by Jimmie Davis and illustrated so sweetly by Caroline Jayne Church is wonderful little board book to share with a child. It is the perfect new baby gift that will be read over and over again,(or should I say "sung" over and over again)....a must have new baby book that will never go out of style.
by Jacky Davis and illustrated by David Soman is the story of a little girl named Lulu who likes to dress up like a Ladybug. Well she likes to dress up as many things but her ladybug costume seems to be her favorite. I like this book because it shows a child trying to amuse herself when she is bored and succeeding. This is a great new character for little girls to relate to. It is a refreshing story with great illustrations. I love her dog too! Perfect book for any little girl in your life. 
by Elizabeth Partridge is a wonderful book and photographic history of the civil rights era. What I like about it is that it is shown from a child's perspective. I never knew how involved children were during this time. The photos and interviews with those who were there are incredibly moving. This is a great book for an older child to help them understand this important period in American History. Elizabeth Partridge has done a wonderful job of bringing to life a little known part of the Civil Rights Movement. While this is written for ages 9-12, I think many an adult would appreciate this book. I know I do!
by Amy Krouse Rosenthal and illustrated by Jen Corace is the perfect bedtime book. While all his friends complain because they need to go to bed early, Little Hoot is expected to stay up late because that is what Owl's do. His begging to go to bed early and his bedtime routine is so cute. This is the perfect bedtime story with really easy text and the most adorable illustrations. I have recommended Amy Krouse Rosenthal before and I am sure I will again. This is a great example of writer and illustrator matching perfectly. This is a must have book for any child's library!
by Peter Sis is a great way to introduce this historic figure to a child. While the book is a picture book and is supposedly geared towards ages 4-8 year olds, I think it is more for an older child. The story of Galileo is fascinating, he led a complicated life but Mr Sis is able to write this biography in a way that brings it down to a child's level. The illustrations are also wonderful, it wasn't surprising that Peter Sis got the Caldecott Honor for them. I have always said that there are different kinds of picture books. There are picture books meant to be read to the very young and then there books like The Starry Messenger that are for older kids. These picture books for older children are meant to help children really visualize a subject. They are just as important as a chapter book. All kids are different in the way they learn so there should be something for everyone. Like I said earlier this book is the perfect way to introduce a complicated subject to a child....it is a beautiful stepping stone for the starry eyed child in your life....
by Norton Juster is truly a classic story of how a silly girl meets nice boy but who would rather date a rebel. The straight line loves the dot but she has fallen for a squiggle. The straight line tries so hard to be more interesting to the dot that he develops a talent for making beautiful designs, ultimately winning over the dot who realizes that squiggles are just messy. At least that is how see it. I love the quirkiness of this book and how fun it is to read. While I think the plot is a bit sophisticated for little children they can still learn something from it....
by Maggie Kneen is a charming new book about a Moose who loves chocolate. The first thing that drew me to this book was the sweet face of the Moose on the cover. Secondly it is about chocolate, which is a favorite of mine---especially "chocolate mousse". While I was reading it I found it sweet and funny, in a silly kind of way. While it is a bit predictable, it is still a children's book and kids like predictable. If I was still working in a store I would use it as the center of a themed story time about chocolate....especially with Valentine's Day just around the corner.
by Vincent X. Kirsch is a wonderful tale of friendship. It is about a boy who is great friends with Forsythia, a girl who can do anything. I like how they are two opposites but that they get along so well. I like how the roles eventually get reversed and Chester amazes Forsythia....all in the name of friendship. I also love the illustrations, they are sort of retro but not old fashioned. A very special story that can really be read all year round.
written by Lesa Cline-Ransome and illustrated by James Ransome is the kind of book I like to find. I love to discover a story I have never heard before. It is the story of a man born of a slave mother and plantation owning father who mesmerizes Europe with his incredible gift of music. I have always admired James Ransome's illustrations and this is a great example of his work. The writing too is beautifully done, I love how how each section is titled as a "movement" to bring out the music aspect of the book. This has also made me want to listen to some of this unknown artist's musical compositions ----as much as I love to find a new story I also love to discover new music.
by Jules Verne is a classic castaway story with loads of adventure. What I liked about this book was how the characters were able to survive and create a new world for themselves. I also loved the mystery that surrounded the island---the twist at the end was a great surprise but a pleasant "ah ha" kind of surprise that I love. I loved this book so much and knew my nephew would like it to----he liked science----that I gave it to him for his birthday (he was even nice about it the second time I gave it to him--aunts have a tendency to forget). Anyway this would be great gift for an older child who likes mystery and science. I look it at as a precursor to "Lost"----a wonderful classic that never gets old.
by Oliver Chin is part of a series of books that highlights each animal of the Chinese Zodiac. This is a sweet story of a little Rabbit and her adventures (her name is Rosie which of course makes me very partial). My nephew JoJo is a "Rabbit" so it will be interesting to see if he has a "calm" kind of year, I wish it had been around when he was born. Mr Chin is doing one for each of the twelve animals of the zodiac----can't wait til he gets to mine....
by Floyd Cooper is, as I said, an old favorite. I have always been a fan of Floyd Coopers wonderful illusrations. What I loved about this book is how I learned about a great poet ....not as a grown up but as a little boy. This is a great introduction to an American Treasure. This book is not only written beautifully but the illustrations are incredible. I was drawn to the cover immediately .....the little boys face and how he is sitting there with his books made me want to know more about him. I love how Mr Cooper paints faces that are instantly recognizable to us. Coming Home is a great tribute to wonderful poet and artist....a must have book for anyone's bookshelf.
