From: Robin L. Gibson <gibsonro>
Date: Thu, 10 Jul 1997 14:47:14 -0400 (EDT)

I agree with several of the "classics" proposed by others so far: Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry" "A Wrinkle in Time" and "Bridge to Terabithia" all make my list too, for reasons similar to those stated by their proponents. Thinking back to my own childhood, I recall many favorites, some of
"classic" stature perhaps, and others that just appealed to me. Of my classics, Robert McCloskey's "Blueberries for Sal" still resonates with me today, and has been popular with the children I have read it to in storytimes. The first time I had reservations about whether the monotone illustrations -- all in blue (wonderfully so, in my opinion) -- would appeal to children today, who have access to so much full color, sophisticated illustrations. And the answer has been an unqualified yes
(to my delight). The plot is amusing and satisfying, and children love the mixing-up of mothers and children, which they are aware of before the characters themselves. And the sounds of the text are wonderful for reading aloud -- such as the "kerplink, kerplank, kerplunk" of the berries hitting to the bottom of the bucket. "Blueberries for Sal" seems classic to me . . .

Robin

Robin L. Gibson Children's Librarian Muskingum Co. Library System Zanesville, OH 43701 gibsonro at oplin.lib.oh.us
Received on Thu 10 Jul 1997 01:47:14 PM CDT