The Griffin and the Minor Canon

There's this griffin who has never seen his reflection. And then he finds out that there is this stone image of him on a church (the church doors). So he goes over there to check it out. And he's in a field, and basically all the people in the village get freaked out. So this dude, the minor canon, goes out to speak to him. So the minor canon comes back after talking and people find out that the griffin wants to see his image so some angry people try to destroy the griffin's image. But the minor canon protects the church so they can't crush it. And then the people (oh, I'm probably spoiling the story by now) send the minor canon away because they figure out that the griffin probably stays with him because he likes the minor canon. So the griffin gets really angry when he finds him gone. He tries to do everything that the minor canon did and since everybody freaked out, they did everything good, like the school children behaved better, the sick people leaped out of bed because they didn't want to be visited by him, and then he got really angry when they told him that the minor canon was gone. So they all freaked out again and brought the minor canon back. The End. - Nino, 8

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.

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.

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 

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 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.

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.

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.

Thank You, Sarah

This book is about Sarah Hale.  She saved Thanksgiving by writing letters to presidents, but she didn't get "Yes" until Abe Lincoln was president.  - Yena, 8

Journey Cake, Ho!

The book tells about a kid who is helped by a rolling cake when he is sent away from his home because the animals go missing. -- Migi

Goldilocks and the Three Bears

Another charmer from the Jim Aylesworth/Barbara McClintock duo.  Don't miss the "Porridge Cookies" recipe on the back of the book! - Mom

Betsy-Tacy

Wonderful book on girls' friendships.  Like the simplicity (and at the same time, complexity) of their play.  Excellent introduction to chapter books for young readers.  Yena loves these books!

The thing i love about these books is the adventures and fun Betsy and Tacy have.-- Yena 

Betsy-Tacy and Tib

Fun book for girls!  They can be naughty and nice, but always enjoyable.  It's the kind of book that stays with you and becomes part of you (it's also part of a series so don't neglect the others).  You can grow with Betsy, Tacy and Tib.  Good for a history supplement too (19th-20th century). - Mom