Book Review #10 - Friday Night Is Papa Night

Written by Ruth A. Sonneborn

Illustrated by Emily A. McCully

Original copyright 1970

First published by The Viking Press, 1970

Published by Picture Puffins, 1987

"Pedro went to the window.  He stared down into the street.  It was beginning to grow dark. 

'I don't see Papa,' he said. ...

'Don't worry,' Mama said. 'Papa will come.' "

Publisher's Summary:  "Tonight is Friday night, the night Papa comes home, and everyone is busy getting the house ready for him.  But long after the table is set and the street lights are on, Papa still hasn't come home.  Where is Papa?"

Mary Elizabeth's Musings:  Very, very soft illustrations serve as an ideal backdrop for the somewhat somber mood of this beautiful story.  Along with his mother and siblings, Pedro anxiously awaits the arrival of his beloved Papa at the end of each week.  Papa must find work away from home during the week in order to support his family, so Pedro's mother and siblings always prepare a delicious supper to celebrate Papa's arrival. 

But tonight, Papa is very, very late, and Pedro falls asleep waiting for him.  Pedro's sadness is acutely felt in the reader as he waits by the window, his heart aching for Papa.  When Papa does finally arrive in the middle of the night, however, the feelings of relief and happiness are overwhelming!

Why I Recommend This Book:  For full disclosure, I chose to review this book for two reasons - (1) in honor of Father's Day this coming Sunday and (2) because it is my absolutely favorite children's picture book of all time.  I just had to share it with everyone!

The prose and pictures in this book are an impeccable complement to one another, making for a high-quality literature experience.  This book also provides a unique snapshot into the life of a financially struggling family whose love for each other far outweighs their monetary strife.  It is a heartwarming story that begs to be read again and again!

Recommended for ages 3 - 8 years.

Other books by this author:

 

For the comments section:  What are some books you would recommend for Father's Day?

Clue #1 for Mystery Friend Friday:  FABLE.

 

**This post is part of Tuesday Tag-Along @ Twee Poppets blog! Click on the button to join the party!!! **

Book Review #8 - A New Coat for Anna

A New Coat for Anna

by Harriet Ziefert

Illustrated by Anita Lobel

"Winter had come and Anna needed a new coat.  The fuzzy blue coat that she had worn for so many winters was no longer fuzzy and it was very small."

Summary:  A little girl named Anna and her mother decide that Anna needs a new winter coat.  With no money and in the midst of a war, Anna and her mother must trade personal possessions in exchange for the materials and services needed to acquire a new coat.  Patiently, Anna must wait an entire year for her coat to be crafted.  Her waiting is rewarded with a beautiful, red coat which she can proudly wear.

Mary Elizabeth's Musings:  Harriet Ziefert's touching prose provides a springboard for a strikingly unique setting and theme for a children's book, and Anita Lobel's warm illustrations are a perfect match for this absolutely lovely story.  The book offers a beautiful lesson in patience and interdependence as the reader awaits the making of Anna's coat.  Children who read this book will truly appreciate the time and effort that is invested in making clothing - an incredible lesson in contrast to today's fast-paced, mass-merchandising world.  This book is for children ages 6 and up.


Also by Harriet Ziefert:





Also illustrated by Anita Lobel:

**This post is part of Tuesday Tag-Along at Twee Poppets! Click on the button below to join in the fun!**

P/S...Since I am on vacation, I am not going to have a mystery children's author or illustrator this week.  Back next week!

Book Review #6

Mama Loves You

by Caroline Stutson

Illustrated by John Segal

"You're my star, my moon, my sun.  Mama loves you, Little one."

Mothers everywhere - be sure to pull out some tissues before reading this book to your children.  Delicate, whimsical illustrations take you and your sweet little one on a brief journey with animal mothers and their babies.  Sharing short, enduring, comforting sentiments of love on each page, babies and toddlers will find reassurance in this tender book of love between a mother and her child.  I recommend this book for infants and toddlers, especially before bedtime on Mommy or Daddy's lap!

Children's Book Week & Book Review #5

First of all, hello and welcome to all of my new followers and readers from Sunday's Blog Jog!!!

It was an amazing success for me and my blogs, accomplishing what I was hoping it would...to discover some awesome, new blogs and to gain some more followers!! YEA!!!

Next, Happy Children's Book Week!!! I hope to link you up with some great sites and giveaways...and, of course, some wonderful recommendations of children's books for all age groups.

• Visit There's A Book for some great giveaways and excellent recommendations in honor of Children's Book Week! It is my favorite site for children's literature!
• Take a peek at First Book Blog, which provides books to children in need and is simply an excellent resource for anyone interested in children's literature.

Here's this week's book review:

Bear's Picture by Daniel Pinkwater
Illustrated by D.B. Johnson

I found this gem of a book last week at the library with my kiddos! The illustrations are so novel and eclectic - a mixture of cut-out, watercolor, black-and-white, and some abstract elements.  Pinkwater's story about Bear's very own, individual creation that is questioned by two "proper" gentlemen conveys a beautiful, heartwarming message of the individuality of one's very own work.  The ending is a sweet surprise for you and your little child.  I recommend this book for ages 2 - 4 years.

"Where is human nature so weak as in the bookstore?"

- Henry Ward Beecher

 

**This post is part of "Tuesday Tag-Along", courtesy of the blog, Twee Poppets!!**