Title: Lily and Miss Liberty

Author: Carla Stevens

Illustrator: Debora Kogan Ray

Genre/Theme: Historical Fiction

Grade Level Appropriateness: First Grade-Third Grade

Characters: Lily Lafferty, Miss Liberty, Lily’s father and mother

Summary: Lily Lafferty is an eight year old girl, living in New York, who waits with excitement for the arrival of the Statue of Liberty. Lily agrees with her father that the Statue, a gift from the French, will send a wonderful message of welcome to the many immigrant families who came to the United States. At this point the city of New York is trying to raise money to build a pedestal for the statue. Lily is very proud that her class will also be contributing, she also find her own way to help. She makes and sells Liberty like crowns outside her apartment. Sadly, not all New Yorkers share this excitement; some believe that this money should be used to help the poor. This helps Lily realize the Statue’s true symbolism – freedom for all, of thought and expression.

Comments: The book does a great job of reflecting the attitudes surrounding the anticipated arrival and unveiling of the Statue of Liberty to New York in 1885. The black and white illustrations nicely capture this period of history as well as characters’ expressions, and spirit.

Title: Little Red Hen

Author: Paul Galdone

Illustrator: Paul Galdone

Genre/Theme: Folktale

Grade Level Appropriateness: Preschool-First Grade

Characters: Red hen, dog, mouse, cat

Summary: The Read Hen lives in a small house with three friends: cat, dog, and a mouse. They are very lazy and do not help the Red Hen carry out any house chores. Her companions are showing no willingness in assisting her in planting, harvesting and grinding wheat into flour needed for bread. However, as soon as they smell the baking bread, each animal offers to help eat it. Given that, the Red Hen did all the work by herself, without any hesitation, she consumes it herself.

Comments: I enjoyed this book because it ends with a moral, that when one does the entire work one is entitled to enjoy its rewards. Also, it sends a message that helping others could be worthwhile.

Title: Fish is Fish

Author: Leo Lionni

Illustrator: Leo Lionni

Genre/Theme: Fable

Grade Level Appropriateness: Preschool- Third Grade

Characters: Minnow, Tadpole

Summary: This fable describes a friendship between a tadpole, which becomes a frog, and a minnow (fish). The friends live and play happily in a small pond. Everything is wonderful until one day when the tadpole becomes aware that his body is changing. The changes made him realize that he is a frog and soon after, he leaves the pond to explore the world beyond the grassy hill. The frog comes back and amuses his friend with his incredible discoveries, and then he departs once more. The minnow is left wondering, and dreaming about all these interesting images described by frog. Someday he decides to see this enchanting world for himself. Shortly he realizes that it was a mistake. The frog helps him return to the pond. The minnow recognizes his underwater surrounding as the most beautiful place in the world.

Comments: It is a must have book for home or school library. I am sure that children will like reading it. The book’s amusing and colorful illustrations help tell the story and entertain the reader at the same time.

Title: Harold and the Purple Crayon: Harold’s Birthday Surprise

Author: Lisa Ann Marsoli

Illustrator: Kevin Murawski

Genre/Theme: Fantasy

Grade Level Appropriateness: Preschool-Second Grade

Characters: Harold

Summary: It is the night before Harold’s birthday. He is too exited to sleep, so he takes his purple crayon and goes on an imaginary trip. During his journey he meets rubbery balloons, fluffy clouds, and animal friends. He comes back to his room and finds a present already waiting for him. It is a new purple crayon that will allow him to draw as many adventures as he can imagine.

Comments: Harold’s story shows readers how they can use their own imagination and creative talents in the world around them. Very young readers can especially enjoy this special interactive book. They can touch and feel Lilac’s soft fur, Dragon’s bumpy tail, fluffy clouds and many more.

Title: The Legend of the Indian Paintbrush

Author: Tomie dePaola

Illustrator: Tomie dePaola

Genre/Theme: Myths/Legends

Grade Level Appropriateness: Kindergarten- Third Grade

Characters: Little Gopher, grandfather, maiden

Summary: An Indian boy named Little Gopher was smaller then any other boy in his tribe. He always wanted to be like his peers who did many things to prove their strength. He tried very hard to do what others did but he couldn’t. The tribe’s wise shaman assured him that he does not have to be a warrior and that he will be remembered for a different reason. He follows a quest to find the special gift that he can give his people. He becomes an artist who eventually was able to bring the colors of the sunset down to earth.

Comments: It is one of my favorite books. The bright and colorful pictures add even more interest to the story. The text also caries several good messages about life. For instance: it is okay to be different, everyone has their own talent, you just have to find it and accept it, those who are dedicated to the goal or dream can succeed at the end