Great Titles for Kids of All Ages

I am such a huge fan of children’s literature that I want to find the perfect book for every child I meet. There are so many books available to children that it is hard to know where to begin to look! Not only that, there is a sliver of a window where kids begin to develop a passion for reading. If you give them something mediocre, that flame can fizzle out. How do you find the books that make reading a passion and not a minute-counting homework assignment? I am not a librarian or an educator. I’m just a mom who searches hard for books that capture a child’s heart -- and keep them away from television!

The best books are not always the one with the prettiest cover. They are most definitely not the ones with a toy attached to it. Or a treasure hunt that spans the globe. So take a look at these little gems. These are books that take kids under the covers with a flashlight. Or in a sunny window with a big pillow. Or on your lap at the end of the day.

Young Readers

CHARLIE PARKER PLAYED BEBOP by Chris Raschka. Ultra cool, swingin’ beat, pictures that you can hear in your head. Chris Raschka has figured out how to DRAW bebop. Just try to keep still! Your kids will try new sounds, just like in Dr. Seuss’ MR. BROWN CAN MOO, CAN YOU? Raschka has other exceptional pictures books like YO! YES! (A 1994 Caldecott Honor Book) and The Hello Goodbye Window (2006 Caldecott Medal).

ZEN SHORTS, by Jon Muth. Three classic Zen stories come to life as a Giant Panda visits 3 children and gives them each a story of their own. Life’s lessons become simple and profound with beautiful watercolors. Read over a year ago, my kids still remember each “lesson”.

Cowgirl Kate and Cocoa by Erica Silverman, Illustrated by Betsy Lewin. New readers will smile at the funny adventures shared between a feisty little cowgirl and her hungry horse. My daughter and her friends LOVED this one. A bit easier than AMELIA BEDELIA. A 2006 Geisel Honor Book.

Middle Readers

My Father’s Dragon by Ruth Stiles Gannett. A revived classic that shows how clever and resourceful a child can be in any situation. “Look how he could solve every problem he faced – all by himself!” A mother’s dream lesson. An ALA Notable book, it is the perfect introduction to chapter books, and a fabulous read-aloud. A three book series with Elmer and the Dragon and the Dragons of Blueland to follow.

Older Readers

The Lightning Thief, by Rick Riordan. This book was the winner of over 13 awards—too many to list but quite a feat! Percy Jackson, a modern day youth, is introduced to us in this book as he slowly realizes he is the son of a Greek God. I loved how mythology is introduced in these books. (A good companion would be the classic D’aulaire’s Greek Mythology book. Buy this one – it is a keeper.) Sea of Monsters is next and The Titan’s Curse will be out in May 2007. Good for Harry Potter Lovers!

Julie Hubble lives in Leawood and is the mother of avid readers Jackson and Margaret, who sometimes like her recommendations.