Clever Jack Takes the Cake
by Candace Fleming and illustrated by award winning G. Brian Karas is a fun new book that is a fairy tale at heart. I love this story of a little boy named Jack who gets an invitation to the princess' birthday party. I love the resourcefulness of Jack. He trades his beloved items for ingredients to make a cake only to have the cake torn apart. In the end it is the story that pleases the princess. When I read it I had a feeling of an O'Henry story....but for kids. This is such a sweet and lovely fairy tale that I would have wanted as a child.
by Kate Waters with photographs by Russ Kendall is not necessarily a Thanksgiving Story. It is just a story based on a little girl who actually existed. Even though it is not a holiday story it has always been a perennial book to read at this time of year. I remember it being a big seller when I first started working in books. What I always liked about it, besides the fact that it was about a real person, was the photographs. It clearly shows children what it was like to live in the 1600's. Kids are so visual that the photographs bring a reality that sometimes illustrations cannot. This is a great book to read along side a true story of Thanksgiving if only to give perspective and understanding of how people lived in the early days before we were a country.
is just too adorable for words. I have always loved her books, they are perfect for story times and just one on one time with kids. I have even gotten them for some adults I know. I love the sing along aspect of the book and was thrilled that there is a downloadable song that goes with it. This is just a "perfect" book....(Pun intended). The cover illustration is priceless and when I first saw it I couldn't help smiling. This is a must have for any child especially anyone who loves Sandra Boynton.....
that makes a
. In it he talks about how we must work with nature to help our planet. I admire his passion and commitment to changing the way we view our world.
by HRH The Prince of Wales takes all the information of his adult book and makes it accessible to children. It was very smart of him to do a children's version as they should also be taught to save our world. It is a beautifully produced book with wonderful photographs. It is a good book to help start conversations about the environment and why we should care about what is happening to our planet.
by Michael Rosen and illustrated by Kevin Waldron really did catch my eye when i saw it. When I got up close the cover illustration actually made me laugh. The way the tiger is looking at the fly is priceless, as is the rest of the book. I have always loved Michael Rosen because his books are so much fun to read aloud. This book is no exception. This is a great read aloud book for either a group or just a child on your lap. The illustrations are wonderful ..... this is a must have new book that I am sure will turn into a classic.
by Artie Bennett and illustrated by Mike Lester is an irreverent look at the different shapes and sizes of our bottoms. It is a very clever book told in rhyme that should have kids howling....I know lots of little boys (and a few girls) who will get a kick out this book. I love Mike Lester's illustrations as they perfectly match the whimsical descriptions set forth by Mr Bennett. This is the kind of book to get for a child who is hard to buy for. I even know a few adults who may enjoy it~although they would never admit it.
by Rosanne Parry is a beautifully written book about a boy coming to terms with life and his future . It has a different perspective on war that can be compelling. This book also has a religious theme to it but is not too preachy. It is meant for ages 9-12 and that is pretty much on target. 
by Suzanne Morgan Williams is another middle grade reader that deals with the consequences of war and returning veteran's. Kids should relate to this book of a boy who has to deal with family tragedy and how to overcome it. Another book for ages 9-12. 