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 Great Gracie Chase: Stop That Dog!

The Great Gracie Chase: Stop That Dog! is one of our favorite books, owing to a good basic story by Cynthia Rylant and some especially exhilarating illustrations by Mark Teague. It revolves around a pooch named Gracie who cherishes her quiet home life, only to have it disturbed by a bevy of house painters who arrive unexpectedly one morning. She's put out of the house so they can work, and she rebels by taking half the town (including the painters) on a mad chase through the streets.

Angus and the Cat

Originally published in the 1930s and recently reissued, Marjorie Flack's Angus and the Cat is a great story about a cute and curious scottie dog named Angus who is outwitted by a sly cat that comes to live in the house. The illustrations (nice color and crisp black & white) are wonderful, and the jaunty text will keep almost any child - toddler, preschooler, whatever - engaged. Don't think for a minute that the 1930s-era story might somehow be outdated, because it absolutely isn't. It's written in a timeless style with a unique sense of humor that both children and adults will find appealing. What's more, there are others we've read in the series that are equally good - Angus Lost, in which the insatiably curious scottie sneaks out of the house through an open door and has an unexpected adventure that has him later appreciating the true benefits of home, and Angus and the Ducks, in which he finally gets to find out what lurks on the other side of the massive hedge that borders his yard, only to find himself scurrying once again back to the safety and security of the little spot under the couch at home. All three have been reissued in inexpensive paperback editions with the original artwork, so you can't go wrong.