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I have a few last lovely yellow covers to share today. One is a newer release while the other two are older favorites (one reaching as far back as my own childhood…yep, that old!)
Written by: Julia Denos
Illustrated by: E.B. Goodale
Number of Pages: 32
Age Range: 4-8
Rating: 5/5
A boy and his dog take an evening walk through their neighborhood at dusk observing all the goings on. As the sky darkens the lights come on in the windows of shops, houses, and apartment buildings giving us (and the boy) a glimpse of what is happening inside. The details in the highlighted windows encourage discovery and re-reading while the neighborhood has both urban and suburban appeal. It’s a beautifully executed reminder to slow down and look around you, to appreciate the small moments and remember that those around us are more like us than they are different.
The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate
Written by: Jacqueline Kelley
Number of Pages: 344
Age Range: 8-12
Rating: 5/5
We’re going back a few years to 2010 for this Newbery honor favorite. Eleven-year-old Calpurnia is facing the turn of the century and all that the new modern future will bring. Unfortunately she is expected to become a traditional Texas lady learning handiwork, cooking and all that goes with it. But she’d much rather spend time with her cantankerous grandfather studying bugs, digging in the mud and learning about Darwin and his groundbreaking (and controversial) theory of evolution. Callie, her family, and the whole community experience some unexpected events and go through some growing pains before they come to an understanding about what the future means for them all.
Callie is spunky and endearing and while this volume doesn’t solidify everything for Callie, there is a second installment that continues her story. I thoroughly enjoyed getting lost in both of them.
Written by: Theo LeSieg
Illustrated by: Charles E. Martin (It’s been reissued with new illustrations by Scott Nash (of Flat Stanley fame) as you’ll see if you click on the link above.)
Number of Pages: 48
Age Range: 5-9
Rating: 3/5
We’re going back even farther, all the way to 1976 for this early reader. Dr. Seuss wrote various volumes under another nom de plume which haven’t quite gained the same notoriety but there are a few gems among them. (This isn’t necessarily one of them, though it is a nostalgic favorite!) 🙂
The main character is having a party and inviting everyone but Hooper Humperdink. He lists everyone from A to Z (literally) and details all the fun things that will be happening. The reader can see the look of disappointment on Hooper’s face throughout the telling and when the narrator has a change of heart at the end we’re rewarded with an eager smile from both Hooper and his faithful pup. It’s a great discussion prompt for including others or feeling left out.
Well, I hope you’ve all managed to stay warm wherever you may be. And if I’ve missed any of your favorite yellow covered volumes (which I’m sure I have, there must be millions out there!) please share them in the comments below. Happy reading!
