Great Reads #12 by Kathy Larabell

The Golden Egg Book by Margaret Wise Brown (Preschool)

This classic tells the story of the little bunny and how he and the duck become best friends. There is easy, rich language that will introduce the young reader to new vocabulary in a context that is fun to explore. 

Children will find that this is a book they will want to read to their children someday.

Splendors and Glooms  by Laura Amy Schlitz   (Upper Elementary – Young Adult)

Gaspare Grisini is not only a puppeteer but a powerful magician.  After his performance at 12-year-old Clara Wintermute’s birthday party, Clara mysteriously disappears. The search is on for her but she is not to be found.

Written in the style of Charles Dickens, this is the story of Clara , Gaspare, and Gaspare’s two “assistants” who can’t escape from Gaspare and his cruel enslavement of them. 

These assistants, Lizzie Rose and Parsefall, discover a terrifying secret about Clara and how powerful Gaspare really is. They are led into even greater danger by Cassandra, a witch who controls even Gaspare. Will Clara emerge from Gaspare’s spell or is she lost forever?

This is a spellbinding tale that will intrigue the reader with its many unique twists and turns. A Newbery Honor Book 2013

The Grammie Guide by Jan Eby, Laurie Mobilio, Lynne Noel, Cindy Summers   (Adult)

Being a grandmother is an amazing experience. Seeing your own child come alive in another is an incredible and irreplaceable time in many women’s lives.

This book offers an abundance of suggestions for things to do with your grandchildren from infancy to five years of age. Filled with ideas, many of which cost nothing, the book helps to answer that question, “What shall we do now?”

Sections are included focusing especially on music and art as well as reading with these special little people.  There are many titles recommended as well as tips from various moms and grandmas about ideas that have worked for them.

Many grandmothers don’t live nearby their grandchildren so there is a chapter filled with ideas about how to stay connected and have fun with each other when you can’t be together. There are even sections including the lyrics of favorite songs for little children, nursery rhymes that you will remember, and crafts that are easy to do and fun.  Grandpas are not forgotten and a chapter is devoted to ideas for them to experience with their grandchildren.

This is a well-written, comprehensive book that will stir memories of things done in the past and introduce new ideas that you and your grandchildren will enjoy together.

About the Reviewer:

Kathy Larabell, Book Reviewer and member of the Friends of the San Benito County Library, states “I am an educator who recently returned from an extensive career in teaching. Most of my teaching time was spent in middle school teaching language arts which I love. Reading has been my passion along with music and travel since I was a young girl.  I hope you enjoy these reviews and these wonderful, creative books.”