Bears On Chairs
By Shirley Parenteau
(Candlewick Press 2009)
Reading Time: 3 minutes
Ages: 1 year and up

An outstanding "starter" book with clever non-gratuitous rhyme and repetition, this winner will engage the toddler set as well as their older siblings who may want to perform a Bears On Chairs show. Read it aloud slowly and matter-of- factly to create great fun for the whole family.

Absolutely foolish and delightful, yet there's a message too: Sometimes the seemingly biggest of us can be intimated by the smallest. The readalouder can vary the rhythm, pace and inflection of both the mouse's cumulative warning and the bear's haughty replies so that, though the words in each of their interchanges are essentially the same, the sound and what is imparted is different.

Hibernation Station
By Michelle Meadows
(Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers 2010)
Reading time: 2 minutes, plus author’s note with interesting information on hibernation habits and habitats
Ages: l and up

A clever concept to engage the entire toddler crowd. The youngest children will enjoy the rhyme and rhythm, while the older ones will love hearing this unique train tale of all the different animals bedding down for the winter. 

The repetition throughout the book of "please pick me up" followed by "please put me down" will appeal to the little listener, especially if the readalouder sometimes raises the pitch on the up-p-p-p and occasionally lowers it on the way down-n-n-as well.

Stretch
By Doreen Cronin
(Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2009)
Reading time: 3 minutes
Ages: 10 months and up

Even babies will listen and watch the "stretchalouder" showing, as well as telling of, stretches from yawns to toe-touches and many in between. Family fun, with the more stretchers the merrier.

A delightful dance with numbers one through ten. Little listeners will love the cadence, the sound of new words and watching when feasible, the readalouder demonstrate actual (or facsimile) dance steps while reading.

Thirsty Thursday
By Phyllis Root
(Candlewick Press, 2009)
Reading time: 2 minutes
Ages: 1 and up

In an ingenious effort to get water for her thirsty flowers, Bonnie Bumble arranges all the farm animals to help her tickle the clouds. With her characteristic humor and poetic language author Phyllis Root brings us another winner for the toddler-to-4 set. Read it aloud slowly and simply, and the whole family or classroom group will love it.

Wee Little Lamb is timid until he happens on a much smaller playmate of whom he is not afraid. Can be read quietly and gently.

We're Going on a Bear Hunt
By Michael Rosen
(Margaret K. McElderry Books 2009)
Reading Time: 4 minutes
Ages: 1 and up

This 20th anniversary edition of a modern classic captivates the whole family of bear hunt listeners, when read evenly and matter-of-factly. The readalouder can then speed up, as suddenly it's a bear who is hunting the whole family.

When Lucy Goes Out Walking: A Puppy's First Year
By Ashley Wolff
(Henry Holt and Company 2009)
Reading time: 5 minutes
Ages: l and older

A lovely month-by-month poem of a tiny needy puppy's becoming a playful, friendly dog. A child of any age who has a new puppy or remembers her dog's puppyhood will respond when a readalouder varies tones, pitches and rhythms.

A delightful way for young and older children to learn that behavior inappropriate for humans is very appropriate for various animals. Thus the proverbial "don't eat like a pig" given this context takes on greater meaning. If the readalouder is very straightfaced and nonjudgmental, it may provoke all kinds of questions.

Chaucer's First Winter
By Stephen Krensky
(Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers 2009)
Reading Time: 5 minutes
Ages: 2 and up

Chaucer skips hibernation in order to explore winter with his squirrel and fox friends, and has a great time. Can be read joyously, then end quietly when Chaucer returns home to recount his adventures to his just-waking parents…but falls asleep before he can.

A good time will be had by all as cowboy and cowgirl call in their respective cows from their neighboring ranches. Readlaouder can portray laid-back Cowboy Gene with ease and humor. Businesslike Cowgirl Sue can be read more matter-of-factly while listeners join in all the Moo Moo Mooooooooooooooooing all the way to the altar.

This clever rendition of an old favorite takes off where "Hey, diddle, diddle…" stopped still. Here, ten cows compete in a moon jump. Fun listening for ages two and older; fun reading aloud for the circus barker imitator who can let loose and joke each contestant through her moon jump.

A readalouder's delight complete with the chance to play dog, rooster, cow and mouse not singly but doubly, both loudly and softly, as each creature tries to find and be rid of its "counterpart" across the valley. Children 2 to 5 will join in as echoes.

In one of the most beautiful books of the decade, the author/illustrator/photographer does a triple job. First, he presents a fine long-poem which stands alone; second, he gives it the form of an alphabet book which adds cohesion; third, he provides a tremendous amount of explanatory material abut different kinds of butterflies, which the older child will appreciate. A book to be treasured by children and adults of all ages, particulars of which can be discussed through the years.

Newly off on his own, our protagonist finds himself on a wild goose chase looking for something important that he's forgotten and, worse yet, he's forgotten what he's forgotten. The readalouder will create fun for all dramatizing Little Goose's plight through his "hoinkle-oinkles" to other pond creatures, and can show in louder excited tones goose's relief as he finds his Mama's protective wings of home.

While her pouch provides him and his friends with comfy mobile daycare, new little kangaroo keeps his mother hopping, all the while adding weighty additions to her already heavy load. The readalouder will enjoy reading the rhyming text – alternating between the tentative, inquisitive voices of the young animals and the more authoritative voice of the super mom.

On his first day of school a sad Llama misses mama, until other classmates help and include him. The readalouder can first read slowly and quietly to show Llama's pathos at being new and alone, then read more quickly and excitedly as Mama arrives and Llama proudly shows her around. A perfect book for facilitating discussion with one's preschooler prior to his first day of school.

In a reversal of the Henny Penny theme, Nico the ape hoards all his tropical fruits and nuts, helps none of the other animals when they need food or shelter, and then is aided by all the jungle creatures when he is in need. An easy vehicle for discussion with children 2 and older about sharing with and helping others.

When read slowly and quietly, this allegorical tale conveys a deep sense of wonder and majesty: at the wisdom of nature, at the need for nurture, and the curiosity of creatures simultaneously similar and different. Stellaluna, a fruit bat adopted by birds with whom she bonds, is ultimately happiest back with bats where she hangs "rightside up again." A book all family members will appreciate.

A catchy rhyme-it-again with a math twist. While children 2 and older love the repetition and action, the 5- to 9-year-olds benefit from the numbers play, which is the fabric of the story. As with all rhyming, it's important for the readalouder to avoid a sing-song effect.

Shorter and quieter than his Aesop book, this goodnight song of the animal world shows another of Paxton's story-rhyming dimensions. A short, comfortable and comforting bedtime story for children 2 and older.

This pleasant collection of rhymes and poems of the sea and sea creatures, including those by Nash, Lear and Carroll, offers a good way to introduce children to differences between rhyme, limerick and poetry. It also provides an avenue for discussion of familiar and unfamiliar, real and imaginary creatures of sea lore.

A charming Australian Aboriginal folktale wherein Old Man promises a prize to the creature with the most beautiful singing voice. When snake swallows lark in order to win, the fun begins. A great opportunity for the reader to convey both a sense of excitement and plenty of sound effects: plus a vehicle for discussion of passing off someone's work or talent as one's own.

When an old woman finds her house too small, it takes a wise man and a whole menagerie to show her just how much room she has. The rhyme, repetition, meter, and "room for more" message lasts long after the book is closed; which is why little listeners may insist that the book be opened time and again.

When a baby penguin wanders off and gets lost she asks the adult creatures she meets, be they whales or bears, "where is home?" but learns only where their homes are, not hers. When her parents finally find her, they teach her that home is where your family is. Good for discussions within the family of what to do to get found quickly should you get lost.

Squirrel’s New Year’s Resolution
By Pat Miller
(Albert Whitman 2010)
Reading time: 6 minutes
Ages: 3 and up

One of the last independent publishers, Albert Whitman and Company retains its decades-long high standards.  To be published by them a picture book must thoroughly engage the child and be highly thought provoking.  Squirrel’s New Year’s Resolution, a terrific all seasons readaloud, is no exception. The motivating message of helping others is embedded in the exciting story and makes for lively family and school discussion.

The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs!
By Jon Scieszka
Penguin, 1989
Reading time:  8 minutes
Ages: 3 and up

Fun for the whole family, especially one with a dog in the house. All the readalouder has to do is go with the flow of the text to create a good time for all. Some discussion topics range from what is the difference between bad and naughty to whether Marley would have been kept had he not saved the day.

Bats have been "in" since Stellaluna; reimaged from the scary bats of days past to adorable, personable, little creatures like the bat in this book. The readalouder can interchange the poetic narrative with the realistic dialogue of the family who cares for the lost baby bat until its mother quietly swoops in for the ending. A wonderful springboard for discussion of what responsibilities we human creatures bear for those of the animal kingdom

When a sweet little bird illuminates the Kingdom of Darkness, the frog ruler sees, for the first time, the deficiencies in his life. Children over age 3 will appreciate the book's simple story, older children will understand the allegory behind it. The readalouder can contrast the deep, heavy voice of the frog with the gentle, lilting voice of the bird.

An elegant telling of the miracle of migration from which children 3 and older will learn and ask questions. The author's sense of wonder at the natural process is so contagious that the readalouder will likely catch and transmit it to the listeners.

Rylant has written and illustrated a real winner here. The well rhymed, non-singsong text is such fun to read that one scarcely realizes Rylant is back to one of her favorite themes: death. A truly hopeful, nondenominational and highly memorable look at what might come after life. A great way to introduce the subject of death to a child, or to help one who has experienced the death of a loved one. A good gift for adults experiencing a loss as well.

Dodsworth in London
By Tom Egan
Houghton Mifflin Books for Children (2009)
Reading time: 13 minutes
Ages: 4 and up

A fun-filled introduction to the sights and sounds of London for young listeners, told as a saga of a visiting duck who moves into Buckingham Palace for a week’s stay.

When a neighbor sees Bridget munching on a stolen dog biscuit, she cautions the little girl, "you'll go bow-wow and turn into a dog". And Bridget thinks it's happening all day until finally she finds herself howling and running with the dogs in the night. The readalouder will try not to laugh while reading the part of the mother gently reassuring Bridget that all is well. Wonderfully written with the dream sequence developing so naturally out of the daytime worries that it should ease the way for parents to talk with their children about nightmares.

Stuffed rabbit Emma Bean "has a girl named Molly," who loves Emma Bean instantly and constantly as Molly grows and grows. The readalouder will delight listeners 3 and older by relating – all from the rabbit's point of view – sometimes merrily, other times dejectedly, what everybody always wanted to know but was afraid to ask about what it is really like to lead a toy's life.

Encore, Opera Cat!
By Tess Weaver
Clarion Books, 2009)
Reading time: 10 minutes
Ages: 3 and up

Listeners will easily suspend reality and enjoy hearing a cat sing opera. Readalouders, just pull out all the stops and enjoy portraying Madame SoSo in emotional voices, the Maestro in gruff managerial tones, and Alma – the very determined operatic cat – in whatever voice seems most fun. And do enjoy the singalouding whether you sing on or off key.

Cleverly told, and colorfully written, this appears to be a retold Caribbean legend but is apparently an original, contemporary story. Old and new, it's ageless fun as the monkey out-tricks the buzzard trickster who's been cheating the other animals. The readalouder will enjoy portraying gruff, wily Mr. Buzzard, then fun-filled, lighthearted Mr. Monkey, and afterwards talking with little listeners 3 and older about the meaning of fairness.

This delightful tale teaches many lessons to children from 3 to 103.
Among them: stereotyping can cause one to miss wonderful opportunities; the rumor-vine can work positively as well as negatively; kindness pays. The challenge to the readalouder is to differentiate the voices of the various insects and read with enthusiasm all the while refraining from sing-songing the well-rhymed stanzas.

A rhyming good time for all those 3 and older who believe in inflatable sea monsters dedicated to saving the lives of high-spirited, mischievous, sometimes downright naughty children.

Martha the cow goes on strike contending that if she can't be a cosmonaut," she won't give any milk. A student of history, she further maintains that her ancestor jumped over the moon and that she ought to be allowed to walk on it. The story can be read very matter-of-factly so that the child 3 and older can decide what is possible and what is purely imaginative. After all a hundred years ago who'd have believed a man on the moon, so why not a moon pasture in the next millennium?

The readalouder can regale listeners through varying pitch and reading speed as mouse gets mad, mad and madder each time he pathetically attempts imitating other animals' anger and fails miserably. Only when mouse stands still does he gain approbation from larger luminaries such as bear, hedgehog and bobcat. A good springboard for discussing copying others versus doing one's own thing.

Once Upon A Twice
By Denise Doyen
(Random House 2009)
Reading Time: 7 minutes
Ages: 3 and up

Doyen's outstanding debut children's book is nearly as challenging to read aloud as its inspiration: Lewis Carroll's Jabberwocky. Read this book first to yourself for rhythm and familiarity with the cleverly constructed mergerwords such as "riskarascal," "preycautious," "whispercroons," etc. Then, when reading it aloud, just follow the author's exquisite punctuation, which makes her intent clear throughout.

Listeners quickly identify with Jam, an adventurous young mouse, who manages to survive though he defies "eldermice" advice and flaunts mouse safety rules. Younger children may enjoy "discussing" the story through role-playing central characters: Jam, eldermouse, a snake, etc.

For older children the cautionary tale itself may be overshadowed by their interest in the creative language which transforms the story from ordinary to extraordinary. When discussing their reactions to some of the words, you might want to ask: What does the word "scoutaprowl" convey? Is that more, or less, than the phrase or sentence it would otherwise take to convey the same meaning? Those questions will pertain to many of the other words as well. Listeners will enjoy creating their own words and explaining when, where or why the word could be used.

Pond Circle
By Betsy Franco
(Margaret K. McElderry Books 2009)
Reading Time: 4 minutes plus 5 minute author's note
Ages: 3 and up

While we often hear "underwater tales" of roaring seas and magnificent lakes, rarely has there been such a simply told, yet highly informative story of the riches inherent in the common pond. This charming cumulative tale of the plants, insects, birds and animals that inhabit "the pond by Anna's house" challenges the readalouder to (as with most cumulative tales) inhale deeply and as paragraphs get longer read each in one breath.

A beautifully done long poem wherein Wilson develops the character of a tabby cat, imbues him with physical presence and definite personality, and sends him out in search of his loved one. Children 3 and older will love the rhythm, the catchy phrases, the whole rendition of this very special cat. The readalouder will find that the phrases are well demarcated, and that the poem can indeed be read like flowing prose. (Why it is that we tend to applaud poetry that reads like prose, and prose that reads like poetry?)

Children ages 3 and older will be drawn into this drama of a charming pet lion, the star of a family circus. When the young narrator/performer, her father who owns the circus, and the lion are a trio, all is well; but when the lion roars, and is then banished, sadness reigns. Thus the readalouder's challenge is to stand in for the narrator in portraying first the fun, then the doldrums, then the happy days.

The librarian's "author/illustrator" partner project takes an unexpected turn when Tom, who is without a partner, finds a small notebook apparently belonging to the library's mystery author. Once having found it, Tom does not remain alone for long, and the result is a cheerful story of shyness and friendship to which many children will relate.

A trilogy of the old master's classic rhyming read-alouds, which includes Lear's famous Owl and the Pussycat. From Nash and Lear, many of today's authors can learn much about constructing the really clever "rhymealoud," in which interesting language combinations and unusual syllable stresses avoid the sing-song, end-of-line rhyme. Fun listening for children ages 3 to 103.

When Evies's mother sends Max to doggie day care due to bad behavior, the King of the Castle is suddenly reduced to naught. Recovering from such an untenable situation, he forms a union of other underdogs who negotiate with the big dogs the topic of mutual aid. Max can be read with confidence, the big dogs first with condescension and irritation, later with appreciation. Behar creates a delightful situation, stimulating listeners to discuss bullying and/or to engage in creative play with toys or playmates simulating underdogs, bullies and possibly daycare personnel as well.

A charming romp in theatrical history, in a time when revelers knocked on the door, entered and performed a play. Fun for the readalouder to portray various revelers, fun for listeners ages 3 and older to picture the in-home play; more fun yet after the story for listeners to join in a play themselves.

Wild dreamsong wherein a group of bears stand in for the wind. The readalouder can avoid singsonging by reading each sentence as blank verse, with stops not at the end of the line, but only at the periods.

A charming quiet bedtime collection of 19 of Brown's previously unpublished poems, which span a wide spectrum of animal life, nature and the seasons.

Besides telling an adventurous tale, Simont cleverly differentiates domestic geese from wild geese in this artful telling. In this portrayal, it's safer to fly away with one's friends than to risk winding up on the dining room table. To be read with quickening pace which reflects the rising dangers to a goose that nearly got cooked. A good springboard for discussion of the ethical issues of killing animals for food, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of staying with the group versus going solo.

A highly informative, simultaneously entertaining story of bear-family life to be read with liveliness to children 4 and older. A wonderful discussion springboard for questions about human families: How do parents and children compare to the bears?

But Who Will Bell the Cats?
By Cynthia von Buhler
(Houghton Mifflin, 2009)
Reading time: 8 minutes
Ages: 4 and up

This talented author/illustrator definitively solves the problem first raised by Aesop of who will bell the cats so the mice know when they are approaching. In von Buhler's tale eight royal cats get belled through the efforts of one mouse, the strength of whose motivation is equaled only by his ingenuity. The readalouder can describe the Princess' cats in a smooth, fast-paced voice to contrast with the low-pitched, slowly told tale of the downstairs mouse. A great vehicle for family or classroom debate and discussion of whether the mouse is victim or victor.

The creator and host of A Prairie Home Companion who himself moved from the Midwest to New York and back again, knows of what he speaks in this story about a cat who left home, rode high, then was glad to return to familiar territory. A clever effort which enables the readalouder to portray both a grieved master and a haughty-then-humble cat to listeners 4 and over. While younger children will enjoy the rhyming tale on its face, older children and adults will appreciate the allegory.

In a dark story of war with the bright hope of peace, Fox packs a big message into a small space. To be read aloud thoughtfully and quietly with pauses throughout. Though it's a short brightly illustrated book, appealing to younger children, in fact the issue of the absurdity of war and the costs of peace make it appropriate for discussion with children older as well.

Puffling
By Margaret Wild
(Feiwel and Friends 2009
Reading time: 6 minutes, including author's note
Ages: 4 and older

A lovely coming-of-age story of a puffling's becoming a puffin. In so doing he leaves his loving parents, goes off with other young adult puffins and ultimately becoming a parent puffin himself. Can be readaloud calmly and quietly. The nearly-buried author's note opposite the title page provides an extremely interesting preface.

Based on a true story of two chimps returned to their natural habitat from the London Zoo, this story provides a wonderful springboard for discussion of animal and human coping strategies for children 4 and older.

In a combination laughter-filled geographical romp and a thoughtful quest for belonging, the armadillo ultimately locates himself – and gains an understanding of who he is – in time and space. The challenge to the readalouder is to engage listeners 4 and older in the 40-plus rhymed stanzas without sing-songing.

When a runaway can't find home, the glamour of life without a few rules is quickly lost. The readalouder can read Phil -- the runaway's – voice with excitement, then pathos, contrasting it with the loudness of some of the rude people he meets along the way. An excellent springboard for discussion of the bonds between pet and owner, child and parent, cared for and caretaker; and the mutual obligations incurred by one for the other.

From the minute one starts reading this fun-filled story aloud one wants to burst into jive, which is just the way this tale is intended to be read. Though ridiculed and initially laughed off stage, Frog's determination and motivation finally prevail. Marching to his own drummer – in this case originating rhythm and blues – Frog realizes his dream. Terrific fun for the uninhibited readalouder to read the narration with emphasis on the first syllable of many words (like frustrated) capturing the boogie-woogie beat. A great basis for discussing originality, motivation and pursuing one's dreams – no matter what.

When Travis tries to build a better mousetrap than the one which is not catching the house-mouse, Travis catches a better mouse: big, erudite, and clearly able to outwit Travis. At least at first. An original look at life from the other side of the mousetrap, and at what can happen when the victim becomes the aggressor. Good dialogue contrasts: the wispy-voiced concerned Aunt, the mostly confident Travis, and the very boastful mouse, as well as a number of others including the Easter Bunny and a Santa reindeer!

A gentle portrayal of a kindly creature who wanders into the realm of humankind, and has to don human clothing to be accepted. Ultimately befriended and given first aid by a seemingly homeless woman who wears bright clothes so she "won't be visible," the duo learns from one another. Trupp learns that some humans can be kind; and the homeless woman finds that creatures with claws can be kinder than some humans. The readalouder will enjoy portraying both Trupp and his friend – each in their kindly way – to children 4 and older.

Long before Dr. Seuss created Horton, de Maupassant created Antoine, a large loveable man who hatches eggs and delights readers with his tenacity, good humor and patience. The readalouder can contrast Antoine's steady, cheerful voice with that of his wife, Madame Colette's snapping, harsh tones. A springboard for discussion of turning adversity to advantage.

The young, unnamed black bear, central character in Murphy's nature drama, alien to the culture into which he suddenly stumbles, is both hero and villain in the story. The book is written from the point of view of the bear, who is perceived as a potential killer by humans; yet scared and intimidated by the strange society into which he errs, to which he intends no harm. Thus we cheer when he heads home again, having hurt no one, physically undamaged himself, but perhaps the wiser. The readalouder will be swept along by the sense of urgency Murphy's prose creates, and will also find this a natural stimulus for discussion with children 5 and older about the need to simultaneously respect yet avoid the bears who increasingly wander into town.

In spare yet rich blank verse Winters depicts seven wolves watching for the birth of four new cubs. All the while danger lurks as an eagle is watching, too. The readalouder can pause between stanzas to heighten the tension, then read more rapidly as the drama builds still further. A wonderful vehicle for discussion of parenting, protection and responsibility in the animal kingdom and of the threats to the process.

An excellent, engaging explanation of the birth, life and journeys of a migratory song bird. It is guaranteed to help all who hear and read it understand and appreciate the intricacies of the genesis, adventures and dangers inherent in the lives of all migratory birds. A visually magnificent work which author Cherry illustrated as well; and a first-rate springboard for discussion of the environmental issues of habitat protection for these migratory birds.

Paxton projects to the reader the terrific time he must have had transforming Aesop from storyteller to humorous story-rhymer. The illustrations of animal, human and animal-human add tremendously to the avant garde text. There's plenty of opportunity here for the readalouder to entertain, through expression and word emphasis, children aged 5 to 105!

A clever, intriguing nonfiction explanation of how and why insects, animals and fish share one another's names. A fast-paced, fun account of things one would not imagine, for listeners 5 and older who are curious about nature.

A first-class original tale using Coyote, world literature trickster, to personify the entrance of discord into a harmoniously created universe. The Master of All Things had created a wonderfully balanced world, a beautiful world, where words uttered were wishes come true. Enter Coyote, who disrupts the once-perfect equation with his mischief, cunning and resulting strife. A blend of original thought, old characters, and legends into a stunningly new and thought-provoking creation story. The part of Coyote can be read with much mischief in the voice and manner of the readalouder to listeners ages 5 and older.

In this original, beautifully crafted contribution to the literature of conservation of both the environment and various species whose lives depend upon it, Hamilton draws parallels between animals and humans. For, like African Americans who fled from South to North, like Europeans who fled drastic conditions for a better life in the United States, the rain forest creatures she creates run in search of a secure crown canopy.

In an author-described "journey worth the risk," Sam the rat builds a boat to sail the river to open seas. Against all warnings he sails off, and friends fear the worst. Sam, meanwhile, does just what he has always wanted to do – sails on and on and on…Fun reading to children 5 and older, and a good vehicle for discussion of when and under what circumstances a risk might be worthwhile.

At once an exciting contribution to the literature of conservation, and an incredible tale of two women who founded the Massachusetts Audubon Society, impacted education and legislation about bird protection, and linked that topic to women's suffrage. (How will men take seriously women who wear dead birds on their heads?" they asked. Men, nonetheless, seriously asked them if ducks could be exempted from protection so they could still be hunted.) An excellent springboard for discussion of environmental issues of all kinds, as well as topics of community mobilization.

In this extended mood piece, a young girl is determined to save a huge hawk slated for destruction. The narrative can be read slowly and quietly, punctuated with loud voices of the rights to kill birds; where, why and under what circumstances might it ever be acceptable, when and why it is not.

A superb tale about the importance of being, looking and acting like oneself. An action-packed opportunity for the readalouder to alternately portray a croaky, old spell caster (she's not actually called a witch), a spoiled princess and a foolish young crow who finds just how little false appearances really matter. This spectacularly illustrated tale provides a great springboard for talking with young children about the importance of being oneself.

Jan Mark may have taken the story from the Apocrypha, and thus it's technically a retelling, but she has added her fresh insights and a sense of humor. For example, the tale's narrator is a dog, and an observant one at that! While the theme and message are spiritual, there is nothing preachy here, nor is any particular religion invoked or even evoked. The readalouder will enjoy reading the part of Azarias in a commanding voice, that of Tobias more inquisitively, that of the dog with a straight face and twinkle in the voice and eye.

A powerful original story, in the tradition of the European folktale wherein a brave peasant boy risks his life to save a beautiful dog. A wonderfully crafted tale with a surprise ending. Can be read with enthusiasm and excitement, contrasting the tentative voice of the boy with the authoritative voice of the Tzar.

AND

Sato and the Elephants
By Juanita Havill
(Lothrop, Lee & Shepard 1993)
Reading Time: 12 minutes
Ages: 6 and older

Each book makes a plea for saving the world's dwindling elephant population; each explains historic elephant killing for ivory. Elephant, set near an African game reserve, tells of Hannah, a young African girl who tries to right the wrong. There's a lot of dialogue in which readalouders can contrast the voices of Hannah, her mother and father with one another as well as with the thundering elephants. Sato, about a Japanese artisan who carves from ivory until one day he feels too guilty to do it anymore, is less action packed and more introspective. Both books are appropriate for children ages 6 and older. Each stands alone, but read in succession, the save-the-species message packs a double punch.

A hauntingly beautiful, well metered long ode to the Arctic Polar Bear, which provides an ultimate tribute to the bear, the cold, the isolation and the stark beauty of both the animal and the region. The quality blank verse projects an aura of alienation. The contemplative, poetic child will appreciate its elegance. To be read in a quiet, thoughtful tone.

An excellent introduction to Kipling's magical storytelling which can be read varying pace and volume to match the building excitement of the battle between the cobra and the brave mongoose. A great vehicle for discussion of when fighting is appropriate, when it can be avoided, and it's ultimate purpose.