SUMMER CIRCUS

It's Non-Fiction Monday!
My six year old daughter is looking forward to circus camp in 2 weeks, when she visits her grandmother in Florida. In the meantime, we checked out this book from the library and can't wait to go to the Whitney Museum of American Art to see Calder's circus this week.

Sandy's Circus by Tanya Lee Stone

Illustrated by Boris Kulikov

Viking 2008

Ages 4 - 10

What a playful way to introduce such an important American artist to children! Tanya Lee Stone has taken an early time in the life of one of the world's greatest sculptors and successfully brought him to life in Sandy's Circus. The colorful drawings by Boris Kulikov exude happiness with a smile on almost every two-page spread. Not only is this book the true story of Alexander Calder, but it also conveys the happiness that creativity and following one's heart can bring. I highly recommend this story for every child, not only art and circus lovers.

PICTURE BOOKS FOR OLDER BOYS

My son is 9 years old. I have recently learned that there are exceptional picture books appealing to his age group. These books supplement the chapter books he reads. In many cases, they satisfy his desire to learn more about a particular subject and to be visually engaged.

Please don't stop reading picture books when your children begin reading on their own. Share the pleasure of a story with pictures when time is short or days long.

One Beetle Too Many: The Extraordinary Adventures of Charles Darwin

by Kathryn Lasky Illustrated by Matthew Trueman

Candlewick Press 2009

Ages 8-12

In One Beetle Too Many Lasky tells the story of Charles Darwin and his quest to learn more about the natural world. We learn of Darwin's childhood and his father's concern over his nonconformity. Charles did not do well in school and preferred to be with the bugs rather than the books. As readers, we follow his life aboard The Beagle, home to England and end with the publication of The Origin of Species. Lasky's tellings of specific anecdotes, along with the humorous pictures that accompany the text, create an interesting story for the reader. A child can easily empathize with only eating raisins or Darwin allowing his own children "the run of the house." This book is perfect for introducing Charles Darwin and his adventures to young readers and beyond.