Hana in the Time of the Tulips

Lovely artwork in the style of Rembrandt, by Deborah Noyes.  Explains a (to me) little-known phenomenon that happened in Holland in the 17th century:  tulipomania.  A good book for parents to read to their kids, esp. in light of the economic concerns of our times.  Brings attention to parents' natural desire to provide material security for their family -- but helps us remember that doing this should not happen at the expense of our personal relationships, esp. wth our children.  Excellent reminder for all.

Word Wizard

A cute book for beginning readers, or those who are just beginning to fall in love with words and reading.  Very creative and fun.  Also good for a beginner's study of anagrams. 

The Seven Silly Eaters

Silly, silly, silly, in this case, also means fun, fun, fun and true, true, true.  I love this book!  I should prescribe this to myself for whenever I am having a down day and thinking too seriously about our life, our clutter, esp. in our kitchen, and our food allergies!

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.

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!