CBC Kids

C2007 CBC
http://www.cbc.ca/kidscbc/
Website

Kids can spend days on the internet without getting bored, and this interactive website is a safe place for them to spend this time. Mostly easy to navigate, however, younger users might benefit from a more obvious way to get to the preschool area from the homepage. One cool feature for older kids is the video mash-up: here you choose clips of dialogue, sound effects, transitions, and actions to create your own animated short which can then be posted and shared with others. For preschoolers, the flash based game 'Princess Patty’s Post Office' is a colorful learning tool where kids can write, design, and then print letters to send to their family and friends. Despite the host of the preschool section, who looks like a glob of slime, but introduces herself as “Canada”, this site is bookmarkable for kids of all ages and interests. *****

The Yuckiest Site on the Internet

C2000 Discovery Communication Inc.
http://yucky.discovery.com/flash/
Website

Goggly-eyed Wendall the worm reporter is your guide to all things yucky—gross human body functions, cockroaches, and worms. An interactive user face, animated decals, flash-based games, and videos make this site the source of at least a few hours of exploratory gross-out fun. Best: “gross and cool body” area where you can pick a “gross” body function or system and find out more through lively written questions and answers, and the ‘day in the life’ diary by Ralph the Roach which chronicles the highs and lows of a lonely kitchen cockroach. Unfortunately however, the site seems to have been neglected by Discovery Communication Inc., as many links prompt only the 404 screen, and the ‘Ask Wendall’ inbox is perpetually full. Recommended for children 7-9 years old. **1/2

Forensic Science by Ron Fridall

From the Cool Science series
C2007
Lerner Publications Company
Minneapolis
Non-Fiction

With the bacteria-like proliferation of television shows featuring crime-scene investigators and forensic experts, any book on the topic of forensics will be a sure hit. This book, however, which both demystifies forensics as well as effectively separates fictitious practices from legitimate ones rightfully deserves all attention it receives. Clearly written, well-researched, and fascinating, Fridell uses example-based learning by explaining scientific concepts and discoveries with real criminal cases. Only for older children whose skin has already been hardened by exposure to such horrific stuff; in the colourful pages lay stories and pictures that could be the fodder for many nightmares. For ages 11 and up. *****

Ready-to-Read: Bunnicula and friends #1, The Vampire Bunny by Deborah Howe and James Howe

Illustrated by Jeff Mack
C2004
Atheneum Books for Young Readers
New York
Leveled Reader

Bunnicula has been adapted for level 3 in the leveled reading series “Ready to Read”, and surprisingly, not much of the story’s original charm is lost in this simplified re-telling. Harold, the patient sheepdog, recounts his family’s reactions to their newly adopted vampire bunny. Due to the intended audience, it is forgivable that the illustrations have been injected with cute—Alan Daniel’s realistic animals are replaced by Jeff Mack’s muppet-like ones. A great choice for beginning readers yearning for independence, ages 6-8. ****

Zora Hurston and the Chinaberry Tree by William Miller

Illustrated by Cornelius Van Wright and Ying-Hwa Hu
C1994
Lee and Low Book Inc.
New York
Biography

Capturing that special spark that changes a person into artist is an elusive endeavour, and William Miller gallantly attempts this in his beautifully rendered biography of Zora Hurston, the acclaimed African American author. From his portrayal, Zora’s artistic awakening occurred after her mother’s death, when memories of her words transformed her feelings of grief into hope. Worth reading for the illustrations alone: watercolors that span across two paged spreads, themed with a pretty Zora looking forward and upward. An inspirational read for ages 8 and up. ****

Where do Chicks Come From by Amy E. Sklansky

Illustrated by Pam Paparone
C2005
HarperCollins: Let’s Read and Find out Science
China
Non-fiction

The presentation of science to children often suffers from an antiseptic approach, the tone clinical and the photographs stock. Sklansky and Paparone successfully circumvent this by presenting a scientific detailing of how an egg forms and eventually becomes a baby chick without losing a picture book feel. Illustrations do not shy away from detail, but remain appealing while the prose is informative yet completely engaging. Added bonuses include experimental activities and a suggested bibliography for further reading. A valuable resource for ages 3-6. *****

Larry and Rita by Jamie Michalak

Illustrated by Jill Newton
C2007
Brand New Readers Series
Candlewick Press
Massachusetts
Leveled reader (level 1)

A lot of thought has been put into this book about how to make reading both enjoyable and achievable for new readers. The end pages hold (in friendly language free from patronizing undertones) some helpful tips for parents to encourage their children along the way. Additionally, each of the four charming tales featuring Larry the porcupine and Rita the squirrel are introduced by a short summary for the parent to read aloud, allowing the child to then explore the story through both the intuitive text and charismatic illustrations. Highly recommended to beginning readers, ages 3-6. *****

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory / A Tim Burton Film starring Johnny Depp

Based on the novel by Roald Dahl
C2005
Warner Brothers
Video
The review cited on the cover says “You’ve never seen anything like this before” which, to me, seems a misnomer considering the movie is a remake of the 1971 classic, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. It is hard to understand what inspired Tim Burton, a director renowned for his imagination and creativity, to make a new version of this much-loved story about an eccentric candy inventor and the poor little boy who inherits his factory. Beside the addition of a Michael Jacksonesque Willy Wonka, the heavy use of computer animation, and a less interesting soundtrack, this movie often mimics (badly) the original. Only recommended to those who have not seen Wolper’s version. **

Scare Yourself to Sleep by Rose Impey

From the Creepies series
Illustrated by Moira Kemp
C1988
Barron’s Educational Series. Inc.
New York
Leveled Readers (level 2)


A competition for who can tell the scariest night-time story takes place between two cousins during a summer night outdoor sleepover. As the night gets darker the stories get scarier--how could anyone fall asleep? Simple prose verging on the poetic works well with illustrations that coax the imagination into seeing things that lurk between the shadow and the light. While the format is set up to work as a level reader, some of the vocabulary might be too advanced, however with help, this book is a real find for children bored by the conventional or the saccharine. Ages 5-8. ****

Charlotte’s Web by Paramount Home Video, c1993.

Based on the novel by E.B. White
Hanna-Barbera Productions, Inc.,
[and] Sagittarius Productions, Inc., 1972.
Animated
94 min.
Video

“Why are you trembling?” “I’m trembling with the joy of life.” Only after enduring an entire hour and a half of this movie’s persistent and unmistakably pointed message (aka LIFE IS WONDERFUL) will this final conversation between Wilbur and one of Charlotte’s spiderlings not irk you. By then your resistance against teeth-bared optimism will have been completely subsided, so much so that you might even consider getting the phrases printed on a t-shirt. Although I was a huge fan of this book when I was a child, perhaps my adult life has not been sufficient enough in wonder in order to enjoy the movie adaptation, however pretty the animation. Or perhaps I couldn’t get over the cognitive dissonance from hearing sonorous adult voices emerging from the mouths of cute young animals. Or perhaps I simply could not stand the boring songs that came way too often and lasted way too long. All right for children too young to get sarcasm (5-7). ***

A Wrinkle in Time [talking book] by Madeline L’Engle

Listening Library
Available on Overdrive
328 minutes
Audiobook

While joyously contesting to the pleasures of being read to is something that I never tire, until I heard Madeline’s sweetly soothing soprano--with just the sparsest sprinkling of a lisp, I was completely unaware of exactly how comforting it could be. Like retreating under the warmest winter duvet, L’Engle’s voice and story lured me into a state of absolute stillness from which I did not care to emerge from until the last word of the last line of the last paragraph was read. An absolutely enchanting story about social outcasts, space travel, and fighting evil which works beautifully as an audio recording for the simple reason that it allows that much less attachment to reality. Best for children over the age of 10. *****

The Cat and the Hat and Other Dr. Seuss Favourites

Listening Library
Available on Overdrive
2 hours
Audiobook

Nine classic Suess stories narrated by nine superbly talented actors, what a marvelous treat—if you don’t make the mistake of listening to them all in a row. Seuss’ stories are meant to be single servings, but for logistical reasons, this probably would not work as well in audio form. Charm is added to Suess’ prose and poetry by music, sound effects, and voice stylistics. However, some actors (ahem, Billy Crystal) in attempts at coming across as charming, over-shoot completely, and are merely annoying. If pressed to choose just one, listen to the signature piece, The Cat and the Hat for Kelsey Grammer’s timing and humour. Perfect to play while crafting or baking, and suitable for the every age.

Island Series by Gordon Korman

Three part series
Scholastic Inc.
New York
C2001
Book one to three
Series Fiction

If you can effectively suspend your disbelief enough to believe that a motley crew of pre-teens would ever end up sailing across the high seas of the Pacific Ocean as a character building exercise, and enjoy books that leak readily adaptable screenplay capability, then Shipwreck could be an enjoyable read. Fast-paced with stock characters and quick lines, this scene-setting page turner is sure to meld nicely with the popularity of survival reality show stocks. To one unaware of Korman’s skill for humour and character development, a well-researched and entertaining adventure. After the first book in the series, I opened the second book with reluctance. But somehow, Korman made up for all that was lacking within the first of the series. That or the story just needed more time to get going. An engaging series once the first book is out of the way, but to one expecting Korman’s unique comedic style, a little disappointing. Especially recommended for reluctant readers, but suitable for all children over the age of eight. ****

An Ocean Apart: The Gold Mountain Diary of Chin Mei-ling

Dear Canada series
By Gillian Chan
Scholastic Canada ltd.
C2004
217 pages
Historical Fiction

Canadian history will never be called boring again, thanks to the Dear Canada series. Chin Mei-Ling is one of the only Chinese girls in Vancouver’s early 20th century Chinatown during a time of increased labour shortages and corresponding xenophobia, and is given a journal to aid her English learning. Chan colours Chin Mei-Ling’s journal with a young girl’s heartbreaking telling of incredible homesickness and poverty, unlikely friendships, and steadfast determination. A worthy read on its own, not to mention an incredible teaching tool, “An Ocean Apart” is perfect for children grades four and up. A trip to the Dear Canada’s interactive website: http://www.scholastic.ca/dearcanada/ is an adventure in itself. *****

Good Sports: Rhymes about Running, Jumping, and Throwing, and more by jack Prelutsky

With illustrations by Chris Raschka
Alfred A. Knopf
New York
C2007
Poetry

“I had to slide into the plate,/ It was my only chance./ Though if I hadn’t slid, then I/ Would not have lost my pants.” Cheerful, colourful, and full of humour, Jack Prelutsky’s sport-themed verse would make even the laziest couch potato want to don their sneakers and run about outside. Prelutsky’s (2006 Children’s Poet Laureate award winner) infectious verse pitches hard and fast while Chris Raschka’s (2006 Caldecott Medal winner) energetic watercolors swing and hit home on every single page. Great for sports fans and the sports challenged alike, ages 7 and up. *****

Sylvester and the Magic Pebble by William Steig

Windmill Books/Simon and Schuster
New York
C1969
Picture Book

As all children yearn for a magical object with which to grant their wishes, the story of Sylvester, a sweet-eyed donkey with a fascination with pebbles, evokes the tales of Arabian nights and the implicit childhood fascination following those classic tales. The illustrations charmingly portray a story of hope and fear through both good fortune and bad. Scenic watercoloured landscapes capture the movement of seasons, with the hopefulness and possibility of spring foreshadowing the renewal of familial love. Guaranteed to warm the heart by reinforcing the pleasure of appreciating what you have. A wonderful choice for school age children. ****

Edwardo: The horriblest boy in the whole world by John Burningham

Random House Children’s Books
New York
C2006
Picture Book

Meet Edwardo, who can do no good. Everyone notices Edwardo, especially when he does wrong. He does wrong so often odds are that something will eventually turn out right. And when it does, everyone begins to see Edwardo in an entirely new way. What could have been a cloying cautionary tale about the dangers of negative feedback and self-fulfilling prophecy is made fresh, whimsical, and humorous thanks to Burningham’s playful bright illustrations and text. This latest book is further proof attesting to the author’s award-winning talent, and great for children of all ages. *****

Owl Moon by Jane Yolen

Illustrated by John Schoenherr
Philomel Books
New York
C1987
Picture Book

The beautiful watercolour cover of Owl Moon is graced with not one full moon, but two. The second perfect orb is the prestigious Caldecott Medal, awarded to one outstanding picture book a year. Immediately, upon opening the book to the first two-page spread, the decision to grant Owl Moon the award is understood. So rarely does one feel the desire (or possibility) of stepping into illustrations and text as in this portrayal of a daughter and her father seeking together the silence and shared wonder of owling.

Illustrative perspectives shift and slowly scoop, inspiring a quieting of breath. The eye is prompted to move across the page carefully, noticing small pretty details in unexpected corners, fully mimicking the exploratory nature of the tale. Jane Yolen’s prose lulls and awakens, switching between soft rhythm and evoked senses. Reading is deliberately delayed in order to fully feel the experience along with the young narrator: “I could feel the cold,/as if someone’s icy hand/was palm-down on my back.” A wonderful bedtime story. Ages 5 and up. *****

The Pot of Wisdom: Ananse Stories by Adwoa Badoe

Pictures by Baba Wagué Diakité
Douglas and McIntyre
Toronto
C2001
Folktales

Ten lively Ghanaese folk tales featuring Ananse, the trickster spider, are woven between Diakité’s earthenware illustrations. Ananse, sometimes fortunate, sometimes less so, is a collection of contradictions who always succeeds at making the stories memorable. Each individual tale comes complete with a conclusory “Ah ha!” moment, explaining curious phenomenons such as why spiders hide in the corner of rooms, or how some people successfully forge forgetfulness. Entirely enjoyable, thanks to quaint readability and colour. Perfect for older school-age children. ****

Don’t let the pigeon stay up late! By Mo Willems

Hyperion Books for Children
New York
C2006
Picture Book

Two time Caldecott award winning author Mo Willems conspires with readers to not let his silly big-eyed pigeon stay up late. Simple black crayoned drawings and text beg and plead with the audience, making it the perfect book for an interactive story-time. Completely charming, captivating and certain to be a favourite for kindergarten children. *****

Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie

Illustrated by Elisa Trimby (c1986)
C1929
Puffin Books
London
Fairy Tale

Oh! The heart-ache of growing up and looking back at the things you can no longer partake in, or even understand. Similar to the memories of an old love, the memories of childhood fade, replaced by only a dull yearning for something unexplainable. J.M. Barrie writes in the sweet fond way of a truly talented author for children: one reluctant foot in adulthood, the rest of the body and soul in youth. His story, Peter Pan, tells of the now well-loved fairy tale (thanks to Disney and the British stage) of a charmingly self-centered boy who steadfastly refuses to grow up, but still yearns for the comforts of a mother. Readers beware; the story is filled with both antiquated language and ideas. These include sexism, racism, and--dare I say it--ageism to boot. These make the book more appropriate for the older independent reader, or to the read aloud medium (with plenty of explanations!) for a younger child. Ages 10 and up. *****

The boy who was raised by librarians by Carla Morris

Illustrated by Brad Sneed
c2007
Peachtree Publishers
Atlanta
Picture Book

“They couldn’t help it. That’s how librarians are.” This is the oft-repeated observation of Melvin, a gifted, curious, and somewhat gawky boy who all but lives at the Livingston Library branch. Spending most of his time with three eccentric (but lovable) children’s reference librarians, it is through their company that his insatiable desire to learn is fueled and ultimately, his career choice decided. While the delight in all things library gets a little heavy even to me, the most enthusiastic of library students, the dynamic illustrations and the way the story forms a nice tidy circle makes the book an enjoyable enough read. Best for school aged children. ***

I love you like crazy cakes by Rose Lewis

I love you like crazy cakes by Rose Lewis
Illustrated by Jane Dyer
2000
Little, Brown and Company
Boston
Picture Book

Rose Lewis and Jane Dyer, both residents of Massachusetts, join their story-telling skills together to make the most beautiful book about international adoption that I have ever seen. The story follows a mother to China, where she adopts a new baby daughter, and effectively captures the beauty and wonder a truly treasured child brings to life. A strong bond between new mother and new daughter develops over the pages of softly stunning watercolours and the simple pretty prose. Ages 3-8. *****

Pinocchio by Carlo Collodi

Illustrated by Gioia Fiammenghi
Translated by E. Harden
First published in Italy 1882
Published by Puffin books 1974
Fairy Tale
The original version of Pinocchio, which has been much changed in its countless retellings. Pinocchio, a puppet carved from an enchanted log of cherry wood, learns the lessons of growing up (but being a bit of a block head it does take him longer than most). Luckily for him, he has some very forgiving and magical guardians to help him along the way. True to all original fairy tales, this tale is chock-full of moral advice and grim punishments for not following it. The story, however, is told with so much humour, and whimisical adventuring that you are sorry when Pinocchio finally becomes a real boy. Ages 8 and up. *****

Philip Hall likes me. I reckon maybe. By Bette Greene

Illustrations by Charles Lilly
C1974
Bantam Doubleday Dell Publishing Group, Inc.
New York
Realistic Fiction

Beth Lambert has a problem--she happens to be the best at everything that she puts her mind to. This means that she is even better than Philip Hall (the cutest boy that she knows). How will Philip Hall feel about her when her competitive and undeniably talented spirit drives her to win out against him again and again?
A well told and engaging story that follows Beth Lambert’s many adventures growing up as a poor but motivated young farmer’s daughter. Greene’s loose and fast prose, wit, and inclusion of the easy language and ambiance of rural Arkansas makes the reasoning behind this book being awarded a Newbery Honor clear. Ages 8 and up. ****

Outside Over There by Maurice Sendak

C1981
Harper & Row, Publishers
Printed in the USA
Picture book


A heavy-handed cautionary tale of how children can be punished for not doing what they are instructed. Young Ida is given the task of watching her infant sibling by a grieving mother and an absent (though strangely omnipresent) father. Illustrations, while well executed, are extremely frightening and disturbing. They have the effect of toy dolls set up to act out human situations, complete with lolling eyes and awkward stasis. The story is no better, the word flow jagged and uncomfortable to read. Would only recommend to an older child who has a penchant for Grimm fairy tales or the absurd. **

Junie B. Jones is Not a Crook by Barbara Park

Illustrated by Denise Brunkins
A stepping stone book
Random House
New York
C1997
67 pages
Black and white illustrations throughout
Leveled Reader
An excellent early chapter book for the young reader. Junie B. Jones is like a modern version of Blume’s Ramona: spunky, realistic, and incredibly likeable. In this tale, she
shows off her new furry mittens to her classmates, but it turns out she is not the only one who is taken by them. Cute and earnest illustrations combined with good humour and kid logic makes it a fun book for the beginning reader. But be warned, Junie B. Jones has not properly learnt all of her grammar lessons yet! Ages 5-9. ****

The Illustrated Mum by Jacqueline Wilson

Illustrated by Nick Sharratt
C1999
Corgi Books (published by random house children’s books)
Denmark

Narrated in the first person, this captivating and sympathetic ten year old (with the unfortunate name Dolphin) tells of the trials that come with living with her single mother who suffers from manic-depressive disorder. The story follows Dolphin on her discovery that her colourful and eccentric family unit is on the brink of collapse. Her older and more vivacious sister meets her real father and gets swept away by his glamourous lifestyle, leaving Dolphin to cope with her mother Marigold just as she approaches one of her notoriously scary spells. Dolphin finds strength by forming a friendship with another outcast in school who shows her that she is not always second best, that her first impressions of people can be wrong, and that expectations of what a family should be do not always need to be met. The story is fast-paced and emotional, yet told with humour and self-awareness. Perfect for a mature 9 and up. *****

The Barn by AVI

Avon Books
C1994
New York
Pg 106

Benjamin is deemed to be special and different from his poor farming family. He is sent away to school, on funds the family can barely afford. This schooling is curtailed when his father suffers a devastating stroke. Benjamin is determined to make his father better again, as well as prove himself as one of the family, and is convinced that building a barn is the solution to both problems. While the plot is strong in this coming of age novel, there is something lacking in the telling of the story making it a little unbelievable. Best for ages 8 and up. ***

To Dance: A ballerina’s graphic novel

By Siena Cherson Siegel,
Art by Mark Siegal
A Richard Jackson Book
Atheneum Books for Young Readers
New York
C2006

This husband and wife team compliment each other’s talents remarkably in this outstanding book. Her simply worded prose is given life by his whimsical watercolours and play with shadows, lighting and colour. The story is augmented by its details-- ribbons capturing the forward movement of a young girl’s life. These details poignantly pair pretty dance steps with the inevitable messiness of life such as divorce, death, and disappointment. This book demonstrates one way to capture peace and contentment— through passion. Beautifully told, beautifully drawn, and beautifully coloured, To Dance is a book that you do not just read, but experience. For ages 8 and up. *****

Mr. Popper’s Penguins by Richard and Florence Atwater

Illustrated by Robert Lawson
Copyright 1938
Little Brown and Company
136 pages
Black and white illustrations throughout

Albeit old fashioned in its depiction of gender and familial roles, this delightful tale of a painter who yearns for arctic adventure is a classic for good reason. Mr. Popper and his family find themselves with a dozen precocious penguins as their wards. The Popper family struggles through the lean winter months on their own, and the addition of pets with expensive eating habits threaten their chances of making it to spring. Luckily, they find that the penguins are not just entertaining to them, but that their endearing and jovial behavior could bring them quite an income. Adorable illustrations and an engaging tale make this classic ideal for 8 and up. ****

The Giver by Lois Lowry

Doubleday Dell Publishing Group Inc.
New York
1993
180 pages

A perfect introduction to utopian/dystopian literature. Well written, with accessible yet terse dialogue. At first the society presented seems reasonable and hopeful--a place without struggle and without chaos. Everyone is taken care of, and all needs are anticipated and meet. But as Jonas’ training as the new receiver progresses, he learns what his society has sacrificed. These sacrifices include the capability to make mistakes and then learn from them, the chance to experience beauty, as well as the ability to understand love. This new knowledge makes him choose to run away from everything in search of something less perfect but more humane. Best for ages 10 and up. *****