Children's Literature - Stories of Acceptance for Toddlers and Preschoolers

by Jeff Bogle | More from this Blogger

24 May 2007 09:13 AM

Odd Velvet By Mary E Whitcomb Illustrated by Tara Calahan King Chronicle Books, 1998

I feel a deep sense of connection to Velvet, the title character of this story of acceptance and uniqueness by Mary E. Whitcomb. I was (and still am) a bit of an odd ball. Like Velvet, I never felt a strong connection to the masses, although, also like Velvet, I never seemed to be too bothered by this fact. Odd Velvet is a modernly illustrated and charming tale representing a childhood utopia, of sorts. Certainly we who are oddballs ourselves, or are parents of oddballs, would love to think that a singular event could galvanize our family, class or community simultaneously forcing all those around us to see and respect our uniqueness. Unfortunately, the fact is the world is often a hurtful place and kids can be especially cruel. That is what makes books like Odd Velvet great, they offer a wonderful escape for anyone willing to sit down, slow down and read. Odd Velvet represents a special place where even the odd and misplaced can be loved and appreciated.

Buy Odd Velvet from Amazon.com today!

Clorinda By Robert Kinerk Illustrated by Stephen Kellogg Aladdin Books, Reprinted in 2007

Over a year ago, this marvelous postcard-sized paperback was stuffed into a big yellow box of Cheerios. An odd fate for such a clever story of perseverance, following your dreams and friendship that is for sure. Clorinda is a politically and socially active cow that discovers a love of ballet (a word which has a close resemblance to ballot) while on the way into town to vote. She is supported by a young farmhand who generously funds her journey to the Big Apple. There she pursues her dream, and after numerous emphatic rejections, she is fortunate enough to catch the kind of break that every young actor or artist, be them bovine or human, dreams of obtaining - landing a place in a corps de ballet. While her stay in New York doesn't end perfectly, her return to the farm is worthy of celebration. I do not recall the quality of free cereal box giveaways being so high when I was a young lad. Regardless, this one came to us free but you can purchase the full-size edition at any decent bookstore, library and online at Amazon.com. Clorinda is an ideal summer reading selection for any ballet loving little boy or girl.

Buy Clorinda today from Amazon.com!

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Learn more about Jeff Bogle

Jeff is married to a lovely redhead and is fortunate to have in his life an amazing young lady, age three.

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