The World Champion of Staying Awake, by Sean Taylor, and painted with vivid beautiful water-colors by Jimmy Liao, is wonderfully executed in using many tactics to get children to sleep. Stella is a youngster who is not about to go to sleep until she can get her three cherished toys to bed who tell her each is the world champion of staying awake.  She proceeds to tell the most creative stories to settle each down.  Each rhythmic tale is surrounded by colorful creations made up by Stella.  By the end, there’s only one left awake: Stella.  And remember to check out the clever front and back end pages.

Farmyard Beat, by Lindsey Craig, and ingeniously illustrated by Marc Brown, is a most clever story in both rhyme and pictures. “Chicks can’t sleep. / Chicks can’t sleep. / Chicks can’t sleep  ‘cause they got that beat!” And they begin to peep peep and peep. All that peeping wakes up: Sheep. It becomes quite a ruckus with all these animals feeling the beat.  However, “they all fall in a heap! Asleep!”, until morning when a rooster wakes them with “that beat!” The illustrations are all hand-painted into basic geometric shapes and there is texture and color from top to bottom on every page!

Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star, by Jerry Pinkney, is a most creative venture for this renowned artist / author.  He takes this simple nursery song and magically recreates a wondrous adventure that a forest chipmunk takes in search for that special star.  Many of these gorgeous full-spread pictures evoke the forest habitats of life where Pinkney lives.  Many of these water colored paintings of the little chipmunk’s adventures are wordless, which invites the listener to participate. Be sure to read the inspiration of the story in the Author’s Note found at the back.

Good Night, World, by Willa Perlman, and illustrated with colors that fill both pages by Carolyn Fisher, is a gracious reflection of a child’s appreciation of all the earth’s gifts as he gets ready for sleep. The swirls of waves, the patterns of leaves and fluctuations of color and rhyme create an appraisal of all God has given us. Check out the many ways to say good night in different languages found at the back of the book.

Your Moon, My Moon, by Patricia Maclachlan, and illustrated with a wonderful combination of watercolor and collage by Bryan Collier, celebrates the bond between grandparent and child even though both are far apart.  The story is based on the author’s grandchild who lives in Africa and the lyrical words express the great love of her absent grandchild. The collage, combined with watercolor, gives texture and life to each full page spread.

Moo, Moo, Brown Cow, Have You Any Milk?, by Phillis Gershator, and painted with a folk-art rendition by Giselle Potter, takes the first two lines of the classic nursery rhyme, Baa Baa Black Sheep, and continues this rhythmic pattern by having a youngster asking “Does wool make a blanket for my bed?” All of the animals rhymed here help the young boy get ready for bed. And then, so do they. This delightful story would actually be a perfect emergent reader with the predictable text repeating throughout. The colorful pictures fill the open-spread pages.

Dream Away, by Julia Durango and Katie Belle Trupiano, and painted on cloth with brilliant quixotic oil by Robert Goldstrom, takes a boy and his dad on a dream voyage as the boy falls asleep while being read to by his father. The ship, portrayed as a folded paper soldier hat, glides into the cloudy moonlit night where animals become constellations and the moon is attached to a string and guides father and son on their rhyming adventure. This story should set sail into a dreamland of delight as the boy and the moon both show sleep at the end.

Charlotte Jane Battles Bedtime, by Myra Wolfe, and painted with watercolor and digitally enhanced with texture by Maria Monescillo, showcases a young girl who refuses to go to sleep. She just has too many adventures to experience and likes “to get all the juice out of my days!” As the day gets later and later, she ends up not going to sleep and discovers how tired she is the next day.  Her attitude changes and she decides her dreams can continue her adventures through the night. The pictures showcase Charlotte Jane as a pirate and many of the pictures have strategic small colorful illustrations on a white background. But the full-spread pictures reflect her adventures the best. This kid-pleasing adventure just might convince your youngster that bedtime is actually a continuum of their day’s activities!

Let’s begin with pop-up and interactive books. Super Science:  Feel the Force!  Full of Pop-up Physics Fun!, by Tom Adams, and ingeniously illustrated by Thomas Flintham, is packed with inventive and interesting facts that are sure to spark even the most reluctant scientist in your family. Learn about basic science elements and principles which include electricity, gravity and friction. There are also pull-tabs, small booklets and open flaps included.

Amazing Pop-Up Trucks, by Robert Crowther, is an over-sized book with five fascinating trucks that seem to explode off the page as you open each double page. Each truck includes interesting facts and a photograph of the vehicle.

The Great Global Puzzle Challenge with Google Earth, by Clive Gifford, and packed with in-credible detailed illustrations by William Ings, teaches you how to navigate through google to find coordinates on maps by combining both book and google to locate destinations. These destinations are somehow connected to the next search and each page is also filled with details of that city/area which the reader needs to discover to continue the search. This book is great fun through the various discoveries!

Puppies and Kittens and Other Pop-Up Pets, by one of my favorite paper engineers: Matthew Reinhart, is one in a series of pop-up books that are finally constructed for tiny hands. The pop ups are made of thicker and simpler construction enabling young children to enjoy them.

Razzle-Dazzle Ruby, by Masha Dyans, is an interactive story full of wheels to turn, tabs to pull or open and pop-ups.  Also, Ruby is surrounded with glistening snow that turns her day into magic.

Now for some classic reissues, and featured compilations, check out these outstanding books. The Chronicles of Harris Burdick (14 Amazing Authors Tell the Tale) based on the story by Chris Van Allsburg, has some of the best children’s authors incorporating Allsburg’s wordless and mysterious story into their own tales. Some of these renowned authors include Lois Lowry and Jon Scieszka. This book just may spark the author in you.

The Family Storybook Treasury:  Tales of Laughter, Curiosity and Fun, compiled by Hough-ton Mifflin Harcourt, is a compilation of beloved classic children’s stories and poems. This over-sized and colorful picture book includes stories from “Curious George”, “Martha Speaks” and “Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel”.

The Giver:  The Gift Edition, by Lois Lowry, has been reissued and packaged into this special edition along with thirteen new extraordinary illustrations by famed Bagram Ibatoulline.  Also in-cluded in this Newbery winner is an introduction and her 1994 acceptance speech for this coveted award.

The Annotated Phantom Tollbooth and The Phantom Tollbooth, by Norton Juster, and illustrated by Jules Feiffer, are two books celebrating the 50th-anniversary of this classic story. The annotated version has notes and an introduction by Leonard S. Marcus and brilliantly expresses a commentary alongside the story.  Both books are perfect gifts for an avid reader this Christmas.

The rest of the books are activity books that involve arts and crafts and are great fun to make and create. The following books are published by Klutz.

The Marvelous Book of Magical Horses, by Eva Steele-Saccio, includes six paper horses that you can decorate with colorful wings, stickers and more.

Brilliant Bead Rings, by Anne Avers Johnson, has simple instructions, beads of many colors and sizes and flexible wire to make easy, pretty rings.

Pom-Pom Monster Salon, by April Chorba, includes bright yarn, easy to follow instructions and decorations to make fun and funny pom-pom monsters.

Friendship Pixies, by Karen Phillips, includes bendable wire, colorful raffia for clothing and sparkly yarn hair to make your magical pixies.

Ribbon Bangles, by Eva Steele-Saccio, includes plain plastic bracelets along with bright ribbon and beads to make pretty bangles.

Kids Cooking is a perfect introduction of simple recipes for the youngest kitchen helper. In-cluded are colorful plastic measuring spoons.

Twisted Critters: The Pipe Cleaner Book shows fast and easy twisting and curling to make all kinds of animals, bracelets and more. There are dozens of brilliant pipe cleaners included.

The last two books are published by Simon & Schuster:  Green & Groovy Crafts: Fairy Crafts, by Pam Abrams and Jenny Wilson, has everything you need to make a fairy life. “Fairy Fashion”, “Fairy Furniture” and “Crowns & Headdresses” are just a few chapters. Included are ribbon, glitter, felt and more.

Pink Princess Party Cookbook, by Barbara Beery, includes six different types of princess parties along with recipes that go right along with the themes which are : “Snowflake”, “Spa”, “Garden”, “Mermaid”, “Enchanted Pony” and “Pink Princess” parties.

The Mansion, 100th Anniversary Edition, by Henry Van Dyke, and gorgeously painted by Dan Burr, is an abridged picture book with the unabridged version found at the back of the book. This story, that was referred to by the Prophet during his Christmas address, is about an older man who has accumulated his wealth and shares it by carefully using his name in order to receive credit. His son wants to utilize his business sense by working for the poor with which his dad doesn’t agree. One night he dreams he has died and gone to a beautiful place where travelers are heading to a city of mansions where they are entrusted to live by how they lived their lives. But he finds his mansion is but a hut. The lessons learned here are a strong reminder about what is truly important and how Christ desires us to live in the service of our fellowman!

Walk With Me, by Greg Olsen, is a compilation of the most beautiful paintings of Christ and landscapes epitomizing all the wondrous blessings we have in this life. There are uplifting quotes, scriptural references and inspirational text all by Olsen. Here is one exquisite and illuminated picture book that should be on every family room table for all to see and read. There will be a better appreciation of all that we have by turning more to our Lord and Savior.

If I Listen With My Heart I Hear The Savior’s Voice, by Sally DeFord, and gloriously painted by Greg Olsen and Liz Swindle, is a picture book based on DeFord’s wonderful song found at the back of the book. The pictures go right along with the text and almost jump off the pages in song. This book is an inspiration for Primary children of all ages.

My First Book of Mormon Stories, retold by Deanna Draper Buck, and colorfully painted by Jerry Harston, is the perfect companion for little ones to learn about the Book of Mormon while parents study this book during next year. Each of the 19 stories in this board book is simple and easy to understand. It begins with “Lehi Was a Prophet” and ends with “Joseph Smith” receiving the golden plates from the Angel Moroni.

My First Book of the Latter-day Prophets, also by Deanna Draper Buck, and brightly illustrated by Casey Nelson, has a similar format at the previously mentioned board book but with concise and inspirational background of each of our modern-day prophets. This book is also good for ages four to ten.

Illustrated Book of Mormon Stories, retold by Karmel H. Newell, and beautifully illustrated by Brian Call, is another perfect companion for children to learn about the Book of Mormon as their parents study it. This book is geared for older children, ages eight to twelve, as the stories are in much more detail and the text is smaller. However, the book would be a wonderful read-aloud for all ages. The stories are many of the highlights from the book, but as indicated from the front passage, “How to Use This Book”, this book is for supplemental scripture study and is not intended to replace the scriptures.

Libby Boom: I Want to Be Baptized, by Catherine Rae Purves, and illustrated by Tuesday Mourning, is a picture book about a girl who is about to be baptized.  She wonders if God knows who she is and through a dream she travels to several parts of the world where she discovers that God does, in fact, know her. This book might be hard to find so here’s the contact information: wonderbookpressd.com.

Who’s Your Hero? Book of Mormon Stories Applied to Children Volume 2, by David Bowman, are stories about Helaman’s Warriors (respecting their parents), Enos (praying sincerely), and Alma The Younger (apologizing). The stories are easy and enjoyable to read as the illustrations alone will draw children, ages four to eight, into the stories. There are also helpful FHE activities outlined at the end of each story. Who’s Your Hero? Book of Mormon Stories Applied to Children Volume 3 , by the same author/illustrator, has the same format but features Captain Moroni (finding protection in righteousness), Nephi and Lehi (following the spirit) and The Brother of Jared (showing great faith).

Pillage, by Obert Skye, is the first in a 3 book series, with the second book, Choke, recently published. Both books are based on the adventures of Beck Phillips who lives in the village of Kingsplot. He has a unique gift of hatching dragon eggs. In the first book, these dragons were destroyed. But in the second book, there is a soft dragon’s egg and Beck must locate and hatch this egg which turns out to be a most ferocious dragon of all. The first book takes a little perseverance to get into the excitement of Beck’s adventures, but stay with it because it will pay off by becoming a page-turner. Both books are good for ages eight to twelve.

Jacob T. Marley, by R. William Bennett, is the perfect book to read to the entire family this Christmas season! The story is based on what possibly led Jacob Marley, Ebenezer Scrooge’s business partner, to come back to warn Scrooge to change his life. The story begins with Marley’s life growing up with his parents and siblings and how he began to become hardened as a young adult and desiring money above all else. This insightful and well-written book will be an inspiration to change your life for the better. It’s never too late!

Life’s Lessons Learned: Personal Reflections, by Dallin H. Oaks, is an inspirational book about what our beloved apostle has learned over the years. It’s broken into 3 parts of his life: Part I to 1971, Part II Brigham Young University and the Utah Supreme Court, 1971 to 1984, and ending with Part III General Authority, 1984 to Present. The book is written with helpful topics that he learned along the way such as “Adversity”, “Goal Setting” and “Tithing Blessings”. There is an encouraging synopsis at the end of each chapter.

LDS Beliefs: A Doctrinal Reference, by Robert L. Millet, Camille Fronk Olson, Andrew C. Skinner and Brent L. Top, is a book full of our Mormon beliefs with references from all the important doctrines, scriptural references and quotes from our apostles. This book is much like Bruce R. McConkie’s “Mormon Doctrine” with headings of topics organized in an alphabetical order. These last two books are good for teens to adults.

I Want My Hat Back, by Jon Klassen, is a cleverly drawn story with minimal executed illustrations and dialogue exchange, separated with colors.  A large brown bear has lost his much adored hat and he proceeds to ask forest animals if they’ve seen it. He even asks Rabbit (who is wearing the self-described lost article) who proclaims innocence. The sparsity of picture and dialogue makes this story strong and ingenious – which would bring about much conversation after reading it.

Neville, by Norton Juster, and painted with mixed-media by G. Brian Karas, has a sad little boy moving to a new home and a new neighborhood.  After his mother suggests that he take a little walk around the block, he walks forlornly away.  Then he stops and yells out the name “Neville” and other children hear and join in the call. He explicitly feels better about the place by the amount of kids he sees and the colors (that began with muted grays and blues) that are becoming much more vibrant and vivid.  And who is Neville?  You discover that clever clue on the last page.

Scrawny Cat, by Phyllis Root, and beautifully painted in gouache by Alison Friend, is a story of hopelessness and loss.  A sad scrawny cat is now homeless when he once was loved and had a home.  He finds himself on a dinghy which is swept out to sea by a storm and he eventually lands on an island where a woman who also feels lonely and lost finds the cat – and a friend.

A Ball For Daisy, by Chris Raschka, is a wordless book (which I love, as it invites much conversation) about an adorable playful dog who goes to the park with her owner and her bright red ball.  When she meets a brown dog and owner and whom ultimately breaks the ball, her frisky behavior is also broken.  However, at the next meeting with the brown dog, who now has a blue ball, she happily takes this new ball home. The splash of colors spread throughout the pages typify Raschka.

Coral Reefs, by Jason Chin, is an inviting adventure into the deep blue sea when a young girl’s world is transformed while reading about the ocean at the library.  There is so much to learn here as the author / artist paints full page spreads of accurate sea life and describes it vividly and interestingly.  The end pages are full of accurately labeled sea life, as well as more information found at the back of the book.

Mouse & Lion, by Rand Burkert, and perfectly drawn and painted with fine accuracy by Nancy Ekholm Burkert, is a wonderful retelling of Aesop’s fable.  This mother and son team has endeavored to recreate a story with a bit of a unique flair by making the delivery sparse in both picture and story.  But don’t be mislead, as this is exactly what makes the story so powerful with its eloquent language and authentic African drawings.  Be sure to read the back pages of the Burkert’s inspirations.

Say What?, by Angela DiTerlizzi, and illustrated digitally by Joey Chou, is a clever look into what exactly an animal is actually saying. The rhyming pattern of each animal has a simple beat making it great fun to read-out-loud. “When a duck says quack, / does he really mean snack?” and “When a snake says hiss, / does she really mean kiss?” are a few snatches of the text.

Drawing From Memory, by Allen Say, is an evocative account of this famous illustrator’s beginning as a young middle-schooler.  Say relates how his desire was so great to become a good painter that he actually went to the door of a famous cartoonist and asked if he could learn from him. There is a Japanese determination with Say and he’s become one of today’s leading illustrators and authors. There are many of Say’s artwork from when he was young and as he grew in experience. This book is an inspiration.

Edwin Speaks Up, by April Stevens, and painted with ink, watercolor and gouache by Sophie Blackall, is a delightfully funny story about an unabashed and unflustered mother who takes her four whiny, bothersome children, as well as baby Edwin, grocery shopping.  Edwin yells out each time mother forgets something or has a problem.  His baby babble is recognizable to the reader but not to mom as he attempts to warn her.  Kids will have much fun with this story.

Mirror, by Jeannie Baker, is a most amazing picture book both in the way it’s packaged and the message it delivers.  It opens to a two-sided story.  On the left side is a story about family life in Australia and is written in English. On the right side is a story about a similar family in Morocco and is written in Arabic.  This multi-layered book displays the commonality of family life around the world with children doing chores, eating at mealtime and caring for their pets.  The pictures are made with intricate collages.

I Spy With My Little Eye, by Edward Gibbs, begins with a die-cut on the cover depicting a large eye on what appears to be an alligator (but you must open both front and back to reveal what this animal actually is). From there, the book asks the reader to participate in guessing what the next eye could belong to stating that the animal is blue and is the biggest animal in the world. There are more die-cuts throughout, ending with the back cover and asking the reader to peer out with their own eyes to see what they can see.

Miss Smith Under the Ocean, by Michael Garland, is an adventure that takes reading to a level that actually becomes real.  When Miss Smith reads out loud to her class, her stories take them to parts of famous books and the students are caught completely up in the story.  As the class goes on a field trip to an aquarium, Miss Smith begins to read adventures “on the high seas.” Her stories, such as “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea” and “Swiss Family Robinson”, are just a few of the exciting books the children experience. Check out more books about Miss Smith’s great reading adventures.

Josias, Hold the Book, by Jennifer Riesmeyer Elvgren, and beautifully painted with soft water-colors by Nicole Tadgell, is a fascinating look inside the life of a Haitian boy, Josia, as he works in his family’s garden.  He can’t seem to get his beans to grow and he asks a friend who gets to “hold the book”, which means in Haitian that the friend is able to attend school, to help him. If Josia can’t grow his beans, he worries what his family will eat. His friend convinces him that he can find the answers at school where books will be helpful to him. This book showcases life in a third world country and the difficulties of life for the many children who aren’t able to go to school. The author’s note found in the back discusses further what Haitian school children do at school and what they eat while there.

Homer The Library Cat, by Reeve Lindbergh, and perfectly painted with a combination of water-color and collage by Anne Wilsdorf, has Homer curled up in his quiet house after his owner leaves for work. But when loud noises from outside drives him in search for a quiet peaceful place, he finally arrives where his owner works: the library. The rhyming text makes for a delight-ful read.

Miss Dorothy and Her Bookmobile, by Gloria Houston, and painted with soft pastel hues by Susan Condie Lamb, is a story based on the author’s own librarian who travelled all over the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina delivering books to families who were always waiting anxiously for her arrival. This book takes many of us back to our childhood days where book-mobiles were used where libraries were hard to reach. Be sure to read the author’s note at the back telling more about her years growing up with this experience.

Book Speak!  Poems About Books, by Laura Purdie Salas, and brilliantly illustrated with a unique blend of mixed media by Josee Bisaillon, is full of magic, the kind of magic that only words blended on paper and brewed with majestic illustrated wonder. “Paper Sky” has pens falling off of branches of a tree along with paper words. The poem: “My Limbs wrote on the sky with orange leaf pens. / Now I will be your sky. / Are you ready?” This book is exquisite in both poem and picture and celebrates the beauty of our language!

The Adventures of Mark Twain, by Huckleberry Finn, and with considerable help from Robert Burleigh, and painted with ink and watercolor by Barry Blitt, is a fun and humorous account of one of America’s most renowned authors. It’s told through Huck’s accounts and is hilarious and full of the twang so that you can almost hear Twain himself in the dialogue. This book is best when read aloud!

Story County Here We Come!, by Derek Anderson, is an imaginative and brightly painted story that demonstrates how clever and ingenious stories can be. A farmer and his crew (a chicken, pig, cow and dog) are getting ready to create their farm in one day.  What they use and how they paint the barn will have kids smiling and most likely desiring to create their own interesting story.

I Will Not Read This Book, by Cece Meng, and digitally illustrated by Joy Ang, is aimed at the reluctant reader as a youngster tells his parents he needs to do everything he can think of before reading his book. Finally, time is running out and he tells his parents all the many ways he won’t read the book. But, alas, it all works out and the chance to read with support is accepted willingly.

Five Little Monkeys Reading in Bed, by Eileen Christelow, has the same characteristics of the cute little monkeys we’ve grown to love from the author’s previous books. The book has the same iambic pentameter rhythm that begs to not only be read out loud – but sung as well!  Mama is tired and reads them stories then turns off the light.  But the little monkeys want more, so they read to themselves.  The story is fun and funny to read out loud but maybe not before bedtime or the little ones might become wide awake!

Inkblot:  Drip, Splat, and Squish Your Way to Creativity, by Margaret Peot, is one of the most remarkable books of delving into ways to motivate and achieve uniqueness!  There are many amazing ways demonstrated and indicated in this book that will surely create some unique stories that are just on the ridge waiting to be discovered.  The book is written for ages ten and up, but would be especially effective for parents to help their children write their own masterpieces!

This School Year Will Be The BEST!, by Kay Winters, and brightly painted by Renee Andriani, is the perfect book for first day jitters.  Several different children express their hopes for the new school year.  Some are blissful and others are wistful.  One hopes for a chocolate water fountain; another hopes for new friends.  But the teacher’s wish brings the great joy of a bonded classroom when she wishes to get to know each child.

The Gingerbread Man is Loose in the School, by Laura Murray, and drawn and colored by Mike Lowery, is an indescribably delicious story about this cool cookie who seems to have lost the students after being made. As he runs, runs, as fast as he can, he tries to catch up with the class. This yummy story can introduce kindergarteners to the many parts of the school as the Gingerbread Man runs throughout the building. The cartoonlike panels and different size fonts make for a perfect recipe of a book!

Hornbooks and Inkwells, by Verla Kay, and painted with watercolor and gouache by S. D. Schindler, is a wonderful book to showcase to kids to see the similarities and differences of kids attending school back in the 18th century. The rhyming is brief on every page, but the impact is great with the information it provides. This book will really open children’s eyes to the daily schedules of learning how to read and write, and what was used to write with. This book would be good for all ages.

Peanut Butter and Homework Sandwiches, by Lisa Broadie Cook, and drawn and painted with bright acrylic by Jack E. Davis, is a hilarious book with many of the homework excuses that kids use placed into this story.  Martin goes to school on Monday and sees that he has a substitute for the week.  She gives homework and when he attempts to work on it his dog licks the peanut butter and jam off the paper it had just spilled on. Then the dog eats his homework paper.  The next day, he misses recess to makeup for the loss. And on his week goes. (As a retired teacher, I’ve heard many creative excuses, but Martin is truly having a bad week.) The story ends happily when his real teacher finally comes back.

Follow the Line to School, by Laura Ljungkvist, continues the author’s trademark series of following a simple line as it swirls and twists from the cover to the back. In this book, you get to explore the school from front to back and all in between. All along, the colorful and variety of fonts ask three questions on each page about the area the line has just entered. This book very cleverly introduces school to children!

Louise the Big Cheese and the Back-to-School Smarty-Pants, by Elise Primavera, and painted with watercolor by Diane Goode, is another story in this series but this time Louise is determined to get straight A’s. The problem is that her teacher doesn’t give A’s.  But that doesn’t stop Louise to work very hard to get an A. This excellent story demonstrates the importance of a strong work ethic and determination, as well as the importance of an understanding teacher who expects the best from her students!  I love this book!

Pete the Cat:  Rocking in My School Shoes, by Eric Litwin, and brightly painted with color that fills each page by James Dean, has Pete the Cat sitting at his desk, going to the library and going outside for recess all in his vibrant red shoes. The rhyming text reads like a song.  In fact, you can download the song from the link found in the book.

Pirates Go To School, by Corinne Demas, and painted by John Manders, shows what would happen if adult pirates went to school with kids. This funny book takes you through their day, along with their parrots, and how they learn to read and write, (”x” marks the spot) and much more.  But beware, these buccaneers may tickle your funny bone.

Dino Pets Go To School, by Lynn Plourde, and wonderfully painted by Gideon Kendall, has a young boy trying to decide which pet he should bring to school for “show-’n-tell”. He decides to bring all of his dinosaurs because each has different attributes he wants to show. This laughable story has more information found at the back about each of his “pets”.

The Rain Train, by Elena De Roo, and beautifully painted by Brian Lovelock, takes a boy on a train ride through the night. The watercolors of deep blue hues fill the pages as the text keeps an onomonopia rhythm with the “Clackety-clack” and the rhyming such as “Shackety-shack” throughout. The ending finds the boy dreaming. The front pages set the tone with the train in the moonlight and the end pages shows dawn in the same scene.

Franklin’s Big Dreams, by David Teague, and illustrated by Boris Kulikov, is an unusual story about a boy who suddenly is awakened by someone with a sledgehammer. Soon a track is laid and a train comes barreling through and then quickly disappears. There are more interruptions on future nights when the boy finally figures out how to become part of this exciting adventure. Watch for small hints in the pictures of the future dreams.

The World Champion of Staying Awake, by Sean Taylor, and painted by Jimmy Liao, has a nice blend of getting ready for bed, and fantasy, when Stella must put her three favorite stuffed animals to bed. They claim to be champions for not falling asleep. So she tells each a story full of imagination as they begin to drift off to sleep. The full-page pictures illustrating her stories are rich and different from the rest of the book helping to differentiate when she’s in her bedroom and when the stories are taking place. Don’t forget to check out the front and end pages.

Hide and Squeak, by Heather Vogel Frederick, and illustrated by C. F. Payne, is a delightful display of playfulness of father and son as baby mouse is running and jumping all over the house while daddy chases him in hopes of going to bed. The bond is strong between these two and it’s obvious the joy both experience during this nighttime routine.  The paintings of acrylic, pen and colored pencils are a perfect blend.

Pajama Pirates, by Andrew Kramer, and illustrated by Leslie Lammle, will take young dreamers on an adventure on to the high seas where pirates try to overtake the bed-turned-boat. But, alas, the three shipmates and their trusted dog turn the mast into a ghost frightening the skullduggery pirates away. The simple rhyming text and the swashbuckler bedmates make for an adventure perfect for dreamland.

Moon Dreams, by Ruth Martin, and digitally created illustrations by Olivier Latyk, has young Luna loving to watch the moon as she drifts off to sleep. But she wonders where the moon goes in the day. This brings about a creative adventure in her dreams as she imagines what the moon is up to. This would make a nice going-to-bed story.

Itsy Mitsy Runs Away, by Elanna Allen, is the perfect story for those children who really dislike going to bed. Itsy Mitsy falls into this category and finally decides to run away where there is no bedtime. As she begins to pack, her dad gives her suggestions of what to pack and before you know it, she’s packed her entire house which includes her dad.  The minimal color with much white as background gives a cartoonish effect and adds to the great humor in this alluring story!

Big Brothers Don’t Take Naps, by Louis Borden, and full page illustrations by Emma Dodd, is a great book celebrating the middle child. Nick follows his older brother, James, in all that he does. But James doesn’t have to take naps. He tells Nick that big brothers don’t have to. So when a new baby sister comes along, Nick finds he’s a big brother now.

Why Do I Have to Make My Bed? or a History of Messy Rooms, by Wade Bradford, and illustrated by combining Photoshop and watercolors by Johanna Van Der Sterre, deals with the dreaded chore all kids have to do: make their beds. This clever book takes a brief look back in time where kids of different ages have to do their chores, such as a girl back in 1801 has drawn the water from the well and already picked up her marbles and rag doll. So she asks her mother, “Land’s sakes, Ma, why do I have to make my bed?” It seems to be the eternal dilemma!

Cuddle Up, Goodnight, by Katie Cleminson, is a nice way to demonstrate to youngsters the activities of a day and then how, near the end of this day, there’s reason for being exhausted and being ready to fall asleep. The boy in this story is accompanied with animals helping him and vice-a-versa. This simple rhyming text lays out an active and rich day and then at night it’s time to cuddle up and read a good book.

A Bedtime for Bear, by Bonny Becker, and illustrated with watercolor and gouache by Kady MacDonald Denton, is a tale of two unlikely friends: a tiny mouse and a bear.  Similar to previous stories of these two companions, both of the friends find a solution to their bedtime problem.

Billy Twitters and his Blue Whale Problem, by Mac Barnett, and wonderfully illustrated by Adam Rex, is a hilarious story about a boy who doesn’t keep his room clean. So his parents threaten him with getting a whale if he doesn’t shape up. He thinks this is an idle threat except the next day a delivery truck has a huge trailer attached with a Blue Whale inside. He has to take this whale everywhere and the humorous situations follow him. But will he learn to clean his room?
Flying Lessons, by Gilbert Ford, has an airplane mimicking a flock of doves. The illustrations are funny when the airplane attempts to sit on a power line, get in a birdbath and lay eggs with the birds. The airplane finally figures out how to solve this dilemma.
Zoomer’s Summer Snowstorm, by Ned Young, will bring a chill to your summer heat. Zoomer turns his super snow cone machine into high pitch by mass producing snow. He turns his backyard into an amusement park of cold with a roller coaster and a Ferris wheel. These illustrations are enough to chill you with the vibrant colors of summer beside the hues of whites and blues of the snow.
Art & Max, by David Weisner, is a romp through creativity. Max attempts to paint his friend, Arthur. The only problem is Arthur is a great painter and Max doesn’t know how.  He takes the leap of courage and attempts and fails, but tries again. The illustrations of his attempts and the concluding pages will inspire even the shyest of all.
Dust Devil, by Anne Isaacs, and illustrated by Paul O. Zelinsky, is a story told in tall tale fashion. Swamp Angel has recently moved to Montana where she must wrestle with a whirlwind. She discovers a giant horse in the middle of this storm and names it Dust Devil. She must tackle a mean giant of a man who rides on a monster mosquito. This tall tale will most likely inspire some tall tales of your own.

Fortune Cookies, by Albert Bitterman, and illustrated by Caldecott Medalist Chris Raschka, is a brilliant book with pull tabs on every fortune cookie. By pulling the tabs, you read the fortune and young Fortune, who just received a box of fortune cookies from her uncle, enjoys reading her fortune each day of the week. Raschka’s delightful trademark watercolor pictures help tell the tale, and the good tips of advice can be found inside each cookie.

Legendary Journeys:  Trains, by Philip Steele, is rich in non-fiction information about the history of trains and railroads beginning with steam engines. There are the most amazing slide-out and lift-up pages that form an elongated train with engines and trains connecting. You will also learn about train stations, track construction, famous railroads and much, much more. This extraordinary book is good for ages 8 through adult.

Cars Galore, by Peter Stein, and illustrated by Bob Staake, is a fun, and funny, celebration of cars. There are the most imaginative automobiles on every page with some very creative drivers behind the wheel. The rhythm and rhyme throughout will move the cars along and the full two-page-spread of roads seem seamless and continuous as you race along to the end. The white background enhances the digitally mastered illustrations bringing them to life – on the road to life. Traffic continues on the inside covers.

Things That Go, by Anita Ganeri and Mark Bergin, is a flip-the-flaps book that is made to pique the interest for children by asking three lively questions about a vehicle that kids most likely would like to know. For instance, in the construction site section, the questions include why cranes need to be tall and how cement trucks make concrete. The answers are simple and easy to understand, along with paintings of the vehicles in question. The contents include road, water and air. This book is part of an excellent series called “Flip the Flaps” that include animals, planet earth and weather.

Night Flight: Amelia Earhart Crosses the Atlantic, by Robert Burleigh, and illustrated by Wendell Minor, is the retelling of an event that nearly cost Ms. Earhart’s life when she flew from Newfoundland to Ireland. The lyrical text glides through the darkened skies as this famous navigator fearlessly faces difficulty resulting from a sudden thunderstorm. The event, that took place back in 1932, was when long distance air travel was a challenge but demonstrated how brave and smart this true heroin was. The spectacular gouache and watercolor scenery magnifies this courageous event. Be sure to check out the afterward at the back of the book as well as the inside covers.

Honk Honk! Beep Beep!, by Daniel Kirk, is a playful story of nighttime magic when a youngster’s toys come alive while the boy sleeps. The toy father and son jump in a jeep and gather a collection of toy animals. The rhyming text rolls along with the movement of the jeep making this a delightful read-aloud. The brilliant oil paintings fill the pages making the magic magnetic!

The Rain Train, by Elena De Roo, and illustrated by Brian Lovelock, is an adventure that begs to be read aloud with the sounds of the rain and train whooshing through the book. And what better place to witness a nighttime storm than on a train as it goes through cities and over rivers straight towards morning? The watercolor and ink combination makes the hues of blues a blend of nighttime journey. And catch the inside covers beginning with night and ending with sunrise.

My Side of the Car, by Kate Feiffer, and illustrated by Jules Feiffer, is based on this daughter and father team and an event when they were about to go to the zoo. When mom tripped on a toy, the family went to the hospital instead. Again and again, they attempt to go to the zoo; and when they finally begin their drive, it begins to rain. But young Sadie tells dad that it’s not raining on her side of the car. She tells her dad that the sun is shining and the people are just watering their lawns. This tale is clever and fun to read out loud. The watercolor and pencil illustrations liven up the story with great fun.

Monster Trucks and Cool Cars Flip Book, published by Scholastic, has an inventive approach as you read through this easy chapter book about trucks. You flip the book over and see a new story about some great looking cars. The photos and brief descriptions of both make this a fun read.

Mitchell’s License, by Hallie Durand, and illustrated by Tony Fucile, is about a “car” that will actually not need gas, a steering wheel or even tires! Four-year-old Mitchell gets to ride on his father’s shoulders to go to bed. This hilarious drive will have reader and listener laughing all the way to Mitchell’s bed. The digital pictures blend texture and lines into a ride for your life!

Daisy the Firecow, by Viki Woodworth, is about a black and white spotted cow who decides to become the firehouse mascot. The fire chief tells her she can stay until they find a Dalmatian. But when she saves a baby calf from a burning fire, the firefighters change their minds. The colorful drawings are fun and add to this humorous story.

I’ll begin with pop-out books. Matthey Reinhart and Robert Sabuda are two of the most renowned paper engineers in the pop-out book business and they have proven this once again in their newest publication.  Dragons & Monsters is their newest incredible pop-up book that is full of amazing monsters that jump out in the most creative ways. There is a dragon that explodes into twice the size of the book and the Abominable Snowman will astonish you!

This duo (who often work together) has another pop-up, Gods & Heroes, that covers the major areas of mythical gods from China, Egypt, Greece and Norway. As in all of their books, even the small corners on each page have multiple pages that also pop-out.  If you could only own one pop-up book, any from these two engineers are a must!

Robots, by Andy Parker, is a pop-up book that demonstrates what the robot will look like once it’s constructed. There are also some great scientific applications to learn as you build four different robots. There are also press-out pieces to go onto the finished products.

Now for some really cool packaged and enlarged books. Alienology, by Allen Grey, is a field guide to galaxies far away as well as a study of aliens here. There are many lift-the-flaps, charts, a mirror, and much more in this scrapbook style book – along with puzzles to solve.

My Little Pink Princess Purse, by Stephen T. Johnson, is an interactive storybook with lift-up tabs, scratch-and-sniff perfumes, pull-out jewelry and tiara and much more. This book is great fun that is geared for ages four to eight.

Fantasy:  An Artist’s Realm, by Ben Boos, is full of the most extraordinary magic and abundant detail depicting tools, dwellings and elves and much more. This gorgeous book opens with a double page spread that opens to twice the size showcasing a colorful realm. This book is sure to add much more to your imagination.

Here are two books that teachers will love. Create a Story Kit: Legends of the Sea and Legends of the Sea, by John & Caitlin Matthews, are actually story cards that have colorful pictures that go along with the subject and on the back of each card is a list of suggestions to draw out your imagination and ignite creative storytelling.

Klutz publishers have many new books that beg to be enjoyed. Each of Klutz’s book packages show an item on the front of the book and then the book showcases how to build, play or create the featured item. I will list a few of these many new books.  By the way, these types of books encourage children to learn how to follow directions in order to build their desired structure.

Friendship Pixies, by Karen Phillips, has all of the items needed to make little dolls.

The Marvelous Book of Magical Horses, by Eva Steele-Saccio, has 6 paper ponies and 2 fairies as well as punch-out items to create a haven for horses.

The Klutz Guide to the Galaxy, by Pat Murphy, delves into space with the help of locating parts of the moon and understanding meteors. There are many scientific items to assemble related to outer space.

The Solar Car Book will entice future mechanical engineers as you build an incredible car powered by the sun.

Safety Pin Bracelets, by Kaitlyn Nichols, has directions with making your own creative bracelets with all of the designs and materials provided.

The Klutz Book of Animation:  Make Your Own Stop Motion Movies, by John Cassidy and Nicholas Berger, allows you to create your own animated videos with modeling clay, along with easy instructions of how to make stop-motion videos.

Chalk the Block: Add Humor to the Neighborhood, by Michael Sherman, includes four large pieces of chalk and a book full of fun and hilarious and interesting drawings that are easy to make.

And here is my all-time favorite of this entire review – The Klutz Book of Inventions, by John Cassidy and Brendan Boyle. This hilarious book of the most inventive inventions would be the perfect book to put on display in your house. This book celebrates innovations by using common household items or needs and creating something completely different and possibly useful. The book includes reversible shoes and an inflatable hydrant to save your parking spot. Chances are this book will be looked at again and again!