Age 04-08. 5 Stars. There are many legends about John Chapman, the quiet man who planted apple orchards across early America. This book captures the romantic mystery of these legends, while emphasizing that they are based on a real person’s story… This book, well-written in rhyming verse and illustrated by the gifted folk artist Kathy Jakobsen, is an excellent addition to any child’s library, but will be especially attractive for Christian readers because of its emphasis on John Chapman’s faith. It is a tribute that conveys well how Chapman’s influence is still felt in American culture, and it ought to whet the appetite for exploring the history behind the legend.

Age 04-08. 4 Stars. This wonderful book tells the story of William Tell in songlike rhyming text, with watercolor illustrations… The text is well written, and the artwork, while not artistically spectacular, is pleasing and full of period detail. It’s best for children who are old enough to understand that Tell’s son was in real danger of death, without being traumatized by the knowledge.

Age 04-08. This is an outstanding collection of eight of James Herriot’s true stories about his life as a veterinarian in 1940’s Yorkshire, adapted for children and beautifully illustrated.

Age 16-18. 5 Stars. All Things Bright and Beautiful continues the memoirs of James Herriot, newly married to Helen, as he continues his veterinary practice in Yorkshire. This book is simply more of the same witty, incisive commentary on animal ways and human nature, and how they came together in his unique professional life. Utterly enjoyable.

Age 16-20. 5 Stars. All Creatures Great and Small opens an unforgettable series of personal memoirs by a country veterinarian in 1940’s Yorkshire… These are written in engaging chapters that cover brief vignettes, which are written with a warm, wry humor that vividly, affectionately, and sometimes mercilessly captures human nature in the context of this cultural scene. Many descriptions are laugh-out-loud hilarious, and will be spontaneously read aloud to the nearest listener. But Herriot is no cynic — his writing pokes fun at himself at least as often as others, and his self-deprecating wit provides an appeal that is near irresistible.

Age 04-08. 4 Stars. Lyle, the mild-mannered crocodile, lives with the Primm family on East 88th Street…. This sweet, funny story provides a sympathetic view of a tight-knit community, and the prejudice that sometimes goes along with it. Children will wait with anticipation for the resolution of Lyle’s troubles, and will learn through Mr. Grumps’ bad example that not everyone is what they appear to be.

Age 00-04. 4 Stars. Pelle, a young Swedish boy, has a lamb which he cares for himself. When he begins to outgrow his coat, he shears the lamb and seeks help from his family and community to card, spin, weave, dye, and sew the wool into a suit…. Pelle not only demonstrates responsibility in caring for his lamb, but also contributes to the priorities and needs of others as they care for him. The story also gives a picture of how clothing and fabrics were laboriously crafted before the advent of industrial mass-production, and the cooperative nature of the project emphasizes a value for community. All these elements combine to create a book which is both enjoyable and educational.

Age 04-08. 4 Stars. Andrew Henry excels at building inventions, but his creations annoy his family and get too big for his house, so one day he goes away to find a meadow where he can build a house of his own…. The illustrations are wonderfully detailed, especially Andrew Henry’s inventions. The story will appeal to most children, and especially those budding engineers who enjoy building (or disassembling) complex structures.

Age 08-12. 5 Stars. This is a masterfully crafted science-fiction fantasy about a widowed mouse and her young family, who live on the edge of hunger at the Fitzgibbon farm…. she discovers that an advanced rat society exists under cover of the rosebush. The rats have escaped from a place called NIMH (the National Institute for Mental Health) and are planning to end their parasitic existence on the farm, where they use the Fitzgibbons’ electricity and other resources. Their plans are disrupted by the coming of representatives from NIMH, who have been trying to recapture them since their escape…. A great science fiction premise, convincingly anthropomorphized animals, several heroic characters, a strong tenor of loyalty, friendship and family, all combine under the pen of a skillful writer to make an unforgettable story.

Age 04-08. 4 Stars. Mike Mulligan and Mary Anne, his steam shovel, have worked hard all their lives to open the way for people to build the roads, canals, and tunnels that the country’s transportation system depends upon. But as Mike Mulligan ages, technology changes — and the demand for steam shovels (and their operators) virtually disappears. One day Mike Mulligan decides to take on the challenge of digging a cellar for the new town hall of far-off Popperville…. The story is told with a pleasing rhythm, and while it can work at younger ages as a simple challenge story centering on whether Mike Mulligan and Mary Anne can actually dig the cellar in a day, a deeper theme is of homecoming: through diligence and hard work, Mike Mulligan and Mary Anne win a place in the community where they are useful, respected and appreciated.