Looking for something to take on that Spring Break trip? One of my favorite authors says that “there is no such thing as a kid who doesn’t like to read. They just haven’t found the right book yet.” Finding the “right book” for kids is a challenge–but consider it a mystery instead of a fight. Just think of all those books out there, waiting for the “right person” to find them! These are great choices for long travel times.
John Patrick Norman McHennessey: The Boy Who Was Always Late, by John Burningham (Random House). Recently reissued from its 1987 debut, this is the story of being misunderstood by the teacher and learning through experience. There is an “I told you so” quality that takes the side of the student. Isn’t that refreshing? Ages 5-8.
Guinness Book of World Records 2009 (Time, Inc.). Surprised? This is the kind of book every kid will pick up, just out of curiosity. Reading is reading, and I prefer this book to the Ripley’s series. Just the habit of sitting and holding a book in your hands must be practiced. So, all you David Blaines of the world, pick it up and start the clock. Ages 7 and up.
The Van Gogh Café, by Cynthia Rylant (Harcourt). This slim volume has a much deeper meaning inside its covers. Set in rural Kansas, the Café is visited in each chapter by interesting characters that are changed by the simple magic that envelops the restaurant. Like a series of short stories, the magic stays with you long after you finish the book. “Anything can happen.” Ages 8-12.
The Invention of Hugo Cabret, by Brian Selznick (Scholastic). For those who would relish carrying around a BIG book, this 500+ page picture book is a treasure. It was awarded the Caldecott Medal in 2008 and can be enjoyed by adults and children alike. Using pictures and photographs, Selznick has created a storyboard for a thrilling movie, which unfolds as quickly as you turn the pages. But, if you take your time, you can savor this book forever. It is about a boy who is an orphan, a clock keeper and a thief. I know quite a few “right persons” for this book.
Jokelopedia, by Ilana Weitzman, Eva Blank and Rosanne Green (Workman). Just try to put this book in front of a kid and say “You CAN’T read this.” The encyclopedia of jokes, this book is for the class clown, the wall flower and everyone in between! It even has profiles of famous funny people like Lucille Ball, Eddie Murphy and Jim Carey. You can also find special tips for telling jokes, like “never laugh during the punch line.” Don’t you want to pick it up already? Ages 7-12.
-Julie Hubble has World Records books in the car for carpooling around Leawood, Kan.