Stars: ***1/2
Knopf – Division of Random House (2008)
In this book, illustrated by Marc Brown (Think Arthur) a little preschool aged boy shows us how he loves to read and be read to and the many ways reading can come in handy.
The story starts when Sam is a baby and goes till he’s four or five years old. Sam helps his father read street signs, helps his mother do the shopping, decides to sign up for a race and more. It’s a cute book for ages 3-5.
Related Links: Judy Sierra,
Other Reviews: Well-Read Child,
Buy Born to Read
Stars: ****
Atheneum – Imprint of Simon & Schuster 2008
That Book Woman tells the tale of Pack Horse Librarians from American History. They helped bring books to children who otherwise may not have seen them or even read at all.
Cal can’t understand why this woman would risk riding her horse in heavy rain, snow and up the mountainside just to bring books to his sister every few weeks. He thinks she must be foolish until one winter day he decides he should figure out what’s so special about books that this woman would do this.
This book is designed for ages 4-8 and I thought it was a really lovely story. You get a peek at life in the past and learn a little about early librarians. This would be a good story to read to someone (especially a boy) who isn’t really interested in books too much. I don’t know if it would help but at least the boy could identify with Cal at first.
Related Links: That Book Woman Reading Group Guide, Heather Henson Books,
Other Reviews: The Reading Zone, Lesa’s Book Critiques, Kids Lit,
Buy That Book Woman
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