E is for Empire
by Ann Burg and illustrated by Maureen Brookefield is part of a series of books from Sleeping Bear Press. I always loved this series of books even before my sister wrote hers because it is a way to bring history to children without being preachy and boring. Each page has a poem about an event in NY history plus sidebars that go into more detail. The poems are great to read on their own and perfect for younger kids. The sidebars are wonderful because of the detail so older kids can get more information. I learned so much about New York just because of my sister's research. The whole series is a must for kids libraries (of course I think E is for Empire is the best)......
by Carolyn B. Otto is a great book to help celebrate this cultural holiday. This is the week African Americans celebrate their community. The photographs really enhance the Kwanzaa experience. This a wonderful way to explain this celebration. I loved the recipes and activities to share with family and friends.
by Tomie dePaola is the perfect little Christmas book for a new baby. It was originally called "Baby's First Christmas" but I understand and can appreciate the change. I know lots of new babies this year who are celebrating their first Christmas'. It is just the right size for their tiny hands and the simple words makes this a great introduction to the Christmas holiday for babies and toddlers. It is a classic book that will be read for many years to come. A must have Christmas title!
by Demi is a beautiful book to talk about on the Sunday before Christmas. I have always loved Demi's work. Her books are more than just books but works of art. There are so many books to read to children about the birth of Christ but I think this one is for the whole family. It has a sense of reverence about it that takes the Christmas story to another level. It is not a typical Christmas book but one that should be read as it truly brings us back to "the reason for the season".
by Susan Wojciechowski and illustrated by the wonderful P.J.Lynch is a very special book to me. I remember reading it for the first time when I was putting it out for display. It is the kind of perfect story that I love to read especially at Christmas time. It is sad, poignant and joyful at the same time. While I miss the original cover art I still love the illustrations. 
by Sean Kenny is the perfect book for any child who also has a tub or box filled with LEGO's. This book gives kids more ideas and instructions to build really "Cool Robots". Even if they don't have the particular part that comes with the instructions, this book inspires the "builder" to improvise. This is a companion book to 
that Mr Kenny published last year. Both books are perfect for the LEGO lovers in your life.....
by Michael Bedard
that has been compiled and illustrated by James Ransome is one of the most beautiful compilations I have seen in a long time. I love how Mr Ransome mixes the classic with the new. The new being new stories by such celebrated authors as: 
by Doreen Rappaport and illustrated by Bryan Collier is a wonderful way to introduce John and his talent to a younger audience. The mix of lyrical words and striking illustrations are a perfect way to tell the story of an extraordinary life. I have always been a fan of Bryan Collier's illustrations and this book is one of the reason's why. This is a must have for a child who loves music or for any child who has a free spirit inside of them.
by Hisako Aoki and illustrated beautifully by Ivan Gantschev has always been one of the best Santa stories to be told at this time of year. I was first drawn to the illustrations which were nothing like I had ever seen before. They are unique in a warm and sweet way. When I first read the story I loved how even Santa knows that there is more to Christmas than getting presents. It is the perfect way to remind children what this magical season is all about. A must have Christmas Tradition!
by Caroline Mac Killian is technically a fiction book but it is the kind of fiction based on fact. It is an interactive book that tells the story of a fictional explorer who is the "uncle" of the author. Even though the story and character is not real the places he visits are. This is a great travelogue for kids. It has great information about different parts of the world and their traditions, languages, beliefs, foods and rituals. It is interactive in that it has maps that unfold, letters, sketches and drawings and much more. This is for the child who loves adventure. They will have fun reading the book and at the same time, dare I say, learn something in the process. I would have loved a book like this when I was a kid.....
by Steve Light is a beautiful new Christmas story. The cover immediately drew me in to look at at. It is a sweet story of a giant and an elf who create the wrapping paper for Santa's workshop. There is nothing like finding a new book that has a twist I have never seen before---wrapping paper maker---genius! I also love the spare text that uses the mostly illustrations to tell the story. We feel for the Giant and the elf when they are sad that their work is done for the year. This is a wonderful new Christmas picture that should be read every year. It gives the feeling of a classic with a wonderful freshness that is timeless. A must have new book for a child's bookshelf.
. I love the illustrations and the simpleness of both stories. It is because of books like these that I wish I were still a buyer. I would have loved to have discovered Mr Jeffers before anyone else. His illustrations are the kind that give me that ache in my heart when I look at them. He is very talented and inspiring. He knows how to bring story and art together in a truly magical way. These are great books to read to children as both the adult and child will get something out them. A definite must have for any child's library!
by Linda Glaser and illustrated by Nancy Cole is a sweet Hanukkah story about a family wanting to share the holiday with a neighbor. A wonderful story of love and sharing. 
by Deborah DeCosta and illustrated by Gosia Mosz is great because it is about Latin American Hanukkah traditions~ or at least the combining of the two. A perfect way to show a different perspective on this celebrations.
by Laura Krauss Melmed and illustrated by Elisabeth Schlossberg is a new book that is more a book of rhymes to be read each night. A nice addition to a holiday celebration. 