Primary (ages 6-9)

Material appropriate for primary age groups

Gon, The Little Fox

In this retelling of Nankichi Niimi’s masterpiece, delicate watercolors bring to life the mischievous yet kind-hearted spirit of Gon, the Little Fox. Readers should proceed with caution as they begin this tale, however, especially as Gon is sure to win over their hearts. Like many Japanese folktales, Gon, The Little Fox does not exactly end happily; a circumstance which will inspire lively and provocative conversation among young readers. When readers first meet Gon, he is relishing his life as a rascally fox. Each day brings a new opportunity for him to stir up trouble in Nakayama. One day, however, he feels remorse for having killed an eel that was meant for the poor villager Hyoju’s dying mother. Ironically, it is this rare moment of conscience that leads Gon down a path that leads to his fate. As with all great folktales, the world of Gon, The Little Fox is both extremely familiar and extremely mysterious. This quality, as evident in both the text and illustrations, will greatly appeal to readers, both young and old.

My Name is Arnaktauyok: The Life and Art of Germaine Arnaktauyok

Featuring nearly 100 full-color reproductions of Germaine Arnaktauyok’s most important works from throughout her career, this book provides an in-depth look at one of the Canadian North’s most prolific and recognizable artists.

Red

Striking red, white, and black illustrations mirror the emotions created by an innocuous comment that escalates into bullying within a school community. The students’ choices when confronted with their behavior create a sensitive and hopeful narrative.

I Am A Bear

A homeless bear living in a city has a hard time getting by, but when a little girl makes friends with him, his life becomes brighter.

Join the discussion of I Am a Bear as well as other books centered around relocation on our My Take/Your Take page.

See the review at WOW Review, Volume 8, Issue 3

Oh, The Places You’ll Go!

Don’t be fooled by the title of this seriocomic ode to success; it’s not ‘Climb Every Mountain,’ kid version. All journeys face perils, whether from indecision, from loneliness, or worst of all, from too much waiting. Seuss’ familiar pajama-clad hero is up to the challenge, and his odyssey is captured vividly in busy two-page spreads evoking both the good times (grinning purple elephants, floating golden castles) and the bad (deep blue wells of confusion). Seuss’ message is simple but never sappy: life may be a ‘Great Balancing Act,’ but through it all ‘There’s fun to be done.

Join the discussion of Oh, The Places You’ll Go! as well as other books centered around relocation on our My Take/Your Take page.

Charles Darwin: British Naturalist

Charles Darwin, born in the spring of 1809, seemed to be in ordinary child in upper middle class England. Though educated at Cambridge University with the idea of joining the priesthood, Darwin’s life took a whole new direction when he was offered an opportunity to participate in a government-sponsored, five-year voyage to South America and the Pacific to conduct surveys. His discoveries there laid the groundwork for a theory that would change the world.

Specs For Rex

Rex has new glasses and he does not like them one bit! He definitely does not want to wear them to school. He tries his best to hide them–under his hair, in his sandwich, anywhere he can–but it’s tricky when they’re so big and round and red. With help from his friends and family, can Rex learn to love his specs after all?