Library Lion

Michelle Knudsen's Library Lion has been a kid favorite around here, not least because the very thought of a lion strolling through a big, busy library is audacious and exciting, but also because the illustrations by Kevin Hawkes are more than adequate to the task of bringing the story to life. The subtle humor here and there is a nice touch for kids and grown-ups alike, too. The story revolves around a lion who arrives unexpectedly one day in the library and makes himself at home. He becomes a much-loved fixture, but disappears when a misunderstanding and a not-too-friendly clerk make him feel unwelcome. The librarian character is great - drawing somewhat on the old-fashioned stereotypical image, but then again not. (You'll have to read the story to understand!) The moral of the story, that rules are important but "sometimes it's OK to break them", resonates well. And ultimately, a happy ending ensues.

The Big Brown Box

The Big Brown Box is the first of three books we've read by Marisabina Russo, a prolific writer/illustrator who has a knack for presenting simple, engaging stories that are designed to teach a worthwhile lesson of some sort. In this book, a boy named Sam tries to exclude his baby brother from his playtime inside a big discarded box. One thing leads to another, and by the end little brother Ben has joined in the fun too. In Mama Talks Too Much, a little girl's patience is tried as, enroute to the store, she and her mother keep running into neighborhood acquaintances who engage them in conversation. By the end, Celeste finds her own reason to dilly-dally and realizes the virtue of patience on everyone's part. In Under the Table, a girl spends hours with her toys in her favorite spot under the dining room table, and one day gets carried away drawing with her crayons on the underside, a place only she can see until the fateful day when her parents decide to move some furniture. She learns the obvious lesson when her mom and dad confront her, but it's handled in an understanding way that kids will appreciate. Our son was especially intrigued by the little girl's deviance in coloring on the table, knowing as almost any child would that it's a no-no, but he also liked the parents' considerate response to the situation. The author's seeming goal of encouraging dialogue and understanding between kids and parents was achieved, and for that this book was appreciated in our household.

Look Both Ways: A Cautionary Tale

Diane Z. Shore's Look Both Ways tells an engaging story about a little squirrel who learns to "look both ways" before crossing the street. The book provides a great opportunity to think about this all-important lesson, and in fact our little boy was a bit obsessed with the concept for days after our first readings of the book, bringing it up every time we crossed the street or even when he saw others making their way across as we took our walks in the neighborhood. Weaving an important theme into an inviting story gives kids and parents the best of both worlds - entertainment and education. Filbert, the squirrel in question, has one too many close calls while racing across the street, and learns his valuable lesson with the help of his mother and grandmother. Parents will be grateful for the lesson, and kids will almost certainly like the well-presented story. I'm a big fan of nice illustrations too, and this book doesn't lack for them. A highly recommended choice!