Books for little (and big) people> Librarians pick titles for kids

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Editor’s Note: Each month, the children’s librarians at Bangor Public Library offer a selection of old classics and new favorites designed to encourage reading and provoke thought in young readers. The books may be purchased at local bookstores or found at your local library.

For babies

“Brian Wildsmith’s 1,2,3’s,” by Brian Wildsmith, Franklin Watts, N.Y., 1965, unpaged hardcover is out of print but available at library, paperback by Millbrook Press, 1995, $5.95

Parents frequently request suggestions for books to introduce numbers. “Brian Wildsmith’s 1,2,3’s” acquaints and entertains, offering much to observe and consider. Wildsmith presents the numerals one to 10, each illustrated with a picture made up of three basic shapes. The pictures increase in complexity as the numbers go up, with the shapes forming recognizable objects. A few picture puzzles at the end extend the fun and offer visual challenges.

Wildsmith, one of England’s foremost children’s authors and illustrators, feeds the eye and spirit with his vibrant color and lively style. He has dedicated the greater part of his life to creating for children. His works are delightful to young explorers and parents.

“Happy Birth Day!” by Robie H. Harris, illustrated by Michael Emberley, Candlewick, Cambridge, Mass., 1996, unpaged, $16.99.

Looking for a wonderful book to give to a newborn? Harris and Emberley’s tender recounting of a baby’s first day would make a welcome gift. The vivid narrative and exquisitely realistic illustrations mesh eloquently to impart the reverence and wonder of the beginning day of life. Told with a candid, child-centered focus, the book will be one for which children reach again and again when they want to hear about the day they were born.

Preschool to kindergarten

“Henny Penny,” illustrated by H. Werner Zimmerman, Scholastic, New York, 1989 28 pages, $19.95.

This classic fairy tale features farmyard fowl befuddled by an acorn falling on one unsuspecting hen. Read about the antics of Henny Penny, Cocky Locky, Ducky Lucky, Goosey Loosey, Turkey Lurkey and Foxy Loxy.

Charmingly humorous illustrations make this edition of “Henny Penny” a scream to read.

“A Hat For Minerva Louise,” by Janice Morgan Stoeke, Dutton, New York, 1994, unpaged, $12.99.

Minerva Louise, a barnyard hen, loves winter. Unlike her coop mates, who prefer to be inside, this plucky heroine likes to be out and about. Alas, she needs proper attire to keep her warm. She secures handy mittens on a string that work just dandy when she mistakenly puts them on her head and tail feathers.

Simple text and engaging pictures make this just right for the preschooler.

Grades one-three

“I Am Water,” by Jean Marzollo, illustrated by Judith Moffatt, Scholastic Inc., (Hello Science Reader Level 1), 1996, unpaged paperback, $3.50.

“I Am Water” is a beautifully illustrated book that introduces beginning readers to their environment. This predictable book emphasizes the concept, “I am part of the larger world.” A note at the beginning gives advice on how to encourage and help a child to listen and read aloud with enjoyment. The illustrations are boldly arranged color cutout shapes with different patterns and textures. The transparency of the water is highlighted by a clear overlay that gives special effect and feeling for the subject. This book will excite children and adults.

“The Velveteen Rabbit,” by Margery Williams, illustrated by William Nicholson, Doubleday and Co. Inc., New York, c. 1958, 44 pages, $9.95.

One worn, torn, scruffy and stuffed velveteen rabbit is made to feel special because of the love he receives from a young boy. When accidentally discarded by the boy’s nursemaid, the rabbit questions the value of being real. A magic fairy helps him realize that he was real only to the little boy and enables him to become real to everyone.

Lively drawings accompany this wise tale. “The Velveteen Rabbit” will touch the reader’s heart and remain a wonderfully memorable classic.

Grades four-six

“JIP: His Story,” by Katherine Paterson, Dutton, N.Y., 1996, 181 pages, $14.99.

Jip’s story begins in 1855, eight years after he has been abandoned on the side of the road and then placed on a farm for the town’s poor in Vermont. Being basically content with tending the animals and other residents on the farm, Jip also takes on the new responsibility of caring for Put, an old man who has been labeled a “lunatic” by townspeople.

Even though Jip wonders why he was not searched for by his parents, it does not become a major issue until a stranger begins to make uninvited and uncomfortable visits to question him about his background. With the help of Put and the teacher in town, Jip is able to realize his ancestry and then must quickly make critical decisions that immediately will affect his future.

Katherine Paterson’s believable characters bring to life this time period in American history. Her carefully written descriptions and creative use of similes evoke feelings and clear images in the reader. Although Paterson writes in a gentle manner, the underlying danger still is conveyed throughout the story along with the pain of human cruelty vs. the hope for human kindness.

“Ben and Me: An Astonishing Life of Benjamin Franklin by his Good Mouse Amos,” written and illustrated by Robert Lawson, Little, Brown and Co., Boston, 1939, 114 pages, hardcover $15.95, paperback $5.95.

Amos, a mouse who claims to have inhabited Benjamin Franklin’s fur cap and home, clearly states in his “found manuscript” that he is the one responsible for this great man’s achievements and fame. This document, “authenticated” by historians, gives a firsthand account by Amos of Franklin’s life when he experimented with electricity and lightning along with inventing the Franklin stove. If it weren’t for Amos’ being a good friend by giving advice and suggestions, Ben Franklin never would have accomplished as much as he did in his lifetime, including helping to write the Declaration of Independence. Amos only wants to set the record straight.

This humorous work introduces Benjamin Franklin on a different level that both children and adults will enjoy. It may even inspire the reader to find more nonfictional information on him. Or, in reverse, if one already is knowledgeable about Franklin, then it may entertain the reader with recognizable highlights of this historical figure’s life. In either case, Lawson’s black-and-white drawings will enhance both the characters and events in his story.

Young adult

“Eyes of the Dragon,” by Stephen King, Viking Children’s Press, 336 pages, 1987, $21.95.

What an unexpected surprise to pick up a lunch-time read in the adult section and find a most enjoyable children’s fantasy!

“Eyes of the Dragon” has all the typical aspects of this genre, a dragon-slaying king, a truly wicked magician, an idealistic hero and the ensuing battle of good vs. evil. What sets this novel apart from the rest is King’s gift for visual imagery, insightful characters, and heart-pounding suspense. The climax is exciting and skillfully written. This is one of those rare books that is pure fun to read and yet lingers in the mind afterward.

“The Amazon Papers,” Beverly Keller, Browndeer Press, 1996, 150 pages, $12.

Imagine Erma Bombeck at 15 and you’ve got the flavor of this book. Iris Hoving, the teen-age protagonist, is statuesque, scholarly, athletically gifted, and more comfortable under the hood of a car than on a date. Her mother and aunt always are encouraging her to be more like other teen-agers, “carpe diem.” When her mother goes on vacation, leaving Iris in charge of her two preschool cousins, she finally does seize the day. She goes out with an 18-year-old, high school dropout, a pizza delivery boy complete with earring, leather jacket and a hearse for a vehicle. After some initial hearse engine trouble, they venture to a pool hall in a questionable neighborhood. In a matter of minutes she suffers a broken foot, is abandoned, and her mother’s car is stripped. Her unlikely rescuer is her date’s ex-girlfriend, resplendent in a skirt like a Band-Aid and spike heels. This is only the beginning of a wildly hilarious adventure.

Beverly Keller writes with humor and intelligence. There are more than a few nuggets of wisdom in this short but delightful novel.