Mariel Of Redwall

 I like Mariel of Redwall because of the big adventure she had. First she was thrown by Gabool into the sea and she was thrashed about by the waves, she met the hares and they led her to Pakatugg and then HE led her halfway before she got angry at him because he wouldn't give her any food then she found Tarquin and HE led her to Redwall were she met Dandin and Durry, then she went to find her father Joseph the bell maker with Tarquin, Dandin and Durry, found him and found out that he had formed an army against Gabool and his rats with Rawnblade the badger of Salamandastron and was victorious!


Favorite part:Mother Mellus, Sister Sage and Sister Serena battle gallantly with Storm Gullwacker (Mariel when she forgot her name.)       

Warriors: All The Truth, Tactics, and Triumphs of History's Greatest Fighters

An awesome book for anybody who likes Knights; Samurai; Ninja and other fighters from the past.
This book tells about some gear (like the tools Ninja used) that they had back then.
Overall, I think it was a pretty good book ****1/2* stars.

-Migi 11 years

The Sea Chest

Deeply moving, lyrical book.  Picturesque words throughout bring the emotions to life in this story about a lone child receiving the gift of a sibling from the sea.

Learned about it from the gals at 4real.

Winter Poems

Winter Poems compiled by Barbara Rogasky -- authors included: Shakespeare, Ogden Nash, Elizabeth Coatsworth, Edna St. Vincent Millay, Wordsworth, Robert Frost, etc.

illustrated by Trina Schart Hyman -- one of my fave illustrators

beautiful book combining poetry and art (note: no Christmas or religious poetry included :( )

The Mystery of the Missing Red Mitten

So sweet!  A little girl loses one of her red mittens and goes looking for it with her dog.  Reminds me of Spot Color Photographs

Sleep, Big Bear, Sleep

Awww.... this book must have been written for all the little kiddies out there who JUST. WON'T. SLEEP.  and keep fighting their fatigue until they just CRASH.  (Familiar theme around here, esp. around age 5.)  Like the book implies, maybe they're just not hearing us right?  Cute bedtime story that rhymes. 

A Gift

Keeping our heritage alive is one of the reasons we homeschool.  While our kids are very American in the way they talk, act, think, they also have kept a lot of their Filipino-ness, we believe because we kept them home with us.  They have time to observe and absorb and appreciate what makes us unique as Filipinos. 

This book is about learning about, keeping in touch with, and appreciating one's heritage.  It's a book about family, distance, coping, and the good that can come out when families continue to care about each other even when they are apart. 

Goodnight Moon

If rice is a staple on our dining table, this book is a staple on our little ones' shelves.  Having grown up in the Philippines, I didn't know many of what's considered children's classics here.  Imagine my delight when as a new mom and lifelong lover of books, I stumbled upon Children's Book of the Month Club.... there began a new chapter in my life as collector of children's books.  This was one of our very first purchases.  We're on our 3rd copy now, in 18+ years of parenting.  This still gives much pleasure.  I will forever remember the feel of having my wee one cuddled in my arms while reading this book. 

Boxes for Katje

This book tells about one girl's generosity and how it touches lives in another part of the world.  The story is based on something the author's mother did and is a great lesson on how a spirit of giving can transcend nationalities, differences, etc.  Also would be good for a lesson on WWII and its effects.

The Truth About Bats

This book is a good book for kids because it's science about bats and it tells how they get around and find food at night.-Yena,8

Mary

Who doesn't love Demi's books?  They are beautiful, reverent, extraordinary.

This one tells the story of Mary, the Mother of God.  Each page has a small section, taken from The Book of Mary, the Gospels of Matthew, Luke and John (an added bonus:  Jesus' words are in RED, just like in some Bibles!), The Life of Mary As Seen by the Mystics... the story continues on after Jesus' Resurrection, on through the Pentecost, Mary's Dormition, Assumption and her Coronation, with more selections from Pseudo-Melito.  (If the extra-canonical sources bother you, you may want to click on the links provided in this post for a discussion of them.)  The illustrations are detailed and colorful, always accented with Demi's signature gold.  The Florentine touches are my favorite because Florentine art always manages to strike a chord deep inside me... something about elevating art to the divine.  On both end papers appear a selection of Mary's titles from the Litany of Loreto.

The Legend Of The Christmas Rose

Such a beautiful book! I love how the angel gives Dorothy flowers that she can give Jesus as her gift to him. - Yena, 8 

This is one of those tear-jerker books that *just* has to be read at Christmastime.

As a mother, I feel for Dorothy, who is compelled to see the King/Baby Jesus; I feel her nervousness, her timidity, her shame at having nothing to give.  I want to scoop her in my arms and assure her that anything she has to offer will be lovely in God's eyes.  Dorothy is every one of my children.

As a child of God, I wonder at the awesome gift He gave to us, when He came down from heaven to join us here on earth, as a babe, humble and helpless.  I am grateful that He chose to have His presence known first by shepherds -- His message is for all, not just the rich or the privileged.  I wonder at His continual gift of Himself when He comes to us daily in the Eucharist.

This would also be a good book to read alongside a study of flowers or plants.  The author's note at the back tells about the Christmas rose, Helleborus niger. 

How A Book Is Made

This book is interesting because I didn't know there were so many people that made the book in the story and it must take a long time to make just one book.-Yena, 8 

The Donkey's Dream

There's something about books that talk of the humility of children and animals as it relates to Christmas.  These books serve as great reminders that Christmas is not about lavish or pompous or extravagant -- though they CAN be, of course, and "lavish" and "extravagant" also have their place in celebrating the Lord's birth.  But often, and especially in these days we live in, the reminder to celebrate Advent and Christmas in a manner that differs from the way it's celebrated in most places, is necessary.  So much in our secular world already push us towards the lavish and the extravagant, that to view Christmas in the proper perspective, one needs the quiet and the silence that reading books such as this allows.  While reading this book to kids, it's also appropriate to reflect on the simplicity and the quiet that we need to maintain in our kids' lives, so THEY can focus on what Christmas truly is.

This book is also a lovely one to include in a study of Mary's many different titles, symbols and images.  I am especially moved by the unassuming beauty of the blue forget-me-nots that appear all over the book.  At the end of the book, the author shares the French name of these flowers, les yeux de Marie, or Mary's eyes.  Certainly it would be a blessing to be able to see Christmas through her eyes.

The Little Boy's Christmas Gift

I say that this book is a keeper because it is a beautiful one. - Yena, 8

This is, indeed, a beautiful book -- inspired by the illuminated artwork of the 15th and 16th centuries.  It would be a great addition for a study of artwork created in these time periods.  The story itself is simple but conveys the truth that our gifts are most pleasing to God when we put our heart into them.  It also speaks of the creativity that results when you don't have a lot of resources.  A little fun element is the "I Spy" game you can play while finding the boy "in the dust and shadows" on every page.  

Father And Son: A nativity story

The book tells about Joseph, who is wondering what he can do for Jesus; Because he knows that he is not the real father.
A great book for all ages.

-Migi 11 year

I had objected to Migi's description of "not the real father" which, while true, could also lead to a minimizing of who St. Joseph was and the role that he played in salvation history.... great material for discussion here. - Mom

An Early American Christmas

Another classic by this author.  Brings you back to old time celebrations of Advent and Christmas.  I think we'll be using this book as the basis of our own celebration this Christmas.  We'll Change things a bit and give our preparations a 19th century flavor.  Hmmm.... that's an idea.  Have a different "theme" for each Christmas we celebrate.

The First Christmas Stocking

Claire is such a pretty, honest and happy little girl. I love how she gave the poor boy the stockings even though they were really for the rich Lady's children and that the next day she saw her last stocking full, and found cakes, tobacco for her father, a drink and all the yarn she owed to the lady. -Yena, 8 

Strega Nona by Tomie de Paola

The funny old story about the good witch, who can do magic things.
Back with a magic pasta pot, for some almost instant food.
A great book for kids and adults.

-Migi 11 year

The Complete Bike Book

Kids can learn how to check their bikes, (wheels and frame for example) they can learn about different types, their uses, such as racing, mountain biking, BMX, and just regular biking.

-Migi 11 year

The Super Hungry Dinosaur

What a funny, adorable book!  Toddlers and dinosaur-lovers of all ages will love this book.  The illustrations are done kiddy-style, so cute!  Light fantasy about how Hal saves his loved ones and everyone from getting eaten by the Super Hungry Dinosaur. 

Crow Call

just have a minute to spare... we just read this book and it's sooo beautifully written and illustrated... about a little girl reconnecting with her father who had just come back from the war. true story by Lois Lowry.

Young Mary of Nazareth

What an absolutely beautiful book!!  Marianna Mayer is one of my favorite authors and this is another winner.  From Anne and Joachim's faith, to Mary's own, and then Joseph's, it is page after page of classic artwork and an invitation to trust in God's plan and providence.  I do have a few quibbles with Mary's story (e.g., that she was in pain on the journey to Bethlehem), but this is a book that we proudly keep on our shelves and read often, especially around Mary's feast days throughout the year.

This book would also be an excellent springboard for a study of religious art.

For a discussion of Marianna Mayer and this book, click here.  For discussion on the birth of Jesus, specifically whether Mary experienced pain or not, click here.  Also a related thread.

The Best-Loved Doll

The Best-Loved Doll is one of My Favorite books because even though Jennifer is broken Betsy still loves her, and takes her to Susan's party instead of one of her other dolls. and it turns out to be good because Susan's Mother gives Jennifer a medal and it said"The Best-Loved Doll" and that is i like it.    -- Yena,8

How Robin Saved Spring

How Robin Saved Spring is one of My favorite books because in the end Robin wakes Sister Spring from the long sleep Lady Winter put her in. -Yena, 8

Atherton: Rivers Of Fire

A great book for other kids who like adventure like Edgar, Samuel, and Isabel.

-Migi 11 year

These books are so engaging and page-turners!  My only quibble comes in a sentence in the second book's introduction (or rather, the short summary on the previous book) where it mentions Atherton as having been formed in response to pollution *and overpopulation*.   - Mom

Link to Book 1

Atherton: House Of Power

Great book that I'm pretty sure some other kids will enjoy.
Good for adventurers.

-Migi 11 year

These books are so engaging and page-turners!  My only quibble comes in a sentence in the second book's introduction (or rather, the short summary on the previous book) where it mentions Atherton as having been formed in response to pollution *and overpopulation*.  - Mom

Link to Book 2

There's An Owl In The Shower

The book is a good one for animal story lovers.
There's an Owl in the Shower tells how thoughts toward wild animals can always change.

-Migi 11 year

The Soldiers Night Before Christmas

The old Christmas poem changed into a version about troops, really funny.

-Migi 11 year

This is a very timely book esp. since we have friends in the military that are away from their family at this time of the year.  It reminds the children how lucky and blessed we are that we are all together here in our home.  It also reminds us to be thankful for the sacrifices that our brave service-men and women have to go through -- and their families too -- to keep our country safe.

No Talking

It was an okay book, some insults though, but the big experiment of silence is really interesting.
An enjoyable story for young readers like me.

-Migi 11 year

The Great Brain Does It Again

Great Brain Does It Again

What the book is about: Tom D. Fitzgerald is up to his usual tricks with his great brain and money loving heart.

Favorite Part: Chapter 4, Tom and the Dude, pg. 49

-Migi 11 year

The Book of Time

What the book is about: Sam Faulkner's dad, Allan Faulkner disappeared ten days ago.
Searching for clues in his father's bookshop, Sam stumbles upon a stone statue and a gold coin; and his adventure begins.

Favorite Part: Chapter 19: Hansoku-Make

-Migi 11 year

The Christmas Miracle Of Jonathan Toomey

What the book is about: One day in early winter the widow McDowell comes to ask Mr. Toomey to carve a new nativity set.

-Migi 11 years

There's also a movie available!  Well-made.

Twas The Day Before Christmas

What the book is about: Tells the story of the old Christmas poem by Clement Clarke Moore.

-Migi 11 years

... and how he came up with the poem.  Utterly charming illustrations, the blue(!) snow, the family around the table.  What strikes me most about this is how the family Christmas celebration is depicted -- with the children focused on Dad's surprise:  not expensive gifts of video games or humongous toys ;), but a POEM, something from Dad's heart, not his pocket.  A wonderful read-aloud either at Christmas Eve or on St. Nick's Day.

Linnets and Valerians

Linnets and Valerians is a really good book for kids.
For my part i love how they go on a search with Ezra for the missing Valerians, see the Witch Emma, her cat and in the end see there father again who had to go far off places and work there.


-Yena 8 years-old 

The Great Brain Reforms

What the book is about: Tom Dennis Fitzgerald was always a trickster; but when he goes too far and endangers the lives of two of John's best friends, his brother and all of the kids of Adenville put him on trial in their barn on one summer day.

Favorite Part: The Great Raft Explorer

-Migi 11 year

The Indian In The Cupboard

Indian in the Cupboard

What the book is about: For Omri's birthday, he is given a cupboard from his brother, Gillon; and from his friend Patrick, a little Indian figure.

When he puts the figure into the cupboard and locks it, he soon discovers that the Indian is Little Bear; and it begins a lasting friendship.

-Migi 11

The Great Brain Is Back

What the book is about: In this part of the series, Tom Fitzgerald is thirteen now and still up to his tricks, from the slippery soap deal, to the magic numbers trick and more.

Favorite Part: Chapter 5: The Dogfights


-Migi 11 year

Flight: A popup book of aircraft

What the book is about: The history of airplanes, flying through the Wright Brothers, to warplanes, then tells about the great fliers, who made amazing records.

Favorite Part: The Wings of War

-Migi 11 year

Ancient Weapons

What the book is about: Key dates in history, on early protection and battles.  Short range weapons such as the mace, clubs, morning stars etc.
Also has long range weapons like the bow, throwing axes, and more.

Favorite Part: The Swords Chapter!

-Migi 11 year

The key to the indian

What the book is about: Now that Omri's dad knows about the cupboard, they both find out that Little Bear is in need of help, and they travel back in time to the Indian campsite.

-Migi 11 year

Undercover Tailback

What the book is about: Parker Nolan is a kid who lies a lot, so his football teammates don't believe him when he tells them that he saw a mysterious person leaving the coach's office with a camera.
Now, at each game, their opponents suddenly know all their plays.
And Parker is going to find out who is behind it.

-Migi 11 year

The Legend of Old Befana

Another Tomie de Paola classic.  This tells of a charming old woman who sweeps, sweeps, sweeps... She finds out about the Christ child and goes to see Him, bearing gifts, but alas!  She doesn't find him.  (To me that's the saddest part about the whole story.)

The Story of the Three Wise Kings

The Story of the Three Wise Kings
by Tomie de Paola

Retelling of the Bible story.  With Tomie de Paola's trademark art.  Heee.... his Herod does make me think of Jabba the Hutt.

Extreme Dinosaurs

What this book is about: Goes through the meat and plant eaters telling facts about them.  It tells about how long a certain species lived, their size, and protection.

Favorite part: Big heads = the triceratops

-Migi 11 year

The Way Toys Work

What the book is about: It tells about how the toys work (as the title informs us of), and then on some of them you can make the item.

Favorite Part: How to make an Aerobie

-Migi 11 year

Usborne Knights & Armor

What the book is about: The history of heroic knights and kings, a knights' horses,  shields and weapons, the horses gear, and battle tactics.

Favorite Part: The Knights Armor

- Migi 11 year

Navigators Knights & Castles

What the book is about: Knights & Castles goes from the early middle ages, to the age when mail was used, to the time when steel plate armor was used, to the start of the use of guns.

Favorite part: The Crusades

-Migi 11 year