Andy and the Lion, a Tale of Kindess Remembered, or the Power
of Gratitude
by James Daugherty, Viking 1939; ISBN: 0140502777
A very short children's book based on the ancient story of Androcles and the
lion. A boy named Andy goes to the library and checks out a book on lions. Later
he encounters a lion on a path and removes a thorn in the lion's paw. It is
nicely told with a twist in the end. The book was a 1939 Caldecott Honor book
(i.e., a runner-up to the Medal winner) for best illustration in a book for
children. (Amazon Reader Review)
Dogger
by Shirley Hughes, Mulberry 1993; ISBN: 068811704X
Dave and Dogger, Dave's soft, brown stuffed toy, go everywhere together. But one
evening Dave discovers that Dogger is missing. Can such a sad story end happily?
It can--and does--with a little help from big sister Bella. Full of warmth and
charm that characterizes all of Shirley Hughes' books. (Ingram)
I Like Your Buttons!
by Sarah Lamstein, Albert Whitman 1999; ISBN:
0807535109
What goes around, comes around--literally, figuratively, every which way--in
this do-good, feel-good title. Cassandra compliments her teacher on the big,
glittery buttons that adorn her blouse. It makes the teacher's day, and in her
sudden cheer she compliments the custodian on her work. The custodian
compliments a teacher, who gives his students an early snack time, and soon good
will is flying all around town, eventually right back to Cassandra: her father,
after being jollied by his boss, takes pity on a stray cat and brings it home to
his daughter. (Kirkus)
Lost!
by David McPhail, Econo-Clad Books 1999; ISBN: 0785723382
A bear, bewildered to find himself lost in the big city, is befriended by a
young boy. When a long bus ride returns a joyous bear to his home, the boy
realizes he is now lost in the forest. In a perfect conclusion to a simple story
of friendship and adventure, the boy and the bear head back to the city
together. (Horn Book)
Because Brian Hugged His Mother
by David Rice, Dawn 1999; ISBN:
1883220890
Accompanied by realistic, brightly hued watercolors of home, school, and street,
the story opens when Brian, feeling great, begins his day by giving his mother a
big hug and kiss. ``Brian's mother felt loved and appreciated'' and because she
feels that way, she makes Brian and his sister, Joanna, their favorite breakfast
of waffles, peanut butter, and whipped cream. Joanna, feeling loved and
cherished, tells her teacher how he makes learning fun; he feels competent and
successful and has the children make a banner for the principal's birthday.
Several more incidents join the feel-good chain, involving a bus driver, baker,
mechanic, dentist, police officer, chef, and finally back to Brian. (Kirkus)
Horton Hatches the Egg
by Dr. Seuss, Random House 1966; ISBN: 039480077X
Poor Horton. Dr. Seuss's kindly elephant is persuaded to sit on an egg while its
mother, the good-for-nothing bird lazy Maysie, takes a break. Little does Horton
know that Maysie is setting off for a permanent vacation in Palm Springs. He
waits, and waits, never leaving his precarious branch, even through a freezing
winter and a spring that's punctuated by the insults of his friends. ("They
taunted. They teased him. They yelled 'How Absurd! Old Horton the Elephant
thinks he's a bird!'") Further indignities await, but Horton has the
patience of Job--from whose story this one clearly derives--and he is rewarded
in the end by the surprise birth of... an elephant-bird. (Amazon.com)
Mufaro's Beautiful Daughters
by John Steptoe, Lothrop Lee & Shepard
1987; ISBN: 0688040454
Mufaro was a happy man. Everyone agreed that his two daughters were very
beautiful. Nyasha was kind and considerate as well as beautiful, but everyone --
except Mufaro -- knew that Manyara was selfish, badtempered, and spoiled.
When the king decided to take a wife and invited "The Most Worthy and
Beautiful Daughters in the Land" to appear before him, Mufaro declared
proudly that only the king could choose between Nyasha and Manyara. Manyara, of
course, didn't agree, and set out to make certain that she would be chosen.
John Steptoe has created a memorable modem fable of pride going before a fall,
in keeping with the moral of the folktale that was his inspiration. He has
illustrated it with stunning paintings that glow with the beauty, warmth, and
internal vision of the land and people of his ancestors. (Publisher)
Good Night, Good Knight
by Shelly Moore Thomas, Dutton 2000; ISBN:
0525463267
Three little dragons in a far-off cave can't sleep. Someone needs to tuck them
in! Luckily a Good Knight keeps watch and hears their lonely ROAR. The Good
Knight (because he is a good knight) helps by bringing glasses of water, reading
stories, singing songs, and dispensing kisses in multiple trips down his tower
and through the dark forest. (Publisher)
Do You Know What I'll Do?
by Charlotte Zolotow, Harpercollins 2000; ISBN:
006027879X
"Do you know what I'll do at the seashore? I'll bring you a shell to hold
the sound of the sea. . . . Do you know what I'll do at the movies? I'll
remember the song and sing it to you." An African-American girl relays her
devotion to her younger brother through a series of playful questions and
answers. This exuberant revised text has also been reillustrated with bold
mixed-media collage illustrations that practically jump off the pages. (Horn
Book)
