Giving Books

 

Each book listed is linked to allow you to purchase the book from Amazon.com. All Amazon purchases will benefit the Bright Horizons Foundation for Children’s programs for homeless children.

The books are organized as follows:

 

The richness of the language is important and the words matter. The sounds of the words, the poetry, the rhythms, and all the ways the words go together make a difference.

 

A family holiday book:
   
  Great Joy by Kate Di Camillo. A beautiful sure classic Christmas book. (Ages 2-6)
 
   

Infants and toddlers:
   
  Gossie and Gertie by Olivier Dunrea. Two inseparable gosling friends with very different personalities. (Ages 1 -  4)
   
  Fruits by Sara Anderson. A delicious, sturdy book about fruit. Great images and a subtle rhyme. (Birth - Age 3)
 
   

Twos and preschools:
   
  First the Egg by Laura Seeger. A beautiful book about transformations: from egg to chick, seed to flower, tadpole to frog. (Ages 2 - 4)
   
  When Dinosaurs Came with Everthing by Elise Broach and David Small. Suppose dinosaurs were the give-a-way for the day?
   
  Hear is a Little Poem: A First Book of Poetry compiled by Jane Yolen and Andrew Fusek Peters, illustrated by Polly Dunbar. An exuberant collection of short poems on the unfolding lives, places, and loves of preschoolers and older children. (Ages 2+)
   
  Up Down and Around by Katherine Ayres and Nadine Bernard Westcott. The enchanting and bustling life of a garden with lots of detail to explore. (Ages 2 - 6)
 
   

Young school age:
   
  Martin Bridge: Ready for Takeoff! by Jessica Scott Kerrin, illustrated by Joseph Kelly. Martin is a one-of-a-kind kid who always has good intentions, but things rarely turn out the way he planned. (Ages 5 - 8)
   
  Comets, Stars, the Moon, and Mars: Space Poems and Paintings by Douglas Florian. The universe is a strange and mysterious place, made even more wondrous in the paintings and poems. (Ages 5 - 10)
   
  Clementine by Sara Pennypacker. A very funny, independent 3rd grader who knows about being in trouble. (Ages 8 - 12)
 
   

Older school age:
   
  Elijah of Buxton by Christopher Curtis. Eleven-year-old Elijah, the child of runaway slaves, embarks on a harrowing dangerous journey back into slave states. (Ages 9 - 12)
   
  An Inconvenient Truth by Al Gore. Dramatic photos, illustrations, and graphs enhance the compelling text of this version for younger readers. (Ages 9+)
   
  Many of the books below could easily jump categories of course. Many are great for read-alouds and enjoyed by both older and younger age groups.
 
   

For an infant or toddler to hold, explore, and chew on:
   
  Global Babies by The Global Child Fund. Babies love babies, all kinds of babies! (Birth - 2)
   
  I Kissed the Baby by Mary Murphy. Raucous and exciting book about a new barnyard arrival. (Birth - 2)
   
  Just Like the Baby by Rebecca Bond. Warm and delightful toddler and young preschool book. (Birth - 2)
   
  Moo, Baa, La La La! by Sandra Boynton. (Birth - 2)
   
  Say Goodnight by Helen Oxenbury. (Birth - 2)
   
  Black on White by Tanya Hoban. These picture books encourage parents to talk to their infants as they share the wordless pages. Black illustrations on a white background, and the reverse of familiar, silhouetted shapes provide high contrast for infants' underdeveloped eyes. It's a great baby gift. (Birth - 2)
 
   

Great read-alouds for an infant or toddler:

   
  This Little Chick by John Lawrence. Wonderful, vibrantly illustrated tale of a feisty chick who mimics all the barnyard sounds. (Birth - 2)
   
  Who Said Moo? by Harriet Ziefert, illustrated by Simms Tayback. Swept along the sound-rich simple rhymes and by Simms Tayback's outrageously colorful illustrations, children will learn that everyone has their own sound. (Birth - 2)
   
  “More More More,” Said the Baby by Vera Williams. A Caldecott Honor Book about the tickles, kisses, and affection showered on three adorable toddlers by grownups, creating a cry out for "more more more!" (Birth - 3)
   
  Rock-a-Baby Band by Kate McMullan, illustrated by Janie Bynum. An infectious book and CD to set babies bopping and bouncing, and rocking and rolling. (Birth - 3)
   
  Wee Willie Winkie by Iona Opie, illustrated by Rosemary Wells. The vibrant watercolor-and-ink illustrations enhance the timeless nursery rhymes. (Birth - 3)
   
  Baby Dance by Ann Taylor, illustrated by Marjorie van Heerden. A rhythmic poem by 19th century poet Ann Taylor makes a delightful board book. An African-American father comforts his baby daughter. The illustrations capture the energy and joy of their dancing and singing. (Birth - 3)
   
  Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes by Annie Kubler. Roly poly babies who wiggle, giggle, point, and shake to the timeless song in this sturdy board book. (Birth - 3)
   
  Big Fat Hen by Keith Baker "One, two, buckle my shoe. Three, four, shut the door... Nine, ten, big fat hen!" There are lots of colorful things to count – sticks, eggs, chicks, and hens. (Birth - 3)
   
  What the Baby Hears by Laura Godwin, illustrated by Mary Morgan. Engaging water color illustrations and clever rhyming text depict animal babies and their parents and the sounds they make. (Birth - 3)
 
   

Great read-alouds for a preschooler and an infant or toddler at the same time:

  My Very First Mother Goose, edited by Iona Opie and illustrated by Rosemary Wells. A wonderful anthology of classic nursery rhymes that should be required in every home. (Birth - 5)
   
  Tomie's Little Mother Goose by Tomie dePaola. An abbreviated board book edition of dePaola's original Mother Goose, this version features a handful of simple nursery rhymes which children will treasure and learn by heart through repeated readings. (Birth - 5)
   
  Owl Babies by Martin Waddell, illustrated by Patrick Benson. A sweet picture book about children’s deepest concern – separation from a parent. The story has been turned into a board book for toddlers and twos to chew over – perhaps literally. (Ages 1 - 5)
   
  Ten, Nine, Eight by Molly Bang. A colorful rhyming bedtime book about a loving father and daughter. (Ages 1- 5)
   
  Miss Polly Has a Dolly by Pamela Duncan Edwards, illustrated by Elicia Castaldi. A delightfully illustrated traditional street chant for chanting, singing, and moving along. (Ages 2 - 5)
   
  Duck on a Bike by David Shannon. A crazy barnyard story with bold, riotous color and very unusual perspectives that delight the eye. The manic text is as fun for adults to read aloud as it is for children to hear and read along. (Ages 2 - 6)
   
  Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus and Pigeon Finds a Hot Dog! by Mo Willems. Preschoolers will recognize themselves in the wavering commitment to share or the determined, cajoling, and ultimately tantrum-throwing pigeon who just wants a chance to drive the bus! (Ages 2 - 5)
   
  Little Fur Family, written by Jon Scieszka and illustrated by Lane Smith
 
   

Great read-alouds for a preschooler:

   
  Punk Farm and Punk Farm on Tour by Jarrett J. Krosoczka. Who knew the farm animals would get into punk rock? (Ages 2 - 5)
   
  A Crash Course for Molly by Eva Eriksson. Molly is now a big girl who can ride a bike, if she could just stop crashing into things! (Ages 2 - 5)
   
  Jamberry by Bruce Degen. A rollicking board book about a boy and an exuberant rhyme-spouting bear that begs to be read aloud. (Ages 2 - 5)
   
  The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs!by Jon Scieszka, illustrated by Lane Smith. Hilarious New York Times Best Book of the Year, from the wolf's perspective. (Ages 2 - 5)
   
  Goodnight Gorilla by Peggy Rathmann. A funny, suspenseful tale of a gorilla determined to spend the night with a sleepy, oblivious zookeeper. (Ages 2 - 5)
 
   

Great read-alouds for preschoolers and young school agers:

   
  There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly by Simms Tayback. A beautifully designed and illustrated book, full of energy, color and humor. Each page is full of details, such as a recipe for spider soup, and assorted rhyming asides from the spectator animals. (Ages 4 - 8)
   
  Stephanie’s Ponytail by Robert N. Munsch, illustrated by Michael Martchenko. An independent little girl strikes a blow for nonconformity by showing up at school every day with a hairdo more outrageous than the day before. To her disgust, she sets the fashion trends. And each time, the cast of copycats grows. (Ages 4 - 8)
   
  The Day the Babies Crawled Away by Peggy Rathman. The babies crawled away and a heroic little boy saves the day, rounding up the butterfly and bat chasing babies. A glorious, original book for young children and the people who read to them. (Ages 4 - 8)
   
  The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate Di Camillo and Bagram Ibatoulline. An epic, wrenching journey where a heartless china rabbit develops a heart and soul. (Ages 5 - 10)
 
   

Class read-alouds for ages 6-12

   
  Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie, illustrated by Scott Gustafson. Much richer than the movies or plays.
   
  The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame, illustrated by Ernest H. Shepard. Mr. Toad, Ratty, and the gentle Moley.
   
  Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carol. Always delightful and provocative.
   
  The Tale of Despereaux: Being the Story of a Mouse, a Princess, Some Soup, and a Spool of Thread by Kate Di Camillo, illustrated by Timothy Basil Erings. A tiny, talented mouse is the most interesting mouse since Stewart Little. This Newbery Award book is about love, hope, forgiveness, killer rats, and soup.
 
   

For a beginning reader:

   
  Flat Stanley by Jeff Brown, illustrated by Tomi Ungerer. This is a classic book about Stanley, a perfectly normal boy who wakes up flat. But he adapts, takes things as they come, and uses his flatness in his adventures. This book has great illustrations and a story line that will captivate young school age children. (Ages 4 - 8)
   
  Henry and Mudge in Puddle Trouble by Cynthia Rylant and illustrated by Suci Stevenson. All of the Henry and Mudge books are great for new readers. Huge Mudge is a clumsy lovable mutt and Henry's best friend. The everyday adventures that they have are told and illustrated with humor and sensitivity. (Ages 5 - 8)
   
  A Hatful of Seuss by Dr. Seuss. Everyone knows the many pleasures of Seuss, but this is a great bargain. Five Seuss stories from “If I Ran the Zoo” to “Horton Hears a Who” are under one hardcover and can be had for less than $25. (Ages 4 - 8)
   
  Rotten Ralph Feels Rotten by Jack Gantos, illustrated by Nicole Rubel. Rotten Ralph the cat has been at it again in a delightful cautionary tale about the consequences of eating junk food. (Ages 4 - 8)
   
  Iris and Walter and the Field Trip by Elissa Haden Guest, illustrated by Christine Davenier. Great, easy-reading story about best friends Iris and Walter’s trip to the aquarium. (Ages 4 - 8)
   
  Morris Goes to School by B. Wiseman. Morris the moose goes to school. (Ages 4 - 8)
   
  Amelia Bedelia Series by Peggy Parish. The very funny, very literal housekeeper. (Ages 4 - 8)
 
   

For a young reader:
   
  Birthday Pony by Jessie Haas, illustrated by Margot Apple. Ten-year-old Jane and her pony, Popcorn, were born on the same day in this great horse story for young readers. (Ages 5 - 9)
   
  Fables by Arnold Lobel. A Caldecott Medal-winning book of original fables with valuable lessons for young readers. “The Ostrich in Love” and “The Pig at the Candy Store” are examples of the tales that will charm children who have just learned to read. Equally terrific are the full-page illustrations of the endearing characters. (Ages 5 - 9)
   
  The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales by Jon Scieszka and Lane Smith. A Caldecott Honor Book irreverently retells familiar tales — the really ugly duckling grows up to be a really ugly duck — and pays no respect to tradition. Characters move in and out of tales. Totally fun for grade-school children and the sarcastic young at heart. (Ages 4 - 8)
   
  The Paper Bag Princess by Robert N. Munsch, illustrated by Michael Martchenko. Elizabeth, a beautiful princess, lives in a castle and wears fancy clothes. She has to replace the clothes with a paper bag, still defeats the dragon, and discovers that Prince Ronald has a lot to learn when it comes to heroic little girls. (Ages 4 - 8)
   
  Diary of a Fly by Doreen Cronin and Harry Bliss. Hilarious diary of a would-be superhero fly with over 400 siblings. (Ages 5 - 8)
   
  Flotsam by David Wiesner. An endlessly explorable wordless book with inventive details and wonderful twists. (Ages 5+)
 
   

For a middle school reader:

   
  A Friendship for Today Patricia McKissack. An honest and true story about an insightful young African American girl and an unlikely interracial friendship in the segregated times of the mid1950s. (Ages 9 - 12)
   
  The True Meaning of Smekday by Adam Rex. The laugh-out-loud story of Gratuity (Tip) Tucci and her alien friend J’Lo; a great cure for Harry Potter withdrawal. (Ages 9 - 12)
   
  Hill Hawk Hattie by Clara Gillow Clark. Tough and sensitive eleven year old Hattie loses her beloved mother in the rugged New England hills in the late 1800s and ends up on a wild logging trip down the Delaware as she and her father come to terms with their loss and each other. (Ages 8 - 12)
   
  The Tale of Despereaux: Being the Story of a Mouse, a Princess, Some Soup, and a Spool of Thread by Kate Di Camillo, illustrated by Timothy Basil Erings. A tiny, talented mouse is the most interesting mouse since Stewart Little. This Newbery Award book is about love, hope, forgiveness, killer rats, and soup. (Ages 8 - 12)
   
  Everything on a Waffle by Polly Horvath. A quiet, funny, bittersweet Newbery Honor Book novel about eleven year old Primrose and her refuge, a local restaurant called The Girl on the Red Swing, where the gruff Miss Bowzer, serves everything on waffles — including lasagna. (Ages 8 - 12)
   
  Esperanza Rising by Pam Munoz Ryan. Esperanza thought she'd always live with her family on their ranch in Mexico — she'd always have fancy dresses, a beautiful home, and servants, but the Great Depression changed everything. (Ages 8 - 12)
 
   

Counting
   
  1, 2, 3: A Child’s First Counting Book by Alison Jay. Beautiful. Gentle first counting book. (Ages 2 - 5)
   
  Mother Goose Numbers on the Loose by Leo and Diane Dillon. Original wild book of numbers. (Ages 2 - 5)
 
   

Tools:
   
  The Tool Box by Anne Rockwell and Harlow Rockwell. Classic simplicity for little builders. (Ages 2 - 5)
 
   

ABC's:
   
  Gone Wild: An Endangered Animal Alphabet Book by David McLimans. A strikingly original alphabet book with information about each animal, its habitat, and threats to its survival. (Ages 5 - 10)
 
   

For a child who loves trucks and other vehicles:
   
  Trucks Roll by George Ella Lyon. For the young trucker! (Ages 2 - 4)
   
  Tugga-Tugga Tugboat by Daniel Lewis. Who doesn’t love a good tugboat story? (Ages 2 - 4)
   
  Trashy Town by Andrea Zimmerman and Dan Yaccarino. Dump it in, smash it down, drive around the Trashy Town. Mr. Gilly cleans up the whole town! (Ages 2 - 4)
   
  I Stink! by Kate and Jim McMullan. The terrific, dramatically-illustrated saga of a ten-wheeled, brash, and shamelessly voracious garbage truck. (Ages 4 - 8)
   
  Fireboat: The Heroic Adventures of the John J. Harvey by Maira Kalman. The tale of a New York City fireboat that came out of retirement to play a role on 9/11. (Ages 3 - 7)
   
  Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel by Virginia Lee Burton. A classic that no child should miss. Since it was first published in 1939, this story has delighted generations of children. Mike and his trusty steam shovel, Mary Anne, dig deep canals for boats to travel through, cut mountain passes for trains, and hollow out cellars for city skyscrapers. (Ages 4 - 7)
   
  Freight Train by Donald Crews. Presented in blocks of brilliant colors, the multihued train in this Caldecott Honor book undertakes a dazzling journey before disappearing from the final page. (Ages 2+)
 
   

For a child who loves animals:
   
  Bubba and Beau by Kathi Appelt, illustrated by Arthur Howard. A hilarious book about baths, friendship, and family. Bubba, a boy, and a hound are born on the same day and become inseparable. If you like this, also look at Bubba and Beau Good Night. (Ages 3 - 7)
   
  Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? and Polar Bear, Polar Bear, What do You Hear? by Bill Martin and Eric Carle. A treasured classic is now available in an all-new format! Nearly 30 years and more than 2.5 million copies after its conception, Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? remains one of the most beloved children's books of all time. Now, this charming tale is available in a board book format. In Polar Bear, Polar Bear, What Do You Hear? zoo animals from polar bear to walrus make their distinctive sounds for each other, while children imitate the sounds for the zookeeper. (Ages 2 - 4)
 
   

For a child who loves fairy tales:
   
  Rapunzel by Paul O. Zelinsky. A Caldecott Medal version of Rapunzel with gorgeous, Italian Renaissance-style illustrations. Zelinsky's Hansel and Gretal, Rumpelstiltskin, and Swamp Angel also are terrific and have all won Caldecott Honors. (Ages 4 - 8)
   
  Lon Po Po: A Red-Riding Hood Story from China by Ed Young. A thrilling Caldecott Medal winning variation on the Red Riding Hood story. Beautiful watercolor and pastel illustrations. (Ages 4 - 8)
   
  Shimbumi and the Kitemaker by Mercer Mayer. A young princess is sheltered inside the walls of her father's beautiful palace. Discovering the squalor of the surrounding city and the misery of its inhabitants, she devises a plot to improve the people's lives. A moving story with haunting illustrations using traditional Japanese images, from cherry blossoms and cranes to paper lanterns, lavish kimonos and bonsai trees against dreamlike backdrops. (Ages 6 - 9)
   
  The End by David LaRochelle and Richard Egielski. A zany, unpredictable tale of the unlikely events that led to the “happily ever after.” (Ages 3 - 5)
 
   

For a child who lives in two households:
   
  Fred Stays with Me by Nancy Coffelt. A determined little girl who lives in two households and is determined to keep her dog with her. (Ages 3 - 6)
 
   

For 8-12 year olds who want riveting epics of folklore and fantasy:
   
  Artemis Fowl by Eoin Cofler. The author’s description: Die Hard with fairies.
   
  A Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snickett. The three Baudelaire orphans face misfortune through 13 thrilling books.
 
   

For a budding musician:
   
  Ben’s Trumpet by Rachel Isadora. The story of Ben is fiction, but it could be the story of more than one jazz musician who grew up in the twenties. Using the art-deco style of the period, Rachel Isadora not only captures the poignancy and yearning of a youthful talent, but also in page after page of striking art seems to convey the very sound of music. (Ages 4 - 8)
   
  Ah, Music by Aliki. This book is about everything — composers, instruments, artists, and performers. It's about the history of all kinds of music, from the earliest music through classical, modern, jazz, and popular times. (Ages 5 - 9)
 
   

For a budding artist:
   
  Harold and the Purple Crayon by Crockett Johnson. A classic tale about an imaginative boy with a crayon. The whole series is wonderful. (Ages 4 - 8)
   
  Mirette on the High Wire by Emily Arnold McCully. A beautiful Caldecott Medal-winning book that captures the excitement and stubborn determination of the budding artist. McCully’s impressionistic illustrations reminiscent of Toulouse-Lautrec capture both the detail and the general milieu of Paris in the 19th century. (Ages 4 - 8)
   
  Frida by Jonah Winter, illustrated by Ana Juan. Younger school age children will be touched and inspired by this sensitive, warm biography about artist Frida Kahlo's challenging early life.
   
  The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds. A wonderfully illustrated, charming narrative both for reluctant and aspiring artists.
   
  Oxford First Book of Art by Gillian Wolfe. This book is a terrific introduction to the world of art for children with a rich collection of images — paintings, drawings, sculptures, and textiles — from around the world.
 
   

For children with monsters in the bedroom issues:
   
  There’s a Nightmare in my Closet, There’s an Alligator Under my Bed and There’s Something in My Attic by Mercer Mayer. Wonderful, enchanting, bedtime fears books. (Ages 2 - 5)
   
  Clyde Monster by Robert L Crowe. Clyde the monster is afraid of the children. (Ages 4 - 8)
 
   

For a budding surrealist artist:

   
  The Three Pigs by David Wiesner. Not your expected three pigs. A dazzling Caldecott Medal winner that begins with three pigs building houses of straw, sticks, and bricks but soars into a freewheeling adventure that will captivate children and adults. (Ages 4 - 8)
 
   

For siblings with "issues:"
   
  What Shall We Do with the Boo Hoo Baby by Cressida Cowell and Ingrid Godon. Isn’t there anything that will calm the baby down? Every animal in the farm tries to help out with the new baby. (Ages 2 - 6)
   
  A Baby Sister for Frances and A Birthday for Frances by Russell and Lillian Hoban. Frances is an endearing badger who first works through the indignity of a new baby sister and then jealousy over her sister's birthday. (Ages 4 - 8)
   
  Sheila Rae's Peppermint Stick by Kevin Henkes. This board book with one peppermint stick and two sisters is a delightful story. (Ages 2+)
 
   

For parents who want their children to love the environment:
   
  Animal Friends: A Global Celebration of Children and Animals by Maya Ajmera and John D. Ivanko. Smiling children from all over the world show off their animals in full color photographs in this charming board book. (Ages 1 - 4)
   
  A Cool Drink of Water by The National Geographic Society. Stunning pictures that will inspire discussion of natural resources and the world around us. (Ages 2 - 7)
   
  A Gardener’s Alphabet by Mary Azarian. Mary Azarian uses lovely woodcuts and a spare text to explore the joys of gardening and the life of a garden. (Ages 3 - 7)
   
  The Year At Maple Hill Farm by Alice and Martin Provensen. Life on a farm from January through December, the hard work and many pleasures of life in the country are detailed in this charming and lovely book. (Ages 4+)
 
   

To inspire family conversations:
   
  The First Thing My Mama Told Me by Susan Marie Swanson, illustrated by Christine Davenier. A wonderful, beautiful book about an adoring family and daily life. Seventy-seven year old Lucy looks back, and her memories sweetly speak to her growing capabilities and independence. A great quiet time book that will always inspire great conversations about a child’s warm family memories and the “good old days.” (Ages 3 - 7) 
   
  Five Creatures by Emily Jenkins and Tomek Bogacki. Five creatures live in our house. Three humans and two cats. Three short and two tall. Four grownups and one child. A great book about a family household and all the ways to characterize and sort the inhabitants. Also, great everyday math for preschoolers. (Ages 3 - 6)
   
  The Little Brute Family by Russell and Lillian Hoban. An adorable family of brutes. No one says "please" or "thank you." Instead, they kick and yell and punch and shove. Then one day everything changes. (Ages 2 - 6)
 
   

For a budding architect:
   
  Alphabet Under Construction by Denise Flemming. Mouse "constructs" his alphabet using art supplies and construction equipment scaffolds, ladders, saws, welding equipment and high and low-tech tools to accomplish his task. A funny book with vibrant colors and an original style. (Ages 2 - 5)
   
  Arches to Zigzags by Michael J. Crosbie and Steve and Kit Rosenthal. Through the lively verse and striking photographs, young readers learn the ABCs of architecture, including arches, gargoyles, hinges, I-beams, urns, and zigzags. Questions stimulate young readers to think about the structural world around them in a creative and a thought-provoking way. (Ages 4 - 8)
   
  Frank O. Gehry: Outside In by Jan Greenberg and Sandra Jane Jordan. The story behind the visionary architect and the buildings represented by his philosophy: "Life is chaotic. Buildings should reflect it." The book reflects his buildings, jumbled with energy and movement, and wonderful Gehry forms. (Ages 8+)
 
   

For spunky little girls (and boys who should know about spunky little girls) :
   
  Ruby Sings The Blues by Nikki Daly. Ruby is exuberantly LOUD. (Ages 3+)
   
  Happy to be Nappy by Bell Hooks and Chris Raschka. This beautiful picture book is a rhythmic read-aloud celebration of childhood and girls, the freedom to express individuality, and about girls accepting themselves the way they are. (Ages 3+)
   
  Sheila Rae, The Brave by Kevin Henkes. A board book about the almost fearless Sheila Rae. She walks backwards with her eyes closed, steps on every crack, growls at stray dogs, and bares her teeth at stray cats. But her "scaredy cat" sister, Louise, still sometimes has to come to her rescue and teach her about bravery. (Ages 4 - 8)
   
  Olivia by Ian Falconer. Preschoolers (and their parents) will see themselves in Olivia – a typical high-energy, over-the-top kid who likes the beach and Degas paintings, but hates naps. (Ages 4 - 8)
   
  Swamp Angel by Anne Isaacs and Paul O. Zelinsky. A tall tale with wonderful illustrations by Caldecott winner Zelinsky. Like Paul Bunyan, John Henry, and Pecos Bill, the heroine is a strong force of nature who can meet any challenge – taunting men and attacking bears for instance. A great tale alive with humor, exaggeration and irony. (Ages 4 - 8)
   
  Flossie and the Fox by Pat McKissack, illustrated by Rachel Isadora. An African-American folk tale about an adorable and brave little girl, told in an engaging dialect with beautiful, lavish illustrations. (Ages 4 - 7)
   
  Piper Reed: Navy Brat by Kimberly Willis Holt and Christine Davenier. A compelling, funny, dyslexic, middle child navigating family life as a navy brat. (Ages 9 - 12)
   
  Starring Miss Darlene by Amy Schwartz. A very funny read aloud about a hippo actress who never quite gets it right but is a star nevertheless. (Ages 3 - 5)
   
  Ballerina Dreams: A True Story by Lauren Thompson. Can children with disabilities be ballerinas? Absolutely! (Ages 4 - 8)
 
   

For spunky little boys (and girls who should know about spunky little boys) :
   
  Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak. A classic tale about a boy who challenges life as he knows it. (Ages 3 - 6)
   
  How I Became a Pirate by Melinda Long, illustrated by David Shannon. A rollicking adventure about a boy who wants to be a pirate and discovers that life is not what he thought. Great illustrations by David Shannon (author of No David and other David books). (Ages 4 - 8)
   
  Nate the Great and the Stolen Base by Marjorie Weinman Sharmat and illustrated by Marc Simont. Nate is a keen detective, and all of the Nate the Great series will grab beginning readers with the subtle humor. (Ages 4 - 8)
 
   

For dinosaur aficionados:

   
  How do Dinosaurs Go to School? by Jane Yolem and Mark Teague. Hilarious book for the dinosaur lover. (Ages 2 - 5)
 
   

A note so-scary monster book:

   
  When a Monster is Born by Sean Taylor and Nick Sharrat. What happens when a lovable monster is born, friend or foe? (Ages 3 - 5)
 
   

Deliciously scary books for young school age children:
   
  The Wolves in the Walls by Neil Gaiman, illustrated by Dave McKean. This classic-to-be will frighten young children but older children will find the horror and the humor shiveringly delicious. (Ages 5 - 9)
   
  Clay Boy by Mirra Ginsburg, illustrated by Jos. A. Smith. Vibrantly illustrated Russian folktale of an insatiable monstrous boy made of clay who devours everything in sight until a spirited goat gets in his way. (Ages 5 - 9)
 
   

For the school age history buff:
   
  Li’l Dan the Drummer Boy by Romare Bearden. (Ages 6 - 10)
   
  So You Want to Be President? by Judith St. Geairge and David Small. Delightful Caldecott Award winning look at American history that will grab young readers, laughing and learning at the same time. (Ages 6 - 10)
   
  Sea Biscuit vs. War Admiral by Kat Shehata, illustrated by Jo McElwee. A wonderfully illustrated book centering on Seabiscut's rivalry with War Admiral. Exciting and intriguing, the book captures the life, times, and personality of the famous racehorse. (Ages 6 - 12)
   
  Quake: Disaster in San Francisco, 1906 by Gail Langer Karwoski, illustrated by Robert Papp. An epic book about living through a major disaster and coping with the aftermath. The novel is also about family, loss and friendship and touches on the issues of the Chinese immigrants and anti-Semitism. (Ages 10+)
   
  Ben Franklin's Almanac: Being a True Account of the Good Gentleman's Life by Candace Fleming. A scrapbook-style, highly-readable biography of Ben Franklin in all his complexity. (Ages 10+)
 
   

Great books to discuss the value of giving :
   
  The Teddy Bear by David McPhail. A little boy loses a loved one and learns about loss, compassion and giving. A warm, beautiful, and thought-provoking book to read and talk about together. (Ages 4 - 8)
   
  A Chair for My Mother by Vera B. Williams. A Caldecott Honor book about a little girl who works and saves to give her mother a chair after most of what they owned was lost in a fire. A beautifully illustrated book about love and family. (Ages 4 - 7)
   
  The Quiltmaker's Gift by Jeff Brumbeau, illustrated by Gail de Marcken. There is magic in the fable and captivatingly beautiful illustrations about the unhappy king who cannot get enough and the quiltmaker whose happiness comes from giving. (Ages 4 - 8)
 
   
   
   
   


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