Books can demonstrate what's important in life

Our media-driven world promotes material possessions as one of the most essential things people should strive for. Most of us know that the really important things in life don't come with a big price tag. Instead, what gives a person the greatest joy is the love of family and friends and simple pleasures everyone can enjoy regardless of money.

Today's reviewed books help demonstrate this to children and can act as a springboard for further discussions about this topic. Couple that with your behavior that sends a clear message that you don't worship material possessions and that what you value most isn't something you can buy. Every effort you make in this regard is time well spent and will benefit children and our society as a whole.

Books to Borrow

The following book is available at many public libraries.

• "When I Was Young in the Mountains" by Cynthia Rylant, illustrated by Diane Goode, Dutton, 26 pages

Read aloud: age 3 — 4 and older

Read yourself: age 7 — 8 and older

"When I Was Young in the Mountains" is a warm and loving story based on the true experiences of author Cynthia Rylant growing up in Appalachia. Making do with each other and what they could find in the mountains provided this author with all she needed: a sense of belonging, great security and an abundance of love.

The swimming hole, Crawford's store, fresh cornbread and hot cocoa — in these and other windowpanes, the reader learns a richness of life uncluttered by material things.

Written for younger children, this story teaches us that home is a good place — not because of what you have, but because of those who live there.

Librarian's Choice

Library: Butte County Library — Gridley Branch, 299 Spruce St., Gridley

Library Director: Derek Wolfgram

Branch Librarian: Cynthia Pustejovsky

Choices this week: "The Story of Johnny Appleseed" by Aliki; "Swimmy" by Leo Lionni; "Old Yeller" by Fred Gipson

Books to Buy

The following books are available at your favorite bookstores.

• "Kisses on the Wind" by Lisa Moser, illustrated by Kathryn Brown, Candlewick, 2009, 32 pages, $15.99 hardcover

Read aloud: age 4 — 5 and older

Read yourself: age 8 — 9

Young Lydia, Mama and Papa are packing their wagon to head west to Oregon. The journey will take months and months, putting far too many miles between Lydia and Grandma.

Lydia hides in the barn, hoping her parents won't find her so she won't have to leave Grandma. But when Lydia sees Grandma sitting on the swing, Lydia runs to her and tells her she doesn't want to leave. Grandma acknowledges Lydia's sadness, but through gentle reminders of how they will always love and remember one another, Lydia's heart is put at ease.

A gentle and deeply moving story about family love and how it can stretch endlessly across great distances, "Kisses on the Wind" is simply perfect.

• "The Perfect Gift" written and illustrated by Mary Newell DePalma, Arthur A. Levine, 2010, 32 pages, $16.99 hardcover

Read aloud: age 2 and older

Read yourself: age 7 — 8

The little bird, Lori, had found the perfect gift for her grandmother — a beautiful ripe strawberry. But the strawberry was heavy to carry for such a little bird, and Lori accidentally dropped it into the river, where it sank to the bottom, out of reach.

Many friends tried to help Lori, and finally Frog was able to retrieve the berry. But seconds later, an alligator causes big trouble for Lori, her friends and the strawberry. Now, with the strawberry gone for good, Lori and her friends come up with another gift idea for Grandma — one that will last much longer than a strawberry!

Charming, clever and peppered with just the right dose of suspense, "The Perfect Gift" is delightful in every way.

Kendal A. Rautzhan writes and lectures on children's literature. She can be reached at kendal@sunlink.net.