In her most recent podcast, Fuse #8 booktalks Audrey Shafer’s amazing-sounding book: The Mailbox. (Received today from the library… check!) This led to me thinking about all of the kids’ books near and dear to my heart that concern letters and letter-writing. The magic of mail. I am kinda nosey and there’s something about being allowed to read “other people’s letters” in a story that feels wonderfully not-allowed. Like someone is whispering somebody else’s secrets in your ear.
So here are a few of my favorite titles related to letters – some are written entirely in letters, in others, letters play a central role in the story. They appear in order of age-appropriateness. (You will note that the upcoming Clementine made this list. I have not read it. I simply have tremendous faith in the genius of Ms. Sara Pennypacker).
SMART LIST #10: Other People’s Mail
Dear Greenpeace – Simon James
The Jolly Postman and Other People’s Letters – Allan Ahlberg
Meerkat Mail – Emily Gravett
Letters from Felix: A Little Rabbit on a World Tour – Annette Langen
The Gardener – Sarah Stewart
Dear Mrs. LaRue: Letters from Obedience School – Mark Teague
Clementine’s Letter – Sarah Pennypacker
Beatrice Letters: A Series of Unfortunate Events – Lemony Snicket
P.S. Longer Letter Later – Paula Danziger and Ann M. Martin
Letters from Rapunzel – Sara Lewis Holmes
The Mailbox – Audrey Shafer
Feeling Sorry for Celia – Jaclyn Moriarty
The Year of Secret Assignments –Jaclyn Moriarty
Go partake in a little harmless snooping.
(You don’t even have to steam these puppies open).
Shelf Elf: read, write, rave. 