By Carolyn Worthington
When you don’t know what to send to a grandchild and have waited until the last minute, here are several wonderful book ideas.
The first set we recommend is from one of our favorite singer/composers, Tom Chapin. We first met Tom years ago at the Westport Country Playhouse, Westport, CT., where Tom performed children’s concerts. Some of his magical music pieces have been transformed into children’s books thanks to Simon & Schuster Publishers.
Here is information about Tom’s books from the publisher:
Tom has entertained, amused, and enlightened audiences of all ages for over forty years and through twenty-seven CDs, eight Grammy nominations, three Grammy awards, and thousands of live performances. A pioneer in the field of children’s music, he is also a respected singer-songwriter and a strong advocate for the arts in education. Tom lives in Piermont, New York. Find out more at TomChapin.com.
Here are three of his delightful books for any child on your list.
This Pretty Planet
By Tom Chapin and John Forster, illustrated by Lee White.
Based on the touching song “This Pretty Planet” by Tom Chapin and John Forster, this hopeful and whimsically illustrated 40-page picture book celebrates the pretty planet we call home.
Winds blow. Tides flow.
Shooting stars descend.
Our lives begin, middle, and end on
This pretty planet.
From icy tundras to sandy beaches and lush forests to tall mountains, this exuberant picture book journeys around the globe and presents the natural wonders of the planet with a contagious sense of awe and whimsy. Young readers will get lost in the detailed illustrations as the narration serves as a gentle reminder of why we must care for and protect our pretty planet.
The Library Book
By Tom Chapin and Michael Mark, illustrated by Chuck Groenink.
What’s the best way to cure a gloomy day? A trip to the library! Based on the hit song by Tom Chapin and Michael Mark, here is an affectionate, exuberant, uproarious celebration of books, reading, and—SHHH!—libraries!
The rain is pouring, Dad is snoring, and the same old stuff is on TV—boring.
What is there to do today?
Go to the library, of course!
Who will we meet there? Let’s find out!
The Backwards Birthday Party
With Audio Recording. By Tom Chapin and John Forster, illustrated by Chuck Groenink / Read by Tom Chapin.
Have a happy birthday—the backwards way! Full of fun and based on the hit song from Tom Chapin and John Forster, this is a celebratory birthday bash like no other.
Put your clothes on inside out, heat up the ice cream, and hang on to your party hats—because everything’s out of whack at the backwards birthday party!
The Backwards Birthday Party is the zaniest birthday party you’ll ever attend.
“The Boy Who Said Baa” Book
I love this book! And not just because I have admired the author’s special talent as a writer for many years. It’s really good!
“The Boy Who Said Baa” is the story of a little boy with a one-word vocabulary. His parents are concerned and mean people make fun of him, but he’s not quite ready to speak more words. Then Christmas arrives, and when his Nativity play dissolves into chaos, he saves the day with his one word and makes a joyful noise heard around the world.
Written in humorous verse by Judy Dryden, “The Boy Who Said Baa” is a sweet story of personal triumph, inspiring not only to children with delayed speech issues but any child struggling with feeling “different.”
It’s fun to read out loud, and the little ones will enjoy hearing you rhyme as you tell the story and will be engulfed with the charming illustrations by acclaimed British artist Rosie Brooks
Available in hardcover ($15.99) and paperback ($8.99) through amazon.com and bookstores nationwide.
