Helpful Score: 1
Probably the most beautiful children's book that I've read out loud to my six-year-old was E. B. White's Charlotte's Web. The Trumpet of the Swan is a close second. It's much funnier than Charlotte's Web--the absurd and delightful character of the old cob is just amazing to read out to a child. Like the better known Charlotte's Web, Trumpet of the Swan has two protagonists: a human child and a young animal. I love the clever way White balances anthropomorphism and naturalism in both books.
One thing that was remarkable to me as a parent was the American character of the language. A lot of beautiful children's books are British and they sound British, but White is somehow as American as Whitman without any pretension or affectation.
I also approved of the lessons of this book, which were about adapting to disability.
One thing that was remarkable to me as a parent was the American character of the language. A lot of beautiful children's books are British and they sound British, but White is somehow as American as Whitman without any pretension or affectation.
I also approved of the lessons of this book, which were about adapting to disability.
