Here are some new books added to my private subscription library, Meriadoc Homeschool Library:

Adventures of Morris the Moose by B. Wiseman. An I Can Read book. This book includes three Morris the Moose books: Morris the Moose, Morris Goes to School, and Morris and Boris at the Circus. For some reason, maybe because Morris’s friend is named Boris or because the illustrations are kind of goofy and cartoonish, this series always reminds me of the old cartoon of Rocky and Bullwinkle. I’m going to have to get those out and watch sometime. In the meantime early readers should enjoy the antics of Morris the Moose and Boris the Bear.

Veronica on Petunia’s Farm by Roger Duvoisin. More of my favorite animal picture book characters. Veronica the Hippopotamus visits Mr. Pumpkin’s farm where Petunia the Goose and her friends give her a not-so-warm welcome.

Geraldine Belinda by Marguerite Henry. This picture book/easy reader by Ms. Henry, the author of all those horse book including King of the Wind and Misty of Chincoteague, is not about horses, but rather about a little with twenty-five whole pennies to spend. Published in 1942, the adventures of Geraldine Belinda Marybel Scott include a trip to the store all on her own, an adventure in acquisition and loss, and a resolution that teaches a lesson. One of Geraldine’s purchases is a little “colored doll”, cute as can be, but if the appellation “colored” bothers you, you should discuss with your young reader or listener.

Dan Frontier Goes Exploring by William Hurley. Dan Frontier stars in a series of books for young readers. This one is about second grade reading level. In it, our hero fights with the Indians and rescues a kidnapped girl, White Dove, from them. If that’s problematic, find another series, but this one is well-loved, especially with boys.

The Hundred Penny Box by Sharon Bell Mathis. Michael’s great-great aunt Dew is a hundred years old, and she has a penny in her box for every single year of her life. Michael’s mother wants to throw away the old broken box and buy a new container for the pennies, but Michael and Aunt Dew are horrified by the idea. Newbery Honor book.

If You Lived in Colonial Times by Ann McGovern. Answers to a series of questions about colonial America, such as: Where did people buy their clothes? What did people eat? What did people do on Sunday? How did people get the news? Where did people take baths? What games did boys like? What did girls like to do?

If Your Name Was Changed at Ellis Island by Ellen Levine. Another question and answer history book, this time about immigrants through Ellis Island in 1892 and following. “Why did people come to America? How long would the ocean trip take? How did people learn English? What was the Staircase of Separation?”

The Three Musketeers by Alexandre Dumas, adapted by Clarissa Hutton. Illustrated by Brett Helquist. I had to get this one because I love Brett Helquist’s pictures. And I think middle grade readers could enjoy an abridged version of The Three Musketeers. It’s one of my favorite adventure stories. Did you know that this book opens in the year 1625? It’s contemporary with the Pilgrims!

A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle. My copy of this wonder-filled Newbery classic disappeared somehow, so I was happy to find another one.

The Willow Whistle by Cornelia Meigs. About Mary Anne, a girl growing up on a frontier trading post, her friend Eric, a Norwegian immigrant who teaches her make a willow whistle, and their friend Gray Eagle, who becomes their mentor and rescuer. Some people won’t like the portrayal of Native Americans in this book, superstitious and quick to take offense, but I thought it was good story by a talented author.

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