by Jeff Reynolds is a great book to read and talk about during this crisis. This book talks about the country as it is today not just how it was in the past. It is part of a series that talks about the countries of the world. It has information about the geography, culture, history, people, economy and politics. This is a perfect introduction to a country in crisis.
by Barney Saltzberg is technically a board book meant for a toddler. I say technically because it is so much more than a board book. This is the kind of book that I would give to someone who might be a bit of a perfectionist and who might not see the possibilities a mistake can bring. The illustrations are quirky and the foldouts are fun but it is the lesson that is most important. Mr Saltzberg has said in a few simple words that it is better to make the most out of an "oops"----just like the old adage to make lemonade out of lemons. A wonderful book for all ages......
by Jean Ferris is truly a comfort book. I loved this book from the moment I read the first line. The characters are wonderful and refreshing. This quirky little story of a son trying to save his parents from his nefarious relatives is heartwarming and funny at the same time. I love how this book reminds me of the old screwball comedies of the thirties. I truly recommend this book to anyone who loves to read offbeat stories with a bit of mystery thrown in. A warm book on a cold winter's day....what better way to spend an afternoon.
by Karen Beaumont and illustrated by Leuyen Pham is one of those books that immediately caught my eye. It is the kind of book that begs to be read as soon as you see it. It is one of the girliest books I know but so perfect and spot on that I wish I had a little girl to give it to. I have a feeling I might just give this to my niece Celia even though she is in college.....it was so her as a little girl. She was the kind of girl who loved to dress up and would change her clothes constantly. She was also big on shoes....which hasn't changed. I sometimes wish we had the same size foot so I could raid her collection. But back to the book~ Karen Beaumont's fun story matches perfectly with Leuyen Pham's incredibly adorable illustrations. This is a must have new book for any little girl's storybook bookshelf. I smile just thinking about it.....
by Holly Hobbie is the kind of soothing book that reasures us in a quiet way. I love how Toot is just having a "blue" kind of day....a day we all have ....but he has his friends to support him and get him through the "blue" feeling. The illustrations have already put me in a better mood. I was so happy to discover this book is now in paperback....hopefully it will help lots of kids and adults get through a dreary day!
by Dr Ernest Drake and Dugald Stead is the type of book that I would have loved as a kid. I remember when it first came out, I thought it was so clever. Of course it has spawned an array of sequels and other "ologies" but that shouldn't detract from the original. There is so much to look at and read about...it should provide hours of entertainment. It is also a great way to enhance a child's imagination. The interactive quality is wonderful. This is a great book and series to snuggle up with on a cold winter's day.....
by The Global Fund for Children
is a wonderful new board book that celebrates babies across our country. It is a companion piece to Global Babies
a 2008 Notable Children's book. Both titles use photographs of some of the most beautiful babies I have ever seen. The simple text is perfect to string all the photos together. 
The one thing I have learned about babies is that they love to look at other babies. These are perfect books for little hands. I also love the fact that part of the proceeds from these book goes to helping children around the world. Must have books for the babies your life.
by Nancy Willard and illustrated by Alice & Martin Provensen is an amazing book because it is the only children's book to win a Newbery Award AND get a Caldecott Honor at the same time. I love how Nancy Willard introduces a classic poet to children by weaving a story around his poems. The illustrations match the story/ poems in such a way that they can transport us to a different time. This is a great book to read aloud on cozy kind of day....maybe a snow day. This is a wonderful book and a must have for anyone's bookshelf---young or old.
by Bob Crelin and illustrated by Amy Ziner. My friend gave this book to her friend's daughter for Christmas. I suggested this book because of it is a great read aloud, the iilustrations are beautiful as well as its environmental aspect. 
by the Brothers Grimm and illustrated by the award winning Paul O' Zelinsky has always been a favorite version of the this classic tale. Mr. Zelinsky truly captures the feel of the fairy tale with some of the most exquisite illustrations. I always felt sorry for the girl who has to spin straw because the predicament she gets herself into was not of her making. I also love how Rumpelstiltskin gets his just rewards ..... I never liked him. Anyway this is a wonderful "must have" book for anyone who loves a good fairy tale, told and illustrated beautifully.
by Don Steinberg really caught me by surprise. Mr Steinberg has found a way a unique way to learn about American history and sports that isn't boring or dry. I would have loved to been there when he realized that this past year was the only time we would have 44 Presidents and 44 Super Bowls. The fact that he was able to connect the two totally different aspects of American life is shear genius.
