Children's Picture Book Reviews Three Cheers for Three More Greats

Reading out loud, reading independently, and listening to literature (or R.A.I.L. as I like to call them) are all beneficial parts of your literary experience. Children are not the only ones that benefit greatly from everyday exposure to R.A.I.L. Many of us read mostly to ourselves. Even though we don't always read books, we read cereal boxes, newspaper articles, directions, ingredients, labels, and so many things we either don't recognize as reading , or don't consider to be reading.

None the less, all of these keep our minds oiled. Contrary to popular belief, the buck does not stop there. There is a whole world of free brain-power out there for the taking. This means reading aloud (to someone or yourself) even if it means just a few paragraphs, a part of an article, or what have you. It also means listening to someone read to you.

"But I don't have anyone to read to me," is one of your concerns (or excuses); consider some of the following options: Listen to a commentary on NPR. Encourage someone to share something they find interesting. For example, if someone says, newspaper or magazine in hand, "Did you know Maya Angelou is coming to the University?" reply, "No, what does the article say?" Of course books on tape are always a plus and an easy way to literary pleasure. They also come free at your public library, and titles can even be transferred to your branch if you are searching for a particular title.

Ride the R.A.I.L. and help your children do the same. Their reading and listening skills will improve dramatically and strengthen in all aspects of reading.

It's time to fly with Abuela, written by Arthur Dorros, Illustrated by Elisa Kleven, Published by Dutton Children's Books; 1995.  We think this book is fantastic!  It is the story of a girl, Rosalba, and her grandmother, Abuela (Spanish for grandmother), and their marvelous journey in Rosalba's imagination.  One of the greatest things about this book is its wonderful ability to speak to children on many levels.  This is a multicultural picture book, its messages are universal.

Abuela is also a perfect way to introduce a foreign language to a young child (and to yourself along the way).  Spanish words and phrases are interwoven in a beautiful and simple manner. 

We would fly all over the city."Mira," Abuela would say, pointing.  And I'd look, as we soared over parks and streets, dogs and people.

At the end of this book, you will find a glossary of the words and phrases used in this story, their pronunciation, and their meaning (so you don't have to be afraid of reading this great read-aloud book out loud!)  Kleven has done a beautiful job of bringing this story to life.  Her mixed-media collage (using watercolor, pastels, ink, and cut paper) are full of color and life.  Run to your library and check out this book!

 Cinderhazel: The Cinderella of Halloween is both written and illustrated by Deborah Nourse Lattimore and was first published by The Blue Sky Press; 1997.  Approximate age group is 6-9, but we say it's great for children of all ages. 

Cinderhazel is the Cinderella of Halloween.  Deborah Nourse Lattimore has done a fabulous job with this hysterical and well-written, personable story.  Lattimore captures Cinderhazel's pride for dirt quite eloquently.  Her full page watercolor spreads, with fabulous colors and lines, get into the down and dirty messiness and that Halloween feel.  In fact, this book is dedicated to three "artists who aren't afraid of dirt or paint".

This modern Cinderella story, although true to the well-known version, is quite unique.  No where else can you find such a hysterical and bafoony Prince Alarming, who is absolutely icky and filthy, and o so perfect for Cinderhazel.  This is a definite must-read and a great read-aloud.  So check out this book!

The Magic Paintbrush by Demi is a wonderful book. But don't take my word for it. For this review, I thought I'd let you in on a special read aloud instead.

I will tell you, however, that this story gets the imagination going, and you'll find it easy to make discussion after this one.  Or, if you're reading this at bedtime, a great dream starter for the little ones.  Yourself included. 

Enjoy.