Children's Book Review

For those of you who read to kids, here's the next installment for my column in "Ohio Valley Parent."

AND TO THINK THAT WE THOUGHT THAT WE’D NEVER BE FRIENDS by Mary Ann Hoberman, illustrated by Kevin Henkes.
A brother and sister squabble, until their other sister helps them resolve their conflict. "It's funny how quickly an argument ends...And to think that we thought that we'd never be friends." This same family resolves another conflict: neighbors playing loud instruments. These neighbors invite the family to join in, which starts a marvelous gathering rolling. Soon, all sorts of unlikely companions join the parade, characters who, under any other circumstances, might not like each other very much. The happy parade moves all around the globe, persuading everyone who begins to complain that it would be a lot more fun and harmonious to come along and celebrate instead.

What would happen if warring nations created art together and played together instead of going to war? This is a little wonder of a book. The illustrations are so jubilant and the words so fun to read aloud, you will turn the pages time and again.


THE ADVENTURES OF TOM THUMB by Marianna Mayer, illustrated by K. Y. Craft.
No childhood would be complete without knowing Tom Thumb, the little boy no bigger than his father's thumb, who grew up to be one of the bravest and most celebrated little men in the reign of King Arthur. If your children have not met Tom Thumb yet, they will be thrilled to open these pages. The story is rich and wonderfully told, and the illustrations are simply magnificent. Each page is like an illuminated manuscript, so full of detail, color and life that it is hard to believe the pictures are simply paintings. They bring Tom Thumb and his adventures fully alive: how, through Merlin's magic, he comes to Tall Tim of the Mountains and his wife, Kate; how he is swallowed by a cow, carried away by a crow, and ends up on the great hearth of the giant; and how he defeats the ogre, even though he is no bigger than a flea compared to him.

What a grand message to give our children: Though we may have disadvantages, we can still conquer and win in life if we have a strong spirit of courage, adventure and determination. This is a treasure.

AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL: A POP-UP BOOK by Robert Sabuda.
Those who have seen the three-dimensional paper art of Robert Sabuda know that describing his inventive and extremely clever art as "pop-up" is a bit like describing the Super Bowl as just a football game. This glorious book is another masterpiece. This is a children's book for adults!

Familiar and much-loved American landmarks arise and form as you open each page of this tribute to the monuments and great sights of our big and beautiful country. From a New York City skyline complete with Statue of Liberty beckoning homeward, to the tall and proud Golden Gate Bridge; from a river boat ride down the mighty Mississippi in a boat with revolving paddles, to a visit to the nation's Capitol. Accompanied by the words of "America the Beautiful," each and every illustration of this innovative book is a jaw-dropping labor of love.