“As a parent, I know that reading with your child is an important part of their mental and emotional development,” said Mrs. Blagojevich. “I started this program to encourage parents to read with their children, and I hope our recommended reading list helps parents find books that the whole family can enjoy.”

Puss in Boots
by Charles Perrault

Book Description:

Charles Perrault's Puss in Boots has been an irresistible magnet for countless illustrators ever since this classic French tale was first published in 1697. So the question arises: Do we really need another edition of Puss? Presented with Fred Marcellino's magnificent interpretation of this nimble new translation of the authentic text, book lovers young and old are apt to decide that this Puss in Boots belongs on their shelf of special favorites.

Long regarded as the preeminent designer of book jackets in America, Fred Marcellino provides an unstinting visual feast in his first full-color picture book. The adventures of that rascal, Puss, and his master, the miller's son are portrayed in a lavish series of illustrations that range from sumptuous grandeur to comedy both boisterous and sly.

Author Biography:

Charles Perrault (January 12, 1628 - May 16, 1703) was a French author who laid foundations for a new literary genre, the fairy tale, and whose best known tales include Little Red Riding Hood, Sleeping Beauty, Puss in Boots, and Cinderella. Perrault's most famous stories are still in print today and have been made into operas, ballets, plays, musicals, and films, including the highly-successful animated features Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty by The Walt Disney Company.

Additional Information:

For special recording request please call the Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic at (312) 236-8715 or visit www.rfbd.org

PUSS IN BOOTS (c) 1990 by Charles Perrault. Illustrators (c) 1990 by Fred Marcellino. Used with the permission of Farrar, Straus and Giroux.

Heidi
by Johanna Spyri

Book Description:

What happens when a little orphan girl is forced to live with her cold and frightening grandfather? The heartwarming answer has engaged children for more than a century, both on the page and on the screen. Johanna Spyri's beloved story offers youngsters an endearing and intelligent heroine, a cast of unique and memorable characters, and a fascinating portrait of a small Alpine village.

Author Biography:

Johanna Spyri was an author of children's stories, and is best known for Heidi. While living in the city of Zurich she began to write about life in the country. Her first book titled A Leaf on Vrony's Grave, was published in 1871 and the following year further stories for both adults and children appeared, among them the tale of Heidi that became an instant and enduring success. Heidi, the story of an orphan girl who lives with her grandfather in the Alps, is not only famous for its vivid portrayal of the landscape but also for its understanding of how children see life and their feelings.

Additional Information:

The audio version of the book is available from the Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic, so that all children can join in the fun. www.rfbd.org

Heidi by Johanna Spyri. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced without written permission from Sterling Publishing Co., Inc., 387 Park Avenue South, 11th Floor, New York, NY 10016