These books can expand kids’ circle of knowledge

Published 1:58 pm Friday, April 25, 2008

There is no such thing as a perfect life. Young and old alike face hardships, frustration, difficult decisions, embarrassment and sorrow. What we learn from those experiences helps us to grow. We can also grow by observing others — what they do or fail to do when faced with a difficulty.

Books can play an active role in this regard, such as those reviewed today. Books can inspire, provide new ideas and expand our circle of knowledge.

Take a look the books reviewed below and ask your local librarian to point you in the direction of others. Growth is a good thing. Start today by visiting your library.

Books to borrow

The following book is available at many public libraries.

“Clarence and the Great Surprise” written and illustrated in color by Jean Ekman Adams, Rising Moon, 36 pages

For ages: 4 and older

Smoky the horse is going on a trip with his friend Clarence the pig. Smoky will carry Clarence and his suitcase over mountains, rocks and rivers, and Smoky has a great surprise planned for Clarence. Along the way they meet a funny little dog that likes to hum and dance, twirling and twirling. The little dog joins them on their adventure, but Clarence isn’t so sure he wants to share Smoky. But when the little dog gets lost from the group, Clarence is worried and realizes that he likes the little fellow. Reunited, and finally reaching the great surprise, Clarence is overwhelmed by the beauty of the surprise and by how much he values his friendship with Smoky.

Librarian’s choice

Library: Stanwood Branch of Sno-Isle Libraries, 9701 271st St., N.W., Stanwood

Managing librarian: Leslie Moore

Choices this week: “I Like Me” by Nancy Carlson; “Rotten Ralph” by Jack Gantos; “Boggart” by Susan Cooper

Books to buy

The following books are available from favorite bookstores.

“Planting the Trees of Kenya: The Story of Wangari Maathai” written and illustrated by Claire A. Nivola, 32 pages

For ages: age 5 to 6 and older

When Wangari returned to her home in Kenya after college, the land had been transformed. Her country had once been lush with trees, people had bountiful gardens, and everyone was well-fed. Now, the village gardens were dry, it was difficult to find clean water to drink, the people were malnourished, and the trees were gone.

Wangari decided to take action. “When we see that we are part of the problem,” she says, “we can become part of the solution.” Convincing other women to join her, they began to plant trees. Thirty years after Wangari started her movement, thirty million trees have been planted in Kenya, and the planting continues to this day.

A remarkable true story of one woman’s vision and effort to change her country, “Planting the Trees of Kenya” is inspiring in many ways.

“Riding to Washington” by Gwenyth Swain, illustrated by David Geister, 40 pages

For ages: 6 to 11

In 1963, young Janie accompanies her father and many others as they travel on a bus to Washington, D.C., to hear a man named Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. speak. The riders on the bus are a mix of old and young, preachers and farmers, blacks and a few whites, like Janie and her dad. Everyone seems very different from Janie, but as the bus travels east, Janie learns about the ugliness of prejudice that many are made to endure. She realizes that she isn’t any different from the other riders, and that that her actions can effect change.

Based on a true story, “Riding to Washington” provides an important look at a troubling time in our nation’s history.

Nationally syndicated, Kendal Rautzhan writes and lectures on children’s literature. She can be reached via e-mail: kendal@sunlink.net.