Daily Local News (West Chester, PA)
Thank goodness for books
Regardless of age, everyone likes a good story. Stories can ignite our imagination, take us to faraway places, make us laugh or cry, frighten us or make us feel bold and brave. Stories can transport us through time to the past or the future.
Stories can educate us, intrigue us, and help us think outside of the box. The list goes on and on. Imagine how colorless our lives would be without good stories.
In that spirit, the books reviewed today are distinctly different; a little something for everyone. Add to that the three books recommended by your local library in Librarian’s Choice, and you’ve got six books just waiting to be read and enjoyed. Read on.
Books to borrow
The following book is available at many public libraries. READ ALOUD» age 9 and older. READ YOURSELF» age 10 - 11 and older.
For those who thought they knew the charming fairy tale of Hansel and Gretel, they’re in for a surprise. This story adheres to the original tale — one that hasn’t been sweetened and sanitized and is, therefore, not cute at all. In fact, it’s violent, often bloody, and unlike the sweet version, never, ever boring.
Weaving the original Hansel and Gretel with other Grimm fairy tales, Gidwitz provides a refreshing story that is bold and frightening, encouraging and wise, and above all, a story that helps children find out the meaning of things.
As the author says: “You see, the land of Grimm can be a harrowing place. But it is worth exploring. For, in life, it is in the darkest zones one finds the brightest and the most luminous wisdom.”
Peppered with humor throughout, “A Tale Dark and Grimm” is extraordinary in multiple, important ways.
Librarian’s choice
LIBRARY» Bernville Area Community Library, 6721 Bernville Road, Bernville LIBRARY CO-DIRECTOR AND
CHILDREN’S LIBRARIAN» Alicea Rodig
CO-DIRECTOR» Ruth Darling
CHOICES THIS WEEK» “Interrupting Chicken” by David Ezra Stein; “Why Mosquitoes Buzz in People’s Ears” by Verna Aardema; “Titanic: Voices From the Disaster” by Deborah Hopkinson
The following books are available at favorite bookstores.
“DOG DIARIES: MISSION IMPAWSIBLE” » by James Patterson with Steven Butler, illustrated by Richard Watson, Little, Brown, 2020, 182 pages, $9.99 hardcover
READ ALOUD» age 7 – 12. READ YOURSELF» age 8 – 12.
Junior the dog has a wonderful life with his beloved pet humans, and when Junior learns that the family is going on vacation to Hollywood, Junior is thrilled. He heard Mom-Lady tell her son to pack his bags and “pack up Junior’s things, too.”
When departure day arrives, Junior is very disappointed to learn he isn’t going to Hollywood after all. Instead, he is carted off to Barking Meadows — a luxury dog boarding home where dogs are pampered. Junior knows from past experience there could be worse places he might be, and at first, Barking Meadows sounds pretty good. But when it is time to eat, Junior is disgusted — all meals are 100% vegetables!
Horrified (and hungry), Junior and some of his dog pals decide they have no other choice: they must escape “this cauliflower castle” called Barking Meadows and go home. It won’t be easy, though, but these dogs are determined; very determined.
Written in the voice of Junior, the multiple dog escape attempts (and final victory) make for a very funny story that kids will adore, start to finish.
“THE OCEAN IN YOUR BATHTUB” » by Seth Fishman, illustrated by Isabel Greenberg, Greenwillow, 2020, 36 pages, $17.99 hardcover
READ ALOUD» age 4 – 8. READ YOURSELF» age 7 – 8.
Oceans are a part of your life whether you live near an ocean or not. Our rain comes from evaporated sea water that forms into clouds. Some of that rain trickles back to the ocean, and some of that rain feeds the plants we eat every day. Oceans are home to sea creatures that become seafood for us to eat. And oceans provide oxygen for us to breath. In fact, oceans affect everyone, and everything we do affects the oceans.
Loaded with fascinating information that’s lively and easily accessible, “The Ocean in Your Bathtub” is thought-provoking and certain to engage minds in many ways. Nationally syndicated, Kendal Rautzhan writes and lectures on children’s literature. She can be reached at kendal@sunlink.net and