It animates the things in a wintry world through letters from such things as the snow, a sled, mittens, marshmallows, even a left-out gray crayon. It's about a pair of red longjohns in love with a rosebud-studded nightgown, dashingly illustrated by Owens. A grandmother takes her granddaughter from the city to visit the Maine island home where she grew up. Looking for sea glass, they come across a piece of opaque red glass, leading to a revealing story about the mingling of beauty and guilt, love and loss. While the content may be too sad for children under 8, the first-person telling of being a boat person fleeing Vietnam is potent, building compassion while telling a true refugee story.
Bean lives on the island.
When Ab comes up for summer, the two explore an island legend about a treasure, complete with a secret tunnel. This page-turner has action right up to an end that is exciting and surprising. It's a great introduction to British history. We worry for her, feel sorry for her and eventually come to understand her through this very approachable book. It offers healthful recipes for children and tells you just how much protein and calories are in them, while the colorful presentation may encourage children to partake in the making.