Read Aloud. Read Often.
Consider these new books for your next story time.
There’s No Such Thing as Little By LeUyen Pham Best for: Ages 4-8
Best-selling illustrator of Freckleface Strawberry, LeUyen Pham sets an optimistic tone from the first page of her book There’s No Such thing as Little. Using the simple die-cut circle technique in every other set of illustrations, Pham is able to show one perception then reveal the truth in the next illustration. I particularly like the reading/writing pages that read “A little letter? No, an important letter.” I also like the trip to the museum with “A little line? No, an inspiring line.” Pham’s positive message is enhanced by the contingent of smiling children smattered throughout the pages.
What’s good: Nice message that focuses on finding joy in the simple pleasures in life. What’s bad: Very little. This book would be great for kindergarten story time. Use Your Words, Sophie! By Rosemary Wells Best for: Ages 3-7
This book is familiar Rosemary Wells material. It is her third that features Sophie. Use Your Words, Sophie! follows Sophie as she tries to cope with a new baby in the family. She draws attention to herself by making up her own language. Using made-up words causes her parents more consternation than necessary—especially when the new baby begins crying. Granny helps Sophie become the family hero by showing her how the made-up words are just the remedy for crying fits. Sophie calms the baby and decides on her name before the story ends. Young readers will enjoy the humor and the comfortable illustrations.
What’s good: Humor and emotions that are easy for young readers to understand. What’s bad: This is tried-and-true subject matter, and Wells doesn’t add much beyond what is already out there. Disney Lands (Kingdom Keepers: The Return Series #1) By Ridley Pearson Best for: Ages 10-14
While I loved the original Kingdom Keepers series, I was not fond of the ending. It left too many questions unanswered. Evidently, Finn, the leader of the Keepers felt the same way. In this first book of a new sequel series, the Keepers are moving beyond high school—looking at colleges, careers and Imagineering school. But Finn was correct: Things are unfinished and unanswered. The Overtakers may or may not be back, but whatever the problem is, the Keepers have to go back in time to the opening of Disneyland to save the parks and possibly their lives.
Like the original series, this one combines enough Disney reality with fiction to leave you guessing what is real and what is make believe. Disney Lands is a worthy successor to the original series, and I look forward to the next installment.
What’s good: Fast-paced adventure, magic and a balance of reality and fiction. What’s bad: Time travel can get very tricky for continuity. Be prepared to suspend all disbelief.