Children

When searching for the profound, a children’s book comes in hand. Stock full of logic for living life simply, gracefully, with humor and insight, Corduroy, Super Fudge and Shel Silverstein loom in the psyche. In a newly revised primer, Rizzoli introduces 1001 Children’s Books You Must Read Before You Grow Up, a comprehensive guide for kid’s literature for the ages, edited by scholar Peter Boxall. And no, you don’t have to be a kid to appreciate these selections.

The book is broken into sections designated by age, but these numbers are only the beginning points of entry. Refreshing is re-reading Good Night Moon aloud once in awhile, to remember how a lifelong love affair with literature is formed?

The wonderful magical world of illustrated children’s books is unequaled in the cartoon world – television provides the medium for great mimicry. Spike Jonze has reminded us that in his production of Where the Wild Things Are. While the movie receives rave reviews, it’s an homage to the breadth of material in the short simple read. Where the Wild Things Are remains a perennial favorites. My mothere likes to remind me how I managed to lose an original Maurice Sendak signed copy. Oops.

But what makes 1001 Children’s Books more than a casual stroll through the children’s literature section, is its international scope, and exposure to more obscure works. Each book is reviewed by top-notch author (Judy Blume!) with detailed background information and related books that readers might like.
Here is a collection that stands the test of time — a comprehensive list of children’s literature for the ages. Luckily many us of are still working on the growing up part. Coming soon.

For the kid in all of us:
Planet Awesome Kid

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