A Day’s Work

Ronald Himler (Illustrator). Sandpiper 1997, Paperback, 32 pages, $3.11

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

On Saturday morning, young Francisco waits with his abuelo (grandfather) with other day laborers, hoping for a day’s work.  In order to persuade a potential employer to choose them, Francisco claims his grandfather is a gardener, even though he is actually a carpenter.  It is only at the end of the day that the lie is found out.  Then Abuelo shows Francisco the value of integrity, admonishing, “We do not lie for work,” and taking steps to make restitution.

Bunting’s understated text, written from the child’s perspective, expresses the raw desperation that the most poverty-stricken people experience daily, helping the reader understand why Francisco would tell such a lie.  But his grandfather’s personal honor proves that, regardless of circumstances, even the lowest labor carries dignity and worth when it is carried out with self-respect.

This is a serious story, and even illustrated with Himler’s wonderful paintings it retains a somber mood that might not draw readers in as easily as more lighthearted books.  But it provides a vital, sympathetic glimpse into the world of immigrant day laborers while demonstrating the moral importance of honesty.  It’s a beautifully moving book which will help cultivate compassion for others.

Polar Bear, Polar Bear, What Do You Hear? (Brown Bear and Friends)

Eric Carle (Illustrator). Henry Holt and Co. (BYR) 1997, Board book, 32 pages, $4.07

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

This is a pleasant follow-up to Brown Bear Brown Bear, What Do You See?, with the rhythmic refrain changed by one word.  This volume focuses on animals found in the zoo and the sounds they make: Polar bear, lion, hippo, flamingo, zebra, boa constrictor, elephant, leopard, peacock, walrus, finishing with the zookeeper and children, who playfully imitate the animals.  It’s characterized by pleasant, predictable repetition and Eric Carle’s wonderfully playful collage illustrations.

Like Brown Bear, this book is well suited to the preschool crowd and could make a confidence-building practice reader.

Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?

Eric Carle (Illustrator). Henry Holt and Co. (BYR) 1996, Board book, 32 pages, $4.31

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

This immensely popular toddler book features a procession of animals, introduced by the same chant addressed to the preceding animal: “Brown Bear, Brown Bear, what do you see?” The animal answers, “I see a red bird looking at me.”  Then the page is turned to reveal a red bird, who is asked the same question, and answers that a yellow duck is looking at her.  In this way a blue horse, green frog, purple cat, black sheep, and gold fish are introduced, who finally mention the teacher and children who are looking at them (presumably from outside the book, as well as being pictured in its pages.)

The predictable format, rhymic repetition, pleasing collage illustrations, and systematic introduction of colors with animal names have endeared this book to children and those who teach them since its publication 40 years ago.  It has been translated into many languages and is read around the world.  It is well suited to toddlers, and can also work as a confidence-building early beginning reader.

Bambi

Felix Salten. Aladdin 2010, Paperback, 192 pages, $2.37

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Most of my generation, when they think of Bambi, think of the sentimental Disney movie.  But the original book was a serious work.  Its one-of-a-kind conception and spectacular writing have earned it classic status as the story of a young deer growing to adulthood in his woodland home.  Salten’s writing is compelling, and scenes from the story will stay in the mind long after reading, to be often recalled and savored.  This Bambi lives a grim and dangerous life, his world filled with blood and fear — and most of his troubles emanate from the dreaded Man.

Bambi’s response to his pitiless world is to emulate his distant father, exiling himself from the company of others — even Faline, his mate.  In abandoning these relationships, he chooses a solitary life in which he accepts loneliness (his own and Faline’s) as the price of his safety.

There is a clear sense that Bambi’s coming-of-age is defined by no longer needing to rely on others.  His relationship with his father begins when the old stag rebukes him for calling his mother: “Your mother has no time for you.  Can’t you stay by yourself?”  Later in life, his father befriends him and teaches him to move through the forest so that he is never seen.  The relationship ends when his father leaves him to die alone.  Bambi then passes on the heritage of solitude by rebuking two fawns for crying after their mother.

In contrast to this message of isolationism, the Bible teaches that a solitary existence falls short of God’s plan (Genesis 2:18).  Rather than affirming interdependence as a sign of weakness, Scripture teaches that people are meant to live in community (Ecclesiastes 4:12; 1 Corinthians 12:12; and Hebrews 10:24-25).  Rather than becoming stronger when we withdraw from others, being alone actually makes us more vulnerable to attack.

The romantic appeal of Bambi’s self-chosen exile has an especial attraction in our individualistic culture.  Adults will need to use discernment about when a child is ready for this book.  The reader ought to be mature enough to critically engage Salten’s perspective without being drawn into his isolationist impulse.  Since the message is embedded in a masterfully written story, parents should be cautious about introducing it too early, but at the right time it ought to provide excellent material for discussion.

Rapunzel

Trina Schart Hyman (Illustrator). Holiday House (P) 1987, Paperback, $22.62

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Rogansky’s retelling of Rapunzel is another excellent interpretation of the traditional fairy tale popularized by the Brothers Grimm.  Rogansky’s prose is flawless, and the story is illustrated with sweeping romantic brilliance by Trina Schart Hyman, in a similar style to her Saint George and the Dragon and Little Red Riding Hood.  Rapunzel’s neckline does plunge a little low on some pages, and for this reason some parents may prefer Zelinsky’s Rapunzel to this one.

This book is also unfortunately a little hard to find, but it is easily available through public libraries.

Rapunzel (Picture Puffin Books)

Paul O. Zelinsky (Adapter). Puffin 2002, Paperback, 48 pages, $2.46

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Paul Zelinsky has brought the traditional Rapunzel, popularized by the Brothers Grimm, to life in gorgeous oil paintings.  His writing is careful and gripping, and his stylized visual interpretation of the story is stunningly beautiful.  The grasping malice of the old witch, the despair of bereaved parents, the innocence of the shut-up girl, and the new love of the young married couple all help to communicate the complex emotional themes of this timeless story.

Like many other traditional fairy tales, this one contains some violence which may be troubling to sensitive children, and it may not be appropriate for very young readers.

The Reluctant Dragon

Michael Hague (Illustrator). Henry Holt and Co. (BYR) 1988, Paperback, 48 pages, $3.98

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

The Reluctant Dragon is a mild-mannered specimen of his breed who, unlike the “active and earnest” fellows who used to charge around battling knights, has survived long enough to develop his passion for poetry.  He is befriended by an intelligent young shepherd boy, who is placed in an awkward position when the villagers discover the dragon’s presence.  Although the dragon has harmed no one, the villagers are so aroused that they call on Saint George to battle this “pestilential scourge.”  When Saint George arrives the dragon flatly refuses to fight, and the boy is left to find a solution to the impasse.

This is a brilliantly written satirical fantasy, lambasting the traditional knight-and-dragon stories and providing a wonderful protagonist that boys of all ages (and many girls) will want to identify with.  The fantastical pleasure of friendship with a dragon is enhanced by encounters with the famous knight, a theatrical battle, and plenty of intelligent wit to amuse both children and adults.  The language is advanced, suitable for reading aloud or for confident self-readers.  Some of the humor will be above young readers’ heads, but there is enough action to make it interesting for younger ages.

The original classic version is charmingly illustrated in pen-and-ink by Ernest Shepard (who also illustrated the Winnie-the-Pooh books), but for younger readers a more colorful version may be more appealing.  There is a visually pleasing paraphrase by Inga Moore, which unfortunately preserves almost none of Grahame’s marvelous prose.  The unabridged edition by Michael Hague has lavish illustrations on almost every page, and it is my favorite version.

A free audio recording of the story is available on Librivox.org.

The Story of Ferdinand (Puffin Storytime)

Robert Lawson (Illustrator). Puffin 2007, Paperback, $5.77

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Ferdinand is a mild-mannered Spanish bull who (unlike his peers) has no aspirations to be chosen for a big bullfight in Madrid.  Instead, “he like[s] to sit just quietly and smell the flowers.”  But one day, when five men come to his pasture to choose a bull for the bullfight, Ferdinand sits on a bee, provoking him to act so crazy that the men choose him for the next bullfight.  When he arrives in the arena, he has to decide whether he will give in to the pressure to perform.

The story is rendered in charming ink drawings and is exceptionally well written.  The author makes gentle fun of the strutting bravado displayed by of the bullfight’s participants, while Ferdinand’s gentle response displays a unique kind of courage.  Some parents will see this story as a treatise against the violence and cruelty of bullfights, while others will view it as an example of someone being true to himself.  However you interpret it, this is an undeniably hilarious story that has been loved by children since its first publication in 1936.

It is fairly accessible to older toddlers and will also be enjoyed by early readers.  Since its original printing, a color version has become available, but its blotchy quality obscures the detail in the ink drawings, so I prefer the black-and-white version.

Pronunciation for Spanish words may be heard and viewed by clicking the links: Matador, Picador, Banderillero.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Quentin Blake (Illustrator). Puffin 2007, Paperback, 176 pages, $3.28

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is a lighthearted Cinderella fantasy about a sweet little poor boy who is one of five lucky children chosen to tour Mr. Wonka’s mysterious chocolate factory. This factory is the topic of much speculation, since no humans are ever seen going in or out, but it remains the source of the most delectable confections known to man.

The children and their parents discover that the factory is populated by funny dwarfs called Oompa-Loompas, and each room is filled with candy more delicious than the last.  Throughout the tour, Charlie’s good character (an effect of good upbringing by a loving family) strikes a contrast against the four spoiled, unpleasant children, who continually get themselves into hilarious trouble by misbehaving.

The story is wonderfully well written, and although it is lighthearted in tone it is a true moral tale — probably too moralistic for some readers.  Charlie, like the traditional Cinderella, is almost too sweet, and the four bad children are ludicrously obnoxious.  There are some intense moments: Charlie’s family lives in danger of starvation, and in a few episodes the reader is left to wonder whether the bad children will come to real harm.  Parents ought to use discernment when introducing the story to sensitive readers.  And, of course, candy is a central theme, highlighted by Charlie’s real hunger.  Those who are sensitive to sugar or given to gluttony may want to avoid the story for this reason.

Aside from these points, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is a rollicking, lighthearted fantasy, full of humor and imagination, which is a delight to read aloud.  If parents decide to let their children watch either of the movie versions, I recommend they read the book first, because the movie interpretations are quite different from the spirit of the original story.

Chicka Chicka Boom Boom

Lois Ehlert (Illustrator). Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing 1989, Hardcover, 40 pages, $4.98

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

This book tells a simple, pleasant story of junior members of the alphabet racing up a coconut tree, then falling out when the tree gets too full.  The letters are then rescued by their parents, the capital letters.  Very rhythmic and fun to listen to for small children, and a wonderful aid to learning the alphabet, although the “chicka chicka boom boom” refrain may get old for parents reading aloud.  It is illustrated in Lois Ehlert’s distinctive collage style.  There have been several songs written to supplement the book.