The Sixth Carnival of Children's Literature

Late Summer Edition

One of the delightful benefits of hosting this carnival was the daily arrival of posts related to children's literature delivered directly to my inbox. A surprise awaited me each morning as I had the chance to savor each post and mull over its message.

On one morning, a question near and dear to my heart came up: How do you read classics to your children so that they are not bored or turned away?

I quickly ran over to Liz's A Chair, A Fireplace and A Tea Cozy to find out what she said. Not only did I find a great post but also a treasure trove in the comment section.

With the classics it is easy to find a trustworthy list of books. But, what if you find yourself in a bookstore full of modern novels? How do you go about picking a good one? For a start, pop over to Sherry's Semicolon who has just discovered a new author Margaret Peterson Haddix. I'm sure you will find Sherry's reviews of four of Ms. Haddix's books very helpful.

At Jen Robinson's Book Page, Jen reviews a new book The Sisters Grimm: The Fairy-Tale Detectives by Michael Buckley. A young reader, posting in Jen's comments, gives both the book and the review a "thumbs up."

Nancy at Journey Woman, inspired by the Jen Robinson's list of Cool Girls and Cool Boys, put together a list of antagonists "you love to hate" in Great Antagonists of Children's Literature. You can find Nancy's list and links to Jen Robinson's Book Page at the post.

If we are speaking of lists, this one might be in the "now for something totally different" category. GottaBook has a very funny post by Gregory K:
Famous Authors and the Children's Books They'd Write . As a bonus, the list keeps growing in the comment section.

But what if you are looking for picture books? Dawn put together an engaging basket of book suggestions for late summer. What group of little boys would pass up a collection of picture books about blueberries or football? Don't miss her Children's Literature: Late Summer Favorites posted at By Sun and Candlelight.

For a lovely review of the picture book: Hippo, No Rhino visit Tasha Saecker's blog Kids Lit. Stay awhile and browse her posts where one can find many reviews of picture books for children. (No wonder Tasha has so many picture book reviews! She is the director of a public library.)

For a review of Heckedy Peg - visit Isla de Esperanza . Krisann says this is a story about good children, a bad witch, temptation and the consequences. Visit with Krisann awhile to find out if this picture book is for your family.

Elena explains her reasons for enjoying the Newberry Medal winning book, The Midwife's Apprentice in her post The Controversy of The Midwife's Apprentice posted at My Domestic Church. Elena was surprised to find that one of her Catholic groups does not allow the sale of this book because they find the contents to be anti-Catholic. Elena includes a review of the book and the Catholic League's Review.

On the topic of controversial books, Melissa Wiley takes up the question Would You Wish a Book Away? posted at Here in the Bonny Glen. Melissa gives a thoughtful response to the recent "Book Meme" that went around the internet. She also received many interesting comments as well.

Alvina presents Another Star, a review and discussion about Firegirl by Tony Abbot. Alvina edited Firegirl which has received its second starred review. Bloomabilities is her blog.

Blue Rose Girls offers a different way of looking at the character of Amy from Louisa May Alcott's Little Women. Find out why Grace is Ranting on Amy.

Also in the "totally different" category and a good way to wrap up this edition of the Children's Literature carnvial: Truth or Dare finally makes it to the blogosphere with the first ever game of Blog or Dare! posted at The Disco Mermaids .