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.

Age 04-08. 4 Stars. Delectable is the word for this whimsical flight of fancy around the world… a wonderful early introduction to the concepts of trade, culture, and cooking, and for thoughtful readers may provide an opportunity to discuss the effect of globalization on national economies. It’s infused with a lighthearted wit and and gives a whole new meaning to the phrase “As American as apple pie.” A delicious excursion.

Age 00-04. 4 Stars. Crictor, a boa constrictor, arrives in Madame Bodot’s home in a doughnut-shaped box, shipped from Africa by her thoughtful herpetologist son…. the limitations of the technology do not greatly hinder Ungerer’s excellent writing, wry humor and sinuous lines. Madame Bodot and Crictor are each admirable in their own way — she in her generous service to the community, he in his loyal courage in defending her. This old story retains its charm, and is well worth reading.

Age 00-04. 5 Stars. Goodnight Moon is an apparently simple bedtime book whose appeal has endured for over sixty years. In it, a small rabbit delays bedtime by saying goodnight to all the objects in his room. The text is soothingly rhythmic, and the well-conceived artwork depicts the same bedroom from different perspectives in two-page colored spreads, alternating with close-up pictures of individual objects in shades of gray. As the bunny slowly subsides into bed and sleep, the light in the room dims until shapes are nearly imperceptible. This warm and comforting story traces the emotional transition of a young child from active relationship to restful solitude, all in the context of a stable and secure home emblemized by the unchanging objects in the room. A wonderful book.

Age 00-04. 5 Stars. This wonderful book has a lot going for it: It utilizes the days of the week, counts from one to five, names a number of familiar foods, and traces the life cycle of a caterpillar. It also incorporates a charming humor when on Saturday, the caterpillar eats many foods, and develops a stomachache. There is also a tactile element for younger readers, because as the caterpillar eats through each food he leaves a hole in the page. The plot is simple enough to hold the attention of the toddlers for whom it is intended, while providing enough complexity to last longer than most toddler stories.

Age 04-08. 4 Stars. In this retelling of a segment from Spenser’s Faerie Queen… Hyman’s mesmerizing illustrations, augmented by lavish and intricate borders, make this book excellent …, because the pictures do most of the work in capturing a child’s imagination. This story of heroism and love is wonderful in its own right, but it should also whet the appetite and prepare the reader for a future experience of the full poem.

Age 04-08. 5 Stars. This lovely tale illustrates the truth that although God’s decisions regarding the lives of His creations may seem inscrutable, He is always working for good purposes…. While the book does not present the full story of Jesus’ birth, death, and resurrection to restore humanity to God (1 Corinthians 15:3-4; 1 Peter 3:18), it is an excellent complement to the story. This would make a good addition both to your Christmas and Easter reading basket.

Age 00-04. 4 Stars. This classic book tells the story of a train whose engine stalls out before it can get over the last mountain to deliver toys and food to the good children on the other side of the mountain. The toys begin to flag down passing engines to take them the rest of the way. Several engines refuse, but a little blue engine agrees to try, even though she has never pulled such a heavy load. Through generous good will and tenacity she makes it over hill. The well-written and original plot, and the pleasantly repetitive “I think I can… I thought I could” has ensured its popularity for over sixty years.