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.

Rattletrap Car

Tell me, how can a book that reads, "Flippita fluppita, fizzelly sizzelly, wappity bappity, lumpety bumpety, clinkety clankety, bing bang pop!" not be fun?  Littles will love it, and the bigger kids will love reading it to them. 

Rechenka's Eggs

This is the book that inspired Aisa to study Pysanky-making.  Luckily we are in Pennsylvania and a local church here has a group of ladies who gather every year for a workshop and some Pysanky making!  They were so nice!  And Ais was the youngest one there, but they were so accommodating and helpful.  Now I'd like to learn how too.  If we didn't have the baby I would have gone.  I'd love to learn how to vinegar-etch as well.... ONE DAY.  Such detailed art!  And as usual, Polacco's story about Babushka and the goose she saved, AND how she is repaid for her gift, touches you deeply.

PS Pysanky is probably a good art/craft to get into around middle school age, a bit earlier with parent's supervision.

Ten Mice for Tet

Really cute counting book!  Love the embroidered illustrations, very clever.  This would be so great for a sampler!

Bunny day: Telling time from breakfast to bedtime

Cute little book for reading aloud to little ones and introducing them to the concept of time and how our days work. Even the endpapers are included in the story!  Funny and fun.  And I love that the parents are shown chillin' at the end of the day.  (A good reminder to kids that their mom and dad need down time too :).  You could also use it to begin a day.

The Crippled Lamb

Disclaimer:  I am not a Max Lucado fan.

This book, however, I like well enough from a non-fan standpoint.  I love how Mr. Lucado and his kids wove into the Christmas story the virtue of being able to conform oneself to God's will.  Sometimes we have our plans and we feel bad when things don't go as we would like, but it's always good to be reminded that our Father in heaven knows BEST, and that His plans are always so much better than any we could come up with ourselves.

The Year at Maple Hill Farm

Having dreamed of owning and running a farm almost from the time we were newlyweds, I always have to breathe a sigh whenever I read this book.  Of course, I am quite idealistic and imagine that farm life would only be all the beautiful times depicted in it.  We know it's harder than it looks.  But I still find myself wishing.

This book takes you through the season's changes and the animals' lives throughout a year at the farm.  I found out that "Maple Hill Farm" is actually the authors' home.

Love Is...

Wonderful selection for Valentine's Day, or for a study of St. Paul, or to accompany a Bible study of Paul's letters to the Corinthians.  Reminiscent of stained glass artwork.  Wendy Halperin is an amazing artist!  So much, so much is woven into these pages, that just this book itself could be used to begin rabbit trails into so many more stories and events.  Excellent gift for engaged couples, or young families.... anyone really.  But first get one for yourself :)