Age 00-04. 4 Stars. Donald Crews gives a childs-eye view of the fair, capturing well the sense of noisy excitement and fun that pervades the event.

Age 16-18. 5 Stars. This edition of James Herriot’s memoirs sees him being drafted into the United Kingdom’s Royal Air Force to play his part during World War II, leaving behind his veterinary practice and his wife (now expecting young Jimmy).

Age 04-08. 5 Stars. This outstanding picture book tells the true story of the John J. Harvey, the retired fireboat, rehabilitated by hobbyists, which was called back into service during the terrible crisis of September 11, 2001

Age 00-04. 4 Stars. Richard Scarry had a tremendous gift for telling stories that, while simple in plot, are rich in visual detail so that, having been read aloud once, they provide hours of entertainment for prereaders to enjoy at their leisure… In this book, Scarry introduces individual citizens of Busytown, then tells short stories about specific projects they are involved in… Each story demonstrates the value of work, both for the individuals who perform it and those who enjoy its effects. It’s a wonderfully orienting book, helping even very young children understand the interworkings of their society.

Age 08-12. 5 Stars. Jerry and Rachel Pye make a companionable team, from their cheerful “Boombernickles” word game and outdoor explorations, to their acquisition of their family’s new puppy, Ginger… Ginger Pye combines a warmly written, empathetic, and often funny portrayal of a loving family with an engaging mystery to be solved, and concludes with a quite satisfying resolution.

Age 04-08. 5 stars. This story, told in the voice of a nine- or ten-year-old boy, tells of his weekly trip to his grandmother’s home… While the mood is somewhat idyllic, the story portrays a timeless relational scene where two family members care for one another in a stable, loving relationship. I especially appreciate the way the boy models cheerful manual work in service of someone else. A wonderful read

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 08-12. 5 Stars. Paul and Maureen, two siblings living on Chincoteague Island, are rambling together one day when they spot a wild mare. Transfixed by her beauty, they set about earning money to buy her… This story provides a view of a close friendship between siblings, an interesting and challenging goal for both protagonists, healthy family relationships, and respect for authority. It is romantic, refreshing, and inspiring, full of beauty and life.

Age 04-08. Little Sarah Whitcher, left in the charge of her older siblings while her parents leave their New Hampshire cabin for the day, wanders away and is lost in the woods… Although the tale ends happily, it is a “scarer,” and may not be suited to more sensitive listeners. But for those who are able to handle Sarah’s real danger, it provides a wonderful, suspenseful adventure, gives a glimpse of early New Hampshire life, and portrays a tight-knit, loving family.

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.