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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The GIFT of the MAGI written by celebrated writer O. Henry and illustrated by award-winning artist Lisbeth Zwerger is a beautiful story about love and sacrifice. The story, written in 1906, is considered one of O. Henry’s best short stories. -
The Nutcracker with text based on the ballet and with gorgeous illustrations by Susan Jeffers is a visual holiday treat. This outstanding picture book, originally published in 2007 but still available today, is an oldie but goodie. -
The Snow Man written by Jonah Winter and illustrated by Jeanette Winter is a real story beautifully told both in words and in pictures. Readers 4-8 years of age and up as well as moms, dads and teachers will be fascinated by billy barr’s life. -
COUNTING KINDNESS: Ten Ways to Welcome Refugee Children written by Hollis Kurman and illustrated by Barroux is a touching and beautifully designed counting book that also puts forth ten important ways grownups and children can make children from faraway places feel a sense of belonging. -
OUR TABLE written and illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds is a wise picture book about what happens to a family when its members are taken over by their electronic devices and forget to come together around the family dinner table. -
The Little Book of JOY written by two spiritual masters His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu with Douglas Abrams and Rachel Neumann and illustrated by Rafael López is a beautifully put forth picture book about what the feeling of joy is and where and how joy can be found in daily life. -
The Little Wooden Robot and the Log Princess cleverly written and illustrated by Tom Gauld is a grand fairytale for children 4-8 years of age. -
Chester Van Chime Who Forgot How to Rhyme by Avery Monsen and illustrated by Abby Hanlon is an ear tickling tale about a boy who has lost his ability to rhyme words---even when that rhyming word is on the tip of everyone else’s tongue. -
BOO! HISS! by the talented Cyndi Marko is a perfect chapter book about togetherness for readers 6-9 years old who are beginning to enjoy the colorful and creative aspects of the graphic novel. -
POWWOW DAY is written by Traci Sorell, a member of the Cherokee Nation and illustrated by Madelyn Goodnight, a member of the Chickasaw Nation. Children 5-8 years of age will enjoy learning all this book has to offer.
