Within the last week, two grandparents from opposite ends of the country e-mailed to say that they regularly buy books for their grandchildren based on my reviews. Of course, I’m very flattered. But more than that, their selfless acts of generosity are an inspiring testimony to the value these grandparents place in reading and helping their grandchildren connect with books they will enjoy.

Because the goal is to help children foster an interest in reading, it’s essential to put the best books in front of the child. That’s what these two grandparents are doing, and that’s precisely what you’ll find here every week, only the cream-of-the-crop in children’s literature.

It would be wonderful if we were all like these grandparents and took it upon ourselves to provide a steady stream of awesome books for the children in our lives. Theirs is certainly an example worth following.

Books to Borrow

The following book is available at many public libraries.

“Pirates Don’t Change Diapers” by Melinda Long, illustrated by David Shannon, Harcourt, 40 pages

Read aloud: age 5 and older.

Read yourself: age 7-8 and older.

Jeremy’s pirate friends have returned to Jeremy’s house to dig up their treasure, but the pirates are so loud they accidentally wake Jeremy’s baby sister, Bonney Anne. Before anyone can do any digging, the pirates and Jeremy have to sooth the baby and make her happy.

But pirates aren’t accustomed to the baby business, and one hilarious event after another has the pirates scrambling to do the right thing. Once Bonney Anne is finally asleep, it’s time to dig. But wait! What happened to the treasure map?

This highly entertaining story will have readers agreeing — pirates don’t change diapers, at least not very well!

Librarian’s Choice

Library: Priestly-Forsyth Memorial Library, 100 King St., Northumberland

Library Director: Lynn Williams

Youth Services Coordinator: Kim King