* read aloud
*Ma! There’s Nothing to Do Here! By Barbara Park; illust by Viviana Garofoli Random House xz preschool
A baby-in-waiting bemoans his cramped predicament of being in the womb. In delightful rhyme the baby longs for play, cribs and finally meeting his loving parents. Adorable illustrations alternate between scrunched up womb time and babyhood in the real world.
*The Thunderstruck Stork by David Olson; ill by Lynn Munisnger Albert Whitman xz preschool
When a very efficient stork gets bonged on the head he delivers all the wrong animals to loving parents. This adorable rhyming tale shows that parents love their kids no matter what they look like or how the behave. Charming, gentle illustrations play up the humor of this story.
The Silk Princess written and ill by Charles Santore Random House xz (pr to 1)
Based on a Chinese legend this tale explains how silk was first discovered when a cocoon fell into a teapot and unraveled to produce the finest thread ever seen. When a little princess learns the secret of the silkworm, the commodity allows her father, the Emperor to wear exquisite robes. Painting in muted yellows, browns and reds evoke a distant, mysterious China.
Good Neighbors (the Floods) by Colin Thompson; illustrated by Crab Scrambly HarperCollins x gr4-5
Humorous story of a family of witches that are much more humane than their neighbors. This funny tale has characters in the Addams Family mode who eat slugs and grow cobwebs but are much nicer than the others in their neighborhood. Boys will enjoy the offbeat humor.
Jim & Me (baseball card adventure) by Dan Gutman Harpercollins xy grade 4-6
In this series a baseball enthusiast with a time machine takes him back to meet great players. In this book we meet Jim Thorpe. Boys will like this tale.
Field Guide to Monsters by Johan Olander Marshall Cavendish x gr 4-6th
Written as a serious guide to monsters this book is made up of funny, fictitious animals.
A Latin name is assigned and diet, habitat and life cycles are relayed.
Hilarious black–and-white drawings accompany the text. Some of the beasts are: Northern Boulder Beast, Shadow-Caster, Slobber Bug and the Googly-Eyed Wart Flopper. Bathroom humor and warnings that the monsters can be human eaters make this suitable for boys.
Great way to get a group going would be to ask kids to make their own beasts and give them descriptions.
You’re a Bad Man, Mr. Gum! By Andy Stanton HarperCollins x gr 3-5
Short snappy chapters keep this funny story about a very mean man and his relationships with his cohorts moving right along. Boys will appreciate the humor and anecdotes. Silly line drawings enhance the text. Good read aloud.
The London Eye Mystery by Siobhan Dowd David Fickling Books xM 4-6
How can a person disappear while going up in a Ferris wheel type ride? That is the question plaguing Ted and Kit in the engrossing The London Eye Mystery.
Siblings Ted and Kit wave goodbye to their cousin Salim, and watch him enter the capsule of the world’s largest observation wheel, The London Eye. When the ride ends everyone gets off except Salim. Where is he? What could have happened to him? How could anyone disappear while sailing 135 metres above ground?
Told from the viewpoint of cousin Ted, a very likable boy who happens to have Asperger’s syndrome, this is a book that will keep even reluctant readers interested. Ted is a fascinating person who knows that his mind works differently than that of most people. It is his ability to see situations from unusual angles that unlocks the clues to the mystery.
Close to You: How animals bond by Kimiko Kajikawa Henry Holt xz ages 1+
Wonderful full-page color photographs of an adult animal in the act of kissing, snuggling or playing with its baby. Adorable pictures include porcupines brushing noses, an alligator holding its offspring in her mouth, a tiny baby elephant walking with its mom and giraffes puckering up for a smooch. A book that shows that no matter what the species, parents of all types love and care for their babies.
Never take a Shark to the Dentist by Judi Barrett; ill by John Nickle Atheneum xz
Humor reigns as each page explains in detailed illustrations why a certain animal or insect would not be appropriate company at certain events. A shark has too many teeth for a dentist, a spider has to many hands to play checkers, a giraffe is too tall for a movie theater. Young kids will love the silly scenes.
*Big Bad Bunny by Franny Billingsley; ill by G. Brian Karas Atheneum xz
When Baby Boo-Boo gets lost playing Big Bad Bunny, Mama Mouse runs through thick and thin to retrieve him. This good read aloud follows the quick race that mama runs to get to her Big Bad Bunny. In the I’m going on a bear hunt vein.
Owney, the Mail-Pouch Pooch by Mona Kerby; ill by Lynne Barasch FSG xz
Based on fact this is the story of a mutt who adopted the US Post Office. In 1888 a straggly dog found his way into the Albany post office. He guarded the mail, slept on the pouches and chased rats from the building. The employees named him Owney. After a while Owney started riding the mail train. He went all around the country but found his way back to Albany. The dog became famous as a protector of government property and was honored with awards and citations. A statue of Owney resides at the Smithsonian Institution National Postal Museum.
*The Apple-Pip Princess written and ill by Jane Ray Candlewick xz
In order to choose his successor the king orders his three daughters to create something that is important and worthy. Two of the princesses erect enormous towers but the third princess plants fruit trees. The kingdom is much improved when the youngest child brings beauty, food and song to be shared by everyone.
Planting the Trees of Kenya: the Story of Wangari Maathai written and ill by Claire Nivola FSG gr 2-5
Nobel Peace Prize winner Wangari Maathai started the Green Belt Movement in Kenya to plant trees and bring food to the region. In this picture book biography her efforts are chronicled as she teaches the Kenyan women to farm the land. An author’s note delves into the history of the movement and how the changes have affected Kenya.
Dog and Bear: Two’s Company written and ill by Laura Vaccaro Seeger Roaring Brook xz
The little dachshund and his friend, the stuffed multi-colored bear explore friendship in this three-chapter picture book. Simple stories reinforce the bonds these two lovable characters share.
Stormy’s Hat by Eric Kimmel; ill by Andrea U’Ren FSG pre-2
Ever wonder how the railroad men got their hats? This picture book is based on the true story of George (Stormy) Kromer who designed the perfect cap for a railroad man. After attempting to use a cowboy hat and fireman’s hat, Kromer and his wife perfected the railroad cap that we know of today. An author’s note says the couple opened a factory and supplied suitable hats to those who work on trains. This is a good story for budding entrepreneurs.
*The Pout-Pout Fish by Deborah Diesen; ill by Dan Hanna; FSG pre-2
A pout-pout fish spreads the dreary-wearies wherever he goes because he doesn’t know how to smile. When a fish gives him a smooch he discovers that he really is a kiss-kiss fish and joyously spreads love throughout the ocean floor. Delightful rhymes make this a great read-aloud and the alliteration helps children with vocabulary and phonics.
*Gulliver Snip written and ill by Julia Kay Holt pre-1
Each night Gulliver Snip imagines he is sailing on the rough seas in his clipper ship that his mother calls a bathtub. Each wild adventure is told in a somewhat cumulative rhyme. Vividly colorful illustrations of the imaginary adventures of Captain Gulliver are place opposite pictures of the real sequence of events that are taking place inside the bathtub.
A rollicking adventure, especially for boys.
Tin Lizzie written and ill by Allan Drummond FSG age 4-7
The purpose of this book is to make people think about how millions of cars on the road are affecting our lives. Done in a cartoon style, this picture book gives a broad overview of Henry Ford’s masterpiece, the Model T, but concentrates on how automobiles are contributing to a future filled with pollution and traffic. This book begs children to think and discuss the ramifications of everyone having “wheels.”
The Life of a Car written and ill by Susan Steggall Holt ages 1 ½ -3
Written in the simplest language (Build the car. Deliver the car.) this bright, colorful picture book will satisfy the youngest boys. Bold primary colors fill the pages with pictures of a car as it moves from its creation to on the road adventures to recycling after an accident.
Mrs. Muddle’s Holidays by Laura Nielsen; ill by Thomas Yezerski FSG age 4-7
When Mrs. Muddle moves into the neighborhood she celebrates all sorts of everyday experiences instilling a new brand of excitement in the children. Her joy and sense of wonder lead to an appreciation of earthworms, roller skates, garlic and the first day of spring. Her zest for living is contagious.The final holiday is a surprise one that even she never knew.
Kisses for Daddy by Frances Watts and David Legge Little Hare (Australia) age 2-5
A baby bear is reluctant to kiss his father goodnight but the fun-loving daddy provides plenty of kisses of his own. This is a charming tale of a loving dad and son. It is very cute the way the large pictures of the copper colored bears are doing people tasks in a human house.
Keep your Eye on the Kid: the early years of Buster Keaton written and ill by Catherine Brighton Roaring Brook k-5
This short, well- written picture book biography is about one of silent film’s biggest stars. Concentrating on his youth from birth through his success in films, this book is told in a way that children can understand Keaton’s genius and sense of humor. Comic book style pictures compliment the tightly written text. Keaton’s droll demeanor and slapstick shtick whet the appetite for viewing his movies and reading more about him.
David & the Mighty Eighth by Marjorie Hodgson Parker Bright Sky gr 4-6
Quick snappy writing keeps this coming of age tale about a boy caught up in the dramas of WW2 moving along. David, an English child, lives with his grandfather during the war and strikes up a friendship with an American pilot. Based on a true story this book relates wartime situations in a spirited and action paced manner.
Basketball Bats by Betty Hicks Roaring Brook Pr gr 3-4
This is the first title in a new sports series (Gym Shorts) for beginning readers. Chapters are only three or four pages long with illustrations and easy to read print. This title is about a coed basketball team that takes on the tough boys and wins respect in the process.
How I Learned Geography written and ill by Uri Shulevitz FSG gr k-3
A fictionalized account of Shulevitz’s life as he and his family struggled in poverty. When his father brings home a map instead of food the narrator is furious. Soon, however, the little boy comes to view the map as his window to the world. The places with exotic names carries him through the tough times. An author’s note explains how Shulevitz lived in the Soviet Union during WW2 and eventually found his way to America via Israel. His artwork and imagination were greatly influenced by the map his father brought home to him.
Ain’t Nothing But a Man: My Quest to find the real John Henry by Scott Nelson National Geographic gr 2-5
Everyone knows the song about John Henry, the steel driving man. In Ain’t Nothing but a Man, the author tries to track down the origins of the story and discover if John Henry was a real person or a myth. Nelson brings the reader with him on a quest that takes us from how railroads and tunnels were built in the 1800’s to what happened to freed slaves after the Civil War. This fascinating book, told in the first person, takes the reader on a historical treasure search for the answer. The way of the historian is chronicled through personal narrative, photos, appendices and sources. At the end of the book Marc Aronson adds valuable tips on how to proceed as an amateur historian.
Paleo Bugs: Survival of the Creepiest written and ill by Timothy Bradley chronicle books gr 1-5
If Triceratops and Ankylosaurus become mundane start reading about prehistoric insects. Five hundred million years ago amazing arthropods evolved in the oceans. Many of these creatures form the basis for modern ants, centipedes and scorpions. Paleo Bugs is a guide to insects that lived in the Paleozoic era. For boys who love dinosaurs or creepy crawly creatures, this book is a welcome addition.
Grandma Calls Me Beautiful by Barbara M. Joosse; ill by Barbara Lavallee Chronicle pr-k
A loving grandmother recounts why her granddaughter is special. This book is distinguished by offering the flavor of Hawaii through native vocabulary, culture and traditions.
T is for Tugboat: navigating the seas from A to Z by Chronicle Books Chronicle Books ages 4-7
An alphabet book chock filled with nautical references. Includes knots, maritime flags, Morse code and mention of many types of seafaring vessels. A good browsing book for boys.
Swinging for the Fences: Hank Aaron and Me by Mike Leonetti; ill by David Kim chronicle ages 4-8
Mark wants to be a grand slam superstar like his hero Hank Aaron but after talking to the great baseball player the little leaguer learns that assisting the team to victory is more important than individual success. Boys will like this book.
Holly Claus: The Christmas Princess by Brittney Ryan; ill by Laurel Long and Jeffrey Bedrick HarperCollins ages 4-8
Gorgeous illustrations illuminate this story about Santa Claus’s daughter who saves Christmas with her love and goodness.
Hogwood Steps Out by Howard Mansfield; ill by Barry Moser Roaring Brook ages 4-7
A personable pig decides to greet the spring by taking a stroll through the neighborhood. Along the way he meets many people anxious to rope him in but Hogwood obliviously rambles on. Marvelous oversized paintings of this 600-pound bovine contrasts with the pig’s lackadaisical manner.
*Little Red Bird written and ill by Nick Bruel Roaring Brook ages 4-7
Told in rhyme this title presents a dilemma for the reader. Should the well fed, taken care of bird in a cage leave the security of home and fly off to an unknown world of freedom? The answer is left to the reader so this book will spark discussion.
I, Matthew Henson by Carole Boston Weatherford; ill by Eric Velasquez Walker & Co gr 1-4
This picture book biography outlines the major events in Matthew Henson’s life leading up to his Polar triumph with Admiral Peary. Each word is valuable in the short paragraphs that accompany double page illustrations. Racism is factored in to the story but Henson’s determination to succeed is compelling. Action and emotion are set in a backdrop of icy scenery.
Attack of the Growling Eyeballs by Lin Oliver S&S gr 4-5
Daniel Funk is the only male in a family of sisters, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. Even the pets are female. Imagine his surprise when he finds that he has a twin brother the size of a toe! And, to make matters more complicated, Daniel has an uncontrollable habit of shrinking down to the size of his twin. The brothers become best friends as they get into one hilarious situation after another. Boys will love the gross humor that permeates throughout the text.
Lady Liberty: a biography by Doreen Rappaport; ill by Matt Tavares Candlewick gr 3-6
Hundreds of people were instrumental in creating the Statue of Liberty. This book picks out significant contributors and provides a fictional narrative as to how the statue was conceived and built. Edouard de Laboulaye, who first suggested a gift to America, Auguste Bartholdi the sculptor, Emma Lazarus the poet and Joseph Pulitzer the newpaper publisher tell their side of the story of how Lady Liberty was brought to America from France. Readers get caught up in the drama of the successes, setbacks, scrounging for money and eventual glory of the Lady, who brings a sense of hope and freedom to the refugees coming to our shores. Full spread watercolor pictures compliment the story beautifully.
The Donkey of Gallipoli by Mark Greenwood; ill by Frane Lessac Candlewick gr 4-6
Jack Simpson was a World War 1 soldier who finds a donkey and the two of them rescue 300 men during the battle of Gallipoli. This poignant tale illustrates the heroism of an average man who sacrificed his life for others. Boys will appreciate the battle scenes and the themes of courage and friendship.
*McFig & McFly written and ill by Henrik Drescher Candlewick ages 4-7
McFig and McFly are neighbors who are determined to outdo each other in building the most elaborate, convoluted house imaginable. For years they try to top each other until one of them falls off the roof and dies and the other succumbs to boredom. Their grown children, who have been friends since childhood, get married, dismantle the ridiculous houses and fill the homes with children and pets. This funny “tale of jealousy, revenge and death” will be a hit at storytimes, especially since there is a surprise foldout of the outlandish structures.
*Dragon Pizzeria by Mary Morgan Knopf ages 4-7
Two dragons open a pizza shop in Fairy Tale Land. The customers are familiar characters who order pizzas that mesh with their stories. For example, the three bears order porridge pizzas. The book begs the question, based on the ingredients, “who ordered this pizza?” Large, colorful cartoon pictures add to the playfulness in this natural addition to story time.
Animal Tracks and Signs by Jinny Johnson National Geographic gr 4-6
This broad based directory of mammals, insects, birds, amphibians and reptiles includes tracks, droppings, short descriptions and comments about their habitat. Numerous pictures and illustrations enhance the text. National Geographic does a fine job on this particular topic.
*As Good as Anybody by Richard Michelson; ill by Raul Colon Knopf gr 3-6
Martin Luther King Jr and Abraham Joshua Heschel grew up in different parts of the world but faced similar prejudices throughout their lives. Faced with signs that said, “Whites only” or “No Jews Allowed” they learnt first hand the pain of bigotry and the denial of freedoms. Strong, supportive parents reminded the boys that they were “as good as anybody” and that all people are created equal in this world. In 1965 Reverend King and Rabbi Heschel came together to lead the march for freedom in Selma Alabama. As Good as Anybody shows how these two sensitive and caring individuals worked together and with their congregations to pave the road for equality and freedom. Warm, muted browns and blues illustrate life in southern America and pre-Nazi Poland. The subtle text conveys the message without getting preachy. This is an excellent book for teachers and parents to read aloud.
The Ultimate Guide to Grandmas and Grandpas! By Sally Lloyd-Jones; ill by Michael Emberley HarperCollins ages 3-7
Whimsical how-to book on making grandparents happy. Through the eyes of animal children we learn that grandparents need to be sung to, played with, allowed their nap, helped across the street, and be permitted to practice their reading by sharing books with their grandchild. Don’t forget to let them give you presents and foods that are forbidden at home. Most of all grandparents like hugs and kisses. Emberley’s carefree renditions add much to this book.
The Underneath by Kathi Appelt; ill by David Small Atheneum gr 3-6
Set in the murky, muddy waters of a Texas bayou, a trio of stray cats and an abused dog become a family as they hide, underneath the porch, from the vicious, cruel Gar Face. When Gar Face finds two of the cats he sets out to kill them but the kitten survives. The rest of the book has the kitten trying to get back to his sister and the dog. In addition there is a secondary plot filled with mystery and mythology about a sea creature who comes back to life after 1000 years of sleep to finally rescue the animals.
Manjiro by Emily Arnold McCully FSG gr 2-4
In 1841, fourteen year old Manjiro set sail on a fishing boat that was caught in a storm and shipwrecked on a deserted island. After months of barely surviving he and his crew were rescued by an American ship. Manjiro went to Massachusetts with the captain where he excelled in school. After years of living as an American, Manjiro set out to return to Japan, knowing that the Japanese government refused to accept anyone, even a Japanese citizen, into their country. With determination and courage, Manjiro comes back to Japan and helps the country ease into the modern world. This true adventure story will stir up the interests of boys and teachers who read this to their class.
Trophy Kid: or how I was adopted by the rich and famous by Steve Atinsky delecorte gr 4-6
An adopted child of an A-list movie star couple shares his memoirs with a ghost writer.
Together the two collaborators journey back to Europe to discover the true family of this celebrity child. An interesting take on a subject that fills the tabloids and permeates the Hollywood culture.
The Séance by Iain Lawrence Delacorte gr 5-8
The son of a phony medium gets mixed up in a real murder and helps solve the case with the famous magician, Houdini.
African Critters by Robert Haas National Geographic gr 2-6
Follow a National Geographic photographer as he scouts out the wild animals of Africa. His personal narrative catches the reader’s interest as he relates his safari adventures. Facts about the animals are included in information boxes throughout the book. Haas captures the animals living their lives in the wild and vividly displays them on every page.
Ten things I can do to Help my World by Melanie Walsh Candlewick ages 4-7
Using die cuts and flip the flaps this book describes to young children how they can make the world a cleaner place. This is a good book for teachers and in an Earth Day storytime. An excellent discussion starter.
Enigma by Graeme Base Abrams gr 2-4
Children will get drawn into this story about a magician who loses his tools. Searching for the props is serious work when the clues are set in codes. A secret door reveals buttons that aid in the discoveries. Kids will find themselves poring over the puzzles that challenge the reader. The detailed watercolors are a hallmark of this distinguished artist. A good gift book.
My Ocean by Enrique Perez Diaz Groundwood gr 5-6
When his grandparents move from Cuba to the United States, Enrique is torn between following them or staying in his homeland and embracing the communist party. Enrique struggles with issues of love and loyalty feeling that he must decide between his family or his country. He finds solace in the ocean where he goes to sort through his feelings.
This soul searching novel will spark intellectual thinking and discussion.
Seabiscuit the Wonder Horse written and illus by Meghan McCarthy S&S Gr k-4
During the depths of the Great Depression, Seabiscuit, was a hero to the downtrodden. He stole the hearts of Americans with his common appearance and non-assuming manner. This picture book account of Seabiscuit’s rise to greatness will introduce children not only to the animal but also to the issues facing a nation during the 1930’s.
This is a good read aloud for children in elementary school.
That Book Woman by Heather Hanson; ill by David Small Atheneum ages 4-8
Through snow, rain and sunshine the Pack Horse Librarians brought books to the rural folks of Appalachia during the Depression. Cal, the non-reading son of poor farmers, gains respect and admiration for the Book Woman who comes every two weeks in all types of weather to deliver free books to his family. By the end of the story Cal’s appreciation for these treasures soars so his sister, the reader in the family, she teaches him to read. The Pack Horse Librarians brought a valuable service to rural Kentucky and allowed the most isolated mountain folk a bit of recreation.
Abe Lincoln Crosses a Creek by Deborah Hopkinson; ill by John Hendrix Schwartz & Wade gr 1-4
Told in a folksy, tall tale style this picture book relates the story of how Abe Lincoln’s life was saved by his friend, Austin Gollaher. This true adventure finds young Abe falling off a log and into a river when his pal rushes to his aid. The book brings a slice of old fashioned Americana to today’s child while reminding them that it is very noble to be an unsung hero.
P is for Pinata by Tony Johnston; ill by John Parra Sleeping Bear Press gr k-3
More of a history than a concept book this colorful title introduces Mexican culture to children. Sidebars explain the words chosen for each alphabet. Readers will learn much about the culture of our neighbors to the south.