Daddy-Long-Legs

Daddy-Long-Legs (Daddy-Long-Legs #1)

by Jean Webster  

5 stars

249 pages

Published 1912 by Hodder & Stoughton

 

It is rare that I give 5 stars, but this adorable book deserves it. I believe this is one of the sweetest books I've ever read. It's witty and cute, and although it's written back in the early 20th century, it still is pertinent to today. I loved it.

I recommend to everyone! It's a quick read and you'll be a better person for reading it.
How many books can you say that about?

Redwall

Redwall (Redwall #1)

by Brian Jacques

3 stars

 

416 pages

Published Sept. 4, 2006 by Red Fox (first published 1986)

 

A cute book about bravery and fortitude, but there are just sooo many books in this series that I got a bit overwhelmed and decided not to read anymore.

Plus I don't know if I could get down with reading about mice and other little animals all the time. Kids would definitely like this.

The Swiss Family Robinson

The Swiss Family Robinson

by Johann David Wyss, Scott McKowen (Illustrations), Arthur Pober (Afterword)

4 stars

 

352 pages

First published in 1812

 

I tried reading this book with my kids, but the vocabulary was beyond my 3rd and 5th graders - this edition one of the first translations, so many, many words were archaic and out of use. I'm going to find an Illustrated Classic version to read to them, which I think they'll enjoy.

I loved this book, though. A lot of the flora and fauna which the Robinson family found on their island was improbable - elephants on an island? Bison? Plus so many types of birds. That many birds would mean being close to a major landmass, and hence in shipping lanes, and hence being found much sooner. But I loved the book anyway. I wish I could be as knowledgeable as Mr. Robinson - he had an encyclopedic knowledge of, well, everything. He knew how to make drawbridges, looms, treehouses, husbandry, farming, slaughtering and wide variety of animals, etc.

I can see why this book is a classic. It's a fun read.

Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs

Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs (Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs #1)

by Judi Barrett, Ron Barrett 

5 stars

32 pages
 

Published Apr. 1, 1982 by Atheneum Books for Young Readers (first published 1978)

I was so excited when they came out with a movie about this book, because this book is one of my absolute favorites from growing up. Too bad the movie didn't live up to its inspiration (do they ever??)

The clever story, wonderful illustrations and fabulous writing make this a memorable romp in childhood frivolity and food fantasy. I introduced Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs to my children, and they loved it just as much I did. Even now that they are older, they still love getting it out and reading it.

If you have seen the movie, but not read the book ... GO READ THE BOOK! It's a hundred times better and so, so enjoyable. Literally generations of children have read and adored this book!