What Makes Kids Want To Read?

Those who visit here from time to time know I don’t have children (or grandchildren). However, I still enjoy reading children’s books.

Reading children’s books takes me back to my childhood when my love of books first began. Plus, I’m amazed at authors (and illustrators) who can catch a child’s attention, take them on a magical adventure, and encourage them to read. In addition, I get to find new books to share with my young cousins in a continuous effort to fuel their reading experience.

Today I have several wonderful children’s books to share with you. My hope is that you’ll find at least one (or all) to share with youngsters in your life or remember how you came to enjoy reading.

THE SECRET KINGDOM by Michele Bledsoe & Richard Bledsoe

Visionary artist Michele Bledsoe has teamed up with her painter husband, Richard, to create a delightful tale about dreaming.

The Bledsoes combine beautiful illustrations with well-crafted poems to capture youngsters’ imaginations. THE SECRET KINGDOM takes readers on a magical journey involving the land of dream and what can be encountered there.

This charming story will quickly become a bedtime favorite. The handsomely crafted hardcover book is durable and would make a great addition to any library.

The Secret Kingdom by Michele Bledsoe, Illustrated by Michele Bledsoe, Outskirts Press, @2013, ISBN: 978-148703624, Hardcover, 34 Pages 

FTC Full Disclosure - This book was sent to me by the author in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.

QUEEN VERNITA VISITS GATOR COUNTRY by Menge Dawn

Readers are taken on a year-long adventure in the Deep South in author Menge Dawn’s latest release, QUEEN VERNITA VISITS GATOR COUNTRY.

Queen Vernita of the Oceaneer’s kingdom receives an invitation from her friends to visit them in Gator Country. The Queen eagerly accepts the invitation and her adventures begins.

She begins her visit by spending the entire month of January learning about jazz. Each month she visits a different friend and learns about another aspect of Southern culture, tradition and history.
The author has combined elements of learning with a fun adventure exploring the South. She has created a cast of interesting characters to aid in the telling of history.

Each adventure is beautifully illustrated by Pamela Snyder. The illustrations are vivid and will hold a youngster’s attention from beginning to end.

This charming book is an interesting and informative way to teach a bit of history. Youngsters will enjoy the journey as they learn.

Queen Vernita Visits Gator Country by Dawn Menge, Illustrated by Pamela Snyder, Outskirts Press, @2014, ISBN: 978-1478722458, Paperback, 32 Pages 

FTC Full Disclosure - This book was sent to me by the author in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.

THAT BABY WOKE ME UP, AGAIN! by Sherry Ellis

A household that has ever had an infant in it knows who is truly in charge, no matter the hour – the baby!

Author Sherry Ellis takes a hilarious look at how a baby’s sleep pattern (or lack of one) effects the entire household in That Baby Woke Me Up, AGAIN!

The story is told from the older sister’s point of view. It seems each time she finally falls asleep, she’s awaken by the cries of her baby brother. 

The sister tells how the sleepless nights are dealt with by each family member. In addition, she’s reminded she was once the one making the noise keeping everyone awake.

This is a charming story about sleep-deprived households that seem to cater to the whims of infants. The story is told with love, humor and a great understanding of the experience.

Don Berry does an excellent job illustrating the story. His brightly colored drawings bring the story to life.

That Baby Woke Me Up, AGAIN! is a great way to share the joys of 3 a.m. cries with older siblings for a better understanding of what they are going through and what they did themselves. A neat book to include with baby shower gifts.

That Baby Woke Me Up, AGAIN by Sherry Ellis, Illustrated by Don Berry, BookSurge, LLC, @2005, ISBN: 978-1419606168, Paperback, 26 Pages 

FTC Full Disclosure – I won a copy of this book from the author’s website. No review was required, requested or even suggested. It is done by me for my own reasons. Receiving this complimentary copy did not influence my review.

THAT MAMA IS A GROUCH by Sherry Ellis

For every child that has ever felt they were being unfairly treated, author Sherry Ellis’ THAT MAMA IS A GROUCH will be a must-read.

A carefree youngster feels her mother is always a grouch, never understanding that she only wants to be a kid and have fun. Then the mother explains why she’s grouchy and what the young girl can do to help her be a better mom.

Illustrator Don Berry does a wonderful job bring the story to life with his drawings. His beautiful, bright illustrations are filled with extensive details depicting the scene.

The author combines humor and understanding to illustrate mothers are humans capable of much love. But she also shows they do have breaking points when pushed to extremes.

THAT MAMA IS A GROUCH is a fun look at why mothers sometimes appear to be so unreasonable to a young child. This story is a good way to help parents stress certain rules to youngsters, as well as a fun way for them to learn as they read.

A delightful book for any library collection.

That Mama is a Grouch by Sherry Ellis, Illustrated by Don Berry, CreateSpace Independent Publishing, @2010, ISBN: 978-1450535656, Paperback, 32 Pages 

FTC Full Disclosure – I won a copy of this book from the author’s website. No review was required, requested or even suggested. It is done by me for my own reasons. Receiving this complimentary copy did not influence my review.

JULIA’S HOUSE FOR LOST CREATURES by Ben Hatke

Teaching youngsters to get-along with others and to help out can be fun if you have author Ben Hatke’s soon-to-be released picture book, JULIA’S HOUSE FOR LOST CREATURES.

While some long for peace and quiet, others long for the noise of companions. When Julia and her walking house settled by the sea, Julia loved everything but the quiet.

Putting up a sign welcoming lost creatures, Julia’s house is quickly filled with ghosts, goblins, mermaids, a troll and many other lost and homeless creatures. But soon Julia’s happiness is married by the mess her new housemates have created. Drawing up another sign, Julia puts her house back in order and is still able to enjoy the company of her new friends.

The lush watercolor illustrations by the author enhance the story and will captivate youngsters’ attention from the opening page until the end.
While geared toward youth ages 4 to 8 years old, JULIA’S HOUSE FOR LOST CREATURES will entertain readers of all ages. This charming hardcover book will be a delight in every youngster’s library.

Julia’s House for Lost Creatures by Ben Hatke, Illustrated by Ben Hatke, First Second, @2014, ISBN: 978-1596438668, Hardcover, 40 Pages 

FTC Full Disclosure - This book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.

*Special Note: JULIA’S HOUSE FOR LOST CREATURES is slated for release in September, but can be pre-ordered now.

Thanks, everyone for stopping by today. I hope you enjoy this glimpse at just some of the wonderful books children have to enjoy and parents have to select from. Pick up a child’s book today and read it, see if it reminds you of what it felt like to be a kid.

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