Vancouver
Kidsbooks, winner of the 2003 Libris
Award for Specialty Bookseller of the Year
Photo: tania colina |
Starting
with picture books, the pinnacle of a child’s listening and looking
pleasure, we must pay homage to one of the best-ever stories in
the entire canon: Mr. Gumpy’s Outing (1970).
This simple story serves as an introduction to humour, to language
brimming with vitality and to a satisfying story of a pleasant
outing down the river that goes slightly astray. Pumpkin
Soup (1998) is aimed at a slightly older preschooler
who can follow the intricacies of a sophisticated story, revel
in the beautifully rich tones of the autumn palette of colours
used in the illustrations, and learn a few valuable (though not
heavy-handed) lessons about sharing and co-operation.
Taken as a group, the next three titles from Tundra Books demonstrate
the brilliance of May Cutler’s remarkable achievement as founding
publisher of one of Canada’s most prestigious houses. Her mission,
to publish outstanding children’s books that could also be seen
as works of art, is exemplified in A Northern Alphabet
(1982), I Want a Dog (1987) and A Prairie
Boy’s Winter (1973). A Northern Alphabet
combines brilliant artwork with a concept that Tundra Books went
on to use in a series of alphabet books set in different regions
of Canada. I Want a Dog cheerfully follows the
exploits of a young girl who finds a creative way to convince
her parents that she is responsible enough to take care of a pet.
A Prairie Boy’s Winter and its companion A
Prairie Boy’s Summer are glimpses into the joys of childhood
adventure on the prairies with paintings by one of Canada’s greatest
artists. What a grand opportunity for children to learn about
our past!
D’Aulaires’
Book of Greek Myths (1962) is a classic. It manages
to tell the stories of the Greek myths in language that is both
sophisticated and clear while staying true to the passion and
drama of these ancient stories.
The
books in the next group, the novels — or as kids like to call
them, chapter books — are vital to children’s development as lifelong
readers. Here’s where the love of reading really gets a kickstart,
provided children can find enough to read that is both interesting
to them and of an appropriate reading level. The Elevator
Family (2000) is an early chapter book that is full of
humour and plot nuance. What child can resist a story about a
family who install themselves in the only available room at the
hotel: the elevator, or as they call it, the Otis Room! Three
Tales of My Father’s Dragon (1998) is a handsome anthology
comprising three delightful stories originally published in 1948.
The satisfying adventure of Elmer the boy and Boris the dragon
is an exciting story that works either as a read-aloud or as a
first reading experience. The Trouble with Tuck
(1981) is a must-read for any dog-lover. This true story of a
girl’s ingenious solution that enables her blind dog to “see”
is inspirational. A Single Shard (2001), winner
of the 2002 Newbery medal, gives readers an opportunity to learn
about twelfth-century Korea and the exquisite celadon pottery
of that era, through the story of a young lad’s journey to maturity
and wisdom.
And
here comes the real secret about these great books: they are not
just for children. Adults can enjoy reading them with or without
a child at their side!
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