Book Reviews

Picture Books

Pop’s Bridge, by Eve Bunting, illustrated by C. F. Payne. Robert’s and Charlie’s fathers are helping to create the Golden Gate Bridge. Robert’s father is a “skywalker,” a worker who balances high in the air to spin and bend the cables. Charlie’s father helps to paint the bridge. Is one job more important than the other?

Zuzu’s Wishing Cake, by Linda Michelin, pictures by D. B. Johnson. Zuzu loves to smile and play. But as much as she tries, she can’t get the boy next door to smile. But Zuzu has a plan. She makes a wishing cake to share!

For Children Ages 5–9

Henry Huggins*, by Beverly Cleary, illustrated by Louis Darling. When Henry adopts a stray dog and tries to take him home on the bus, the pair has the first of many adventures together. How does Henry end up with gallons of fish? Why is the dog pink when he enters the dog show? Find out in this classic story.

The Story of Doctor Dolittle*, by Hugh Lofting. John Dolittle is known all over the world, but not by people … he is known by animals! This special doctor learns to speak the language of animals, and when he is asked to travel across the ocean to cure sick monkeys, he can’t refuse. Join the doctor and his animal companions on an exciting voyage.

For Children Ages 10–12

A Single Shard, by Linda Sue Park. Every day, Tree-ear hides and watches Min, the master potter. When Min discovers the boy and offers him work, Tree-ear hopes that he will soon be able to create beautiful pottery. But when his chores are only chopping wood and digging for clay, he longs for a way to prove his worth to his master.

Fairest, by Gail Carson Levine. Aza is not beautiful, but her appearance is offset by her beautiful singing voice. When Aza has the opportunity to go to the capital city, she learns about true beauty, honesty, and lasting friendship.

Nonfiction

Butterfly Eyes and Other Secrets of the Meadow, by Joyce Sidman, illustrated by Beth Krommes. Discover the hidden world of the meadow in these poetry riddles. Detailed illustrations accompany each poem and show some of the things only a careful observer might spot.

Signing for Kids, by Mickey Flodin. Have you ever wanted to learn sign language? This easy-to-follow book will teach you how to communicate using a manual alphabet, as well as how to sign words about animals, food, school, family, friends, and more.

These reviews do not constitute official Church endorsement of these books, but the books have been carefully reviewed to ensure that Church standards are observed. Warning: Occasionally, characters who are not members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints do not follow the Word of Wisdom. Selections where this occurs are marked with an asterisk (*).

Illustration by Mike Laughead