Library Lion by Michelle Knudsen

Knudsen, Michelle. Library Lion. Cambridge: Candlewick Press, 2006.

Library Lion will catch readers right away with the beginning line of “One day, a lion came to the library.” As he just goes on in past the circulation desk like he truly belongs, Mr. McBee, the assistant, is ready to throw him out being he is a large cat and must not belong. The loving librarian, Miss Merriweather, informs him to leave him be since he is not breaking any rules. The lion becomes like any other visitor coming in to enjoy all the activities the library offers and even helps out with dusting, licking envelopes, and helping small children. When Miss Merriweather falls from a stool, the lion cries out for help, but is soon charged of breaking the rules. This upsets him so he does not return to the library with fear he can not follow the rules. Everyone misses his presence, even Mr. McBee. The closing of this story will have all readers cheering for joy. To add to this appealing book, the illustrations are done in a soothing tone that has much creativity. Taking a few moments on each page just to look at the details of the pictures and the expressions given by each character is a must. Children of all ages will love this book, and will finish with the great feeling that everyone belongs in the library and the library is for everyone.

Are You My Mother? by P.D. Eastman

Eastman, P.D. Are You My Mother?. New York: Random House, 1960.

As a baby bird is hatched and falls from his tree he will begin the adventure of finding his mother. He ventures all around asking everyone he meets like a cat, cow, and even a boat if they are his mother. When finally he runs into a snort that places him back into the nest right before his mother comes back with something to eat. The easy vocabulary used throughout allows this great classic to be a book that many children can learn to read with. The illustrations are simple, but delightful which adds a great deal more to this book. This fun, charming book will have young children all over turning the pages to see if this bird will find his mother.

Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss

Dr. Seuss. Green Eggs and Ham. New York: Random House Books for Young Readers, 1960.

This classic book will be one that generations to come will be reading. Sam-I-am is determined to have the no name skeptic try the green eggs and ham with every possible scenario one could think of. As children turn each page a new possibility will be given, but also reviews previous ones allowing a reoccurring of vocabulary words. Finally, the no name character decides to take a bite to hush up Sam-I-am and realizes that green eggs and ham are great and he will eat them in any way given like in a house or with a mouse. To add to this great classic, the illustrations are done with bright colors, like green and red, which will catch young children’s eyes. So between the fun illustrations and the rhyming words readers will be mesmerized by this Dr. Seuss book.

The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter

Potter, Beatrix. The Tale of Peter Rabbit. New York: The Penguin Group, 2002.

In this captivating story, children of all ages will enjoy Peter Rabbit who does not listen to directions and heads right towards Mr. McGregor’s garden after told to stay away. Soon entering into the garden he is spotted by Mr. McGregor, and will have to work extra hard just to find his way out before getting caught. This is a great story for little ones to hear about the consequences that one will have if they do not follow directions, or just seeing the other siblings shows the advantages of doing the right thing. Potter’s illustrations only add to this tale which is done in a way that grabs readers. These eye catching pictures will help give readers a good image of the story and enhance the words as they read. This humorous story will hold your attention while at the same time teach a very valuable lesson. A must read for all ages!

Poet Slave of Cuba: A Biography of Juan Francisco Manzano

Engle, Margarita. The Poet Slave of Cuba: A Biography of Juan Francisco Manzano. New York: Henry Holt and Company, 2006.

Using a free verse style, Margarita Engle will capture readers with the story of the Cuban boy, Juan Francisco. Using alternating points of view gives a vivid imagine of the feelings each character has. She starts this biography with Juan, age six, who is a slave that is a genius with words that helps his parents become free, including any future brother and sisters. His owner promises him freedom when she passes away, but he soon learns is not true when she does at age eleven and he is given to a woman who abuses him dramatically. Readers will get a thorough understanding of an enslaved person in Cuba during the late 1700s and see the cruelty that took place. Also, Sean Quall does an incredible job with the black-and-white sketches. These pictures help readers see the suffering that Juan encounters and gives readers a clear vision of the story. As you are reading along some of the pictures will pull at your heart as you can truly feel what Juan is going through. These illustrations only add more strength to the book that will give young readers a true feeling of this situation. Although, I did feel it took a few pages to get into the rhythm of the book and have an understanding of each character, once you are in full swing you will not be able to put it down.