Purpose of this Blog...

You may have noticed that not all books are equal in capturing children's imaginations and in cultivating those innocent, tender souls. My goal is to help you find the ones that do!
(Painting by Mary Cassatt: "Mrs Cassatt Reading to her Grandchildren" -1888)




Tuesday, June 29, 2010

THE DUCHESS BAKES A CAKE & OTHER MEDIEVAL STORIES...

"A long time ago there lived over the waters
A Duchess, A
Duke,
and their family of daughters -- Madeleine, Gwendolyn, Jane
and Clothilde,
Caroline, Genevive, Maude and Mathilde,
Willibald,
Guinevere, Joan and
Brunhilde,
And the youngest of all was the baby,
Gunhilde."

Children 3 years old and up will love this story of fun and rhyming (and, no, it's not a medieval version of MADELINE) as they hear about a Duchess who is trying to bake a "lovely light luscious delectable cake." Hilarity and chaos ensue when the Duchess - who won't listen to the Cook - adds too much yeast. THE DUCHESS BAKES A CAKE was written and illustrated by Virginia Kahl.


A MEDIEVAL FEAST by Aliki (ages 5 & up) is another fun book set in medieval times. My kids were engrossed by this detailed book of everything that goes into preparing a feast for the king's visit. Gorgeous watercolor artwork...


A third Medieval picture book that I'd like to mention is CHANTICLEER AND THE FOX, for ages 5 & up, adapted and illustrated by Barbara Cooney (from Geoffrey Chaucer's CANTERBURY TALES). In this story, a rooster almost becomes a sly fox's feast! In this wonderful re-telling and Caldecott Medal winner, you'll learn how proud Chanticleer learns not to trust in flattery - or foxes.

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