Age 04-08. 5 Stars. The story is told with well-paced, pleasant repetition and a funny, dramatic climax with a visual joke at the end, as Baba inspects the mysteriously enlarged mitten. Nicki is a likable and energetic child with a nurturing, sensible adult caretaker, and the animals are rendered in their animal characters, with only a shade of human personality. But it is the gorgeous illustrations that really make this story… This story will surprise and delight children from a wide range of ages, from toddlers (there is a simplified board book version just for them) to readers.

Age 04-08. 5 Stars. Of all the easy-reader books in print, this series may be the best in writing quality, complexity, character development, and humor.

Age 00-04. 4 Stars. Big Red Barn is one of those classic baby books that provokes either charm or annoyance in adult readers, and delight in young listeners… It’s a good fit for both preverbal toddlers and children who are just beginning to understand how story events progress in sequence. It’s a very nice choice for both boys and girls.

Age 04-08. 5 Stars. Hoban writes this story with incisive characterization of how young children think, with several delightful moments in which children (and their parents) may recognize themselves…. Frances’ struggle with selfishness is genuine enough to avoid a preachy, moralistic message, and the entire story takes place in the context of a secure family environment, with wise and loving parents. An outstanding story.

Age 04-08. 4 Stars. This is probably the second most well-known of Beatrix Potter’s wonderful rabbit stories… The cat is dangerous, the bunnies foolish and lovable, the father heroic and brave, and the warm home scene allows the reader a sigh of relief at the end.

Age 04-08. 4 Stars. A young elephant is filled with curiosity, although his family and relations try to drive it out of him… Parents will need to be discerning as to whether their child can grasp the story’s ridiculous tone. But for a child who can grasp the humor of this pseudo-folktale, it ought to provide an enjoyable flight of imagination… Because the language is difficult, it may be most appropriate for more advanced listeners.

Age 04-08. 5 Stars. The House at Pooh Corner continues the world introduced Winnie-the-Pooh… The writing quality and character development are just as wonderful in as in Winnie-the-Pooh — this book has none of the sequel’s dullness.

Age 04-08. 5 Stars. Winnie-the-Pooh has been beloved by several generations because of the wonderful way Milne captures the imaginative play of children…. Milne’s excellent writing, wonderful use of language, subtle and silly sense of humor, and the unforgettable eccentricities of his characters make the world of Pooh a delightful place. Like other classic children’s stories, Winnie-the-Pooh may not appeal to every reader, but every child ought to have a chance to experience it.

Age 04-08. This is an outstanding collection of eight of James Herriot’s true stories about his life as a veterinarian in 1940’s Yorkshire, adapted for children and beautifully illustrated.

Age 05-10. This memorable story provides an example of genuine, loving friendship, which blooms among the hard realities of farm life… it is these contrasts that have made this story such an enduring classic — the reality of death and pain make joy and love all the sweeter where they exist.