Age 08-12. 2 Stars. Sara Louise Bradshaw is an awkward, pretentious young woman consumed with envy and bitterness against her twin sister Caroline… This book… has been enjoyed by many readers because of its masterful writing and the genuine pathos of its protagonist. But Louise’s faults unfortunately permeate this compelling story. I’m willing to be challenged, but I believe that while Paterson has done a great job of describing adolescent struggles, her protagonist is never allowed to fully transcend them. This, combined with the truly poisonous nature of Sara Louise’s family, makes this a story that may do more harm than good.

Age 04-08. 4 Stars. This unusual story combines the drama of bereavement with comedic humor. Young children will enjoy the way Babar takes on human characteristics as he puts on his suit, and spreads the human influence of civilization to the entire elephant “people.” Although he is shown grieving for the life he has lost, the evil that brought about his orphanhood is counterbalanced by the Old Lady’s kindness, and his story is suffused with expectant hope. His traumatic bereavement remains a part of him, but it does not prevent him from bettering himself, helping others, marrying Celeste, and building a royal family together.

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 04-08. 5 Stars. On the first day of school in a small village, a young boy is found hidden beneath the schoolhouse floor. The boy comes to be called “Chibi” for his small stature, and is ostracized by his classmates…. Yashima’s evocative drawings complement his spare text beautifully, and while the story’s emphasis is on relational dynamics among the children, there is a vivid sense of the outdoors as well as an experience of the cultural environment in this small village. The book is pleasing on many levels and should appeal to younger and older readers.

Age 00-04. 4 Stars. This is a very simple story about a young boy’s confidence that the seed he plants will grow. He persists in caring for it, even though his family expresses skepticism, and his perseverance is met with success. This is a nice short read-aloud for young children who are just beginning to grasp the structure of stories, or those who are just moving into reading on their own.

Age 04-08. 4 Stars. George’s mischievous, adventurous approach to life (balanced by his friend’s comforting and steadying presence) has made him popular with generations of children since the first book was published in 1941…. while children will enjoy the vicarious thrill of watching George’s antics, they have no trouble understanding that his often-foolish actions are inappropriate for themselves. If anything, he provides an example of how not to act.

Age 00-04. 4 Stars. Madeline is one of twelve girls at a Parisian boarding school….The Madeline books have been loved by children for seventy years, for good reason. Their engaging illustrations, careful writing, and subtle humor combine to present a secure and romantic world that is very appealing.

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.

Age 12-16. 5 Stars. The Lord of the Rings Trilogy continues the story begun in The Hobbit and more fully develops the world of Middle Earth. In this epic saga, ordinary beings must use their small gifts in a struggle against great evil…. This work has becoming a defining influence in the genre in fantasy literature, and none of the works that came after it have matched it for its marvelous use of language, the deep coherency of the fantasy world, and the epic themes which propel the story to its climactic finish. Christian readers have long appreciated the way in which Tolkien’s stories express his Christian view of reality.

Age 08-12. 5 Stars. The Hobbit, like The Chronicles of Narnia, defines the standard for fantasy literature for children…. Tolkien’s works have attained classic status through their excellent story quality, deeply coherent story world, and a perceptive eye toward human nature. Christian thinkers especially appreciate that Tolkien’s stories, while not allegorical, are firmly rooted in a Christian view of the world.