Measuring Angels

Text: Lesley Ely

Illustrations: Polly Dunbar, Wikipedia

Year: 2008

Publisher: Frances Lincoln Children’s Books, London

Age: 5 - 8 years

No. of Pages: 32

Book Type: Picture Book

ISBN:  978 1 84780 048 0

There’s trouble brewing at school. A little girl feels left out and Miss Miles the teacher finds the solution with sunflower seeds.

Miss Miles gives the little girl a flower pot and Sophie, who’s not her friend, the sunflower seed. They are not happy about having to work together and so is the sunflower. Their plant is the weediest and smallest. 

Miss Miles suggests that they talk to the plant. They do. Soon, the plant grows beautifully and the two little girls are friends.

Excerpt

“This sunflower isn’t happy,” said Miss Miles. “Why don’t you talk to it? Talking to plants sometimes helps them grow.”

So we tried. We got close. 

Disney’s Brother Bear

Year: 2003

Publisher: Chuang Yi Publishing Pte.  Ltd., Singapore

Age: 6 – 10 years

No. of Pages: 46

Book Type: Graphic Novel

ISBN:  978 9 81241 669 8

This brilliant graphic novel based on Disney’s blockbuster animated movie, Brother Bear will cheer any comic book lover.    

Brother Bear is heartwarming tale set in ancient times and celebrates the special bond between man and animals.

A young impetuous boy is turned into a bear and he must journey through treacherous terrain to see himself change back into a human being again. This journey also transforms his perspective on life, brotherhood and kinship with nature.

This is a great way to introduce young ones to the colorful world of comics.

Mrs. Hippo’s Pizza Parlor (I am Reading)

Text: Vivian French, Wikipedia

Illustrations: Clive Scruton

Year: 1999

Publisher: Kingfisher Publications, London 

Age: 4 and above

No. of Pages: 48

ISBN:  978 0 75341 037 0

William’s birthday is about to arrive but he also know his mother Pizza Parlor is going through a tough time and he might not get the gift he truly wants. William knows better than to make a fuss. Soon, his dream comes true and it’s good times for his mum’s business too!

Excerpt

“Look at all those people outside our pizza parlor!”

“Dear me,” said Mrs. Hippo.

“I think they’re waiting to come in!”

“What do they want?” asked Ellie.

“PIZZAS!” said William. 

Milly, Molly and Henry

Author: Gill Pittar

Illustrator: Cris Morrell

Year: 2003

Publisher: Milly Molly Books, New Zealand

Age: 4 and above

No. of Pages: 32

ISBN:  978-1-87733-657-2

The more Milly and Molly books I read, I am impressed.

This book is about Milly and Molly’s true-to-self friend and classmate, Henry.

He’s just an ideal child – polite, unafraid, confident and not shy to express himself.

In a world that increasingly seeks to conform our children into a mold, this book breaks free of the traditional mindset and celebrates a child for who he is. Kudos Gill Pittar, for this path-breaking book.

I would like to read this book to my kids a few more times.

Excerpt

He laughs loudly at the funny parts and cries openly through the sad bits.

Reading to the class is a breeze and making mistakes not a problem.

Henry takes math in his stride and plays patter ball one handed. 

Milly, Molly and the Queen’s Visit

Author: Gill Pittar

Illustrator: Cris Morrell

Year: 2003

Publisher: Milly Molly Books, New Zealand

Age: 5 and above

No. of Pages: 32

ISBN:  978 1 87733 655 6

Website: Milly and Molly

The queen’s coming to town!

Milly, Molly and friends help the Mayor spruce up their town for the regal visit. They sweep leaves, trim hedges, polish the brass, pick up litter and paint doors.

When the Queen arrives, she’s very impressed with the spotless town and invites the children to have lunch too!

Like most Milly and Molly stories, this book has a message – ‘diligence, care and perseverance in carrying out a task.’

Excerpt

“Right,” said the Mayor. “We must have our town looking spotless, with not a leaf out of place.”

Harry was given a spade and a wheelbarrow. It was his job to tidy all the edges. Poppy was given a dustpan and brush. She was asked to sweep the council steps. 

Gathering Sparks

Author: Howard Schwartz 

Illustrator: Kristina Swarner

Year: 2010

Publisher: Roaring Brook Press, New York

Age: 4 and above

No. of Pages: 32

ISBN: 978-1-59643-280-2

This tender story of a grandfather imparting wisdom of the ages to his grandson makes for moving reading. It also doubles up as a dreamy bedtime tale with illustrations that speak volumes.

The grandfather introduces his little one to the Jewish tradition of “tikkun olam, a centuries-old concept which proposes that everyone must do their part in order to improve the world.”  

This is one for the library.

Excerpt

“When you help your baby sister, a spark can be seen in her eyes.

And when you are kind to animals, a spark of kindness enters the world.”

“For every good deed you do, one of those hidden sparks rises up and a little bit of the world is repaired, And one day, when enough of those sparks have been gathered, the broken vessels will be restored, and there will be peace in the world.”