Books are Wonderful

Quick Reviews: Books for Kids!

Christmas is upon us! If there is a little boy or girl in your life, perhaps you’d like to introduce them to the world of books and the joy of reading! There are many books out there, so it’s quite possible that the child that currently doesn’t like to read just hasn’t found THAT book.  

I’ve ready a couple of kiddies books lately, and thought I’d review them. Hopefully you’ll find something that might intrigue the child in your life. 

Princess, A Pirate, And One Wild Brother by Cornelia Funke 

I am a fan of Cornelia Funke’s work, I’ve loved her Inkheart books for years. This book is three stories in one and perfect for young children. 
The first story tells the tale of a princess whose father raised her and her three older brothers to be warriors. Then, how she got out of an unwanted marriage using her skills. I think this would have made a lovely YA book as well, it’s got a lot of the elements in place. 
The second story is about pirates, I found this one to be quite amusing. The last is about a young boy with a big imagination. Again, I could see how this could be a longer novel and quite similar to Alice in Wonderland. 
Imaginative and fun, I think any child would appreciate these stories.  

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Cabin Fever by Jeff Kinney 

This sixth installment of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series, reminds us what it’s like to be a child at Christmas. 
I’m a fan of the Wimpy Kid series because it is a throwback to childhood and something that parents and children can enjoy together. Jeff Kinney’s characters are funny and memorable. Get the boxset for your child, or just get this one. They will love it! 

Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Tale by Mo Willems 

Not only is the story endearing, but I absolutely loved the way that Mo Willems incorporates real shots into his cartoon. I laughed a lot at the animated expressions in this story. Great for toddlers, but also fun for parents to read to the little ones.   

No, David! by David Shannon 

How many ways can you say, “No!” to a toddler? This book shows you a few, and then some. 
This endearing little book is great for parents and children to read together. The images are amusing and the story touches on something that parents and kids will always share, the word, no.  

The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick 

I’m a Brian Selznick fan. After reading Wonderstruck, I had to read the Invention of Hugo Cabret. Only Brian Selznick can write about automaton, an orphan boy, a retired movie maker and a train station in Paris and create a wonderful story.  
Through images and words, the story of Hugo is really the story of Georges Méliès, a filmmaker and how he is found by a little orphaned boy, living in the train station in Paris and the automaton that brings them together. Well researched and stitched together, this book has a bit of something for everyone. 
Read this book with your child and then watch the wonderful movie adaptation. 

Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster 

Learning about words and numbers can sometimes be daunting, but Norton Juster makes it fun in the Phantom Tollbooth. Using characters that have something in common with digits or language, the Phantom Tollbooth takes young readers on an adventurous journey in a land akin to Wonderland.  
In my opinion, this book was imaginative, fun to read and well put together.  Overall, it was excellent. Children will be taken on a while adventure and learn a little along the way. A great read for parents and children. 

Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak 

This timeless adventure, beautifully illustrated, will appeal to the imagination of any young child.