Sunday, February 25, 2007

The Zax (in Sneetches and Other Stories) by Dr. Seuss

10 pages. Random House, 1989.

There's bound to be trouble when a North-Going Zax meets a South-Going Zax. Each one thinks the other is in his way, and each refuses to move aside, because that would mean going east or west, and neither is willing to do that. They yell at each other righteously, but neither one will move, so neither can go anywhere. Highways and cities are built, and the highway has to include an overpass over the Zax, who haven't budged an inch. This story shows children quite clearly, and with humor, how silly people look when they're stubborn.

Ages: 3-8
Cultural Context: non-human

Sunday, February 18, 2007

The Wobbly Tooth by Nancy Evans Cooney

Illustrated by Marylin Hafner. 32 pages. Putnam, 1978.

It can be frustrating to wait for a loose tooth to come out. Elizabeth Ann has one that just won't come out, not matter what she does. Even when she tries to forget about it, she can't help thinking about it. Finally, during a baseball game with friends, she is able to forget about it - and it comes out. Children will feel reassured that even a stubborn loose tooth will come out eventually.

Ages: 4-7
Cultural Context: multicultural

Wobbly Tooth

Sunday, February 11, 2007

When I Feel Good About Myself by Cornelia Maude Spelman

Illustrated by Kathy Parkinson. 24 pages. Whitman, 2003.

A little guinea pig says that she feels good about herself. She feels loved, and she knows that it's OK to be just the way she is. Realizing that some things will be easy for her to do and others will be more difficult, as they are for all of us, she understands that her unique contributions are valuable. The little guinea pig likes to learn, and can try again if she makes a mistake. A foreword for parents and teachers is included. This book gives young children a strong positive message about self-acceptance.

Ages: 2-5
Cultural Context: non-human

Sunday, February 4, 2007

To Be a Drum by Evelyn Coleman

Illustrated by Aminah Brenda Lynn Robinson. 32 pages. Whitman, 1998.

In this story, which is illustrated with vibrant multimedia images, a father poetically tells his son and daughter about the history of the African American people, including slavery, the civil rights movement, and accomplishments in the arts, sciences, and business. This story inspires pride in African American heritage.

Ages: 5-8
Cultural Context: multicultural