BOOKS FOR CHILDREN: How do you know what's good?

While there are many places (especially on the internet) where you can read book reviews, how do you really know if it's a good book or not when a single book might receive anywhere from one to five stars?
The answer: read the reviews of a book-addicted teacher librarian.


NOTE:
** The age recommendations are guidelines only; whether or not a certain book is suitable for a particular child depends on multiple factors, including their maturity, reading level, interests, and in some cases their experiences.
** While the ratings are largely based on my own personal appreciation/enjoyment of the book, they are also influenced by my experiences as a teacher and the potential attraction for the target-aged child (acknowledging that what one child may love, another may find exceptionally boring). A rating of 5 indicates the book is likely to be popular with the majority.


Saturday, October 12, 2013

Badger's Parting Gifts (PB)

AUTHOR: Susan Varley
PUBLISHED: Originally 1984, reprint 2013

PLOT:
Badger is so old that he knows he will soon die. He tries to prepare his friends for this event, but he does die, they are still grief stricken. Gradually they come to terms with their grief by remembering all the practical things Badger taught them, and so Badger lives on in his friends' memories of him. 
REVIEW:
A lovely little story to help children understand death and grief. As with all books of this nature, some children will find the topic confronting or confusing, and you should read the book yourself before reading it to the very young or very sensitive.

AGE: 5+ (depends on child)
RATING: 4 1/2 stars

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