★
REVIEW TEAM FAVORITE
Abraham Lincoln
By: Ingri & Edgar Parin D'Aulaire
Medal Winner
Reviewed by: Jeannette Tulis
Recommended age: 6 and up
Also read and recommended by: Sandy Hall, Sherry Early
This is another gorgeous biography by the D'Aulaires which shines in its detailed narrative of the early life of Abraham Lincoln. From pioneer boy he grew to a man though hard work, love of reading, and generosity to friends. There were many hardships: loss of his mother, loss of his business, loss of his first fiancee. But these were balanced by many hard won successes such as becoming a lawyer, going to Congress, becoming a public speaker, beating out another man to win the hand of Mary Todd and becoming the father to three beloved sons. He was known as old Abe, and honest Abe and was trusted by all who knew him. Eventually he was elected to the highest office in the land - President of the United States although the states were no longer united but divided with the secession of the Southern states and the start of the Civil War. The book ends without telling about his assassination which I thought odd. The narration is very admiring of a polarizing figure but this does make for a great story with illustrations worthy of the Caldecott medal.
The Ageless Story
By: Lauren Ford
Honor
Reviewed by: Jeannette Tulis
Also read and recommended by: Christine Kallner
This gorgeous book tells the story of Jesus and the story of Gregorian chants. The illustrations by the author are definitely worthy of their Caldecott medal. The book begins with a letter to the author's goddaughter telling her why she wrote this particular book. It includes an interesting explanation of the Renaissance which is not very complimentary to the art and music of that period. Following the introductory letter, there is a section which tells the legend of Saint Anne, leading to the Bible story of the annunciation and the birth of Jesus. Then come pages where a Gregorian chant in Latin telling of a scene in Jesus' life is on one side of the page beginning with a beautiful illuminated letter. On the other side of the page is a translation of the chant and an illustration of that part of Jesus' life done in such a way to incorporate details from New England such as houses, barns, architecture and clothing. Another addition to the loveliness of this book is the borders of each page with pictures of children, patterns and gold leaf. This makes for a most unusual book which the author hopes a child will be able to relate to, without losing any of the glory and majesty of Christ and the Holy family. This is a stunning book, which might have a special appreciation in a Catholic family but beneficial to all.
Cock-a-Doodle-Doo: The Story of a Little Red Rooster
By: Berta and Elmer Hader
Honor
NOT REVIEWED
Little Red came out of an egg in the duck's nest but "Peep-Peep" was a strange greeting to his new family. "Quack-Quack" said the mother duck and the six yellow ducklings as they stared at him. His feet were not webbed and his coat was a rusty red. He was not a duckling at all. He was a little red rooster!
Naturally Little Red was not very happy with his duck family. He couldn't swim with them on the pond, and he didn't understand their quacklings. So one day when he heard a call, "Cock-a-doodle-doo" from over the hill and it seemed a friendly greeting, he ran off to find a new home.
Little Red's adventurous search for new friends makes just the kind of picture book little children like best.
From the dust jacket
★
REVIEW TEAM FAVORITE
Madeline
By: Ludwig Bemelmans
Honor
Reviewed by: Jeannette Tulis
Recommended age: all ages
Also read and recommended by: Sandy Hall, Sherry Early
This is a story in rhyme about girls in Paris who attend a girl's boarding school under the kind and watchful eye of Miss Clavel. There are many scenes of Paris which include famous buildings and the illustrations are just right for the story - quite jaunty. Madeleine is the youngest and the spunkiest of the girls but she also is taken ill with appendicitis and must go to the hospital which is a huge adventure for all. There is pathos, and fun in this lovely amusing story which makes a perfect read aloud for all ages.
