More Best Quotes from Children's Books

 

 

Aesop's Fables

"No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted."

— From "The Lion and the Mouse"

 

 

Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day

“It has been a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day. My mom says some days are like that."

 

 

Charlotte's Web

"'Why did you do all this for me?' he asked. 'I don't deserve it. I've never done anything for you.'

'You have been my friend,' replied Charlotte. 'That in itself is a tremendous thing.'"

 

 

The Giving Tree

"'I don't need very much now,' said the boy, 'just a quiet place to sit and rest. I am very tired.'

'Well,' said the tree, straightening herself up as much as she could, "well, an old stump is good for sitting and resting. Come, Boy, sit down. Sit down and rest.'

And the boy did. And the tree was happy."

 

 

Love You Forever

"I'll love you forever,
I'll like you for always,
As long as I'm living
my baby you'll be."

 

 

Olivia

"When they've finished reading, Olivia's mother gives her a kiss and says, 'You know, you really wear me out. But I love you anyway.'

And Olivia gives her a kiss back and says, 'I love you anyway too.'"

 

 

Peter and Wendy

(Also known as Peter Pan or The Boy Who Wouldn't Grow Up.)

"You know that place between sleep and awake, the place where you can still remember dreaming? That's where I’ll always love you. That’s where I’ll be waiting."

 

 

Oh, the Places You'll Go!

"You'll get mixed up, of course,
as you already know.
You'll get mixed up
with many strange birds as you go.
So be sure when you step.
Step with great tact
and remember that Life's
a Great Balancing Act.
Just never forget to be dexterous an deft.
And never mix up your right foot with your left."

 

 

The Rainbow Fish

"The Rainbow Fish shared his scales left end right. And the more he gave away, the more delighted he became. When the water around him filled with glimmering scales, he at last felt at home among the other fish."

 

 

The Secret Garden

"Where you tend a rose, my lad, a thistle cannot grow."

 

 

The Velveteen Rabbit

"'Real isn't how you are made,' said the Skin Horse. 'It's a thing that happens to you. When a child loves you for a long, long time, not just to play with, but REALLY loves you, then you become Real.'"

 

Where the Wild Things Are

"'Now stop!' Max said and sent the wild things off to bed without their supper. And Max the king of all wild things was lonely and wanted to be where someone loved him best of all."

 

 

Winnie-the-Pooh

"'But what I like doing best is Nothing," said Christopher Robin.

'How do you do Nothing?' asked Pooh, after he has wondered for a long time.

'Well, it's when people call out at you just as you're going off to do it, What are you going to do, Christopher Robin, and you say, Oh, nothing, and then you go and do it.'"

 

 

Sylvester and the Magic Pebble

"Mr. Duncan put the Maggie Pebble in an iron safe. Some day they may want to use it, but really, for now, what more could they wish for? They had all that they wanted."

 

 

Frog and Toad are Friends

"Frog said, 'I wrote 'Dear Toad, I am glad that you are my best friend. Your best friend, Frog.'

'Oh,' said Toad, 'that makes a very good letter.'

Then Frog and Toad went out onto the front porch to wait for the mail. They sat there, feeling happy together."

 

 

-collection by Redbook magazine

 

FRIDAY FICTION: 20 OF THE BEST HALLOWEEN BOOKS FOR CHILDREN

Sendak's Mommy? and More Halloween Fun

Thursday October 25, 2012

Mommy? is the only pop-up book illustrated by the extraordinary Maurice Sendak. Mommy? is an almost wordless pop-up book. Since it tells the story of a toddler searching for his mother among monsters and mummies, Mommy? is perfect for Halloween. Young children will find it delightfully creepy while older children and adults will appreciate the humor and the exceptional paper engineering. Maurice Sendak's award-winning books include Where the Wild Things Are, a Caldecott Medal winner.

 

Whether your child is a preschooler, an independent reader, or somewhere in between, I have a children's Halloween book to recommend. You'll find some not-too-scary picture books, one pretty scary picture book, a joke book, a science book about pumpkins and a cumulative tale, among others. Several of the books feature popular characters (Nate the Great, the Berenstain Bears) and are part of a popular series. One of the Halloween picture books comes with an audiobook and an animated version of the story.

1. By the Light of the Halloween Moon

Marshall Cavendish

By the Light of the Halloween Moon is an unusual Halloween picture book, a cumulative tale. Set at night and featuring a child with a wiggling toe, the tale is both amusing and slightly scary. The story, by Caroline Stutson, features alliteration and repetition. Kevin Hawkes's dramatic illustrations greatly add to the appeal of By the Light of the Halloween Moon. I recommend it for most kids ages 6-8 and some younger kids. Marshall Cavendish published the book in 2009.

2. Celebrate Halloween

National Geographic Society

Celebrate Halloween with Pumpkins, Costumes, and Candy is a nonfiction book, one of many in the Holidays Around the World series. The book, by Deborah Heiligman, uses color photographs of children celebrating fall and Halloween in several different countries to illustrate the story of Halloween, its history and celebration. An afterword provides directions for a Halloween game, information about The Day of the Dead, a recipe for a Spooky Graveyard cake, a glossary, a map showing where the photographs were taken, a one-page essay by scholar Jack Santino, and recommended books and Web sites for readers eager to learn more about Halloween.

3. Too Many Pumpkins

Holiday House

What happens when a woman who hates pumpkins unexpectedly, and despite her best efforts to prevent it, has a bumper crop of pumpkins? What can she do? Her solution makes a very entertaining story. Author Linda White stresses community in this delightful Halloween picture book. Megan Lloyd's illustrations are delightful. Holiday House published the book in 1996.

4. Tucker's Spooky Halloween

Candlewick Press

Tucker's Spooky Halloween provides extra fun for young kids because, in addition to the picture book, it comes with an animated version of the story, plus two audio versions. The story by Leslie McGuirk features a little white dog, Tucker, and the problems he encounters as he tries to convince his owner to dress him in a scary costume for Halloween. The illustrations by McQuirk have a nice simplicity. Candlewick Press published Tucker's Spooky Halloween in 2009 as part of its Candlewick Storybook Animations Series.

5. Los Gatos Black on Halloween

Henry Holt and Company

The Halloween picture book Los Gatos Black on Halloween will send shivers of delight down the spines of older children who thrive on creepy stories and illustrations. The influence of her childhood in Mexico is reflected in the paintings by illustrator Yuyi Morales. Elements of the Day of the Dead celebration can also be found in the text by author Martha Montes, who was born in Puerto Rico. This picture book would make a wonderful Halloween read-aloud, as well as a read-alone, for 8-12 year olds who love scary stories and pictures. It is scarier than most picture books, which is why I don't recommend it for all ages or all 8-12 year olds. (Henry Holt and Company, 2006. ISBN: 9780805074291)

6. The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything

HarperCollins

This just-scary-enough story is both a good read-aloud and a goood read alone. A little old lady goes walking in the forest until dark and then heads for home. On the way, she keeps hearing ominous sounds. She finds herself followed by noisy clomping boots, then by wiggly pants, and more. Kids will enjoy repeating the story's refrain and will delight in the little old lady's creative solution to the problem of what to do with these noisy objects who are upset because they can't scare her. (HarperCollins, 1998. ISBN: 0064431835)

7. A Tiger Called Thomas

Hyperion

This charming story by Charlotte Zolotow is about Thomas, a little boy who moves into a "new house on a new street" and never ventures from his front steps because he thinks his neighbors don't like him. Day after day, he watches children playing and neighbors walking by. When Halloween comes, he is surprised to find that his neighbors, children and adults alike, recognize him, despite the tiger mask he hides behind, and want to be friends. He goes home a happy boy.

8. Humbug Witch

Star Bright Books

Humbug Witch by Lorna Balian tells the story of a scary-looking little witch who finds that, despite looking like a witch, she can't do what witches do. The little witch is quite a sight, with a big nose, crooked teeth and stringy red hair. Although she tries, the little witch can't cackle like a witch, fly on a broom, cast magical spells or make magic potions. We find out why when the little witch removes her costume and mask, and we see she is a little girl who has been dressed up for Halloween. The simple illustrations are full of humor, much of it the result of the expression on the face of the black cat as he watches the little witch. This is a good book for three- to five-year-olds.

9. What was I Scared of?

Random House

What Was I Scared Of? by Dr Seuss is a new picture book edition of an old Dr. Seuss story that first appeared in The Sneeches and Other Stories. Subtitled: A Glow-in-the-Dark Encounter, this children's book is a sweet story of two creatures who start out scared of one another, even though one is "A pair of green pants / With nobody inside then!" The narrator is scared of the pants, but ends up comforting the pants when he realizes the pair of pants is very scared of him. While not a Halloween story, it's a good very slightly scary story for ages 4-8 during the Halloween season, particularly since special ink makes some of the artwork on every page glow in the dark. (Random House, 2009; ISBN: 9780375853425) Compare prices.

10. The Berenstain Bears Trick or Trick

This book is part of Stan and Jan Berenstain's First Time Books series. For the first time, Brother and Sister Bear are going trick or treating without an adult along. While the authors emphasize the rules for Halloween safety, they also tell an entertaining story about not judging by appearances. (Random House,1989 ISBN: 0679800913) Compare prices.

11. Boo Who? and Other Wicked Halloween Knock-Knock Jokes

This clever book works on several levels. It's a book of funny Halloween knock-knock jokes; it's a fun interactive lift-the-flap book, and it's the amusing story of a boy's and girl's adventure in a haunted house.

12. Moonlight: The Halloween Cat

If you are looking for a warm and gentle book about Halloween for a very young child, Moonlight: The Halloween Cat is it. Halloween is Moonlight's favorite night, and author Cynthia Rylant describes how he enjoys walking around the neighborhood, watching the children in costume and seeing the jack-o-lanterns glow. Illustrator Melissa Sweet's full page artwork provides a window on a magical Halloween night. (HarperCollins, 2003. ISBN: 0060297123) Compare prices.

13. The Monster Trap

This delightful picture book features the wonderful oil paintings of Dean Morrissey. Although not a Halloween story, it features some of the most delightfully odd looking monsters you will ever see, perfect for the Halloween season. A little boy, Paddy, spends the night at his grandpa's place, which includes a shop filled with antiques and equipment. When Paddy worries about monsters, his grandpa builds some monster traps for him, with surprising results. (HarperCollins, 2004. ISBN: 0060524987) Compare prices.

14. Pumpkin Circle: The Story of a Garden

The rhythmic text and the colorful photography make Pumpkin Circle a very appealing science book for a wide range of ages. The author, George Levenson, covers the life cycle of pumpkins, from seeds to pumpkins to jack o' lanterns back to seeds. At the end of the book, there is a page of additional information about pumpkins, including planting tips. The engaging photographs by Shmuel Thaler, which cover a year in the garden, complement the text. (Tricycle Press, 1999. ISBN: 1582460787) Compare prices.

15. Nate the Great and the Halloween Hunt

This entertaining detective story by Marjorie Weinman Sharmat, with illustrations by Marc Simont, is written at the 2.1 reading level and will appeal to beginning readers. On Halloween night, Nate's friend Rosamond comes to his house to ask him to help find her missing cat, Little Hex. Nate the Great and his dog, Sludge, are on the case! (Yearling Books, reissue 1990. ISBN: 0440403413) Compare prices.

16.

Ten Creepy Monsters by Carey Armstrong-Ellis (Oct 1, 2012)

17.

Room on the Broom Board Book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Sheffler (Aug 16, 2012)

 

18.

The Monster Alphabet by Michael Spradlin and Jeff Weigel (Aug 16, 2012)

 

19.

Big Pumpkin by Erica Silverman and S.D. Schindler (Aug 31, 1992)

 

20.

Teeny Tiny by Jill Bennett and Tomie dePaola (Dec 29, 1997) otherwise known as the Teeny Tiny Woman. 

 

 

 

 

THURSDAY THEMES and LIBRARY LESSON PLANS ABOUT "FALL"

Hey friends....Fall is in the air in Utah.  I love Fall!  Leaves are turning the color of burnt red 
and orange pumpkins.  The hills and mountains are becoming vibrant and there is a definite 
chill in the air.  It is my favorite season of all and I love the long, too long, summer days to 
go "bye, bye."  I'm happy to be teaching and to be the librarian at a great school.  All this 
makes me very happy.  Here are some Amazon picks, but many of them are my favorites, 
especially "Read Leaf, Yellow Leaf" and  "Leaf Man" by Lois Ehlert and Shrinking Days, 
Frosty Nights: Poems about Fall (A+ Books: Poetry) by Laura Purdie Salas.  I enjoy anything
by Seymour Simon.  

Autumn Across America (Seasons Across America) by Seymour Simon.

Discussion Questions:  
1.  Have you noticed something different about the weather today or lately.

2.  How do the leaves look?  Are they changing colors?  What colors are they turning?
3.  What season is it going to be on Sept. 21st?
4.  What season has it been for the last 3 months.
5.  What other changes happen in the Fall?  What is another name for Fall
6.  What sorts of things do we do in the Fall?  What about in our yard?  
7.  What season is next?  What do we do to get ready for this season?
8.  What is your favorite season?

Art Project:
Go outside on a nature walk when there are a bunch of leaves, but not too crunchy.  Let 
the kids rake them up and then collect their favorites, not to many, in a bag of their own.  
See "Leaf Man" below.  Let them glue them together to create a leaf man, after you read the book, by Lois Ehlert!  
It's adorable.  Give them googly eyes or construction paper for additional features.

These 2 are big favorites of mine as well:  

Red Leaf, Yellow Leaf by Lois Ehlert (Sep 15, 1991)

There Was An Old Lady Who Swallowed Some Leaves! 

by Lucille Colandro (Aug 1, 2010)

1.

Welcome Fall (Little Scholastic) 

by Jill Ackerman (Jul 1, 2009)

2.

Mouse's First Fall 

by Lauren Thompson and Buket Erdogan (Oct 1, 2006)

3.

I Love Fall!: A Touch-and-Feel Board Book 

by Alison Inches and Hiroe Nakata (Sep 8, 2009)

4.

Bright Baby Touch and Feel Fall 

by Roger Priddy (Aug 17, 2010)

5.

Let It Fall

 by Maryann Cocca-Leffler (Jul 1, 2010)

6.

Animals in Fall: Preparing for Winter 

(Cloverleaf Books: Fall's Here!) 

by Martha E. H. Rustad and Amanda Enright (Sep 2011)

7.

It's Fall (Celebrate the Seasons) 

by Linda Glaser (Sep 1, 2001)

8.

Fall Mixed Up (Carolrhoda Picture Books) 

by Bob Raczka and Chad Cameron (Oct 1, 2011)

9.

Leaf Man (Ala Notable Children's Books. 

Younger Readers (Awards)) by Lois Ehlert (Sep 1, 2005)

$137.04

10.

H.D.Y.K. It's Fall? Pbk 

(Rookie Read-About Science) 

by Allan Fowler (Mar 1, 1992)

11.

Fall is Here!: I Love It! 

by Elaine W. Good (Oct 25, 1994)

12.

A Chill in the Air: Nature Poems for Fall and Winter 

by John Frank and Mike Reed (Sep 1, 2003)

A "SERIES" OR LIST of BOOKS FOR BOYS: YES, just a few more!

1. Little House Series by Laura Ingalls Wilder

2. The Bears of Blue River by Charles Major

3. The Mouse and the Motorcycle by Beverly Cleary

4. Encyclopedia Brown Series by Donald J. Sobol

5. Sugar Creek Gang Series by Paul Hutchens

6. Jigsaw Jones Mystery Series by James Preller

7. Hank the Cowdog by John R. Erickson

8. Nate the Greatby Marjorie Weinman Sharmat

9. A to Z Mysteries Series by Ron Roy

10. Mrs. Piggle Wiggle by Betty MacDonald

11. Ralph S. Mouse by Beverly Cleary

12. Magic Tree House Series by Mary Pope Osborne

13. Stuart Little by E. B. White

14. Mr. Putter & Tabby Series by  Cynthia Rylant

15. The Indian in the Cupboard by Lynne Reid Banks

16. The Chronicles of Narnia Series by C. S. Lewis

17. The Trumpet of the Swan by E. B. White

18. The Adventures of Tintin by Alexander Irvine

19. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain

20. The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein

21. Little Menby Louisa May Alcott

22. The Hardy Boys Series by Franklin W. Dixon

23. The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick

24. Charlotte’s Web  by E. B. White

25. The Castle in the Attic by Elizabeth Winthrop

26. Mercy Watson Series by Kate DiCamillo

27. The Underland Chronicles Series by Suzanne Collins

28. The Sign of the Beaver by Elizabeth George Speare

29. From the Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E.L. Konigsburg

30. The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien

31. The Egypt Game by Zilpha Keatley Snyder

32. Sideways Stories from Wayside School by Louis Sachar

33. Ribsy  by Beverly Clearly

34. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl

35. James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl

36. Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein

37. A Light in the Attic by Shel Silverstein

38. The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart

39. Holes by Louis Sachar

40. King Arthur and the Sword in the Stone

41. Emils Pranks Emil Lonnebergaby Astrid Lindgren (recommended from Sweden)

42. The Bunnicula Series by Deborah Howe

43. The Tale of Despereaux  by Kate DiCamillo

44. How to Eat Fried Worms by Thomas Rockwell

45. Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of Nimh by Robert C. O’Brien

46. The Incredible Journey by Sheila Burnford

47. A Bear Called Paddington by Michael Bond

48. Superfudge by Judy Blume

49. Tumtum & Nutmeg: Adventures Beyond Nutmouse Hall by Emily Bearn

50. The Jungle Book by Rudyard Kipling

51. The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum

52. The Swiss Family Robinson (Classic Starts Series) Johann David Wyss

53. Frindle by Andrew Clements

54. A Wrinkle in Time Madeleine L’Engle

55. The Wind in the Willows Kenneth Grahame

56. Mr. Popper’s Penguins by Richard Atwater

57. Frog and Toad Are Friends by Arnold Lobel

58. Winnie the Pooh by A.A. Milne

59. Stone Fox by John Reynolds Gardiner

60. Old Yeller  by Fred Gipson

61. The Prince’s Poison Cup by R.C. Sproll

62. Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls

63. Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson

64. The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint Exupery

65. The Tale of Three Trees: A Traditional Folktale