[As an aside , you as the parent might like to read Night by Elie Wiesel, Marion Wiesel ( this is not suitable for children). It is considered a classic in holocaust literature. You might also consider that hyperinflation so destroyed Germany that a person like Hitler was able to rise to power. For those interested in this aspect, you might like to read this book, available online for free at Mises.org]
You can borrow The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas from the Auckland Libraries

The book has been made into a movie which is also available from Auckland Libraries.

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Here is the trailer to the movie

You can listen to the author talk about the book ( what is left unsaid)   ( sorry the picture is poor)

” Caps for sale, 50c a cap!”

As you can guess this is an old book, you certainly can’t buy a cap for 50c and I have not seen a peddler! It was published in 1938.  But it is certainly worth including in your children’s library.

“This easy-to-read story about a peddler and a band of mischievous monkeys is filled with warmth, humor, and simplicity.” Our children enjoy reading about the peddler’s efforts to outwit the monkeys who steal his caps while he sleeps. It has clever use of repetition and action in the story so appeals to both toddlers and those learning to read.

A board book is also available from Fishpond: This books will appeal to a wide variety of ages : the very young 2 years and up, will enjoy the moneys. Mum or Dad can  provide  actions to this lovely story!

A board book edition means little hands can enjoy the book again and again
Copies in Auckland Libraries

Auckland Libraries

Preview on Google Books

Robin, the son of a knight, falls ill and loses the use of his legs. Robin is cared for by a kindly monk Brother Luke. Brother Luke teaches him many things including how to be a humbler person. Some children would find the book boring because it is not filled with action. Most of the book is taken up with the slow recovery of Robin and him learning patience. I guess that is why it was such a favourite when my children were ill. Not only because they related to the character in the book dealing with the frustration of illness, fatigue and the slowness of life but because when ill they had more time to dwell over the story. In the end Robin learns character and has an opportunity to prove his maturity. You also get a feel for what life was like in Medieval England.

My 10 year loves these books. I read the first one aloud to him when he was about 8. They were one of the first real chapter books that he read to himself. They have lovely illustrations. The type is large for easier reading, the vocabulary is simple and the chapters are short. But the plot is clever and Elmer is a delightful resourceful character who has high appeal for young boys.

This is a 50th anniversary addition: they have stood the test of time. In this addition there are 3 books, My Father’s Dragon, Elmer and the Dragon and The Dragons of Blueland.

Here is a link for the books at the Auckland Libraries (just select your region along the top to request the books). Unfortunately they do not stock any copies at Manukau. I borrowed them from the National Library. But I have put in a request for Manukau Libraries to buy this new hard back edition.

Update: They purchased a copy, here is the link . It is always worth making suggestions for purchase to your local library

A wonderful edition to any home library.

Have you any fussy eaters in your house?

I am not suggesting you try this at home but Frances’ parents cure her with bread and jam at every meal and snack.  We have enjoyed the Frances stories including Bedtime for Frances, A Baby Sister for Frances, and Best Friends for Frances. They also made an excellent bridge between beginner readers and chapter books because they are longer than most modern picture books.

Here is a link for the books at the Auckland Libraries (just select your region along the top to request the books).

Click on the picture to purchase the book from Fishpond.

Leo Lionni wrote and illustrated more than 40  children’s books. He won the   Caldecott Honor prize four times for  Inch by Inch, Frederick, Swimmy, and Alexander and the Wind-Up Mouse.

An Extraordinary Egg is one of our favourites. The illustrations are charming, the story is humourous, imaginative and memorable. What makes it memorable for my children is that they feel so very clever ( which of course I think they are!) for catching the characters in their mistakes. I love watching them discover the joke for themselves. Perfect for 5-6 years olds I think.

Many of his books are available from Auckland Library.

We have also enjoyed Alexander and the wind-up mouse , Frederick , Mr. McMouse, Swimmy and
Theodore and the talking mushroom. (Theodore and the talking mushroom was not understood by  my youngest son (4years)  but appreciated by 6 year old and up because it deals with belonging and wanting others respect you) .

The book is not specifically Christian but it reminded me of Psalm 8: What is man that You are mindful of him?

It is beautifully illustrated in watercolours and makes a lovely picture book to read together (quietly) perhaps before bed.

When I read Beatrix Potter I am surprised by the rich vocabulary. My children love them and the young ones do not find the “difficult” words off putting. We have fun sometimes trying to incorporate them into our speech: “Please exert yourself when you tidy your room!”

The version linked on the left is the  complete and unabridged collection, hardback which contains all 23 of Beatrix Potter’s Tales in one  volume with all their original illustrations.  It should last many years.

You can read many of the stories online here. The text would also make lovely copybook.

Many of her books are in the Auckland Library including audio versions.

Available from Fishpond