C&C Book Club: Tree of Cranes

A beautiful story of cultural traditions shared across continents.

TITLE: Tree of Cranes

AUTHOR: Allen Say

WHAT WE LOVE: A beautifully illustrated book that captures a child's emotional bond with his mother through the simple story of a first Christmas in a faraway land. A great introduction to cultural differences in a child's eyes. And if you haven't discovered Allen Say before, discover him now. Great read aloud for focused 3 -4 year olds and for 5 up to 8.

C&C Book Club: So Few of Me

A gentle reminder to us all that it's okay to do less and spend more time just enjoying the world around us.


Title: So Few of Me
Author/Illustrator: Peter H. Reynolds










What we love: Quite possibly this book appeals to me so much these days, because of it's ability to capture how over scheduled we all are.  Nevertheless it is a delightful tale examining what would happen if we could just one or two or more of ourselves to help with our long to do lists.  Peter H, Reynolds, illustrator/author of another of our favorites, The Dot, has done it again.  He delights us with a simple tale of one little boy overwhelmed by his long list of tasks dreams of having one more of him and then more and more so that he can get everything done.  With lovely illustrations and subtle counting practice, the story resonates with both parents and children.  While the littlest will enjoy the pictures, it is recommended for 3 years and up.

C&C Book Club: The Wretched Stone

The perfect story to remind us of the value of interaction over television and computers.


Title: The Wretched Stone
Author/Illustrator: Chris Van Allsburg










What we love: If you haven't yet picked up a Chris Van Allsburg book, you are missing out.  He is one of the most vivid childen's illustrators and profound authors around.  This book in particular caught my eye back when I was studying children's literature while getting my Master's degree.  We watch a happy crew of sailors who make music, tell stories and dance degenerate into monkeys when they pull aboard a glowing rock.  While to adults it may be a clear signal of the sign of the times, children engage in the high detail illustrations and a fanciful story.  A great story to remind all of us of the value of being with each other and maybe going a bit more unplugged in this "connected" world.  Can be read with children at all levels but highly recommended for 4 - 10 years.

C&C Book Club: Adele & Simon

A beautiful mix of game and story with amazing illustrations and the love between two siblings.



TITLE: Adele & Simon


AUTHOR/ILLUSTRATOR: Barbara McClintock






What we love: For the mature three year old or the four and up crowd, Adele & Simon is a masterfully illustrated story of a brother and sister living in Paris and their adventures on the wa home from school.  With visits to the patisserie, the Louvre, and the park with a parade, they encounter a cast of characters from the gendarme to the acrobats.

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And all the while, Simon loses one of his belongings upon each stop.  A delightful stand alone story, it also creates a lovely game in trying to find each lost object in the picture.  An absolute must addition to any child's library.  Also now available, Adele & Simon in America.

C&C Book Club: Five Little Pumpkins

Simple, well-known rhyme about pumpkins, perfect for the season

Title: Five Little Pumpkins
Illustrator: Dan Yaccarino

What we love: The first time I read this book with one of my daughters, I didn't know this was even a song and she called the pumpkins apple. Despite our auspicious start, it became a favorite much beyond the Fall season. The rhythmic text is engaging, and the bright illustrations are fun. It becomes a great way to play games like "where's the ghost" on each page and identify picture such as the moon and the cat. A delight for children from 6 months to 2 years.