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.

Mouse and Mole:  A Perfect Halloween, by Wong Herbert Yee, is a new story for ages six to eight to add to the “Mouse and Mole” series. This early reader has all of the elements to keep new readers engaged: an interesting story line with 4 chapters dealing with this holiday, wonderfully colorful pictures that move the story along and effective language with lots of fun onomatopoeias throughout.

Half-Minute Horrors, edited by Susan Rich, is a compilation of quick stories from celebrated kid’s authors that will surprise and possibly scare ages nine through teens.  Some tales are only a few sentences while more are about a page and a half long.

The Thirteen Ghosts, (Creepella Von Cacklefur series #1) by Geronimo Stilton, will pull in readers ages six to nine with a mystery that involves Booey the Poltergeist, Grandma Crypt and Chompers the meat-eating plant. Creepella is hunting for thirteen ghosts and readers will smile and enjoy all of her predicaments that she becomes entangled in. Number 2 in this new series has just been published: “Meet Me in Horrorwood”.

Scary Science: 24 Creepy Experiments, by Shar Levine and Leslie Johnstone, with hilarious illustrations by Ashley Spires, is packed with fun and enlivening experiments that will teach your young scientist, ages nine through teens, the foundations of basic science. Some experiments include making rubber bones, bouncing eyes, a goblin lamp and spooky writing. Facts about the basis of the experiments are found throughout, as well as easy step-by-step instructions. But beware: you might turn your youngster into a mad scientist.

A Zombie’s Guide to the Human Body: Tasty Tidbits From Head to Toe, by Paul Beck, is filled with all kinds of information about our human body and how it works. The format is extremely kid-friendly with the zombie theme and pictures, and the lay-out will entice kids, ages eight through adult, to want to pick this book up and completely read it from cover to cover!

Some Things are Scary, by Florence Parry Heide, and illustrated by renowned Jules Feiffer, is an updated picture book good for ages four to ten. The book was first published back in 1969 but Feiffer has made this a gem. What scares kids the most is the theme of the book and includes some humorous fears such as “Being with your mother when she can’t remember where she parked the car.” And some scary moments like “being on a swing when someone is pushing you too high.”

Pumpkin Trouble, by Jan Thomas, is a hilarious picture book that begs to be read aloud. Duck decides to cut out a jack-o-lantern with his pumpkin but falls inside and can’t get out. With the jack-o-lantern on his head, he wanders over to his friends, mouse and pig who immediately get scared thinking it’s a pumpkin monster. The story gets funnier on every page, making this book, for ages four to eight, a great read-aloud.

The Haunted Hamburger and Other Ghostly Stories, by David LaRochelle, and painted by Paul Meisel, is actually a very clever and funny picture book that all ages will enjoy. A ghostly father tells his two ghostly children three bedtime stories to help them go to sleep. Where the stories scare his children, to human ears they are just plain funny! The book title is one of the stories and scares cousin Nell beyond words but will have youngsters laughing out loud.

For the last two books, how about some laugh out loud books of jokes. Halloween Howlers: Frightfully Funny Knock-Knock Jokes, by Michale Teitelbaum, and illustrated by Jannie Ho, features lift-the-flaps giving punny and funny answers that kids of all ages will love to tell or guess. “Knock, knock! Who’s there? Witch! Witch who? Witch costume should I wear this Halloween?”

Sidesplitters: Boo!, by the Kingfisher editors, is packed with jokes with a Halloween theme. Some include: “Why did the vampires cancel their baseball game? They couldn’t find their bats.” “What dies a skeleton order in a restaurant? Spareribs.” And “What does a ghost get when he falls and scrapes his Knee? A boo-boo”. These are just a few of these fun jokes. Try them at your next Halloween party.

Emergent and level 1 readers:  Scholastic Publishing has two new sets of books that are packaged in small boxes. Bob Books: Sight Words Kindergarten and Bob Books: Sight Words First Grade are written by Lynn Maslen Kertell, and illustrated by Sue Hendra.

The award winner, Mo Willems, has several new books that young kids love to read and these don’t disappoint. Can I Play Too?, What’s Your Sound Hound the Hound?, Time to Sleep Sheep the Sheep!, I broke My Trunk!, and We Are in a Book! are all delightful and have Mr. Willems’ signature drawings that seem to draw kids into the fun of reading!

Disney’s “Handy Manny” has a new set of books, Toolbox of Books, which features five small booklets and stickers too.

Candlewick Press has a new “Brand New Readers” series featuring Sesame Street. Big Bird At Home and Elmo and His Friends have four stories in each book.

Clifford remains a favorite for new readers. Here are the latest publications: Clifford is a Star, Clifford and the Big Parade, Clifford’s Class Trip, Clifford Makes the Team, Clifford Goes to the Doctor, and Clifford’s First Sleepover.

Here’s a new idea for beginning readers: comics. The panels are large and simple with bright colors and few words in the bubbles. Jack and the Box is by Art Speigelman, Little Mouse Gets Ready by Jeff Smith,  Silly Lilly and The Four Seasons and Silly Lilly in What Will I be Today? both by Agnes Rosenstiehl.

For level two books, look for more words and a bit smaller font. You can find good introductions to non-fiction in these levels. “Annie and Snowball” is a fun series with stories children can relate to.

The newest books, The Shining Star, The Magical House, The Wintry Freeze and The Book Bugs Club are all by Cynthia Rylant, and are illustrated by Sucie Stevenson.

Random House recently published several Dr. Seuss books that are at a level 2 reading level. The Big Green Book of Beginner Books has six of his stories which includes Wacky Wednesday and Great Day for Up. (This would be an ideal book for travel.)

The Rainbow Magic series has three new books, Best Friends in Fairyland, A Fairy Ballet and The Fairies Birthday Surprise. All three are by Daisy Meadows.

Here are more of the new comic readers but at a level 2 ability. There are three books in the “Benny and Penny” series: The Toy Breaker, The Big No-No! and Just Pretend, all by Geoffrey Hayes. Luke on the Loose, by Harry Bliss, and Otto’s Orange Day, by Jay Lynch and Frank Cammuso, are just a few more of what’s being published.

You can begin to find non-fiction books at this level. Here are a few: Teeny Tiny Animals by Lexi Ryals, Butterflies by Nic Bishop and Junior Buddy, told by Juliana Isabella and Craig Hatkoff. Level 3 books have more words, smaller font and more complicated and enlightening stories.

Melvin and Gilda Berger have a great True or False series of non-fiction books that’s sure to inform and enrich the reader. Some of these include Rocks & Minerals, Planets and Mammals. Pet Heroes by Nicole Corse and Lonesome George finds His Friends by Tori Kosara are interesting stories that are amazingly true.

You’ll find the beginnings of mysteries at this level. “Pony Mysteries” by Jeanne Betancourt, and illustrated by Kelle Riley, has a new book in this series called Penny and Pepper. And the newest book in the “Young Cam Jansen” series is The Speedy Car Mystery by David A. Adler and illustrated by Susanna Natti.

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 Be There, by Ann Stott, and illustrated by Matt Pelan, is a quiet and simple story beginning with a young boy walking on top of a rock wall. He asks his mom if she pushed him in a carriage when he was a baby. This prompts mom to list the many things she did for him when he was very young. But when he jumps from the wall by himself, he asks “Will you still take care of me when I’m big?” She promises that she will always be there. The sweetness of both the text and the pastel watercolors makes this story a perfect fit.

What’s Special About Me, Mama?, by Kristina Evans, and illustrated by Javaka Steptoe, is a reassuring story about a curious boy as he asks his mama what makes him special. Her answers bring out the loving support that is universal for moms everywhere. She tells him that his many features and kind personality that combines characteristics from family members and helpful and selfless gestures make him special. And above all, greatly loved by mom! The mixed-media illustrations help layer texture to this beautiful story. Watch for the enlarged and colorful words that describe this young tike. This book is special for families!

Little Chicken’s Big Day, by Jerry Davis, and illustrated by Katie Davis, is a simple, yet powerful, story about an enlarged and bold mama chicken as she wakes up her Little Chicken. She instructs him to “Wash your face!”, “Brush your teeth!” and finally as she goes out the door, “Follow me!” He answers, “I hear you cluckin’, big chicken.” He looks a little aggravated by all the directions until he loses his mama. When Big Chicken finds her Little Chicken, he’s happy and relieved and so is she. The line drawings are as sparse as the text which helps deliver the message of the powerful bond of mom and child.

Floating on Mama’s Song, by Laura Lacamara, and illustrated by Yuyi Morales, characterizes the strong, important bond of mothers and families. Anita comes home from school on her seventh birthday and finds that her mother’s beautiful singing causes all who hear her voice to float. Grandma demands that she stop singing at once before someone is hurt. But mother becomes sad and despondent without her singing and the town also becomes infected with sadness. But Anita, her mother and grandmother realize they all have this gift and it’s much better not to bury it in order to find happiness. The wonderful pastels of collage illustrations as well as using authentic photographs mixed in may just make you want to sing. The story is also told with a Caribbean flair and the author tells the story in both English and Spanish.

Mama and Me, by Arthur Dorros, and illustrated by Rudy Gutierrez, is alive and rich in color. Every page swirls with movement as flora and batik designs surround mama and daughter. The young girl desires to bake, plant and paint by herself. But mama is always close by for support and love. There is a sprinkling of Spanish words throughout, but they are easily translatable.

I Love My Mommy, by Giles Andreae, and illustrated by Emma Dodd, is a love-affirming story about how much a child loves her mommy. The story is told through a rhyming pattern making this delightful, and lovingly told, story perfect for lap-reading. “And then when I start to cry, She wipes my tears until they’re dry.” The pictures are large, simple and bright.

Mad at Mommy, by Komako Sakai, shows a young bunny who is mad at his mommy. She doesn’t let him watch his cartoons, while she watches her shows and she sleeps in on Saturdays when she doesn’t let him sleep in on school days. And here’s the worst part of the dilemma:  she won’t marry him when he grows up. The context of both text and color is blended in balance which highlights Ms. Sakai’s Japanese influence. The ending feelings of bunny are a nice blend of love and appreciation of mommy.

Because of You: A Book of Kindness, by B. G. Henessy, and illustrated by Hiroe Nakata, celebrates the importance and love children bring into the family. “When you were born, there was a new person for our family to love and care for.” The book is small, the colors are soft – but the message is big!

Mommy Hugs, by Karen Katz, has been made into a large board book with Katz’s trademark vivid colors. This counting book features mommy and baby enjoying each other as the count goes from 1 to 10.

The last three books feature what mommies like doing best: raising their children. I Love You Baby from Head to Toe!, by Karen Pandell, and illustrated by Jane Cowen-Fletcher, commemorates all that baby brings to a family: from baby’s mouth to baby’s skin. The pastel colors add to this board book with a soft glow. You Are My Sunshine, by Caroline Jayne Church, is another smallish board book that will have you singing the song as you hold your drop of sunshine in your arms. And lastly, There’s Going to be a Baby, by John Burningham, and illustrated by Helen Oxenbury, takes you through three seasons as mom tells her son there’s going to be a baby. The rest of the story conveys his conversations with mom and Granddad as he imagines what the baby will be like now, and when he grows up. The artwork, done in ink and digital colorization, gives a distinct retro aura. However, there is one unnecessary picture of this young boy nude while in the bathtub near the end of the story.

The Most Amazing Hide-and-Seek Alphabet Book, by paper engineer extraordinaire, Robert Crowther, is filled with lift-the-flaps and pull-tabs as you discover animals that begin with the sound of each letter that are hiding behind the letter. There is a rabbit that reaches, a snake that springs and a mouse that meanders. The simple enlarged black letters, set on white, make learning easy and fun!  And, don’t miss his other new book with a similar format: The Most Amazing Hide-and-Seek Numbers Book. Learning letters and numbers has never been so fun!

Wild Alphabet:  An A to Zoo Pop-Up Book, by Mike Haines and Julia Frohlich, and with text by Dan Green, is a smallish pop-up book with one letter per page along with one animal associated with that letter. The pop-ups of each animal are unique with that animal. For instance, the chinchilla runs around a treadmill when opening the page. You learn characteristics of each animal as you read through this inviting book.

Fuzzytails ABC:  A Foldout Alphabet Book, by Lisa McCue, is an inventive alphabet book that ends up folding out in accordion style once the pages have been read. Each animal has alliteration emphasizing the sound of the letter and a rhyming pattern that makes this delightful book fun to read.

Click Clack, ABC, by Doreen Cronin, and illustrated by Betsy Lewin, is a smallish board book that takes barnyard animals on an adventure all driven by the alphabet theme. It begins with “animals awake beneath blue blankets clickety-clack” and so on as the animals scurry through their day and ending with the letter z as they “zzzzzzzzzz” sleep their night away.

Sleepy ABC, by Margaret Wise Brown, and brightly illustrated by Karen Katz, is all about the process of getting ready for bedtime. “A is for Aaaah when a small kitten sighs”; “B is for Baaaaaa when the lambs close their eyes” begins the book. And the ending is perfect for the last eyelash to close: “Z is for Zipper. Now zip into bed.”

Goodnight Moon ABC: An Alphabet Book, is also written by Margaret Wise Brown and is illustrated by Clement Hurd. The format of this book is much like “Goodnight Moon” but follows the format of the alphabet. The pictures are bright and simple, as is the text. Each letter has one or two words describing the picture next to the letter, such as “Bb Brush Cc Clock Dd Doll”. The classic that this book is based on was first published back in 1947. Every young toddler should own a Margaret Wise Brown book.

Country Road ABC:  An Illustrated Journey Through America’s Farmland, by Arthur Geisert, is a spectacular celebration of our rural landscape. The opening pages begin with a rainstorm in the city and then you travel to America’s farms and learn about the many different components of farm life using the alphabet. On the “M is for milking” page you see a farmer hooking up a detailed milking machine to a cow. And on the “T is for traffic” page you see farm vehicles, such as a spreader and a pickup truck, traveling the back roads. The subdued shades of pastels fill both pages along with a look at the area zoomed out located on the bottom and also taking up both pages. This book is rich with rural life!

Baseball From A to Z, by Michael P. Spradlin, and illustrated by Macky Pamintuan, will take you through the throngs of the sport from beginning to end. The muscular players have a characterization of exaggeration making each page, which pretty much features a letter, fun and funny. It begins with the pitcher winding up for the throw, and the text reads “A ace The best pitcher on each team is the ace of the pitching staff.” You can see some of the crowd in the background holding up letter “A” signs. This clever alphabet book will put you in the spirit of the game!

Welcome to my Neighborhood! A Barrio ABC, by Quiara Alegia Hudes, and illustrated by Shino Arihara, follows a little girl, Ava, as she takes her friend through her part of a large city. Utilizing the alphabet, Ava describes features that may be unfamiliar to children not living in a large city. “E is for the echo of the elevated train” and “Z street’s loud with zooming cars.” There’s much more to learn here than just letters.

Jack Prelutsky is perhaps one of our best children’s poets and one of my favorites as well as the first American Children’s Poet Laureate. Here is his latest poetry book, Camille Saint-Saens’s The Carnival of the Animals. Saint-Saens composed his beautiful and inspiring classical work in 1886 and since then many poets and authors have written much from the music. Prelutsky has written fourteen different poems that match this festival of animals from the music. The vivid artwork, by Mary GrandPre, flows perfectly, setting the rhythm to each rhyme along with the CD of the music from the composer. Note the information at the back for parents and teachers to incorporate and help promote classical music.

Dark Emperor & Other Poems of the Night, by Joyce Sidman, and beautifully illustrated by Rick Allen, is this year’s Newbery Honor winner and upon first glance the reason is obvious. The wondrous and glorious pictures are made from a relief printing which is a complex process and the painting of the objects and animals on each page seem to all be part of the night. The book opens with the onset of dusk and progresses into night and then returns dawn and you see at the end, the sun rising. The varied types of poems take on plants and nocturnal animals that include owls, spiders and crickets. You’ll find factual information on the opposite page of each poem. There’s no doubt as to why this outstanding book won the award!

I Didn’t Do It, by mother and daughter team: Patricia MacLachlan and Emily MacLachlan Charest, and with paintings by Katy Schneider, includes poems that puppies express with a bit of bite (that is – the poems reflect what puppies could say in poetic fashion if they could talk.) The fourteen poems are free verse with expressions of joy, regret, curiosity, love and more. The beautiful oil paintings of different breeds exemplify and replicate each perfectly!  Be sure to check out the title poem; it’s hilariously on the mark!

Switching on the Moon: A Very First Book of Bedtime Poems, collected by Jane Yolen and Andrew Fusek Peters, and illustrated by G. Brian Karas, is a very large book with full page paintings and large text that will surely help little ones drift into a sweet sleep. The book is sectioned into three groups: going to bed, sweet dreams and in the night. This is the perfect book for a quick, simple and soothing read when time doesn’t allow for more at bedtime. If this book doesn’t set the eyelids down, I don’t know what will!

Oh, How Sylvester Can Pester! And Other Poems More or Less about Manners, by Robert Kinerk, and illustrated by Drazen Kozjan, includes twenty amusing rhyming poems that teach us how to be nice and considerate of others. They include cleaning your room, interrupting, shaking hand and eating. The illustrations are digitally rendered and colored and go nicely with each poem. Be sure to check out the first and last poems which are the simple culmination of the purpose of manners!

Another Jar of Tiny Stars, edited by Bernice E. Cullinan and Deborah Wooten, is a fabulous collection of poems by award-winning poets. This large edition is organized by poet and comprises more than 75 exhilarating and magically inspiring poems. If you could only own one children’s poetry book, this is the one to have! The only draw-back is there are no illustrations, but in a way, that’s good because the emphasis is on the poem.

If you’re looking for a picture book that incorporates the story completely in rhyme, Meow Said the Cow, by Emma Dodd, is perfect!  Cat doesn’t like the rooster waking up the farm with his loud cock-a-doodle-doo. So he magically transforms the rooster’s voice to a squeak. But this event catapults into a frenzy and other animals are discovering their voices have been transformed into another animal’s voice. The pictures have been digitally mastered with bright and full page pictures.

The Silly Book with CD, by Stoo Hample, has a warning on the inside cover to be sure to read this book while sitting: otherwise you might just fall down from laughing! The book was first published back in 1961 and now has a CD to go along with these side-splitting poems. Here, at last, is a book to lift the spirit and bring giggles from deep inside the soul! The pencil and ink drawings go along perfectly with the retro-feel.

Twosomes:  Love Poems From the Animal Kingdom, by Marilyn Singer, and simply illustrated by Lee Wildish, is a smallish gift book with two line couplets on each page with the subject of an animal. These quick poems are delightful and just might make your heart pitter-patter.

A Dazzling Display of Dogs, by Betsy Franco, and illustrated by Michael Wertz, is comprised of concrete poems in a variety of settings of fonts and art. There is almost too much going on here with colors and words practically bouncing off the page. But that’s what makes this book amazing and entertaining to pour over again and again. There is also a nice assortment of poems which include haiku, cinquain and free verse.

The Memory Bank, by Carolyn Coman, and illustrated by Rob Shepperson, is a unique blend of story and pictures that tell the tale of Hope and her search for her little sister, Honey. Her horrible parents leave Honey by the road after she disobeys them again and they drive off. The following wordless full page pencil etchings show a truck full of laughing kids picking Honey up where you see her smiling right along with them. Hope now sleeps in the garage where, one night, she is taken to the World Wide Memory Bank where dreams and memories are stored. She is about to discover what has happened to her sister and how she needs to save memories before something terrible happens to them. The story is full of creative imagination and suspense as Hope saves the day!

Turtle in Paradise, by Jennifer L. Holm, is this year’s Newbery Honor winner and is a wonderfully told historical fiction based on life in the Florida Keys in 1935. Eleven-year-old Turtle has just been “shipped” to her unfamiliar aunt who lives in a very unfamiliar location: Key West, Florida. She soon becomes embroiled with her wild boy cousins who have a “boys only” Diaper Club (where they take care of bad and difficult babies). The author has an uncanny ability to weave a story full of tidbits of the exotic life in the southernmost part of the continental USA as well as history of the 1930’s. The story reads like a humorous adventure, but ends with the importance of family.

William S. and the Great Escape, by Zilpha Keatley Snyder, reflects back on the classic tale of “The Box Car Children”.  William is the oldest of his 4 siblings and they decide to leave their home on their own and begin a journey. This story is a bit different because they escape from their brutal uncle whom they live with to travel many miles away to live with their aunt. The difficult journey and the challenges along the way, as well as what happens once they arrive at their aunt’s house is both exciting and nerve-racking. The author has two other reissues that are also great adventure mysteries and Newbery Honor books: “The Witches of Worm” and “The Headless Cupid”.

The Wide-Awake Princess, by E. D. Baker, is a brilliant fairy tale with a bit of a twist on Sleeping Beauty. Princess Annie is Gwendolyn’s younger sister and was given the gift from the fairies not to have any magic affect her. This turns out to be a blessing since Gwennie ends up pricking her finger on the spinning wheel and the entire castle falls asleep except Annie. This lively tale has Annie devising a clever scheme to save the day.

Chasing Orion, by Kathryn Lasky, is an historical fiction set in the 1950’s when polio was spreading across the country. Eleven-year-old Georgie has just moved to a new neighborhood in Indiana where she meets her neighbor, beautiful Phyllis, who has polio and is living inside an iron lung. There is much to learn and enjoy in this enlightening story about the difficulties of this terrible disease.

The Tiger Rising, by Kate DiCamillo, is a reissue beautifully repackaged in a cloth-bound cover. Everything changes for twelve-year-old Rob, when he discovers a tiger in a cage hidden deep in the Florida jungle. He has recently lost his mother and he and his father have moved to a tiny town where they can start over. But Rob is suffering – he misses his mom desperately, his dad doesn’t want to talk about it and Rob knows no one at school. He is alone, until he sees the tiger. That same time, he meets a classmate, Sistine, with similar problems. The story is short and chances are once you begin, you won’t stop until the end! It’s a beautifully told tale that’s rich in metaphors and feeling!

Alchemy and Meggy Swann, by Karen Cushman, is set in 1573 with thirteen-year-old Meggy moving to London for the first time and meeting her father who is an alchemist. When he sees that not only is she a girl, but a cripple who needs canes to walk, he rejects her. This leaves her to face a city full of thievery and rogues. But she rises above it all to prove to herself and her father that she is invaluable with gifts of herself to give. This historical fiction is so beautifully written that you get a true sense of the Middle Ages in this bustling city.

Owl Ninja, by Sandy Russell, and sprinkled with illustrations throughout by Rhian James, is #2 in a series but you need not read #1 to understand and enjoy this intriguing adventure. The story is told through the eyes of one of the six outcasts that make up the samurai kids. Ryu has only one leg and uses his crutch to help him navigate life. (The other 5 have disabilities that range from blindness to albinism.) They must travel to see Japan’s emperor to hopefully stop war, and along the way their mishaps will keep you on the edge of your seat. The illustrations help keep the story moving and the simple words of advice may likely encourage you.

Daddy-Long-Legs, by Jean Webster, was first published back in 1912 and has been reissued as part of Random House’s “Looking Glass Library” Series. I was surprised to find this book (which is written in the format of letters that Judy writes) an easy, delightful read! Judy is an orphan and is about to be turned out to live as a maid because she’s 16 and that’s the age limit for foundlings in an orphanage. But a mysterious benefactor donates college money to help her throughout her college years. This is a wonderfully crafted story that is rich with the formal, but charming, language of the day.

Firebird, by Saviour Pirotta, and beautifully painted by Catherine Hyde, is an old Russian folktale that’s been retold in this gorgeous picture book. The king sends his sons in a quest to find the gorgeous Firebird who has stolen the king’s golden apples. The youngest son finds answers from a gray wolf which helps him locate the Firebird – and win the heart of the beautiful princess.

Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel: Travel Activity Kit, by Virginia Lee Burton, is still as good a read as when it was first published back in 1939.  Mike Mulligan is going to prove that his trusty steam shovel can preserve and dig through the most difficult situations. This edition includes the paperback book, an activity book and crayons.

And here’s another classic that’s 60 years old and Caldecott winner from the same author:  The Little House. This cozy little dwelling survives seasons and cities as it grows old.

Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very  Bad Day, by Judith Viorst, and cleverly illustrated by Ray Cruz, was first published in 1972 and showcases a boy who deals with gum in his hair, friendship problems, no dessert packed in his lunch for school and this is just the beginning. The ink and pencil drawings accent Alexander by coloring him in every picture.

Robin Hood and the Golden Arrow, a classic story retold by Robert D. San Souci, and beautifully painted with watercolors by E. B. Lewis, retells the story of how Robin Hood cunningly tricks the Sheriff of Nottingham with an archery contest.

Imogene’s Antlers, by David Small, is a hilarious and fun story that would be a terrific read aloud. It was first published in 1985 and is about a young girl who wakes up with antlers growing on her head. What takes place and how people react will bring smiles to all who hear or read the book.

The Little Prince: Deluxe Pop-Up Book, by Antoine De Saint-Exupery, is a delightful unabridged tale about a pilot who, after crashing, meets a most interesting little prince who retells his journeys from planet to planet. The pop-up engineering makes this book most captivating and unique!

The Wheels on the Bus: With Movable Parts, adapted and brilliantly illustrated by Paul O. Zelinsky, celebrates 20 years of this fun story that youngsters love to sing. The pull tabs and flaps that lift make the bus move with wipers and babies and more. This book is great fun!

Mr. Popper’s Penguins, by Richard and Florence Atwater, and illustrated sporadically by Robert Lawson, is a charming story about a house painter who suddenly receives a package. And guess what’s inside? This is the perfect read aloud story that won the Newbery Honor award back in 1939.

The Enormous Egg, by Oliver Butterworth, and illustrated by Mark Crilley, was first published in 1956 and still holds an enormous interest for all ages. When a hen lays a huge egg, Nate is surprised when a baby triceratops pops out.  And the adventure begins!

The Phoenix and the Carpet, by E. Nesbit, and illustrated by H. R. Millar, and an introduction by Bruce Coville, is a magical story in the tradition of the author that continues the sequel “The 5 Children and It”. When these same 5 children discover a magic carpet, their adventure begins.

The Golden Fleece and the Heroes Who Lived Before Achilles, by Padraic Colum, and illustrated by Willy Pogany, and an introduction by Rick Riordan, was first written back in 1920’s. This classic story is about Jason as he searches for the Golden Fleece.

The following books are part of Candlewick’s illustrated classics series.  Tales of Hans Christian Andersen, translated by Naomi Lewis, and illustrated by Joel Stewart, has 13 of his most enchanting tales which includes “The Princess and the Pea”, “The Emperor’s New Clothes” and “The Snow Queen”. Be sure to check out the forward giving an insightful look at the author.

The Jungle Book:  Mowgli’s Story, by Rudyard Kipling, and illustrated by Nicola Bayley, tells three stories about how Mowgli was raised by wolves.

Pinocchio, by Carlo Collodi, translated by Emma Rose, and illustrated by Sara Fanelli, tells the story of a puppet becoming a real boy.

The Wind in the Willows, by Kenneth Grahame, and illustrated by Inga Moore, brings to life Mole, Rat, Badger and Toad and their adventures on the banks of the river.

Jonathan Swift’s Gulliver, retold by Martin Jenkins, and illustrated by Chris Riddell, has to be one of the oldest American classics as it was first published back in 1726. The amazing travels of Gulliver as he travels to four different lands stays true to the original story.

Classic Poetry, selected by Michael Rosen, and illustrated by Paul Howard, is a rich perfect anthology with our poetic language geared for kids.

The Birthday Ball, by Lois Lowry, and illustrated by Jules Feiffer, is the perfect book for humor and good storytelling. But it’s also great fun to read out loud because this favorite author embellishes words, plays with words and uses alliteration throughout with her broad stroke of genius. Princess Patricia Priscilla is excited for her upcoming sixteenth birthday, but her parents have invited the most boring and foolish suitors. But – she has thought of another brilliant idea to break the strict rules and make this the ball beyond belief!

Jasper Dash and the Flame-Pits of Delaware, by M. T. Anderson, and illustrated by Kurt Cyrus, is an exciting page turner that’s full of excitement and adventure. The hero, Jasper, along with his two side-kicks, are about to head to a land far away only to discover unknown enemies that are completely surprising to all three of the main characters. And now they have to figure out a way to escape!

The Night Fairy, by Laura Amy Schlitz, and illustrated by Angela Barrett, is a magical story with wonderful undertones of perseverance and of overcoming great difficulties. This beautifully written story encompasses a realm of fairies who live and fly by night. But one fairy has to deal with the daytime and the dangers that come with day now that her wings have been damaged by a bat. The colorful pictures add to the enchantment of this story.

Tentacles, by Roland Smith, has cousins, Marty and Grace, traveling with their scientist uncle in search of a giant squid. But they are about to find much more that they bargained for! You’d better make time for this fantasy adventure because chances are your listeners will not want you to stop reading! Reader beware: this is a book that’s very hard to put down!

Philippa Fisher and the Dream-Maker’s Daughter, by Liz Kessler, and illustrated by Katie May, is the second book in this outstanding series but you need not read the first to enjoy this story.  Philippa has a fairy for her friend and she is about to go on a family vacation but soon discovers that the small town she chooses to vacation in is actually in great trouble and in need of her help. Can she help? This magical mystery will captivate the reader from beginning to end.

Ring of Fire: Century Quartet Book 1, by P. D. Baccalario, is the first book of what looks like an exciting new series. It is said that every 100 years, “four kids from four cities must save the world.” When a mix-up in reservations happen at a hotel in Rome, the parents arrange for each of their children to sleep in one room. The kids, who had never met before this, begin to realize there is a reason for this situation and begin to see events unfold.  They are about to go on a quest through closed libraries, catacombs and much more before discovering the mystery that leads them.

Secret of the Night Ponies, by Joan Hiatt Harlow, is set back in 1965 in Newfoundland where Jessie discovers three shipwreck survivors. As she and her family help them, she also figures out a way to save the wild ponies living on the island. From the beginning of the story, you will find yourself immediately pulled into Jessie’s remote life.

The Dreamer, by Pam Munoz Ryan, and illustrated by Peter Sis, is extraordinary and should be on the short list for the Newbery Award for this year. This enthralling tale of the childhood of poet, Pablo Neruda, jumps off the page with both word and art. This celebration of language, and the collaboration of the illustrations, will surly linger long after putting down the book.

Happy Reading,

Holly