The Children’s Bookshelf from WCMU Public Radio showcases new children’s book titles meant to engage young readers in the joy of story found in both the written word and illustrations. The target audience includes teachers, librarians, parents and grandparents as part of their role to foster the love of reading. Each of the two minute reviews have accompanying study questions and activities and are available as podcasts.
The series host and reviewer is Dr. Sue Ann Martin, Professor Emerita of Communication and Dramatic Arts in the College of Communication and Fine Arts, at Central Michigan University.
Our theme music for The Children’s Bookshelf is the polka from Denes Agay’s “Five Easy Dances”, performed by the Powers Woodwind Quintet, in residence at Central Michigan University’s School of Music. It is taken from the album GEMS, on the White Pine label.
The Children's Bookshelf only accepts for possible review titles that are sent from the children's book divisions of national publishers.
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NO CATS IN THE LIBRARY written and gorgeously illustrated in hot orange, spicy yellow and soothing green colors by Lauren Emmons is a sweet story about a cat who loves books. Clarisse, the name of this wonderful cat, is very busy trying to find a way into the local library. It is full of fun for readers 4-7 years of age. (Simon and Schuster/ Paula Wiseman Books) 2024. -
Leafy Landmarks: Travel with Trees is a beautiful road trip for the whole family as 14 wonderful trees are presented for the family to enjoy. Luscious pictures by Anne Lambelet and 14 poetic forms written skillfully by author Michelle Schaub will capture the interests of readers 6-9 years of age (Sleeping Bear Press) 2024. -
Tree House Town is a delightful picture book about creative children and beautiful animals, as they play, cook, and take care of each other and the environment. It is written with a lovely poetic hand by Gideon Sterer and beautifully illustrated by Charlie Mylie. (Little, Brown Books for Young Readers) 2024. -
Little Messy Marcy Su written by Cherie Fu and illustrated by Julie Kwon is a delightful picture book for readers 4-8 years of age about one child’s inability to keep her bedroom clean. When her mother asks her to pick up her room because her grandparents are coming, she gets busy. However, everything she does to clean her clothes, her muddy dog and her room makes yet another mess. Finally, her room is clean, but the house is not. Young readers will be surprised when grandma praises her for her clean room and wonders why the rest of the house looks so bad! The back material includes ten Mandarin words used throughout this story (Little Brown and Company, 2021). -
The Ramadan Drummer written by Sahtinay Abaza and illustrated by Dinara Mirtalipova is a beautiful story full of joy, celebration, and gorgeous illustrations about the need to wake up and eat before the sun rises to take part in Ramadan. Children 5-8 years of age will enjoy watching Adam meet this loved drummer and learn how to fulfill the beauty of Ramadan (Reycraft) 2024. -
The Door That Had Never Been Opened Before written and illustrated by Mrs. and Mr. MacLeod is a truly delightful picture book for children 4-8 years of age. It is told in rhyme and is full of action, fun and a well-designed secret involving a certain door (Union Square) 2024. -
10 Dogs written and illustrated by Emily Gravett is a delightful counting book that tells the story of ten dogs trying to get the ten sausages that are on the kitchen table! They try everything as they all are determined to grab the treat. This counting book is designed for young readers 3-5 years of age.( Boxer Books/ Union Square/Sterling Publication) 2023. -
Coretta: The Autobiography of Mrs. Coretta Scott King with the Reverend Dr. Barbara Reynolds and illustrated by Ekua Holmes is a very graceful telling in both words and pictures of the life of Coretta Scott King. The material is adapted from King’s adult memoir. This picture book speaks to readers 5-9 years of age as well as the whole family. (Henry Holt and Company/ Macmillan Publishing Group) 2024. -
KIN: Rooted in Hope written by Carole Boston Weatherford and illustrated by Jeffery Boston Weatherford is a striking account of their family’s past. The interesting research, brave stories and skillful scratchboard illustrations are perfect for older readers 10 years of age and up. (Atheneum Books/ Simon and Schuster) 2023. -
I Lived Inside a Whale written and illustrated with great insight, understanding and imagination by Xin Li is a beautiful picture book for readers 4-8 years of age. The little girl in this story learns a great deal about reading, sharing, and trying something new such as sharing stories out loud! (Little, Brown Books for Young Readers) 2024.
