CHILDREN'S CHOICE by ISOBEL QUIGLY Living in God's Family (Some

Practical Schemes for Primary Schools). (1) The Family of God, (2) First Beginnings, (3) Baptism, (4) Confirmation. By Peter Wetz, W.F., and Sister Joyce Mary, O.P. (Bums & Oates, 4s. each.)
I have not actually tested the suggestions made in these books for the religious education of young children, but the authors appear to grasp very well the problems that children have, to understand the basis of their Faith. The idea that young children should learn through experience, is to be commended. The authors succeed in showing that ordinary things happening to a child can be adapted to a religious experience and so the child is able to identify itself with it. I recommend this series to all teachers of young children.
Chitty, Chitty, Bang, Bang, by
Al Perkings (Collins, 9s. 6d.)
This story of the film appear to be intended for beginners in reading, but though the vocabulary is suitable, the story itself is for an older age group. The comic illustrations are not very attractive.
Alphabet Soup, by Quentin Blake and John Yeoman (Faber & Faber, 14s.) This book does not achieve what it sets out to do. The vocabulary is far too advanced for a child of this level of reading, and the unrealistic illustrations have little attraction for a young child. The taste of children in humour is not the same as that of adults, a fact the author appears to have overlooked.
365 Animal Stories (Paul Hamlyn Books, 15s.) This is an attractively presented book of short animal stories and poems, which, because of their simplicity, will appeal to young children. The book hits the right note for a child's imagination, although the illustrations fall short of the writing. I found this book useful as an extension for the teaching of geography.
The "Word" in Song, by Elfrida Scarre. Two Volumes.' (St.
Paul's Publications, 3s. each.)
Two useful books to brighten the teaching of religion. Children love learning by music and here old favourite tunes get a new breath of life. The songs lend themselves to action and if used in this way, children will thoroughly enjoy them. They could become a popular part of the school programme.
Epaminondas, by Eve Merriam (Collins, 12s. 6d.)
This charming story will enchant young booklovers. One can easily identify oneself with the engaging character in this book. The simple, but amusing narration is perfect, and illustrations play an important part in the interpretation. Suitable for 4-7 year-olds, or for reading aloud to even younger ones.
Tip Tip and Mrs. Mouse, Tip Tip and the Postman, Tip Tip Takes the Day Off, Tip Tip Finds a Home (Geoffrey Chapman, 7s. 6d. each.) Though these books are beautifully presented, the story content is poor. The character of the Little Sparrow is just right, but it is presented in too unnatural a way. Children like animals in their proper environment, and one doubts whether the animals in these books, bedecked in human attire, will have much attraction. It is a pity that the free verse used is not a little more imaginative, but this way in part be due to the translation. Suitable for children up 'to the age of four.
A Time for Living (Herder & Herder, 70s.) The idea which inspired this series of 21 volumes is good, but the execution of the books is poor. For young children 3-6 years old, they are a complete muddle.
Children will initially be attracted by the colourful appearance, but will find the books confusing. Children tend to like natural drawings which they can identify, they do not appreciate drawings of their own age group. These books are illustrated with children's drawings.
Testing two volumes, I am Alive and I Belong, with children, I found that they enjoyed reading them when I had shown them how, but they did not know what the books were about and the effort put into them was wasted.
Lotta Leaves Home and The Mischievous Martens, by Astrid Lindgren (Methuen, 10s. each.) Lotta, the heroine of the first book, who does all the ordinary things any five-year-old girl would do, will appeal to a wide range of young readers. The vocabulary is easily understood and the story pleasantly illustrated. It is a charming bedtime story book to read to young children, it has a beginning, a middle and an end—net always the case today. The three young Martens of the other book should also please 5-8 year-olds.