The Children's Treasury of Virtues
Conservative champion of ethics William J. Bennett loves to write  primers on character building. This hefty three-part treasury brings together  three of Bennett's previous primers aimed for young children:The Children's  Book of Virtues,The Children's Book of Heroes, andThe Children's  Book of America. In his new introduction, Bennett explains why he believes  stories are the key to raising morally sound children. "Even in an age of  computer games and electronic toys, you can't beat a good story--especially when  offered by a caring adult--for capturing a child's attention," he writes.  "Legends, folk tales, biographies, and poems ... serve as reference points on a  moral compass, giving children a clear sense of direction in matters of right  and wrong."Even folks who don't agree with Bennett's politics often agree with the  overriding lessons in these age-old stories. Famous selections include, "St.  George and the Dragon," "George Washington and the Cherry Tree," tributes to  Abraham Lincoln and Jackie Robinson, and Martin Luther King's famous "I Have a  Dream" speech. Put this lavishly illustrated book by a child's bed so he or she  can revisit these stories before drifting off to sleep. After all, this is the  stuff that great dreams are made of.--Gail Hudson