Frances. The fact that Boo had been given Bedtime for Frances as his reading assignment and Roo loudly volunteered, “Can I read it too him??!!” might make you realize just how engaging these books are.
Frances is a stubborn little badger. Frances tests her parents at every turn. Father and Mother are witty and wonderful and loving and in charge. They are creative too. With humor and compassion the Frances stories are full of lessons and fun. They are oft requested and much loved at my house.

Other Frances books include A Bargain for Frances, A Birthday for Frances, A Baby Sister for Frances.

Children’s Book Monday is hosted by Elise at A Path Made Straight. Please visit her and check out her wonderful reading recommendations.
What is your family reading today?

Children's Book for Monday

Horatio’s Bed by Camilla Ashforth

Beautiful watercolor illustrations and soft gentle prose make this an ideal book for young children. Horatio, a stuffed bunny can’t sleep. And his tenderhearted, but very particular teddy bear friend, James is trying to help him.

Somehow Ashforth manages to squeeze humor and sweet friendship into the few pages of this book. Her illustrations beg to be framed and her words are well chosen.

This book teaches about friendship, but it also quietly includes a lesson about giving someone what we think they need, our perception, versus what they really want and need.

Horatio’s Bed is and ideal picture book for young children.

What books are you recommending?

Children's Book Monday

The Hungry Thing

“ “I want some schmancakes…and tickles…and hookies…and gollipops.” Can you guess what this Hungry Thing really wants to eat?” So says the back cover of the book by Jan Slepian and Ann Seidler with illustrations by Richard E. Martin.

Yesterday my 9½ year old dragged this book of the shelf where I store some of the easier readers and old childhood favorites.

Originally published in 1967, the copy we own was published in 1971. This was one of my books when I was my children’s age. The Hungry Thing is one of our family favorites. This is one of my husband’s favorites—that says a lot.

The Hungry Thing comes to town with a sign that says “Feed Me.” He is a beast of few words and what few he says are very confusing. Who can figure out what he wants. Who knows what will satisfy the Hungry Thing??

As I said this is a family favorite. We sit down and it is the most fun when Daddy reads. Daddy does the best voices.

Children's Book Monday is hosted by Elise at A Path Made Straight.