children’s books
After young Wanda is teased by a group of boys about the freckles on her face and arms, she tries desperately to change her appearance. But when lipstick, paint and whitening toothpaste don’t work at making her freckles, or “gifts from the sun” disappear, she realizes the bullies are the ones who need to change. Great for children who feel they are different. Ages three to seven.
Nine-year-old Alice “blogs” the story of a Canadian coast-to-coast adventure with her cousin Cal and Gran — who wants to do a road trip before she gets too old and creaky. This hardcover is flush with photographs, illustrations, maps, tweets and fun facts. A thorough, but simple and fun way for a young person to learn about Canada. Ages seven to 10.
Pancakes do not come from a box. When Tyler heads to the grocery store to buy ingredients to make mom and dad pancakes, he learns about the origins of eggs, wheat, buttermilk and maple syrup.
Celebrity chef Florence includes fun facts (did you know an adult hen can typically only lay one or two eggs a day?) and a yummy blueberry-buttermilk pancake recipe. Ages four to seven.
It’s Saturday, which means Zoe gets to decide what she will wear, unlike every other day of the week. Maybe it’s a pocket day and she will collect treasures. Perhaps it’s a cart-wheeling day and her toes will tickle the clouds. Or maybe a blend-in day, or a standout one. Nice, short read for youngsters who like to beat their own drum. Ages three to five.