What a Sweet Story

If you're looking for one of those timeless stories, one that's simple and sweet, look no further than Kevin Henkes' Grandpa and Bo. This straightforward story from 1986 tells the story of Bo and his grandfather and the summer they spend together. Grandpa teaches Bo about trees and birds and fish. Bo teaches Grandpa a few things, too. The book is the literary equivalent of mac-n-cheese or buttery mashed potatoes. It's warm, homey, and satisfying. Look for it and other Kevin Henkes books any time you want a guaranteed pleasant read.

A Walk Around Walden

Exquisite wood carvings grace the pages of Michael McCurdy's alphabet picture book Walden Then and Now: An Alphabetical Tour of Henry Thoreau's Pond. A to Z, from ants to zypher, McCurdy notes specific chapters and paragraphs from Thoreau's Walden taking the simple concept of picture book to a whole new level suitable for an introduction to primary and secondary sources. Beyond the rhymes, McCurdy also provides insightful contrasts between the Walden of yesteryear and today's conservation efforts. The possibilities are endless for this short work which makes for a delightful walk around Walden Pond or an anchor text for your curriculum.