Books in the Mirror

For Young Children

Baby Bird’s First Nest
written and illustrated by Frank Asch / Scholastic
for ages 2 to 5
Baby Bird’s First Nest is a wonderful story about a little one’s first attempt toward self-reliance and dependence on a care-giver other than Mom. Baby Bird one night falls out his nest unbeknownst to Mother Bird. With the aid of a caring friend, Baby Bird learns to cope with separation anxiety and return home. Fans of Frank Asch’s “Moon Cake” and other “Moon Bear” books will be delighted with his latest work of great warmth and comfort and, yes, a continued moon theme. 
Marilyn Sloan

The Ant Bully
written and illustrated by John Nickle / Scholastic
for ages 3 to 6
Lucas, an unassuming dweeb, complete with crooked glasses and a nerdy beanie, is tormented by the neighborhood bully Sid. In a feeble attempt to vent his frustration, Lucas bullies ants by spraying them with a water gun. The ants soon come up with the perfect “ANT-idote:” they transform Lucas from an attacking giant into an ant-sized peon. Lucas then learns how to appreciate the inexhaustible efforts of the art colony by defending the ants and collecting food, such as carrying an enormous beetle on his back along with his co-workers. The thought-provoking ending to this story is surprising, funny and very satisfying. 
Marilyn Sloan

The Absentminded Fellow 
written by Samuel Marshak & illustrated by Marc Rosenthal
Farrar, Straus & Giroux
for ages 3 to 6
After the success of other recent European translations such as The Number Devil and The Ink Drinker, The Absentminded Fellow arrives to continue the trend. Rhyming verse and comical pictures create a humorous and endearing store of an absent-minded fellow from Portebello Road. With his legs in his shirt and his arms in his pants, he tries desperately to take the train from London to Birmingham. This is a wonderful Russian book, punctuated by detailed drawings and charming characters. 
Susan Jonitais

Stella, Star of the Sea
written and illustrated by Marie Louise Gay / Groundwood Books
for ages 3 to 6
Stella, Star of the Sea is one of my favorites. With colorful illustrations, the spunky Stella explores the treasures of the sea while her brother, Sam, sits on the sidelines and puts off getting his feet wet by asking why and what and how. So cute! I loved this book. 
Julie Fiedler

Lottie’s New Friend 
written and illustrated by Petra Mathers / Simon & Schuster
for 3 to 6
Lottie is back with her old friend Herbie and a new friend Dodo. At first Herbie feels left out, but rest assured all works out for Lottie and both friends in the end. Lottie’s New Friend features the same adorable illustrations as Lottie’s Beach Blanket . 
Julie Fiedler 

Mole Music
written and illustrated by David McPhail
Henry Holt
for ages 3 to 6
David McPhail’s new book is a charmingly touching tale of how a quiet, solitary mole unknowingly brings joy to the world simply by doing what he loves. Very sweet. 
Julie Fiedler

Having a Wonderful Time
written and illustrated by Tom Pohrt / Farrar, Straus & Giroux
for ages 4 to 8
Eva and her sophisticated cat friend named Sam become restless one wintry day and decide to vacation in the desert. They are transported there by “La Grand Banane” -- a zeppelin. All is well until they enter the Crocodile Cafe. A regal looking crocodile, wearing a fez, welcomes them. As they’re eating, they notice tomorrow’s luncheon special, and guess what’s on the menu? Intriguing illustrations of insects and animals. 
Genie Merolat

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
J.K. Rowling / Scholastic
for ages 7 and up
Harry Potter has quickly become a classic, a friend, a fad and has fans panting for more. Harry’s life, for those who don’t know, takes an abrupt turn of events via a broomstick at a boarding school for wizards and witches studies in England. “When’s the next Harry Potter coming?” my seven-year-old asks at least weekly. And his eleven-year-old sister listens for the reply. They’re hooking. as are we. 
Lise Friedman