Police Officers on Patrol

Police Officers on Patrol by Kersten Hamilton, illustrated by R. W. Alley 2009

A day in the life of a police officer, from the mundane tasks to the drama, is cleverly depicted in this rollicking read. Hamilton helps us remember how important and brave police officers are. The artwork by Alley introduces us to engaging characters with life-like expressions, which are emphatically thankful for the help they receive from the police.

Kids will be chanting with the officers, “When people need help, we rock and roll!”

Appropriate for ages 3-8

Kersten Hamilton on Amazon

R. W. Alley on Amazon

The House in the Meadow

The House in the Meadow by Shutta Crum, illustrated by Paige Billin-Frye 2003

This informational book about building a house from the ground up also includes great practice in counting. A newly married couple oversees the construction of their first home as the seasons change. The text echoes the classic counting rhyme “Over in the Meadow” by Wadsworth. The important job that each worker performs is included in the clever text. Billin-Frye uses colorful collage that has a three-dimensional feel.

“Over in the meadow, by the house, in the sun, waved the wife and the husband and their new little one. “Home!” Said the couple. “You’re home,” said everyone. Then they lived in the meadow, in their house that was done!"

Appropriate for ages 3-8

Shutta Crum on Amazon

Papa is a Pirate

Papa is a Pirate by Katharina Grossmann Hensel 2009

A young boy wonders what his dad does all day at work. He begins to entertain the idea that his Papa might be a pirate, and Daddy plays right along. From putting on a show for passing cruise ships, to saving the boy’s mother who also happens to be a pirate, the little boy is almost convinced of his Papa’s real job on the high seas.

The text is written in a conversational tone, and the imaginative artwork is full of humor.

Appropriate for ages 4-8

Little Farm by the Sea

Little Farm by the Sea by Kay Chorao 1998

The busyness and importance of small farms is rendered here with clarity. It takes daily hard work to run a farm, and the jobs of each season are explored. Animals are born, produce is shared, and the community is enriched because of this small farm by the sea. There are fun details to discover on each beautifully illustrated page. A trip to a small farm or farmer’s market in your town is sure to follow.

Appropriate for ages 3-8

Kay Chorao on Amazon

Gossie

Gossie by Olivier Dunrea 2002

Gossie the gosling never leaves the barn without her favorite red boots. Reading this story is to explore with her as she goes about her day. But what happens when the red boots disappear? Her routine is broken, she cries, but she also finds a friend in the process.

The illustrations and text are simple, and full of child-sized fun.

Appropriate for ages 2-6

Olivier Dunrea on Amazon

Christina Katerina and the Box

Christina Katerina and the Box by Patricia Lee Gauch, illustrated by Doris Burn 1998

The difference between the imaginations of an adult and a child are crystal clear in this story. Christina transforms the refrigerator box on her front lawn into a plethora of creations. She and her mom have a literal tug of war between each transformation that the box takes; from a castle to a racecar. The friendships of children are explored as well, touching on sharing and respect for others things.

Burn’s illustrations are black, brown, and white. They timelessly capture the joy in imaginative play.

Appropriate for ages 4-8

Patricia Lee Gauch on Amazon

La La Rose

La La Rose by Satomi Ichikawa 2004

This story takes place in Paris’ Luxembourg Gardens. It is told from the viewpoint of Clementine’s stuffed rabbit, who gets separated from her little girl while visiting the gardens. La La Rose stays in one piece despite getting tossed about, wet, and dirty. An old man picks her up and dries her out on the infamous metal chairs of the Luxembourg Gardens. Luckily she ends up in the hands of a compassionate girl who reunites her with Clementine.

The importance of friendship and belonging are explored in the subtle, and dreamy watercolors by Ichikawa. Having visited the Luxembourg Gardens myself, it reminds me of the beauty and magic that exists there.

Appropriate for ages 3-6

Satomi Ichikawa on Amazon

Those Darn Squirrels!

Those Darn Squirrels! By Adam Rubin, illustrated by Daniel Salmieri 2008

An old man lives alone and finds pleasure in attracting birds to his yard so he can paint their pictures. He takes great pains to provide seeds and berries for his feathered friends. The neighborhood gang of squirrels and all their shenanigans interrupts his plans. The squirrels calmly construct clever ways to fill their bellies, and it looks as though they may prevail until they give Old Man Fookwire the biggest surprise of all.

The old man’s demeanor changes from one of frustration to unexpected happiness at the guests in his yard. There is a sweet respect between the creatures in this story that speaks volumes.

Appropriate for ages 4-8

The Other Side

The Other Side by Istvan Banyai 2005

The visual journey taken in this wordless book is stunning. We discover a unique perspective in very familiar scenes by seeing what is behind, above, or underneath what we see. The plotline is not linked on every page, but there are recurring subjects, colors and themes. Those who are willing to look hard, and study the images, will have their thoughts stretched and challenged to see the world through new eyes.

Appropriate for ages 5-10

Istvan Banyai on Amazon

Anna's Wish

Anna’s Wish by Bruno Hachler, illustrated by Friederike Rave 2008

Anna lives in a village that has not had snow in years, yet many of the villagers still have sleds and snow shovels. When Anna and her mom walk past the local bakery she feels a soft coldness touch her cheek as she stares at a little white horse standing on a cake. Her mom tries hard to describe what snow is like, so Anna searches for and finds a red, wooden sled in the basement. She cleans the sled up and dreams of frolicking in the snow. Her wish comes true, and the entire village celebrates.

The variation in the colors of the village scenes belie the longing and joy that Anna experiences with the coming magic of snow.

Appropriate for ages 4-8

Bruno Hachler on Amazon

Daddy Hug

Daddy Hug by Tim Warnes, illustrated by Jane Chapman 2008

Daddy animals loving on their little ones is the theme of this wonderful book. The rhyming text describes the feel, size, moods, and love of a Daddy. Your child will relate to the descriptions, whether their Daddy is sneaky like a raccoon or strong like a gorilla. The warm images of fatherly love will likely make children feel secure and thankful for all their Daddy has to offer.

The artwork by Chapman is warm, and full of joyful activity. Snuggle up and enjoy.

Appropriate for ages 2-5

Tim Warnes on Amazon

Jane Chapman on Amazon

Billy and Milly, Short and Silly

Billy and Milly, Short and Silly by Eve Feldman, illustrated by Tuesday Mourning 2009

Numerous short rhyming stories introduce the playful world of language. Billy and Milly are featured in each scene, and a fun story is told with simple verbs and nouns. The illustrations are vivid, and play an important role in understanding the humorous tales. Drama is sometimes created by page turns to resolve a problem.

Mourning’s modern collage-like artwork evokes the many changing moods of children, and the bright colors explode off the page.

Appropriate for ages 4-8

Ginger Bear

Ginger Bear by Mini Grey 2007

On the title page Horace stares into a pastry-shop window full of gingerbread boys, which prods him to form a gingerbread creation of his own. When his gingery bear is cooked, he practically salivates over it, but his Mum tells him to wait until later. When Ginger Bears awakens, he traipses into the kitchen to quench his loneliness by whipping up a big batch of cookie friends. He has many decorations on hand, and the way he adorns each cookie is strange and funny all at the same time. The Circus that ensues is so dramatic and riveting, that the cookies don’t see the uninvited guest enter the kitchen. The pieces left behind help Ginger Bear realize that it’s time to move on to a career that is safer, but no less dazzling.

Grey’s artwork is hilariously creative, and the details of each character (whether human, canine or pastry) will lodge themselves in your memory.

Appropriate for ages 4-8

Mini Grey on Amazon

Feast for 10

Feast for 10 by Cathryn Falwell 2008

The preparations for a festive meal begin at the grocery store. The shopping cart fills up fast with contributions from each child in the family. Ingredients for a delicious feast multiply in this counting book with rhyming text. The children help during each step of the process, except the baby who fell asleep on the ride home.

The importance of every family member is apparent as ten hands work together. There is a feeling of cozy warmth in the cut-paper illustrations by Falwell. This book reminds us that being together as a family brings much joy.

Appropriate for ages 3-6

Cathryn Falwell on Amazon

All Aboard for Dreamland!

All Aboard for Dreamland! By Melanie Harby, illustrated by Geraldo Valerio 2008

Riding a train through each phase of bedtime readiness makes for a playful read. The train and the children onboard zig zag and cavort through “Wiggletown”, “Giggletown”, “Groggy Grove”, and “Snuggle Cove.”

“The sky’s a cozy blanket when the fog comes rolling down, wrapping ‘round us rocking through another sleepy town.”

The wiggling and giggling coming from your little passenger will soon be replaced with yawns and cuddles when destination Dreamland is reached.

Appropriate for ages 3-6

Geraldo Valerio on Amazon

Fairy Houses

Fairy Houses by Tracy Kane 2001

Kristen’s family is on vacation and they surprise her by revealing a human made village for fairies. She becomes the architect of her own magical home for the fairies, and wishes more than anything to meet them. She finally gets what she wishes for, because she respected and cared for the forest and it's occupants.

Kane’s illustrations are dreamlike and magical which is just what the storyline warrants. The natural world will be viewed differently after reading this story, and a fairy village will most likely appear in your backyard very soon.

Appropriate for ages 4-8

Tracy Kane on Amazon

My Heart Is A Magic House

My Heart is a Magic House by Julie Jacobs, illustrated by Bernadette Pons 2007

Stephanie Squirrel’s mom is about to have another baby, and she is worried that everything will change. She’s concerned about sharing material things, as well as her mother’s love. Her mom explains that her heart will expand, just like a house with many rooms, and her love will swell. The reassurance and loving comfort of this story will encourage older brothers and sisters in the change ahead.

Appropriate for ages 4-8

Bernadette Pons on Amazon

Minnie's Diner: A Multiplying Menu

Minnie’s Diner: A Multiplying Menu by Dayle Ann Dodds, illustrated by John Manders 2007

Five brothers begin their day of strenuous work on the farm. They are brought to attention by the imposing shadow and demanding voice of Papa McFay.

“But Papa forgot there was nothing finer than the scrumptious food at Minnie’s Diner. And soon, down the road from Minnie’s kitchen, wafted a smell that got the boys itchin’.”

Soon each brother listened to their grumbling tummy and entered into Minnie’s diner. Will, the youngest boy, had the special of the day, which included five different items. All of Will’s brothers follow his lead, but each one is twice as hungry as the others and therefore “makes it a double”. Papa McFay, noticing that the farmyard is empty, guesses correctly where his boys are. He is hoppin’ mad, but Minnie’s fare will satiate him.

Kids will enjoy this rhyming read so much they won’t even realize they’re practicing their math. Manders artwork shows Minnie transform from an accommodating waitress to a weary woman who finally turns the sign to closed.

Appropriate for ages 4-8

Dayle Ann Dodds on Amazon

John Manders on Amazon

Lunchroom Lizard

Lunchroom Lizard by Daniel Kirk 2004

The adventures of Gil the gecko are daring and almost delicious. The children scurry from their classroom to lunch and don’t even notice that Gil has escaped from his cage. He is in hot pursuit of a tasty fly. Will Gil ever capture his lunch or will he become someone else’s?

Every page depicts the drama of the lunchroom, from an argument among classmates; to a child who’s lunch has been swapped. Gil traverses across each page, and is finally found, with a stomach that is still empty.

Appropriate for ages 4-8

Daniel Kirk on Amazon

A Couple of Boys Have the Best Week Ever

A Couple of Boys Have the Best Week Ever by Marla Frazee 2008

Two boys visit their grandparents to enjoy the beauty of Nature Camp. The text says that James was sad to see his mother leave, but his expression as he waves goodbye is anything but worried. Contradictions abound in the story line, and this makes for many laughs. The boy’s grandparents have their own ideas about how the boys should while away the week, but the boys spend their free time in a completely different way. They bond while jumping on an air mattress, vegging in front of the TV, and eating stacks of banana waffles. The discovery that things can work out magnificently even when they don’t go exactly as planned is the theme of this story.

The artwork by Frazee captures the essence of summer in the waves, the sunset, and the hilarious representation of childhood friendships.

Appropriate for ages 4-8

Marla Frazee on Amazon

Chester

Chester by Ayano Imai 2007

Chester the dog feels ignored by his owners. Even though he still loves them he feels like perhaps there is a better place for him. He hoists his doghouse upon his head and sets out. The forest and the city don’t seem like the right place to settle down. When a rich lady takes him home he is convinced that he will be happy. But after being dressed, pampered and otherwise treated like a doll, he is even more unhappy. He finds himself outside in the rain, with only a nasturtium leaf to protect him. Chester’s family finds him there and they are reunited. He realizes that they still have love for him, and that they provide the best home he could ever have.

Imai’s watercolor illustrations are delicate, but so powerful in emotion. On each page children will enjoy finding the small brown bird that never leaves Chester’s side. There is much to learn here about leaving and loving.

Appropriate for ages 4-8

Amazing Grace

Amazing Grace by Mary Hoffman, illustrated by Caroline Binch 1991

Grace spends her days acting out the amazing stories that her Nana tells her. She dons appropriate costumes for each role she plays. Most of the time she plays by herself, but when she is the doctor, her Ma and Nana become injured patients complete with toilet paper bandages.

Grace’s school is doing the play Peter Pan, and Grace wants the main role. Her friends tell her that a girl can’t be Peter Pan, but with the encouragement of her family Grace finds the strength to persevere and do her very best.

Appropriate for ages 4-8

Mary Hoffman on Amazon

Caroline Binch on Amazon

Stanley at Sea

Stanley at Sea by Linda Bailey, illustrated by Bill Slavin 2008

Wandering in search for food seems to be the only option for Stanley when his owners don’t share their picnic. As he drools and trots along he is joined by three of his hungry friends. Their sniffers take them on a journey for nourishment, until they board a boat that begins to float away from the dock. They are completely surrounded by water.

“The only thing they knew was-they were moving! Houses and bushes and trees raced past. The dogs were so shocked, they forgot to be hungry.”

They continue to ride the waves out to sea. They assume that since they are Outside, they will eventually come to a fence. Will they find more food at the End of Outside, and will they ever be united with their owners?

Appropriate for ages 4-8

Linda Bailey on Amazon

Bill Slavin on Amazon

Sophie and the Next-Door Monsters

Sophie and the Next-Door Monsters by Chris Case 2008

Sophie enjoys playing on her own, but when her mom insists that they invite the new neighbors over she views the next-door monsters as an interruption. She puts on protective gear in case they decide to kidnap her. To her astonishment, the youngest monster Charlie makes her laugh and even has magical powers. Sophie’s cat follows them around with a perturbed look on its face, especially when Charlie turns him into a potato. Charlie’s expression as he tries on Sophie’s hats is silly, and endearing.

Case uses a subtle voice to remind children that meeting new people can bring very pleasant surprises.

Appropriate for ages 4-8

Sally and the Purple Socks

Sally and the Purple Socks by Lisze Bechtold 2008

Sally the duck is ecstatic to receive her new purple socks in the mail. Uncertain as to what size she specified, they nevertheless fit perfectly. The socks begin to take on a life of their own, growing at a speedy rate. But Sally is unperturbed and comes up with clever ways to use her soft, cozy, warm, luxurious and magical socks. A rainstorm brings things back down to size, and Sally is even more thankful for her purple toe warmers.

The silly suspense of this book would be perfect for a clothing themed story time.

Appropriate for ages 3-8

How To Be

How To Be by Lisa Brown 2006

A young girl and boy demonstrate how to be six different animals with antics that are fun and creative. The text and illustrations are spare but colorful and will encourage kids to get up and make a go at it themselves. The siblings’ mischievous actions even teach about sequence. The last section of the book reminds kids of the importance of being you. Children can model the positive characteristics that the animals have demonstrated.

Appropriate for ages Baby- 5

Rosa's Room

Rosa’s Room by Barbara Bottner, illustrated by Beth Spiegel 2004

Rosa and her mom are moving to a new house, and her empty bedroom emphasizes the loneliness she feels. Each day of the week she contributes special items to her room, but there is something (or someone) missing. She then meets and invites a new friend to enjoy the space with her. The happiness they share together is obvious in their exuberant faces.

The uncertainties of moving can cause stress, but there is great joy in making a place your own, and sharing it with someone special. Spiegel's illustrations are soft and comforting as Rosa eases into her new surroundings and her loneliness recedes.

Appropriate for ages 4-8

Barbara Bottner on Amazon

How Are You Peeling?: Foods with Moods

How Are You Peeling?: Foods with Moods By Saxton Freymann and Joost Elffers 2004

This amazingly creative and original story is full of thought provoking questions. Vegetables and fruit emoting every kind of expression roll across each page. Your child may relate to a jovial lemon, a flabbergasted pepper, or a jealous tomato. The expressive black-eyed peas used for the eyes are genius. You will never look at a display of produce the same again.

Appropriate for ages 3-8

Saxton Freymann on Amazon

Joost Elffers on Amazon

The Donut Chef

The Donut Chef by Bob Staake 2008

A donut chef opens his shop on a busy corner and is confident it will be a huge success. Soon a competitor moves in next store, and the donut-making duel begins. The fight between the two chefs gives birth to donuts bizarre, and strange tasting. They become more interested in besting each other, and don’t pay enough attention to their customers. When little Debbie Sue arrives she seems stunned by the array of donuts, but can’t seem to find her favorite. The donut chef declares,

“We’ve donuts laced with kiwi jam, and served inside an open clam! Donuts made with huckleberry. (Don’t be scared; they’re kind of hairy).”

None of these will do for Debbie Sue. Her request stuns the chef, but he obliges, and realizes that simple is sometimes the most delectable.

My child and I were enthralled with the retro illustrations and vivid colors from Staake. This story will produce a smile, and perhaps a rumble in the tummy.

Appropriate for ages 4-8

Bob Staake on Amazon