The Storytellers - Current Newsletter

Summer 2024


	StoryKeepers Stories from the Past to Read, Share, and Treasure READING ALOUD Reading aloud is one of the most important gifts that a child could ever receive. Studies have proven that there is a definite link between children that have been read to and how well they were able to read alone. With illiteracy so high along with the decline in moral values, it is more important than ever to teach our children good values and a love of reading. One of the best ways to accomplish this is to read to your children. Large amounts of money and time have been spent teaching children to read, but we have failed to teach them to want to read. Today two out of three children either can’t read, won’t read or hate to read. By fourth grade, most children lose interest in reading altogether. One of the best ways to instill in children a love of reading is to read to them. Reading aloud should not stop when children begin school or even when they read on their own but should continue through young adulthood. In an age of rising illiteracy, reading aloud strengthens a child’s reading, writing, and speaking skills. It builds thinking and listening skills. Children not only become acquainted with more people, places, and things both real and imaginary, but they do better in school. It is never too early or late to begin reading aloud. The joy and warmth from being read to should be every child’s birthright. It does not cost a thing, and gives dignity, intelligence, and love to both reader and listener. When to Begin Reading If you can talk to a child, you can read to a child. It’s the same language. For an infant, the human voice is a powerful and calming tool. Children are never too old to be read to, however, it will require more patience to begin with older children. Magazine and newspaper articles can always be shared. Whether nursery school, kindergarten, or seventh grade, teachers should begin reading aloud on the very first day of school. Reading aloud should ripple through every part of the curriculum. In secondary schools, a common mistake is to relegate reading aloud to the english or language classes. History classes might enjoy hearing My Side of the Mountain, by Jean George. Science classes would enjoy Paul of the Pale Horse, by Paul Fleischman. Art classes might like The Hobbit, by J. R. R. Tolkien while working on projects. Read aloud anytime! Try to make it a daily activity. For young children, perhaps in the afternoon before a nap or at bedtime, which is especially helpful for working parents. What Makes a Good Book There are two types of literature: fiction and nonfiction, however, it is fiction that brings children the enchantment of storytelling and ultimately a future love of reading. Quality literature teaches children good morals, ethics, and values. Our culture's survival depends on the children of today. If they are to make a difference in the world, children need to learn about love, justice, courage, and compassion. Well-written stories have good themes, valid characters, and should always be believable. They should be people centered, not problem centered. Too many stories have society's problems dumped into them. Good books contain heroes and role models to imitate. Children need to hear about people who contribute something of value to other's lives, people who make hard decisions and have the courage to overcome adversity. Children need to fall in love with stories that entertain and arouse their curiosity. They need stories for pleasure, laughter and fun; imaginative and nonsensical stories that may not have any useful information or lesson, only cheerful and delightful lunacy. Beautiful pictures can move fifteen-year-olds as well as five-year-olds. A good picture book should be on the reading list of every class in every grade through twelve years of school. We-written stories have good themes, valid characters, and are people not problem centered. Books that present storytelling at its best have the ability to say a lot in simple language. Children also need access to good nonfiction with real-life heroes, places, and things. Nonfiction books should present factual material in imaginative and exciting ways, which is not usually found in textbooks. Children deserve the best of all literature, including well-written, well-illustrated, and well-designed nonfiction books. Tastes and interests vary as much in children’s books as it does in adult books. Parents usually pass their own tastes on to their children, and parents often choose children’s books by what appeals to them and from what they remembered of childhood stories. Good books are made to be read aloud and shared. It is never too early or too late to begin. Nor is a child too old to be read to. Continue to read to children long after they can read well themselves. Take time every day to share a book with your child. The joy and warmth from being read to should be every child’s birthright. It does not cost a thing, and it gives dignity, intelligence, and love to both the reader and the listener. It is also fun! Book Sources Dollar for dollar, the greatest bargain in America today is still found in the public libraries. In the midst of drug abuse, violence, and moral decline the library can be a physical as well as an intellectual haven. Patronize bookstores that either specialize in children’s books or have a large children’s section. Hopefully more will have special sections for read-aloud books. Many parents take advantage of school book fairs which offer paperback selections. Paperbacks are much cheaper, but less durable unless covered. Books can also be purchased secondhand at garage sales, thrift shops, and used bookstores. Begin a children’s home library. For young children, divide books into two categories: expensive (to be placed up and out of reach, but in sight) and Inexpensive (on lower shelves within easy reach). The Perfect Gift Books make perfect gifts. Make a list for grandparents or other relatives and friends to give as gifts. Unlike toys books are difficult to break are ready-made and powerful, with no assembling or batteries needed. Portable and noiseless, they can be enjoyed anywhere, any time of day, by an age group, and they take up less space than most toys. They never go out of style, and with the media rate, they are cheaper to mail.

	CATEGORIES OF CHILDREN'S LITERATURE Literature for children can be divided into five main categories: Poetry, Folk Literature, Fiction for the Young, Biography, and Nonfiction: Poetry Poetry has a kind of musical quality that captures a child’s attention. Traditional nursery rhymes are usually the first written words many children hear. They are filled with humor, action, entertaining incidents, and musical language. They help children learn the days of the week, the months of the year, the alphabet, and how to count. Children who have outgrown nursery rhymes can find delight in many humorous poems. One type is nonsense verse that appeals to children, because it deals with illogical and silly characters and situations. It is through poetry that children experience the shape and feel of the words as well as the beauty of the language. Make it light, fun, and loaded with plenty of nonsense and exaggeration. Expose children to its richness throughout their young years in order for them to develop a love of the language. Folk Literature Folk Literature has existed for thousands of years, handed down from generation to generation. Most folk literature consists of stories in the form of fairy tales, fables, folktales, legends, and myths. It can also include proverbs, riddles, songs, superstitions, holidays and religious celebrations. Folktales deal with the customs and beliefs of people that take place in the real world and are told as true stories. They are about animals or human beings and are full of fantasy and magic. Fables are short stories told with animals and usually contain a moral or lesson. Most of the characters are animals and objects that talk and not like human beings. They remain popular, because they illustrate truths that almost anyone can recognize. Fairy tales occur in some imaginary land and are told as fiction. They speak to the heart and soul of a child since they appeal to a child’s courage and confidence by offering hope. Fairy tales always end happily; wickedness is punished, and virtue is rewarded. Myths are historical stories that deal with the supernatural traditions and beliefs of people. They differ from most types of folk stories, since they are considered to be true among the people who develop them. Legends are stories that revolve around people who may or may not have lived. Like myths, legends are told as true stories, but they ar set in the real world. Fiction for the Young Children need an abundance of humor and laughter in life. These two elements refresh their spirit as well as add another dimension to the pleasure found in books. Sometimes adults get so carried away with the more serious side of life that the value of humor and nonsense is forgotten and is not shared with children often enough. Young children can enjoy upside-down situations and absurd nonsensical stories, because they know better. However, adults should make certain that children know what is right side up before presenting them with stories that are upside down. Humor helps keep things in balance. Hopefully, children will never lose their appetite for fun and imagination. Humorous stories are the ones that children will remember and pass on to following generations. Biography Biographical books introduce children to the lives of important men and women. Through biographies, children can learn about people who have made great discoveries, changed the course of history, made contributions to the arts, or accomplished unusual deeds of courage or daring. A skillful biographer can make the life of a real person as exciting as the life of a fictional hero or heroine. Most authors base their biographies on fact. Nevertheless, they often invent incidents or dialogue to make the stories more dramatic and lively, especially for younger children. Nonfiction Children deserve the best of all literature, including nonfiction, if presented in imaginative and exciting ways. Children are naturally curious about everything. Give them access to good nonfiction books with real life places and things to help satisfy this curiosity. Information books and books of knowledge introduce children to the world of learning about the wonders of science, the beauty of art, and the fascination of history. Concept books also fall into this category. When concepts are learned in an enjoyable way, children are more successful in their reading and writing attempts as they grow older. These books should be selected as much for their lovely illustrations as they are for any other reasons associated with learning letters and numbers.

	CATEGORIES OF CHILDREN'S LITERATURE Picture and Story Books For younger children these books are usually thirty-two pages in length and can be read aloud in one session. They can be logical or nonsensical, offer wordplay, and present simple language for younger children to understand. Illustrations should be on every page. For older children, picture books should be engaging and used to teach more complex themes, build critical thinking, and develop values and character. Wordless Books These books convey stories that are told only through the illustrations, arranged in sequence, instead of using words. Children can pour over the information and create their own story in their own words. Rhyming, Riddle, & Controlled Vocabulary Books These books will grab a child’s imagination with humor and Imagination. They contain language patterns, meter, rhythm, and repetition that children love and remember. Concept Books Alphabet, counting, and labeling books as well as those that deal with the abstract ideas of color, time, space, and size relationships are found in this category. They range from simple to complex. Information may be given in story form or offered in a straightforward manner with pictures used to illustrate the various points being made. Predictable Books These books contain story lines that have repeated phrases, thereby enabling children to predict what is coming. Short Story and Chapter Books The concepts of beginning, middle, and ending are taught in these books. Short stories usually center around a single incident. Because of its shorter length, the characters and situations are fewer and less complicated than in those of novels. These books can be either longer picture books or stories stretched out over several chapters that require several periods of reading. Short Novels These stories are usually less detailed than novels but still require a series of reading sessions. They should teach children character, courage, and integrity. Full Length Novels Generally, over one hundred pages in length, novels require more imagination from the listener/reader since there are longer descriptive passages. Anthologies and Collections Anthologies are multiple story collections linked through a theme or author. Numerous good illustrations are very important.

	STAGES IN READING ALOUD For younger children these books are usually thirty-two pages in length and can be read aloud in one session. They can be logical or nonsensical, offer wordplay, and present simple language for younger children to understand. Illustrations should be on every page. Toddler Stage Picture books are perfect, and pictures should be on every page with very little text, if any. Nursery rhymes, counting, ABC books, picture books, wordless books, song books, fingerplay and board books are excellent. It is a good idea to purchase these books due to the wear and tear on them. Children under two years of age tend to be confused by a different book every day. They love favorites read over and over. Preschool / Kindergarten Stage Read more sophisticated wordless, picture, and story books with simple words. Fairy tales and poetry books are also good, as well as simple joke and riddle books that cultivate a child’s sense of humor. Some chapter books with lots of pictures are good. 1st Grade – 4th Grade Books should contain short chapters illustrations, and simple vocabulary with an open, friendly format, a plot and characters without too many complications. Picture books, story books, fables, folk tales, fairy tales, and poetry books are appropriate. These books can also be read by children. 5th Grade – 12th Grade Depending on the child’s interest, there are varieties of books from comedy, mystery, adventure, fantasy and realism to spellbinders, poetry, and nonfiction. Remember thicker is not always better, and their listening levels are well above their reading levels.

	Do’s and Don’t’s Do preview a book by reading or skimming it ahead of time. Read aloud as often as possible. Use plenty of expression and change the tone of your voice to fit the dialogue. Read slow enough for the child to build mental pictures. Very few people read aloud naturally. It comes with practice. The art of listening is acquired. It doesn’t happen at once. Especially with young children, some days reading may just involve pointing. Anticipate some setbacks and don’t expect too much too soon. Attention spans are built minute by minute, page by page, and day by day. Make sure your child can see the pictures easily. Active children usually need pencils, crayons, and paper to keep their hands busy while listening. If there are more than two years between children, each child should be read to individually, if possible. Fathers should make an extra effort to read to their children. Children should see their parents reading for pleasure, not just at read-aloud time. Don’t read stories that you don’t enjoy yourself. Don’t be fooled by award-winning books. They don’t always make good read-aloud books. Don’t force the reading time. Instead point to something on the page and vary your voice between whispers and excited tones. Don’t confuse quantity with quality. A child will enjoy ten minutes of your company reading aloud, rather than two hours of television or tablets.

	Listening Levels Children hear stories on at least three different levels: intellectual, emotional, and social. Their listening skills are at least two full years ahead of their reading level. Around the eighth grade the listening levels and reading levels converge. Therefore, children can listen to, understand, and enjoy books that are too difficult for them to read independently. These stories are needed since they are far more exciting, enriching, and challenging than anything they could read on their own. These are the stories that eventually raise reading levels. Children of all ages enjoy listening to stories. Many of the guidelines for reading to younger children apply to older children as well, however, just because they are older doesn’t necessarily mean that they have a longer attention span. Children enjoy hearing stories that are far beyond their reading level. Sadly, many parents stop reading aloud when their children begin to read for themselves. Parents should realize that children who listen to books beyond their reading skills will be introduced to more of a variety of words and the complex structures of language patters. Most experts prefer to rate children’s books based on age because it better reflects a child’s interests, emotional, and social development. Usually, the age or grade rating covers a broad period and should be considered only as a guide, not a rigid rule on the use of the book. Children should be able to listen to good stories at any age. They should never be embarrassed or ashamed about wanting to listen.

	Awards Each year several awards are given for the best books published. John Newbery and Randolph Caldecott are men in whose name’s awards are given annually by the Association for Library Service to Children, a division of the American Library Association. The Caldecott Medal has been awarded annually since 1938 to the most distinguished illustrator of a children’s book during the preceding year. The Newbery Award has been awarded since 1921 to the author of the most distinguished contribution to children’s literature during the preceding year. The Laura Ingalls Wilder Medal is presented every three years to an author or illustrator who has “Made a substantial and lasting contribution to children’s literature.” The Social Responsibilities Roundtable Coretta Scott King Award is “given to a black author and to a back illustrator for an outstanding inspirational and educational contribution”. As prestigious as they are, do not let awards or medals dictate a choice in children’s books. Awards are given for the quality of the writing or the illustrations and do not guarantee that a book will be successful to be read aloud. It is the parent’s personal interest, good taste, and discretion that should be the influencing factor.

	Raising Smart Kids All the education, reforms, and laws that Congress passes will not matter unless parents do their job and teach their children at an early age to love reading. Parents need to create a great atmosphere in the home that nurtures reading. Children receive the impression that reading is valuable when they see their parents enjoy and benefit from reading. When parents read newspapers, magazines, and books at home and check out library books for themselves, as well as for their children, they set a powerful example and emphasize the importance and pleasure of reading. Jobs today require greater capabilities than ever before in reading, writing, and communication. It is a sad reflection on American life when most of the population no longer reads a daily newspaper, rather than depending on the internet or television for information. Reading aloud needs to be an integral part of a child’s everyday life. To create a nation of readers, parents need to read to their children early in their lives and continue well past the point when their children learn to read. Reading is at the heart of education, but the love of reading begins at home by reading to children. The joy and warmth from being read to should be every child’s birthright. It does not cost a thing and it gives dignity, love, and intelligence, to both the reader and the listener. It is also fun!

	Classics Classics are the cornerstone to building a life-long relationship with literature. Classics are those rare books that have a special element enabling them to endure the test of time. They stand out because they have the ability to touch the heart and cross the boundaries of culture, nationality, religion, race, gender, and status. Classics should make a major contribution to a child's education, merriment, and appreciation of literature, provide clear standards of right and wrong, show the ethics of human behavior, and evoke wholesome laughter. A sense of honor and value surround great literature. Laughter, pain, hunger, satisfaction, love, and joy are found in classics. When our children become familiar with this kind of writing, they have a foundation for making comparisons. Not everything they read will be excellent, but they will know a story’s possibilities. Read stories in their original versions, not the watered-down ones. They may retell the classic stories, but the basic elements that make the stories classics are omitted. With the influx of new books for children flooding the market each year, old favorites are in danger of being crowded out. Generations of children are missing the opportunity of listening to classical children’s literature. This is unfortunate because classics are the cornerstone to building a life-long relationship with literature. There are two categories of classics: early classics like the fairy tales of Andersen, Grimm, and Perault; and modern classics like Charlotte's Web and The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. Both were written by people who never lost their love of childhood. A sense of honor and value surround great literature. Laughter, pain, hunger, satisfaction, love, and joy are found in classics. When our children become familiar with this kind of writing, they have a foundation for making comparisons. Not everything they read will be excellent, but they will know a story's possibilities.

	Home Environment Read to your child on a regular basis. In addition to stories, read labels on cans and boxes, street signs, receipts, coupons, etc. Be available to answer endless questions and praise your child’s efforts. Make available a wide variety of printed material—books, magazines, newspapers, comics, etc. Have paper and pencil available for scribbling and drawing and display their artwork where everyone can admire it. Establish the habit of reading aloud every day and try to schedule it around the fewest interruptions. For a busy parent, usually bedtime is chosen. This is a time when children often look for security and appreciate the physical closeness. They are also tired enough to stay in one place. Some hyperactive children listen best while they are soaking and swishing in the bathtub. Water is magically calming to them and enables them to enjoy a story better. A big, comfortable chair or recliner may be just the ideal place for children who have physically outgrown their lap-sitting and bed-sharing days. Make sure the readings are interesting and exciting enough to hold their interest while building up their imagination. Use plenty of expression when you read aloud and have fun with the language. Whisper laugh, oink, meow, or speak gruffly or softly. Read slow or fast to fit the story and allow time for children to point to everything in a picture and discuss it. For children who are not used to listening to stories, keep the initial readings short enough to fit their attention span and gradually increase the reading time as well as the length of the book. Do not turn every reading session into a question-and-answer session. Be sensitive to the times when your child simply wants to enjoy the story. Read aloud every day. Turn off the television or internet, get comfortable, have a good light, and enjoy a good book!

	Building a Child’s Home Library Every child should own a book with his or her name inscribed inside, one that does not have to be returned to the library or shared with a sibling. Place a bookrack where it can be used often by a child, no matter how large or small it is. If parents wish to raise a reader, they should invest in a bed lamp when their child is old enough to stay up later at night and read in bed. A child’s home library should have at least one good nursery rhyme book by a good illustrator. Buy one that is beautiful, one the child will want to pass on to his or her children. Children need picture books that say “good night” or talk about the child’s world in a way that makes him feel safe and loved. Include at least one good poetry book and purchase a new one for each major shift in the child’s comprehension. A good dictionary is a must; one with large enough print to invite reading. Finally, a good atlas needs to be part of a standard child’s library. Ask the children’s librarian at your local public library for a good recommendation.

	For more information on great children's literature for reading to children and by children, visit us at: www.tchliteracy.com Bringing you books that: Touch the Heart, Color the Imagination, and Delight the Mind

Welcome to The Storytellers, a monthly newsletter of outstanding children’s literature to read and read aloud from preschoolers to teens.

The best children's books are filled with imagination and fun. Stories that take children into a world of delight and adventure present storytelling at its best. Children need stories for pleasure, laughter and fun; imaginative and nonsensical stories that may not have a scrap of useful information or lesson, but cheerful and delightful lunacy. Give as many as possible to your children, because imagination and fund are essential to life.

Summer is here and what better time to enjoy stories full of laughter, fun, adventure, and always The Classics

For more information on reading to children and great books to read and read aloud, log on to our web site at www.tchliteracy.com. Always remember.

Reading Aloud for Fun

Read to your child before it’s too late.
Read now, read often, but please don’t wait.
Read the classics, a great place to start.
Read those with kindness, friendship, and heart.

Read the stories with rhythm and rhyme.
Read at bedtime, while there is still time
Read adventures with heroes and heart
Read below, it’s a good place to start.

Babies / Toddlers

BABY SUNFLOWER: Finger-Puppet Book
written/illus. by Yu-Hsuan Huang, (Chronicle Books, Mar, 2024, 7.99, ISBN 798-1-7972-2791-7), 12p, Ages Baby – 3

Babies and toddlers will love touching, feeling, and loving Baby Sunflower as he realizes that his pot is too small, plants his roots in more soil, follows the sun across the sky, meets friends in the garden, dances and sways to the wind, and grows and blooms just like little ones enjoying this cute tale.
Themes: Adventure, Nature, Series
Other Finger Puppet Books in the Series: Baby Alligator, Baby Bear, Baby Bunny, Baby Cactus, Baby Chipmunk, Baby Duck, Baby Elephant, Baby Fish, Baby Fox, Baby Giraffe, Baby Hedgehog, Baby Hippo, Baby Kitten, Baby Koala, Baby Llama, Baby Mushroom, Baby Narwhal, Baby Octopus, Baby Orca, Baby Otter, Baby Piglet, Baby Puppy, Baby Raccoon, Baby T. Rex, Baby Tiger, Baby Unicorn, Baby Yeti, Baby Red Panda

BABY CACTUS: Finger-Puppet Book
written/illus. by Yu-Hsuan Huang, (Chronicle Books, Mar, 2024, 7.99, ISBN 798-1-7972-2790-0), 12p, Ages Baby – 3

Babies and toddlers will love touching, feeling, and enjoying Baby Mushroom as she wakes up in the desert sun, realizes she has grown a beautiful pink flower hat and prickly spines, loves to drink the rain water, and keeps growing and growing, just like little ones enjoying this cute tale.
Themes: Adventure, Nature, Series
Other Finger Puppet Books in the Series: Baby Alligator, Baby Bear, Baby Bunny, Baby Chipmunk, Baby Duck, Baby Elephant, Baby Fish, Baby Fox, Baby Giraffe, Baby Hedgehog, Baby Hippo, Baby Kitten, Baby Koala, Baby Llama, Baby Mushroom, Baby Narwhal, Baby Octopus, Baby Orca, Baby Otter, Baby Piglet, Baby Puppy, Baby Raccoon, Baby Red Panda, Baby Sunflower, Baby Tiger, Baby Unicorn

Preschool

SILLY LULLABY
written/illus. by Sandra Boynton, (Boynton Bookworks / Simon & Schuster, 2019, $11,99, ISBN 978-1-6659-5461-7),16p, Ages 2+.

“Your pajamas are on. / There’s a duck on your head. / I think that this means / you are ready for bed.” Thus begins a hilarious tale of a little bear climbing into dad’s lap and listening to a silly bedtime song with lyrics of zoodles, fibblety-fitsy foos, chickens in a bathtub, closets full of sheep, and sneakers in a freezer.

The little fellow finally settles down to an owl whispering “Moo” as dad tells his Little Zoodle good night and, Zoodle replies, “Good night Fitsy Foo.” Delightful nonsense and silly songs always make for a great read-aloud at bedtime. Kids will love the silly images and sound effects, while adults may want to sing along with the musical score.
Themes: Animals, Bedtime, Family, Humor & Nonsense, Series

Ages 4-8

BLESS OUR PETS:
Poems of Gratitude for Our Animal Friends
selected by Lee Bennett Hopkins, illus. by Lita Judge, (Eerdmans Books for Young Readers, April 2024, $17.66, ISBN 978-0-8028-5546-6), 40p, Ages 5-8

Fourteen charming poems pay tribute to the love of pet companions who bring unending love, happiness, and fun into their owners’ lives. This unforgettable and delightful anthology features a tiny “Kitten” by Ann Whitford Paul, an adorable “Puppy” by Rebecca Kai Dotlich, a dancing “Goldfish” by Linda Trott Dickman, “A Prayer for My Gerbil” by Eric Ode, a “Prayer for a Parakeet” by Ralph Fletcher, “Hamster Hoping” by Sarah Grace Tuttle, a “Lop-Eared Rabbit” by Joan Bransfield Graham, a pony in “Dreaming of Savannah” by Kristine O’Connell George, “A Letter to My Guinea Pig” by Darren Sardelli, “Box Turtle” by B. J. Lee, “Pet Snake? By Charles Ghigna, “Mouse Dreams” by Lois Lowry, “Old Calico” by Prince Redcloud, as well as ”My Old Dog” by Lee Bennett Hopkins. This wonderful anthology, including the marvelous illustrations of the talented Lita Judge, is a worthy addition to any child’s library.
Themes: Animals, Anthologies, Bedtime, Friendship, Humor, Pets, Rhythm & Rhyme

THE LIGHTHOUSE AND THE LITTLE BOAT
written by Katie Frawley, illus. by Ben Mantle, (Quill Tree Books, $19,99, May 2024, ISBN 978—0-06-311423-4), 32p, Ages 4-8

Once upon a time there was a proud and strong lighthouse who guided ships safely to her harbor, and they trusted her for protection. One summer morning a small boat, Brightness, appears in the harbor. She appreciates Lighthouse’s protection, until the call of the tide beckons. The lighthouse cautions her about dangerous waters, but one day Brightness sails away to see the world. Dismayed, Lighthouse realizes that Brightness “didn’t even say goodbye.”

As a storm blows in and summer ends, Lighthouse worries over the little sailboat’s safety and calls to the wind for help, but no answer came. As the seasons change, Lighthouse waits and worries, especially after an epic winter storm. Eventually Brightness sails in, battered and broken, but Lighthouse floods the waves with her light, calling “Come to me!” and guides the little boat home safely, knowing that she will desire adventure again.

Readers will love this beautiful tale paralleling the relationship between loving parents and the steps children take for independence. Adults will love the author’s dedication.
Themes: Adventure, Friendship, Oceans, Values

ADVENTURE MICE: OTTER CHAOS
written by Philip Reeve, Illus. by Sarah McIntyre, (Kane Miller EDC Publishing, $7.99, 2024, ISBN 978-1-68464-853-5), ,128p, Ages 5-7

Pedro is an adventurous mouse, but his father always said, “Adventures are scary, dangerous, and uncomfortable.” Hearing stories about the legendary Mouse Islands, fearless mice, beautiful mermice, and wicked pirate rats, Pedro packs his suitcase and sets off in search of Mouse Island. Waylaid by a giant wave, the little mouse is swept out to sea, only to be rescued by a mouse-sized seaplane and taken to Mouse Islands.

There he joins a band of mice called the Adventuremice, whose jobs are to keep the residents of Mouse Islands safe. When a dangerous otter, Morlake, appears, can Pedro prove himself or will the adventures be too much for him? Find out in this tale of courage, humor, kindness, and cooperation in the fast-based action world of Adventuremice. Kids will love the Daring Dormouse ship, Fledermaus’ plane, Juniper’s submarine, Millie’s helicopter, the marvelous illustrations of the Mousebase, Mouse Islands, and the drawing guide.
Themes: Adventure, Animals, Chapter Books, Fantasy, Friendship, Heroes, Humor

TEACHING EDDIE TO FLY
written/illus. by Katarína Macurová, translated by Andrew Oakland, (Albatros Media. 2024, $14.95, ISBN 978-80-00-07077-3. 32p, Ages 4-8

When Arthur, a small bear, realizes that his ostrich friend, Eddie, cannot fly, he is determined to teach him. Eddie gives him lectures on the basics of flying, shows him aeronautical concepts on a chalkboard, and tells him to flap his wings. Nothing works, even when Eddie is attached to a hot air balloon, jumps off a diving board, or dangles from a parachute. They ask various animals how to fly, but the penguin replies, “What’s flying”, a kiwi thinks of a fly to eat, and a parrot simply says, “Fly, fly, fly, fly, fly, fly.”

When Arthur becomes tired walking home, Eddie offers to carry him. As Eddie begins to walk faster and faster, he realizes that “he’s running as fast as other birds fly.” Finally understanding that Eddie doesn’t need to fly, discover what Arthur decides to teach Eddie next. Kids will love the charming and humorous illustrations, the endearing support of friends, and the hilarious results of “Teaching Eddie to Fly.”
Themes: Adventure, Animals, Friendship, Heroes, Humor

SEVEN GOOD YEARS: A Yiddish Folktale
translated by Llana Kurshan, illus. by Eitan Eloa, (Kalanoit Books, $19.99. 2023. ISBN 978-8-9863965-2-1). 32p. Ages 5-8

“Tuvia was very poor. He didn’t even have a belt to hold up his pants, so he used an old rope instead. He lived in a ramshackle hut with Sorka, his wife, and their children, and he worked in the marketplace as a porter, carrying heavy loads.” When his work stops and there is no money for food, he prays “Please, please, if only I could return home with something for my family.” Suddenly a man dressed in green tells him that he will enjoy seven years of good fortune. Upon returning home, Tuvia discovers his family surrounded by a pile of gold.

At the end of the seventh year the Green man returns only to find that Tuvia did not change his lifestyle, but only used the gold for what was needed to live on. After returning the gold to the Green man, they are rewarded for their goodness and experience a surprising future. Readers will enjoy this clever Yiddish folktale based on ancient rabbis’ teachings: “Who is wealthy? One who is content with what they have.”
Themes: Adventure, Family, Fold Literature, Heroes, Values

CORNBREAD AND POPPY FOR THE WIN
written/illus. by Matthew Cordell, (Little Brown and Company, $6.99, April 2024, ISBN 978-0-316-50877-3), 80p, Ages 6-9

“The annual Small Rodents Competitive Cycling Championship Classic—the SRCCCC—was tomorrow. Cornbread and Poppy had been training for months.” Despite being best friends, they are extremely opposite. Poppy is competitive but Cornbread is not. Poppy is determined to win, but Cornbread just enjoys their time together. Poppy loves racing pants, but Cornbread prefers regular pants, but he reluctantly accepts Poppy’s gift of new pants.

As the day of the race dawns, both racers are more than ready to win, as are the other rodents, especially Pound Cake, who holds the record for winning. Determined to win this time, Poppy and Cornbread have a master plan, however, sometimes things turn out differently than planned, especially when Cornbread’s new pants begin to rip. Kids will enjoy the mixture of adventure, friendship, humor, and the heart of true heroes.
Themes: Adventure, Animals, Friendship, Heroes, Humor, Series, Values
Other Books in the Series: Cornbread & Poppy | Cornbread & Poppy at the Carnival | Cornbread & Poppy at the Museum

Ages 7-10

SHERLOCK BONES AND THE CASE OF THE CROWN JEWELS:
A Puzzle Adventure
written by Tim Collins, Ilus, by John Bigwood, (Buster Books, $7.98, 2023, ISBN 9778-1-78055-750-2), 192p, Ages 7-10

This first adventure in the Sherlock Bones series finds dog detective Sherlock and his trusty sidekick Dr. Catson called to Buckingham Palace to solve a mystery surrounding the theft of the Queen’s jewels. They have their hands full with keeping the crazy police pups under control, solving other crimes committed at the same time, dealing with a Sewer Beast, and determining if there is one mastermind or several separate crimes.

Humor abounds in this light-hearted mystery with over 30 mazes, number puzzles, searches, and questions throughout the seven chapters with answers in the end papers.
Themes: Adventure, Animals, Heroes, Humor, Mysteries, Series
Other books in the Series: Sherlock Bones and the Curse of the Pharaoh’s Mask | Sherlock Bones and the Horror of the Haunted Castle | Sherlock Bones and the Mystery of the Vanishing Magician

SLEEPY: Surprising Ways Animals Snooze
written by Jennifer Ward, illus. by Robin Page, (Beach Lane Books, $18.99, July 2024, ISBN 978-1-6659-3510-4), 32p, Ages 7-10

“All animals sleep. But not all animals sleep in the same way.” Thus begins a cumulative and rhythmic tale of sixteen animals and their quaint sleeping habits. Readers will discover that dolphins are able to both swim and sleep near the surface of the ocean, called “unihemispheric slow-wave sleep”. Bats sleep upside down for 20 hours at a time, snakes sleep with their eyes open, and koalas are the sleepiest animals in the kingdom, sleeping around 22 hours a day.

Other animals featured include hummingbirds, sea otters, grizzly bears, humpback whales, frogs, giraffes, African elephants, sloths, desert tortoises, nurse sharks, great frigatebirds, and orangutans. Each page contains a clever animal poem (“Snake: you lie still with open eyes, | spectacles worn as a guise. | Are you sleeping or awake? | Hard to tell, you tricky snake!”), and short paragraphs describing the animals’ sleeping habits. A concluding bedtime poem surrounds a sleeping child.

Endpapers contain information on “Types of Sleep in This Book” (brumation, hibernation, etc.), “Other Words to Wonder About” (crepuscular, diurnal), and “Average Snooze Time for Animals in the Wild Per Day”. Readers and listeners will thoroughly enjoy this cozy, informative, bedtime book for years to come.
Themes: Animals, Bedtime, Concept, Nature, Nonfiction, Rhythm & Rhyme

FRANKLIN ENDICOTT AND THE THIRD KEY: Tales from Deckawoo Drive #6
written by Kate DiCamillo, illus. by Chris Van Dusen, (Candlewick Press, $6.99, June 2024), 112p, Ages 6-9

This 6th installment of the Deckawoo Drive books finds worrier, Franklin Endicott, concerned about many things, from lions, black holes, armadillos, and alligators to submarines vampire bats, and goats. He keeps a notebook and lists the worries in alphabetical order and cross-references them. When Franklin hides his notebook under his bed, the nightmares begin.

Accompanying neighbor Eugenia Lincoln on her errand to make a duplicate key at Buddy Lamps Used Goods, Eddie discovers that an extra key is included with the original key and its copy, which adds to his worries. Fortunately, his friends and neighbors encourage him with help from short stories by O. Henry, hot chocolate, and a friendly pig named Mercy Watson. Kids will enjoy solutions to worry and the marvel of mysteries.
Themes: Animals, Chapter Books, Friendship, Humor, Mysteries, Series
Other Books in the Deckawoo Series: Leroy Ninker Saddles Up | Francine Poulet Meets the Ghost Raccoon | Where Are You Going, Baby Lincoln? | Eugenia Lincoln and the Unexpected Package | Stella Endicott and the Anything-Is-Possible Poem

Ages 8-12

HAPPINESS ACCORDING TO HUMPHREY
written by Betty G. Birney, (G. P. Putnam’s Sons, $ 17.99, May 2024. ISBN 978-0-593-69761-0), 144p, Ages 8-11

To celebrate the Humphrey series’ 20th anniversary, the little industrious classroom hamster looks forward to a special guest coming to Room 26. The guest turns out to be a big, gentle dog (with sharp teeth) named Happy, who comes to help the class with their reading. They love Happy, and the students relate stories of other dogs, including a beloved pet who is missing. Great at helping the children solve problems and mysteries, Humprey jumps right in to help find the missing pet, but he is stymied when the other class pet, Og the frog, becomes mysteriously ill.

At the end of each chapter, Humphrey expresses his thoughts about happiness based on his perception of the classroom. “HUMPREY’S HINTS FOR A HAPPY LIFE: While it’s a great idea to be friendly to others it’s okay to be careful around creatures with large, sharp teeth.”

Readers will enjoy the lessons of working together, sharing feelings with others, solving mysteries, plus the anonymous messages Humphrey leaves for others to find, and his hidden journal inside his cage.
Themes: Animals, Friendship, Humor, Mysteries, Pets, Series Other Books in the Series: The World According to Humphrey, | Friendship According to Humphrey, | Trouble According to Humphrey, | Surprises According to Humphrey, | Adventure According to Humphrey, | Summer According to Humphrey, | School Days According to Humphrey, | Mysteries According to Humphrey, | Winter According to Humphrey, | Secrets According to Humphrey, | Imagination According to Humphrey, | Spring According to Humphrey

PLUM TO THE RESCUE
written/illus. by Matt Phelan, (Greenwillow Books, May 2024, $18.99, ISBN 978-0-06-329629-9), 128p, Ages 8-12

It’s springtime at the Athensville Zoo, where the “peppy purple peacock” Plum is given the responsible job of watching five exuberant and energetic, peachicks. Plum’s supervisory job takes a downturn when the smallest peachick “Pip” is kidnapped by the Bickle Brats, two badly behaved children who often get kicked out of the zoo.

Plum begins a rescue effort and enlists the help of the zoo’s “ningbing” Itch, friendly cats Jeremy and Bongo, and sewer opossums to locate the Bickle home. Once there, the rescue effort turns problematic as the Bickle yard is surrounded by a high chain-link fence, protected by a German shepherd dog, and little Pip is locked up in the shed. Discover how the daring rescue mission changes from Pip to Plum in this humorous and kindhearted tale of hope, friendship, and love. This highly illustrated novel is also perfect for reluctant readers and animal lovers everywhere.
Themes: Adventure, Animals, Chapter Books, Family, Friendship, Heroes, Humor, Series Other Books in the Series: A Snow Day for Plum! | Trouble Finds Plum | Leave It to Plum

Ages 10-13

SPY RING
written by Sarah Beth Durst, (Clarion Books, May 2024, $18.99, ISBN 978-0-06-332345-2), 224p, Ages 10-13

What do two 11-year-olds from Setauket, Long Island, a 200-year-old spy ring, cryptic clues, codewords, secret signals, and George Washington’s Culper Spy Ring have in common? They all come together for a fascinating tale and scavenger hunt surrounding Anna Smith Strong and the Culper Spy Ring, operated under George Washington during the Revolutionary War in Setauket.

When Rachel eavesdrops on a family conversation, she discovers that an antique ring, passed down through her soon-to-be stepdad’s family, belonged to Anna “Nancy” Smith Strong, the only female member of George Washington’s famed Culper Spry Ring. After secretly grabbing the ring, removing the tarnish, and uncovering a coded message “Find Me,” Rachel and her best friend Joon begin a scavenger hunt for historical facts surrounding the Culper Spy Ring and Nancy Strong’s involvement. Their exploitations, intelligence, and persistence take them from a local cemetery to a historical society, a local church, and famous battle sites, in this clever tale that brings history to life.

The author’s note explains historical fact from fiction.
Themes: Adventure, Families, Friendship, Heroes, Historical Fiction, Mysteries

Ages 12-15

CHARLIE THRONE AND THE ROYAL SOCIETY #4
written by Stuart Gibbs, (Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers, $17.99, April 2024, ISBN 978-1665934893), 416p, Ages 12-15

This fourth installment in the Charlie Thorne series finds thirteen-year-old Charlie and former CIA agents Danta Garcia and Milana Moon searching for Isaac Newton’s “Greatest Treasure”. Chasing clues across the rooftops of Cambridge University, scaling the Sydney Harbour Bridge, and evading a volcanic eruption in Hawaii, Charlie escapes kidnappers as she follows Newton’s trail of clues. To complicate matters, the CIA is hunting down Dante and Milana as rogue agents. Will Charlie discover Isaac Newton’s secret, and if so, what can she do about it?

Readers will enjoy the Prologue surrounding the life of Isaac Newton, his escape from enemies, and hiding his secret discovery. “What he had discovered was incredible, with the power to change the world forever, but humanity wasn’t ready for it yet.” This great adventure/mystery also contains interesting side information throughout the story on Issac Newton, James Cook, and the Royal Society, as well as various historical events and places.
Themes: Adventure, Families, Heroes, Historical Fiction, Mysteries, Series
Other Books in the Series: Charlie Thorne and the Last Equation | Charlie Thorne and the Lost City | Charlie Thorne and the Curse of Cleopatra

HEROES: A Novel of Pearl Harbor
written by Alan Gratz, comic art by Judit Tondora, map by Jim McMahon, (Scholastic, Inc, $18.99, Feb. 2024, ISBN 978-1-338-73607-6), 272p, Ages 12-15

On the day that will live in infamy, December 7, 1941, 13-year-old best friends, Frank McCoy and Stanley Summers, sons of Navy fighter pilots stationed on the Pearl Harbor Naval base, enjoy soaking up the sun and sharing a love of writing and drawing their own comic books of heroes with superpowers.
While touring the battleship Utah, their lives change forever when Japanese planes appear and begin dropping bombs and underwater torpedoes on the Pearl Harbor battle ships. With explosions and danger everywhere, the boys abandon the sinking Utah, swim back to Ford Island, struggle to find safety, witness many horrors, and help bring injured sailors to safety. When Frank, a white American, realizes that Stanley, a Japanese American, is condemned by those who consider him the enemy, against all his fears, he begins to stand up for Stanley and fight back against the irrational prejudice.

This fascinating look at one of America’s most infamous times explores themes of prejudice, power, and what it truly means to be a hero. The epilogue contains Frank and Stanley’s 10-page comic strip published as adults, a map of Pearl Harbor, the author’s note on the history of America’s reluctance to join the war, Asian American in Comics, and The Legacy of Pearl Harbor.
Themes: Adventure, Families, Friendship, Heroes, Historical Fiction, Suspense, Values
Other Books in the Series: Ground Zero, Projekt 1065, Code of Honor

StoryKeepers

Summer Adventures from the Past
to Read, Share, and Treasure

Leave your busy life and pull up a chair, the Storykeepers will meet you there.

Preschool

ABERDEEN
written/illus. by Stacey Previn, (Viking Children’s Books, 2016), 40p, Ages 3-6

A curious little mouse offers many excuses for making unwise choices. “Aberdeen didn’t mean to leave the yard. BUT a balloon floated by, so he followed it.” He didn’t mean to trample the neighbor’s flowers, or dig a hole under their fence, or let the balloon carry him away. As his mishaps continue, he falls into the mud, splashes in a puddle, and confronts a dangerous owl. When Mama comes to the rescue, Aberdeen apologizes with “I didn’t mean to make you worry.” Choices do have consequences.
Themes: Adventure, Animals, Values

DOWN BY THE STATION
written/illus. by Will Hillenbrand, (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 1999, ISBN 978-0152018047), 40p, Ages 3-7

“Down by the station early in the morning” an industrious train engineer pulls into the Zebra Station and picks up a safari-clad traveler with her own toy trains (puffer-bellies). The busy train chugs merrily along picking up various baby animals, each dropped off by their mom and dad, on the way to the Children’s Zoo before opening hours.

At the first stop a baby elephant calf is picked up, then flamingo chick, panda cub, tiger cub, seal pup, and a joey kangaroo. As each baby animal joins the train, their own sounds are added to the cumulative refrain. “See the engine driver / pull his little lever… Puff, puff, / Toot, toot, / Thrump, thrump, / Peep, peep, / Grump, grump, / Mew, mew, / Flip, flop / Bump, bump, / Off we go!” Along the way danger occurs when the seal pup and baby penguin jump off the train into a pond full of crocodiles. Children can search for a runaway red balloon on each page and watch a yellow school bus wind its way to the zoo carrying children to play with the animals. Children will enjoy the music on the last page in this charming and clever romp to the zoo.
Themes: Adventure, Animals, Humor, Machines, Rhythm & Rhyme

Ages 5 - 8

THE AMAZING VOYAGE OF JACKIE GRACE
written/illus. by Matt Faulkner, (Scholastic Inc., 1987), 40p, Ages 5-8

Jackie is a boy with a lively imagination and enjoys nothing more than a good bath. On this bathtub voyage, Jackie is joined by a captain and two sailors, who are searching for their ship that was stolen by pirates. Overcoming high seas and determined pirates, Jackie rescues the ship and defeats the pirates, just before his mom calls.
Themes: Adventure, Fantasy, Heroes

GARY
written/illus. by Leila Rudge, (Candlewick Press, $16.99, Nov. 2016, ISBN 978-0-7636-8954-4), 32p, Ages 4-8

“Most of the time, Gary was just like the other racing pigeons. He ate the same seeds. Slept in the same loft. And dreamed of adventure.” However, Gary cannot fly, so on racing days he stays behind and organizes his scrapbook of travel mementos from the other pigeons. One day Gary’s life radically changes when he and his beloved scrapbook accidentally fall into the travel basket, and he awakes in the big city, alone.

Find out how Gary plots his way back home, uses his beloved scrapbook as a guide, discovers an ingenious way of traveling, and returns with souvenirs of his own. Even the racing pigeons love Gary’s clever way of traveling. With lessons of perseverance, resiliency, and innovation, strength can be found in the most unlikely circumstances.
Themes: Adventure, Animals, Humor

Ages 7-10

THE ADVENTURES OF HENRY WHISKERS
written by Gigi Priebe, illus. by Daniel Duncan, (Aladdin Books, $16.99, Jan. 2017, ISBN 978-1-4814-6575-5), 160p, Ages: 7-10

At Windsor Castle there resides the magnificent Queen Mary’s Dollhouse, built in the 1920’s, with four floors, 40 rooms, 2 working elevators, hot and cold running water, and electricity. Never meant for dolls or children to play with, it is only used for exhibition. However, it has been home for 25 generations to the Whisker family, who live in the empty storage drawers built into the base.

Exploring is great fun for Henry Whisker and his cousin Jeremy, but they are always careful to avoid detection by the museum staff and Titus, the resident cat. When Henry’s little sister disappears, they begin a grand adventure to rescue Isabel. Avoiding the cat, Henry and Jeremy drive a miniature car, escape from the dangerous Rat Alley, rescue a baby rat, and make unexpected friends. Along the way they manage to avoid humans, who are cleaning the dollhouse for the Queen’s royal birthday banquet, which coincides with the Whiskers’ Annual Mouse Masquerade. Kids will love this brave, loyal, cheerful, and courageous hero in his first adventure.
Themes: Adventure, Animals, Friendship, Heroes, Series
Other Books in the Series: The Long Way Home

THE BOY WHO FELL OFF THE MAYFLOWER:
Or John Howland's Good Fortune
written/illus. by P. J. Lynch, (Candlewick Press, $17.99, Sept. 2015,), 64p, Ages 7-10

Based on historical facts, this memorable story surrounds a young indentured servant, John Howland, who sailed on the Mayflower with his master from 1620 London to the New World. The crossing was difficult especially during a storm when John was swept overboard. “Far up above, I saw the Mayflower's keel. I thought, That's my ship . . . She's taking me to America! A flash of lightning lit up a long rope trailing down from the ship. I pulled myself over toward it. My lungs were bursting now, but I caught hold of the rope and held on tight in the freezing water.” Once land was reached, the settlers faced more difficulties with the onset of winter, lack of food, sickness, and aggression toward the natives, which all contributed to the death of more than half of the original settlers.

With the arrival of Spring the community prospered with the friendship of Squanto, the organization of a new government, and John's decision to stay in America. Endpapers feature a Bibliography and Author's Note on John Howland's future. This dynamic depiction of one Pilgrim's adventure on the Mayflower and early experiences in America is one story not to be missed.
Themes: Adventure, Historical Fiction

Ages 8-11

EDISON:
The Mystery of the Missing Mouse Treasure
written/illus. by Torben Kuhlmann, translated by David Henry Wilson, (North South Books, $19.95, Oct. 2018, ISBN 978-0-7358-4322-6), 112p, Ages 8-11

The adventures from Torben Kuhlmann’s Lindbergh: The Tale of a Flying Mouse (2014) and Armstrong: The Adventurous Journey of a Mouse to the Moon (2016) continue in the newest tale of underwater exploration. A young mouse brings an old letter to a professor at the University of Mice and explains that, “Many years ago, one of my ancestors sailed across the Atlantic. And he took a large treasure with him.”

Thus Pete and the Professor begin a search for clues in newspaper clippings and discover that the transatlantic liner, carrying Pete’s ancestor, sank. It doesn’t take long to locate the wreck. Now begins the arduous and sometimes dangerous task of experimenting with trial and error to build a submarine. The day finally arrives when they and their submarine stowaway in a shipping container on a cargo ship and make the journey across the Atlantic to dive for the sunken ship and treasure.

Their amazing underwater adventure becomes unforgettable as they discover secrets beyond their wildest imaginations. Could it be that young Pete’s ancestor survived the sinking and went on to help a famous human inventor? Kids will pour over the illustrations, especially antique-like drawings of the various underwater inventions. Themes: Adventure, Animals, Fantasy, Heroes, Inventions, Series
Other Books in Series: Lindbergh: The Tale of a Flying Mouse | Armstrong: The Adventurous Journey of a Mouse to the Moon | Einstein: The Fantastic Journey of a Mouse Through Space and Time

MICE OF THE ROUND TABLE:
A Tail of Camelot Bk#
written by Julie Leung, illus. by Lindsey Carr, (HarperCollins, Oct. 2016, ISBN 978-0-06-240399-5), 304p, Ages 9-12

Caleb Christopher, a young mouse page in King Arthur’s castle, dreams of becoming a brave knight of the Round Table, preserving his family name, and following in the “pawsteps” of his famous father and grandfather. Before he can participate in the Harvest Tournament, a competition leading to knighthood, his grandfather is murdered, and the Camelot mice suspect the animals from the Darkling Woods. Caleb believes an old enemy plans an invasion of Camelot, and he sets out to unite the rodent population, the forest animals, and the humans (two-leggers), after discovering that the Sword in the Stone, which appears at Camelot’s darkest times, has returned. Along the way he befriends 11-year-old Galahad, the son of Sir Lancelot, and the two heroes face parallel battles against the invading Saxon weasels and soldiers. In this first action-packed adventure of the Mice of the Round Table series, readers will root for this small hero in his quest to save the legendary Camelot and the Knights of the Round Table.
Themes: Adventure, Fantasy, Heroes, Series

Ages 10-13

BRINGING DOWN THE MOUSE #1
(A Charlie Numbers Adventure)
written by Ben Mezrich, (Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, $16.99, July 2014, ISBN
978-1-4424-9626-2), 336p, Ages 9-12

Exceptionally good at math equations, sixth-grader Charlie Lewis hangs out with kids known as the Geek Squad, earning the nickname of Numbers. Charlie is rescued from a school bully by a seventh grader, who invites him to join a secret gang, the Carnival Killers.

This group of middle school kids is led by a college student, who needs Charlie’s math abilities to defeat the rigged carnival midway games, win lifetime tickets for the group to Incredo Land in Florida, and $50,000 for a teacher’s aid program.

When Charlie realizes the leader’s illegal purposes, he decides to change the outcome. Excitement, adventure, and risk-taking will keep readers guessing the conclusion.
Themes: Adventure, Friendship, Mysteries, Series
Others in the Series: Charlie Numbers and the Man in the Moon #2 | Charlie Numbers and the Wooly Mammoth #3

CHILDREN OF THE LAMP:
The Akhenaten Adventure
written by P. B. Kerr, (Orchard Books, 2004), 368p, Ages 10+

Twelve-year-old twins John and Philippa Gaunt live an uneventful life in New York City, until they have their wisdom teeth out, and discover a love smoke and heat and an ability to grant wishes. When they visit their eccentric uncle Nimrod in London, he informs them that they are descended from Djinn. As Nimrod begins their training, they travel to Egypt in search of the pharaoh, Akhenaten and his 70 lost Djinn. Legend states that whoever finds the tomb will have the ability to command them. With the help of an Irish speaking Djinn, a human butler, and an Egyptian chauffeur, the children manage to save the world from evil.
Themes: Adventure, Families, Fantasy, Folk Literature, Heroes, Series
Other Books In the Series: The Blue Djinn of Babylon #2 | The Cobra King of Kathmandu #3 | Day of the Djinn Warriors #4 | The Eye of the Forest #5 | The Five Fakirs of Faizabad #6 | The Grave Robbers of Genghis

Ages 12-15

KNIGHTLEY & SON
written by Gavin Rohan, (Bloomsbury, 2014), 272p, Ages 12-15

Alan Knightley, a brilliant, dedicated, but obsessive detective suddenly awakens from a four-year coma ready to take on the Combination, an ancient criminal organization responsible for his coma and all unexplained crime in the world. Escaping the hospital, Alan seeks out his 13-year-old son, Darkus, who holds the key to his stolen records. With the help of Darkus’ deductive and observation skills, they unravel the mystery behind a self-help mystical book, THE CODE, tied to spontaneous criminal activity.

When Alan is kidnapped, Darkus continues the investigation, narrowly avoiding death at the hands of his stepfather, who has been hypnotized by THE CODE to kill him. Conspiracy theories, high speed car chases, irrational criminal behavior, secret WW II underground railway stations, and blended family dynamics, make this Sherlock Holmes-like read a great page-turner for the start of a new father-son detective series.
Themes: Adventure, Heroes, Mystery, Suspense, Series
Other Books in the Series: Knightley & Son: K-9 | Knightley & Son: 3 of a Kind

THE MYSTERY OF THE CLOCKWORK SPARROW
(The Sinclair Mysteries)
written by Katherine Woodfine, illus. by Julia Sardà, (Kane Miller Books, 2016), 352p, Ages 14+

“NEW YORK TYCOON TO TAKE LONDON BY STORM! New York millionaire Mr. Edward Sinclair is set to throw open the doors of London’s largest department store this week. The new Piccadilly store, which has been a year in construction, stands an impressive eight story’s high, with six acres of floor space, nine state-of-the-art lifts, and over one hundred different departments.”

During the Edwardian era of England, fourteen-year-old Sophie Taylor, orphaned after her father’s death and considered too old for an orphanage and old enough to support herself, is hired by Sinclair’s as a shopgirl to work in the Millinery Dept. Sophie is impressed with Mr. Sinclair’s special exhibition of jewels, including the Clockwork Sparrow, a musical box in the shape of a bird from the Russian Imperial Court. The Sparrow is considered priceless as it contains valuable gems with a unique ability to play a different tune whenever wound.

When a burglary occurs and the Sparrow is taken, Sophie is fired due to accusations by the store manager. With the help of new friends, Billy Parker, an apprentice porter and mystery-lover, Lilian Rose, a friendly store model and aspiring actress, and Joe, a homeless boy, who was involved with the crime lord known as the Baron, they band together to solve the mystery. Readers will enjoy the intrepid heroes as they solve messages coded in ciphers, uncover police corruption, discover explosive devices, and devour iced buns, while attempting to bring the villainous Baron to justice.
Themes: Adventure, Friendship, Heroes, Mysteries, Series
Others in the Series: The Mystery of the Jeweled Moth #2 | The Mystery of the Painted Dragon #3 | The Mystery of the Midnight Peacock #4

Over the years, we have researched thousands of children's books, and can recommend some of the best in outstanding children's literature for parents to read aloud and children to read.

Our recommendations must meet certain criteria: fun, creative and imaginative stories, delightful illustrations, and excellent for age appropriate listening and reading. We hope that you enjoyed our recommendations. If you desire further information some of the best in children's literature, please visit our website, www.tchliteracy.com.