Clues For Choosing Detective Stories

In their volume, Books That Build Character: A Guide to Teaching Your Child Moral Values Through Stories (Simon & Schuster, 1994), authors William Kilpatrick and Gregory and Suzanne M. Wolfe assert that, “one of the most satisfying of all story genres is the mystery or the detective story.”  Good stories, they feel, show readers that life follows a moral order, that it makes sense, and the detective story is about the disruption and restoration of that order.

Mysteries are an appealing escape for readers young and old.  The following examples of the children’s detective story genre are highly recommended for their entertainment value and for their adherence to life’s moral order.

Brixton Brothers: #1 The Case of the Case of Mistaken Identity 

by Mac Barnett

Simon & Schuster (2009)

ages 8 and up

This is a fledgling detective series for middle readers, and it’s a hoot.

Twelve-year-old Steve Brixton is the observant, levelheaded main character who loves a good mystery story and hates smooth jazz. An avid reader, Steve’s favorite books are the many volumes of the Bailey Brothers mystery series. He has read them so often that he has committed them to memory.

The Bailey Brothers Mysteries were fifty-eight high-octane adventures featuring Shawn and Kevin Bailey, two quick-thinking, hard-punching teens who never met a case they couldn’t crack, a motorcycle they couldn’t ride, or an avalanche they couldn’t cause and subsequently survive.

With an official Bailey Brother detective’s license (which he got in the mail with twelve cereal box tops and $1.95 shipping) and library card in his Velcro wallet, Steve tries to check out a book at the library when all heck breaks loose. Shadowy figures come bursting through the glass doors and skylights, shouting, “Get him!” and, “Shoot to wound!”

It is obvious that something much more sinister than an unpaid library fine is on their minds. What are they after?

Our friend Steve finds himself smack in the middle of a curious and dangerous mystery. Luckily, he never leaves the house without his copy of the Bailey Brothers’ Detective Handbook, a handy-dandy guide “packed with the Real Crime-Solving Tips and Tricks employed by Shawn and Kevin Bailey, a.k.a. the Bailey Brothers, in their never-ending fight against goons and baddies and criminals and crime.”

The handbook offers all sorts of information on finding secret passageways, choosing nifty disguises, and spotting a bad guy by his tattoos. Readers will recognize that these tips are useless in “real” life, but Steve is endearingly naïve and follows the instructions to the letter. Funny, awkward moments occur when that advice goes wrong. None of it actually works for Steve, yet everything works out somehow.

Steve survives kidnappings, car chases and a shipwreck, solving his first big case and ending up with a two million dollar library fine. He’s now on his way to fame and fortune as a respected private investigator.

In book two, The Ghostwriter Secret (2010), Steve is hired to investigate the whereabouts of the stolen Nichols Diamond and ends up having to rescue his idol – the author of the Bailey Brothers series, MacArthur Bart.

Older readers will recognize the fictitious quotes from these Bailey Brothers books as an amusing parody of classic children’s detective stories like the Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew mysteries. It isn’t necessary to be a reader of those books to enjoy this series, though it definitely adds to the tongue-in-cheek tone if you are.

The Brixton Brothers books are delightfully good fun. The rather dated classics of the detective genre are brought uproariously back to life in these modern tales.

Classic Choice

Encyclopedia Brown by Donald J. Sobol

This series of began in 1963 and features a boy detective who hunts for clues, then closes his eyes and asks a single question to solve a variety of interesting cases. Each book contains several short mysteries. Encyclopedia Brown’s solutions are given at the back of the book so readers can attempt to find the correct solution themselves before peeking.

Trixie Belden by Kathryn Kenny

Fans of the Nancy Drew Mysteries tend to stay away from Trixie Belden books, and vice versa. It isn’t surprising because the two series are very much alike, though Trixie is a bit younger and less sophisticated than Nancy.  Trixie juggles babysitting her little brother and solving baffling mysteries with her friends from the Bob-Whites club.

Hardy Boys Mystery Stories by Franklin W. Dixon

& Nancy Drew Mystery Stories by Carolyn Keene

These books likely need no explanation; they have been a part of young readers’ lives since 1927. The title characters are independent, popular teenagers who face unlikely challenges while helping their fathers solve interesting crimes. The stories are very entertaining, although some situations can be a bit scary for children under age 10.

Bobsey Twins by Laura Lee Hope

Originally begun as a series of episodes in the lives of twins Bert and Nan, age 12, and Flossie and Freddie, age six, this series later evolved into the mystery genre. The stories are meant for the younger set and the mysteries are quite tame.

M.D. Clark loves Agatha Christie whodunits and playing the game Clue.

Melita Morales, "Jam and Honey"; Diane Muldrow, "Where Do Giggles Come From?"; Margaret Wild, "Piglet and Granny"; Il Sung Na, "A Book of Sleep"; Robert McCloskey, "Make Way For Ducklings"

Alas, after the seemingly endless cold winter, we are soon to be revitalized with the coming of spring and the sweeter things in life: daffodils sprouting boldly yellow in the green grass, pink tulips reaching for the clear blue sky. It is a good time to pick up a bright new book to add to your enjoyment of the season. The freshness of springtime is reflected in these breezy, wholesome new picture books for the very young.

Jam and Honey

Melita Morales

Tricycle Press

Ages 3-6

An adorable, round-cheeked little girl and a happy bumblebee gaze at each other with a mixture of surprise and fear on the cover of this book illustrated by Laura J. Bryant. The girl has been picking berries for a sweet treat, and the bee is gathering nectar when the two chance upon one another.

The story is told first from the point of view of the girl and then from the bee’s perspective. They are equally startled by their close encounter, but each knows what to do. Mama says stay still and the bee will go away; mama bee says fly high and the girl will move away. Thankfully, there are plenty of berries for both.

     One for the bucket

     And one for me.

     Berries for the girl

     And nectar for the bee.

Bright greens, pinks and purples in these watercolor illustrations give springtime charm to this sweet tale. Readers can trace the bee’s flight path and look for the pigeons on each page. Bryant’s meticulous paintings include details like the jam and honey jars sitting side by side in the window of the little girl’s house.

This book deals well with the common childhood fear of stinging insects. Moms have been known to say, “That bee is more scared of you than you are of it.” After reading this book, children will believe it.

Where Do Giggles Come From?

Diane Muldrow

Golden Books

Ages 2-6

Little Golden Books are practically guaranteed to please youngsters from the first read to the fiftieth. The distinctive gold foil spine trumpets great stories from the past like “The Poky Little Puppy,” whose naughtiness eventually catches up to him, and “The Tawny Scrawny Lion,” who never could get enough to eat.

“Where Do Giggles Come From?” is an engaging new addition for your Little Golden Book collection. It is illustrated with appealing animal babies and their parents doing the simple, spontaneous things that come naturally to joyful families: playing this-little-piggy and peek-a-boo, turning upside down, splashing, laughing and hugging.

This lively, rhyming book invites snuggly kisses, belly tickles and silly faces. It will surely have youngsters giggling.

Piglet and Granny

Margaret Wild

Abrams Books For Young Readers

Ages 2-6

Piglet has learned a lot of really cool things from Granny like how to run fast and do somersaults down a hill. Even before meeting Granny, the reader knows that she is someone who can turn an ordinary day into great fun in the outdoors.

On the morning that Granny does not come, Piglet shows Cow, Horse, Duck and Sheep the clever things that her Granny has taught her to do. Soon Granny arrives with another great idea – a surprise that has them swooshing and sliding with abandon.   

Granny and Piglet don’t need fancy toys or shopping trips to enjoy their time together. They share their love in simple springtime activities like swinging on gates and looking for tadpoles. The delight of Granny’s visits lies in the simplicity of being themselves and being together.

Stephen Michael King illustrates with watercolor and black ink, creating smiling animal characters with real human appeal. Wild’s story sends a clear message that happiness is spending time with someone who loves you.

A Book Of Sleep

Il Sung Na

Random House

Ages 2-5

Something about this board book urges the reader to quickly get cozy under the covers and relax into the night. Perhaps it is the dark, soothing colors that set the tone for bedtime. Maybe it is the creatures, thoughtfully illustrated with color and pattern, bringing texture and charm to each. Or, it could be the simple cadence of the text, which begs to be read in a whisper.

It is a great looking book. The cover is as dark as night, contrasting with the great, white eye of a watchful owl who observes the many varied ways that other creatures sleep. And just when the reader is lulled into a peaceful trance, the sky brightens, the sun takes over the page, and the animals awaken. But the tired owl sleeps on a branch, framed by the rising sun.  On the back cover, the sky is light and the owl’s great eye is closed in darkness.

Tuck the babies in to bed with this lovely book.

Classic Choice

Make Way for Ducklings

Robert McCloskey

Viking Press

Ages 2 and up

What more can you say about a book that won the 1942 Caldecott Medal, has sold millions of copies, and is the official children’s book of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts? 

All I can say is buy it. This is not a book to be returned to the library; this is one that you will want hanging around the house in perpetuity, beckoning to be read again and again.  This one will suffer wrinkles, torn pages, and foody fingerprints and will still be loved. It may even force you into a vacation trip to the great city of Boston.

The magic is in the illustrations. McCloskey gives readers a duck’s-eye view of Boston both from the ground and the air.  His wonderful charcoal drawings present a sort of travelogue of the Public Garden, Beacon Hill and the Charles River. But it is the personality and realism with which he renders Mr. and Mrs. Mallard and their darling ducklings that truly bewitch his audience.

The story is uncomplicated. It is spring, and Mr. and Mrs. Mallard have to find a suitable place to lay their eggs. They are very proud of the little family that hatches, and are kept very busy with the responsibility of taking care of eight ducklings. Soon, Mr. Mallard must take a trip, and Mrs. Mallard sets to work teaching the ducklings the things ducks must know.

My children love the earnest, funny ducklings as they waddle along behind their mother. I find inspiration in Mrs. Mallard’s straightforward confidence in raising her progeny.  

When at last she felt perfectly satisfied with them, she said one morning: “Come along, children. Follow me.” Before you could wink an eyelash Jack, Kack Lack, Mack, Nack, Ouack, Pack and Quack fell into line, just as they had been taught. Mrs. Mallard led the way to the water and they swam behind her to the opposite bank.

With a little help from some friendly policemen, Mrs. Mallard leads her ducklings to the Public Garden to rejoin their father. They make their new home there on a little island in the pond and spend their days following the swan boats and eating peanuts.

Last summer my family found ourselves quacking our way through the Boston Public Garden, riding a swan boat and feeling like we were right in the middle of “Make Way for Ducklings.”  It was an unforgettable experience.  Thank you, Robert McCloskey.

M. D. Clark has taught her children to walk in a line, to come when they are called, and to keep a safe distance from things with wheels. They protest, however, that they are not ducks.

Get A Kick Out of Comics

In the early stages of my reading career, I got a lot of enjoyment from “Archie’s Double Digest” and collections of “Garfield” and “Peanuts” comics. Back then, comics were comics and the term “graphic novel” was new and mostly described long-format comic books that were much too mature for children. Nowadays, the term is used to describe a great variety of illustrated stories for people of all ages.

Call them what you will, comics remain a great way to get new readers to do more reading on their own. The format is always inviting; the text does not intimidate and the drawings propel the story while providing context clues for more sophisticated vocabulary. All levels of readers can enjoy them.

Here are a few titles that your family should try:

Lunch Lady and the Bake Sale Bandit 

Jarrett J. Krosoczka

Random House

Ages 6-12

The Breakfast Bunch is hot on the trail of the dastardly crook who stole the bake sale goodies. The stakes are high; if they can’t solve this mystery, they won’t be able to go on a field trip.

Luckily, Lunch Lady is there to save the day! With the help of her serving-line sidekick Betty, Lunch Lady collects clues using nifty cafeteria gadgets like a cookie camera and spork phone to track down the culprit.

This is the fifth installment in the hilarious “Lunch Lady” series. Boys and girls will get a kick out of this action-packed comic filled with fights, explosions, and a transforming school bus. With clean lines and a traditional format, this graphic novel is also a lot easier on the eyes than many others.

Babymouse #13: Cupcake Tycoon 

Jennifer L. Holm & Matthew Holm

Random House

Ages 6-12

For young girls, this is a nice introduction to the graphic novel. Babymouse is an earnest, slightly neurotic, elementary school-age character whose unstoppable energy propels her through all kinds of wacky adventures.

Caught up in another daydream, Babymouse accidentally destroys her favorite place: the school library. A cupcake fundraiser is held to replace the books. Will Babymouse sell the most books and win the special prize?

The “Babymouse” series illustrations are black and white drawings with pink highlights. A bold pink wash lets readers know when Babymouse is daydreaming. The pink is a turn-off to my young sons, but I have spotted them reading this one on the sly.

Zombiekins 

Kevin Bolger

Razorbill

Ages 9 and up

Not a true graphic novel, this book is categorized as an “illustrated novel,” or a “novel in cartoons.” Regardless, it follows our formula of being inviting and using illustrations to actuate the story, so I’m including it here.

I had a lot of fun reading this book. You should see all the “ha ha” notes I wrote in the margins. It is the story of a boy named Stanley who “was not the kind of boy who liked to take chances.” He’s more of an under-the-radar kind of guy until he makes the mistake of bringing a zombie doll home from a yard sale.

In the typical male style, Stanley throws away the directions for the doll without ever reading them which results in the zombification of nearly the entire school. Stanley and his good friend Miranda are left to deal with the consequences. In doing so, Stanley finds courage he never knew he had.

Though simple to read, the text is filled with puns, word play, and tongue-in-cheek humor. There’s even the occasional exciting vocabulary word (revivified) thrown in to please the English teacher in me. The illustrations are appropriately icky and sometimes contradict the text in amusing ways. For instance, while the opening of chapter four says Stanley is doing his homework, we see him in the middle of his bedroom floor exerting himself at a videogame while his cobweb-covered schoolbooks sit unopened.

This is a book that your boys will love. It is quick to read, clever, and very silly. I find it far more entertaining than the popular “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” series.

At the library and online, you can find children’s graphic novels about such things as the sinking of the Titanic and the lives of the saints, as well as expurgated classics by Dickens, Poe and Shakespeare.

By the way, did you know that they are still making “Archie” comics?  President Barak Obama paid a visit to Riverdale in “Archie “ # 616, and Sarah Palin makes her “Archie “ debut in #617 this month.

Classic Choice

The Adventures of Tintin 

Herge

Little Brown

You may have a little wait getting these popular comic books from the library. Originally published between 1930 and 1976, “The Adventures of Tintin” are full-color comics that encompass mystery, espionage, and swashbuckling adventure.

Tintin is a young Belgian reporter who finds himself taking to the high seas, surviving the burning sands of the desert, narrowly escaping kidnappings, and even blasting off to the moon.

Tintin is joined on his adventures by his faithful dog, Snowy, and good friend, Captain Haddock. Haddock is a salty sea captain who brings a great dose of humor to the stories with his short temper and penchant for whisky and colorful interjections like, “Blistering blue barnacles!”

Also in the cast of characters are the ever-bumbling detectives Thompson and Thompson, and the brilliant Professor Calculus whose hearing-impairment is a constant source of humor for the reader and frustration for Captain Haddock.

Young readers will probably want these read aloud to them until they get a sense of the characters and vocabulary. These stories are perfectly appropriate for the young, and are highly entertaining for teens and adults.

M. D. Clark has been reading since 1975.

Jon Scieszka's "Guys Read" is Not a Good Read

Parents share the instinct that reading is important, even if unable to spell out exactly why. Teachers profess that reading builds vocabulary and fluency. Historians argue that knowing something about the past will strengthen our future. Theologians assert that reading lifts the human spirit. And literati agree that reading brings us all into, what Mortimer Adler calls, the Great Conversation.

They are all, of course, absolutely correct. But most of us don’t spend a lot of time asking why; we merely follow our instinct that we should be readers and that our children should be readers, too. So, what should we read?

Again, instincts can go a long way in helping to choose books that are appropriate for our children. For the unsure, classics are the best place to start. There are very good reasons why some books, such as the Little House series by Laura Ingalls Wilder, or C.S. Lewis' Chronicles of Narnia, have been loved for generations.

Just the other day, I was thinking of my young sons and wondering what sorts of books will capture their attention. Browsing past the snot and underwear titles that populate the young readers shelves at the local bookstore, a paperback caught my eye. The book, Guys Read: Funny Business, edited by Jon Scieszka (Walden Pond Press, 2010), is the first in a planned series of short story collections for boys ages 8 – 12.

I am NOT recommending the book; too many of the stories appeal to the lowest appetites, with conniving, defiant narrators who never redeem themselves. They are a kind of literary junk food, and I’m looking for meat and vegetables. But I find the book useful for two reasons: one, to point out that parents should stay keenly aware of not only TV and computer use, but also the books being marketed to our kids; and two, this book actually offers a jumping off point to better reading.

Out of the ten stories, I liked three. But, in school lingo, that’s an F. 

One of the worthwhile stories is “Artemis Begins,” by Eoin Colfer - a clever piece of writing in a rather sophisticated style. Colfer, the author of the well-known "Artemis Fowl" series, recounts this tale of how the seeds of his future writing career were planted as he and his brothers worked together to keep mom from going “DEFCON four” over a broken trophy.

Donal was torn. One the one hand there is nothing a big brother likes better than seeing his little brother up to his neck in trouble, especially when that little brother is such a cutie that trouble usually slides off him. But on the other hand his professional curiosity was aroused. Could he get Niall off the hook for such an extreme crime? If he managed it, the name Donal would become legendary around the estates.

It’s a funny story and it brought to my mind the “Great Brain” series by John D. Fitzgerald. Published in the late 1960s and early 70s, the stories are narrated by the younger brother of Tom, the title character, whose penchant for mischief is legendary. They’re smart books and are great to read aloud to the whole family.

There’s also a wonderful story by Kate DiCamillo and Jon Scieszka called, “Your Question For Author Here.” In it, a student named Joe Jones - under the duress of a school assignment - writes a friendly letter (rather rudely) to author Maureen O’Toole, asking for “a bunch of author stuff so we can get this over with.” The resulting exchange of letters helps a bored, self-obsessed, lunkhead of a boy reveal the insightful and interesting young man he will become.  Would that we all had such a pen pal to encourage us to find ourselves in a good book.

The last story I liked was "Will" by Adam Rex, which humorously yawns at stereotypical super hero stories and at the same time uses comic book cliches in original ways. It is snarky without being rude and it reads like a running gag. Will, a boy who attends a private school for kids with super-hero potential, has, through an act of will, become "super" without knowing it. The irony in the final line makes the story a great one for discussion:

"Sucks about you not getting powers," said Aidan.
"I know," Will sighed. "I'll never be a hero."

Overall, “Guys Read” is not a good read, but there is great potential in the editor’s desire to help boys find books to enjoy. To that end, Scieszka has developed a website, http://guysread.com, offering reading suggestions for preschoolers through teens.

The site rates books and has lists of several authors’ favorite reads. Books are arranged in interesting categories such as: How To Build Stuff, People Being Transformed Into Animals, and Classics That Actually Hold Up.

Browse the lists and you’ll find great authors like Herge, the Brothers Grimm, E. B. White, Gary Paulsen, and Ray Bradbury. You might find a few stinkers, but that’s just more encouragement to stay involved in what your child reads.

It’s a nice site to explore and it may remind you of a favorite book from your growing-up that you can share with your child.

Classic Choice

The Great Brain

John D. Fitzgerald

Puffin

Ages 8 and up

Entertaining from the get-go, the adventures of the Fitzgerald brothers are a delightful look into what life was like for boys growing up in the Midwest at the turn of the 19^th century.

Tom’s “great brain” is adept at swindling pennies from his friends and making trouble for the new teacher, but he never goes too far before Papa and Mama make him set things right. And when he puts his mind to helping out Peg-leg Andy or rescuing two boys lost in a cave, his accomplishments become the stuff of legend.

Tom is so much more than your run-of-the-mill mischief-maker. He has an understanding of human behavior far beyond his ten years. His little brother J.D. narrates the story with a quiet awe of his brother’s cleverness. Together, they manage to learn many important lessons a boy should know: lessons in tolerance, bravery, and the importance of a man’s good name.

Read this book aloud to your children and it will be nearly impossible for them to resist going to the library to read more. There they will find six more Great Brain titles to savor.

Read With A Child - It Makes A Great Gift!

The only gift is a portion of thyself.

- Ralph Waldo Emerson

This holiday, choose a book you cherish and read it to someone you love. Point out the details in the pictures. Gasp and growl at the appropriate places. Laugh and cry when the story moves you. The only gift that truly lasts is the time you spend together.

Beauty and the Beast

Robert Sabuda

Little Simon

Ages 3 and up

Forget the silly glasses and craning your neck to see the screen; you can get great 3-D entertainment by opening this book.

Robert Sabuda’s pop-up adaptation of “Beauty and the Beast” is a treasure chest that creaks open to reveal astounding cut-paper riches. Each page is a multi-faceted gem beautifully illustrating the classic fairy tale of a girl called Beauty who overcomes greed and violence through self-sacrifice and love.

The book is sturdy, though, like any jewel, it should be handled with care and may not be suitable for the very young. The story is lengthy but easy to follow, because each section of text reveals yet another pop-up illustration. The intricate paper sculptures and rich colors combine to create a stunning work of fairy tale magic that children will treasure.

Old Bear and His Cub

Olivier Dunrea

Philomel Books

Ages 2-8

Little Cub is no longer a baby. He is testing rules and gently asserting his will. Old Bear firmly guides his cub with patience and love.

Little Cub climbed to the top of a craggy rock.
“Be careful not to fall, Little Cub,” said Old Bear.
“I won’t,” said Little Cub.
“Yes, you will,” said Old Bear.
“No I won’t,” said Little Cub.
Old Bear stared hard at Little Cub. Little Cub slowly climbed down. All the way.

The subtle dynamic between Little Cub and Old Bear is recognizable to any father and son. It is a mixture of defiance and obedience, with a healthy helping of love and respect.

Olivier Dunrea’s charming illustrations help characterize these two. The grizzled Old Bear is masculine but not menacing. Little Cub is tiny and darling in his jaunty red scarf.

A sweet winter bedtime story, this one is sure to become a favorite way to say goodnight to your little cub.

Knuffle Bunny Free: An Unexpected Diversion

Mo Willems

Hyperion

Ages 3-7

Trixie and her stuffed bunny are back for the third and final book in the Knuffle Bunny series.  And what a treat!

Trixie and her family fly to Holland to visit her grandparents. Of course, Knuffle Bunny comes along. Or does he? Though the conflict is familiar, the touching conclusion may surprise “Knuffle Bunny” fans.

Mo Willems draws his bright characters onto a background of black and white photographs. This technique grounds the story in reality and gives you the feeling that you might actually know these people. Looking at the facial expressions, you might think you are these people.

“Knuffle Bunny Free” is a great gift choice for a special young person who is already familiar with the other two books.  Best bet – give the complete trilogy. It is sure to be read again and again.

  

Beautiful Oops!

Barney Saltzberg

Workman Publishing

Ages 3 and up

This chunky little book is a great gift for preschoolers or anyone on your list who may need a gentle reminder that every oops! can be made beautiful with just a bit of imagination.

Artistic opportunities abound when paint drips and paper tears. Spills and smudges become happy surprises on each brightly colored page. The right attitude can turn, “I messed up,” into, “Wow!”

Small hands will enjoy exploring the foldouts, pop-ups, holes and rips. Older readers will appreciate the book’s simple message: life is full of mistakes – embrace them!

Mummy Mazes: A Monumental Book   

Elizabeth Carpenter

Workman Publishing

Ages 7-14

“Cool!” is the exclamation uttered most often by pre-teens when they see this book.  When opened, it unfolds to reveal poster-sized drawings of ancient Egyptian artifacts inlaid with mazes. Readers take an imaginary expedition through temples and tombs, learning history and archaeology along the way.

Do these mazes look simple to you, young friend? Think again. You’ll need a strong stomach to work your way through the surprises embedded in this page!

Professor Archie Ologist is the engaging narrator who leads readers through Elizabeth Carpenter’s incredibly detailed drawings. Along the way, fascinating facts and stories from Egyptian mythology are revealed. The journey ends at the heart of a tomb where readers must decipher a secret message written in hieroglyphics.

State SOLs require that students learn some Egyptian history. This book can reinforce what children have learned in school and build on to their prior learning. Carpenter’s intriguing history lessons are presented in small bites, making this an especially good choice for reluctant readers.

Man Gave Names to All the Animals

Bob Dylan

Illustrated by Jim Arnosky

Sterling

Ages 2-10

Not a storybook, by any means, this one is more like a visit to the zoo. Inspired by the catchy Bob Dylan song of the same title, Jim Arnosky creates a vivid Eden in acrylic paint and fills it with more than 170 animals and insects.

Creatures of the sea, land and sky mingle on each lush page. A yawning black bear shows his powerful jaws while monarch butterflies dance at the feet of a mountain sheep. A cheetah, heron and zebra mix at the swirling water’s edge, watching sailfish leap past salmon and a toothy tiger shark.

Together, parents and children can play endless games of “I spy with my little eye” while reading this book. Children can also savor it alone by listening to the enclosed CD recording of Dylan’s song.

Classic Choice

The Legend of the Poinsettia

Tomie dePaola

The Putnam & Grosset Group

All ages

A book that has become a family favorite for sharing at Christmas is Tomie DePaola’s beautiful rendition of this captivating Mexican legend. A young girl, Lucida, is dismayed to find that she has no gift to give to the Christ Child at the Christmas Eve procession. Just when she is about to give up hope, an old woman reminds her:

Any gift is beautiful because it is given. Whatever you give, the Baby Jesus will love, because it comes from you.

Lucida scoops up the only thing she can find – a bunch of green weeds. When she presents her humble gift, a miracle occurs.

DePaola’s sublime illustrations glow with the warmth of the Christmas season. His concise retelling will capture your imagination. The lesson Lucia learns is important for readers of any age.

Once your family has spent some time with dePaola’s book, take them to see the story as performed by The Latin Ballet of Virginia. The Latin Ballet’s extraordinary show is a celebration of traditional song and dance and spiritual reverence.  Their joyful interpretation of the legend is abounding in graceful energy, whirling motion and vivid color. This is a must-see for young and old.

Read this wonderful story and then extend your holiday into the New Year by taking the whole family to experience this legend. Performances are January 7-9. Visit latinballet.com for tickets and details.

M.D. Clark has three children: one devours books, one nibbles at them, and one can’t read. Her husband prefers car magazines.