Montessori Books

Non Fiction book recommendation series

2010-11-05T11:23:00.000-07:00

"Our favorites are the Pull Ahead Book series, Rookie Read About
series, First Step nonfiction series, A True Book series, and the
Let's Find Out About Science. All but the last one have "real
pictures of real people, places, things, doing real stuff", as my kids
call it.

Pull Ahead at least has a series on Animals, American Symbols, Mighty
Movers, etc. We especially like these because there is a relevant
diagram with parts labeled at the end of each one. Parts of a fire
truck is an all time favorite work after we read this book near the
beginning of the school year.

Scholastic/Children's Press offers Rookie Read About Science,
Biography, Geography, etc.
True Books and Let's Find Out About Science are longer books but the
kids love them as read alouds and again after they learn to read. The
Let's Find Out series has multiple levels. We use both level 1 and
2's in our classroom.

-Alice Allen

Announcing Montessori book club!

2010-09-16T10:36:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the Montessori Book Club sponsored by the Montessori foundation and moderated by Tracy Crawford and Sharon Caldwell.

The focus of this new group is to read and discuss Montessori books and gain a deeper understanding of Montessori philosophy as either teachers, parents or individuals interested in understanding more about Montessori education. The timing of each book read will be flexible depending the group reading although there will be a tentative schedule. Initially we will focus on three books Montessori Children by Carolyn Sherwin Bailey, Maria Montessori: Her Life and Her Work by E.M. Standing, and

Dr. Montessori's Own Handbook by Maria Montessori.

Montessori Children will be the group's primary focus. It is available free from Google Books currently! There are descriptions and one Amazon review (where available) below.

The Montessori Foundation has set up an educational moodle to support the book club. It includes several discussion forums. Individuals that participate will have the opportunity to discuss general education books and suggest books for future reading. A special section has been set up to store meaningful quotes that are found in the reading.

The Montessori Foundation will set up a unique page and link to the book club from the home page, but we haven't accomplished this yet. The book club can be accessed by going to https://www.montessori.org/moodlecourses/
. We will need to enroll interested individuals by providing a login and password, but we're opening to move to open access.

Please contact:
Sharon Caldwell at SharonCaldwell@montessori.org or
Tracy Crawford at TracyCrawford@gmail.com
For more information!

Montessori Children By Carolyn Sherwin Bailey
This book is available online and free from Google books. It was published in 1915 and contains some unusual insights into what the early practice of Montessori education was like. One example was that the initial color tablets were spools of silk thread. Ms. Baily went to Rome in order to study the results of Montessori education. She observed the children themselves as well as had the opportunity to meet with Maria Montessori and listen to her lectures. It is primarily a study of the children of a Montessori environment. It is easy to read and very descriptive.

Maria Montessori: Her Life and Her Work by E.M. Standing
This book is technically a biography, but it contains a very dense summary of Montessori practice and philosophy. E.M. Standing worked closely with Maria Montessori in the writing of it and she read much of the manuscript. Although not written by Maria Montessori, much of it sounds as if it could be her words. This book is heavy on philosophy and includes elements that I have not previously seen in other books such as the sensitive periods for "Learning Good Manners" and "Grammar."

Amazon review
"This is the book that opened Montessori's theories and achievements to me in a way her own writing never managed to. The Standings are not unbiased, having worked with Dr. Montessori --- but they do an excellent job of weaving Montessori's life story with her teaching discoveries and methods. If someone is interested in learning about the Montessori method, and can only read one book, this is the one. There is another biography by Rita Kramer that looks good, but I haven't gotten to it yet. Good luck!"

Dr. Montessori's Own Handbook by Maria Montessori
This book is written by Maria Montessori and is easy to read. The Handbook is more about the didadic materials and the prepared environment rather than philosophy although any discussion on the Montessori method includes philosophy. There are extensive descriptions of the Children's House, sensorial, language and mathematical materials.

Amazon review
"This short book is like an Army basic training manual. Montessori teaching methods are described in detail, like recipes in a cookbook. An interesting section on food for children recommends large amounts of fat and sugar foods and therefore seems outdated. The systematic order achieved by the method is described as desirable while too much variety and child/teacher interaction is regarded as undesirable. The book warns that over-stimulating a child's imagination could cause him or her to miss the purpose of the lessons (tell that to Barney). The author's works have a ring of truth throughout and are valuable because of the spirit they convey even today."

Review - Montessori Way

2010-09-16T10:20:00.000-07:00

Review of The Montessori Way written by Sharon Cauldwell and found on the Montessori Foundation website

The Montessori Way, published in 2003, is an essential addition to any Montessori bookshelf.

The wealth of color photographs and magazine-article style chapters make the content accessible to the layman while providing detailed information for students of education or staff of Montessori schools. The first section gives an overview of the approach, covering those aspects which define good practice in Montessori schools. The second section examines and explains the concept of “Planes of Development”, clearly outlining how the different stages require a different style of education and how the prepared environments cater for the various age groups. The last two sections answer many questions parents raise regarding the benefits of Montessori for their children, and give valuable guidelines on choosing a school.

This book provides such a comprehensive treatment of Montessori that schools would benefit from making copies available to prospective parents. The book also boasts a list of resources and a comprehensive bibliography, along with a reliable index, which make it an invaluable reference source for schools.

How to Raise an Amazing Child

2010-09-16T10:03:00.000-07:00

Review: How to Raise an Amazing Child written by Matthew Rich on the Montessori Foundation website

This publication almost seems to jump off the shelf and is possessed of all the charm, colour, and clarity that those who work with young people have come to expect from Dorling Kindersley publications. All children are born with amazing hidden capabilities and this book directs parents in how to preserve and nurture these invisible capacities in a way which enables every child to grow towards becoming the best possible version of him/herself. It achieves this in a way which is both classical and original, both scholarly and anecdotal, and which is – above all – highly accessible. This is a trademark that we have come to expect from Tim Seldin whose previous publications include The Montessori Way (co-authored by Dr. Paul Epstein) which is, in the reviewer’s opinion, the best general introduction to contemporary Montessori education available.

Although Tim’s book is based on the scientific approach pioneered by Maria Montessori, which research over the last century has consistently shown to aid development in all domains[1], it consists of accessible and relevant information which is useful and appropriate for all loving parents. Much of what Tim writes is based on classic works in the field of child development including Silvana Quattrocchi Montanaro[2], Paula Polk Lillard[3], and Susan Stephenson[4] (to whom he pays special homage in his acknowledgements[5]), however unlike these excellent - and often encyclopedic - reference books How to Raise an Amazing Child can be easily used by any parent from any background.

Rather than painting broad strokes in the language of principle or waxing lyrical on the finer points of philosophy Tim has adopted a style which is clear and grounded whilst remaining comprehensive in its detail. The colorful photographs by the incredibly gifted Vanessa Davies are used to great effect in taking the reader step by step through a number of important exercises in preparing the environment for the young child and presenting and creating learning materials in the home. This creates a sense of rapport and clarity that makes you feel as though you are consulting with the author in person. It is noteworthy that Mr. Seldin has clearly made every attempt to avoid jargon and when he has used more specialized language he has made it not only comprehensible but also relevant. However, what is even more exceptional is that he achieves this while still being able to uphold - and indeed pay homage to - the integrity and purity of Montessori’s vision.

A book of this sort is not without its difficulties, especially considering the diverse readership which it is likely to attract. It concerns me that some of the activities presented here may be misinterpreted and used in a contrived way by people who are not initiated in an ethic of following the child. Ultimately like any handbook of this sort its usefulness is dependant upon the consistency of its use. If the reader attempts to simply glean handy hints from this book (and there are many hidden between its pages) they will find their presentations of the activities somewhat less successful than if they had taken the time to understand the straightforward principles and pervasive ethos upon which the book is based.

For instance, the three period lesson introduced on p 167 of the text is a superb method for teaching basic vocabulary, however this kind of activity would prove to be of limited value if children were compelled to take part in these lessons against their will (see for e.g. pp 108 ff in the text) or if they were coerced into doing it through the threat of punishment (see for e.g. pp 118 ff, especially at p 121). Along this line - and I believe Mr. Seldin would agree with me in this regard - there is an increasing need for texts, which possess the clarity and accessibility of this book, and are aimed more specifically at engendering an ethos of peace, respect, and partnership in parent-child relationships.

In summary, I believe that How to Raise an Amazing Child is one of those rare books (in a field assailed with drivel) which every person involved with early childhood development would do well to get their hands on. It attempts to take a philosophy and method which, despite a century of unparalleled accomplishment, has remained obscure in the eyes of the public and make it not only accessible but also practicable in the home of every parent who cares enough to listen. In the reviewer’s opinion the author and publisher succeed admirably. At the very least Tim Seldin has created a highly practical handbook that makes being child-friendly parent-friendly and, as far as I’m concerned, that in itself makes this a book of exceptional distinction.

Caldecott Award winners

2010-09-15T18:48:00.000-07:00

The Three Pigs by David Weisner (Caldecott award!)

- It starts as a classic version of the Three little Pigs. Except the Pigs escape out of the pages of the book. Then they fold up the pages and turn them into a paper airplane. The airplane crashes into "Hey diddle diddle." They rescue a dragon and other assorted creatures go home to the third little piggie's house. That scares away the wolf!

Other books by David Weisner include (Caldecott award and medal winners.)
- Flotsam
- Tuesday

Once a Mouse by Marcia Brown

- The story of a hermit with magic powers that rescues a mouse, gradually turns him into something larger to save him, then back into a mouse.

- Woodcut illustrations in simple color.

Montessori reflections on Literature and Fantasy

2010-09-15T15:00:00.000-07:00

Although I try really hard to use only reality based books, I have to honestly say that I am not 100%.Once in a while a book with animals talking sneaks its way in! For picture books I look for beautiful illustrations and interesting stories. I do read The Kissing Hand the first day of school basically because I have never found a book that is better than that on the subject of transition.

Books of the popular culture like Thomas the Train and Dora are not in my class and if children bring them in, they show their favorite page on the circle and out the book in their cubby. I am careful that what I read aloud to children has educational value...... When a child asks why.... I explain honestly that it will not help our learning.

I have never thought so much about exaggerations but I think a lot about offering a multicultural view of the world and people in it through the literature!

Posted by: "Cathie Perolman"

We had a HUGE discussion about this on this list last year or so and it gave me the motivation to "clean out" my class library. I took out all books that had animals portrayed as people, talking animals and in animate objects, etc. The children have never missed them. There are other books that seemed too fantasy based where it was quite confusing to the children. My feeling is that I am the teacher who the children look up to, and although parents are probably reading fantasy books, sharing fantasy stories, etc, the children know that they can count on me to help them sort out what is real and what is not real. I do have a section of fiction books, although small and non commercial, they passed my inspection years ago and remain on the shelf. To tell you the truth, the children rarely choose one of those books for me to read to them. They usually choose reality books about transportation(current), the seasons, planets, animals, plants and other people and places around the world.

2. If you have a "reality" only policy for books, do you believe that children are not influenced by outside literature or television programming. (Thomas the Tank, Dora Explorer)
Sure they are influenced but just like they know there are different rules at home then at school(it's ok to climb up slides at home, but not at school), they know without reminders what conversations will be at school. That doesn't mean that a cartoon character does not come up among friends, but the influence is not that major in the classroom. Of course, we have in our parent handbook, talk about such things (our classroom is reality based and what that means) so we tend to attract families that share that way of thinking. It is a family value. We still have occasional child that seems obsessed with a cartoon character from home, but I have noticed less children coming from homes that use tv as babysitters like I did at my last school.

Maureen

I don't think that the schools that I worked for had a "policy" about literature. I think that they left it to our descretion. My job before I was trained and was working as an assistant was to bring library books that I selected to school. This was a lesson for the children that the library is an interesting place full of wonderful books to borrow. I had a couple real lapses where I didn't read the books and brought them in and my teacher gave me a look. One was about a man dying of aids. This is a great tool for a parent to child situation but hardly appropriate for a class of thirty preschoolers. My other one was about a boy who fantasized turning himself into a monster and eating his enemies. She started to read this one before we both realized what the plot entailed. Needless to say I "always" read the books that I brought in from then on.

Posted by: "marie.hopkinson@comcast.net"

Children's Books - Nature

2010-06-12T13:08:00.000-07:00

Reviews courtesy of Liz at Notes from a Small Town

Ages: 3 and up

Romanova, Natalia. Once There Was A Tree. Ills. Gennady Spirin. New York: Dial Books, 1985.

This book contains detailed illustrations that depict the life of a tree in the forest. The story describes the creatures that make the tree its home (bark beetle, ants) and those that found the tree useful in forest living (titmouse, bear, human). The book addresses the abstract thought of forest ownership. A beautiful book about what happens when a tree lives a great life and provides life after the stump is the only part that remains.

Ages: 3.5 and up

Muller, Gerda. Around the Oak. New York: Dutton Children’s Books, 1994. (American edition).

Clear, crisp illustrations are of the many highlights of this book. Around the Oak describes a year of forest life. In the Fall, Ben and Caroline visit their cousin Nick, whose family lives in the forest with their forest ranger father. Muller introduces the reader to various wildlife and discusses how an oak grows from a tiny acorn. The story is long, but well worth the time it takes to read through. There are lots of extensions for older kids (nature journals, identifying different leaves, etc). Highly recommended.

Ages: 4 and up

Burt, Erica. Natural Materials. Rourke Enterprises, Inc.: Vero Beach, Fl.

A quick and easy guide to craft projects using natural materials. Many of the suggested projects can be simplified for a younger child. An interesting way to combine art and nature.

Hooray for Diffendoofer Day! (Dr. Seuss on Education)

2010-05-31T18:54:00.001-07:00

The perfect book by Dr. Seuss for a Montessori school...

"Miss Bobble teaches listening.
Miss Wobble teaches smelling.
Miss Fribble teaches laughing.
and Miss Quibble teaches yelling.

Miss Twinning teaches tying knots
In neckerchiefs and noodles,
And how to tell chrysanthemums
From miniature poodles.

Miss Vining teaches all the ways
A pigeon may be peppered,
And how to put a saddle
on a lizard or a leopard."

Children's books- by author

2010-05-31T18:53:00.001-07:00

Sam McBratney

Guess How Much I Love You

I'm Sorry

I'll Always Be Your Friend

Just You and Me

Yes We Can!

Helen Lester

Princess Penelope's Parrot

A Porcupine Named Fluffy

It Wasn't My Fault

Me First

The Wizard, The Fairy, and the Magic Chicken (haven't read...)

Monkey and Me By Emily Gravett

Publishers Weekly - "With a lot of imagination and some creative contortions, a little girl pretends that she and her adored stuffed monkey fit right in with tribes of penguins, kangaroos, bats, elephants and... monkeys. A catchy refrain sets up each scenario: “Monkey and me,/ Monkey and me,/ Monkey and me,/ We went to see....” Readers can take a moment to guess which species the feisty pigtailed narrator, a Pippi ..."

Wolves by Emily Gravett

Elisa Kleven (Favorite author, because of stories and pictures - not all books read)

Wishing Ball

Ernst

The Paper Princess

Sun Bread

The Lion and the Little Red Bird

Ellen Stoll Walsh

Mouse Magic

Mouse Paint

Martin Waddell

Owl Babies

Tom Rabbit

Can't you sleep Little Bear

Let's go home, Little Bear

Lucky O' Leprechaun in School by Jana Dillion.- St. Patrick's Day
- Nothing scary, Irish myth, class catches the leprechaun, gets a wish and he takes them on a class field trip to the moon.

When an Elephant goes to a Party
By Sonia Levitin, Jeff Seaver
- Excellent manners book
- "Party-going manners are taught through the agency of an elephant invited along for the fun. 'When you take Elephant to a party, it helps to be prepared. First ask if you may bring a guest.'

Tyrannosaurus Math By Michelle Markel, Doug Cushman
- Excellent math book with interest with Dinosaurs

Bridges are to Cross by Philemon Sturges
- Realistic illustrations of real and famous bridges

Play, Mozart, Play by Peter Sis
- book about Mozart written for children

Chinese culture

2010-05-31T18:51:00.001-07:00

D is for Dragon Dance by Ying Chang Compesine; Chinese culture and Chinese New Year
Amazon review
D is for Dragon Dance is an absolutley beautiful book that has information on the Chinese New Year done so in an A to Z fashion.

Each page is a work of art because if you look at it you will notice that underneath each drawing is Chinese Characters, some represent a single word and others a saying. The characters where done in 4 different calligraphy styles 3 from the dynasty they where from and 1 in the cursive or grass style. On the last page of the book in the author's note, under the artist note you will see the word Dragon and how it looks in each of the 4 styles. With the characters underneath each painting, it give each page a textured look that makes fools your eyes and makes your hands go to feel each page, only to be disappointed that it feels paper smooth and not textured as you see. I love the way the artist draws, his children are beautiful!

Here is the break down of what each letter stands for.
A - Acrobats
B - Balls (shows a acrobat in a 2 person Fu dog / lion dancers balanced on a ball)
C - Calligraphy
D - Dragon Dance
E _ Evil Spirits
F - Firecrackers
G - Grandma & Grandpa
H - Haircut ( the author probablty didn't have the space to mention it, but one should only get their hair cut before the New Year and not during the New Year Celebrations because you'll be cutting off all of your good luck)
I - Incense
J - Jade
K - Kites
L - Lanterns
M - Moon
N - Noodles
O - Oranges
P - Peking Duck
Q - Quiz
R - Red Envelopes
S - Steamed Dumplings ( Yum!!)
T - Tradition
U - Unity
V - Veneration
W - Wish
X - Xylograph
Y - Yo - Yos
Z - Zodiac ( 12 year cycle) This one starts in the year 1981 the year od the rooster and ends in 2016 in the year of the monkey.

The Magic Tapestry by Demi

- Chinese culture

- The story of a mother that weaves a magnificent tapestry that is then stolen by the fairies to copy. Three sons go after it, but the two oldest choose a box of jewels rather than the hardships necessary.

Cinderella- several versions

2010-05-31T18:49:00.001-07:00

Adelita by Tomie de Paola

- Mexican Cinderella story.
- Mixture of Spanish and English. Classic Tomie de Paola style. Traditional story

The Egyptian Cinderella
- by Shirley Climo

The story focus on a slave girl who looks different from the Egyptian servants. She dances so well that she pleases her master and he buys her glittering slippers. A bird eventually steals the slippers and drops them in the Pharoahs lap. He then finds her. No fairy godmother.

New versions of classic fairytales and Poetry (Many Caldecott winners)

2010-05-31T18:45:00.001-07:00

Goldilocks and the Three Bears retold by Jim Aylesworth, Illustrated by Barbara McClintock

This is the classic story of Goldilocks except it is framed as a little girl that sometimes forgets what her mother tells her what to do. She wandered into the woods because she was chasing butterflies and then wanting to see more pretty birds. The bears house was so pretty that she forgot what her mother said and peeked in the kitchen door. She didn't mean to eat up all the porridge or break the chair! When the bears were looking at her she remembered she wasn't supposed to talk to strangers and then she ran home.
Illustrations are colored line drawings, separate from the text. Strong focus on goldilocks emotions.
Excellent book.

Rupelstiltskin retold and illustrated by Paul O. Zelinsky

Caldecott award; large detailed illustrations, often crossing two pages. Expressions and texture.
Classic story.
Miller brags to king of daughter spinning gold; King orders girl brought before him. Orders her to spin room full of gold into straw or she will be killed. Little man spins gold for her. On third night she promises that if she becomes queen she will give her first child to him. He relents if she can learn his name in three days.
Unique aspects: Ruplestiltskin flys away on his cooking spoon. Notes on original text with Brother's Grim (composite of four editions)
Questions – if King threatens maid why would she be willing to marry him?

Rapunzel retold by Barbara Rogasy, Illustrated by Trina Scharf Hyman

Husband and wife live next to a mean and powerful witch. They are eventually expecting a child, but the wife becomes sick because she is so desirous of the "rampion" for a salad that grows in the witches garden. The husband steals it for her. The second time he is caught and the witch demands their child. Rapunzel is always treated well by the witch. Eventually locked in a tower and the witch only has access to her by her hair.
A good prince eventually copies the witch, they create a plan to marry and he brings silk. Rapunzel slips and asks the witch why she is so slow. She cuts off Rapunzel's hair and takes her deeper into the forest. The prince climbs up her hair, meets the witch and falls. He's blinded by the brambles at the bottom. Eventually he wonders into Rapunzel and hears her singing. They and her twins, for they were married by now, live happily ever after.
Story is probably scary for young children.
Many questions left unanswered. (Fate of Rapunzels parents, etc.)

Cendrillon by Robert D. San Souci, illustrated by Brian Pinkney

Fairly classic Cinderella fairy tale set in the Caribbean. Both Cinderella and her godmother are washer women.
Excellent multi-cultural book.

You Read to me, I'll read to you by Mary Ann Hoberman, Illustrated by Michael Emberley

A mixture of Mother Goose tales told in parts.
Some variation on the mother goose rhymes themselves to make the overall poem structure work.
Incredible book. Love it.

The Bill Martin Jr. Big Book of Poetry by Bill Martin Jr. and Michael Sampson

Incredible collection of poetry by numerous famous poets
Illustrated by well known artists and illustrators
Sections include Animals, world of nature, around the year, people /places, school time, me and my feelings, family and home, food for me, nonsense, mother goose.

Cultural Books

2010-05-31T18:44:00.001-07:00

Suki's Kimono by Chieri Uegaki and Stephane Jorisch

- Suki wears a Kimono given by her grandmother for the first day of school. She associates it with memories of time spent with her.
- Great for multicultural on Japan.

My Dadima wears a Sari by Kashmira Sheth, Illustrated by Yoshiko Jaeggi
- Dadima explains why she always wears a Sari, and how flexible they are.
- Great for multicultural on India.

The Other Side by Jacqueline Woodson, Illustrated by E. B. Lewis
- Two girls become friends on top of the fence because neither are allowed to cross it.
- Introduction to race issues in the US. It is written from the perspective of young girls only.

Alphabet Atlas by Arthur Yorinks Illustrated by Adriennne Yorinks
- An alphabet book based on popular countries. Each page describes a tiny bit about the country. I loved it!

Author research for planning purposes

2010-05-31T18:42:00.000-07:00

Caldecott medals

Patricia Polacco
Jan Brett
Jez Alborough
Tomi DePaola
Chris Van Allsburg
Ezra Keats
Kim Lewis
Robert Munsch
Rosemary Wells

Preschool and kindergarten

ERIC CARLE – Large creepy crawlers cut from paper of vivid colors always create a happy surprise.
The Very Hungry Caterpillar
The Grouchy Ladybug
DONALD CREWS – Realistic objects familiar to young children appear in bold graphic images artfully designed.
Freight Train
Truck
LOIS EHLERT – Stunning shapes and strong colors capture exciting views in a child's mind.
Color Zoo
Fish Eyes: A Book You Can Count On
ERIC HILL – Lift the flaps to play hide and seek games with Spot the dog who disappears under rugs or behind closet doors.
Where's Spot
Spot Goes to the Farm
TANA HOBAN – A photographer captures fresh visions of the world through the lens of her camera.
Exactly The Opposite
All About Where
BILL MARTIN JR – Simple sentences and natural rhythmic language patterns (melodies) ring out in the stories that help beginning readers learn how to read.
Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?
Chicka Chicka Boom Boom (with John Archambault)
HELEN OXENBURY – Scraggly children bounce playfully and then clamber onto the comfortable laps of well-padded adults.
Monkey See, Monkey Do
The Shopping Trip
ROSEMARY WELLS – Max, an impish rabbit child, has a mind of his own when big sister Ruby tries to boss him around.
Max's Breakfast
Max's Dragon Shirt

Grades 1-3

STAN AND JAN BERENSTAIN – A prolific team captures the rhythms of children's language in engaging stories.
The Berenstain Bears & The Honey Tree
The Berenstain Bears Are A Family
JAN BRETT – A meticulous artist weaves subplots and intricate details into creative borders to extend the meaning carried in the central pictures.
The Mitten
Annie and the Wild Animals
MARC BROWN – Marc Brown presents a warm, witty and sometimes poignant look at facing a bully, losing a tooth, or accepting a new baby sister.
Arthur's Baby
Play Rhythm
MARCIA BROWN – Marcia Brown adapts the art style (woodcuts, intricate cut paper, flamboyant cartoon, delicate watercolor) to enrich the special meaning of each story.
Once A Mouse
Three Billy Goats Gruff
ANTHONY BROWNE – His startling images and subtle messages in art and story make us see the world in a new way.
The Piggybook
Gorilla
JOANNA COLE – Superb informational books present straight facts in photo essays or combine facts with riotous humor in the Magic School Bus books.
Magic School Bus Lost in The Solar System
My Puppy Is Born
BARBARA COONEY – Gentle stories and beautiful art touch the heart and leave deep thoughts to ponder. New England scenes are especially provocative.
Miss Rumphius
Ox Cart Man (D. Hall)
TOMIE DEPAOLA – Tomie tells wonderful Irish and Italian family stories using strong black line and folk-art style.
The Art Lesson
Strega Nona
LEO AND DIANE DILLON – Both artists work on the same piece of art often characterized by an opulent, iridescent quality.
Aida (Leontyne Price)
Why Mosquitoes Buzz In People's Ears (V. Aardema)
ELOISE GREENFIELD – Poet and storyteller captures the language and melodies and strong African-American family images in her poetry and prose.
Honey I Love
Nathaniel Talking
TRINA SCHART HYMAN – Meticulous art and extensive research enable Hyman to portray Arthurian England authentically or childhood memories vividly.
Little Red Riding Hood
Saint George and The Dragon (M. Hodges)
WILLIAM JOYCE – Broad humor in comically expressive animals and playful language make Joyce's books fun to read aloud or alone.
Bentley and Egg
Dinosaur Bob
STEVEN KELLOGG – A heap of comic-strip detail spills from Kellogg's splashy, riotous, color-filled pages and causes children to pore over them.
Pinkerton, Behave
Paul Bunyan
LEO LIONNI – Deeper meanings permeate Lionni's stories more than the elegant, sophisticated collage and design art might suggest.
Frederick
Swimmy
ARNOLD LOBEL – Delicate and decorative art on attractively designed pages invites thoughtful probing.
Frog and Toad Are Friends
Fables
JAMES MARSHALL – Cartoon-like drawings of unique characters present unexpected humor and spoofs. A pair of hippos, a substitute teacher, and a lovable prankster guarantee laugh-out-loud joy.
The Cut-Ups Crack Up
George and Martha
ROBERT MCCLOSKEY – Superb, classic works that convey the importance of small but significant moments in a child's life.
Blueberries For Sal
Make Way for Ducklings
EMILY MCCULLY – She creates wordless books in cartoon style and elaborate stories with Impressionist-style art.
Mirette On The High Wire
School
JERRY PINKNEY – He paints from live models, often African-Americans, in a realistic style using full-color art and well-crafted scenes.
The Talking Eggs (R. San Souci)
Mirandy And Brother Wind (P. McKissack)
JAMES E. RANSOME – Talented young African-American artist portrays characters realistically in historical or contemporary scenes.
Uncle Jed's Barbershop (M.K. Mitchell)
How Many Stars In The Sky? (L. Hort)
MAURICE SENDAK – A superb artist whose books invite rereading and whose illustrations beg for repeated viewing.
Where The Wild Things Are
The Nutshell Library

DR. SEUSS (THEODORE S. GEISEL) – Creative genius whose spontaneous art and lilting lines sing children into reading on their own.
The Cat In The Hat
Horton Hears A Who
CHRIS VAN ALLSBURG – Van Allsburg gets you to think. He presents something that seems predictable but catches you by surprise when he turns it on end.
Jumanji
The Polar Express
VERA B. WILLIAMS – She conveys the simple strength of multicultural families who share love and unity.
A Chair For My Mother
"More, More, More," Said The Baby
JANE YOLEN – Enchanting storyteller and poet holds a moment in time to capture past, present, or future in word songs.
Owl Moon
Street Rhymes Around The World
ED YOUNG – Sophisticated simplicity describes the art he uses to retell Asian-American folklore.
Lon Po Po: A Red Riding Hood Story From China
Seven Blind Mice
CHARLOTTE ZOLOTOW – Gentle stories play on the heartstrings and cause children to think about their world and relationships in a new way.
William's Doll
Mr. Rabbit And The Lovely Present

List from Reading Rockets