Moon Rabbit

Moon Rabbit by Natalie Russell 2009

A petite White Rabbit loves her life in the city, but feels lonely, and wants to find a rabbit friend to share the wonders of the city with. She is drawn into the city park by the sound of beautiful music. A Brown Rabbit is playing a song on his guitar. The two bunnies cavort through the park and have a delightful time together. But soon White Rabbit is missing the bustle of the city. Her farewell is not a sad one, because another visit with Brown Rabbit is forthcoming, this time on her turf.

The joys of friendship, and the importance of being oneself is explored here in a sweet and subtle way. Perhaps even more memorable are the lush and dreamy illustrations by Russell.

Appropriate for ages 4-8

Looking for a Moose

Looking For A Moose by Phyllis Root, illustrated by Randy Cecil 2006

A group of friends discovers that searching for a moose can be quite strenuous, and harder that they thought. They traipse through the “treesy-breezy woods”, and a “slurpy-glurpy swamp”, but it’s just no use. Your child will love spotting the knobby knees and pointed antlers of the moose as the characters in the book walk past unawares.

Cecil’s illustrations are warm, and engaging. This fun story may become a favorite in your home, as it is in ours.

Appropriate for ages 3-8

Phyllis Root on Amazon

Randy Cecil on Amazon

In My Backyard

In My Backyard by Margriet Ruurs, illustrated by Ron Broda 2007

Backyard animals, and the seasons they nestle in, are deftly explored in this informative book. As one season merges into the next, the diurnal and nocturnal rituals of animals are shown. The paper-sculpture by Broda is delicate and captivating. This wonderful book will broaden your appreciation for the fascinating wildlife in your own yard.

Appropriate for ages 3-8

Margriet Ruurs on Amazon

Ron Broda on Amazon

A Camping Spree with Mr. Magee

A Camping Spree With Mr. Magee by Chris Van Dusen 2003

Mr. Magee and his dog Dee are ecstatic about hitting the road and encountering the adventures that await them in the mountains. Little do they know that a famished bear and a gawking raccoon will visit their campsite. The chain of events that take place will have them heading home in a dash.

“And on the way home Magee said to Dee, “That trip wasn’t quite like I thought it would be.” So when they got home, with the sky turning red, they decided to camp in the backyard instead.”

The artwork by Van Dusen deftly showcases the joys of camping, whether in the wilderness or at home. The images of the Maine landscape are crisp, and endearing.

Appropriate for ages 4-8

Chris Van Dusen on Amazon

Me I Am!

Me I Am! By Jack Prelutsky, illustrated by Christine Davenier 2007

Your child is individual and special, and Prelutsky’s book is a celebration of that fact. The poem “Me I Am” is woven throughout the book, and introduces three very unique children doing the things that they like best. We follow a little girl who loves to dress up, a boy who is enamored with the natural world, and a young ballerina in all her glory. The three children come together at the end and continue to celebrate the special traits that make them different, and the joy that it brings.

The jovial illustrations by Davenier showcase the imaginative world of young people in a way that is completely fresh and relatable.

Appropriate for ages 3-7

Jack Prelutsky on Amazon

Christine Davenier on Amazon

Blueberry Mouse

Blueberry Mouse by Alice Low, illustrated by David Michael Friend 2004

A petite, blue mouse dwells in her blueberry house, and turns up her nose at cheese even if it’s blue. She speaks highly to us, and her mouse friends, about the benefits of dwelling in a blueberry pie. It gives her shelter, as well as a plethora of delicious snacks. As her belly fills, her house dissipates, and so she starts all over again.

“Blueberry, blueberry, blueberry cake is the best kind of house that a small mouse can make.”

The colors of Friend’s illustrations are rich and inviting. Watch out, you may be smacking your lips and heading to the market after devouring this book.

Appropriate for ages 4-8

Being a Pig Is Nice: A Child's-Eye View of Manners

Being a Pig Is Nice: A Child’s-Eye View of Manners by Sally Lloyd-Jones, illustrated by Dan Krall 2009

Animals don’t have to worry about being polite. They are practically encouraged to misbehave. The young girl in this story guides us through animal habitats so we can see how young creatures are encouraged to behave by their parents. The differences between us and them is comical and endearing.

“When you are an elephant it is polite to splash. Not splashing is Atrocious, Disgraceful Conduct. But flies and all their relations come to live on you when you’re an elephant and that’s not nice.”

This young girl realizes the negatives of being an animal, and the positives of appropriate manners, while using her imagination and making us laugh in the process. The illustrations are bright and dramatic and perfectly match the humor of the text.

Appropriate for ages 4-8

Sally Lloyd-Jones 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

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

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

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

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

Nobody Notices Minerva

Nobody Notices Minerva by Wednesday Kirwan 2007

Being ignored has made Minerva’s day begin horribly. She makes it her goal to get attention, even if it means being naughty. Her siblings always seem to get the time that she craves with her parents. Minerva’s response includes peeling wallpaper off the wall, making a mess of her lunch, and using force with her brother’s toys. Her angry pout turns into tears of loneliness. After being reminded of her families love, she makes a mature decision and gets everyone’s attention in a positive way.

Kirwan has written a story that young people can easily relate to. Our lives are so filled with busyness, yet it behooves us to have love as a permanent resident in our homes. Giving attention for a job well done gives Minerva, and our kids, the desire to keep doing better.

Appropriate for ages 4-8

Bradley McGogg, the Very Fine Frog

Bradley McGogg, the Very Fine Frog by Tim Beiser, illustrated by Rachel Berman 2009

Bradley awakens one morning, in his home in the bog, to find that his cupboards are bare. He decides to ask his neighbors for a bite to eat, and sets out gleefully. He soon discovers that all animals do not eat alike. Why would any creature want to eat something as disgusting as cheese, or as sticky as honey? He politely refuses, and arrives home to find his favorite food creeping and crawling all over the place.

This book illustrates, in a fun and whimsical way, that not all creatures (or humans for that matter) have the same customs or habits. Differences aren’t bad, and they certainly make the world around us a more interesting place.

Appropriate for ages 2-6

Before You Were Mine

Before You Were Mine by Maribeth Boelts, illustrated by David Walker 2007

This story about adopting a new dog after loss is full of emotion. The young narrator imagines what life was like for his new puppy before his family rescued it from the shelter. Did the previous owner “talk about you at recess? Or laugh when you licked his chin?” The boy even worries that the dog may have been treated in a mean way, or experienced loneliness. But after all the speculation this compassionate child realizes that what really matters is the love his family can offer, and the joy of a new friend.

The artwork from Walker is full of warmth, and emotion. I especially appreciate the hopeful look exchanged between the boy and the dog when they see each other for the first time. A short essay from Boelts in the back of the book talks about the joy that a successful animal adoption can bring to all parties involved.

Appropriate for ages 4-8

Maribeth Boelts on Amazon

David Walker on Amazon

Who Made This Cake?

Who Made This Cake? By Chihiro Nakagawa, illustrated by Junji Koyose 2008

A crew of miniature construction workers begins building. The tools they use may seem familiar, such as a dump truck and a crane, but the material they are working with is curious. Sweet ingredients are deftly mixed together, and their creation is precariously placed in the oven. During the baking time, the crew rests and enjoys a snack, until the whipped cream is expertly applied. The teamwork and creativity involved in the process is inspiring.

Koyose’s black ink drawings, filled in with bright colors, are fantastic. Your child will smile with the young boy in the story as he receives his birthday cake, under the watchful eyes of the miniature bakers.

Appropriate for ages 3-6

Smash! Mash! Crash! There Goes the Trash!

Smash! Mash! Crash! There Goes the Trash! By Barbara Odanaka, illustrated by Will Hillenbrand 2006

“Here comes the trash truck!” is a common cry heard in many households. In this story two young swine’s wake up to the loud belching of a garbage truck. Their canine friends run outside and follow the truck as it makes it’s stinky rounds. Kids will be delighted by the expressions on the trucks, and the slimy grossness that is devoured by each one. The two pigs continue to reenact the munching machines long after they growl away.

The text is energetic and combines perfectly with the vividly stained illustrations.

“Melon rinds, moldy bread, toss ‘em in and forge ahead!”

Appropriate for ages 3-8

Will Hillenbrand on Amazon

Mr. Beast

Mr. Beast by James Sage, illustrated by Russell Ayto 2005

Charlie borrows a big frying pan from a mysterious Mr. Beast so his mom can make him sugar doughnuts. He promises to bring Mr. Beast the pan back filled to the brim with doughnuts. But his craving is too strong and the pan is returned empty. Mr. Beast declares that he will eat Charlie up that very night. The suspense grows as Charlie secures doors and windows, hoping to keep Mr. Beast out. As we hear Mr. Beast approach Charlie’s room, we see a tiny smile wipe all fear off of Charlie’s face. He knows Mr. Beast quite well, and this is a game they play often, even though Mom tries to bring order to the house.

The illustrations by Ayto include menacing shadows to heighten the drama at each turn of the page. The love between father and son is obvious in this humorous twist on nighttime monsters.

Appropriate for ages 4-8

Russell Ayto on Amazon

Long Night Moon

Long Night Moon by Cynthia Rylant, illustrated by Mark Siegel 2004

A poem introduces us to the name of the full moon during each month of the year. The seasonal change and the animals present in each beautiful picture are highlighted by the moons glow. From the Snow Moon glowing in February, to the Strawberry Moon shimmering in June, you will be drawn into the mystery of the night. Siegel’s poignant, and exquisite artwork captures the magic in each phase of the moon.

Appropriate for ages 4-8

Cynthia Rylant on Amazon