‘Arlo Needs Glasses’
By Barney Saltzberg
For a child, glasses may be at first unwelcome, but after reading this book, every child who has or needs glasses will see the fun in them. Arlo, a dog who loves to play fetch and read, finds that his playing is lacking when the ball becomes difficult to see. Arlo and his human companion take trip to the eye doctor where Arlo. In the interactive trip to the optometrist, children can read the eye chart, look through the fold-out machines, try on different pairs of glasses and join Arlo in his experience of needing glasses for the first time. From Workman Publishing.
‘Running with the Horses’
by Alison Lester
Alison Lester creates a beautifully illustrated fictional story inspired by the history of the Spanish Riding School in Vienna during the Second World War. Nina, a young girl, is determined to save an old cab mare as Nina and her father make their way to safety with a herd of stallions. While the story is fictional, children will learn of the effects of war through Nina’s journey to safety with the horses. Published by NorthSouth.
‘Pancakes for Supper’
by Anne Isaacs
This book tells the whimsical story of Toby after she falls from her parents’ wagon in the forest. There she meets several animals, from a wolf to a skunk, who, in rhyming dialogue, all warn Toby of the dangers they pose for her. In attempt to save herself, Toby trades her clothing with the promise that each animal will be “the grandest animal in the forest.” Children will find this a fun story and its repetition and rhythm easy to read. Published by Scholastic Press.
‘Duck, Death and the Tulip’
by Wolf Erlbruch
This book addresses death in a straightforward but elegant way, teaching that although death is a sad occurrence, it’s a fact of life. Duck one day finds Death following her and, instead of fearing him, offers him friendship. Death tells Duck of the inevitable nature of dying, and that although death is scary to think about, it’s simply another part of life. This book gives parents a gentle way to broach the topic and offers children a chance to ask questions. Published by Gecko Press.
