The Mighty Miss Malone, by Christopher Paul Curtis, centers around twelve-year-old Deza living with her dear devoted family during the Great Depression in the Mid West.  When her father loses his job, he heads to Michigan while his wife continues her job back in Indiana. Soon after, she loses her job and now the family is left homeless. However, through all of the tremendous challenges and difficulties her family faces, including racial tension, Deza’s family remains strong and committed to each other. The story is superbly written with a storytelling style connecting one event to the next and with great fluidity.

Where Do You Stay?, by Andrea Cheng, is a compelling story of loss and recovery when eleven-year-old Jerome, who tells this drama, deals with the loss of his single mother’s sickness and ultimately her death.  He has to adjust to moving in with his mother’s sister who is also saddened by this death.  His aunt plans to adopt him, but Jerome still feels alone and misses his mother, his home and his familiar surroundings. This story reads with poetic prose as Jerome ultimately discovers an older neighbor who loves music as he does and helps Jerome navigate his life back on course finding beauty in the rhythm of life.

The Diary of Patsy, a Freed Girl, (I Thought My Soul Would Rise and Fly) Mars Bluff, South Carolina 1865, from the “Dear America” series, by Joyce Hansen, follows young Patsy as she and the other slaves living at Davis Hall can now leave after their emancipation during the Reconstruction Era. But she finds that slave life is still strongly tied to the plantations, as her life changes very little.  She overcomes much in her life as she teaches herself to read and write and begins to help other slaves on the plantation. Patsy suffers difficulty growing up as she limps, stutters and is extremely shy, but education helps her lot in life tremendously. This story is told (as with all in this series) through diary entries, but don’t let that mislead – the story flows with much emotion and drama.  And check out the historical information found at the back of the book.

Black & White, The Confrontation Between Reverend Fred L. Shuttlesworth and Eugene “Bull” Connor, by Larry Dane Brimner, is an account of one of the most crucial and difficult times during the civil rights movement during the 1950’s and 1960’s. Reverend Shuttlesworth, an African-American minister, was striving to end segregation in Birmingham, Alabama. Eugene “Bull” Connor was the Commissioner for Public Safety and was not about to let Blacks make any kind of change in the city even though it would improve their lives. This historical account is riveting and full of photographs making this a must for ages twelve and older.

Just as Good: How Larry Doby Changed America’s Game, by Chris Crowe, and beautifully painted in acrylic by Mike Benny, tells about an important time in African American history when not only Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier when he signed to play in the National League, but Doby signed 11 weeks later to play in the American League. Doby doesn’t have the notoriety (of Robinson), but his outstanding ability while playing for the Cleveland Indians helped validate that race should not prevent any and all who want to play this sport. Young Homer tells the story of the first game in the World Series with Cleveland. He loves playing baseball, even though he’s been turned down to play on the Little League team because of the color of his skin. The story showcases Homer and his family listening to the game, back in 1945, on the radio. The paintings are full page spreads depicting this era. Be sure to check out the historical notes found at the back of the book.

Never Forgotten, by Patricia C. McKissack, and artistically painted with acrylic and watercolor on bristol board by Leo and Diane Dillon, is this year’s Coretta Scott King Author Honor Award book. This powerful story is told in verse and begins with a young black boy being kidnapped and sold into slavery. Each poem tells a compelling story of the events to this family’s ancestors and the bond that holds them all together. The iconic cover illustration begins the tale with the strength of the father holding up his infant son for all to see.

What Color is My World?  The Lost History of African-American Inventors, by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Raymond Obstfeld, and ingeniously illustrated by Ben Boos and A. G. Ford, is an overlarge book with flaps that open to reveal commentaries of young Ella as she humorously writes reflections on lesser-known African American inventors. The book reads like an adventure as Ella and her brother learn about these inventors from a handyman. The book is well documented and the children’s interactions with the handyman keep the entire book entertaining and enjoyable to read.

The last two picture books are based on true events and both deal with the struggles and segregation of the 1960’s. Both of these books would be a good introduction to open discussions with younger children. They are:  White Water, by Michael S. Bandy and Eric Stein, and beautifully painted by Shadra Strickland, and Belle, the Last Mule at Gee’s Bend, by Calvin Alexander Ramsey and Bettye Stroud, and gloriously painted by John Holyfield.

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Books written for babies and toddlers are the best time to get youngsters involved and excited about reading.  I’ve organized these outstanding books into several categories and all are board books, unless indicated, which prevents babies and toddlers from ruining the pages. The first category is books with great, yet simple, stories.  Most often board books are reissues of popular children’s books that are geared for toddlers and younger.

The House in the Night, by Susan Marie Swanson, and artistically illustrated by Beth Krommes, is a simply told story with few words, but with a powerful message.  A young girl comes to her house and enters her room where she finds a book that whisks her away to the skies and back home again.  The unique usage of black and white to signify the night, with a marmalade dash of color throughout emphasizing light, is brilliant.  This book won the Caldecott award a few years ago.

Little Bear’s Little Boat, by Eve Bunting, and painted with a simple palate of color by Nancy Carpenter, is a sweet story about dealing with growing and changing.  Little Bear loves his little boat but when he outgrows it, he finds a solution of what to do with his prize possession.

Giraffes Can’t Dance, by Giles Andreae, and painted with vibrant full-spread watercolor by Guy Parker-Rees, is a delightful story about a giraffe who can’t dance like all his jungle friends. It takes a very small critter to help him believe in himself and boost his self esteem.

The next books feature flaps, pull-tabs, sound and texture. Disney Baby:  Nursery Rhymes, by Denise Scott, showcases photos of babies, which seems to draw babies into books with pictures of babies. This book of simple rhymes has flaps to lift on every page.

Little Scholastic:  Please and Thank You!, by Jill Ackerman, and brightly illustrated by Michelle Berg, states simple requests by a youngster. “What’s the magic word? Please!” Open each flap and you’ll find a “Thank You!”

Animals on the Farm, by Chris Hernandez, features four animals that are photographed on each page. The child can select the picture of the animal to push which makes the sound of that animal.

The new Noodles series for youngsters has two new books that feature different textures enjoyed by young tykes.  Noodle Loves Bedtime and Noodle Loves to Cuddle both by Marion Billet, include fur, sticky and felt.

Splish Splash!, by Amy Schimler, is similar but the texture also makes sounds (such as the tin foil and the velcro). The color used in all three books is rich and vibrant.

Bizzy Bear, by Benji Davies, is another new series for the youngest child which features sturdy tabs to pull and sliders to move without breakage or tearing.

Fun on the Farm and Let’s Go and Play! are two new publications that are fun to read.  Babies can enjoy cloth books that are soft to the touch. Maisy’s Snuggle Book, by Lucy Cousins, is bright red and snuggle soft with the simple daily activities youngsters can relate to.

Very young children become very engaged by looking at authentic animals. Kingfisher publications has several new books featuring colorful full page photos of familiar animals. All four books are titled Baby Animals and each with the title: Pets, In The Forest, In The Jungle and In The Grasslands.

Random House has a new book with a similar format featuring actual photos. Busy Elephants, by John Schindel, and photographed by Martin Harrvey, showcases these giant mammals.

These last books feature simple concepts to teach the very young but are quite inventive.  Simon Basher has two new books which utilize his talent for portraying the concept with a simple use of color and space. These two books are Colors and Shapes.

Feelings, by Kristen Balouch, is a chock-a-block book with brightly painted animals simply expressing how they feel and opening easy discussions on each expression.

A Kiss For You!, by Joan Holub, and brightly painted by Caroline Jayne Church, is a very inventive book teaching the many things a hand can do.  With a hand that wraps around the end of the book, you can attach the hand to each page demonstrating a “high-five”, blowing a kiss and waving hello.

Yawn, by Sally Symes, and creatively painted by Nick Sharratt, exhibits how contagious yawns are when a young boy yawns and animals catch it.  There is a large circle die-cut making up the mouth of each animal portrayed here.

Color Play:  An Interactive Pop-Art Book, by Romero Britto, is a brilliantly interactive book that has colorful pieces found at the back ready to insert into each page to complete the unfinished pictures portrayed with vivid swatches of color.

And lastly, Everything I Need To Know Before I’m Five, by Valorie Fisher, is the only book that is not a board book. This regular-sized picture book really does have a nice composite of the basic concepts youngsters find helpful to know before entering Kindergarten. Some of these concepts include numbers, letters and shapes.  Ms. Fisher used actual objects for the pictures.

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!

Chilly Milly Moo, by Fiona Ross, is a clever bovine story about a cow, Milly, who can’t give her farmer any milk.  She complains that it’s too hot. The other cows have no problem producing milk and they make fun of her incapability.  But there’s a surprise waiting when the season changes and the weather becomes cold.  Now, Milly makes more than just milk and all now celebrate her uniqueness. The pictures are rendered digitally but with a woodcut effect with much texture and lines. This is a great celebration of all our unique gifts.

Snow Angels, by Angel Randall, and beautifully painted by Brandon Dorman, is the perfect book to uplift the soul and put good works into action. When two young girls suddenly get stuck in the snow, one of them decides to call on “Snow Angels”.  When these heavenly beings show up and help, they tell the girls, “We are glad you asked for help. Not many people ask these days.” That’s when the girls decide to make a difference and be “snow angels”.  And that’s just what they do as they help uplift an elderly woman, a young boy and a group of volunteers.  There’s even a yummy Soft Snow-Angel Sugar Cookie recipe found at the back.

The Big Snuggle-Up, by Brian Patten, and beautifully painted by Nicola Bayley, is a cumulative tale about a young boy who invites a scarecrow into his warm, cozy house. The scarecrow happily agrees and asks if he might also bring a small mouse who lives in the straw of his arm. And on it goes as more and more animals from the surrounding snowy hillside come in from the cold.  The story is filled with easy, rhyming alliteration making this a delightful read.  It’s interest-ing to note that the boy, who is telling the story, is only shown at the very end.

I Am Small, by Emma Dodd, has a young penguin chick wondering about the world all around him and how small he is in contrast. His emperor mom, with her yellow markings around her neck, comforts him when he realizes “the biggest thing to you…is me!” The colors of white, blue, silver and black surround the book from the beginning (the story begins and ends on the end pages) to the end.  This would be a perfect beginning read with its simple text.

The Sniffles for Bear, by Bonny Becker, and painted with watercolor, ink and gauche by Kady MacDonald Denton, is a story of friendship and sympathy. When Bear catches a cold, he thinks he is at death’s door. His little friend, Mouse, helps with everything he can think of: reading, singing, cooking and more. When Bear finally sleeps, he wakes feeling much better.  But guess who’s sick now?  The watercolor is deftly painted which helps you enter the story as the observer. There is much to learn from this book.

Acorns and Stew, Too, by Ruth Orbach, is a simple story about young Lenore and how she likes everything about her life including the ducks who live in the park.  But Lenore is sad because the ducks will soon be leaving as the weather is getting colder.  She then decides to try to get them to stay.  Her simple solution takes creativity and time on her part, but she’s able to achieve her goal. Orbach uses line drawings, along with touches of color, to catch your eye.

Daisy Dawson and the Big Freeze, by Steve Voake, and illustrated by Jessica Meserve, is another installment in the Daisy Dawson series for early chapter readers.  Daisy can talk to animals and after a giant snowstorm, Daisy needs to rescue a small lamb who is stuck on the other side of the river.  She’s able to get through this storm and aid her friend with the help and guidance of other wild animals along the way. The pictures, all line drawings, are sprinkled throughout.

The final two books are non-fiction and are good for all ages. North: The Amazing Story of Arctic Migration, by Nick Dowson, and intricately painted with watercolor by Patrick Benson, is as beautifully written as it is visually.  The text is sparse but impacted with information about the many different species who migrate after the first breakup of ice flow in early spring.  Whales, birds and fish make their way north. Other animals can survive the freezing temperatures year round:  foxes, musk ox and polar bears are just a few.

The Polar Bear Scientists, by Peter Lourie, explores these giant, strong and unique animals for six weeks each summer by using helicopters and then injecting them with dart guns in order to tag them and follow their behavior in the lower regions of Alaska. The photos found on every page are captivating and the information to read and the resources found at the back might just make a polar bear scientist out of you as well.

Jake, by Audrey Couloumbis, has ten-year-old Jake going to live with his grandfather while his widowed mom recuperates from a broken leg. This ex-military man (who was his father’s dad) doesn’t know how to relate to Jake and neither does Jake know how to reciprocate. But through the kindness of a neighbor, this relationship begins to grow.  The story is well written with much heart, but is never too sappy.  And the joys and love of family abound.  The entire family will gather around to hear this novel!

The Flint Heart, by Katherine and John Paterson, and magically painted by John Rocco and adapted from Eden Phillpott’s 1910 story, is an exciting foray into magic, fairies and adventure.  A very old relic that possesses powers of control and greed is suddenly unearthed after being hidden deep in the ground for thousands of years.  A farmer, and loving family man, is completely changed for the worse when this talisman is found, and so the adventures into the realm of magic begin. The colorful pictures sprinkled throughout are a perfect match to the story. This book would be a perfect bedtime story by reading a chapter every night.

Pie, by Sarah Weeks, is a story rich in language, family and – pies. It’s 1955 and ten-year-old Alice is saddened from the death of her beloved Aunt Polly, the “Pie Queen of Ipswich”.  Her aunt has mysteriously bequeathed her piecrust recipe to her cat, Lardo, and has left her cat for Alice.  And so begins the story of Alice and her family and the tale of her friendships, family relationships and what happens with her labored relationship with her own mother. The fourteen recipes found throughout are mouthwatering yummy pie concoctions.

The Dagger Quick, by Brian Eames, will have you on the edge of your seat. The year is 1678 and Kitto is living a life on land with a daily schedule of helping his family make ends meet even with his disability – a clubfoot.  When his seafaring uncle visits him, life changes for Kitto.  His father dies and his stepmother and brother are kidnapped by a ruthless pirate who is in search of a treasure that he believes Kitto’s Uncle William Quick has knowledge of the whereabouts. Hold on tight as this page-turner will keep you adrift to the end!

The Dragon’s Tooth, by N. D. Wilson, has siblings Cyrus and Antigone getting ready to leave their home, an old motel that has just burned to the ground, in search for their older brother (and guardian) who has just been kidnapped.  A peculiar little man will help them find their brother – but they must leave at once.  Evil is lurking all around their now burned home and they need to escape.  But where they are taken, and the many exciting events that occur, will have you turning the pages as fast as you’re able.

Okay For Now, by Gary D. Schmidt, is told through the eyes of young Doug during the 1960’s. Doug has just moved to a new town and feels alone with no friends. His father is somewhat abusive due to his temper and his drinking problems. His older brother is mean to him and his oldest brother is serving in Viet Nam. The only person whom he truly looks forward to being with is his mom.  But he befriends a patient librarian and a girl, who both help open his world to hope and happiness. There are many subtle nuances and symbolism that bring Doug’s life into the reader’s emotional ties.  This is a definite Newbery candidate.

The Romeo and Juliet Code, by Phoebe Stone, is a look into disrupted British children as parents sent them to safety and away from the bombing in London during World War II.  Felicity has been sent to live with her father’s family while her parents go to Portugal on secret business. She soon discovers that her uncle and other relatives seem very mysterious and she’s about to set out to solve these mysteries, as well as discover why her parents are in Portugal.  She also becomes friends with an eccentric cousin who’s recovering from polio. There are lessons to learn about the value of family, as well as mysteries to solve.

Wonderstruck, by Brian Selznick, has two stories running simultaneously throughout.  One story is written about a young boy in 1977 who has to live with his aunt after losing his mom in a car accident. He’s unhappy with his aunt and decides to go search for his dad he’s never known and who lives in New York City.  The other story takes place in 1927.  This wordless story is shown completely through black and white drawings of a girl sneaking out of her house to also go to New York City.  Another similarity with these two children is that they both are deaf.  These stories brilliantly converge at the American Museum of Natural History. This book’s sure to be a Newbery winner!

Young Fredle, by Cynthia Voigt, and illustrated with pencil etchings sprinkled throughout by Louise Yates, has a young mouse, Fredle, dealing with many dangers after he is thrown out into the world after leaving his house. This wonderfully written story deals with lessons of friendship, freedom and home.

Shooting Kabul, by N. A. Senzai, begins with a family’s flight from Afghanistan. As they board a truck that’s about to flee the area, with the Taliban close behind, they somehow leave six-year-old Mariam behind. This book is a fascinating look at how this family begins their adjustments in America as well as locating Mariam and bringing her to back to their family.

The Clockwork Three, by Matthew L. Kirby, is a story rich with suspense, mystery and adventure. It begins with Giuseppe, an orphan, who has to play his violin for a tyrant of a master. But he soon discovers a wonderful violin. Hannah is a hard working maid as she is trying to help her family due to her father’s recent stroke.  She learns about a hidden treasure in the hotel where she works. Now if she can just locate it.  Frederick works as a clockmaker’s apprentice. If he can get his automation to work, it will change his life. These three characters finally meet midway through the story, turning their adventures into one as they strive to achieve their goals and ultimately discover the magic and importance of friendship.

Into The Unknown: How Great Explorers Found Their Way by Land, Sea, and Air, by Stewart Ross, and illustrated by the ingenious Stephen Biesty, is my only non-fiction on this list.  It takes fourteen of history’s greatest explorers and covers the events that led up to their discoveries. The text is kid-friendly and each expedition has an incredible unfolding map signifying the route to their destination.

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.

Charles Dickens: England’s Most Captivating Storyteller, by Catherine Wells-Cole, and beautifully illustrated and packed with fold-outs, envelopes, flaps and more by an assortment of illustrators, is a most interesting biography that will surely pull ages ten through adult into Dickens’ life.  This over-sized book has double folded pages and a visual display of information that begs to be read. The life and accomplishments of the author who wrote the famous “A Christmas Carol”, along with many other well-known works, is written about in a most interesting way. Kids who are assigned to read and report on a biography, or adults interested in the life of Dickens, will thoroughly enjoy this book!

Franklin and Winston:  A Christmas That Changed the World, by Douglas Wood, and painted in watercolors by Barry Moser, is a look into Churchill’s historic visit to the White House during the Christmas of 1941 just after Pear Harbor was attacked. The author writes about their quickly formed friendship and there are many famous quotes and references, referenced here during this critical time of history.  These two great men embarked upon one of the most important alliances in American history, as America joined the Allied Forces.  Many of Moser’s resplendent paintings are based on actual photographs from this historic event. Be sure to check out the Afterward and the Author’s Note found at the back of this picture book.

Jake, by Audrey Couloumbis, is the perfect read-aloud for this Christmas season!  Ten-year-old Jake is having the worst Christmas holiday ever. His widowed mom has fallen and has to be in the hospital for a few days with a broken leg.  Now his grandfather that he’s never known except through sparse phone calls comes to take care of him. This ex-military man (who was his father’s dad) doesn’t know how to relate to Jake and neither does Jake know how to reciprocate. But through the kindness of a neighbor, this relationship begins to grow. The story is well written with much heart, but is never too sappy. And the joys and love of family abound. The entire family will gather around to hear this novel!

The Carpenter’s Gift : A Christmas Tale About The Rockefeller Center Tree, by David Ruble, and beautifully painted by Jim LaMarche, is an interesting account of how the first Christmas tree in Rockefeller Center came to be. It’s 1931 and young Henry lives in the country where he helps his father cut down trees to sell in the city. After their long work day, they end up giving their last tree to the construction workers and together they turn it into a decorated Christmas tree. On Christmas morning, the workers bring Henry and his family building materials to build a new home. The owners of Rockefeller continue this tradition today. More information can be found at the back of this picture book.

Christmas in the Mouse House, by Maggie Kneen, is a delightful book full of flaps that lift and pop-ups throughout. Papa mouse tells his children to look for the hidden star ornaments that he and Mama mouse have hidden around the house. The last scene will bring smiles to all who read this cozy little book. The warm scenes are painted with watercolors that make this house a happy domain.

Can You See What I See? Toyland Express, by Walter Wick, is much like Wick’s successful other books that exemplify an “I Spy” type of display where you search for particular objects. But this story is a bit different in that it’s a story centered around a train. The rich, colorful photographs are on full pages and help make a fun experience on every page.

The Twelve Days of Christmas, by Jane Ray, is a beautiful rendition from the classic song. The setting is a large house in a busy city in the 1920’s as a young woman begins to receive gifts on a daily basis. The final spread has her true love bringing her a single rose. The colorful mixed media used on the paintings is found on each two-page spread. This book can be read or sung and is good for all ages.

Little Bunny and the Magic Christmas Tree, by David Martin, and painted with ink and water-colors by Valeri Gorbachev, celebrates the magic of Christmas Eve. Little Bunny is upset when he feels so small next to the rest of his family. But when he falls asleep under the tree, he finds that he’s the same size as the ornaments that have magically come alive. Be sure to check out the end pages that begins and ends the tale.

Santa Claus:  The World’s Number One Toy Expert, by Marla Frazee  and Clement C. Moore’s T’ was The Night Before Christmas, illustrated by Jessie Willcox Smith, are two books that have been made into a small size and packaged ready to mail. Both books come with addressable flaps and seals.

Oh, What A Christmas!, by Michael Garland, is about an adventure Santa’s never had during his flights on Christmas Eve.  His reindeer head upward but his sleigh crashes into a barn and so he decides to use the barnyard critters to pull his sleigh. He is reunited with his reindeer after his work is done, but he has some special gifts for his newly acquired animals. The digitally made pictures are vibrant and rich.

When I Love You at Christmas, by David Bedford, and nicely and sparsely painted in ink and watercolors by Tamsin Ainslie, is a smallish size picture book that tells the culmination of what Christmas time is all about: love. It’s about a little girl preparing for Christmas as she wraps presents, decorates and bakes – and it’s all done in love.

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.

The Flint Heart, by Katherine and John Paterson, and magically painted by John Rocco and adapted from Eden Phillpott’s 1910 story, is an exciting foray into magic, fairies and adventure.  A very old relic that possesses power of control and greed is suddenly unearthed after being hidden deep in the ground for thousands of years.  A farmer, and loving family man, is completely changed for the worse when this talisman is found and so the adventures into the realm of magic begin. The husband/wife collaboration utilized the genius and humor of the original story while creating a tighter, more exciting, storyline. The colorful pictures sprinkled throughout are a perfect match.  This book would be a perfect bedtime story by reading a chapter every night.

Pie, by Sarah Weeks, takes place during the 1950’s and involves a mystery, indulgent town residents, a cat, and of course mouthwatering pies. When Alice’s pie-baker extraordinaire, Aunt Polly, dies the town that was made famous by her pies goes into a baking frenzy. The secret piecrust recipe was bestowed to Aunt Polly’s cat which Alice also inherited and which makes her the sole heir to the famous and highly sought-after recipe. The jealousy and onslaught of bad behavior by not only the town, but by Alice’s own mother (who felt betrayed by not getting the recipe for herself), heightens when the cat is kidnapped, or catnapped, and Alice and her friend must solve the dilemma before the town falls apart.  There is much humor throughout the book and most importantly, there are yummy pie recipes sprinkled throughout as well.

Small Acts of Amazing Courage, by one of my favorite historical fiction authors:  Gloria Whelan, is set in India post World War I and fifteen-year-old Rosy loves all aspects of the country from the vivid bright colors to the scents of jasmine and spices.  Her military father doesn’t want her to blend with the culture and especially with its people.  But she doesn’t comply as she is best friends with a daughter of one of the servants and enjoys patronizing the busy bazaar. Trouble finds her when she helps save a baby’s life by hiding him in a bedroom.  Many issues of segre-gation and treatment of the British and Indians are brought to light in this fascination look into the pre-independence of India.

The Dagger Quick, by Brian Eames, will have you on the edge of your seat or ship or wherever you happen to be while reading this terrific adventure. The year is 1678 and Kitto is living a life on land with a daily schedule of helping his family make ends meet even with his disability – a clubfoot. When his seafaring uncle, Capt. William Quick, visits life changes for Kitto. His father dies and his stepmother and brother are kidnapped by a ruthless pirate who is in search for a treasure that he believes Uncle Williams has knowledge of the whereabouts. This page-turner will hold you all the way to the end – just don’t get thrown overboard!

The Romeo and Juliet Code, by Phoebe Stone, is a look into disrupted British children as parents sent them to safety and away from the bombing in London during World War II.  Felicity has been sent to live with her father’s family while her parents go to Portugal on secret business.  She soon discovers that her Uncle and other relatives seem very mysterious and she’s about to set out to solve these mysteries, as well as discover why her parents are in Portugal. She also becomes friends with an eccentric cousin who’s recovering from polio. There’s much for one to learn about the hardships of the war and the value of family in this well written story.

Beyonders:  A World Without Heroes, by Brandon Mull, has thirteen-year-old Jason, along with his newly found friend, Rachel, attempting to return to his home in Colorado as he’s been trans-ported to the magical world of Lyrian. This page-turner is Mull’s new series that includes amazing twists and turns all along the way.  The second book is planned to be published in March.

Kat, Incorrigible, by Stephanie Burgis, is a story about twelve-year-old Kat who lives in early nineteenth century England. She is attempting to help her sisters as she recently has discovered she has magical abilities to help thwart her stepmother’s wishes to marry them off to the highest bidder. This story showcases a girl with spirit, intelligence and courage to help her older sisters achieve their destiny. This is the first book in a planned series.

Here are two new books by favorite and award-winning author, Gary Paulsen. Liar, Liar invokes a path of fibs and tales as fourteen-year-old Kevin finds himself deep in a web of lies that eventually traps him. He lies to get out of schoolwork and at home. But his little four-year-old brother finally brings him back to the truth. Flat Broke continues the story about Kevin only this time he’s using his creative ingenuity to make money. But the big problem here is he doesn’t think about the people he steps on or the illegal practices he uses to make the buck. Eventually, his entrepreneurial world cracks and his learning curve takes a giant step upwards. The chapter headings are a tongue-in-cheek look at how he believes he’s achieving his ultimate goal.

The Accidental Hero, by Matt Myklusch, is an adventure that will whisk you away from the onset, and carry you to far off lands. Jack lives in an orphanage but that soon changes when a robot from his favorite comic book attempts to destroy him and another rescues him.  He is transported to a hidden island that he soon discovers is his real world.  There is much for Jack to discover and make right in this new life and his perseverance and special powers pay off. This is especially good for boys and reluctant readers.