The Washington times., 1922-11-12

Few of a child's companions
have as much influence on him
as his books. The child's play
ground acquaintances get only
passing attention in the face OF
other distracting objects for his
interests. But the characters in
q book come to him in the quiet
hours and leave a lasting i'm
preston. He meets his playfel-
lows by chance, whirls through
an afternoon of fun or trouble
with them, and then they pass
from mind. But the characters
In his book he meets by appoint
ment, and there are no others
to share his attention. While
reading, his character is being
formed. He closes the book,
but. the characters and incidents,
linger in the plastic mind Of
youth long afterward.
This Is why it is profitable to
devote a week to the discussion
and study of children's reading.
A sensational novel will influence
the child mind to the same extent
as a good book. So care must be
taken that only the right books
come into possession of the child.
In the adjoining column we
print, through the kindness Of DR..
George F. Bowerman, librarian Of
the Public Library, a list Of
books for children's reading. This
list was prepared by Miss Louise
P. Latimer, director of children's
work in the library, and is tn,
result Of much painstaking labor.
The notes accompanying each title
were also compiled by Miss Lati-
mer! and give valuable informa-
ton about the book in question.
The list Is carefully graded for
children of various ages.
In, other columns of this page
will be found reviews Of books for
children, some Of them old favor
ties ,reissued in new and attrac-
tive form. others the work Of new
authors in the field Of children's
literature. Each Of these books
has been carefully read. and we
can recommend them as suitable
additions to the child's bookshelf.
THE books from which we
print illustrations on this
page are all Of a kind to delight
any child of Imagination.
Through the Cloud Mountain"
by Florence Scott Bernard QAp-
pinc6tt). relates the adventures Of
little lame Jan in q mystic land
inhabited by such enchanting peo-
pie as Jack and the Beanstalk. the
Mad Halter, and Jack and Jill.
''Man in the Moon Stories." by Jo-
sephine Lawrence Couples q
Leon). besides being q very well
told series of stories. ID enriched
by Johnny Gruelle's illustrations.
Johnny Mouse and the Wish
ing Stick" Bobbs. MerrilD 10 not
only written by Johnny Gruelle.
but has wonderful pictures In col
ors by the author. "The Boy
Scouts Year Book" boasts . nota-
BILE list Of contributors, including
President Harding. John d. Rookie
Teller and Dan Beard. It 10 pro-
fusely Illustrated. ana the pub
Fishers, the Appletons, have given
Il an attractive printing.
"Pansy Eyes. q Maid Of Japan"
by Bessie Toulouse Sprague Reilly
4 Lee), In q wonderful book for
a small child. The paper on which
Il is printed is Of highest grade,
the pictures by Bess Devine Jew
ell are calculated to delight the
eye, and the story L. cleverly tbld.
This years addition to tho Teenie
Vicente series Is called Tho Tee
ME weenies Under the Rose
Bush," by William Donahey
qseilly q Lee). II IL q book Of i'm
posing size. and 10 attractively
Illustrated by the author. The
story is one Of absorbing inter-
est.
Peters Adventures In Bird
land" by Florence Smith Vincent
Cstokes), 10 valuable for the older
children in that II tells them Of
the various birds in a manner to
hold their interest. 1t, too, has
numerous pictures. The same
firm publishes Days Of the Colo
nists," by L. Lamprey. wherein
is much valuable history, told in
enhancing fashion. The pictures
are in colors. Penn Publishing
Company's contribution is a gem.
Called Blackboard, Bucoaneer."