Looking for a really good children's picture book? One that children themselves will actually enjoy? Check out Looking for a Moose by Phyllis Root. It's rhythmic text and use of onomatopoeia (sound words) make this book a pleasure to read aloud as well as listen to. A group of children want to see a real moose, "a long-leggy moose- a branchy-antler, dinner-diving, bulgy-nose moose". They search through woods, swamp, bushes, and hillside. They get a little discouraged, but don't give up. Their efforts are rewarded in the end. Look sharp during their search, though. Some moose just don't want to be found until they're ready! Illustrator Randy Cecil has craftily hidden some moose (mooses?) throughout the book. A fun story, terrific oil illustrations!
Alice with a Why By Anna James New York: Penguin, 2026. Fiction. 240 pgs. In 1919, in the aftermath of the first World War, Alyce is living with her grandmother in the English countryside. Her grandmother, also named Alice, tells Alyce (with a y) stories from her childhood adventures in a wonderful land filled with white rabbits and mad hatters. Alyce doesn't really believe the silly stories, she just misses her father who was killed in the war. One day, Alyce receives a mysterious invitation to tea, and subsequently falls into a pond where she is transported to Wonderland. Her grandmother, of course, is that Alice. Alyce is prompted by the Mad Hatter, Dormouse, and March Hare to seek out the Time Being and put an end to the war between the Sun King and the Queen of the Moon. Thus begins Alyce's adventure through Wonderland. I have a certain soft spot for the original story of Alice in Wonderland. It is one of my particular favorites and I often have a hard time reading new int...
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