Animal Sound Mix-up
by Connie Arnold and illustrated by Kit Grady and published by Guardian Angel Publishers is a fun read aloud book that describes what would happen if the animals around us made different sounds. For me this is great "activity" book to read to kids as it fosters discussion and lots of play acting. If I were doing a story time I would have the kids all take a turn pretending to be a different animal with a different sound. I love the illustrations because the animals are so expressive and cute. Animal Sound Mix-Up also reinforces the idea that we are all special and how we look or sound makes us unique. That is a wonderful thing about this book, it is not preachy but teaches in a simple way. In this day and age we must always strive to educate children to accept each other for who they are. That is the inspirational message of this sweet book. If you wish to read more about Connie you can go and read some of her inspirational words at her website: http://www.conniearnold.webs.com or http://conniearnold.blogspot.com/. Remember never try to change something that isn't broken....enjoy!
by Erica Silverman and illustrated by S.D. Schindler has always been one of my many favorite Halloween books. The illustrations are comical and when read aloud the reaction is priceless. I mentioned this book in passing last Halloween but I am always glad to recommend a book again. This is the classic story of a witch who grows a really "Big Pumpkin" but can't get it off the vine so that she can take it home and make pumpkin pie. It takes all her friends---a ghost, a vampire, a mummy and even a bat to help her. This wonderful read aloud should be a perennial Halloween story....it isn't scary but fun. I suggest settling in having a read while the pie is in the oven....have a piece for me!
by Jon Agee is by far my favorite of the palindrome books. The line drawings that go along with the words or phrases are priceless.
by Marc Shulman is a book that I really thought was cute. There is something about the story of Bob who discovers palindromes all around and can't get away from them. I try very hard not to recommend hard to get books but I couldn't help myself with this one. The illustrations are the quirky kind I like!
by Albert Lamorisse is a classic book of my childhood. I always loved this book and felt very close to little Pascal. A must have timeless story for all ages.
by Jerdine Nolan and illustrated by Mark Buehner was always a fun book to read at story time. It is a great story with fantastic illustrations. 
by Jamie Lee Curtis and illustrated by Laura Cornell has always been one of my favorite Jamie Lee Curtis books. I remember being a kid watching a balloon or two float up into the air. I would always wonder where they went. I always wondered if someone found them and who that would be. When first read this book I felt like it had answered some childhood questions. It was very soothing. 
by Klutz is a perfect book to celebrate this day. It uses simple language to teach us how to make balloon animals etc. It even comes with balloons to practice with. A great way to be creative. 
by Leatie Weiss and illustrated by Ellen Weiss is one of my favorite books to read at story time about school. The thing about children is that they can be so literal. They only understand what they see in front of them. In this fun read a kindergarten class thinks that their teacher has no other life other than being in a classroom. The theories of what she does while they aren't in school are so funny. This was always a joy to read because the kids reactions were just like the book. This is a classic book that still makes me laugh.
by Janet Nolan and illustrated by Marie Lafrance is new book to add to the list I gave last year. It is a great history of firefighters through the years. I love the illustrations they have a retro feel to them. I also love how the story uses a "light bulb" to transition for decade to decade. A perfect read aloud for Fire Prevention Week.
by Randy Siegel and illustrated by DyAnne DiSalvo is he perfect new book for today. It is the really sweet story of a little boy's who must help his Grandmother find her smile. It is perfect because today is World Smile Day and also the International Day of Older Persons. What grandparent doesn't smile when their grandchildren are around. The illustrations are perfect in that they really show the love between a little boy and his grandmother. This is the perfect book for anyone who has distant relatives and wants to keep them close. 