© 2000 Jonette Stabbert
Madeline, written in rhyme and delightfully illustrated by Ludwig Bemelmans, is an endearing and humorous tale of a brave little French girl and her appendectomy. Bemelmans' sequels are collected in Mad about Madeline.
Wanda Gág's book, Millions of Cats, concerns a scrawny kitten that finds itself too homely for anyone to want and the old couple who love it it as the most beautiful cat in the world. This story has a wonderfully repetitive rhythm, and the black and white pen drawings resemble woodcuts. Gág's other books include The Funny Thing and Snippy and Snappy.
The Story of Ferdinand by Munro Leaf is about a bull who would rather sit back and smell the flowers than fight in the ring. Terrific artwork by Robert Lawson and a good presentation of a bullfight makes this educational, while humorously introducing the concept of pacifism.
All children love Horton Hatches the Egg by Dr. Seuss. In his usual fashion, Seuss combines zany rhymes with imaginative illustrations while telling a great story about responsibility and keeping one's word. Seuss is also well known for The Cat in the Hat and other titles.
Tistou of the Green Thumbs by Maurice Druon is a beautiful, humorous and touching story for children and adults alike, with a few lovely illustrations by Jacqueline Duheme. Tistou can make flowers grow everywhere, even in the barrels of guns, thereby successfully putting an end to war. His polished family resembles the Hall of Mirrors at Versailles.
Pamela J. Wanhala
There are so many wonderful children's books that the choices made were based on my personal favorites. These are books that I read to my daughter. My first choice is The Littlest Angel, by Charles Tazewell. This is a book that has been, and should be passed down through the generations. It is a beautiful story of a young child who died and went to heaven being known as the mischievous angel, only to give the most wonderful gift of all to the Christ Child. Beautifully told, as well as illustrated by Paul Micich.
My second favorite is What's Heaven, by Maria Shriver. It is a wonderful story for children who have experienced a loss, or death in the family. It is told in a way that children can understand, which is very important.
My third choice is The Ugly Duckling, by Hans Christian Anderson. I believe that the relevance of this story, considering is has stood the test of time, is very important. The fact that beauty lies within.
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