Here are children’s books for all tastes

It’s easy to settle into the idea that the world would be a better place if everyone thought like us, did things the way we do, liked what we liked and didn’t like what we found boring or objectionable. But if you think about it, this kind of world would be dull and colorless.

Not everyone thinks and feels the same. It is the same for books; some like it while others prefer something else. That’s the beauty of everything your public library has to offer and your favorite bookstore – so many books for every personality and taste. Read on to find some real life examples and ask your librarian to point you in the direction of others!

Books to borrow

The following book is available in many public libraries.

“Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge” by Mem Fox, illustrated by Julie Vivas, Kane / Miller, 32 pages

Read aloud: ages 4 and up.

Read it yourself: 7 – 8 years old.

Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge was a young boy. He lived with his parents in a house next to a nursing home, and the boy knew everyone who lived there. As much as he loved everyone at the nursing home, his favorite person was Miss Nancy Alison Delacourt Cooper. He called her Miss Nancy and told her all her secrets.

One day, Wilfrid Gordon overheard his parents talking about Miss Nancy and what a pity she lost her memory. Wilfrid Gordon didn’t understand what a memory was, so he asked his parents and everyone in the nursing home (except Miss Nancy), and each time he got a different answer. . Suddenly Wilfrid Gordon had an idea, and he rushed home to look for memories for Miss Nancy because she had lost hers.

Tender, heartwarming, and perfectly crafted in every way, it’s no wonder librarians have recommended this wonderful book for decades.

The librarian’s choice

Library: Brandywine Community Library, 60 Tower Drive, Township of Longswamp

Library Director: Heather Wicke

Youth Services Coordinator: Amber Hadley

Pick this week: Aliki’s “Digging Up Dinosaurs”; “Underground” by David Macaulay; “The cow loves cookies” by Karma Wilson

Books to buy

The following books are available at favorite bookstores.

“Gladys the Magic Chicken” by Adam Rubin, illustrated by Adam Rex, Putnam, 2021, 48 pages, $ 18.99 hardcover

Reading aloud: ages 3 to 8.

Read it yourself: 7 – 8 years old.

Travel back to the old days when things weren’t like they are today. Among other differences, there was a magic chicken named Gladys.

Gladys first lived with a shepherd, who wished to be handsome, not the hideous, gangly reflection he saw in a puddle. And lo and behold, a few years later the boy saw his reflection in a polished mirror again and realized he was in fact handsome and said it was Gladys – a magical wish-granting hen – who had him. had made beautiful.

As the shepherd admired himself, Gladys was taken away with a traveling merchant, later robbed by a bandit, rescued by a brave swordsman, handed over to the purple bear cub who in turn gave Gladys to his daughter. At every exciting moment, Gladys would pull out an egg, and it seemed like everyone Gladys was with had their wish granted. Was it just a coincidence or was Gladys really a magic hen?

On sale Tuesday, “Gladys the Magic Chicken” is a hilarious adventure that will have kids begging to read this story over and over again.

“Clarice the Brave” by Lisa McMann, illustrated by Antonio Caparo, Putnam, 2021, 266 pages, $ 17.99 hardcover

Reading aloud: 8 to 12 years old.

Read for yourself: ages 8 to 12.

A young boat mouse, Clarice, and her younger brother, Charles Sebastian, lived on a tall ship. Their sister had been eaten by the ship’s cat, Special Lady, and their mother had been lost in the sea. Alone and frightened, Clarice knew it was her job to take care of her brother and protect them.

When a mutiny occurred, chaos followed. Quick decisions had to be made, especially to stay in hiding or to flee. Clarice tried to keep Charles Sebastian hidden with her, but her fear caught up with him and he ran away. Before Clarice knew what was going on, she was on a small boat with a dozen sailors and a Special Lady.

Charles Sebastian was still aboard the main boat with the mutineers, chickens, and a human prisoner. As the two mice moved away from each other, they promised to meet again, but the sea was wide and the Mutiny’s supporters and the Captain’s supporters each had their own plan of revenge.

“Clarice the Brave” is a magical, exciting and at times biting adventure that ultimately speaks to the importance of kindness, family, friendship and hope.

Nationally, Kendal Rautzhan writes and lectures on children’s literature. She can be contacted at kendal.rautzhan27@gmail.com.