Bea’s picture book recommendations
Hello, readers! I have decided to recommend some picture books to you because I know some younger readers might like to see some books for their ages, here are a few I’ve picked out that are good for the 4 to 8 age range.
Beatrice’s Goat
Written by Page McBrier
Illustrated by: Lori Lohstoeter
Okay, I know what you’re thinking: I probably only chose this book because the protagonist shares my name. But I genuinely love this book. It’s about a girl named Beatrice who lives in the village of Kisinga in western Uganda. Beatrice works hard for her family doing tedious jobs. But one day, Beatrice’s mother tells her that the family would be receiving a goat, she tells Beatrice that the goat will bring them wonderful things, so Beatrice names the goat Mugisa, meaning luck. Mugisa provides many blessings, but Mugisa brings something else too: an opportunity for Beatrice. The illustrations in this book are beautiful, and the storyline transported me all the way to Africa. I recommend this book to ages 6 to 8.
Chrysanthemum
By Kevin Henkes
Chrysanthemum loved her name, the way it sounded and how it looked on her birthday cake. In fact, she loved her name so much Chrysanthemum would whisper it to herself in the bathroom mirror. But when school starts, the other mice at school make fun of her name, and Chrysanthemum begins to wish she had a different one.
This is an adorable book that younger kids will love. I was able to personally relate to it, because like Chrysanthemum, I have an uncommon name. The illustrations are fun, and the storyline is easy to follow. It’s great for ages 4 to 7.
Library Lion
Written by Michelle Knusdson
Illustrated by Kevin Hawkes
“One day, a lion came into the library. He walked right past the circulation desk and up into the stacks.”
Mr. McBee was minding his own business one day at the library, when a lion came into the library. A real one. At first, people were nervous, but no one told him to leave. The head librarian, Miss Meriwether, didn’t seem to mind and let the lion stay if he followed the rules. But when an emergency occurs, the lion might have to break them.
This is a great children’s book with lots of great characters including my personal favorites, rule-following Miss Meriwether, Mr. McBee (who’s very doubtful about the helpfulness of the lion) and, of course, the library lion. As I re-read this one, I’ll admit, I kind of wished I had a friendly lion with me as well. Great for ages 5 to 7.
