Age 04-08. 5 Stars. In this moving tribute to human courage (written by the child of Japanese internees), a young Japanese boy describes his time in the American internment camps during WWII. … the text describes the painful reality of this dark moment in American history in a clear, understated way, without bitterness. An unusual and outstanding book.

Age 04-08. 5 Stars. Another outstanding wordless book by Peter Spier, this one follows a young brother and sister as they don raincoats, hats, and umbrellas to enjoy a rainy day outdoors… This story is one of exploring and experiencing the natural world, but the adventure begins and ends in a secure home which bears the stamp of their parents’ hard work and loving demeanor. An irresistible read.

Age 04-08. 5 Stars. This riveting story gently introduces the pain and evil involved in World War II, without going into graphic detail about the horrors of the war. Johanna’s courage and loyalty are very admirable, and they seem to grow naturally in the context of her family’s values of love and courtesy. The book is written at a transitional reader’s level and (unlike most war stories) is appropriate for precocious pre-readers.

Age 04-08. 5 Stars. Hughes’ artwork is wonderfully rendered, with a particular eye to details that emphasize the warmth and closeness of this family. Most importantly, Bella’s open-hearted self-sacrifice epitomizes the kindness that siblings ought to express toward one another. Elder and younger siblings will appreciate this story for different reasons.

Age 12-16. The Harry Potter series is entertaining and well written, and follows a good-against-evil motif that is in some harmony with a Christian worldview. The magic in the early books seems for the most part fantastical, although the later books move into darker, more occultic territory. More problematic is Harry’s isolationism, as well as the absence of trustworthy, competent adults in his life…. I would recommend that if the books are approved, their introduction should be delayed until the early teen years, when readers are old enough to engage the problematic elements with the help of a discerning adult.

Age 00-04. 4 Stars. This book is a compilation of three enjoyable rhyming stories for young children…The stories are told in rhyming verse whose rhythmic cadence will please the youngest listeners, while the humor and drama will appeal to slightly older readers… While this book will never win a poetry award, it’s a sure winner for any child who will enjoy the slightly scary but ultimately comforting idea of making friends with a cartoon bear.

Age 04-08. 5 Stars. Children who have enjoyed Charlotte’s Web and James Herriot’s Treasury for Children will love this story, which is exceptionally well written with humor, pathos, and drama… The characters are wonderfully drawn, and Babe exemplifies loyalty, courage, determination, and courtesy… An outstanding read.

Age 04-08. 4 Stars. Pinkney’s adaptation uses modern language, retaining almost none of Kipling’s masterful language, but telling the story very well. What really makes this book are his lavish, exuberant watercolor paintings which draw the reader in and dramatize the story in a very vivid way.

Age 04-08. 4 Stars. Every child should read Aesop at some point, not only because of the time-honored wisdom contained in the stories, but also because knowing Aesop gives a cultural literacy that will bring great pleasure… This gorgeously illustrated version makes the ancient genre of morality tales accessible to young listeners… If you must choose only one Aesop collection, choose one with more stories, but if you can afford a version just for the younger set, this is an excellent choice.

Age 04-08. 4 Stars. This story rounds out the trilogy begun with My Father’s Dragon… This is more of the same fun fare that characterized the first two books, capitalizing on the mystique of dragons which makes Elmer’s participation in their lives quite a romantic adventure. Again, Elmer would set a better example by confiding in his parents, but the lighthearted and fanciful nature of this adventure may help young readers interpret his behavior without emulating his secrecy.