December 23, 2009

Children’s books suitable for Christmas giving

by Barb Fraze

WASHINGTON (CNS)—The following children’s books are suitable for Christmas giving.

• “Max and Benedict: A Bird’s Eye View of the Pope’s Daily Life” by Jeanne Perego, illustrated by Donata Dal Molin Casagrande, translated by Daria Kissel. Ignatius Press (San Francisco, 2009). 48 pp., $17.95.
Perego has mastered the art of storytelling, as shown by the narrative of Max, the rock-thrush who lives at the Vatican and tells about a typical day for Pope Benedict XVI. Max knows all kinds of details about his friend the pope—gathered from peering into windows and from observation in public areas—and peppers his tales with additional tidbits about the Vatican and about the other birds in Rome. Readers of all ages will enjoy this book, which can be read aloud to younger children. Ages 6-up.

• “Really, Really Big Questions About Life, The Universe, and Everything” by Stephen Law, illustrated by Nishant Choksi. Kingfisher (New York, 2009). 63 pp., $16.99.
Here is a book that challenges children to think outside the box: It poses scientific and psychological questions and explores possible scenarios and answers. Law, editor of Britain’s Royal Institute of Philosophy journal Think, challenges young readers with questions like “Can I think about nothing?” or “Does having good evidence mean we can’t be wrong?” “What does my brain do?” and “Is time travel possible?” The questions are divided into four chapters, including “The Great Big Universe Puzzle” and “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly.” He does not impose his opinion, but urges young readers to think for themselves. Choksi’s humorous illustrations and clever design add to this book’s appeal. Ages 9-12.

• “Sleepy Time Blessings” by Sally Anne Conan, illustrated by Nicole Rutten. Eerdmans Books for Young Readers (Grand Rapids, Mich., 2009). 12 pp., $7.99.
Short, sweet rhymes assure very young children that they are safe at bedtime and that God loves them. Rutten’s bunny watercolors and the board book’s 7-by-7 format will appeal to the very young. Ages 1-4.

• “Dinosaur Park” by Hannah Wilson, illustrated by Steve Weston. Kingfisher (New York, 2009). 11 pp., $17.99.
This book is the tyrannosaurus rex of dinosaur books! It has four double-page pop-ups with clues that include dinosaur tracks. A small field guide to the left of the pop-ups helps young readers interpret the clues. It also includes nine press-out dinosaurs to use on the pop-ups. Highly recommended and sure to provide hours of amusement. Ages 3-10.

• “Lolek: The Boy Who Became Pope John Paul II” by Mary Hramiec Hoffman and Mark Hoffman. Hramiec Hoffman Publishing (Harbor Springs, Mich., 2009). 49 pp., $18.95.
The Hoffmans look at some of the cultural and historical factors surrounding the childhood of Karol Wojtyla to show influences on the young boy who later became pope. Sounds boring, but they use simple language, some humor and tidbits that will interest children. Graphically, this book is beautiful, with whimsical illustrations, including maps and a family tree. An appendix teaches young readers how to say the rosary. Ages 7-11.

• “Little Book of Saints,” Volumes 3 and 4, by Susan Helen Wallace, FSP, illustrated by Tim Kinarney. Pauline Books and Media (Boston, 2009). 24 pp. each, $4.95 each.
These two little volumes—perfect sizes for stocking stuffers—introduce some of the Church’s newest saints, including Sts. Damien of Molokai and Alberto Hurtado Cruchaga. They also include some prominent potential saints, including Blesseds Teresa of Calcutta and Jacinta and Francisco Marto. Each saint or “blessed” has a one-page biography and a one-page color portrait. A page in the back of each book explains a blessed, a saint and a miracle. Ages 5-7.

• “Gonzalo Grabs the Good Life” by Janice Levy, illustrated by Bill Slavin. Eerdmans Books for Young Readers (Grand Rapids, Mich., 2009). 32 pp., $17.50.
When Gonzalo the rooster wins the lottery, he quits his farm and heads off in search of the good life. He buys a mansion in Miami and even goes to Hollywood and becomes a party animal. But “ay caramba!” the misadventures he encounters are quite amusing. Levy’s humorous look at the search for happiness reflects people, not just animals. Slavin’s beautifully painted but hilarious illustrations are perfect for those being read to as well as those doing the reading. Ages 3-8.

• “Olivia and the Little Way” by Nancy Carabio Belanger, illustrated by Sandra Casali LewAllen. Harvey House Publishing (Rochester, Mich., 2008). 224 pp, $10.95.
When fifth-grader Olivia Thomas moves to a new state and a new school, she finds inspiration in St. Therese of Lisieux, introduced to her by her grandmother. She tries to imitate St. Therese’s “Little Way” while navigating the preteen corridors of friendship and peer pressure. Olivia faces real-life situations with grace; the story is inspirational without being preachy. Each chapter begins with a quote from St. Therese that relates to Olivia’s situation. Ages 9-12.