3 Grownup and 9 Children’s Books

130. Sizzling Sixteen by Janet Evanovich

Here I show my true colors: I cannot resist the latest Stephanie Plum book. Go ahead and call me crass, call me uncultured, but it’s a fact: I live for the next Plum mystery. I loved sixteen just as I loved thirteen, fourteen, fifteen and I can’t wait for seventeen.

131. In Fact: The Best of Creative Nonfiction edited by Lee Gutkind

Not quite as good as last summer’s Norton Anthology of Contemporary Creative Nonfiction, but In Fact was nevertheless a good read. In fact, In Fact has proven to be one of my favorite reads of the summer. How can you not like well-written essays about the true world? Written creatively, of course.

132. The Library at Night by Alberto Manguel

I decided to add this book to my iPad, quite spontaneously. I am happy I did. Manguel, a book lover, seemed to be sharing all his favorite thoughts about books with me, another book lover. I only wish I’d finished this book in time to discuss it with my online group.

133. The Magic Finger by Roald Dahl
134. The Enormous Crocodile by Roald Dahl

I’ve been a fan of Dahl ever since I first read Charlie and the Chocolate Factory; reading these two short books confirmed my fandom. Funny in a sly way, almost as if Dahl hopes his rudeness toward adults will elude them.

135. What Do Smurfs Do All Day? by Peyo

I’d never have thought this book would be included in the 1001 Children’s Books list! Smurfs? Serious children’s literature?
I must say that I still wonder if I simply am reading an abridged version…or is the wonder of Smurfdom lost in translation?

136. Teo va al mercado by Violeta Denou

I was unable to find the actual Teo book listed on the 1001 list, but surely this is a representative sample. Lovely little story of a boy walking with his mom through the market, with each page enlarged upon in notes in the back.

137. Peace at Last by Jill Murphy

I’d believe the whole story more had the tale been told by Mrs. Bear. After all, Mr. Bear can find peace and quiet at work, right?
The story follows Mr. Bear seeking that all-elusive peace at his home. When he finally finds a quiet spot and he is able to sleep, he is abruptly awakened; it’s morning.

138. The Sea-Thing Child by Russell Hoban

The little sea-thing child is dropped off by the ocean on the shoreline and he is too afraid to try flying back or swimming back to whence he came. Luckily he meets a fiddler crab and an eel and an albatross and the conversations with his new friends help him find the courage to head home. A quietly clever story.

139. The Church Mice and the Ring by Graham Oakley

Where has this book been all my life? I’m adding it to my list of favorite reads ever. Very believable characters (okay, I can hear you snickering…yes, these are talking mice and dogs and cats, but, trust me, they are very believable.) A hilarious sense of doom confronts these characters, doom yet also salvation. Fun illustrations…clever story…oh, I don’t know why, but I just loved this story.

140. This is the Bear and the Scary Night by Sarah Hayes

Deservedly on the list for the 1001 Children’s Books You Must Read Before You Grow Up. Must obtain this for my library. Bear is lost and has a serious of adventures before finally returning to the one who loves him. Lovely story.

141. Humphrey’s Bedtime by Sally Hunter

Lottie knows she does not need to go to bed early; she is a big girl and she has lots of dolls and stuffed animals that need tending to. Tend she does, finally wearing down into what any parent will recognize as a small meltdown. Perfect depiction of children at bedtime. Brilliant.

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