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Kendal Rautzhan
Thursday, January 27, 2000 Page: 2C
Everyone needs to be loved, and children in particular need constant
reassurance of that love. Today we look at books that address this subject.
From showing that the love between a parent and child is so great it cannot
be measured to a book that tells children that a parent has room in their
heart to love all their children and a final selection that shows that the
greatest power is to be gentle, these are books that help remind children and
parents that our relationships with one another should be carefully tended and
nurtured, unconditionally. Books to Borrow “Guess How Much I Love You,” by
Sam McBratney. Illustrated in color by Anita Jeram, Candlewick Press, 32
pages.
Read aloud: birth to age 5.
Read yourself: age 7-8.
Can the love between a child and parent be measured? Little Nutbrown Hare
tries to do just that when he compares his love for his father to as many
things as he can think of: as much as his arms can stretch wide, as high as he
can reach, as far away as the river.
Each comparison Little Nutbrown Hare makes is countered with a comparison
of even greater measure by his father, who also wants his son to know just how
much he loves him.
A beautiful, warm and tender story that is certain to make readers feel
good all over, this selection successfully demonstrates that so great is the
love between a parent and a child, it is truly immeasurable. Librarian’s
Choice
Library: Tunkhannock Public Library, 9 Marion St., Tunkhannock.
Library Director: Susan Turrell.
Choices this week: “The Jester Has Lost His Jingle,” by David Saltzman;
“What Joe Saw,” by Anna Grossnickle Hines; and “Little Louie, the Baby
Bloomer,” by Robert Kraus. Books to Buy “All Together Now,” written and
illustrated in color by Anita Jeram. Candlewick Press, 36 pages, $13.99
hardcover.
Read aloud: birth to age 4.
Read yourself: age 7-8.
Mommy Rabbit has lots of love in her heart to share. Her first little honey
was Bunny, and he was as sweet as he could be. That’s why Mommy Rabbit called
him “Bunny, my Honey.”
One day Bunny came across an egg that was about to hatch. Suddenly the egg
broke open and out popped Little Duckling, who followed Bunny home and became
Bunny’s brother and the second little Honey.
When Bunny and Little Duckling found Miss Mouse all alone in the tall grass
one summer morning, they knew she needed some love and affection. Shortly
thereafter she became one of the family and a third little Honey.
Together the little Honeys play special games together, all the while
secure in knowing that Mommy Rabbit loves each of them for the wonderful
little Honeys that they are.
Brimming with an important message about love and acceptance, this charming
book is just right to share with your special little honey.
“In the Rainfield: Who Is the Greatest?,” by Isaac O. Olaleye.
Illustrated in color by Ann Grifalconi, Blue Sky Press, $16.95 hardcover.
Read aloud: age 3-5.
Read yourself: age 7-8.
Long ago in the Rainfield of the Lingalas tribe of Africa, Wind, Fire and
Rain were not good friends at all. One day they argued about who was the
greatest.
Wind claimed he was the greatest because he was the fastest and nobody
could see or catch him. Fire disagreed, saying he was the greatest because he
was the hottest thing on Earth and nobody could bear to stand near him. Rain
softly countered, saying the greatest must be the gentlest.
Not able to settle their verbal dispute, the three decided to meet in seven
days to prove who was really the greatest of all.
A powerful Nigerian folk tale beautifully complemented by vivid collages,
this selection provides a strong message about the importance of being gentle.
E-mail Kendal Rautzhan at kendal@sunlink.net.