The Seven Silly Eaters

The Seven Silly Eaters,  by Mary Ann Hoberman, illustrated by Marla Frazee

You know you've found a good children's book when you find your husband lying in bed reading it with a smile on his face (and there are no children to be seen).  The Seven Silly Eaters tells the story of a growing family of silly eaters.  Each Peters' child likes a specific food and Mrs. Peters goes out of her way to satisfy her dear children's appetites.  Eventually, she feels totally unappreciated and believes that nobody has even remembered her birthday.  Her birthday morning proves otherwise.  My family enjoys the lyrical and sometimes humorous text of The Seven Silly Eaters.  We are also amused by the pictures that capture life in a growing family so well.

A Gift of Gracias

A Gift of Gracias: The Legend of Altagracia, by Julia Alvarez, illustrated by Beatriz Vidal, Knopf Books for Young Readers.
Julia Alvarez tells a beautiful story of a young Spanish girl who helps to save her family's farm with the help of Our Lady of Altagracia. A Gift of Gracias is available in many libraries, however, my family recommends purchasing this picture book. The feast of Our Lady of Altagracia is January 21.

Mary: The Mother of Jesus

Mary: The Mother of Jesus,  by Tomie de Paola, Holiday House

Mary: The Mother of Jesus is my favorite book by Tomie de Paola. De Paola chronicles Mary's life from before her conception to her becoming Queen of Heaven. He uses quotes from the antiphons and the Bible to tell this beautiful story. In doing so, he brings greater glory to God the Son ("to Jesus through Mary"). My three and five year old sit in rapt attention, looking at the pictures, each time I read the book.