Book Pics - Rediscover these Gems

Song of the Swallows. Sad when the swallows leave for the winter, young Juan prepares to welcome them back to the old California Mission at Capistrano on St. Joseph's Day the next spring. With Leo Politi’s Caldecott-winning illustrations.

The Good Master and its sequel, The Singing Tree, are fabulously written novels for ages ten and up (including adults who appreciate good childrens’ books!) Cousin Kate from Budapest comes to join her cousin Jansci on his family’s ranch on the Hungarian plains in pre-WWI Hungary. The stories combine the adventures of the always-feisty Kate, Jancsi’s love of horses and the work his father, the Good Master, supervises. There is something for everyone to enjoy in these beautiful books.

Lost Horizon by James Hilton
A wonderful “Oldie” (written in the 1930s) with adventure, joy, community and that great Shangri-La location. If you haven’t ever read it — this is a true gem. If you have already, rediscover the serene mysteries of Shangri-La. Highly recommended by Maureen and the Adult Book Group members!

Ginger Pye. Eleanor Estes has written a number of beloved childrens’ books; this is one of her most popular. Ginger, the “intellectual dog” that young Jerry Pye bought for a dollar, is well-known in town--and then he is stolen! The children solve the mystery with a number of adventures along the way--excellent book for ages 8 and up, and for dog lovers everywhere!

Paul Zindel's Pulitzer award-winning play, The Effect of Gamma Rays on Man-In-The-Moon Marigolds, needs to be rediscovered for a new generation. It is a drama about an eccentric, and oft-times mentally unbalanced mother's relationship with her two teenage daughters. This is for high-school level students and would be wonderful to see as a student play.

A Little History of the World. This new/old book has been translated from its original German, and it is a brilliant story of human life through the ages. Chapters include: “Once Upon a Time” (before there were people); The Land By the Nile (Egypt); Heroes and Their Weapons” (Greek mythology and influence); “Rulers of the Western World”; “Meanwhile, Looking Eastward...”---readable for young adults and wonderful for adults as well! Thanks to our customer, Hattie G. for telling us about this wonderful title.

Look for this book as a possible SUMMER READ-ALOUD CLUB selection!

-Last Updated March 26, 2006-