By Dr. Terrence Nollen
The Children’s Literature Bookshelf began in December 2006. Since that time, hundreds of reviews of important children’s books have been written for the Southern Nebraska Register.
Much time has passed since the beginning of the column. A republication of some reviews, in an abbreviated form, might prove helpful. As a result, I will be presenting two older reviews each month, which can be increased in number if readers find them useful.
The current copyright fixation with children being unable to relate to literature that is over 10 years old is simply silly. Great literature transcends time and the outstanding books in children’s literature are no exceptions.
"Charlotte’s Web"
by E.B. White, pictures by Garth Williams.
Harper Collins, N.Y., 1952, copyright renewed 1980, 184 pages, Grades 3-5.
Original review Jan. 12, 2007
Wilbur is an undersized pig, called a runt. Spared from an early death through the intervention of Fern Arable, Wilbur thrives under Fern’s loving care.
Before long however, Mr. Arable sells Wilbur to his brother-in-law, Homer Zuckerman. Wilbur is a very naïve pig and can’t believe that all the animals won’t live their entire lives in the pleasant barn. The old sheep tells Wilbur that by winter pigs are usually killed and made into bacon and ham. This news drives Wilbur into a tearful depression. “I want to live,” Wilbur cries out.
But deeper than the fear is the loneliness Wilbur feels and his desire for friendship. As he aches for friendship, he hears the enchanting words: “Salutations!” Looking up to the barn rafters he sees a grey spider waving one of her eight arms and legs at him. He asks the spider her name. She replies: “Charlotte A. Cavatica.” They decide to become friends.
With this developing friendship both Charlotte and Wilbur fill the longing that existed within their hearts. Charlotte decides to help Wilbur. She develops a brilliant plan to save Wilbur from the frying pan. What are the parts of the plan? How does Charlotte carry out the strategy? How could the selfish rat, Templeton, contribute to Wilbur’s salvation? Finally, why is it always better to care for your neighbor than to be self-centered? To find out read this beautifully written novel, "Charlotte’s Web" by E.B.White.
"The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe"
by C.S. Lewis.
Harper Collins Publishers, N.Y., 1950, copyright renewed 1978, 189 pages, Grades 5-7.
Original review Dec. 22, 2006
During the air raids on London during World War II, four children—Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy—are sent to live in the country at the house of an old professor. Lucy accidentally opens a wardrobe.
Inside this clothing closet she walks to the back only to find herself in a snow-covered world. There she meets Mr. Tumnus, a faun (half man and half goat). From him Lucy discovers that she has entered into a new world named Narnia. Mr. Tumnus tells Lucy that all of Narnia is under the spell of the wicked White Witch, so that it is always winter, but never Christmas.
Hurrying back to the wardrobe, she tells her brothers and sister about this magical land. They simply do not believe her. Later, Edmund also goes through the wardrobe and into Narnia. Unfortunately, he quickly meets the White Witch and eats her evil candy. Now he knows that Narnia exists, but he wants to become crowned a king by the manipulating witch.
Turned from good, he returns to the human world through the wardrobe. He lies to Peter and Susan about Lucy’s account of Narnia. This will all soon change. The four children climb into the wardrobe and walk out the back into Narnia. There they meet Mr. Beaver who desires to take the four children to the majestic lion, Aslan.
Events quickly begin unfolding. A betrayal occurs and a hurried night flight. Will the children get to Aslan before the White Witch captures them? Could you battle a witch’s army in combat? Where does Aslan’s great power come from? What is it like to hold onto a lion’s mane during a ride of redemption? To find out read this marvelous story "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe" by C.S. Lewis.
