Neighborhood-Kids All Local. All for Kids. All the Time.

Children’s Book Corner - September 2009

by Stephanie Dethlefs9/7/2009 4:22:36 PM

Welcome to the Neighborhood-Kids Children’s Book Corner! Each month I offer one title each for five different age groups (including a new “Tweens and Teens” suggestion) although by no means should the books be limited to certain ages. These recommendations are based on my experience as the parent of a bookworm, a teacher, and a voracious reader of children’s literature. Happy Reading!

For Baby Bookworms (Birth to 2)
Jamberry by Bruce Degen (Live Oak Media, 1986)

"One berry, two berry, pick me a blueberry." The rhythmic and rhyming phrases of this charming book will soothe your little one. As the story grows in intensity and excitement, the older child will become more and more engaged in the adventure. Embedded in the illustrations are special details children will love to spot. I love this book, and I smile every time I read it.

For Preschool Power Readers (3-5)
The Hello, Goodbye Window by Norton Juster and
Chris Raschka (Michael Di Capua Books, 2005)

This nostalgic book highlights the bond between a young girl and her grandparents. At their house, the girl looks through a kitchen window with wide eyes and open mind, enjoying the world as it passes by. Inside, she and her grandparents enjoy time with each other, playing games and sharing stories. The window is the perfect place to say hello and goodbye, and it puts a nice frame around a very special relationship.

For School-age Scholars (6-8)
Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs, by Judi Barrett and Ron Barrett (Atheneum, 1982)

Before taking the kids to see the animated version on screens this month, enjoy the fun in its pages first. Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs is a joyful journey into the small town of Chewandswallow, where it rained three times a day – but not just any rain. The townspeople enjoyed sprinkles of soup and juice, snow flurries of mashed potatoes, and more. One day, however, the weather took a turn for the worse, and the townsfolk had to come up with a solution as their town was pelted with more – and bigger – food by the minute.

For Independent Intermediates (9-12)
Rules by Cynthia Lord (Scholastic, 2006)

All 12-year-old Catherine wants is a normal life. She watches hopefully as new neighbors move in, a girl her age among them, and imagines the two becoming fast friends. In reality, though, things are not that simple. Catherine’s family revolves around her brother David’s autism. She finds herself simultaneously resenting how he can make situations difficult and wanting to protect him from those who would mock him. She also has a new, surprising friend who challenges her thoughts about normalcy. This is a charming, touching book about love, family, friendship, and kindness.

For ‘Tweens and Teens (13-15)
Peak by Roland Smith (Harcourt, 2008)

The son of climbers, 14-year-old Peak Marcello finds himself in trouble with the law after scaling New York City skyscrapers. As a condition of his release, Peak is sent to live with his father, who is preparing to climb Mount Everest. Peak finds himself presented with the possibility of becoming the youngest person ever to reach the summit, though he realizes that his father’s motives may be less fatherly and more financially motivated. The book is full of facts about the skills, tools, and dangers involved in scaling a mountain, as well as the lack of respect many climbers have for the Sherpa who travel alongside them. This is a thrilling adventure tale that will excite readers of all ages.

A Note About the Author: Stephanie Dethlefs

Stephanie Dethlefs is the mom of two children who writes, teaches, and runs the Young Writers Studio in her spare time. Originally from Seattle, she arrived in Bellingham in 1996. A perfect day would include playing outside with her husband and kids and getting lost in a book.