Children’s Book Week: May 2 to 8, 2011

"There are many little ways to enlarge your child's world. Love of books is the best of all." ~ Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis

This post is a slight interruption in the Mother’s Day series because I didn’t want to miss out on mentioning this is Children’s Book Week, the national celebration of books and reading for youth.

Since 1919, Children's Book Week has been celebrated countrywide with author and illustrator appearances, parties, storytelling and other book-related events in schools, libraries, bookstores, clubs – anywhere where kids and books connect.

Reading to children has always been important to me. I was an early reader and never lost my love of books. In fact, I did everything I could to instill that same fondness of reading in my own children and, now, my grandchildren.

I’m also a member of the local library board of directors, which gives me additional opportunities to promote reading among young people.

This week, across the nation, folks are finding ways to celebrate reading and children. For my contribution, I’m posting reviews for two great books you can read with your own child.

Pelly and Mr. Harrison Visit the Moon by Lindsay Ward

From the book jacket:

 An ordinary evening turns extraordinary when Pelly and Mr. Harrison notice something special about the bathtub. There’s a rocket engine attached to the end. Landing softly on the moon, they meet a little alien who introduces them to the delights of lunar living – s’moons, star catching, moon rock digging. It’s a shame they have to get back, and they’ll never see their new friend again…Or will they?

Just my opinion:

This is a great book for any child who loves bedtime stories. Pelly and Mr. Harrison (her dog) are getting ready for bed. Pelly is brushing her teeth when she notices the bathtub has a rocket engine and they climb in for a fun time in outer space. They discover lots of fun stuff on the moon, including a green alien who takes them on a tour of her planet. It’s a charming book with wonderful illustrations and I’m looking forward to reading this to my grandchildren.

Author Lindsay Ward grew up in California where she learned to love the ocean and the sunshine. She earned a bachelor's degree in illustration from Syracuse University and now lives in Ohio.

To learn more about her and this book, visit her website or her blog.

Adventures of Rusty and Ginger Fox by Tim Ostermeyer

From the book jacket:

When two young foxes set out to explore the forest, they encounter all kinds of creatures. Some of them are friendly, while others would like nothing more than to eat the two young explorers! Rusty and Ginger may be able to outfox bears, bobcats, cougars and wolves, but can they unlock the mysterious box that awaits them on Treasure Island? And will the little girls they meet there turn out to be friends or foes?

Just my opinion:

Charming and delightful! Those are probably the two words that best describe this wonderful book every child will enjoy. Young readers will be thrilled with the tale and those who are just learning will love the adorable photos that accompany the story. And sprinkled along the way are some interesting facts about the animals found in forests, including humans.

Author Tim Ostermeyer is a master photographer and has won more than 250 first-place awards. That’s evident as soon as you open the pages. The expressions on the faces of these endearing young foxes will make you want to read this book again and again with your children or, like me, grandchildren.

As an extra bonus, be sure to check out the book’s website. There you can take a look inside the book and download a variety of coloring pages. You can also find out what to do if you encounter wild animals in the forest, as well as read some tips on wildlife photography. And if you live in Texas, you can find out where Tim will be speaking.