Michael Hague's Family Christmas Treasury  

by Michael Hague

Summary: Includes stories, poems, and music associated with Christmas.

The beautiful classic illustrations work well with the traditional songs. I especially cared for the illustrations of rabbits and other animals. I found the note at the end of the note about the history of songs contained in the book fascinating. Older children may find the note interesting, also.

Interest Level: ages 2-grade 3

Reading Level: grade 3 

The Negro Speaks of Rivers

by Langston Hughes

Summary: Artist E.B. Lewis acts as interpreter and visionary, using watercolor to pay tribute to Hughes's timeless poem.

Lewis won the Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor award, a prestigious American Library Association Award, for this book. The vivid watercolor illustrations accompany the previously written text beautifully. One could have a long discussion about the text. This is an excellent for celebrating Black History Month.

Interest Level: ages 2-grade 3
Reading Level: grade 3

My People
by Langston Hughes

Summary: Langston Hughes’ spare yet eloquent tribute to his people has been cherished for generations. Now, acclaimed photographer Charles R. Smith Jr. interprets this beloved poem in sepia photographs that capture the glory, the beauty, and the soul of being a black American today.

The illustrations in this book accompany the previously written text very well. This is an excellent share for Black History Month.

Interest Level: ages 2-grade 3
Reading Level: grade 1

Happy April Fools Day!

April is...

National Humor Month

National Poetry Month

World Habitat Awareness Month

April 10th to 16th is National Library Week
April 22nd is Earth Day
April 24th is Easter

Click on the labels below to celebrate with a super read!

Happy March!

March is:

Women's History Month

Poetry Month

Happy Saint Patrick's Day!

Check out the labels below for themed books



Last Song

Last Song: A Poem

 by James Guthrie

Summary: A squirrel family spends the day together--waking, playing, and nestling down to sleep under the eye of a watchful parent. Based on an old Scottish poem.

This book is wonderful for babies because it has very little text and vibrant illustrations. It is also appropriate to read to preschool age children before bed.

Interest Level: infants, ages 2-4

Reading Level: grade 2

Librarianjk recommends Scranimals

Scranimals

by Jack Prelutsky

Summary: Each page has a poem about mixed animal names (example: potatoad)

This is a very creative book. Some of the names are hard to pronounce, but I think young children would find this very amusing. A child can point out what two words are being combined.

Interest Level: grades K-3
Reading Level: grade 5