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Reading choices for the whole family
These reviews were written by four professors of children's literature: Barbara Britsch (BB), professor emerita of Lourdes College; Melissa Cain (MC) of the University of Findlay, Barbara St. John (BSJ), retired from Bowling Green State University, and Alexa Sandmann (AS) of Kent State University.
Each year, certain books stand out as particularly worthy for gift-giving. These choices feature appealing formats and illustrations, as well as seasonal themes. They are books for the whole family.
WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE: HIS LIFE AND TIMES. By Kristen McDermott and Ari Berk. Candlewick. $19.99. Ages 12 and up.
As Shakespeare prepares to leave London in 1613 to return to Stratford, he addresses this handsome collection of ephemera to his daughter Judith as a memoir. The authors have used original source material as the basis for a very entertaining collection of letters-in-envelopes, fold-outs, and pull-out flaps for a lively and entertaining interactive experience. Lavishly illustrated with period paintings, prints, and facsimile documents, this is a gift to delight the eyes, hands, and mind. (BB)
MIRROR MIRROR: A BOOK OF REVERSIBLE VERSE. By Marilyn Singer. Illustrated by Josee Masse. Dutton. $16.99.
This very clever book contains poems about classic fairy tales that can be read from top to bottom or bottom to top. Called reverso, this new form is similar to palindrome except it reads word-by-word, rather than letter-by-letter. The poems also illustrate opposite points of view, e.g. "The Sleeping Beauty and the Wide-Awake Prince." Masse accentuated the two sides of each story by designing her textured paintings around a centerline. Children should enjoying writing their own reverso. (MC)
A FAMILY OF READERS. By Roger Sutton and Martha Parravano. Candlewick. $22.
This is a must-read for anyone selecting children's or young adult books. Written by the editors of the Horn Book magazine, topics from wordless books to edgy teenage novels are covered. Many of the individual chapters are by experts in that area. You will recognize names of favorite authors and illustrators and meet new names. The bibliographies are outstanding. Makes a great gift! (BSJ)
THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS. Written by Clement C. Moore. Paintings by Eric Puybaret. Imagine Publishing. $19.95
This classic poem, newly illustrated in vibrant color, is accompanied by a CD recorded by Peter, Paul, and Mary. Puybaret's art is enticing, the pages filled with cozy and imaginative detail. The CD includes not only a musical version of the poem by Paul, but also a reading by Mary, with background music by both Peter and Paul. Their classic "A' Soalin" completes the trio of offerings on the CD. Sure to enchant the entire family. All ages. (AS)
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