Age 04-08. 5 Stars. Bobby has grown into mastery of basic motor skills under the affectionate supervision of his grandfather, affectionately named Bob. But one day he is terrified when Bob suffers a stroke and is fully paralyzed… Bobby (who is not a perfect child) models what it means to take care of others — even those who may have always taken the helping role toward him. While sometimes frightening, the story’s drama may help young children come to terms with the limitations of people in their lives and teaches them that they can have an important helping role. In the midst of fear and weakness, this picture of tender intergenerational love is very beautiful.

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. The Great Depression in America was a time of uncertainty and difficulty for many Americans, but its trials also provided opportunities for courage and hope… Lydia Grace’s courage and love overflow in her care of plants and flowers, which bring beauty to her uncle’s life. With its emphasis on family, beauty, courage and hope, this story is a wonderful way to introduce the Great Depression to young readers.

Age 04-08. 4 Stars. The story isn’t quite as good as A Toad for Tuesday, but it is lighthearted, funny, and suspenseful enough to hold the attention of a child transitioning into chapter books… This is not a must-read, but it’s an enjoyable fantasy adventure, rooted in positive values of friendship, kindness, and courage.

Age 08-12. 4 Stars. There is a genre of 1950’s British children’s literature, usually populated with animal characters, that is charming and enjoyable for both children and adults. This is well written, with high action and suspense, appealing characters, and quite a bit of understated humor.

Age 04-08. 4 Stars. This delightful story situates itself somewhere between Frog and Toad and The Wind in the Willows in reading level. It has a wider vocabulary than most picture books or easy readers, and makes an excellent read-aloud for young listeners just transitioning into chapter books.

Age 04-08. 5 Stars. De Angeli captures a little of the flavor of Pennsylvania Dutch language along with many details of everyday life. Her characters are appealing, the family is warmly loving, and the story itself is full of excitement and danger. It will appeal to both boys and girls, but especially boys. It contains more prose than most picture books and is a perfect fit for children who are just transitioning into chapter books.

Age 04-08. 4 Stars. The Plymouth Thanksgiving is a readable, straightforward retelling of the events leading up to the American Thanksgiving, targeted for readers ages 4-8. Based on William Bradford’s diary, it tells the story of the Plymouth settlers in their difficult journey, first to Holland and then to the New World, and of their struggle to survive their first year in Massachusetts…. It’s a fine addition to the holiday reading basket.

Age 04-08. It is important to acknowledge that while Thanksgiving symbolizes a young America’s hope and potential, it also commemorates the beginning of colonization, an event which meant grief and destruction for the original inhabitants of our country… [this story] emphasizes the sovereign, redemptive plan of God through Squanto’s personal suffering, and Squanto’s ability to do good in the midst of tragic circumstances. This is a hero worth emulating, and a perspective on Thanksgiving that should not be missed.

Age 04-08. 4 Stars. This brief book is masterfully crafted, and through Dalgiesh’s easy-to-read prose the young reader gets a picture of Jonathan’s close-knit, loyal, and sometimes overwhelming colonial family. In one day Jonathan experiences the pleasures of the outdoors, the comforts of the hearth, and the terror of a small child alone at night… Sensitive children might be troubled by the scene in which Jonathan meets the bears, but his quick rescue provides a comforting end to this suspenseful story. This is a great early chapter book, either for young listeners or young readers.