Teenagers' Den
A Tale from Redwall, Brian Jacques, Firebird.
This book explores the world of woodland creatures living quietly at Redwall Abbey, however a sea rat warlord wants to destroy this tranquility and claim ownership of Redwall Abbey. Lots of battle scenes which I think young boys will enjoy more than girls.
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The Giving Tree, Shel Silverstein, Harper Collins.
If you’re looking for a children’s book that teaches generosity or unselfishness, you have found it right here. The Giving Tree is a tender story, touched with sadness mind you, but offers a great message on love.
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Madeline, Ludwig Bemelmans, Puffin Books.
Quite an entertaining choice for a bedtime story if you have an inquisitive child who asks many questions. Madeline does just the same in this book so it might be a springboard for never-ending conversations. However, it is a charming read with lovely illustrations.
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The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane, Kate DiCamillo, Candlewick Press.
Edward Tulane is a cold-hearted rabbit who one day seeks a path to redemption. The authors conveys an imporant message on how an individual who may seem arrogant is perfectly able to change into someone grateful and loving. A great read for the 8 and 9 age category.
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The Little Engine That Could, Watty Piper, Philomel Books.
As a child I was quite small and this book taugh me that despite my size, I could be triumphant in any task. Just like this little engine. Think of it as a self-help book for pre-schoolers.
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The Wonderful Things You Will Be, Emily Winfield Martin, Random House Books.
I realize this is not a teenagers'-level type of book, however it has a loving message about children, which I find inspriring for any age.
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Gulliver's Travels, Jonathan Swift, Baronet Books.
I grew up reading the Great Illustrated Classics Collection. These timeless tales are sort of re-written without the 'outdated' language the authors used that young readers would not understand. There are still nautical terms and pirate jargon, but the drawings on each page help the young reader...
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Fantastic Mr Fox, Roald Dahl, Puffin Books.
This is a story about a fox and his family who outwit farmers. It is a fabulous book for reading aloud to three- to seven-year-olds because it is action packed and keeps the children on the edge of their seats. It has a cliff hanger at the end of each chapter that leaves them and you...
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The Mysterious Woods of Whistle Root, Christopher Pennell, HMH Books.
This whimsical fairy-tale just shimmers with all the right touches. There are musical anthropomorphic rats with gorgeous names and unnatural trees with friendly traits. The heroine Carly is lonely because her “contrary clock” is reversed. She has a medical oddity that makes her sleep at dawn...
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Midnight on the Moon (Magic Tree House, n°8), Mary Pope Osborne, Random House Books.
La saga des livres Magic Tree House tourne autour d'un frère et d'une soeur, Jack et Annie (Tom et Léa en français), qui découvrent une cabane qui peut les transporter à des endroits différents n'importe quand à travers l'histoire. Ces livres sont divertissants et éducatifs puis plus on avance...
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