Six books for ages 6-8 from a master list created by BookTrust. BookTrust compiled a list of the best 100 books of the past 100 years for various age groups. I will introduce you to these books in small batches at a time. Some are books I have read. Some are written by authors I have read. Some are new-to-me and intriguing and make me want to read them. I hope you will come to your library and look for some of these titles:
Mister Magnolia
-Quentin Blake
Mr Magnolia has many things, such as an old trumpet that goes rooty-toot, some very fat owls learning to hoot, a big purple dinosaur who's a magnificent brute, two sisters who play the flute, and even a swimming pool. But, he still only has one boot. Then one day a mysterious parcel arrives…
-
This is a wonderfully whimsical nonsense rhyme in picture book format. Children will love the energy and humour of the verse, which is a treat to read aloud together. Quentin Blake's appealing, colourful illustrations including lots of fascinating details that children will enjoy picking out.
-----
The Queen’s Nose
-Dick KingSmith
Harmony's Uncle Ginger sends her on a treasure trail - which ends in finding a 50p piece. But this is no ordinary coin - in fact, when you rub the queen's nose, your wishes will be answered.
-
Favourite author Dick King-Smith weaves a wonderfully magical and exciting story in this funny family tale.
-----
The True Story of the Three Little Pigs
-Jon Scieszka
What really happened to the three little pigs and the big bad wolf? Find out the truth in this hilarious picture book. Illustrated by Lane Smith.
-
In revelatory newspaper style, this brilliant picture book exposes the truth about the three little porkers, and one A. Wolf. Putting a brilliantly inventive and very funny spin on fairy tales, Jon Scieszka and Lane Smith bring a refreshing contemporary twist to a familiar original.
-----
The Sheep Pig
-Dick KingSmith
When Farmer Hogget wins a piglet at the fair, he is amazed that Fly, his sheep-dog, welcomes him as one of her own pups. Fly names the piglet Babe and teaches him all he needs to know about the farm and its animals.
As he watches his 'mum' round up the sheep, he decides he would love to try too. However, his legs are too short and he is far too plump to run around after a flock of sheep. He then tries a different tactic; politely asking the sheep to form an orderly line! The sheep are so surprised to be treated with respect that they happily oblige and Farmer Hogget soon notices that Babe has a certain knack with them…
-
One of Dick King-Smith's best-loved tales, this wonderful book is full of gentle humour. The short chapters make it ideal for early confident readers, and it will be especially adored by young animal lovers.
-----
That Rabbit Belongs to Emily Brown
-Cressida Cowell
Emily and her toy rabbit, Stanley, love to go on adventures together. One day when they are attempting to launch themselves into space from the kitchen, one of the Queen's footmen knocks at the door and demands Emily give Stanley to his mistress in exchange for a brand-new teddy bear.
Emily refuses but the Queen perseveres, constantly sending her minions to bargain with the girl. In the end the naughty Queen orders for Stanley to be stolen but soon discovers that you can't make someone else's toy your own. Emily rescues Stanley but not before she suggests the Queen has some adventures with a brand-new teddy to make him into a 'real toy of her own'.
-
With a quirky, humorous text and lively illustrations, this fantastic picture book was a deserving winner of the 2006 Nestle Gold Award. A real visual treat, it will especially appeal to any child who has a much-loved toy of their own.
-----
Clarice Bean, That’s Me
-Lauren Child
In the chaotic Bean household, Clarice - an engaging and quirkily original heroine - has difficulty finding any peace. Certainly, there is none in her bedroom, which she has to share with her younger brother Minal (who likes to hang upside down until he turns purple), and where all her things are crammed into the tiniest of spaces. Meanwhile her boy-mad older sister and other brother Kurt (struggling with his perplexing adolescence), have rooms of their own to go to. Even the grown-ups have their bolt-holes: Dad gets to escape to the office, Granddad to his comfy chair and Mum to the bathroom. Only when Clarice openly rebels does she finally succeed in getting the peace and quiet she really wants.
-
Clarice Bean gives us a snapshot of her life and family in the book that launched a bestselling series. With distinctive collage illustrations and character-specific fonts, this irresistible book offers young readers a hilarious and recognisable slice of contemporary family life.
-----
Heidi Y.