"Harold and the Purple Crayon" is the story of a four year old who gets where he wants by drawing it with his purple crayon. That's the long and the short of the story but like most classics, there is more to the story than it seems.
When we first meet Harold it is just he and his crayon. But then he decides to go for a walk in the moonlight. There isn't any moon, so Harold draws one. Then he draws something to walk on. Harold draws a long straight path but eventually, when he realizes he isn't getting anywhere, he leaves the path. Harold decides his entire destiny based on his purple crayon, including, a frightening dragon under an apple tree, a forest with one tree, an ocean and a city. Eventually Harold manages to find his way to his home and his bed.
This is a very short easy to read book, but the kids will enjoy it very much. Any child who reads it will sympathize with Harold's dilemmas and enjoy how he uses his purple crayon to get himself out of trouble.
The story is illustrated in basic colors of blue, white, and of course purple. As I had said last week, today's children might find it a little monotonous to see only a few select colors in the story, but the effect is soothing. The effect is especially helpful when settling your little ones down at bedtime.
Crockett Johnson, the author of the book, was a Connecticut native, who eventually moved to the Lon Island Sound. He spent his time there sailing, an mentoring Maurice Sendak, another famous children's author. In addition to this book, Johnson wrote a daily comic strip called Barnaby, "The Carrot Seed" and other Harold stories. All of the children's stories are illustrated in the same soothing way.
Pull your favorite four year old on your lap, along with a purple crayon and a pad. Then read them this book. You'll be glad you did.
Friday, March 30, 2012
Friday, March 23, 2012
Make Way for the Ducklings
Not many books can brag about being an official state book, but "Make Way for the Ducklings" by Robert McCloskey can!
"Make Way for the Ducklings" is a story of Mr. and Mrs. Mallard, who are flying about in search of a nice place to raise their family. Every spot that Mr. Mallard picks, Mrs. Mallard dislikes for one reason or another. Eventually they land in Boston and spot the lagoon in Boston Gardens. They land there and decide to spend the night. The next morning, they see a swan boat. They think it is a real swan that is carrying people. The people throw nuts to the two and they decide to stay in the area. But suddenly a bicyclist frightens Mrs. Mallard so much they move on to the Charles River, where they find an island that is perfect for a little family. Mrs. Mallard lays her eggs and over the course of time hatches eight little ducklings.
Once the ducklings are hatched Mr. Mallard decides to go back to the public gardens and Mrs. Mallard agrees to follow when the ducklings are a little bigger. She teaches them all they need to know about being ducks. When the ducklings are big enough to leave, they line up for the march towards the public gardens. The traffic is scary, with none of the cars letting the little family pass, but Michael, the police officer who has been keeping an eye on the ducks, quickly steps in and halts traffic. Then he calls ahead for back up to handle the rest of the ducks' march to the gardens. Once the little family reunites, Mr. and Mrs. Mallard decide to stay in the public gardens.
This book was written in the 1940s. Since it's inception it has become an integral part of Boston culture. Statues have been erected in the Boston Public Gardens of the ducklings and Mrs. Mallard. In addition, Boston has a yearly festival to honor the ducklings with children and adults dressing the part of the ducks and reenacting the ducks' path.
The illustrations are rather old fashioned, and in this age of children getting lights and colors in their books, games and cartoons, 24/7 it seems almost restful. The book was a Caldecott winner for the illustrations, but to some children who are used to more active illustrations it might seem dull. But it seems to fit with the old fashioned book.
"Make Way for the Ducklings" is a wonderful book to read on a spring day. And when you finish it, go to the park. Mr. and Mrs. Mallard should be home.
"Make Way for the Ducklings" is a story of Mr. and Mrs. Mallard, who are flying about in search of a nice place to raise their family. Every spot that Mr. Mallard picks, Mrs. Mallard dislikes for one reason or another. Eventually they land in Boston and spot the lagoon in Boston Gardens. They land there and decide to spend the night. The next morning, they see a swan boat. They think it is a real swan that is carrying people. The people throw nuts to the two and they decide to stay in the area. But suddenly a bicyclist frightens Mrs. Mallard so much they move on to the Charles River, where they find an island that is perfect for a little family. Mrs. Mallard lays her eggs and over the course of time hatches eight little ducklings.
Once the ducklings are hatched Mr. Mallard decides to go back to the public gardens and Mrs. Mallard agrees to follow when the ducklings are a little bigger. She teaches them all they need to know about being ducks. When the ducklings are big enough to leave, they line up for the march towards the public gardens. The traffic is scary, with none of the cars letting the little family pass, but Michael, the police officer who has been keeping an eye on the ducks, quickly steps in and halts traffic. Then he calls ahead for back up to handle the rest of the ducks' march to the gardens. Once the little family reunites, Mr. and Mrs. Mallard decide to stay in the public gardens.
This book was written in the 1940s. Since it's inception it has become an integral part of Boston culture. Statues have been erected in the Boston Public Gardens of the ducklings and Mrs. Mallard. In addition, Boston has a yearly festival to honor the ducklings with children and adults dressing the part of the ducks and reenacting the ducks' path.
The illustrations are rather old fashioned, and in this age of children getting lights and colors in their books, games and cartoons, 24/7 it seems almost restful. The book was a Caldecott winner for the illustrations, but to some children who are used to more active illustrations it might seem dull. But it seems to fit with the old fashioned book.
"Make Way for the Ducklings" is a wonderful book to read on a spring day. And when you finish it, go to the park. Mr. and Mrs. Mallard should be home.
Friday, March 16, 2012
Treasure Island
Long before there was Johnny Depp played the immortal and immoral Captain Jack Sparrow in the Pirates of the Caribbean, we had "Treasure Island"".
Treasure Island" is a book by Robert Louis Stevenson. It is because of this book that we have our pirate lore origins." Treasure Island" gave us the parrot, the peg legged man, a treasure chest, and X marking the spot.
The story is told to us through the eyes of Jim Hawkins, who is the son of the owners of the Admiral Benbow Inn. An old sailor named Billy Bones comes to live at the inn. Billy hires Jim to keep a watch for anyone suspicious. Despite his precautions, Billy Bones is found by his old comrades who serve him with the black spot. The black spot means his fellow sailors have decided to put him to death.The night of the attack Jim barely escapes death when the pirates come to the inn in search of revenge. As he is escaping, Jim grabs up a packet of papers that belonged to Billy Bones. The packet contains a map leading to buried treasure. Jim, along with a few other trusted comrades, go in search of the treasure. As the group sets out on their adventure they don't realize the trouble they have attracted. The crew they hired includes a one-legged sailor, named Long John Silver, who is a pirate. Young Jim, hidden in an apple barrel, overhears the pirates' plans to mutiny. He warns the captain but despite his warnings, the mutiny happens. The battle is bloody. Jim escapes the ship and discovers a marooned sailor on the island, who has already found the treasure. Together Jim and his friends escape with the treasure, sailing back home.
This is a book that was written predominately for boys, but there's no reason why girls can't enjoy it as well. It is an exciting book full of adventure and excitement. If I were going to give one word of advice about this book, it would be: Don't read it before bed! And Johnny Depp? Read the book and eat your heart out!
Treasure Island" is a book by Robert Louis Stevenson. It is because of this book that we have our pirate lore origins." Treasure Island" gave us the parrot, the peg legged man, a treasure chest, and X marking the spot.
The story is told to us through the eyes of Jim Hawkins, who is the son of the owners of the Admiral Benbow Inn. An old sailor named Billy Bones comes to live at the inn. Billy hires Jim to keep a watch for anyone suspicious. Despite his precautions, Billy Bones is found by his old comrades who serve him with the black spot. The black spot means his fellow sailors have decided to put him to death.The night of the attack Jim barely escapes death when the pirates come to the inn in search of revenge. As he is escaping, Jim grabs up a packet of papers that belonged to Billy Bones. The packet contains a map leading to buried treasure. Jim, along with a few other trusted comrades, go in search of the treasure. As the group sets out on their adventure they don't realize the trouble they have attracted. The crew they hired includes a one-legged sailor, named Long John Silver, who is a pirate. Young Jim, hidden in an apple barrel, overhears the pirates' plans to mutiny. He warns the captain but despite his warnings, the mutiny happens. The battle is bloody. Jim escapes the ship and discovers a marooned sailor on the island, who has already found the treasure. Together Jim and his friends escape with the treasure, sailing back home.
This is a book that was written predominately for boys, but there's no reason why girls can't enjoy it as well. It is an exciting book full of adventure and excitement. If I were going to give one word of advice about this book, it would be: Don't read it before bed! And Johnny Depp? Read the book and eat your heart out!
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Brooklyn Rose
I remember when my niece Glynnis and daughter Sarah were both little girls. They loved the American Girl dolls. Sarah actually still has hers and I'm willing to bet that Glynnis does as well. I liked the dolls, but the thing I liked best about them was that each of the dolls came with a history in the form of books. Each of these dolls had at least four or five stories that you could get to read and find out what life was like in the era of the doll you chose.
Well tonight I read a book that kind of reminded me of those books. The story was called "Brooklyn Rose" and the writer is Ann Rinaldi.
The story is about Rose Frampton who lives in South Carolina during the turn of the century. <I should say now the turn of the 20th century, since we are in a new era ourselves.> Although Rose is a young girl, only 15, she finds herself married to a man twice her age, He is a rich man, a silk merchant. And he brings her to Brooklyn to live with him. Rose didn't love the man when she first married him. She married him because she felt she owed it to her family to do so. But as she gets to know him she discovers herself falling in love with him. It is a confusing time for a fifteen year old girl, as she balances, her life in the big city with getting servants, making friends, meeting her in laws, and learning to love her husband. But Rose manages all of it and makes it sound fun!
The book is written in diary form. Rose Frampton is actually based on Ann Rinaldi's grandmother. A family history that she didn't find out about until later in life, since her mother died and her stepmother cut her off from her biological maternal ties.
The story is written easily enough that a ten to twelve year old will enjoy it. Maybe even a younger child if she enjoys reading the American Girl novels. Ann Rinaldi writes great historical fiction for children and she has many books that boys as well as girls will enjoy.
"Brooklyn Rose" is a wonderful story about a girl growing up. Get it for your American Girl fans. You'll enjoy having her read a story that doesn't come with accessories!
Well tonight I read a book that kind of reminded me of those books. The story was called "Brooklyn Rose" and the writer is Ann Rinaldi.
The story is about Rose Frampton who lives in South Carolina during the turn of the century. <I should say now the turn of the 20th century, since we are in a new era ourselves.> Although Rose is a young girl, only 15, she finds herself married to a man twice her age, He is a rich man, a silk merchant. And he brings her to Brooklyn to live with him. Rose didn't love the man when she first married him. She married him because she felt she owed it to her family to do so. But as she gets to know him she discovers herself falling in love with him. It is a confusing time for a fifteen year old girl, as she balances, her life in the big city with getting servants, making friends, meeting her in laws, and learning to love her husband. But Rose manages all of it and makes it sound fun!
The book is written in diary form. Rose Frampton is actually based on Ann Rinaldi's grandmother. A family history that she didn't find out about until later in life, since her mother died and her stepmother cut her off from her biological maternal ties.
The story is written easily enough that a ten to twelve year old will enjoy it. Maybe even a younger child if she enjoys reading the American Girl novels. Ann Rinaldi writes great historical fiction for children and she has many books that boys as well as girls will enjoy.
"Brooklyn Rose" is a wonderful story about a girl growing up. Get it for your American Girl fans. You'll enjoy having her read a story that doesn't come with accessories!
Friday, March 2, 2012
The Boxcar Children
A long time ago, there were four children, Henry, Jessica, Violet and Benny. The four children were brothers and sisters. Orphaned, they ran away from a grandfather they thought was cruel. In search of food, they found a bakery where the baker and his wife allowed the children to work for a little food. They promised the children that they could live with them, but when they overheard that the baker was planning to send Benny to an orphanage, because he was too young, they ran away. They finally made their home in a boxcar in the woods and from there their adventures begin.
The first book in the series was written in 1924. A few more followed and then stopped. But in 1942 the book was reissued and has continued on with publication ever since. Gertrude Chandler Warner was the original author. She was a young woman who loved writing and dreamed from the time she was five of being a children's writer. When she first published the stories, she came under fire for her books. There were some who believed that her books encouraged children to rebel, and they felt that it was inappropriate to show children getting along without the guidance of adults. To those critics, Gertrude replied it was for that very that the children read her books.
In her books, the eldest, Henry starts out at age 14 and ages until he leaves for college in her last story. Once the series was written by others, the children stay the same age. Gertrude wrote 19 books out of the series. That sounds like a lot until you realize that right now there are more than 140 in the set. For several generations, children from the ages of 7 to 10 have enjoyed reading The Boxcar series. It has a universal appeal to both boys and girls. The Boxcar series is an excellent book for starting young readers on chapter books. Gertrude wrote the books and improved them by reading out loud to the classes that she taught. Since many of the students she taught were learning English as a second language, she modified the writing to make the reading easy, but still managed to make the stories themselves enjoyable.
Although it's hard to think of right now, summer is coming. It would be a perfect time to set up an old refrigerator box in your backyard, start a make believe campfire and join your boys and girls in reading the Boxcar series. I think you'll be glad you did!
The first book in the series was written in 1924. A few more followed and then stopped. But in 1942 the book was reissued and has continued on with publication ever since. Gertrude Chandler Warner was the original author. She was a young woman who loved writing and dreamed from the time she was five of being a children's writer. When she first published the stories, she came under fire for her books. There were some who believed that her books encouraged children to rebel, and they felt that it was inappropriate to show children getting along without the guidance of adults. To those critics, Gertrude replied it was for that very that the children read her books.
In her books, the eldest, Henry starts out at age 14 and ages until he leaves for college in her last story. Once the series was written by others, the children stay the same age. Gertrude wrote 19 books out of the series. That sounds like a lot until you realize that right now there are more than 140 in the set. For several generations, children from the ages of 7 to 10 have enjoyed reading The Boxcar series. It has a universal appeal to both boys and girls. The Boxcar series is an excellent book for starting young readers on chapter books. Gertrude wrote the books and improved them by reading out loud to the classes that she taught. Since many of the students she taught were learning English as a second language, she modified the writing to make the reading easy, but still managed to make the stories themselves enjoyable.
Although it's hard to think of right now, summer is coming. It would be a perfect time to set up an old refrigerator box in your backyard, start a make believe campfire and join your boys and girls in reading the Boxcar series. I think you'll be glad you did!
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