Beach Day

Beach Day by Karen Roosa, illustrated by Maggie Smith 2001

A day at the beach is realistically depicted in this memorable story. Stretching from morning into evening, the bouncy verse highlights the joy of a family vacation at the beach. Filled with families of every shape and size, and all the paraphernalia of a day in the sand, Smith's artwork is inviting and cheery. As the day ends with a beautiful sunset, exhausted families exit the beach, and stifle a contented yawn.

Appropriate for ages 2-8

Agent A to Agent Z

Agent A to Agent Z by Andy Rash 2004

Agent A is on a mission to find the evil spy. To discover the one who is out of line in this alphabet rhyme. Each letter of the alphabet has a secret agent to accompany it.

"Every spy who is official

uses words with his initial.

But one spy is out of line.

I need to know his name by nine."

The comedic details by Rash come at a fast pace, and he appoints each agent a ridiculous disguise. With the mystery neatly solved, Agent A saves the day, and enjoys a pleasant evening at the Agent Dance.

Appropriate for ages 4-8

Pajama Time!

Pajama Time! by Sandra Boynton 2000

Making it to bed in a happy mood can be somewhat of a challenge, but reading Boynton's story can make it a celebration. The tone is comfortable and silly, all while mentioning familiar bedtime tasks such as getting jammies on, reading a bedtime story, and brushing those pearly whites. Dancing may not be a common theme during bedtime, but your family will change their mind quickly after enjoying this irresistible read. The endearing creatures in the story will encourage your child to 'pajammy' in whatever they've got.

Appropriate for Baby-Preschool

Sandra Boynton on Amazon

The Stray Dog

The Stray Dog by Marc Simont, from a true story by Reiko Sassa 2001

A family picnicking spies a lonely but friendly dog. The young boy and girl play with him, and even give him a name, but are told he can't come back to their home in the city. The text is spare, but anguish is evident in the children's faces as they drive away, and all week long as the family remains distracted.

They all return to the same picnic spot the next weekend, looking nonchalant, but longing for the dog to reappear. He does make an appearance, but this time with a dog warden chasing him. The children defend their special friend Willy, and the warden lets him go. The last few pages illustrate the love that the family has for Willy, and his feeling of contentment.

"They took Willy home. And after that they introduced him to the neighborhood, where he met some very interesting dogs. And Willy settled in where he belonged."

Appropriate for ages 4-8

Yes Day!

Yes Day! by Amy Krouse Rosenthal, illustrated by Tom Lichtenheld 2009

Every child's dream would be to get their way all the time. But what if there was one day in the year where every answer to a child's question was "Yes"? The young boy in Rosenthal's story explains his favorite day of the year. He wants us to follow and observe how each of his wishes is granted. From a food fight, to staying up way past bedtime, the humorous cartoons reveal the joy experienced on this most unusual of days.

The blue end-papers reveal even more to giggle about. There is a monthly calendar including days like; Not On Your Life Day, Go Ask You Mother Day, or Two Thumbs Down Day. It's obvious what the most popular day is by the bright yellow box in the corner declaring YES DAY!. Beware of your child asking for a day just like this.

Appropriate for ages 4-8

Amy Krouse Rosenthal on Amazon

No Matter What

No Matter What by Debi Gliori 1999

The simple message that Small (and each child) needs to hear is that they are loved unconditionally by their parents. Small is expressing anxiety about the limits of a parent's love. Will Large still love Small despite times of grumpiness, and messiness? Large warmly convinces Small that love will remain "No matter what".

The familiar scenes, and apparent love between parent and child, make for a heart-warming read.

Appropriate for ages 3-8

Kindergarten Count to 100

Kindergarten Count to 100 by Jacqueline Rogers 2004

Starting school can be an uncertain time, but Petey will lead you through his day, counting as he goes. The familiar tasks and activities of a day at kindergarten are shown in soft watercolors. Each child in the story is confident and happy, which is exactly how we want our children to face each day at school.

Appropriate for ages 3-6

The Color Kittens

The Color Kittens by Margaret Wise Brown, illustrated by Alice and Martin Provensen 1949

"Blue is the door

That takes you through into the world of the color kittens."

Hush and Brush are experts at mixing colors. Their paint buckets are lined up as far as the eye can see, and they are ready to mix up some magic, and poetry as well. Each color is represented and matched to an item that is familiar in a young child's world. The timeless artwork by the Provensen's provides excitement whether the kittens are awake or in dreamland. These pouncy kittens are wonderful guides into the world of color, and the lyrical verse will not be soon forgotten.

Appropriate for Baby-Preschool

Margaret Wise Brown on Amazon

Wow! America!

Wow! America! by Robert Neubecker 2006

Izzy chases after her little sister Jo across the face of America, and we get the privilege of following along. Each region of the United States is explored with two-page paintings that are vivid, and will grab the readers attention. There are so many reasons to utter, "Wow" while attempting to find Izzy, Joe and their trusty dog on each page. At the end of the journey they run into their mother's arms; so thankful for home.

The visual excitement of this book will encourage children to learn a little geography and Americana all at once.

Appropriate for ages 3-8

Robert Neubecker on Amazon

Coco All Year Round

Coco All Year Round by Sloane Tanen, photography by Stefan Hagen 2006

Four-line rhyme for each month of the year is not particularly clever, but the photo's of Coco and friends more than make up for that. The small objects and details on each page are humorous, and kids will likely want to explore over and over.

Coco is a cute pompom chick, and the miniature sets are whimsical. Join her as she experiences each month of the year in style.

Appropriate for ages 2-6

Sloane Tanen on Amazon

Bubble Bubble

Bubble Bubble by Mercer Mayer 1973

The simple act of blowing bubbles can be adventurous when you use your imagination. The young boy in the story, "bumped into a bubble" and discovered they were magic bubbles. As he forms each fantastic bubble animal his expressions are perfectly drawn by Mayer. This story is a wonderful celebration of a boy, his bubbles, and his imagination.

Appropriate for ages 2-6

Mercer Mayer on Amazon

Ella Takes The Cake

Ella Takes The Cake by Carmela D'Amico & Steven D'Amico 2005

Ella loves to help, yet her mother tells her she is too small to assist in the family bakery. When the delivery man leaves an important cake behind, resourceful Ella comes up with a great idea.

As she wheels through town she encounters many obstacles. She takes on a stack of precarious books, and her friend Belinda. Despite these interruptions she is determined to make her delivery, and her success is right on time. Her mother can't deny that Ella is growing up, and that she is a very dependable little helper.

The delightful artwork of D'Amico is reminiscent of the French seaside, and the portrayal of small town life is very inviting.

Appropriate for ages 4-8

Carmela D'Amico on Amazon

Happy Birthday, Dear Duck

Happy Birthday, Dear Duck by Eve Bunting, illustrated by Jan Brett 1988

This simple, yet clever story demonstrates the kindness of friends at Duck's birthday party. Each friend bears a gift that initially does not seem to have any connection to the next gift.

"Duck looked around and he said, "Thanks a lot!

I'm pleased as can be with the gifts you brought.

But we're far from a lake and far from the sea.

How can I use what you've given to me?"

The last present, brought by Tortoise, allows them to utilize all the preceding gifts. They celebrate Duck's special day in the best way possible in the middle of the desert.

Brett's bright, warm illustrations highlight the beauty of the Southwest, and the animals that call the desert home.

Appropriate for ages 2-8

Jan Brett on Amazon

Eve Bunting on Amazon

Nothing to Do

Nothing to Do by Douglas Wood, illustrated by Wendy Halperin 2006

All parents have heard the phrase, "There's nothing to do", and Wood's story suggests antidotes to this dilemma. The enticing activities mentioned include building a toy ship, watching ants at work, or catching fireflies. The text encourages us to not be bothered by "white, empty spaces on the calendar."

The multitude of images presented in soft watercolors by Halperin cause us to pause and examine closely. There is magic in the small, childlike experiences of everyday, and this sweet story reminds us to slow down.

Appropriate for ages 3-8

Douglas Wood on Amazon

Me on the Map

Me on the Map by Joan Sweeney, illustrated by Annette Cable 1996

Everybody has their own spot, and yet it can be difficult for young people to understand where their place on the map is. This story begins in a young girls room and expands out using maps of streets, towns, states, and countries. On each colorful page the girl points out where she belongs. Then the whole process reverses as she brings the scale back down from the earth to her very own room.

Sweeney's book is a great introduction to maps. It helps children realize that their community is important, and their place on the map is a special one.

"Just think......in rooms, in houses, on streets, in towns, in countries all over the world, everybody has their own special place on the map."

Appropriate for ages 4-8

Joan Sweeney on Amazon

Polo: The Runaway Book

Polo: The Runaway Book (The Adventures of Polo) by Regis Faller 2007

The journey that Polo takes is fueled by his imagination after reading a book given to him. A small green alien snatches the book, and Polo is in hot pursuit. A series of amazing events ensues as Polo travels through a cotton candy cloud, a stormy ocean, and a mysterious jungle island. At each turn, he meets new friends, but he never lingers, because he must retrieve his book.

The nearly wordless story, and the bright illustrations have huge appeal to young children. The comic book type format reiterates the importance of following a story line from left to right, and top to bottom.

This is a great reminder of how reading can expand our imagination, and as Polo learns, it's important to share that joy with others.

Appropriate for ages 4-12

Space Boy

Space Boy by Leo Landry 2007

The world around Nicholas is too noisy, and so he decides to leave the earth behind, and take a trip. After exchanging his pajamas for a space suit, and packing a healthy snack, he boards the rocket conveniently parked in his backyard.

The distant moon and it's quiet craters become the ideal setting for a picnic. Although the moon is peaceful, Nicholas starts to feel lonely. He returns to a silent house, and nonchalantly tells his parents goodnight.

Landry's illustrations are simple and spare. This is a great bedtime read that will induce dreams about outer space, and stretch your child's imagination.

Appropriate for ages 4-8

Leo Landry on Amazon

No Dragons for Tea: Fire Safety for Kids (and Dragons)

No Dragons for Tea: Fire Safety for Kids (and Dragons) by Jean Pendziwol, illustrated by Martine Gourbault 1999

A young girl invites a dragon over for tea, not realizing the turn of events a sneeze can cause. The dragon's "a-choo" causes a fire to start, and panic to set in. But there's no need to worry because the girl knows just what to do when the smoke alarm goes off. She proceeds to teach the dragon, and us, through the funny, rhyming verse.

Pendziwol emphasizes the importance of the individual rather than the stuff a child might want to save during a fire. She reminds us to have a safety checklist (included in the back of the book), and the important role that the firemen and women play during an emergency of this kind.

This story will stimulate wonderful conversation with your child.

Appropriate for ages 4-8

The Fabulous Bouncing Chowder

The Fabulous Bouncing Chowder by Peter Brown 2007

A sleep-away for pampered pooches is where Chowder is determined to make a connection with other canines. The camp is called Fabu Pooch Boot Camp, and every breed of dog is present to improve on themselves. Chowder just doesn't seem to fit in, despite his attempts at trying to be more fashionable and less grotesque at the dinner table.

When the announcement is made that a pageant is fast approaching, "Chowder knew he was kind of funny-looking. It was difficult enough being surrounded by perfect dogs, but competing against them just seemed like a lost cause." Join Chowder as he discovers his talent, and strives to win a one-year supply of Snarf Snacks.

The illustrations are full of lights and darks, and there is humor in the details, including the slobber constantly pouring from Chowder's jowls. Watching this rambunctious bulldog's determination and spunk will help your child realize that their special skills are important. Even if we don't always win, we can feel good about ourselves when we make a great effort.

Appropriate for ages 4-8

Peter Brown on Amazon

I Knew Two Who Said Moo: A Counting and Rhyming Book

I Knew Two Who Said Moo: A Counting and Rhyming Book by Judi Barrett, illustrated by Daniel Moreton 2000

This romp through numbers one to ten, from Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs author Judi Barrett, will stretch your child's imagination. Each number is partnered with a silly verse that rhymes with the number itself. Each number poem is accompanied by, for example, pigs knitting, rats pole vaulting, or bears at a construction site. The scenes become more ridiculous as the numbers escalate.

The computer-generated artwork of Moreton is zany, and oversized with bright colors. Combining three concepts in one (numbers, counting and the concept of rhyming), will make this read a big hit.

Appropriate for ages 2-7

Judi Barrett on Amazon

Never Babysit the Hippopotamuses!

Never Babysit the Hippopotamuses! by Doug Johnson, illustrated by Abby Carter 1993

Kids will giggle at this comic tale of a small boy baby-sitting two enormous pachyderms. Advice on the care of the sibling hippos is given, as well as the wacky details of the evening. Among the list of things not to allow are wrestling, and leap frog. Beware of bathtime, because "the Hippos love to do cannonballs into the tub."

Carter's watercolor illustrations represent the manic energy of the Hippos, and the exhausted determination of the babysitter. Watching these beasts is no easy task, but much easier than taking care of the next door neighbors.

Appropriate for ages 4-8

Birdsong

Birdsong by Audrey Wood, illustrations by Robert Florczak 1997

The songs of birds help us identify them in the wild, and help them communicate with each other. Each of the birds represented in this book provide background music for a child or children who are immersed in the landscape. Each double-page spread represents a different location in the United States. The common call for each bird is included in the text.

Florczak's artwork offers a panorama of the bird's habitat. The stylized borders are reminiscent of Victorian design, and depict the state flower of the area shown.

This is a gentle, yet beautiful reminder of the bird's in each region of America.

"A bird does not sing because it has an answer. It sings because it has a song." -Chinese Proverb

Appropriate for ages 4-8

Audrey Wood on Amazon

Big Red Barn

Big Red Barn by Margaret Wise Brown, illustrated by Felicia Bond 1991

The cycles of a day on the farm are gently depicted in the rhythmic language of this story.

"The sheep and the donkey,

The geese and the goats,

Were making funny noises

Down in their throats."

Children will enjoy how each adult barn animal has a baby following alongside. The animals play all day long, and then retire to the barn peacefully. They trade places with the nocturnal bats and mice, as the "moon sails high in the dark night sky."

Brown, also the author of Goodnight Moon, has a wonderful ability to see the world through the eyes of a child. A simple and gentle story that will appeal to young children.

Appropriate for ages Baby-Preschool

Margaret Wise Brown on Amazon

Everything to Spend the Night From A to Z

Everything to Spend the Night From A to Z by Ann Whitford Paul, illustrated by Maggie Smith 1999

Trying to decide what to pack for a sleep-over at Grandpa's house is quite a job. This young girl doesn't hold back, and her bag is overflowing with an item from each letter in the alphabet. As the story proceeds, Grandpa looks more and more exhausted, but his granddaughter's excitement heightens as she introduces each treat from her bag.

"And now a hairbrush for your hair.

Oops! Sorry, Grandpa-nothing's there."

Smith's illustrations are full of humor and detail, down to the bewildered cat who follows the main character across each scene. Grandpa's sweet girl has just enough energy to find a substitute for her lost pajamas before getting some shut eye.

This fun read may create some reassurance as your child goes to his or her first sleep-over.

Appropriate for ages 4-8

Ann Whitford Paul on Amazon

Maggie Smith on Amazon

Toot & Puddle

Toot & Puddle by Holly Hobbie 1997

The best of friends have different ideas of what is fun. Even though Toot and Puddle love being together, they take time to pursue their own adventures. Puddle is a homebody that immerses himself in the country setting of Woodcock Pocket. Toot is always anticipating his next adventure across the globe. As Toot sets off on his journey, he always remembers to send Puddle postcards.

Holly Hobbie's beautiful illustrations take us into the emotions that separation from a friend can bring. Even though they support each other's differences, Toot and Puddle always look forward to being together again.

This story about being a great friend, and not forgetting to be yourself, is a wonderful reminder for children and adults.

Appropriate for ages 4-8

Holly Hobbie on Amazon

Where Is the Cake?

Where Is the Cake? by The Tjong-Khing 2007

A suspenseful story told completely without words. A pleasant day is spoiled when Mr. and Mrs. Dog's cake is stolen. They take off in hot pursuit. A huge cast of characters is wordlessly introduced, and the challenge to find them on each page begins. The illustrations provide an abundance of lead-ins at every turn, making the storyline change constantly. The clues presented will have kids turning pages back and forth to figure out who has the cake.

The maze like illustrations of Tjong-Khing are riveting, and will cause this book to be picked up over and over, even after the cake grabbing culprit is revealed.

Appropriate for ages 4-8

Oddhopper Opera

Oddhopper Opera: A Bug's Garden of Verses by Kurt Cyrus 2001

"Under the thunderheads, over the trails,

Rumbling, rumbling-here come the snails!"

The snails are joined by a cast full of characters that lurk in the garden. Detailed artwork invites us to observe the precarious world of insects throughout the seasons. Beautiful rhyming language tumbles across the page, following the ever present trail of ants.

Cyrus gives a stark, yet witty representation of the life cycle of the amazing creatures outside our windows, whether searching for food, or becoming a meal.

This down-to-earth read will encourage everyone to bend down and take a closer look next time they step outside.

Appropriate for ages 4-8

Doggone Dogs

Doggone Days by Karen Beaumont, illustrated by David Catrow 2008

Their master won't wake up, but the main characters in this story are off and running. What disaster could befall ten dogs on a trip to the park? In the minds of our doggone friends, none. But the humans in the story have a totally different opinion, based on their bewildered, and angered expressions. This hilarious tale of carefree dog days will make you anticipate the next jaunt to the park.

Beaumont's exuberant text includes many exclamation points, indicating that the dogs run this show. She also manages to include counting practice while keeping track of the ten feisty pets. Catrow's illustrations bely the individual personality of each canine.

For any child who loves dogs, or has one as a pet, this book will induce many giggles.

Appropriate for ages 2-6.

Karen Beaumont on Amazon

David Catrow on Amazon