‘March’ to the Beat of Great Books!
by Selene S. Vasquez
Poetry: Ages 3 thru 6
The Baby’s Book of Baby Animals
by Kay Chorao Dutton, 40 pp, $16.99
Delightfully familiar poems and rhymes, such as “Baa, Baa, Black Sheep” and equally lovely though less familiar words from Wordsworth, Tennyson and Blake. Colorful illustrations of sweet faced youngsters and baby animals in soft pastel hues. A treasure of rhythmic language for the young at heart.
The Neighborhood Mother Goose
by Nina Crews. Greenwillow, 63 pp., $15.99
This “Mother Goose” is a bona fide goose living in a city park. A total of 41 rhymes from the familiar “Pat-a-Cake” to the lesser-known gems are included. Digitally manipulated colorful photographic compositions peopled with jean and t-shirt clad youngsters of various ages and backgrounds.
Nonfiction: Ages 6 thru 8
Ava
by Laurie Keller
Holt, 32 pp., $15.95
The bored landmasses of our 50 states decide to switch locations and reap hilarious havoc in the process. Zany collage artwork replete with amusing informational asides that make the study of geography ultimately amusing.
The Busy Body Book: A Kid’s Guide to Fitness
by Lizzy Rockwell. Crown, 32 pp., $15.95
With the rise in childhood obesity in the United States, this guide to physical activity is a welcomed treat. Purposely motivating in the labeled diagrams explaining the body’s skeleton, muscles, heart, lungs, etc. as children are represented rollerblading, dog walking, playing team sports, dancing, and even wheelchair racing.#
Selene S. Vasquez is a media specialist at Orange Brook Elementary School in Hollywood, Florida. She is formerly a children’s librarian for the New York Public Library.
