New to the World of Children’s Literature

In the past few months or so, I have noticed a number of wonderful new books published by some of today’s most popular children’s authors. Let me tell you about a few of them.

Eric Carle, best known for writing “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” and “The Very Clumsy Click Beetle,” has just published “10 Little Rubber Ducks.” This unique story is based on an event which occurred almost a decade ago when a shipment of 29,000 bath toys fell overboard an ocean-going container ship and began appearing on shores around the world, including Alaska!

In Carle’s story, a shipment of everyone’s favorite bath-time toy is swept off a cargo boat and out to sea. One by one the 10 rubber ducks begin to encounter sea creatures. But it is one lucky duck who finds a family of mallards that adopts him as their very own. This charming tale would be ideal for parents who are working with their children on counting and learning about the different animals found in the world’s oceans.
Another favorite new book you need to know about is “Honey…Honey…Lion!” by Jan Brett, an extremely talented author as well as illustrator. She has written a number of classics including “The Mitten” and “Town Mouse, Country Mouse.” In her latest book the timeless partnership between a honeyguide and a honey badger is put to the test. The honey badger decides not to share a golden feast with the honeyguide, who is actually the one who first finds sweet treasure. So, honeyguide decides that the time has come to teach honey badger a lesson, by leading him on an adventure he will not soon forget. This book is a fun text for parents to teach their children about the importance of cooperation and sharing.

Barbara M. Joosse, who wrote “Mama, Do You Love Me?” the beloved tale about a mother’s love for her little girl, has recently written a fantastic story about the love between a father and son. In “Papa, Do you Love Me,” set on the plains of Africa, a young boy asks his tribal father to tell him how much he is loved. The father answers his son by using elements of their surroundings. For example, when the son says, “What if I am afraid?,” the father answers, “ I would wrap my arms around you, so you could hear my heart beat like a drum.” Drums are very symbolic in African cultures. They are used in most ceremonies of death and life. The father’s answer lets the son know that no matter what, his heart will continue to beat with the love for his son. This book would be a great tool to teach small children about different cultures and to express to them just how much they are loved by their daddies.

As you can see, the past few publishing months have produced more great children’s literature. Some of the most talented authors like Eric Carle and Jan Brett have once again written lively and entertaining tales for young readers. If you have any questions regarding the books featured in this article or would like to know if your favorite children’s author has recently written a new book, please contact me at (402) 564-7116 opt. 4.