The Good Stuff Guide

 
home-3

Home Tour Fridays

Ideas, Inspiration, Beauty

Great Books for Kids

Find great reads for your adorables.
twitter
Find us on Facebook

The Great Picture Books of Maine

June 14, 2009

Maine is rich with children’s literature.  When we travel, I like to read the adorables books about the places we’re visiting.  I think it helps to make these places come alive.  The following books (and their authors) have captured the essence of Maine, and helped us visitors learn about what makes this state different from their neighbors just south.  Some of my favorite books describe Maine’s seafaring history and their hard-working people.

1. One Morning in Maine (Picture Puffin)

71RXP9PRZ3L._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-big-look,TopRight,35,-76_AA240_SH20_OU01_.gif

This book is so relaxing; the prose is almost lyrical. My eldest adorable has long loved this “day in the life” of Sal and her lost tooth and trip across the bay.

2. Miss Rumphius

61YYYXBPYVL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-big-look,TopRight,35,-76_AA240_SH20_OU01_

When you travel around Maine in the early summer, you can’t help but notice the lupine flowers everywhere: on the side of the highway, in fields, in gardens, just everywhere. I love to think that Miss Rumphius was responsible for all this beauty.

3. Lobsterman

310c224b9da014e41971c010.L._AA240_

A great read which explains the ins and outs of lobstering.

4. The Little Island (Dell Picture Yearling)
512B0m41ylL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-big-look,TopRight,35,-76_AA240_SH20_OU01_

By the same author of Runaway Bunny and Goodnight Moon comes this charming tale of a little island in Maine. It won the Caldecott Medal for its brilliant illustrations.

5. Island Boy (Picture Puffins)
51M3WDTTXBL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-big-look,TopRight,35,-76_AA240_SH20_OU01_

By the same author of Miss Rumphius, Barbara Cooney tells the life story of Matthias, who was born and lived to be a grandfather on Tibbett’s Island in Maine. Spoiler alert: Matthais dies in the book, which is unsettling, but the book is very much worthwhile as a personal history.

6. Time of Wonder (Picture Puffin)
517RZ11TCDL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-big-look,TopRight,35,-76_AA240_SH20_OU01_

I just love the stories that Robert McCloskey tells. Time of Wonder, another Caldecott winner, is no different. This is told from the vacationers point of view, while Burt Dow, below…

7. Time of Wonder (Picture Puffin)
61WS4E1X4SL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-big-look,TopRight,35,-76_AA240_SH20_OU01_

… is told from the real Maine fisherman’s perspective. He’s cheeky, leathery, and has seen his share of Nor’easters.

8.  The Circus Ship

Very loosely based on a circus ship that sunk off the coast of Maine, this book by Chris Van Dusen is sheer delight and gorgeously illustrated.

9. A Camping Spree With Mr. Magee

This book illustrates Maine: adventurous, spirited, with a gorgeous view.  Excellent, witty story to boot.

10. Down to the Sea with Mr. Magee

Whales. Water. Maine. Adventure.  Need I say more?  It’s a winner folks!

You might like...

 

No Comments »

No comments yet.

Leave Us Some Comment-Love

Shutterfly 50 Free Prints