Champion Dog Prince Tom

Our rating: ****½

From the beginning, Prince Tom stood out from other dogs. He was a runt and the only blond puppy in a litter of black cocker spaniels. Thanks to his happy-go-lucky personality, Prince Tom was picked out as the perfect birthday gift for Tom Clute. From then on, Prince showed what he could do in the manner of tricks, obedience trials, and field trials.

Champion Dog Prince Tom is a must-read for dog lovers. It is the true story of a small cocker spaniel that set record after record, including the honor of being the first American cocker to win the national field trials and the only one to do so while holding obedience titles. The simple style of the book is perfect for younger readers, though older readers may still enjoy the story.

On the Day Peter Stuyvesant Sailed into Town

Our rating: ****

Peter Stuyvesant is the new director-general of New Amsterdam. He arrives in town to find the fort crumbling away, garbage in the streets, and animals roaming everywhere. Peter Stuvyesant sets out to fix this town, despite the lazy townspeople.

This book is written in rhyme. The text and pictures will keep you laughing. At the beginning of the book, there is a historical note about Peter Stuyvesant and the town of New Amsterdam. Make sure that you read this. It gives a good background for the rest of the book.

Rainy Morning

Our rating: ****

One dreary morning, Mrs. Submarine lets the cat in because it looks miserable out in the rain. This begins a hilarious series of visitors taking shelter from the rain, including a wildebeest, the Submarines’ car, and Beethoven.

Here’s a great book that is just a lot fun. That’s it. Nothing profound, no “lesson” at the end. And not just for the kids. Daniel Pinkwater also embeds wholesome humor that will go over the head of the child and be caught by the owner of the lap they are sitting on. Definitely worthwhile for a good laugh.

Least of All

Our rating: ****

Raven Hannah is the youngest child in her family. She wants to help with the work on her family’s farm, but everyone always tells her that she is too little. Finally, Raven Hannah is given the job of churning butter. While performing this long task, Raven Hannah learns to do something that no one else in her family can do.

This is one of my favorite picture books. The ending is quite touching, especially because Raven Hannah’s desire to be strong enough to help with the farm work is so clear in the beginning of the story. Sadly, Least of All is out of print.

McBroom and the Big Wind

Our rating: ***½

Josh McBroom is having trouble with a big wind that threatens to ruin his wonderful one acre farm that will grow anything (even his sons’ marbles). This isn’t just any old wind, though. This wind moves post holes, takes the milk bucket, and even sucks McBroom’s children up the chimney! What can he do to save his farm and his kids, and get rid of that bear jumping rope with the clothesline?

Once again, Sid Fleischman has written a story full of silliness that is just barely believable. I hardly scratched the surface of the goofy events that the story contains. Just try not to die laughing and you’ll be okay.