Auckland Libraries

Preview on Google Books

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

The Story of Dr. Dolittle is available online for free including the audio book.

The National Library has a great number of the books:-) as to has Auckland Library .

Don’t you love having a race to see who  can spot Lowly the worm  first?

I think the fact they have been translated into 30 languages, made into movies and sold over 300 million copies speaks for itself.

The books can be found at the Auckland Libraries

and at the National Library

Click on the picture to be taken to the Book Depository.

The world economy is a heavy topic but this book isn’t heavy: It is great fun! It teaches children what a million is, and I think does in a very clever, creative way.

Here is the link for the books at the Auckland Libraries

Click on the image to buy it Fishpond.

This week we found a new one The Toymaker and the Bird, I appreciated the truthful ending not often found in children’s books.

We have particularly loved Mr McGee Goes to Sea,  Herbert and Harry , Mr McGee and the Blackberry Jam , , Waddle Giggle Gargle , Ordinary Albert ( text by Nancy Antle), Mr McGee and the Biting Flea ,  Mr McGee and the Perfect Nest ,  Brown Bread and Honey, The Potato People , Daisy All-Sorts ,  Grandpa and Thomas , Mr McGee and the Big Bag of Bread , Where’s the Gold?, Grandpa and Thomas and the Green Umbrella.

Here is the link for the book at the NZ  National Library

Here is the link for the books at the Auckland Libraries

Click on the image to buy it from Fishpond