We are profoundly grateful to Alison Todd for sharing the list which she compiled over many years, reading from these books to her karate students. Books were an integral part of the karate schools' lessons, and I hope others find the same enjoyment Alison's students experienced through the world within this selection. Some of these books are now out of print, but if your local bookshop can't help you, try the library.
My Read Aloud Favourites
Anything by Jon Muth
My local book seller loves me. As soon as any of Muth’s books come in, whether written or just illustrated I snap them up. His watercolours are so beautiful and tales are exactly what I love to retell in my karate class. Luckily for me the kids like most of these as well:
Pumpkin Soup (1999) by Helen Cooper ISBN 0552-54510-4
My karate kids love this story as much as I do. The duck is so naughty, the illustrations and layout are perfect. Need I say more?
Cat Balloon (2000) written & illustrated by Paolo Morgan, accompanying CD with original music by Lee Buddle & John Reed. ISBN 1-86368-327-5
One of the few CD/book combinations that really work. Paolo Morgan’s tale of a cat who wanted to fly away with the moon is enhanced by the original music written especially for the stage adaptation of the story. Add the beautiful voice of Kavisha Mazzella.com, and everyone will believe that cats CAN fly.
Mrs Millie’s Painting (1997) written & illustrated by Matthew Ottley ISBN 0-7336-0882-5
Matt Ottley has such a wonderful imagination and the world he creates for Miss Millie is one children would love to enter. Seeing a grandma naked surrounded by her extraordinary flowers always manages to send waves of nervous giggling from all kids. However Ottley’s greatest talent is how easily he gets the children to realise belief in yourself will win through in the end.
John Brown, Rose & the Midnight Cat (1978) written by Jenny Wagner, illustrated by Ron Brooks. ISBN 0-14-050306-4
I am sure this tender tale of an elderly woman, her dog and an interloper is as popular now as it was when it won the 1978 Children’s Book Council Picture Book of the Year Award. Ideal for ages 3 and up.
Little 1 (1962) by Ann & Paul Rand ISBN 0-8109-3558-9
Loneliness is such a horrible thing yet how quickly that can change when you can find just one friend. I’ve had the kids near to tears reading this tale of numbers and without even knowing it they learn to add at the same time. The Rand’s are such clever people. A classic.
Harold and the Purple Crayon, by Crockett Johnson
Princess Smartypants (1986) written & illustrated by Babette Cole ISBN 0-00-662798-6
Prince Cinders (1987) written & illustrated by Babette Cole
The Little Wing Giver (2001) by Jaques Taravant, translated by Nina Ignatowicz, illustrated by Peter Sis.
A poignant story which I love but unfortunately is not always as popular with the kids.
The Paper Bag Princess (1980) by Robert N Munsch, illustrated by Michael Martchenko
The Mer-Child: A Legend for Children & Other Adults (1991) by Robin Morgan, illustrated by Jesse Spicer Zerner
Tasty Baby Belly Buttons by Judy Sierra
Zag-a-Zoo ( ) written & illustrated by Quentin Blake.
Deltora Quest (Series) by Emily Roda
I don’t think I could ever face this series again having read every volume aloud however the complaints of the formulaic nature of Roda’s writing make it perfect for the night-time story and the early chapter book reader. Very easy to stop at the end of 1,2, or 3 chapters and leave the listener hanging but beware – it may be a little scary for those sensitive souls.
Harry Potter by JK Rowling
Picture Books (All)
Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day, by Judith Viorst
And to think that we thought that we’d never be friends (1999) by Mary Ann Hoberman, illustrated by Kevin Hawkes.
Big Nuisance (2003) written & illustrated by Junko Morimoto. ISBN 1-74051-876-4 JAPAN
Billy the Punk (1996) written by Jessica Carroll , illustrated by Craig Smith. ISBN 0-09182-934-8
Brother Rabbit. A Cambodian Tale. (1997) Retold by Minfong Ho & Saphan Ros, illustrated by Jennifer Hewitson. CAMBODIA
Cat Balloon (2000) written & illustrated by Paolo Morgan, accompanying CD with original music by Lee Buddle & John Reed. ISBN 1-86368-327-5
Cosmo Zoom (1999) written & illustrated by Arthur Howard.
Harold and the Purple Crayon, by Crockett Johnson
Imogen’s Antlers (1985) written & illustrated by David Small. ISBN 0-517-56242-1 pbk
It’s Mine by Leo Lionni (1985) Alfred A. Knopf, New York.
Little 1 (1962) by Ann & Paul Rand ISBN 0-8109-3558-9
Lord of the Cranes (2000) retold by Kerstin Chen, illustrated by Jian Jiang Chen. CHINA
Lukes Way of Looking ( 2001) written by Nadia Wheatley, illustrated by Matthew Ottley ISBN 0-7336-1437-X
Master Man (2001) retold by Aaron Shepard, illustrated by David Wisniewski. NIGERIA
Miss Lily’s Fabulous Pink Feather Boa (1998) written by Margaret wild, illustrated by Kerry Argent. ISBN 0-670-89756-6
Mrs Millie’s Painting (1997) written & illustrated by Matthew Ottley ISBN 0-7336-0882-5
Noguchi The Samurai (1994) by Burt Konzark, illustrated by Johnny Wales. Lester Publishing Limited
One Grain of Rice A Mathematical Folktale, by Demi
Princess Smartypants (1986) written & illustrated by Babette Cole
Prince Cinders (1987) written & illustrated by Babette Cole
Pumpkin Soup (1999) by Helen Cooper ISBN 0552-54510-4
Sumo Mouse (2002) written & illustrated by David Wisniewski. JAPAN.
Tasty Baby Belly Buttons by Judy Sierra JAPAN
The Best Treasure Ever (2000) written by Tamzin Blair, illustrated by (Shuseki Shihan) Renzie Hanham. ISBN 0-9582040-1-2
The Black Geese (1999) retold by Alison Lurie, illustrated by . RUSSIA.
The Jewel Heart (1994) written & illustrated by Barbara Helen Berger. ISBN 0-698-11634-8
The Greatest Power (2004) written & illustrated by Demi ISBN 0-689-84503-0 CHINA
The Green Turtle (2000) written by Inge Plater, illustrated by Sue Pearson. ISBN 0-207-19818-7 pbk NORFOLK ISLAND
The House of Narcissus (2001) written by Margaret Wild, illustrated by Wayne Harris.
The Inch High Samurai
The Leaf Men (1996) by William Joyce. Harper Trophy Pub.
The Little Wing Giver (2001) by Jaques Taravant, translated by Nina Ignatowicz, illustrated by Peter Sis.
The Lorax. by Dr Seuss, (1971) New York: Random House,
The Magic Purse (1991) retold by Yoshiko Uchida, illustrated by Keiko Narahashi.
The Orphan Boy (1990) by Tololwa M. Mollel, illustrated by Paul Morin. MAASAI
The Paper Bag Princess (1980) by Robert N Munsch, illustrated by Michael Martchenko
The Quilt Makers Gift (2001) written by Jeff Brumbeau, illustrated by Gail de Marcken. ISBN 0-439-30910-7
The Samurai’s Daughter (1992) written by Robert D. San Souci, illustrated by Stephen T. Johnson. ISBN 0-14-056284-2
The Samurai Warriors (1994) written by Philip Steele, illustrated by Nicki Palin. JAPAN
The Secret Remedy Book: A story of comfort & love. (2002) written by Karin Cates, illustrated by Wendy Anderson Halperin. ISBN 0-439-35226-6
The Seven Chinese Brothers (1990) written by Margaret Mahey, illustrated by Jean and Mou-sien Tseng.
The Three Questions – Based on a story by Leo Tolstoy (2002) written & illustrated by Jon J Muth
The Tortoise and the Hare (2001) retold by Angela McAllister, woodcuts by Jonathan Heale. AN AESOP’S FABLE.
The Velveteen Rabbit, by Margery Williams
The Warrior and the Wise Man (1989) written & illustrated by David Wisniewski.
The Wishing Cupboard (2002) written by Libby Hathorn, illustrated by Elizabeth Stanley. VIETNAM. On line at www.libbyhathorn.com***
Tough Lester (1997) written by Nette Hilton, illustrated by Craig smith. ISBN 1-86291-339-0 pbk
Walter the Farting Dog (2001). Written by William Kotzwinkle & Glen Murray, illustrated by Audrey Colman. ISBN 0-14-350088-0
War & Peas (1974) written & illustrated by Michael Foreman. ISBN 1-84270-083-9
Weighing the Elephant (2002) by Ting-Xing Ye, illustrated by Suzane Langlois. CHINA.
What are Friends For? (1998) written by Sally Grindley, illustrated by Penny Dan
Where the Wild Things Are, by Maurice Sendak
Yoko’s Paper Cranes (2001) written & illustrated by Rosemary Wells. USA/JAPAN. Under 6’s
Yoshi's Feast, by Kimiko Kajikawa
Zen Shorts (2005) by Jon Muth. Scholastic Press, New York
Reluctant Listeners
Anything by Dr Suess. Babette Cole or Margaret Mahey is a fairly safe bet. Strong images – forget watercolours, you’ve lost them before you start; familiar topics/themes.
Are you my Mother? (1960) by PD Eastman. ISBN0 00 171322-1 pbk
Hope on Pop (1963) by Dr Suess ISBN 0 00 171309 4 pbk
Pippi goes to school (1999) written by Astrid Lindgren, illustrated by Michael Chesworth. ISBN 0141302364
Walter the Farting Dog (2001). Written by William Kotzwinkle & Glen Murray, illustrated by Audrey Colman. ISBN 0-14-350088-0
Reluctant Readers Ages 6-9
Easy to read, funny, appealing to that awful ’bottom’ phase that some kids have a desperate need to go through and the books that came BEFORE the movie and the TV series – what a concept.
Are you my Mother? (1960) by PD Eastman. ISBN0 00 171322-1 pbk
Kat Kong (1993). Written & directed by Dav Pilkey. ISBN 0-15-204950-9
Cat Balloon (2000) written & illustrated by Paolo Morgan, accompanying CD with original music by Lee Buddle & John Reed. ISBN 1-86368-327-5 A read along book that works.
I Hate Fridays the Stories from Koala Hills Primary School Series by Rachel Flynn, illustrated by Craig Smith ISBN 0-14-034102-1
Captain Underpants Series by Day Pilkey See www.pilkey.com ISBN 0-439-37612-2
Boyz Rule! Series by Felice Arena & Phil Kettle, illustrated by Mitch Vane ISBN 0-7329-9262-1 set
Rock Starfish (2002) by Steve Wide & Michelle Mackintosh ISBN 0-7344-0420-4 pbk
Stumpy Grumpy Grasshopper (2002) by Steve Wide & Michelle Mackintosh ISBN 0-7344-0447-6
The Lesser of Two Weevils (2005) by Steve Wide & Michelle Mackintosh ISBN 0-7344-0710-6 pbk
Pippi goes to school (1999) written by Astrid Lindgren, illustrated by Michael Chesworth. ISBN 0141302364 This series is the short (30+ p) illustrated version.
Horrible Histories by
Because of Winn-Dixie (2000) by Kate DiCamillo ISBN 0-7636-1605-2 pbk
The Story of Tracy Beaker (1991) by Jacqueline Wilson ISBN 0-440-86279-5
Fred the (Quite) Brave Mouse (2003) written & illustrated by Murray Ball ISBN 1-86943-598-2
Chapter Books
A Wrinkle in Time, by Madeleine L'Engle
Because of Winn-Dixie (2000) by Kate DiCamillo ISBN 0-7636-1605-2 pbk
Captain Underpants Series by Day Pilkey See www.pilkey.com ISBN 0-439-37612-2
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, by Roald Dahl
Charlotte's Web, by E. B. White
Deltora Quest (Series) by Emily Roda
Fred the (Quite) Brave Mouse (2003) written & illustrated by Murray Ball ISBN 1-86943-598-2
Harriet the Spy, by Louise Fitzhugh
Horrible Histories by
I Hate Fridays the Stories from Koala Hills Primary School Series by Rachel Flynn, illustrated by Craig Smith ISBN 0-14-034102-1
James and the Giant Peach, by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake.
Myths and legends of the Martial Arts by Peter Lewis
Sophie Series by Dick King-Smith ISBN 1-84428-133-7
Tatterhood and other Tales (1978). Edited by Ethel Johston Phelps, illustrated by Pamela Baldwin Ford ISBN 0-912670-50-9 pbk
The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, by C. S. Lewis
The Mer-Child: A Legend for Children & Other Adults (1991) by Robin Morgan, illustrated by Jesse Spicer Zerner
The Story of Tracy Beaker (1991) by Jacqueline Wilson ISBN 0-440-86279-5
Asian Tales
Big Nuisance (2003) written & illustrated by Junko Morimoto. ISBN 1-74051-876-4 JAPAN
Brother Rabbit. A Cambodian Tale. (1997) Retold by Minfong Ho & Saphan Ros, illustrated by Jennifer Hewitson. CAMBODIA
Lord of the Cranes (2000) retold by Kerstin Chen, illustrated by Jian Jiang Chen. CHINA
Myths and legends of the Martial Arts by Peter Lewis
One Grain of Rice A Mathematical Folktale, by Demi
Sumo Mouse (2002) written & illustrated by David Wisniewski. JAPAN.
Tasty Baby Belly Buttons by Judy Sierra JAPAN
The Greatest Power (2004) written & illustrated by Demi ISBN 0-689-84503-0 CHINA
The Inch High Samurai; The Moon Princess; The Adventure of Momotaro, The Peach Boy; and Kintro series retold by Ralph F. Mccarthy with various illustrators.
The Magic Purse (1991) retold by Yoshiko Uchida, illustrated by Keiko Narahashi.
The Samurai’s Daughter (1992) written by Robert D. San Souci, illustrated by Stephen T. Johnson. ISBN 0-14-056284-2
The Samurai Warriors (1994) written by Philip Steele, illustrated by Nicki Palin. JAPAN
The Seven Chinese Brothers (1990) written by Margaret Mahey, illustrated by Jean and Mou-sien Tseng.
The Three Questions – Based on a story by Leo Tolstoy (2002) written & illustrated by Jon J Muth
The Warrior and the Wise Man
Yoko’s Paper Cranes (2001) written & illustrated by Rosemary Wells. USA/JAPAN. Under 6’s
Yoshi's Feast, by Kimiko Kajikawa
Zen Shorts (2005) written & illustrated by by Jon Muth. ISBN 0-439-33911-1
Global Tales
Master Man (2001) retold by Aaron Shepard, illustrated by David Wisniewski. NIGERIA
The Black Geese (1999) retold by Alison Lurie, . RUSSIA.
The Green Turtle (2000) written by Inge Plater, illustrated by Sue Pearson. ISBN 0-207-19818-7 pbk NORFOLK ISLAND
The House of Narcissus (2001) written by Margaret Wild, illustrated by Wayne Harris. GREECE
The Orphan Boy (1990) by Tololwa M. Mollel, illustrated by Paul Morin. MAASAI
Tatterhood and other Tales (1978). Edited by Ethel Johston Phelps, illustrated by Pamela Baldwin Ford ISBN 0-912670-50-9 pbk
Annotated Bibliography
Ages 4-8
Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day, by Judith Viorst
On a day when everything goes wrong for him, Alexander is consoled by the thought that other people have bad days too.
Billy the Punk ( ) written by Jessica Carroll , illustrated by Craig Smith.
Billy decides that he needs to look different. Very different. And he doesn’t care that no one much likes his hair or his new clothes. Billy thinks he looks GREAT!
Harold and the Purple Crayon, by Crockett Johnson
One evening Harold decided to go for a walk in the moonlight. But there wasn't any moon, and Harold needed a moon for a walk in the moonlight. Fortunately, he had brought his purple crayon. So he drew a moon. He also needed something to walk on. So he drew a path...
Mrs Millie’s Painting (1997) written & illustrated by Matthew Ottley ISBN 0-7336-0882-5
Matt Ottley has such a wonderful imagination and the world he creates for Miss Millie is one children would love to enter. Their attraction is also seeing a grandma naked(!) surrounded by her extraordinary flowers. Mine is how easily he gets the children to realise belief in yourself will win through in the end.
One Grain of Rice A Mathematical Folktale, by Demi
Long ago in India, there lived a raja who believed that he was wise and fair. But every year he kept nearly all the people's rice for himself. Then a village girl named Rani devises a clever plan, using the surprising power of doubling to win more than one billion grains of rice from the raja.
Pippi goes to school (1999) written by Astrid Lindgren, illustrated by Michael Chesworth. ISBN 0141302364
This book has been adapted with Lindgren's help to a slender 32 pages (including illustrations). Pippi is such a funny little girl and the stories still make everyone laugh out loud. A lovely early "chapter" book or just to read aloud at bedtime. One can never get enough of Pippi.
Sophie Series by Dick King-Smith illustrated by David Parkins ISBN 1-84428-133-7
Sophie is small but very determined ‘farmer-to-be’. This is a delightful series, with just enough of the most gorgeous b&W illustrations to make the transition between a picture book and chapter book for those new readers. I haven’t met any little girls who haven’t loved “Sophie”.
The Best Treasure Ever (2000) written by Tamzin Blair, illustrated by (Shuseki Shihan) Renzie Hanham. ISBN 0-9582040-1-2
A lift the flap book that my own children love. The text is weak but the illustrations make them giggle every time. Ages 2-6
The Giving Tree, by Shel Silverstein
This story is a moving parable about the gift of giving and the capacity to love, told throughout the life of a boy who grows to manhood and a tree that selflessly gives him her bounty through the years.
The Inch High Samurai; The Moon Princess; The Adventure of Momotaro, the Peach Boy; and Kintro series retold by Ralph F. Mccarthy with various illustrators. Small bilingual books with the most gorgeous illustrations taken from the 50+ yrs Kodansha no eho (Kodansha Picture book) series.
The Samurai’s Daughter (1992) written by Robert D. San Souci, illustrated by Stephen T. Johnson. ISBN 0-14-056284-2
This retelling of the Japanese legend “A story of Oki islands” offers an unusual glimpse of an independent-minded girl in long-ago Japan. Although a reasonably large format (with my pbk edition) the picture book is not suitable to read to a group simply because the rendering of the beautiful pastels illustrations is so poor that much of the pictures were too dark to be seen at any distance.
The Velveteen Rabbit, by Margery Williams
In this classic children's tale, the magic of a young boy's love changes a beloved toy bunny into a real live rabbit.
Tough Lester (1997) written by Nette Hilton, illustrated by Craig smith. ISBN 1-86291-339-0 pbk
Lester Orphington is the pride of the rugby team. He’s so tough that the other kids just get out of his way when they see him coming. However when the Bombers turn up to play we find out just how tough Lester is. A delightful story of “not judging a book by its cover”.
Where the Wild Things Are, by Maurice Sendak
Maurice Sendak's story about Max, a little boy who sails to the land of the Wild Things.
Yoshi's Feast, by Kimiko Kajikawa
Long ago there lived a fan maker named Yoshi who loved to eat broiled eels but the cook wants to charge him for the ones he smells as well as eats! How Yoshi repays the cook makes for a witty, satisfying tale about the pleasures of give and take.
Ages 9-12
Because of Winn-Dixie (2000) by Kate DiCamillo ISBN 0-7636-1605-2 pbk
Forget the movie, let your child read this ‘poignant and delicately told story of a dog as a child’s much-needed best friend’ (New York Times Book Review)
A Wrinkle in Time, by Madeleine L'Engle
Meg Murry and her friends become involved with unearthly strangers and a search for Meg's father, who disappeared while engaged in secret work for the government.
Harriet the Spy, by Louise Fitzhugh
Harriet M. Welsch is determined to grow up and be a famous author. In the meantime, she practices by following a regular spy route each day and writing down everything she sees in her secret notebook. Then one morning, her classmates find her spy notebook and read it out loud! Harriet's in big trouble. The other sixth-graders are stealing her tomato sandwiches, forming a spy-catcher club, and writing notes of their own -- all about Harriet!
James and the Giant Peach, by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
For young James Henry Trotter, life with the exceedingly nasty Aunt Sponge and Aunt Spiker is pure misery. James dreams of a better life, but he's totally unprepared for the wild adventures ahead of him when he drops the magic crystals he receives from a strange old man. Before long James is off on a weird, wonderful journey inside a giant peach with a bizarre group of companions!
The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, by C. S. Lewis
What begins as a simple game of hide-and-seek quickly turns into the adventure of a lifetime when Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy walk through the wardrobe and into the land of Narnia.