In the introduction to this book, editor Julia Eccleshare of the Guardian includes a wonderful quote by Children's Laureate Michael Rosen, "I think of children's books as not so much for children , but as the filling that goes between the child world and the adult world." This resource contains an extensive collection of book reviews ranging from early folktales and nursery rhymes to the very recent YA fiction from all parts of the world. Its chapters are divided into writing that would appeal to the following age groups, 0 - 3, 3+, 5+, 8+, and 12+. It is filled with many, many classic illustrations. Unfortunately, there are only two indexes: author and illustrator, and book title. However, a fair number of the review pages provide various lists and recommendations. For example, "More Books About Special Needs," or "Other Favorite Eastman Books." This is a book that brings to mind some very warm memories and makes its readers want to create more of those experiences -- to further explore that time between the adult world and the child world.
What a wonderful resource to locate quality books.How wonderful that they list books by themes such as special needs. Does it have other lists that include books by literary components? For example main idea or sequencing?
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, no. And those specialized lists are very brief. For example, the Miss Nelson is Missing! entry contains a captioned list, "Other Intriguing School Stories," and there are only five books listed. That is the downside of this book. But it is so hard to resist paging through this volume as it is filled with great reviews and fabulous illustrations.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a really nice resource. I wish I had known about something like this my first year of teaching. I really struggled with finding good, quality books for my kids to look at and for us to read and discuss as a class. I will definitely have to find and look through this book! Thanks for the great resource.
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