Patch Picks: Children's Books

In honor of “Read Across America Week,” and the March 2 birthday of the late, beloved children’s book author Dr. Seuss, we at Roxborough-Manayunk Patch have decided to bring you a recommended list of five books that would be good for the young ones to check out.

The chosen five are particular favorites of Marianne Fulton, the children’s librarian at the Andorra Branch of the Free Library of Philadelphia.

Here’s what Marianne Fulton recommends:

1). “The Good Luck Cat” by Joy Harjo. Illustrated by Paul Lee. This selection was the chosen children’s book for the city’s “One Book, One Philadelphia” program, which is a joint project of the Mayor’s Office and the Free Library of Philadelphia. The program is designed to promote reading, literacy and library usage. One adult book, one teen book and one children’s book are chosen as the three highlighted works.

2). “Sneetches” by Dr. Seuss.

“It’s just one of my favorites,” Fulton said.

Clearly, one can’t go wrong with a Seuss selection. Be sure to pick up this title, which is sure to be a hit with the kiddies.

3). “Snow Rabbit, Spring Rabbit” by Il Sung Na.

Why did Fulton choose this book to highlight? It probably has something to do with the title.

“It’s been such a long winter,” she said.

We hear ya, Marianne.

4). “The Book That Eats People” by John Perry. Illustrated by Mark Fearing.

“It’s extremely funny,” Fulton said of the book that has comic-book-like illustrations.

This one is not meant for toddlers or preschoolers, but rather older elementary-aged children, Fulton said. The title alone has got to be worth the time invested.

5). Last but not least, we offer “Redwall,” the first book in a series by late children’s author Brian Jacques. The book sold 20 million-plus copies and has been translated into 20 different languages. With a following like that, it’s no wonder Fulton recommended it.

“People have been coming in and asking for it because they read his obituary,” she said of the beloved, late author, who recently died of a heart attack at age 71.

Well, there you have it, folks. Our Patch book selections of the week. If you have your own suggestions, we recommend you let us, and others, know.