Children

It’s not easy being young. I love the message in this book that as long as you try your best you should be proud. Beautiful and fun illustrations by Megan Wellman. A great read aloud for parents with kindergartners.

I have to confess that the illustrations enticed me to grab this book, as well as the illustrator’s last name (Derek Brazell…close enough to Brassell). A nice story about a boy who feels out of place at his new school until his teacher discovers his special skill: using chopsticks. A lovely book for showing students that each of us has special talents to share with the world.

For anyone who loves The Far Side or is looking for a way to get students interested in science, this is a wonderful book.

Terrific read aloud about a monster scared by the boy under his bed. The illustrations by Alexis Deacon are superior, as this book always gets a lot of kudos from the little ones (not too little, though, as it can be a bit scary).

I recently read this to my wife, and we both fell in love with this six year old who lives at The Plaza, constantly orders room service and, of course, charges everything.

If you are a grandparent, this is the perfect book to read aloud with a grandchild. Grandpa Raisin shares a day at the park with his grandson Grape. Simple story with intriguing illustrations by Andy Snair.

Don’t forget mom on May 11th, and bring a tissue when you read this one.

Who couldn’t love this endearing story about a boy – and his moose. Lots of laughs, and terrific illustrations. A favorite for read alouds.

How could you NOT pick up a book with this title? With great illustrations by Daniel Salmieri, this book makes for a very fun read aloud you and your kids will enjoy.

The perfect graduation gift, and a wonderful pick-me-up after reading the tear-jerker Love You Forever. A positive attitude will take you far.

I love Turnage’s quirky characters and Southern humor, and I look forward to reading a lot more great books from her. She has set the bar high for herself, and all ages will breeze through this lovely tale.

This book makes a great writers’ prompt. Such a clever idea, as the two authors (Scieszka is probably my favorite living children’s author) tell the story of a boy who picks up a sappy book called The Birthday Bunny and decides to turn it into a story that he’d actually like to read. Brilliant concept, with fun illustrations by Matthew Myers.

This magical story – with mesmerizing illustrations by Alison Jay – reminds me to pity those adults who do not regularly indulge in good childern’s books. If you’re only reading books written at “your age level,” you are ignorant of many of the world’s literary treasures. Catchpool has written a simple, beautiful story – the reason we read.

I have seen kids sit and stare at this book for hours, giggling at the funny photos of squirrels. Definitely a book you need in your library.

A couple of teachers pointed out that I have neglected to include a Jane Yolen book on any of my lists, which shocked me since I recommend about ten of her books in one of my poetry seminars. Jane Yolen is a MUST for any classroom or home library, as I would rate her up with Jack Prelutsky and Cynthia Rylant as one of my favorite poets for children. She has also teamed with a couple of incredible illustrators, like David Shannon and Mark Teague (who illustrated this hilarious third installment in their dinosaur series). Buy Jane Yolen’s books and your kids (and you) will enjoy reading, I promise.