Age 04-08. Charlotte and K.Y. Craft have produced a beautiful rendition of King Midas and the Golden Touch.

Age 04-08. 5 Stars. Hans Christian Anderson’s story tells of a swan hatched into a family of ducks, who lives his life trying to fit into a situation where he doesn’t belong… Jerry Pinkney’s adaptation brings the story into a visual splendor, with lushly detailed watercolor paintings full of drama and life.

Age 08-12. 5 Stars. The Moffats, who live in the same town as the owners of Ginger Pye, are a close-knit family of four children and a hard-working seamstress mother… Estes’ engaging characters, living in the context of a sweetly old-fashioned small town, hold an undeniable appeal that has caused this story to endure for 70 years.

Age 00-04. 4 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 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.

Age 12-16. 4 Stars. Most of my generation, when they think of Bambi, think of the sentimental 1942 Disney movie. But the original book was a serious work. Its one-of-a-kind conception and spectacular writing have earned it classic status… There is a clear sense that Bambi’s coming-of-age is defined by no longer needing to rely on others… In contrast to this message of isolationism, the Bible teaches that a solitary existence falls short of God’s plan… 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.

Age 04-08. 4 Stars. This is another of the Reys’ wonderful George series. In this story, George goes from one adventure to another… this book (while not a critical part of a home library) is certainly an enjoyable read

Age 08-12. 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…. 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 knights, a theatrical battle, and plenty of intelligent wit to amuse both children and adults.

Age 08-12. A lonely mole, exasperated with Spring cleaning, abandons his home and goes for a long jaunt ending at a river, where he meets a friendly river rat… Thus follow some of the most implausible and wonderful adventures ever to enthrall a young reader. The story delights with what C.S. Lewis calls “scandalous escapism,” yet within the animals’ adventures, dangers, and reveries, if you are looking for them, you will find timeless moral qualities: the value of friendship, the beauty of unblinking courage, and the consequences of foolishness. It really should not be missed.

Age 04-08. 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… 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.

Age 08-12. 4 Stars. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is a lighthearted Cinderella fantasy about a sweet little poor boy… a rollicking, lighthearted fantasy, full of humor and imagination, which is a delight to read aloud.