Books Children Love (Revised Edition): A Guide to the Best Children's Literature

by Elizabeth Laraway Wilson, Susan Schaeffer Macaulay (Foreword by)

Overview

A love for reading is one of the most precious gifts that we can give children. It nurtures their imagination and creativity, lets them explore other worlds, and opens their minds to new truths and knowledge in appealing, inspiring ways. But how can we sort through thousands of children's books to discover the really worthwhile ones?

Elizabeth Wilson offers us a newly revised, comprehensive guide to the very best in children's literature. Just as in the original volume, she comments on the tone and content of excellently written, captivating books in over two dozen subject areas. Hundreds of new titles have been added while retaining timeless classics and modern favorites-all of which respect traditional values. So that no matter what the children's ages are or whether they love fact or fiction, you can trust these books to share things that you can believe in and kids will delight in.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781433516344
Publisher:	Crossway
Publication date:	10/30/2002
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	320
File size:	2 MB

About the Author

ELIZABETH LARAWAY WILSON earned a BA and MA in literature and held editorial and college teaching positions before retiring. More importantly she has shared her love for books with her sons and grandchildren, along with countless others, through her popular previous edition of this work.

ELIZABETH LARAWAY WILSON earned a BA and MA in literature and held editorial and college teaching positions before retiring. More importantly she has shared her love for books with her sons and grandchildren, along with countless others, through her popular previous edition of this work.

Susan Schaeffer Macaulay grew up in Switzerland at L’Abri Fellowship, which was founded by her parents, Francis and Edith Schaeffer. She and her husband, Ranald Macaulay, established and led the L’Abri branch in England for several years. She is the author of For the Family’s Sake and contributed to Books Children Love and When Children Love to Learn.

Read an Excerpt

CHAPTER 1

Animals

Domestic Animals, Pets, Zoo Animals

Burnford, Sheila. The Incredible Journey. Yearling Books, 1996 (1960), 148 pp. (5-up).

Primary listing under Literature: Level III, Realistic Stories — Modern

It is Burnford's wonderful portrayal of the character and personality of each of the lost pets (two dogs and a Siamese cat) that has made the book a modern classic and sustained its popularity for four decades. As the three make their hazardous way home, their suspenseful adventures reveal the distinctive nature of each pet and the interaction among them — something the film based on the story couldn't adequately do. A very special story for animal lovers.

Engfer, LeeAnne. My Pet Hamster and Gerbils. Lerner Publications, 1997, 64 pp. (2-up).

Small, furry animals that can live comfortably in a moderately-sized cage have become increasingly popular pets for children in today's more than busy households. Engfer's practical and clearly written book helps children take a large share of responsibility themselves for the selection and care of hamsters or gerbils (though some adult oversight is, of course, always needed). The species types to choose from are described and pictured in color photographs, as are the details of care and feeding, what to look for in monitoring the pets' health, and what activities the animals enjoy. A glossary of terms related to these animals is included, as well as a list of several organizations that can provide additional information. One group, for example, advises schools in creating classroom displays of rodent pets.

Gutman, Bill. Becoming Your Bird's Best Friend. Illus. by Anne Canevari Green. The Millbrook Press, 1996, 64 pp. (4-6).

This general survey of the nature and needs of pet birds focuses especially on how to establish a loving and rewarding relationship between a young owner and his or her pet bird. The writer profiles several different types of birds and includes practical care and feeding information and guidelines. He wants primarily, how ever, to help the owner understand the bird, to know why it does specific things, and most of all to learn how to meet the bird's emotional need for attention and company. Gutman writes with warmth and humor, and the text is further enlivened with amusing drawings in color. A note for prospective bird owners: Even if you plan to acquire a manual on your particular species of bird, this book is the one to read before you select your bird — and to keep handy to refer to as you try to develop a happy, trusting friendship with your pet.

Hansard, Peter. A Field Full of Horses. Illus. by Kenneth Lilly. Candlewick Press, 1994, 24 pp. (ps-4).

There is something about horses that strongly appeals to most children. Is it the way they move and their glossy coats and swishing tails? Is it the proud way they hold their heads, gazing calmly out of large, beautiful eyes? Or is it the way they look when they trot and gallop, rear and buck? As the narrative proceeds, horses of varying colors and types are seen in a great variety of stance and movement. The author speaks conversationally about the horses, wonders about the horses, and involves the reader in wondering and asking too. So seemingly casual, the writer's just-right choice of words is matched perfectly with the illustrator's outstanding drawings, many of which are accompanied by little hand-printed informational notes. This book will satisfy children's eyes, answer many questions about one of their favorite animals, and give them new ideas to wonder about.

Herriot, James. James Herriot's Treasury for Children. Illus. by Ruth Brown and Peter Bennett. St. Martin's Press, 1992, 246 pp. (ps-up).

Real-life Yorkshire veterinarian James Herriot didn't just take care of a great variety of animals, both pets and "working" farm animals — he wrote about them too. Eight of his books are written especially for children, and this beautiful, big volume contains all of them. Eventful and often suspenseful, the stories all reflect Herriot's endless love for the animals he spent his life among. This book is well seasoned with his inimitable humor — a wonderful choice for the whole family to enjoy together.

Lee, Barbara. Working with Animals. Lerner Publications, 1996, 112 pp. (4-8).

Working with animals is often an appealing idea to children. Some dream of becoming a veterinarian, a wildlife specialist, or a zookeeper. Others simply have a lively interest in what such people do in their day-to-day jobs. Writer Barbara Lee interviewed and observed a dozen people who work with animals (each in a different branch of the field) and provides a well-balanced picture of what each one does — often in his or her own words. None of them glamorizes the work, which in every case is demanding and often requires specific college and graduate level preparation. Competition for such jobs is usually intense. Particularly in the less educationally demanding areas, many of the people profiled were able to enter the field only after volunteering and becoming familiar with the work on their own time. But all of these people are doing what they love to do — and doing it with determination, commitment, and immense satisfaction.

MacClintock, Dorcas. Animals Observed: A Look at Animals in Art. Charles Scribner's Sons, 1993, 56 pp. (Art, all ages; text, 5-up).

Primary listing under Art

This collection of drawings, paintings, and sculptures by artists who were especially interested in animals is almost in the "something for everyone" category. The pictures are wonderful, from the page facing the introduction with its colorful painting of a wildcat gazing with narrowed eyes from its secure perch in a tree, to the little sculpture on the last page of a calf nonchalantly scratching its neck with a hind foot. In between are giraffes, zebras, bears, dogs, monkeys, horses, and many more. Then there is the very readable text, which not only puts each animal and its portrayal in the context of its era, its setting, and its artistic creator, but also succinctly provides information about the particular kind of animal. In the case of animals that have been moved from their natural homes, the book tells their individual stories. Younger children will love the pictures and mini-stories, and all other ages, including adults, will find much of interest.

Maxwell, Gavin. The Otter's Tale. Dutton, 1962, 124 pp. (4-up).

A warm, appealing story of Mijbil, Edal, and Teko, pet otters, and their life with writer Gavin Maxwell. This true account is not only excellent because of its interesting story and irresistible photographs, but it indirectly makes an important point about the amazing possibilities that exist in relationships between people and animals — when the people are informed, concerned, and willing to meet the animals' needs. The lengths to which Maxwell goes make it quite clear that the ownership of an animal should involve a serious commitment. Fortunately, most pets don't have the extensive needs of an otter, but as a child reads of Maxwell's responsible care of his delightful pets, he or she can also see in a new way that whether one has a hamster, a lizard, a dog, cat, or other pet, a choice should always be made — either a faithful commitment to learn about and meet the animal's needs or a decision not to have a pet at all.

Maze, Stephanie and Catherine O'Neill Grace. I Want to Be a Veterinarian. I Want to Be ... Series. Harcourt Brace and Co., 1997, 48 pp. (5-up).

The first step for an animal-loving child toward finding out if he or she would like to become a veterinarian might be to read a book like this one. Offering a broad range of introductory information, the book briefly surveys the work of veterinarians, from small-animal community practices, such as the one to which a reader's family might take their pets, to medical care for farm animals and riding horses. The work of veterinary specialists — as wide-ranging as that of doctors who treat people — is discussed. Included are veterinarians working at aquariums and zoos and those in research and in wildlife programs both in the United States and abroad that work to save endangered species of animals and birds. Veterinarians also teach in the veterinary medicine programs of universities and colleges and a few multitalented vets go on to become authors as well. Also a variety of careers are open to those who want to become veterinary technologists. The text is accompanied throughout by a wealth of colorful, informative photographs. A useful section offering sources of additional information concludes the book.

Morley, Christine and Carole Orbell. Me and My Pet Fish. Illus. by Brita Granström. World Book Inc., 1997, 32 pp. (3-up).

An enjoyable and practical little guide to the care of goldfish. Colorful drawings and photographs enliven every page. Starting with background information and a brief discussion of the many varieties of colors, shapes, and distinguishing features among goldfish, the book then takes the reader step by step through the essentials — what to look for in buying a healthy fish, the size a tank needs to be in relation to the number of fish, the needed (and optional) accessory equipment, and guidelines for feeding. One requirement that will surprise many people is that the fish tank should not simply be filled with tap water. The water must be treated with a liquid dechlorinator (available in pet stores), as chlorine is harmful to fish. Concluding the book is a little section on the care of goldfish in an outdoor pond and a brief glossary of relevant words.

Muir, John. Stickeen. Heyday Books, 1990 (1909), 96 pp. (4-6).

A true and unusual dog story by the mountain man/naturalist of Yosemite fame. Unlike many dog stories, particularly those written some years ago, this one is not even slightly sentimental and is out of the ordinary both in the nature and actions of the dog and in the amazing experience Muir recounts of the perilous walk on the glacier. (A good biographical preface on Muir is included.)

Owl Magazine Editors. The Kids' Cat Book. Greey de Pencier Books, rev. ed. 1990 (1984), 96 pp. (3-8).

Put together by editors of Owl, the Discovery Magazine for Children, this is an informative and entertaining mélange. Its varied content includes a range of background facts about types of cats, cats in the wild, a look at various kinds of pet cats, suggestions on choosing a kitten, and care and feeding tips. There are cat related puzzles and brief cat stories, with a wealth of drawings and photographs illustrating the text. This is a great book for a youngster to read either in preparation for having a pet cat or simply to enjoy its extensive and pleasing content.

Owl Magazine Editors. The Kids' Dog Book. Greey de Pencier Books, rev. ed. 1990 (1984), 96 pp. (3-8).

A companion book to The Kids' Cat Book (above), this compilation includes a similar diversity of content, providing factual background information about the canine family in general and about specific types of dogs. Practical pet-related advice and training tips are given clearly and often in a humorous vein. Readers may especially enjoy a section on "Real Life Wonder Dogs." The book is lavishly illustrated throughout with photographs and drawings. The material in this and its companion book is not simply informative and entertaining, but it also pro vides helpful models for young students as to how to research a specific subject, clearly categorize and organize each part, and then supply supporting details and examples for each part of the topic.

Patent, Dorothy Hinshaw. Miniature Horses. Cobblehill Books/Dutton, 1991, 48 pp. (4-up).

Few children can resist the appeal of miniatures — especially those that bear a faithful, accurately proportioned likeness to whatever larger object they represent. In the world of animals, there are few true miniatures to be found, but over the years one animal successfully miniaturized has been the horse. (It should be noted that miniature horses are not the same species as ponies.) Patent's well-written book tells of the creation and development of these tiny horses no larger than a big dog, discusses the two types of horses the miniature breeders have chiefly worked on developing, and goes on to provide a wealth of information about the little horses, both as show favorites and also as pets. Miniature horses are not just enjoyable to see, but they have gentle, people-friendly natures that make them ideal pets. A mini can be ridden by a child up to sixty pounds and can pull a small cart and its passenger. Excellent color photographs illustrate every aspect of the text.

Pullein-Thompson, Diana, editor. Classic Horse and Pony Stories. Illus. by Neal Puddephat. DK Publishing, 1999, 96 pp. (4-up).

Primary listing under Literature: Anthologies

A number of the selections in this beautifully illustrated collection are excerpted from favorite classic books. Horse and pony stories are among most youngsters' favorites, and these are some of the best. Well written, full of action and suspense, and exemplary of fine values, each story is a pleasure to read. For more details, see the entry under its primary listing category shown above.

Rosen, Michael J., editor. Purr ... Children's Book Illustrators Brag About Their Cats. Harcourt Brace and Co., 1996, 42 pp. (k-5).

In this lighthearted collection, forty-three well-known illustrators of children's books each contribute a page of drawings and a little story about their most memorable cat. From Scaredy Kate who had kittens in the closet among the sneakers (the kittens were promptly named Adidas, Nike, Converse, Etonic, and Reebok) to Tuxedo who simply wouldn't learn any social skills, from Zazou and Pearl to Wendy and Groucho, each cat is a unique individual whose whimsical stories amaze and amuse. Beyond the fun of it all is a serious and worthwhile purpose: The book royalties and a portion of the publisher's profits are donated to The Company of Animals, a fund that provides grants for veterinary services, homes for stray animals, and aid for the pets of the elderly and the ill.

Schmidt, Jeremy. Village of the Elephants. Walker and Co., 1994, 30 pp. (2-5).

Primary listing under History and Geography

In a tiny village near India's southern tip, each family has an elephant. Owned by the government, the elephants work in India's logging industry, and the men of each family are their drivers (mahouts), fully responsible for their care. The relationship between the elephants and their human working partners is one of the closest such alliances known in our world. The elephants are not grouped together in their non-working hours; each one is tethered to a tree beside its mahout's small home, a vital part of that family's life. Traveler and writer Jeremy Schmidt, along with photographer Ted Wood, introduces the reader to a village full of elephants, to one in particular, Mudumalai, and to the boy, Bomman, who is learning to be a mahout and who gives Mudumalai his bath every morning. This view of elephants is very different from the usual zoo or circus perspective — one well worth seeing.

Schomp, Virginia. If You Were a ... Veterinarian. If You Were ... Series. Benchmark Books, 1998, 32 pp. (2-4).

This introduction to the work of a veterinarian is put together well. The approach is brief and simple, well suited to children in the early grades. Illustrated with an effective selection of color photographs, the book, in a conversational, informal tone, shows and tells about veterinary work in a variety of settings. These range from the city offices where family pets make up most of the patient list, to the rural practices with their treatment of cows, horses, goats, and sheep. Both in the city and the country, vets may care for injured wildlife brought in by good Samaritans. Finally, zoos and wild animal parks require veterinarians who can treat the wide range of animals in their care. Young readers will enjoy learning about the interesting variety in veterinary practice and will gain understanding of how the work is done.

Simon, Seymour. Pets in a Jar: Collecting and Caring for Small Animals. Puffin Books, 1979 (1975), 96 pp. (4-up).

A child who likes to observe the behavior of a small species of wildlife, and who would enjoy creating an environment in which such a little creature could thrive, will find this book most helpful. The two opening chapters focus on general selection, collection, and care notes. Simon then goes on, in six separate chapters, to focus individually on fifteen kinds of possible "pets in a jar." Planarians, tadpoles, earthworms, crickets, and hermit crabs are just a few of the possibilities. An experienced elementary and junior high science teacher, Simon brings a good background of factual knowledge to his writing. All the animals discussed in the book have been kept and observed in either Simon's classrooms or at his home.

(Continues…)

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Excerpted from "Books Children Love"
by .
Copyright © 2002 Elizabeth Laraway Wilson.
Excerpted by permission of Good News Publishers.
All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
Excerpts are provided by Dial-A-Book Inc. solely for the personal use of visitors to this web site.

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Table of Contents

Foreword by Susan Schaeffer Macaulay, 9,
Child Light (Child Life), 12,
Introduction, 13,
Notes on the Book's Organization, 17,
1 Animals: Domestic Animals, Pets, Zoo Animals, 19,
2 Art and Architecture, 27,
3 Bible/Spiritual and Moral Teaching, 41,
4 Biography, 49,
5 Celebration Days and Seasons, 85,
6 Crafts, Hobbies, and Domestic Arts, 89,
7 Dance, Drama, and Other Performances, 101,
8 Growing Plants — "Outdoors and Indoors, 109,
9 History and Geography, 113,
10 Humor, 147,
11 Language, 149,
12 Literature: Level I, 155,
13 Literature: Level II, 181,
14 Literature: Level III, 209,
15 Literature: Anthologies — "Stories, Poems, and Rhymes, 241,
16 Literature: Poetry and Rhymes, 245,
17 Mathematics, 251,
18 Miscellaneous, 257,
19 Music, 261,
20 Nature, Science, and Technology, 269,
21 Outdoor Activities — Other Than Group Games, 287,
22 Physical Education and Organized Games, 291,
23 Reference and Research/Study Skills, 295,
24 Special Needs, 299,
25 Supplemental Teaching Resources, 305,
Index, 307,