Lentil by Robert McCloskey. First published by Viking, 1940.
- Reading Level: Picture Books, 4-8
- Recommended for: Ages 4-8
Lentil, McCloskey’s first picture book, is now 74 years old. Readers will recognize McCloskey’s familiar style from his more well-known picture books (such as Blueberries for Sal or Make Way for Ducklings). Lentil is a young boy from the town of Alto, Ohio. In his music-loving town, Lentil is an oddity: he can’t sing—he can’t even whistle. Triumph comes when Lentil saves up and buys a harmonica. Suddenly Lentil’s musicality blossoms, and he practices constantly. He loves practicing in the bathtub the best! At the end of the book when the town’s noted citizen, Colonel Carter, returns, it is Lentil who gives a Colonel-worthy welcome on his lowly harmonica. Full of old-fashioned charm, Lentil is a great choice both as a read-aloud and as an independent reading choice for newly independent readers.
Overall Rating: 4 (out of 5)
- Moral/Worldview Value: 4
- Artistic Value: 4
Cautions: none
Recommended Use: Entertainment, Read Aloud, Curriculum Tie-in (small town America, 1940s, music)
Categories: Picture Books, Historical Fiction, Read Alouds, Classics
Stay Up to Date!
Get the information you need to make wise choices about books for your children and teens.
Our weekly newsletter includes our latest reviews, related links from around the web, a featured book list, book trivia, and more. We never sell your information. You may unsubscribe at any time.
Support our writers and help keep Redeemed Reader ad-free by joining the Redeemed Reader Fellowship.
Stay Up to Date!
Get the information you need to make wise choices about books for your children and teens.
Our weekly newsletter includes our latest reviews, related links from around the web, a featured book list, book trivia, and more. We never sell your information. You may unsubscribe at any time.
FREE Bible Guide!
Get a guide to the Best Bibles for Children and Teens. Perfect for an Easter gift.
We'd love to hear from you!
Our comments are now limited to our members (both Silver and Golden Key). Members, you just need to log in with your normal log-in credentials!
Not a member yet? You can join the Silver Key ($2.99/month) for a free 2-week trial. Cancel at any time. Find out more about membership here.
1 Comments
Leave a Comment
You must be logged in to post a comment.
Love this one 🙂 I discovered it when we began using the Five in a Row curriculum for my then-preschooler. Ever since, we make sure to read it before we head to a local town’s big Veteran’s Day parade and celebration.