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About the Books Themselves:
The following is excerpted from Five in a Row. © 1994 - 1997 by Jane Claire Lambert, all rights reserved. "The goal of our instruction is to lead children to fall in love with good books and to embrace the joy of learning." Sutherland and Arbothnot write in Children and Books, "Aesthetic satisfaction comes to small children as well as to adults, and the development of their taste depends not only on their initial capacities but also on the material they encounter and the way in which is presented."
If you're like most of us, you can directly attribute a lifelong interest
in at least one topic to the quality and creativity with which some
particular teacher or a parent introduced the subject to you as a child.
Likewise, you may well have nurtured a lifelong distaste for certain
subjects for the same reason; an unpleasant early experience.
Sutherland and Arbothnot go on to suggest that by selecting excellent
children's literature and reading it together each day, children have the
opportunity to "catch a new theme, savor the beauty, the subtle humor or a
special meaning that eluded them at first."
"Sometimes," the authors suggest, "an adult has the privilege of seeing
this discovery take place. The children's faces come suddenly alive; their
eyes shine. They may be anticipating an amusing conclusion or a heroic
triumph. There is a sudden chuckle or breath is exhaled like a sigh. The
book has moved them, perhaps even to laughter or tears, in any case there is
a deep inner satisfaction and they will turn to books again with
anticipation."
Sutherland and Arbothnot conclude, "Once they have experienced the joy of
reading they have acquired a habit that will serve them all their lives. It
is important, therefore, that those who guide their reading select wisely."
It is within this context that the titles of Five in a
Row have been chosen. In each case content was of supreme
importance. Books were chosen that showcase close family relationships,
personal triumphs, and persevering in times of trials. There are books with
people characters and stories with animal characters, but in all the stories
the characters touch the reader's heart and demonstrate life's truths.
In addition to content, the books also cover a wide range of artistic
expression: From the the gentle illustrations of Helen Cogancherry to the
hilarious pictures of G. Brian Karas; from the warm and friendly drawings of
James Daugherty to the action-packed illustrations of Ted Rand. Each title
was selected for its magnificent art, beautifully rendered for the utter
appreciation and enjoyment of children. Art to appreciate, art to learn
from and art to be remembered for a lifetime!
It has been said some stories must be talked over or listened to while
someone who knows and loves them reads aloud. If you come to love the
stories your student will too.
With these standards in mind we hope you and your student find a special
place in your heart for these stories and for the concept of Five in
a Row.
*Sutherland and Arbothnot, Children and Books, Harper
Collins Publishers, 8th ed., 1991.
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