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7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
An excellent tool for parents and others......, March 26, 2008
This review is from: Hand That Rocks the Cradle: 400 Classic Books for Children (Perfect Paperback)
Being a serious bibliophile, I love this gem of a book, and think any parent new or old, who knows the value of good literature in a child's life, will find great value in this book.
The book symbols on page 10 show what to look for with each review, based on the time the story takes place, geographic setting of the story and publication date of the book. As well as 1,2,3 reading level ratings, for language and plot ease, more complex plots and reading levels ages 10 and up and lastly advanced language plots for ages 13 and up. This is a general rule which will vary on your child's maturity level or if they are gifted.
Appreciated the concise description of each book. The author is also honest enough to note on page 10 that his family is conservative and that many books didn't make it to the list. This was my only disappointment since we have a home library of hundreds and hundreds of books of all genre, and age levels.
As an example I was surprised that the Dr. Seuss/Theodor ("Ted") Seuss Geisel books and the Madeline books by Ludwig Bemelmans were not included. And Babar books by Jean de Brunhoff. I note this because I and then my son and now my grandchildren all relish each of these authors who in our family are amongst the classic.
And was surprised that under Mark Twain and the Adventures of Huckleberry Finn and also Tom Sawyer that a slight warning of a certain word pertaining to blacks wasn't noted.
But because I am a bibliophile and want to encourage parents and others to buy books as gift for children and have a serious book budget, I am recommending this book.
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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Helpful Family Resource, March 26, 2008
This review is from: Hand That Rocks the Cradle: 400 Classic Books for Children (Perfect Paperback)
Have you ever found it difficult to find quality stories for your children? Or maybe you've heard of a title but have no idea what it's about or if the subject would interest your child. Perhaps you remember books from your youth but don't know if they'd be suitable for your child's age or reading level. If any of the above apply to you I think you will find "Hand that Rocks the Cradle" by Nathaniel Bluedorn very helpful.
"Hand that Rocks the Cradle" is a selection of 400 classic books for children listed by author. Each title includes a suggested reading level, the time and location of the story, publication date and a brief summary of the book - without spoiling the ending. I found numerous titles I knew and enjoyed listed as well as others I had not read or heard of. It does not list every title by each author, but it is an excellent starting point for those wanting to find good books for their children. Not all authors or titles will appeal to everyone, but there is a wide range of choices to begin with.
I found "Hand that Rocks the Cradle" interesting and informative. I believe parents will find it a helpful reference tool as they search for good stories to share with their children.
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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Reading List Treasure, March 25, 2008
This review is from: Hand That Rocks the Cradle: 400 Classic Books for Children (Perfect Paperback)
This is a wonderful resource for any family who wants to expose their children to good literature. We have read about 45 of the books listed and we have found some real treasures we never would have known about. Each listing has a concise plot summary (the most helpful to me, as I can quickly judge what will interest my children before a trip to the local library) and many have personal comments from the author's experience.
There is also a list by category so that you can read many books on pioneer life if that's what your children are learning about. As a homeschool mom to two children with voracious appetites for books, I am always looking for great books that are well-written, and this book list will take me years to exhaust! The current listing that I am reading to my children has such a rich and extensive vocabulary that we are looking up new words every chapter!
The books listed in this resource offer historical context, incredible vocabulary, moral character, and compelling plots...a far cry from the mediocrity that is published in this day and age and directed at our children.
This is a resource that every parent who has a desire to nurture her child's love for reading should have. I use mine all the time and highly recommend it!
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