“Anytime, Anyplace, Any Book”

Selected books for 1981–82

“Anytime, Anyplace, Any Book” is the theme of the 1981 National Children’s Book Week, November 16–22. Here are some books that make good reading anytime and anyplace you may be. Check them out at the library or place them on your Christmas gift list.

Freight Train, written and illustrated by Donald Crews, is a picture book for beginning readers. Its vibrant pictures and simple text carry the reader along on a freight train’s speedy journey through tunnels, past cities, over trestles, through the night, and during the day. (Greenwillow)

Each Peach Pear Plum, a picture book by Janet and Allan Ahlberg, offers a delightful invitation: “In this book with your little eye take a look and play ‘I Spy.’” (Viking Press, also in paperback)

Benjamin and Tulip is a humorously illustrated pocket-size book by Rosemary Wells. Every time Benjamin passes Tulip’s house she threatens to beat him up. And she does—often. But Benjamin finally discovers how to become Tulip’s friend. (Dial Press, also in paperback)

Now One Foot, Now the Other is a sensitive new book written and illustrated by Tomie de Paola. Bobby’s best friend, his Grandfather Bob, has a stroke and Bobby is scared. But Bobby knows his grandfather will get better, and he teaches him to walk again, just like Grandfather once taught him. (G. P. Putnam’s Sons, paperback only)

Fables, the 1981 Caldecott Medal book written and illustrated by Arnold Lobel, is an amusing collection of modern fables filled with delightful characters, from a persnickety crocodile to a courageous mouse. (Harper & Row)

Caddie Woodlawn is a popular classic by Carol Ryrie Brink that has been read with pleasure since 1935. The experience of redheaded Caddie and her brothers on the Wisconsin frontier of the 1860s is filled with fun, adventure, and the discovery of what growing up truly means. (Macmillan, also in paperback)

Take Joy! written and illustrated by Tasha Tudor, is a handsome collection of many of the best-loved Christmas stories, thoughts, poems, recipes, and carols that will enhance the joyful spirit of Christmas. (World)

Arthur, for the Very First Time, written by Patricia MacLachlan and illustrated by Lloyd Bloom, tells of Arthur’s stay with his great-uncle and great-aunt, who have a chicken that understands French, a pig that likes to be sung to, and a neighbor named Moira. All of them help Arthur discover the joy of doing. (Harper & Row)