 Why
Mosquitoes Buzz in People’s Ears
illustrations by Leo & Diane Dillon,
text by Verna Aardema
Caldecott Medal 1976
Ages 5–8
This retelling of a traditional West
African tale reveals how the mosquito developed its annoying
habit of buzzing in people’s ears. The wax-resist style illustrations
are incredible. |
|
 Song
and Dance Man
by Karen Ackerman
Caldecott Medal 1989
Ages 3–7
One afternoon a visit to the attic convinces
Grandpa to recreate his vaudeville song and dance act for his
three delighted grandchildren. The colorful illustrations capture
the children’s viewpoint of this delightful event. |
|
 The
Retired Kid
by Jon Agee
Ages 4–8
Eight-year old Brian, exhausted
by school, soccer, and eating his vegetables, decides
to retire and heads for Florida. At the Sunset Retirement
Center, Brian at first enjoys the leisurely pace, but
finally decides to come out of retirement and return
to his job. |
|
 The
Pencil
by Allan Ahlberg, Bruce Ingman
Ages 4–8
This clever book tells the story of
a pencil whose creations come to life. Young readers will love
watching the pencil draw his way out of one predicament and
straight into another. |
|
 M
Is for Mischief: An A to Z of Naughty Children
by Linda Ashman & Nancy Carpenter
Ages 6–10
Packed with assonance and alliteration,
twenty-six naughty children romp through this book, illustrated
by Carpenter’s energetic digital collages. |
|
 The
Moon Over Star
by Dianna Hutts Aston
Ages 6–8
It's July 1969 and eight-year-old
May and her community spend the day watching and thinking
about the historic moon landing. Beautiful watercolor
illustrations capture the wonder and awe of this inspiring
event. |
|
 In
a Blue Room
by Jim Averbeck
Ages 3–7
Alice begs for everything blue
as her mother tries to put her to bed in a room full
of other colors. Turning out the light bathes Alice’s
room in the pale blue light of the moon and Alice’s wishes
all come true. |
|
 The
Mitten
by Jim Aylesworth, Barbara McClintock
Ages 3–8
In this retelling of a folk tale,
a young boy loses his red mitten while sledding. The
mitten is found by a delighted squirrel who enjoys its
cosiness until a first a rabbit, then a fox, and finally
a bear beg to join in the warmth. McClintock’s pen-and-ink
illustrations illustrate the silliness in a wonderfully
naturalistic way. |
|
 Our
Abe Lincoln
by Jim Aylesworth
Ages 4–8
The simple text of this biography
is adapted by a popular song during Lincoln’s presidential
campaigns, and can be sung to the tune of “The
Old Grey Mare.” The charming and detailed illustrations
will enchant children as they sing along. |
|
 LMNO
Peas
by Keith Baker
Ages 3–8
A hilarious group of alphabet
peas romp through the alphabet, appropriated garbed
to illustrate various jobs and occupations for each
letter. Bouncy rhyming text accompanies each letter,
presented as a large colorful shape surrounded by cheerful
busy pea creatures. The book is a fun read-aloud, and
young readers will want to spend time examining each
page closely. |
|
 Potato
Joe
by Keith Baker
Ages 4–8
If it can rhyme with potato, Potato
Joe and his nine potato friends have thought of it. The simple
illustrations complement the rhymes in this counting book,
and kids will be eager to turn the page to see what the silly
spuds are up to next. |
|
 What’s
Coming for Christmas?
by Kate Banks, Georg Hallensleben
Ages 3–6
The tranquil text and soft
acrylic illustrations perfectly capture the anticipation
that fills a snowy day as Christmas approaches. This
bedtime book which includes both the Santa and Nativity
aspects of the holiday will happily sooth young children
to sleep. |
|
 Oh
No!: Or How My Science Project Destroyed the World
by Mac Barnett, Dan Santat
Ages 4–8
When an overly ambitious girl
builds a robot for her science project, things get
hilariously out of hand very quickly. Speech bubbles
tell the tale in this nearly-wordless book as our heroine
tries unsuccessfully to control her prize-winning entry
in this action-packed kids-eye account of girl versus
machine. |
|
 Shark
vs. Train
by Chris Barton, Tom Lichtenheld
Ages 4–8
Who is better, Shark or Train?
This cleverly funny book proves that it all depends
upon the circumstances. When trick-or-treating, Shark’s
toothy grin fills the bag first, but Train’s coal burning
engine has the advantage when roasting marshmallows.
As the stakes grow more absurd and funnier neither
comes out on top — the lack of thumbs make both
pathetic at video games. The hilarious expressions
in the watercolor cartoon illustrations are the perfect
match for the snappy dialog of the text. |
|
 The
Day-Glo Brothers
by Chris Barton, Tony Persiani
Ages 4–8
Brothers Joe and Bob Switzer
were very different. Bob was serious and wanted to
be a doctor. Joe was an amateur magician and wanted
to make a name for himself in show business. When Bob
had a serious accident and was confined to a dark basement
for recovery, the two brothers began experimenting
with ultraviolet light and fluorescent paints, and
invented a new kind of intense color they called Day-Glo.
Joe used the Day-Glo paint in his magic act, and later
Day-Glo paint was used to guide planes to safe landings
on aircraft carriers during WWII. The illustrations
for this accessible biography are created with three
Day-Glo colors: Saturn Yellow, Fire Orange, and Signal
Green. |
|
 Enigma
by Graeme Base
Ages 5–10
Bertie Badger arrives at his grandfather’s
house expecting a magic show, but the magic props have all
disappeared. Readers are encouraged to crack codes and find
hidden pictures to solve the mystery, told in rhyming quatrains.
A set of bonus challenges will keep kids, and their relatives,
glued to the pages for weeks. |
|
 ABC3D
by Marion Bataille
Ages 4–up
In this amazing pop-up book, the 26
letters of the alphabet not only pop up, they also move and
transform. This clever French book will enchant readers and
art lovers of all ages. |
|
 Madeline’s
Rescue
by Ludwig Bemelmans
Caldecott Medal
1954
Ages 4–8
One day on a walk through Paris Madeline
slips and falls off a bridge right into the Seine and is rescued
by a brave dog. The girls take the dog home, but she is banned
from the house, so the girls must search all of Paris to find
her again. Incredible illustrations complement the rhyming text.
(sequel to Madeline) |
|
 Seasons
by Blexbolex
Ages 4–up
This stunning picture book explores
the cyclical nature of life by examining the seasons. Beautiful
prints present simple yet detailed views of landscapes, objects,
and people during different times of the year, encouraging
readers to notice subtle details. As time passes and the seasons
rotate, a sense of the permanence of the cycle of change is
revealed. |
|
 The
Steel Pan Man of Harlem
by Colin Bootman
Ages 5–9
In this retelling of the Pied
Piper of Hamelin folk tale, a steel pan playing man
appears and offers to rid Harlem of a plague of rats.
Set during the Harlem Renaissance and featuring a mysterious
magician from the Caribbean, this spell-binding tale
is illustrated with beautifully detailed oil paintings. |
|
 Pete & Pickles
by Berkeley Breathed
Ages 4–8
Pete the sensible pig leads a predictable
life until Pickles, a runaway circus elephant enthusiastically
turns it upside down. Breathed’s evocative digital illustrations
bring this funny and exciting story to life. |
|
 Keep
Your Eye on the Kid:
The
Early Years of Buster Keaton
by Catherine Brighton
Ages 5–8
This picture biography follows Buster
Keaton from his birth to vaudeville parents to his early 30s. |
|
 Let
It Begin Here!
April
19, 1775: The Day the American Revolution Began
by Don Brown
Ages 6–10
This book begins as King George
III wins the Seven Years’ War and realizes his country
needs money. The taxes imposed on the American colonies
eventually lead to the Revolutionary War. Told in a clear
and interesting style, young readers will enjoy reading
about this time in history. (12/08) |
|
 All
Stations! Distress!
April
15, 1912: The Day the Titanic Sank
by Don Brown
Ages 6–10
This gripping account captures
the grandeur of the Titanic, the terror of the disaster,
and the rescue the survivors. The watercolor and pencil
illustrations capture telling details of of actions and
facial expressions. The causes of the disaster are clearly
explained and gripping first-hand accounts are included.
(12/08) |
|
 Cinderella,
or the Little Glass Slipper
by Marcia Brown
Caldecott Medal
1955
Ages 4–8
This retelling of the classic tale by
Charles Perrault is a skillful version that is both simple and
romantic. The pen and watercolor illustrations complement the
story beautifully. |
|
 Once
a Mouse…
by Marcia Brown
Caldecott Medal
1962
Ages 4–8
The mighty tiger challenges anyone to
say he was once a mouse, but the hermit knows it to be true,
since he himself used magic to transform the mouse into a cat
and then a dog and finally a tiger. And unfortunately for the
too proud tiger, those changes can be reversed. Beautiful woodcuts
illustrate this Indian fable. |
|
 Shadow
by Marcia Brown
Caldecott Medal 1983
Ages 5–8
Marcia Brown's stunning African-inspired
collage illustrations evoke the atmosphere and drama of a life
now haunted, now enchanted by Shadow. (translated by Marcia Brown
from the French poetry of Blaise Cendrars) |
|
 The
Little Island
text by Margaret Wise Brown, illustrations
by Leonard Weisgard
Caldecott Medal 1947
Ages 4–9
The little island is rich with plant
and animal life despite its remote location. The illustrations
beautifully document the seasonal changes. |
|
 The
Curious Garden
by Peter Brown
Ages 3–6
While exploring his city neighborhood,
Liam notices some flowering plants by an old railway
track. He teaches himself to care for the plants, and
the energetic plants respond by spreading though the
formerly bleak neighborhood. Increasingly vibrant illustrations
capture the transformation of Liam’s world. |
|
 Ashley
Bryan: Words to My Life’s Song
by Ashley Bryan
All Ages
This powerful autobiography
tells a story of a creative life. Illustrations and
memories show a boy finding art materials during the
Depression, storing art supplies in his gas mask during
WWII, losing an art scholarship because of his race,
and an award-winning art career. A book for parents
and children to enjoy together, this book will inspire
artists of all ages. |
|
 Smoky
Night
text by Eve Bunting, illustrations by
David Diaz
Caldecott Medal 1995
Ages 5–10
Daniel’s cat doesn’t get along with Mrs.
Kim’s cat and Daniel’s mother doesn’t shop at Mrs. Kim’s store,
preferring to patronize African-American stores. But when Daniel’s
apartment building goes up in flames, all the neighbors, including
the cats, learn the importance of working together and accepting
differences. Inspired by the Los Angeles riots, this book delivers
a message about racism with a light touch supported by dazzling
mixed-media collage illustrations. |
|
 The
Little House
by Virginia Lee Burton
Caldecott Medal 1943
Ages 3–6
The little house in the country was happy
until the city grew large enough to surround her. Finally a woman
rescues the house by moving it back to the country. The whimsical
drawings are delightful. |
|
 Yellow
Square:
A
Pop-up Book for Children of All Ages
by David A. Carter
Ages 3–up
A yellow square hides in plain
sight, or within the paper engineering on each page,
encouraging readers of all ages to explore the modern
art inspired pages. |
|
 Redwoods
by Jason Chin
Ages 4–8
A young boy finds a book titled Redwoods on
a subway bench and is amazed to find his own picture on the
cover. As he reads, he is immersed in the history of the redwoods.
When he leaves the train, the boy finds himself in the middle
of a redwood forest in California. Beautiful and realistic
watercolors accompany the interesting and accurate information. |
|
 The
Big Book for Little Hands
by Marie-Pascale Cocagne
Ages 3–6
This engaging activity book reinforces
educational concepts as young artists color and complete
the illustrations. |
|
 Our
Children Can Soar:
A
Celebration of Rosa, Barack, and the Pioneers of Change
by Michelle Cook
Ages 4–8
This beautiful book pays tribute
to 10 African Americans from the Civil Rights movement
to the present. The powerful illustrations by many different
artists complement the text, presenting African-American
history as the story of hope. |
|
 Chanticleer
and the Fox
by Barbara Cooney
Caldecott Medal 1959
Ages 4–8
Chanticleer the rooster falls for the
flattery of the fox and is caught. Luckily Chanticleer is clever
enough to think himself out of danger in this retelling of the
“Nun’s Priest’s Tale” from Geoffrey Chaucer’s Canterbury
Tales. Beautiful pen and ink drawings illustrate the fable. |
|
 Farm
by Elisha Cooper
Ages 4–8
This beautifully illustrated book is
a tribute to family farms. Beginning in March and ending in
November, the quietly poetic text follows a family of four
through their daily life, introducing the land, buildings,
and animals that fill this family’s modern rural life. |
|
 Jake’s
Best Thumb
by Ilene Cooper & Claudio
Muñoz
Ages 4–8
Jake is so adept at one-handed
life that he sees no reason to stop sucking his thumb
until a Kindergarten bully begins to mock him. Quirky
illustrations and a charming story will have readers
cheering for Jake as he struggles to balance habit
and acceptance. |
|
 The
Black Book of Colors
by Menena Cottin & Rosana Faria
Ages 5–10
This book attempts to convey the experience
of blindness. White text on black pages, with braille above,
explain how Thomas tastes, feels, and hears about color words.
Raised black lines on black paper, decodable by touch alone,
illustrate Thomas’s color images. This amazing book allows
young readers to experience the world in a new way. |
|
 Yummy:
Eight Favorite Fairy Tales
by Lucy Cousins
Ages 4–10
In the retelling of these fairy
tales, the villains are scary and eager to eat their
tasty prey. Bold and vibrant illustrations complement
the slyly humorous text. |
|
 Click,
Clack, Moo: Cows That Type
by Doreen Cronin, Betsy Lewin
Ages 4–8
Farmer Brown is amazed when his
cows discover an old typewriter in the barn and soon learn
to use it to air their grievances.
When Farmer Brown denies their requests, the cows go
on strike in this hilarious example of the power of the
protest. |
|
 Giggle,
Giggle, Quack
by Doreen Cronin, Betsy Lewin
Ages 4–8
When Farmer Brown goes on vacation,
he leaves his brother Bob in charge of the animals. Duck
finds the written directions, and amends them to add more
interesting food, bubble baths, and movie nights to the
amusement of all. |
|
 Duck
for President
by Doreen Cronin, Betsy Lewin
Ages 4–8
Duck is tired of doing his chores
and decides to hold an election to replace Farmer Brown
with himself. Quickly discovering that running a farm is
way too much work, Duck moves on to governor and then president.
A hilarious look at the electoral process. |
|
 Doobie,
Doobie, Moo
by Doreen Cronin, Betsy Lewin
Ages 4–8
When Duck reads about the upcoming
talent show at the county fair, he organizes the animals
into nightly rehearsals. This funny book makes a wonderful
read-and-sing-aloud! |
|
 Thump,
Quack, Moo
by Doreen Cronin, Betsy Lewin
Ages 4–8
Farmer Brown is trying to build
a fabulous Statue of Liberty corn maze, but the subversive
duck has other ideas in this hilarious read-aloud winner. |
|
 Cool
Daddy Rat
by Kristyn Crow
Ages 3–up
Bass player Cool Daddy Rat heads
out to perfrom in the big city and his son Ace comes
along in this tribute to jazz. Scat lines are delicious
to read aloud. |
|
 May
I Bring a Friend?
text by Beatrice Schenk de Regniers,
illustrations by Beni Montresor
Caldecott Medal 1965
Ages 3–8
The King and Queen are always gracious,
even when their guest brings along a wild animal or several.
The richly colored illustrations show the well-behaved animals
causing unintentional havoc in the palace. |
|
 Hattie
the Bad
by Jane Devlin
Ages 4–8
Hattie loves being bad because
it is so much fun. She tries to sell her little brother
at a garage sale and ties her father’s keys to a helium
balloon. Her friends love playing with her, but eventually
their parents decide she is too bad to be a friend.
So Hattie decides to become the best behaved child
ever, with hilarious results. Hattie’s spirited first
person narration is cleverly matched with sly illustrations. |
|
 Louise,
The Adventures of a Chicken
by Kate Dicamillo, Harry Bliss
Ages 4–8
Louise is an adventurous chicken
who longs for excitement, so she leaves the farm and
meets pirates on the high seas and lions under the big
top. The comic narration makes for a perfect read-aloud. |
|
 Stick
Man
by Julia Donaldson
Ages 4–8
In this bouncy story in verse,
Stick Man unwillingly joins a dog’s game of fetch and
is sent away from his family far downstream. As the
seasons change, he becomes part of a swan’s nest and
finally, almost kindling. Saved by Santa’s arrival
down the chimney, this book is a perfect winter story. |
|
 What
the Ladybug Heard
by Julia Donaldson, Lydia Monks
Ages 2–6
All the animals in this colorful
barnyard have plenty to say, except the silent ladybug,
until she overhears a plot to steal the prize cow.
The clever ladybug comes up with a plan to foil the
robbers and save the cow, instructing each animal to
mimic the sound of another animal. The lilting rhyming
text and exuberant illustrations invite young listeners
to join in the chorus. |
|
 Her
Mother’s Face
by Roddy Doyle, Freya Blackwood
Ages 4–8
When Siobhán was three
her mother died. Now 10 years old, she cannot remember
her mother’s face. Then a strange woman in the park tells
her to search her own reflection in the mirror. As time
passes, Siobhán realizes the woman was her mother.
Blackwood’s illustrations mirror Doyle’s optimism that
time heals grief. |
|
 Dessert
First
by Hallie Durand, Christine Davenier
Ages 7–10
When 3rd grader Dessert’s teacher
tells her class to march to their own drummers, Dessert
decides that means eating dessert before the meal.
But eating all the chocolate in the refrigerator gets
Dessert into trouble at home. Her teacher encourages
Dessert to find her own way to make amends. The humorous
black and white illustrations add to the fun of this
book. |
|
 Mary
Mae and the Gospel Truth
by Sandra Dutton
Ages 8–12
Mary Mae (10) loves to sing
hymns, go to church, and learn about trilobites in
school. Her 5th grade teacher encourages Mary Mae’s
inquiring mind, but her mother, who believes in the
Bible version of creation, is horrified by Mary Mae’s
questions about how the earth looked millions of years
ago. Mary Mae’s mother threatens home schooling and
Mary Mae has to decide if she will side with science
and her teacher, with God and her mother, or somewhere
in between. All the caring adults in Mary Mae’s life
try to provide truthful guidance in this book that
respects both viewpoints as well as those in the middle. |
|
 The
Girl Who Wanted to Dance
by Amy Ehrlich
Ages 6–10
Clara, who longs to dance,
lives with her sad father and loving grandmother who
tells her that her absent mother also loved music and
dance. When a traveling dance troupe visits the village,
Clara’s father recognizes Clara’s mother, and forgives
her for leaving the family. This haunting fairy tale
compassionately addresses the irresistible artistic
urge and the pain of those left behind.
|
|
 Drummer
Hoff
illustrations by Ed Emberley, text by
Barbara Emberley
Caldecott Medal 1968
Ages 3–8
Seven soldiers build an incredible cannon
which Drummer Hoff sets off. The cumulative rhymes and repetition
in the text encourage young children to “read along” while
admiring the brightly-colored woodcut illustrations. |
|
 To
the Big Top
by Jill Esbaum
Ages 5–8
Benny and his friend Sam land
jobs helping with the elephants when the circus comes
to town. As the boys move from backstage to choice seats
in the Big Top, this book captures the excitement of
the circus arriving in small town America in the late
1800s. |
|
 My
Mom Is Trying to Ruin My Life
by Kate Feiffer, Diane Goode
Ages 4–8
Our young narrator’s mother
seems perfect to others, but she insists on embarrassing
her daughter in public by kissing her and telling loud
jokes. The watercolor illustrations perfectly complement
the text. |
|
 There
by Marie-Louise Fitzpatrick
Ages 4–8
A small girl wonders what it means
to grow up, questioning who she will be, what she will know,
and what she must leave behind. This simple and beautiful book
leaves the questions unanswered as she decides not to go There
yet. |
|
 The
Dunderheads
by Paul Fleischman, David Roberts
Ages 6–10
Miss Breakbone hates kids and is convinced
that her class are all dunderheads. She insults them until
they have no choice but to fight back, despite the fact that
she owns her own electric chair and subscribes to Guard
Dog Lovers Monthly. The class full of underdogs unites
under the leadership of Einstein, the class genius, who brings
out the hidden talents of each student. The vivid narration
is brought to life by Robert’s quirky and hilarious illustrations. |
|
 Dinothesaurus:
Prehistoric Poems and Paintings
by Douglas Florian
Ages 6–up
These humorous and witty poems
and illustrations will appeal to dinosaur and word
lovers alike. The facts are accurate, and the combination
of poem and collage make them unforgettable. |
|
 Willoughby & the
Lion
by Greg Foley
Ages 4–8
When Willoughby Smith moves
to a new home, it feels small and lonely. Then he finds
a golden lion perched on a boulder who offers him 10
wishes, with the warning that unless Willoughby wishes
the most wonderful thing of all that the lion will
be stuck on the rock forever. As Willoughby makes each
wish, the illustrations move from black and gray to
include more and more gold until he finally does wish
for the most wonderful thing of all. |
|
 Bees,
Snails, & Peacock Tails: Patterns & Shapes… Naturally
by Betsy Franco, Steve Jenkins
Ages 4–8
This inviting book explores geometry
in the natural world. The layout of the rhymes often
echoes the shapes pictured in the stunning cut-paper
collages. |
|
 A
Couple of Boys Have the Best Week Ever
by Marla Frazee
Ages 6–9
Frazee’s hilarious cartoon drawings
illustrate this delightful celebration of summer, best friends,
and grandparents. |
|
 Stanley
Goes for a Drive
by Craig Frazier
Ages 4–8
Stanley goes for a drive in his pickup
on a hot dry day. He sees a black and white cow in the middle
of a herd of solid black cows. As he milks it, the white spots
disappear. Stanley throws the milk into the sky. White clouds
appear and then rain turns the earth green as Stanley drives
home. Incredible illustrations, which move from a orange pallate
into greens, support this magical tale of transformation. |
|
 Stanley
Mows the Lawn
by Craig Frazier
Ages 4–8
Stanley heads out to mow the
lawn: up and back, up and back. Or is that the only
way to do it? This beautifully illustrated book celebrates
the imagination and the art of looking at the world
in your own way. |
|
 Stanley
Goes Fishing
by Craig Frazier
Ages 4–8
After Stanley pulls a boat out of the
water instead of a fish, he casts his line into the sky and
hauls in a boatload of golden fish. The story is intriguing,
but it is the illustrations that shine in this beautiful picture
book which encourages kids to look at the world in a different
way. |
|
 Hank
Finds Inspiration
by Craig Frazier
Ages 4–8
Stanley and his snake friend Hank head
off to the city in search of inspiration. As Hank travels from
one destination to another, he is sent on somewhere new in
this beautifully illustrated tale of discovery. Echoes of Stanley’s
previous adventures appear in the text and illustrations. |
|
 Dinotrux
by Chris Gall
Ages 3–8
Millions of years ago giant part truck,
part dinosaur creatures like the Craneosauraus ruled the Earth.
Their descendents are the trucks and construction vehicles
we see today. The illustrations, text, and the typography all
pitch in to bring these fearsome and hilarious Dinotrux to
life. |
|
 The
Nine Lives of Rotten Ralph
by Jack Gantos, Nicole Rubel
Ages 4–8
After a rough night of carousing
with his friends, Ralph and his owner Sarah get some
bad news from the vet—Ralph has used up eight of
his allotted nine lives. Sarah is determined to protect
Ralph and coddles him like a helpless baby. Flashbacks
to the earlier Ralph books remind Sarah how rotten her
beloved cat really is. |
|
 Country
Road ABC
An
Illustrated Journey Through America’s Farmland
by Arthur Geisert
Ages 5–8
This ABC book memorializes a way
of life in the shrinking Midwest farming community where
the author lives. Modern vocabulary (A is for ammonia fertilizer,
I is for inoculate) joins the traditional (B is for barn
cat) to paint a portrait of the farmland from spring through
winter snow. Along the bottom of each page is a continuous
panorama that totals nearly 40 feet of art. |
|
 Hogwash
by Arthur Geisert
Ages 4–8
After the village piglets play in mud
and paint they are scrubbed down in a gigantic machine designed
by the clever pigs themselves. Hand-colored copperplate etchings
illustrate the remarkable technology. |
|
 The
Man Who Walked Between the Towers
by Mordicai Gerstein
Caldecott Medal 2004
Ages 5–8
In August 1974, Philippe Petit and a
friend carry a 440-pound reel of cable and other equipment to
the top of the Twin Towers in New York City so that Petit can
walk a tight rope between the towers. Beautifully detailed paintings
illustrate the beauty and danger of this event. |
|
 The
Grasshopper’s Song:
An
Aesop’s Fable Revisited
by Nikki Giovanni
Ages 4–up
The grasshoppers sing while the ants
work in rhythm. When the ants refuse to share the harvest,
the grasshoppers take them to court. This amusing retelling
will appeal to all ages. |
|
 The
Girl Who Loved Wild Horses
by Paul Goble
Caldecott Medal 1980
Ages 5–8
The girl in this Native American tale
loves horses so much that eventually she leaves her people to
live with the herd. The bold illustrations beautifully complement
this story of a girl who followed her heart with the support
of her village. |
|
 Tillie
Lays An Egg
by Terry Golson, Ben Fink
Ages 4–8
The other hens are content
to use the henhouse, but Tillie searches for perfect
places in the house and Massachusetts farm. Fink’s
charming photographs with funny close ups of chicken
faces beautifully complement the text. |
|
 The
Storyteller’s Candle/La velita de los cuentos
by Lucia González, Lulu Delacre
Ages 4–9
This bilingual book set in 1929
tells the story of Pura Belpré, the first Puerto
Rican librarian hired by the New York Public Library,
through the eyes of two children who are inspired by
her to enter the Library for the first time. |
|
 Bring
Me Some Apples and I'll Make You a Pie
by Robbin Gourley
Ages 4–8
This book follows Edna Lewis
during her childhood in a Virginia farming community.
From early spring until first snow, Edna appreciates
each crop as it ripens and is ready to be incorporated
into a delicious dish. Folk rhymes and sayings are
sprinkled throughout the text. A short biography of
this famous African-American chef and five kid-friendly
recipes are included. |
|
 Little
Mouse’s Big Book of Fears
by Emily Gravett
Ages 4–8
Little Mouse uses a scrapbook diary
to confront her fears, and she is afraid of just about
everything. Expansive collages with interactive elements
illustrate all sorts of esoteric fears, like sciaphobia:
the fear of shadows. |
|
 The
Dinosaur Tamer
by Carol Greathouse, John Shroades
Ages 4–8
This humorous tall tale is
set in the old West, when cowboys like young Rocky
tamed dinosaurs of all kinds. Narrated in classic tall
tale prose, the dinosaur names and characteristics
are authentic. Rocky’s battle to tame T. Rex is a classic
humorous epic that creates several American landmarks
along the way. |
|
 The
Big Snow
by Berta & Elmer Hader
Caldecott Medal 1949
Ages 4–8
Simple text and beautiful illustrations
tell the story of how the woodland creatures prepare for winter.
In the winter of the big snow, the people who live in the little
stone house help the animals by putting food out for them. |
|
 A
Story, A Story
by Gail E. Haley
Caldecott Medal 1971
Ages 4–8
In the beginning there were no stories
for children to hear, so Ananse the Spider went to bargain with
Nyame, the Sky God, to bring the stories down to Earth. Wonderful
woodcut illustrations support the clever text in this retelling
of an African folktale. |
|
 Ox-Cart
Man
text by Donald Hall, illustrations
by Barbara Cooney
Caldecott Medal 1980
Ages 4–8
The stunning combination of text and
illustrations recreates the mood of 19-century rural New England. |
|
 The
Day Leo Said I Hate You!
by Robie Harris, Molly Bang
Ages 3–8
Leo is sulking after misbehaving
and his mother’s disciplining sparks words that Leo wishes
he could take back as soon as they leave his mouth. Leo
worries he has endangered his mother’s love, but she
manages to heal the breach in a reassuring and sensible
manner. |
|
 Mail
Harry to the Moon!
by Robie H. Harris
Ages 3–8
The narrator is less than thrilled
with his annoying, attention-hogging new baby brother
and has numerous creative suggestions for solving the
problem until he is convinced that his parents are ready
to act on his moon idea. Fresh and funny look at a classic
situation. |
|
 Twenty
Heartbeats
by Dennis Haseley, Ed Young
Ages 5–9
Set in the Far East long ago,
a rich man hires an artist to paint his beloved horse.
After years of waiting, the artists paints the horse
in little more than 20 heartbeats. The rich man is furious
until he sees thousands of drawings of his horse in the
artist’s studio. Ed Young’s incredible illustrations
bring the story to life. |
|
 Benny
and Penny: Just Pretend
by Geoffrey Hayes
Ages 4–8
Mouse siblings Benny (the pirate)
and Penny (the princess) squabble and play together.
Skillful drawings help beginning readers make sense of
the text. This Toon Book series (by various authors)
is designed for beginning readers. |
|
 Princess
Hyacinth
by Florence Parry Heide, Lane
Smith
Ages 4–8
Princess Hyacinth is lighter
than air, so her concerned parents weigh her down with
diamond pebbles in her socks and a crown decorated
with the heaviest jewels in the kingdom. She yearns
for freedom as she drags her heavy clothing around
the castle. One day she floats free with the help of
a balloon and Boy, who lends a hand in her escape from
her parents’ restrictive rules. |
|
 The
Shrinking of Treehorn
by Florence Parry Heide, Edward Gorey
Ages 4–8
Treehorn is shrinking, but no one seems
to care. His mother is obsessed with her baking, his father
refuses to believe him, his teacher and principal think he
is behaving badly and seeking attention. Gorey’s drawings perfectly
complement the story that captures the feeling of any child
who has ever been ignored by the adults in his or her life. |
|
 Most
Loved in All the World
by Tonya Hegamin, Cozbi A. Cabrera
Ages 4–8
When our heroine is sent north
on the Underground Railroad, her mother stays behind
to help others make the journey. She sends a beautiful
quilt with her daughter to help her find her way, and
to remind her that she is the most loved in all the world.
This beautiful book uses a child’s voice to talk about
difficult concepts of slavery, courage, and sacrifice.
(12/08) |
|
 My
Garden
by Kevin Henkes
Ages 2–7
A young girl helping her
mother with their garden dreams of an imaginary
garden as she weeds and waters. In her fantasy garden,
she would harvest seashells and jelly beans, some vegetables
would become invisible, and the rabbits that nibble
on the plants would be made of chocolate so that she
could also nibble on them. Both the real and fanciful
gardens in this book will enchant young readers. |
|
 Old
Bear
by Kevin Henkes
Ages 3–8
A hibernating bear dreams of
a spring when he was a cub, followed by dreams of summer,
fall, and winter in this beautifully illustrated book
about the annual cycle of seasons. |
|
 Spuds
by Karen Hesse
Ages 4–8
When their mother leaves to work the
night shift, the three fatherless children sneak out in the
middle of the night to glean potatoes from a neighbor’s field.
Evocative language and subtle illustrations transform the poverty
of the children into an exciting adventure. |
|
 Little
Chick
by Amy Hest, Anita Jeram
Ages 2–up
Old-Auntie helps Little Chick
deal with frustration in three stories: waiting for
carrots to grow, learning to fly a kite, understanding
that the star she wants is better off staying in the
sky. The charming illustrations are a perfect match
for the light humor of the text. |
|
 Chickens
to the Rescue
by John Himmelman
Ages 4–8
No problem is too small for
the intrepid chickens on the Greenstalk farm. Lost
sheep? A watch dropped down the well? The cow is stuck
in the tree? You can count on this energetic flock
to come up with a zany solution. Simple text is paired
with detailed and hilarious illustrations that will
be appreciated over and over and over again. |
|
 Pigs
to the Rescue
by John Himmelman
Ages 4–8
Eight excitable pigs throw
themselves into solving minor problems at the Greenstalk
farm with over-the-top rescue missions. Hilarious illustrations
bring the funny situations to life in this silly book
that begs to be read aloud. (follow-up to Chickens
to the Rescue) |
|
 Saint
George and the Dragon
text by Margaret Hodges, illustrations
by Trina Schart Hyman
Caldecott Medal 1985
Ages 4–8
George, the Red Cross Knight, slays the
dreadful dragon that has been terrorizing the countryside for
years and brings peace and joy to the land. The illustrations
for the retelling of this segment from Spenser’s The Faerie
Queene are rich in detail and sparkle with gold highlights. |
|
 One
Fine Day
by Nonny Hogrogian
Caldecott Medal
1972
Ages 4–8
In this humorous retelling of an Armenian
folktale, a fox steals some milk from an old farm woman. She
cuts off his tail, and the fox spends the rest of the day bargaining
to get it back. The vividly beautiful illustrations bring this
tale to life. |
|
 Grump
Groan Growl
by Bell Hooks
Ages 3–8
A child and his inner monster
illustrate this effective portrayal of a bad mood on
the prowl. |
|
 Amazing
Faces
poems selected by Lee Bennett
Hopkins, illustrated by Chris Soentpiet
Ages 6–up
This collection of poems includes
character sketches and descriptions of multi-cultural
people from all over the United States. Soentpiet’s beautifully
lifelike and detailed watercolor illustrations zoom in
on the faces of the wide variety of people and scenes
depicted in the poems. |
|
 City
I Love
by Lee Bennett Hopkins, Marcellus
Hall
Ages 4–8
This poetry collection follows
a dog and bluebird who travel to famous cities around
the world. The reflective and humorous poems by Lee
Bennett Hopkins are illustrated with Marcellus Hall’s
lively watercolors. |
|
 Home
on the Range:
John
A. Lomax and His Cowboy Songs
by Deborah Hopkinson, S.D. Schindler
Ages 6–8
This colorful biography tells about
the early life of John Avery Lomax, an early folk musicologist
who got his start collecting the cowboy songs he had loved
as a child on his Ediphone recording device. The realistic
illustrations bring the old west to life. |
|
 Stagecoach
Sal
by Deborah Hopkinson, Carson Ellis
Ages 4–8
Sal can catch a fish with her
bare hands, ride a bronco, and drive a stagecoach.
When her Pa falls sick, it’s up to young Sal to drive
the stagecoach alone to deliver the mail. When Poetic
Pete, the most polite bandit in all of California,
boards the coach, Sal sings him to sleep. She continues
her all-night singing marathon until they arrive in
town where Sal delivers the bandit to jail. Delicate
watercolor illustrations provide the perfect counterpoint
for the rambunctious text. |
|
 Princess
Says Goodnight
by Naomi Howland, David Small
Ages 4–8
In this joyful bedtime story,
a small girl imagines herself a princess and transforms
her ordinary modern family life into royalty living
in a castle. Rhyming text and enchanting watercolor
illustrations add to the fun as the nighttime routine
ends with the one thing every little girl, whether
princess or not, needs before sleep—a kiss good-night. |
|
 How
to Clean Your Room in 10 Easy Steps
by Jennifer Larue Huget, Edward
Koren
Ages 4–8
When your mother uses all
three of your names, you know it really is time to
clean your room, advises this hilarious book. Koren’s
scratchy ink drawings are the perfect match for the
funny directives in the text. A perfect read-aloud,
this book will appeal to messy kids and those who
live with them. |
|
 My
People
by Langston Hughes, Charles R. Smith
Jr.
Ages 4–8
Poetry
Smith’s sepia-toned photographs of African-Americans
illustrate Langston Hughes’s eloquent tribute to his people.
This beautiful book will be enjoyed over and over. |
|
 The
Negro Speaks of Rivers
by Langston Hughes, E.B. Lewis
Ages 4–8
Poetry
Luminous watercolors by E.B. Hughes of
rivers all over the world accompany the poem by Langston Hughes.
Together they portray the experiences of black people throughout
history. |
|
 When
Royals Wore Ruffles:
A
Funny and Fashionable Alphabet!
by Pamela Jaber, Chesley Mclaren
Ages 5–9
This A–Z of fashion history
uses witty text and charming illustrations to demonstrate
that the desire to look fabulous can push humans to often
hilarious extremes. |
|
 The
Heart and the Bottle
by Oliver Jeffers
Ages 4–up
When a small girl loses her father,
her only parent, she decides that the best thing is to
put her heart in a bottle and hang it around her neck.
All the wonder, curiosity, and delight in the world they
shared together vanishes, but the girl believes her heart
at least is safe from further pain. When the girl is
older, her heart is restored when she meets someone smaller
who still delights in the world. This gentle book is
a quietly moving portrait of grief. |
|
 My
Chincoteague Pony
by Susan Jeffers
Ages 5–9
Julie works hard all year, but still
doesn’t have enough money to buy a pony at the yearly auction.
When the townspeople chip in to help her out, Julie vows to
work just as hard next year so that she can help another girl
buy a pony of her own. |
|
 Skunkdog
by Emily Jenkins
Ages 4–9
Dumpling the dog has no sense of smell
and so no dog friends. Pierre Pratt’s amusing illustrations
help to bring this tale of a dog forced to choose between obedience
and companionship to life. |
|
 The
Hello, Goodbye Window
text by
Norton Juster, illustrations by
Chris Raschka
Caldecott Medal 2006
Ages 4–7
A girl visits her grandparents, enjoying
the house and garden and the surprises through the window. This
child-centered view of everyday activities is just right for
reading aloud. The bright illustrations are perfect for portraying
this happy multi-racial family. |
|
 Sourpuss
And Sweetie Pie
by Norton Juster
Ages 4–8
Our multiracial heroine admits
that she has conflicting personalities, sometimes she
is Sourpuss, sometimes Sweetie Pie. Her grandparents
accept her dual natures, reflected in the different color
palettes illustrating her happy moments and her tantrums. |
|
 Tsunami!
by Kimiko Kajikawa, Ed Young
Ages 4–8
Ojiisan, a wealthy rice farmer, sees
a tsunami threatening the village and sacrifices his own rice
fields in order to save the villagers. Ed Young’s stunning
collage illustrations vividly portray the power of the tsunami. |
|
 The
Snowy Day
by Ezra Jack Keats
Caldecott Medal 1963
Ages 4–8
A small boy wakes up to discover that
snow has fallen overnight. The beautiful illustrations of watercolor
and collage show the magic of simple experiences in the snow. |
|
 The
Scrambled States of America Talent Show
by Laurie Keller
Ages 5–10
The 50 states are gathered for
a talent show, and what a bunch of hams! Snappy dialog
and energetic illustrations help kids absorb the state
and geographic information. |
|
 The
Extraordinary Mark Twain
by Barbara Kerley, Edwin Fotheringham
Ages 7–11
Thirteen-year-old Susy is determined
to set the record straight about her famous father,
and spends a year writing her own observations. This
accessible biography, which includes clever illustrations
as well as excerpts from Susy’s actual diary, presents
an intimate portrait of the real man behind the famous
one. Author notes include a timeline of Twain’s life
as well as tips for writing an extraordinary biography
of your own. |
|
 One
World, One Day
by Barbara Kerley
Ages 4–up
Sixty beautiful photographs
follow children all around the world as they eat breakfast,
go to school, and live a normal day. The global perspectives
of the numerous photographers echo the theme of one
global family. |
|
 What
To Do About Alice?
How
Alice Roosevelt Broke the Rules, Charmed the World, and Drove
Her Father Teddy Crazy!
by Barbara Kerley
Ages 4–8
This high energy picture book
celebrates a young spirited American heroine who livened
up the White House. |
|
 Big
Red Lollipop
by Rukhsana Khan, Sophie Blackall
Ages 4–8
Rubina is mortified when her
East Indian mother, who doesn’t understand the American
custom of celebrating birthdays, insists that Rubina
take her demanding little sister Sana to a birthday
party. Sana’s presence at the party turns out as badly
as Rubina fears, and Sana makes things worse by stealing
Rubina’s favorite party favor, a big red lollipop.
Eventually Sana herself is invited to a party and the
littlest sister demands to go with Sana. Though tempted
to let Sana suffer as she did, Rubina uses her experience
to counsel her mother about cultural differences. This
empathetic story of sibling rivalry is simply told
and beautifully illustrated. |
|
 Everybody
Bonjours!
by Leslie Kimmelman
Ages 5–8
On vacation with her family in
Paris, a girl visits famous places and enjoys saying “bonjour.” Sarah
McMenemy’s lively mixed-media illustrations support the
bouncy text. |
|
 The
Little Red Hen and the Passover Matzah
by Leslie Kimmelman, Paul Meisel
Ages 4–8
This Jewish Little Red Hen
asks her friends for help making the traditional Passover
matzah. Unfortunately her friends aren’t too eager
to help. Couldn’t they at least help schlep the wheat
to the mill? In this hilarious version of the traditional
tale, a hard-working hen finds the true meaning of
Passover. |
|
 The
Gingerbread Pirates
by Kristin Kladstrup, Matt Tavares
Ages 4–10
Jim and his mother make gingerbread
pirate cookies on Christmas Eve, and Jim likes his
Captain Cookie with a gingerbread cutlass and toothpick
peg leg too much to leave him on the plate for Santa.
In the middle of the night, the brave Captain Cookie
dashes down the stairs to save his crew from the mysterious
cannibal named Santa. Luckily Santa ends up not being
as terrifying as the cookies feared. |
|
 Fartiste
by Kathleen Krull, Paul Brewer, Boris
Kulikov
Ages 4–9
Joseph Pujol learns to control
his intestines and performs at the legendary Moulin Rouge
in this mostly true story. Kulikov’s explosive illustrations
are sure to amuse the small boy in all of us. |
|
 Lincoln
Tells a Joke
How
Laughter Saved the President (and the Country)
by Kathleen Krull and Paul Brewer,
Stacy Innerst
Ages 5–8
This accessible biography begins
by describing all the reasons Lincoln had to be depressed,
including his harsh childhood and homely appearance. Then
Lincoln’s story is told in chronological order while highlighting
his use of humor to deal with disappointment, grief, worry,
and pain. The humorous illustrations add to the upbeat
portrait of a man who coped with life by staying positive
and looking for the lighter side throughout serious events. |
|
 Frog
Went A-Courtin’
text by John Langstaff, illustrations
by Feodor Rojankovsky
Caldecott Medal 1956
Ages 4–8
In this version of the old song, Froggy
puts on his shiny black boots and goes out to court Miss Mousy.
The colorful illustrations bring this book to life. Included
are the words and music to the song. |
|
 Imaginary
Menagerie
A
Book of Curious Creatures
by Julie Larios
Ages 4–9
Poetry
Julie Paschkis’s incredible gouache paintings
illustrate poems about creatures from mythology and folklore. |
|
 Oscar
and Arabella
by Neal Layton
Ages 4–8
Oscar and Arabella, a wooly
mammoth and a mastodon, have to think fast to outwit
the scary creature in the cave. The simple language
and lively illustrations will captivate youngsters. |
|
 Hot,
Hot, Hot
by Neal Layton
Ages 4–8
Wooly mammoth Oscar and mastodon Arabella
love playing in the ice and snow, but a sudden heat wave makes
them uncomfortable. Luckily Oscar has an idea to help them
survive the hot weather. This wonderfully silly picture book
will charm young readers. (follows Oscar
and Arabella) |
|
 Oscar
and Arabella and Ormsby
by Neal Layton
Ages 4–8
When wooly rhino Ormsby arrives,
woolly mammoth Oscar fears he has a rival for mastodon
Arabella. But every time Oscar performs a show-off
trick, Ormsby thinks of something even better. When
they fear Arabella is in danger, the two finally join
forces for a hilarious ending. (follows Oscar
and Arabella and Hot,
Hot, Hot) (9/08) |
|
 Wave
by Suzy Lee
Ages 4–8
Wordless two-color picture book follows
a small girl’s interaction with the waves. The vibrant watercolor
illustrations capture the joy and laughter of a day at the
beach. |
|
 Trainstop
by Barbara Lehman
Ages 4–8
This wordless fantasy takes a young
urban girl on a subway train to an idyllic Lilliputian world. |
|
 Always
Room for One More
text by Sorche Nic Leodhas, illustrations
by Nonny Hogrogian
Caldecott Medal 1966
Ages 4–8
Travelers in a storm are glad to hear
Lachie MacLachlan generously call out that there is always room
for one more. Narrated in a lilting, rhyming brogue, the Scottish
travelers fill the little house until it explodes. |
|
 Bats
at the Beach
by Brian Lies
Ages 4–8
The bats apply their moon-tan lotion
and head out for an incredible night at the beach. The dark
yet luminous art and rhyming text are the perfect foil for
these furry and friendly creatures. |
|
 Bats
at the Library
by Brian Lies
Ages 4–8
Thanks to an open window, the bats
have a wonderful time exploring the books and the library after
dark. |
|
 Finders
Keepers
text by William Lipkind, illustrations
by Nicolas Mordvinoff
Caldecott Medal 1952
Ages 4–8
Nap and Winkle dig up a bone together
in the yard and can’t decide who it belongs to since Nap saw
it first and Winkle touched it first. People passing by can’t
help them solve their disagreement until another dogs offers
a solution both can agree to. The humorous illustrations fit
the story perfectly. |
|
 Applesauce
Season
by Eden Ross Lipson, Mordicai Gerstein
Ages 4–8
This delightful picture book
tells the story of an urban family who comes together
every fall to make homemade applesauce. Every step of
the process is celebrated: buying, peeling, cooking,
stirring, and tasting. The recipe on the last page encourages
families to start their own fall cooking tradition. |
|
 Fables
by Arnold Lobel
Caldecott Medal 1981
Ages 6–10
These short original fables have unexpected
morals. The humorous illustrations add to the fun. |
|
 Alvin
Ho: Allergic to Girls, School, and Other Scary Things
by Lenore Look, Leuyen Pham
Ages 6–10
Alvin Ho, a Chinese-American
2nd grader, is afraid of just about everything: elevators,
tunnels, girls, wasabi, and speaking out in school most
of all. The comic exaggeration of a small boy’s emotions
will appeal to young readers facing many of the same
fears. |
|
 Crow Call
by Lois Lowry
Ages 6–12
Lizzie’s father has been away in WWII
for longer than she can remember, so the fall hunting trip
the two take together after his return is awkward. But her
father respects her wishes, even when they are fanciful, and
gives her the crow call to summon the birds. To Lizzie’s relief,
her father never fires his gun on the magical day. Based on
Lowry’s own childhood, this picture book is a loving look at
the relationship between parent and child. Though set in the
past, it is fully relevant to today’s military families. |
|
 Monsters
on Machines
by Deb Lund, Robert Neubecker
Ages 4–8
In this rhyming story a crew of monsters
builds a custom (Pre haunted) house and then clean up. Muck
and mud, screams and shouts, monsters and machines—what
more could you want? |
| |
|
 Black
and White
by David Macaulay
Caldecott Medal
1991
Ages 4–10
Four stories, that at first seem unrelated,
each occupy a fourth of each two-page spread. The interactions
between the four stories creates a fifth. There is no resolution,
challenging readers to discover new meaning with each reading. |
|
 Snowflake
Bentley
text by Jacqueline Briggs Martin, illustrations
by Mary Azarian
Caldecott Medal 1999
Ages 4–8
This biography of Wilson A. Bentley tells
the story of a rural Vermont farmboy in the mid-19th century
who became fascinated by snowflakes. Bentley developed a system
of microphotography that allowed him to capture images of snowflakes
and prove that no two snowflakes are identical. Azarian’s woodcuts
are perfect. |
|
 Henry
In Love
by Peter McCarty
Ages 4–8
Henry, an open-hearted cat,
is totally smitten with Chloe, a flirtatious rabbit.
Pitch perfect observations of grade school romance
are complemented by the beautiful illustrations. |
|
 Adèle & Simon
by Barbara McClintock
Ages 4–8
Walking home from school in early 20th
century Paris, Adèle’s little brother Simon leaves something
at every stop, encouraging the reader to search carefully through
every beautifully detailed ink and watercolor illustration.
A 1907 map of Paris on the endpapers traces the children’s
route. |
|
 Adèle & Simon
in America
by Barbara McClintock
Ages 4–8
Visiting from Paris, Adèle
and Simon take a train journey across early 20th century
United States with their Aunt Cécile. The forgetful
Simon loses one of his belongings at each stop prompting
a visual hide-and-seek through the illustrations, which
include historical figures. Sepia endpapers trace their
route on an old railway map. |
|
 Make
Way for Ducklings
by Robert McCloskey
Caldecott Medal 1942
Ages 3–8
Mr. and Mrs. Mallard are having trouble
finding the perfect nest site until they reach Boston’s Public
Garden. Safe from foxes and turtles, and plenty of peanuts, this
must be the perfect spot. The lovely humorous illustrations beautifully
support the gentle minimal text. |
|
 Time
of Wonder
by Robert McCloskey
Caldecott Medal 1958
Ages 4–8
Two sisters spend a glorious summer in
Maine on Penobscot Bay, swimming, sailing, and experiencing a
storm. The poetic language and beautiful illustrations capture
this magical time. |
|
 Mirette
on the High Wire
by Emily Arnold McCully
Caldecott Medal 1993
Ages 4–8
Mirette helps “The Great Bellini” regain
his confidence while he stays at her mother’s boarding house
and eventually the two are walking the high wire above the rooftops
of the city. Rich illustrations capture 19th-century Paris. |
|
 Arrow
to the Sun:
A
Pueblo Indian Tale
by Gerald McDermott
Caldecott Medal 1975
Ages 4–8
A young boy searches for his father and
must prove he is worthy by passing through four ceremonial chambers
in this retelling of the Pueblo Native American legend. The bold
and colorful geometric illustrations echo Pueblo designs. |
|
 The
Hinky-Pink
by Megan McDonald, Brian Floca
Ages 4–8
In this retelling of a story from 1940,
the humble seamstress Anabel is about to realize her dream
of sewing a ball gown for a princess when a Hinky-Pink appears
to rob her of sleep so that she is too tired to sew. Floca’s
active and detailed watercolors bring long-ago Florence to
life. |
|
 South
by Patrick McDonnell
Ages 3–7
In this nearly wordless book, Mooch
the cat helps a small bird whose flock has flown south without
him. This humorous and moving story explores crossing boundaries
and saying goodbye. |
|
 The
Whistle on the Train
by Margaret Mcnamara, Richard Egielski
Ages 2–6
In this colorful pop-up book, the song “Wheels
on a Bus” is adapted for a train journey. The lyrics
are easy to learn, so young children can “read” this
book over to themselves as they enjoy the sturdy pop-up features. |
|
 What
the World Eats
by Peter Menzel, Faith D’Aluisio
All Ages
Twenty-five families in 21 countries
around the world are photographed surrounded by a week’s worth
of food. The multi-generational portraits provide an avenue
for exploring each family’s hopes and struggles while gently
raising issues about global food supplies. Family recipes,
maps, and county information reveal provocative statistics.
(adapted from Hungry
Planet) |
|
 Waiting
for Winter
by Sebastian Meschenmoser
Ages 5–8
Squirrel, Hedgehog, and Bear
scurry around searching for the first snowflake of
winter, which they are told will be white and wet and
soft and cold. They each find a candidate for the snowflake:
a toothbrush, a tin can, and an old white sock. The
wonderfully detailed and silly illustrations are sure
to enchant readers. |
|
 Color
Magic Sticker Play Book
by Metropolitan Museum of Art
Ages 4–8
More than 2000 red, blue, and
yellow translucent stickers in various geometric shapes
encourage children to experiment with color and the shapes
that make up the world around us. The reusable stickers
easily peel away from the laminated pages, making it
simple to create new masterpieces. |
|
 Bear
in the Air
by Susan Meyers, Amy Bates
Ages 4–8
When a beloved teddy bear is
lost by the child who loves him, the stuffed animal
takes an amazing journey to get back home again. The
bear is transported by fish, gulls, sailors, and the
wind until he eventually reaches home again. Beautiful
illustrations of a pre-WWII seaside resort town accompany
the rhythmic verse documenting the journey. |
|
 The
Egg Tree
by Katherine Milhous
Caldecott Medal 1951
Ages 5–8
Katy discovers her grandmother’s old
hand-painted eggs while on a family Easter egg hunt. Grandmom
had painted the eggs when she was a little girl, and shows Katy
how to hang them on the special egg tree. The beautiful Pennsylvania-Dutch
inspired illustrations will inspire readers to paint eggs of
their own. |
|
 The
Funny Little Woman
text by Arlene Mosel, illustrations
by Blair Lent
Caldecott Medal 1973
Ages 3–8
Long ago in old Japan a funny little
woman with a silly little laugh chases a runaway dumpling and
soon finds herself cooking dumplings for a band of demons. Her
infectious laugh helps her charm the demons into releasing her. |
|
 Ashanti
to Zulu:
African
Traditions
text by Margaret Musgrove, illustrations
by Leo & Diane Dillon
Caldecott Medal 1978
Ages 6–12
Incredible pictures illustrate the traditions
and customs of 26 African tribes beginning with letters from
A to Z. Most paintings include a man, woman, child, artifact,
living quarters, and a local animal. |
|
 Mama
Miti
by Donna Jo Napoli, Kadir Nelson
Ages 4–8
This story of Wangari Maathai’s
mission to plant trees in Kenya is told more as a folk
tale than a biography. Wangari Wangari becomes known
as Mama Miti (Mother of Trees) because she knows her
trees, and recommends the perfect one to plant to meet
the needs of those she meets. Some trees produce edible
berries, some make good firewood, some have roots that
purify the water. Beautiful and colorful illustrations
bring Mama Miti and her community to life. |
|
 Sam,
Bangs & Moonshine
by Evaline Ness
Caldecott Medal
1967
Ages 4–8
Samantha is a fisherman’s daughter who
lives in her imagination. Everyone calls her fantasies moonshine.
One day she sends her friend Thomas and her cat Bangs out to
sea to look for her escaped pet kangaroo. A sudden storm makes
Sam rethink the line between moonshine and reality. |
|
 The
Pet Dragon:
A
Story about Adventure, Friendship, and Chinese Characters
by Christoph Niemann
Ages 4–8
As the spunky Lin searches for
her runaway pet dragon, young readers are introduced
to 33 Chinese characters. The bold black characters are
ingeniously integrated into Niemann’s vivid computer
graphics. |
|
 Planting
the Trees of Kenya
by Claire A. Nivola
Ages 5–9
This biography of Wangari Maathai,
winner of the 2004 Nobel Peace Prize, encourages the belief
that anyone can change the course of history. |
|
 Do
Not Build a Frankenstein!
by Neil Numberman
Ages 4–8
The new boy in town tells his
new peers that though it may sound like great fun,
having a monster of your very own is really a lot of
trouble. The colorful watercolor illustrations deliver
the visual punch line to the funny text. (Numberman
did the illustrations for the graphic novel Joey
Fly, Private Eye.) |
|
 Bunny
Days
by Tao Nyeu
Ages 3–6
The six adorable bunnies in
this hilarious picture book are unintended victims
of their busy but unobservant neighbors, Mr. and Mrs.
Goat. Luckily the Bear is always there to put things
right, though sometimes the cure is as bad as the accident.
The charming illustrations and prim narration are perfect
foils for the silly stories that will keep the audience
giggling throughout. |
|
 Fancy
Nancy’s Favorite Fancy Words: From Accessories to Zany
by Jane O’Connor
Ages 4–9
Fancy Nancy makes vocabulary
glamorous in this A-Z list of useful words used and illustrated
in classic Fancy Nancy style. |
|
 Lazy
Little Loafers
by Susan Orlean, G. Brian Karas
Ages 5–8
In this witty new-baby book, our heroine
trudges off to school with her enormous backpack to take tests
while her little brother lounges around nearly naked in the
park. |
|
 A
Paddling of Ducks
Animals
in Groups from A to Z
by Marjorie Blain Parker, Joseph Kelly
Ages 4–8
This delightful ABC book
presents groups of animals from an army of ants to
a herd of zebras. Each group of animals is described
with the proper collective noun (a skulk of foxes,
a nest of vipers, a labor of moles) and shown in
a detailed illustration depicting fantastic yet animal
appropriate play. |
|
 If
Animals Kissed Good Night
by Ann Whitford Paul
Ages 3–6
Wonderfully silly presentation
of animal parents and children kissing good night complete
with nonsense sounds is sure to become a bedtime ritual. |
|
 The
Cardboard Piano
by Lynne Rae Perkins
Ages 4–8
Debbie and Tina share everything,
except piano lessons since Tina doesn’t have a piano.
Debbie constructs a beautiful cardboard piano for her
friend, but Tina soon loses interest. The dialog and
watercolor illustrations subtly explore what is most
important in friendship. |
|
 The
Rooster Crows:
A
Book of American Rhymes and Jingles
by Maud & Miska Petersham
Caldecott Medal 1946
Ages 3–8
This book is full of nursery rhymes,
counting-out games, skipping-rope songs, finger games, and other
jingles. |
|
 Sojourner
Truth’s Step-Stomp Stride
by Andrea Davis Pinkney, Brian Pinkney
Ages 5–9
Belle was born into slavery, and
when her master fails to honor his promise to free her,
Belle runs away. But she knows that she will never be truly
free when others live in slavery, so Belle changes her
name to Sojourner and begins to travel across the country,
demanding equal rights for black people and for women.
Pinkney’s glowing illustrations capture the charisma and
courage of this larger-than-life heroine. |
|
 The
Lion & the Mouse
by Jerry Pinkney
Caldecott Medal
2002
Ages 3–6
This adaptation of Aesop’s fable is nearly
wordless, but Pinkney’s gorgeous illustrations tell the tale
in stunning detail. |
|
 January’s
Sparrow
by Patricia Polacco
Ages 8–12
The Crosswhite family witness
the brutal whipping of January, a slave caught while
trying to escape, and flee the Kentucky plantation
in the middle of the night. Young Sadie is heartbroken
when she realizes she has left the wooden sparrow January
carved for her, her only memento of her dead friend.
The Crosswhites travel through the Underground Railroad
to Marshall, Michigan, where they finally live in freedom.
Then January’s sparrow appears on their doorstep. Based
on a true story, this book is both horrifying and empowering. |
|
 Bird,
Butterfly, Eel
by James Prosek
Ages 6–10
A barn swallow, monarch, and
American eel spend their summer at the same coastal
farm in New England. In the fall, they migrate to three
distant and different places. The beautifully detailed
watercolors complement the simple text. |
|
 The
Glorious Flight:
Across
the Channel with Louis Blériot
by Alice & Martin Provensen
Caldecott Medal 1984
Ages 4–8
This book shows the persistence of Louis
Blériot, a Frenchman, who was determined to to build a
flying machine to cross the English Channel. His glorious flight
occurred on July 25, 1909. |
|
 The
Song of the Swallows
by Leo Politi
Caldecott Medal 1950
Ages 4–8
Julian, the gardener and bell-ringer
at Mission San Juan Capistrano, shares his love of the swallows
that return every year with his young friend Juan. This year
Juan plants his own garden and hopes that the swallows will build
a nest there. Beautiful watercolor illustrations capture the
magic of the migrating birds. |
|
 The
Fool of the World and the Flying Ship
text by Arthur Ransome, illustrations
by Uri Shulevitz
Caldecott Medal
1969
Ages 4–8
In this retelling of a Russian folktale,
the simple third son is helped by those with magical powers to
perform the impossible tasks set by the Czar and wins the princess.
The colorful illustrations have a wonderful Russian folk-art
look. |
|
 Eleanor,
Quiet No More
by Doreen Rappaport, Gary Kelley
Ages 6–10
Written in short, accessible
paragraphs, this biography honestly presents Eleanor’s
unhappy childhood. Each page spread includes a quote
from Eleanor that expresses her growing sense of confidence
and moral conviction. The beautiful paintings capture
Eleanor’s intelligence and compassionate heart. |
|
 Officer
Buckle and Gloria
by Peggy Rathmann
Caldecott Medal
1996
Ages 4–8
Officer Buckle’s school safety assemblies
are so boring that his audience falls asleep. Then police dog
Gloria joins the act and pantomimes each safety tip behind the
unsuspecting Officer Buckle who is amazed that his audience suddenly
finds him funny. The hilarious illustrations make this book something
special. |
|
 Fletcher
and the Falling Leaves
by Julia Rawlinson, Tiphanie Beeke
Ages 3–8
The young fox Fletcher is concerned
when leaves begin to fall from his favorite tree. His
mother assures him that it is only autumn, but to Fletcher
the tree does not seem at all well. He tries to capture
the leaves and stick them back on, but eventually the
twig breaks off. The next day a beautiful sight reassures
him that the tree is fine. The beautiful illustrations
echo the magical transformation of the seasons. |
|
 Fletcher
and the Springtime Blossoms
by Julia Rawlinson, Tiphanie Beeke
Ages 3–8
When Fletcher the young fox sees
the first spring blossoms flying through the air, he
is sure that the snow has returned. At first annoyed
by the false alarm, Fletcher’s friends soon join him
in romping through the petals. Tiphanie Beeke’s beautiful
illustrations celebrate the season and give each animal
a distinctive personality. (follows Fletcher
and the Falling Leaves) |
|
 Wanda
Gág: The Girl Who Lived to Draw
by Deborah Kogan Ray
Ages 6–9
Best known for her classic picture
book Millions
of Cats, Wanda Gág loved to draw. This well-researched
biography incorporates entries from Wanda’s childhood
diaries into a compelling picture book format. |
|
 Encyclopedia
Mythologica: Gods and Heroes Pop-Up
by Matthew Reinhart, Robert Sabuda
Ages 6–12
This well crafted pop-up book
presents a global tour of gods and heroes, including
classical mythology, as well as Egyptian, Norse, Eastern,
and New World legends. The pop-ups are intricately
detailed, exquisitely designed, and sturdier than they
look. The stunning art and interesting text will inspire
older readers to find out more about these fascinating
Gods and Heroes. |
|
 A
Pop-Up Book of Nursery Rhymes
by Matthew Reinhart
Ages 3–8
Matthew Reinhart’s phenomenal
paper engineering illustrates these classic nursery rhymes.
Ingenious details make this book a family keepsake. |
|
 Frankenstein
Makes a Sandwich
by Adam Rex
Ages 5–10
This hilarious collection of
illustrated poems describes the lives of famous monsters.
Kids will love the effortless rhymes and the different
art styles, individually tailored for each creature.
Great read-aloud. |
|
 Frankenstein
Takes the Cake
by Adam Rex
Ages 5–10
Frankenstein and his bride are
planning the wedding, but his best man, Dracula, is worried
about the garlic bread, and other B-movie monsters have
similar woes in this hilarious book of poems. |
|
 Back
of the Bus
by Aaron Reynolds, Floyd Cooper
Ages 6–8
One winter day in Montgomery
Alabama, a young boy and his mother are riding where
they are supposed to—in the back of the bus.
The boy passes the time rolling his marble in the aisle,
and Rosa Parks, sitting up in the front of the bus
where she isn’t supposed to, rolls it back to him.
See through the eyes of a child, who begins to wonder
if maybe Rosa does belong up there after all, brings
Rosa Park’ s defiance to vivid life. Beautifully lifelike
oil paintings convey the emotional tension of that
famous bus ride. |
|
 Baboushka
and the Three Kings
text by Ruth Robbins, illustrations
by Nicolas Sidjakov
Caldecott Medal
1961
Ages 4–8
The Three Kings coming from the East
to bring gifts to a new-born child lose their way in the snow
in Russia and knock on Baboushka’s door. She is too busy with
her chores to join them. The next morning she is sorry she refused
and tries to follow with her own gifts but the trail is covered
by new snow. Baboushka gives her gifts to other children instead.
The strong primary colors and bold outlines emphasize the Russian
theme of the story. |
|
 The
Chicken Thief
by Béatrice Rodriguez
Ages 4–8
This wordless book begins with
a bear and a rabbit enjoying a picnic lunch. The a
fox steals a chicken from her home. The rooster, bear,
and rabbit give chase though forests and across the
ocean. The shape of the book adds to the excitement,
as the fox stays just ahead of his pursuers. The distinct
personalities of each character are masterfully portrayed
through the body language of the illustrations, and
the loving way the fox cradles the hen makes it clear
early in the story that all may not be what the reader
expects. |
|
 Sergio
Makes a Splash
by Edel Rodriguez
Ages 3–8
Sergio the penguin loves water,
as long as it’s not very deep since he can’t swim. Poster-like
expressive illustrations present Sergio’s plunge into
the water, armed with floaties, snorkel, and a life preserver. |
|
 My
Friend Rabbit
by Eric Rohmann
Caldecott Medal 2003
Ages 4–8
Mouse narrates this story of his friend
Rabbit who has just as much fun getting Mouse out of trouble
as he does getting him into it. Incredible and hilarious illustrations
support the simple story. |
|
 The
Cuckoo’s Haiku:
and
Other Birding Poems
by Michael J. Rosen, Stan Fellows
Ages 6–10
Poet and birder Rosen captures
the essence of more than 20 common North American birds.
Designed like a birding notebook, each haiku is accompanied
by Fellows’s beautiful watercolors of the birds in their
habitats plus notes about their behavior and traits. |
|
 Silly
Lilly and the Four Seasons
by Agnes Rosenstiehl
Ages 4–8
In this Toon Book (comic easy
reader), the curious and observant Lilly enjoys the four
seasons in five short scenes. |
|
 Meet
Wild Boars
by Meg Rosoff, Sophie Blackall
Ages 4–8
Wild boars Morris, Boris, Horace,
and Doris are dirty, smelly, bad-tempered, and rude.
This silly cautionary book is sure to delight young readers. |
|
 Wild
Boars Cook
by Meg Rosoff, Sophie Blackall
Ages 4–8
The bossy, selfish, stinky, and hilarious
boars are back to create the messiest, stickiest, gooiest pudding
in the world. This sequel to Meet
Wild Boars is sure to delight every child. |
|
 Jumpy
Jack & Googily
by Meg Rosoff & Sophie Blackall
Ages 3–8
Jumpy Jack the snail is worried
he will meet a monster and describes the dreaded beast
to his friend Googily. The comically understated text
provides a foil for the vivid visual punch lines. |
|
 Silent
Music
by James Rumford
Ages 4–9
Like his hero Yakut, who wrote about
the destruction of Baghdad in 1258, Ali turns to calligraphy
during the bombing of Baghdad in 2003. |
|
 Moon
Rabbit
by Natalie Russell
Ages 3–8
Moon Rabbit loves the city
but she is lonely by herself. She meets Brown Rabbit
in the park and loves playing with him, but misses
her home. Beautiful prints illustrate this tale of
balancing friendship and independence. |
|
 Peter
Pan:
A
Classic Collectible Pop-Up
by Robert Sabuda
Ages 4–10
Amazing pop-up illustrations
bring characters from J.M. Barrie’s classic Peter
Pan to 3-D life. |
|
 A
Perfect Season for Dreaming
Una temporada perfecta para soñar
by Benjamin Alire Sáenz, Esau Andrade Valencia
Ages 7–12
In this bilingual book 92-year
old Octavio Rivera shares his beautiful and fantastic dreams
with his young granddaughter. The combination of Sáenz’s
lyrical prose and Valencia’s incredible illustrations
is mesmerizing. |
|
 The
Snow Day
by Komako Sakai
Ages 3–5
A small rabbit wakes up to
discover that snow has been falling all night. School
is closed and the father rabbit’s flight home has been
cancelled. The rabbit and his mother are safe and warm
inside the apartment, but feel all alone in the world.
The small rabbit enjoys the magic of the snow, waiting
for the news that his father will return tomorrow. |
|
 Erika-san
by Allen Say
Ages 6–10
Erika always loved her Grandmother’s
print of a small Japanese teahouse with lighted windows, and
dreamed of traveling to Japan one day. After college she travels
to Japan to teach and finally finds exactly the right spot.
The beautiful watercolors are the perfect match for the tranquil
text. |
|
 Grandfather’s
Journey
by Allen Say
Caldecott Medal
1994
Ages 4–8
This book tells the story of Say’s grandfather
who sailed from Japan to North America, ending up in California.
He returned to Japan to marry his sweetheart, bringing her back
to California. When his daughter is nearly grown, he takes his
family back to Japan. In Japan they miss California and return
to America. The beautiful illustrations perfectly capture the
feeling of always being homesick for one country or the other. |
|
 All
the World
by Liz Garton Scanlon, Marla Frazee
Ages 4–8
Following an interracial family
from morning until night, this book shows the world’s
connectivity by affirming the importance of all things,
from the tiniest grain of sand on the beach to the
huge sky at sunset. Frazee’s beautiful watercolor and
pencil illustrations complement the lively verse of
the text. |
|
 Kids
Like Us
by Carole Schaefer & Pierr Morgan
Ages 3–6
Enthusiastic language and appropriate
text capture the exuberant yet serious spirit of small multiracial
children absorbed in creative play. |
|
 Little
Blue Truck
by Alice Schertle
Ages 3–7
All the animals love to see Little
Blue Truck coming down the road, but not the obnoxious
Dump Truck. Rhyming stanzas encourage joining in on the
animal and vehicle noises in this nostalgic homage to
friendship and the rewards of helping others. |
|
 There
are Cats in this Book
by Viviane Schwarz
Ages 3–8
Three playful cats romp through
this interactive book that encourages the reader to join
in the fun. |
|
 Splat
the Cat
by Rob Scotton
Ages 4–8
Splat the Cat has a severe case
of first-day-of-school anxiety, so he secretly brings
his pet mouse for comfort. Splat is astounded when he
learns that cats are supposed to chase mice in a hilarious
chase sequence. |
|
 Gallop!
by Rufus Butler Seder
Ages 4–8
Inventor, artist, and filmmaker Seder
has created Scanimation, a new animation technique.
A hidden tab in each page slides an acetate layer over an animal
image, creating the illusion of motion reminicent of Eadweard
Muybridge’s motion photography. Rhyming text accompanies each
animated image on this fascinating picture book. |
|
 Swing!
by Rufus Butler Seder
Ages 4–8
Seder’s amazing Scanimation technology
animates various activities: hitting a baseball, riding a bike,
spinning on the ice. Rhyming text captures in words the energy
of the moving images. |
|
 One
Boy
by Laura Vaccaro Seeger
Ages 2–6
This clever peek-a-boo book counts
from one to ten and also reveals words within words.
Young children will enjoy discovering the hidden words—when
the boy is alone, the word one is
revealed within alone. |
|
 What
If?
by Laura Vaccaro Seeger
Ages 3–7
In this unique book about friendship,
a young boy kicks a beach ball into the water where
it is found by three seals. The reader is invited to
explore the possibilities of what might happen next
in three separate stories, told with minimal text and
richly textured illustrations. |
|
 Where
the Wild Things Are
by Maurice Sendak
Caldecott Medal 1964
Ages 4–8
Max puts on his wolf suit and gets sent
to bed without supper. Luckily a forest grows in his room and
he can rampage with the other wild things. The hilarious wild
things, scary-looking without actually being scary, and the wonderful
run-on sentences of the simple text combine to create an incredible
view inside a child’s imagination. |
|
 Coretta
Scott
by Ntozake Shange, Kadir Nelson
Ages 4–9
This picture biography shows
important events in Coretta’s life from her childhood
through her marriage to Martin Luther King. The rhythmic
text and powerful illustrations captures the intensity
of the Civil Rights Movement. |
|
 The
Goat-Faced Girl
by Leah Marinsky Sharpe, Jane
Marinsky
Ages 6–up
A lizard who is really a witch
trips over an abandoned baby and adopts her. Raised
by her lizard-mother, Isabella grows up beautiful but
lazy. When she becomes engaged to Prince Rupert, her
mother gives her the head of a goat in order to spur
her into action. Rupert is repulsed by her goat head,
and gives her three impossible tasks to complete before
he will marry her. Beautifully detailed paintings illustrate
the retelling of this classic Italian folktale. |
|
 Sneaky
Weasel
by Hannah Shaw
Ages 4–8
The sneaky weasel narrating
this book finds that his tricks have brought him desirable
possessions, power over others, and no friends at all.
So he tries to become a better weasel, with very mixed
results, in this hilarious picture book. |
|
 Dinosaur
vs. Bedtime
by Bob Shea
Ages 2–6
The little red dinosaur is fearless
and invincible in his bouts against everyday obstacles like
a bowl or spaghetti or talking grown-ups until he meets his
nemesis—bedtime. |
|
 How
I Learned Geography
by Uri Shulevitz
Ages 4–8
Uri’s boyhood memories of WWII: using
geography and imagination to combat fear and rage while fleeing
Warsaw for Kazakhstan. |
|
 Red
Sings from Treetops: A Year in Colors
by Joyce Sidman, Pamela Zagarenski
Ages 4–8
Stylized figures move through colorful
illustrations celebrating the four seasons. The unrhymed
poems are filled with imaginative uses of color words to
highlight each season. (2010 Caldecott Honor Book) |
|
 Ubiquitous:
Celebrating Nature’s Survivors
by Joyce Sidman, Beckie Prange
Ages 6–10
This book of poems pays tribute
to biologically successful life forms from lichens
to mollusks to ants to coyotes. Arranged in order of
each survivor’s first appearance, each spread features
fascinating facts, beautifully colored linocuts, and
a poem which echoes a trait of the subject. The melding
of art, science, and poetry stimulates the eye, ear,
and mind. |
|
 Mirror
Mirror: A Book of Reversible Verse
by Marilyn Singer, Josee Massee
Ages 7–up
This clever book of poems that
can be read forward and backwards, shows that there
can be more than one point of view in a fairy tale. “Mirror
Mirror” is narrated by Snow White in one direction,
and by the wicked queen in the other. “In the
Hood” features the wolf anticipating his next
meal one way, and Little Red Riding Hood reminding
herself not to dawdle on the way to Grandma’s. The
rich illustrations reflect the dual images of the poems.
Singer explains how to create a “reverso” poem
in an afterward that encourages readers to try their
own. |
|
 Madam
President
by Lane Smith
Ages 4–8
Katy is an small girl determined to
be president. In fact, she behaves as if she has been elected
already, fulfilling presidential duties at home and at school—attending
a pet frog’s “state funeral” and giving a press
conference instead of an oral report. |
|
 The
Composer Is Dead
by Lemony Snicket, Carson Ellis
Ages 5–up
This introduction to the instruments
of the orchestra is cloaked in a murder investigation.
When the composer is found dead (“This is called
decomposing.”), the Inspector begins interrogating
the sections of the orchestra. The accompanying CD features
Snicket (Daniel Handler) narrating the performance with
the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra of Nathaniel Stookey’s
original score. A national tour begins March 7, 2009,
in New York City. |
|
 Born
Yesterday
by James Solheim, Simon James
Ages 3–8
This funny diary written from
a newborn’s point of view documents his attempts to
understand and conquer the world around him. Our narrator
quickly figures out who is the power in his household—his
kindergarten-age sister, who is “some kind of
monkey-bar superstar,” and decides to grow up
just like her. This amusing slant on sibling relationships
will go a long way toward easing the inevitable jealousy
of the older sibling. |
|
 Ladybug
Girl
by David Soman and Jacky Davis
Ages 3–5
Lulu’s older brother says she is too
little to play with him, and her parents are busy, so Lulu
invents Ladybug Girl and happily makes her own fun in an imaginative
world where she is definitely not too little. |
|
 Ladybug
Girl and Bumblebee Boy
by David Soman and Jacky Davis
Ages 3–5
Lulu meets her friend Sam at
the playground, but they have trouble deciding what
to play together. Sam is finally intrigued by Lulu’s
superhero idea and transforms himself into Bumblebee
Boy to accompany her Ladybug Girl. Together they battle
the Mean Robot, which looks a lot like a tire swing
to the uninitiated. (followup to Ladybug
Girl) |
|
 Jack
and the Box
by Art Spiegelman
Ages 4–8
Jack the bunny receives a talking
jack-in-the-box that is both funny and scary. Beginning
readers will love this clever Toon Book with plenty of
repeated vocabulary and age-appropriate humor. |
|
 I
Can Be Anything!
by Jerry Spinelli, Jimmy Liao
Ages 3–6
Spinelli’s exuberant rhymes
and Liao’s energetic illustrations combine to take
the reader on a playful journey through all the wonderful
possibilities life has to offer. This imaginative book
is sure to please both young readers and the adults
that share the pleasure of reading with them. |
|
 Julian
Rodriguez #1: Trash Crisis on Earth
by Alexander Stadler
Ages 7–10
Julian complains to the Mothership
that he has endured eight years of mistreatment in an
Earthling home in this hilarious hybrid of fiction and
graphic novel. |
|
 Wilson
and Miss Lovely:
A
Back-to-School Mystery
by John Stadler
Ages 4–8
After his first week of school, Wilson
is enthusiastic about his new teacher. But something is wrong.
The school bus never arrives, and the school is empty. Wilson
goes through his normal school routine, completing his math and
science lessons alone, sending himself to the principal’s office
when he misbehaves, but he grows more and more worried. Fold-out
flaps reveal a first green foot with claws, and then more details
until the surprise conclusion. A bit scary, but funny and sweet. |
|
 All
God’s Critters
by Bill Staines, Kadir Nelson
Ages 5–8
Kadir Nelson’s playful illustrations
enliven this energetic spiritual. The song’s message
of tolerance encourages everyone to sing along—and
everyone can thanks to the sheet music included at
the end of the book. |
|
 A
Sick Day for Amos McGee
by Philip Christian Stead, Erin
Stead
Ages 2–6
Elderly zookeeper Amos McGee
always makes time in his busy day to spend time with
the animals. He plays chess with the elephant, reads
to the owl, and sits quietly with the penguin. When
Amos catches a cold and can’t come to work, the animals
miss him and pile onto the bus to pay him a visit,
each offering a small kindness in return. Erin Stead’s
delicate woodblock prints perfectly complement this
gentle story of quiet affection. |
|
 Sylvester
and the Magic Pebble
by William Steig
Caldecott Medal
1970
Ages 4–8
Sylvester the donkey finds a magic pebble
that will grant his every wish. Unfortunately Sylvester is startled
by a lion and wishes he were a rock and then cannot hold the
magic pebble to wish himself back to normal again. The glorious
watercolor illustrations convey the nuances of this touching
story. |
|
 So
You Want to Be President?
text by Judith St. George, illustrations
by David Small
Caldecott Medal 2001
Ages 8–12
This lighthearted book uses anecdotes
and trivia to convey the message that anyone can be president.
The humorous caricatures highlight each president’s best known
qualities. |
|
 The
House in the Night
by Susan Marie Swanson, Beth
Krommes
Ages 3–6
Caldecott Medal
2009
Beth Krommes’s magical illustrations
amplify the minimal text to highlight the things in a
house that really matter: books, art, music, and love.
This bedtime book will be treasured by children and adults
alike. |
|
 Joseph
Had a Little Overcoat
by Simms Taback
Caldecott Medal 2000
Ages 4–8
When Joseph’s overcoat starts falling
apart he turns it into a jacket, then a vest, then a scaft, and
so on in this adaptation of a Yiddish folksong. The illustrations
are incredibly detailed and full of funny details. |
|
 River
of Dreams:
The
Story of the Hudson River
by Hudson Talbott
Ages 6–8
The series of watercolor spreads
traces the role of the Hudson River through the colonization
of New York, the era of steamboats, the building of the
Erie Canal, and environmental degradation. Packed with
facts, maps, and timelines, this amazing book manages
to present an astounding among of information without
overwhelming young readers. |
|
 United
Tweets of America
by Hudson Talbott
Ages 6–8
In the United Tweets pageant,
state birds show off their home states. The state trivia
is delivered in a delightful tongue-in-cheek fashion
sure to spark interest in geography and history in young
readers. |
|
 The
Christmas Magic
by Lauren Thompson, Jon J Muth
Ages 4–8
In the far far north where
the nights are longest and the stars shine brightest,
Santa begins to prepare for his long night of toy-giving.
This particular Santa is a bunny-slipper-wearing character
who feels the approaching holiday through the tingling
of his whiskers. The luminous watercolor illustrations
add to the reassuring magic of this Christmas story. |
|
 Many
Moons
by James Thurber, illustrations
by Louis Slobodkin
Caldecott Medal 1944
Ages 4–8
Once there was a little princess who
wanted the moon, but no one could get it for her—not her
father, the king, his wise men, or the jester. Finally the little
princess solves the problem herself. The beautiful watercolors
portray the magical quality of this tale. |
|
 White
Snow, Bright Snow
by Alvin Tresselt, illustrations
by Roger Duvoisin
Caldecott Medal 1948
Ages 4–8
When the snow begins to fall, the adults
rush around doing important chores, but the children dance and
try to catch snowflakes on their tongues. The bright illustrations
capture a child’s delight in the first snow of the season. |
|
 The
Polar Express
by Chris Van Allsburg
Caldecott Medal 1986
Ages 6–8
The Polar Express is an old-fashioned
steam train that takes children to the North Pole on Christmas
Eve. Incredible illustrations evoke a memory of a long-ago time. |
|
 Building
Manhattan
by Laura Vila
Ages 6–8
Following the growth of Manhattan
from prehistory to the present in lavish illustrations
and single sentences, this book will be enjoyed over
and over. |
|
 Lyle
Walks the Dogs
by Bernard Waber, Paulis Waber
Ages 4–8
In this charming counting book,
Lyle the Crocodile goes into the dog walking business.
Every day Lyle adds a new dog, with a distinct personality,
to his client list. Daughter Paulis Waber makes her
illustrating debut, and her cheerful drawings echo
the humor of her father’s art. Together, the text and
illustrations convey the energy and enthusiasm of the
dogs which must be controlled by Lyle’s patience and
good humor. Young readers will enjoy counting along
to make sure that Lyle ends his journey with all the
dogs he started with. |
|
 Mama
Says: A Book of Love for Mothers and Sons
by Rob D. Walker
Ages 4–up
This beautiful book pairs a
series of poems with stunning illustrations to celebrate
the bond between mothers and sons. Each poem appears
in English and another language (Cherokee, Danish,
Hebrew, etc.). The often simple verses are rendered
powerful by the illustrations that provide a deeper
context. |
|
 The
Biggest Bear
by Lynd Ward
Caldecott Medal 1953
Ages 4–8
Johnny sets off to kill the biggest bear
he can find, but since all he finds is a cup he brings it home.
When the bear grows too big to keep as a pet, Johnny tries to
set it free, but the bear keeps returning at supper time. Finally
Johnny has to find permanent solution. Beautifully detailed illustrations
capture rural life perfectly. |
|
 Chester
by Mélanie Watt
Ages 4–8
Mélanie Watt starts to write the story
of a mouse, but her cat Chester, armed with a red marker, dismisses
the mouse and rewrites the story with a new hero—himself.
Mélanie and the mouse fight back, and it’s a duel to the final
page in this hilarious picture book. |
|
 Chester’s
Back!
by Mélanie Watt
Ages 4–8
Mélanie hopes
that making her egocentric cat Chester the star of
his own fairy tale will keep him satisfied, but Chester
can’t resist using his red marker to make himself even
more important. (sequel to Chester) |
|
 Chester’s
Masterpiece
by Mélanie Watt
Ages 4–8
Chester the cat continues his
battle for control with author Melanie Watt by hiding
her art supplies and computer mouse. Wielding a red marker,
Chester tries to construct a story on his own, but discovers
that it isn’t as easy as he imagined. Watt’s advice is
delivered by post-it notes, which the trouble-making
cat ignores until the hilarious conclusion. (follow-up
to Chester and Chester’s
Back) |
|
 New
Year at the Pier
by April Halprin Wayland, Stephane
Jorisch
Ages 4–8
Izzy’s favorite part of Rosh
Hashanah (Jewish New Year) is Tashlich, when sins are
symbolically cast away by throwing pieces of bread
into the water. But first Izzy must make his “I’m
sorry” list and seek forgiveness from all he
has wronged the last year, and there is one item on
his list that Izzy is finding especially hard to say
out loud. This empathetic book makes important points
about personal responsibility and the joys of communal
tradition in a humorous and low-key style. |
|
 Yankee
at the Seder
by Elka Weber, Adam Gustavson
Ages 7–10
Jacob is horrified when his
mother invites a Union soldier to join their Confederate
family for Passover just one day after Lee’s surrender.
But his mother reminds him that Jews are commanded
to welcome “all who are hungry… all who
are in need” to their seder table. At first all
are awkward, but the Jewish tradition of debate allow
all views to be heard, and a tenuous connection begins
the postwar healing process. |
|
 Sophie
Peterman Tells the Truth!
by Sarah Weeks, Robert Neubecker
Ages 4–8
Sophie Peterman tells the truth
about babies: they aren’t cute, or precious, or sweet.
In fact, they are smelly crybabies and attention hogs.
Sophie’s personality leaps off the pages of this funny
book that begs to be read aloud. |
|
 Alphabeasties:
And
Other Amazing Types
by Sharon Werner and Sarah Forss
Ages 4–8
This amazing ABC book begins by
introducing various typefaces and their different personalities.
From the alligator made form As through the zebra composed
of Zs, each page presents an innovative use of type, encouraging
repeat visits. |
|
 Flotsam
by David Wiesner
Caldecott Medal 2007
Ages 4–9
In this wordless picture book, a wave
brings an underwater camera to shore and a boy develops the film.
Amazing photographs emerge: a windup fish, aliens among the sea
horses, an octopus reading, and finally a picture of a child
holding a picture of a child holding a picture of a child… inviting
the reader to discover the narrative on each page. |
|
 The
Three Pigs
by David Wiesner
Caldecott Medal 2002
Ages 5–8
These three clever pigs move from realistic
to storybook illustrations as they manipulate the classic tale.
The use of white space, perspective, and humor make these illustrations
something special. |
|
 Tuesday
by David Wiesner
Caldecott Medal 1992
Ages 5–8
In this nearly wordless book, the frogs
on their lily pads soar through the night. The illustrations
perfectly capture the surreal magic of flying frogs. |
|
 Cat
the Cat, Who Is That?
by Mo Willems
Ages 3–6
In Cat the Cat’s world, names
are easy to remember. Her friends all have names like
Mouse the Mouse and Fish the Fish. But then Cat the
Cat meets a strange and colorful new creature with
eyestalks and three legs, who greets her with a cheerful, “Blarggie!
Blarggie!” Young readers will love spending time
with spunky Cat the Cat as she struggles to fit this
new creature into her world. |
|
 City
Dog, Country Frog
by Mo Willems, Jon J Muth
Ages 4–8
City Dog, enthusiastic about
his new life without a leash, meets Country Frog in
the spring and the two frolic throughout the summer
and fall. But winter finds Country Frog’s favorite
rock empty. In the spring, City Dog meets a new friend
and extends the same welcome he received from Country
Frog. Beautiful watercolors expand the emotional depth
of this simple story about the transitory nature of
the seasons and the cycle of life. |
|
 Naked
Mole Rat Gets Dressed
by Mo Willems
Ages 3–8
Unlike the rest of his family
of naked mole rats, Wilbur likes to wear clothes. When
the other mole rats report them to their leader Grand-pah, Wilbur
is worried. Wonderful illustrations and funny prose are
a perfect match in this tale of tolerance and the importance
of being yourself. (09/08)
|
|
 Wangari's
Trees of Peace:
A
True Story from Africa
by Jeanette Winter
Ages 4–8
When Wangari Maathai was a child,
Kenya was full of trees. When she returns after six years
of study in the United States, Wangari is horrified to find
whole forests have been cut down. Beginning with nine seedlings
in her backyard, Wangari inspires the Green Belt Movement,
which has planted 30 million trees in Kenya. This simple
biography of the 2004 Nobel Prize winner is a wonderful example
of how one person can bring about change. |
|
 Gertrude
is Gertrude is Gertrude is Gertrude
by Jonah Winter, Calef Brown
Ages 4–8
The non-linear and repetitive
prose in this book pays homage to Gertrude Stein’s
own work. The whimsical illustrations of Stein and
Alice B. Toklas are a perfect match for the text. |
|
 Here
Comes the Garbage Barge!
by Jonah Winter, Red Nose Studio
Ages 4–8
In 1987, when Islip, NY, has
nowhere to put 3168 tons of garbage, the town decides
to load the garbage on a barge and send it south. But
North Carolina won’t allow the barge to land, and neither
will New Orleans, so the barge heads on to Mexico,
Belize, Texas, Florida, and finally back to New York.
The exuberant dialog of the text matches the zany artwork
created by Red Nose Studio (Chris Sickels) from recycled
materials, found objects, garbage, and clay figures.
This fictionalized retelling of a true story cleverly
gets across a serious message about the amount of garbage
we all produce every day. |
|
 You
Never Heard of Sandy Koufax?!
by Jonah Winter, Andre Carrilho
Ages 4–9
In this striking picture book,
an anonymous former teammate tells what made Sandy
Koufax, the 1960s pitcher for the Dodgers, so amazing.
We learn about his shyness, his physical limitations,
and the anti-Semitism he faced. But in the end it’s
Sandy Koufax in action, boldly portrayed by Andre Carrilho,
that captures the mysterious power of the great pitcher. |
|
 Golem
by David Wisniewski
Caldecott Medal 1997
Ages 6–10
Elaborate cut-paper collage illustrations
provide dramatic visuals for this retelling of a Jewish legend
of Rabbi Loew who used his powers to create a gigantic Golem
from clay to protect his people from persecution in the ghettos
of 16th-century Prague. |
|
 A
Tree Is Nice
text by Janice Udry, illustrations
by Marc Simont
Caldecott Medal 1957
Ages 4–8
This book explores all the benefits that
trees bring us in simple text suitable for young readers. The
elongated shape of the book allows the beautiful illustrations
to capture the graceful height of trees. |
|
 Jibberwillies
At Night
by Rachel Vail
Ages 4–8
Katie Honors is sometimes afraid at
night when the Jibberwillies fly through her room. Luckily
Katie’s mother knows just what to do, and together they catch
the Jibberwillies in a bucket and throw them out the window.
This fun book is sure to empower any child who has ever had
nighttime fears. |
|
 All
Star! Honus Wagner and the Most Famous Baseball Card Ever
by Jane Yolen, Jim Burke
Ages 6–8
Honus Wagner (1874-1955) was
a shortstop for more than 20 seasons, mainly with the
Pittsburgh Pirates. In 2007, his baseball card sold
for $3 million. This well-written biography, illustrated
with paintings that echo period photographs, presents
the story of an outstanding athlete who was also an
outstanding person: talented, hard-working, and a decent
human being. |
|
 My
Uncle Emily
by Jane Yolen, Nancy Carpenter
Ages 6–8
Thomas Gilbert (Gib) feels
he needs to defend his aunt Emily’s honor when his
classmates mock her reclusive nature. Uncle Emily (their
private nickname for her) gives Gib a poem to help
him understand how to tell his family the truth about
the fight while preserving his integrity. This book
uses real-life encounters between aunt and nephew to
explore the role of poetry in human life. |
|
 Owl
Moon
text by Jane Yolen, illustrations
by John Schoenherr
Caldecott Medal 1988
Ages 3–8
A young girl and her father go owling
late one winter night. The lyrical text and beautiful illustrations
combine to transform this simple event into a magical adventure. |
|
 Paris
in the Spring with Picasso
by Joan Yolleck, Marjorie Priceman
Ages 4–8
It’s spring in Paris and Gertrude
Stein and Alice B. Toklas prepare for an evening party
for their friends Pablo Picasso, Max Jacob, Apollinaire,
and others. Marjorie Priceman’s exuberant illustrations
beautifully complement the text presenting a normal
day in the lives of creative people as Picasso paints,
Stein reads, and Jacob writes a poem. |
|
 Hey,
Al
text by Arthur Yorinks, illustrations
by Richard Egielski
Caldecott Medal 1987
Ages 4–8
A strange bird offers to take Al, the
janitor, and his dog Eddie to a wonderful place with no worries.
The strange and beautiful place is indeed paradise, but Al and
Eddie eventually decide that home is better. |
|
 Hook
by Ed Young
Ages 3–8
A Native American boy finds an abandoned
egg. Hatched by the boy’s chicken, the strange chick grows
up to be a bald eagle, named Hook for his curved yellow beak.
The chicken tells Hook he is not meant for earth, but Hook
can’t figure out how to fly until the boy takes him to the
canyon. Beautiful chalk sketches illustrate the spare text
in this powerful story of friendship and perseverance. |
|
 Lon
Po Po:
A
Red-Riding Hood Story from China
by Ed Young
Caldecott Medal 1990
Ages 4–8
Three daughters left at home while their
mother goes to visit Grandmother are almost fooled by Lon Po
Po, the wolf pretending to be their Grandmother. Incredible illustrations
that are both realistic and abstract add to the power of this
retelling of the classic tale. |
|
 Last
Night
by Hyewon Yum
Ages 3–8
A little girl sent to bed early for
not finishing her supper dreams of a night in the forest with
her teddy bear. In the morning the mother and child make peace
in this spell-binding exploration of coping with anger from
a child’s point of view. Stunning linoleum block prints present
the dreamy atmosphere. |
|
 Brenda
Berman, Wedding Expert
by Jane Breskin Zalben, Victoria
Chess
Ages 6–9
Headstrong Brenda is crushed
when her favorite uncle announces that he is getting
married, especially when she learns that the bride
does not intend to attire the flower girl in gold
lamé. And worst of all, Brenda will have to
share that starring role with the golden-curled niece
of the bride. This early chapter book pairs lively
text with amusing watercolor illustrations that perfectly
capture our heroine’s facial expressions. |
|
 Rapunzel
by Paul O. Zelinsky
Caldecott Medal 1998
Ages 4–10
The beautiful Italian Renaissance-styled
illustrations with warm golden tones bring the classic Brothers
Grimm fairy tale to life. |
|
 Duffy
and the Devil
illustrated by Margot Zemach, text
by Harve Zemach
Caldecott Medal 1974
Ages 4–8
This comic version of the Rumpelstiltskin
story is based on a 19th century play from Cornwall, England.
The pen and wash illustrations are rich in detail and humorous
interpretation of the characters. |
|
 Snow
Party
by Harriet Ziefert, Mark Jones
Ages 4–8
When the first snow of the year
falls on the winter solstice, the snow people have a
party. Mark Jones’s breathtaking
pastel illustrations make this book stand out. |
| |
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