Jessica by Kevin Henkes Greenwillow Books, 1989 24 pages Kevin Henkes is one of my favorite author-illustrators for children. His perceptive, sometimes sly and snarky heroes and heroines are among the most engaging characters in picture book land. And his lovely little jewel-like illustrations beautifully capture the simultaneous limitations and limitlessness of a child's world, … Continue reading Jessica
Madeline
Madeline by Ludwig Bemelmans Simon & Schuster, 1939 54 pages "In an old house in Paris, covered with vines, lived twelve little girls in two straight lines . . ." Male or female, you recognize those words, don't you? They're the opening to each of Ludwig Bemelmans' iconic Madeline stories, a series of picture books … Continue reading Madeline
The Gingerbread Girl
The Gingerbread Girl by Lisa Campbell Ernst Dutton Children's books, 2006 32 pages Retellings of classic nursery stories are as plentiful (and sometimes as grating) as the sand on the seashore, but every now and then an author manages to turn out a clever, engaging version of a familiar tale. My favorites tend to be … Continue reading The Gingerbread Girl
Read Like a Girl 