Mrs. Genry’s Book Nook

Last evening, I enjoyed reading four new picture books I’ve recently added to our collection her at HIS. The titles are: One Cool Friend by Toni Buzzeo, The Camping Trip that Changed America, by Barb Rosenstock, A Boy Called Dickens, by Deborah Hopkinson, and The Third Gift by Linda Sue Park. I’ll tell you a little about these gems, and then I hope you pick them up to enjoy yourself or maybe share with a friend.
A Boy Called Dickens: Hopkinson shares with us the humble childhood of one of England’s most famous authors, Charles Dickens, well-known for his novel A Christmas Carol among others. Dickens’ family struggled personally and financially, and at times he was not able to attend school but instead had to work in a factory. Always an avid reader and writer, eventually Dickens grew up and became a famous writer loved by many, and some details of his childhood are included in the books he wrote. I love sharing books like this with children because although they may have no prior knowledge of Dickens, the story is a pleasurable read and provides a backdrop for future encounters with this remarkable author.
The Camping Trip that Changed America: John Muir was a naturalist who loved the outdoors and worked hard to educate people about conservation. Theodore Roosevelt was an adventurer who also loved the outdoors and became president of the United States. Barb Rosenstock shares the story of a camping trip of these individuals, the only time the two men were actually together in person, although they became dear and respected friends communicating with letters the rest of their lives. During their outing in the Yosemite wilderness in which the men slept under the stars and even experienced a snow storm, Roosevelt discovered the need and passion to take care of the treasures we now call our National Parks. I love reading and sharing with children these tales of events in our history they may never have heard before.
One Cool Friend: What a fun book! I believe almost every child will identify with the desire to take a real animal home from a zoo instead of a stuffed one! I actually laughed out loud, rare for me when reading, when I got to the last page of this book because somehow, I didn’t see that particular ending coming. You’ll have to read it for yourself to find out what I’m talking about.
The Third Gift: I never read a book by Linda Sue Park without learning something new. What a gift she has for bringing us other cultures and crafts in such an accessible and entertaining way. This book relates the story of a father and son, not only sharing a special relationship, but also a special skill, the ability to harvest sap ‘tears’or myrhh from plants. Park weaves the story of the birth of a special child and the three magi into her tale, allowing the reader to consider how common people play a role in major historical events.

Enoy these new titles!