As I've researched for home schooling this fall I've begun using some book lists to help direct me to more quality books: Simply Charlotte Mason, Five in a Row, and my local library. I've been less than thrilled with the majority of books listed by the library but the other two have yielded a treasure trove of delightful new-to-me books.
One author in particular is a current favorite - Robert McCloskey. Have you ever heard of him? The author-illustrator of eight books from 1940-1960, he received two Caldecott Medals and two Caldecott Honors.
The details of the illustrations catch your eye and hold your interest even though most of them are NOT in color. The stories are simple, the children are respectful, "traditional" values are honored and, best of all, the vocabulary isn't dumbed down.
Four of the six books we've read are set on the coast of Maine, while one is set in Boston. I think it would be a really fun day trip to take my children to Boston (only an hour away) and follow the path of the ducks in Make Way for Ducklings. Also, making blueberry jam or muffins would be a great activity after reading Blueberries for Sal.
With so many books for children out there that are mediocre at best, it has been a pleasure to read quality books written by an author who cares about his subject. Be sure to check them out and let me know what you think.
8 comments:
Yep, I love his books too! I especially love the simple, but classic illustrations!
Stephanie,
The book, "Books Children Love" by Elizabeth Wilson is a must-have for homeschooling moms. I love this book!
Julie
Thanks, Julie. I have requested the 2002 updated version to be held for me at my library. Amazon has 7 reviews with most of the complaints about the list including out of print books but those seem to be about the 1987 version NOT 2002.
Anyone else have a book list they have found useful?
He's one of our favorites!
LOVE hearing this whole post, the book recommendations, and home school material recommendations. Wonderful!
yes, he's a great author! and if you are ever in Boston, you can visit a park where he there are bronze ducks in honor of him! it's really cute.
I loved those books as a child. My mom and I actually have a lot of the original copies. Of course we also enjoyed the Beatrix Potter books and the original Winni the Pooh hardcover books. ;) Thanks for the trip to the past. Those books always make me smile.
Those are great children's books. There are lots of them out there that I just love and I have a ton.
I'm new to your blog and I search around a bit. I enjoyed your money saving tips from a January post.
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