the Enemy: a book about peace

By Davide Cali & Serge Bloch
Schwartz & Wade Books
ISBN#0375845003
2009
$15.99
Ages 4-8

This story begins on a battlefield. On this battlefield there are two holes. In each hole is a soldier, across from his enemy. Each day the two men shoot across the field at each other, about whom they have heard terrifying things, while waiting through the cold, rain, and hunger for the war to end. One day a soldier crawls out of his hole and discovers the truth and humanity of his enemy. Davide Cali's simple language transcends time and situation, making this a universal tale of war and the fear that evolves from the unknown. Serge Bloch complements the simplicity of the tale with bare, pen drawn illustrations, that come to life with photographs only at the climax of the story. Together they have created a powerful commentary on war and the potential for peace.

Alistair and Kip's Great Adventures

Written & Illustrated by John Segal
Margaret K. McElderry Books
2008
1-4169-0280-5
$15.00
Ages 3-6

John Segal's charming tale starts with a bored and bossy Alistair, a cat, who convinces tentative Kip, a dog, to make a boat with him so they can set off on an adventure across the sea. Segal's watercolor illustrations perfectly reflect the character's emotions, build the suspenseful plot, and emphasize the grander of the ocean that surrounds the tiny dog and cat. A wonderful story about adventure, friendship, and the great blue ocean; this book will make your child laugh, gasp, and laugh again.

Little Blue Truck

Written by Alice Schertle
Illustrated by Jill McElmurry
Harcourt, Inc
2008
978-0-15-205661-2
$16.00
ages 3-5

The little blue truck beep, beep, beeps to everyone he passes, but not the big dump truck who is too busy and important. However, when the big dump truck gets stuck in the mud he quickly learns the importance of being nice to others. The rhythmic language make this a wonderful readaloud. Jill McElmurry's illustrations complement the story and encourage the reader to predict and discuss what will happen next.

We're Going on a Lion Hunt

Adapted by Margery Cuyler
Illustrated by Joe Mathieu
Marshall Cavendish Children's Books
Tarrytown, NY
2008
0-7614-5454-3
32 pages
$14.99
ages 3-8

In this fun version of “we’re going on a Lion Hunt,” a teacher and her children embark on an imaginary search for a lion. Margery Cuyler has her characters putting on their safari hats and envisioning their trip into the grasslands of Africa in search of a lion. Joe Mathieu has created a soft watercolor backdrop for his vibrant class of lion trackers. The illustrations, when combined with the repetitive language of this book makes it a perfect readaloud to share again and again. This book leaves you eager to imagine your own lion hunt with your little ones.