Waiting for Noel: An Advent Story

What a find! Our Yena celebrated her 5th birthday on the 22nd, and this was one of the books we read at bedtime.

Maples in the Mist

Can be used for intro to Chinese culture.  Some of the messages may be lost (and a couple of the kids thought this was "boring") but an older kid may appreciate it better.  On the other hand, the illustrations are beautiful enough that it may still appeal to younger children even if they can't fully relate to the poems.

Learned about it from Genevieve at 4Real.

The Rag Coat

This book tells about a girl who lost her father.   When I first read this it was at a time when we were reading much about poverty and my first thought was, "Wouldn't this depress the kids?"  However, poverty is a constant, universal issue -- it exists because we as a people have not done what we need to do to eradicate it.  In this story the community does what it can to help out this needy family.  There are also themes of dealing with ridicule, developing a positive outlook and being able to communicate effectively with those who criticize you.  The artwork is exceptional and well-suited to the story.  Because of the subject matter, though, you might want to preview it before you read it to your kids. 

Fancy Nancy

Talk about not judging a book by its cover.  The word "fancy" totally threw me.  I IMMEDIATELY thought -- surely *this* is twaddle and not worth reading to the kids.  Was I glad to be wrong!  I almost didn't borrow it!  I loved it too -- very cleverly written -- the plot, the words, the pictures... we love Fancy Nancy and want to read more about her and her family!

Drummer Hoff

Regardless of whether it's anti-war propaganda or not, this is one enjoyable book, especially for boys who love soldiers and cannons and all that.  I first learned about it from Jenn at 4Real.

A discussion guide can be found here.