 |
BEST BOOKS OF THE
YEAR
Best of Year 2010
Best of Year 2009
Notables from 2007
Notables from 2006
Notables from 2005
Notables from 2004
|
 |
THEMES
Animals
Anthologies
Bears
Bedtime
Classics
Concept Books
Dinosaurs
Families
Famous People
Fiction for the Young
Folk Literature
Friendship
Holiday/Special Days
Humor & Nonsense
Insects
Oceans, Lakes, Rivers,
& Ponds
Rhythm & Rhyme
Wordless Books
|
Toddlers
Preschool
Kindergarten
Second Grade
Third-Fifth Grades
Middle Grades
Upper Grades
|
|
|
FIRST GRADE
Children now begin the formal business of learning to read. Probably
no skill will be more important to a chld's future than reading. However,
the process of sounding out words can remove the enjoyment of a story.
This is where listening to good books can take on a new dimension.
Stories with vivid, precise words in flowing sentences are important.
They will provide a contrast to the repetitious words that are found
in school texts. There is still a need for numerous illustrations
to keep a child's attention and interest.
Good stories can take children outside of themselves and into another
world. They now are developmentally ready for greater flights of fantasy.
Now that they have a firmer grasp of real and make-believe, their
adventures into this world should still be a safe-scare experience.
Even with this firm fix on fantasy and reality, they still love humor.
It is satisfying when a young hero outsmarts the older, wiser, or
stronger character. It is important to hear stories of good triumphing
over evil.
Even though children are finding some independence, home and family
should provide a solid anchor for them. Books should now provide a
delicate balance between separation and attachment. Continue reading
aloud, especially books that are too difficult for children to read
independently. Be sure to include children in selecting books from
the library, keeping in mind their interests.
Every child's literary heritage should include folktales. Stories
that were too frightening during kindergarten are no longer intimidating
to them.
Through fairy tales, children understand and cope with struggles in
life. Characters meet obstacles and are victorious, often gaining
a kingdom and along with the respect of everyone. Unlike myths that
have tragic endings, or fables that teach lessons, fairy tales always
end happily giving listeners.
|
|
|
 |
THE COW THAT LAID AN EGG
written by Andy Cutbill, illus. by Russell Ayto, (HarperCollins,
$15.99, ISBN 978-0-06-137295-7), 32p, Ages 4-8.
Unable to ride a bicycle or do handstands like the other cows,
Marjorie yearns for her own special talent. Thanks to a few
sneaky chickens with paintbrushes, one day Marjorie discovers
an egg with cow markings. Marjorie now feels very special, after
all, how many cows can lay an egg? The barnyard is amazed, the
media is called, and Marjorie is featured in "Moos of the World".
The cows, however, think that the crafty chickens are responsible.
The joke backfires on the chickens when the egg hatches, a little
chick emerges, looks at Marjorie, and loudly calls "Moooooooo!"
Children will love this outrageous barnyard tale. |
|
NECKS OUT FOR ADVENTURE!: The True
Story of Edwin Wiggleskin
written/illus. by Timothy Basil Ering, (Candlewick Press, $16.99,
ISBN 978-0-7636-2355-5), 48p, Ages 4-8.
Wiggleskins (clams) have always lived by a simple rule: "Necks
out to eat and necks in to hide". Unlike the other wiggleskins,
Edwin is eager for adventure. When the wiggleskins are scooped
up by a mysterious two-footed creature, Edwin finds courage
to squeeze out of his shell and float to shore. There he discovers
that the captured clams are being prepared for the horny scratcher's
dinner. When Edwin is captured, he uses his squirter to escape,
free the captives, and catch the next wave home. There is a
happy ending for the wiggleskins but not for the nasty creature
that is left scratching his head at the empty clamshells. Cheers
for Edwin and the brave souls everywhere who dare to stick out
their necks to help others. The humorous words (wiggleskins,
horny scratcher, red-spotted scrintalberry leaf), quirky illustrations,
and clever story will entertain children again and again. |
 |
|
 |
FANCY NANCY: Bonjour, Butterfly
written by Jane O'Connor, illus. by Robin Preiss Glasser, (HarperCollins,
$16.99, ISBN 978-0-06-123588-7), 32p, Ages 4-7.
Fancy Nancy, from two prior books Fancy Nancy and Fancy Nancy
and the Posh Puppy, is back in a new story dealing with problem
behavior. Distraught at not attending her best friend's butterfly-themed
birthday party due to a conflicting family obligation, Fancy
Nancy is not only disappointed, but also furious (a fancy name
for mad). Her mood soon changes when her family stays in an
elegant hotel, her grandpa teaches her to cha-cha, the appetizers
are heavenly at her grandparents' 50th anniversary party, and
there is a surprise trip to the zoo's butterfly garden. Her
outing is extraordinary (fun), and Nancy learns lessons about
overcoming disappointment and apologizing for bad behavior.
|
|
ELEPHANTS NEVER FORGET!
written by Anushka Ravishankar, illus. by Christiane Pieper,
(Houghton Mifflin Co., $16.00, ISBN 978-0-618-99784-8),
44p, Ages 4-8.
This simple three-color picture book tells of a young elephant
who becomes separated from his herd by a terrible storm and
who searches for friendship and comfort. He comes across frisky
monkeys who pelt him with coconuts. The strange creatures (water
buffalo) who wallow in the mud are more welcoming and the little
elephant decides to stay with them. A friendship develops as
the water buffalo protect the young elephant from danger, and
the elephant clears paths for them, provides water showers from
his trunk, and finds food when the land becomes dry. When a
herd of elephants beckons, the elephant must choose whom to
follow. "In the end, the answer was plain/A buffalo he would
always remain!" Elephants may never forget, but they can choose
to change. There are many fun read-aloud noises (crack, flash,
boom, toot, hoot, splatter, chitter, chatter) for children to
enjoy. |
 |
|
 |
FINDING HOME
written by Sandra Markle, illus. by Alan Marks, (Charlesbridge
Publishing, $15.95, ISBN 978-1-58089-122-6), 32p,
Ages 4-7.
After escaping an Australian brush fire, a mother koala and
her joey (baby) search for eucalyptus trees for food. This requires
venturing beyond the burned forest into suburban backyards,
where neighbors work together to aid the koalas in crossing
a busy highway to reach another forest. A koala named Cinders,
who survived two brushfires, is the basis for this book, which
includes facts about koalas and their habitats as well as notes
by the author regarding Cinders. Children will be fascinated
with this wonderful story of survival and compassion. |
|
MARY HAD A LITTLE LAMP
written by Jack Lechner, illus. by Bob Staake, (Bloomsbury Children's
Books, $14.95, ISBN 978-1-59990-169-5), 32p, Ages
4-8.
"Mary had a little lamp-/The bendy, gooseneck kind./And everywhere
that Mary went/She dragged the lamp behind." Based on a classic
nursery rhyme, a little redheaded girl develops an uncharacteristic
fondness for her desk lamp. She takes it everywhere: to the
playground, to the movies, a cousin's wedding, dinning out,
a baseball game, circus, and zoo. The little lamp proves to
be a great friend. It never picks a fight, it is quiet company,
and it is extremely lightweight. However, the little lamp stays
home for summer camp. With the lamp relegated to a shelf, the
little girl returns home to find a new friend-the household
toaster. Children and adults will be amused at this new rendition
of a classic nursery rhyme, as well as Humpty Dumpty, Little
Bo Peep, Old King Cole, and Mary, Mary, Quite Contrary on the
back cover who comment on the book. |
 |
|
 |
WHERE'S MY HUG?
written by James Mayhew, illus. by Sue Hellard, (Bloomsbury
Children's Books, $16.95, ISBN 978-1-59990-225-8),
32p, Ages 4-8.
Rejecting a hug from his mother in the morning, Jake assumes
that after a bad day the hug will still be available. He realizes
that hugs travel from one needy person to another, when he discovers
that his mother gave it to his dad (sad over his broken motorcycle),
who gave it to the cat. Jake tracks his hug to the cat, who
gave it to a witch (for a tasty fish), who gave it to the wizard
(to cheer him up), who gave it to the knight in armor, who gave
it to the princess (it made her brave), who gave it to the dragon
(to tame him). When Jake demands the hug from the dragon, he
quickly realizes that only good manners (PLEASE) will work with
a dragon. Now Jake is careful to keep all his hugs. This bedtime
story is cute, clever, and one that children will love to hear,
especially before a bedtime hug. |
|
MONARCH AND MILKWEED
written by Helen Frost, illus. by Leonid Gore, (Antheneum Books
for Young Readers, $17.99, ISBN 978-1-4169-0085-6), 40p,
Ages 3-7.
One of nature's wonders is the correlation between the milkweed
plant and the monarch butterfly. In the spring as the milkweed
plants begin to grow, the butterflies migrate northward from
Mexico. When the plants are mature, the butterflies lay their
eggs underneath the leaves, which not only provide protection
for the eggs, but food for the caterpillars as they progress
to the chrysalis stage, and finally become monarch butterflies.
Once the butterflies emerge and fly off, the leaves begin to
curl and fall off as autumn approaches. The pods turn dry and
the seeds blow away to begin the cycle again in the spring.
An Author's Note explains the migration routes and cycles of
the monarchs, the relationship between the plants and butterflies,
and scientific mysteries yet to be uncovered. |
 |
|
 |
THE PERFECT BEAR
written by Gillian Shields, illus. by Gary Blythe, (Simon &
Schuster, $16.99, ISBN 978-1-4169-5363-0), 32p,
Ages 4-8.
An elegant, white stuffed bear believes that he is perfect.
After all, the store sign said "DO NOT TOUCH". When he is given
to a little girl, she loves him unconditionally. Over time he
becomes dirty, worn, and even loses his music box. Complaining
to a pink rabbit about his appearance, he is reminded that "It's
so much better to be loved than admired". When lost in a department
store, he remembers that the little girl dressed him warmly,
gave him honey to eat, and sewed up his tummy where the music
box used to be. Realizing his love for her, he no longer minds
being an ordinary gray toy. The illustrations are wonderfully
expressive: a sad-faced little bear with his ears clothes-pinned
to a line while drying, a little girl lovingly feeding her favorite
bear honey, and the happiness of finding perfect love. |
|
THE RUBBER-LEGGED DUCKY
written by John G. Keller, illus. by Henry Cole, (Harcourt Children's
Books, $16.00, ISBN 978-0-15-205289-8), 32p, Ages
4-7.
In this tale about the advantages of being different, a duckling
is born with a rubber leg. It seems that his mother swallowed
a rubber band before hatching her eggs. He bounces instead of
waddles and bing-bongs rather than quacks. While the other animals
tease and ridicule him, mom comforts and makes sure he knows
that he is special and capable of doing great things. With confidence,
he stretches great heights to reach delicious berries for his
family, he prevents a piglet from bullying others, and confronts
and scares off a menacing fox. Beneath the silliness, there
are good lessons about building one's self-esteem, helping others,
and overcoming adversity. |
 |
|
 |
THE SEA SERPENT AND ME
written by Dashka Slater, illus. by Catia Chien, (Houghton Mifflin
Co., $17.00, ISBN 978-0-618-72394-2), 40p, Ages
4-8.
A small sea serpent emerges from the bathtub faucet while a
little girl is bathing, and an unexpected friendship develops.
The sea serpent grows rapidly, but an aquarium and bathtub become to small to hold him.
Returning him to the
ocean is the perfect solution, but once there, the sea serpent
is reluctant to sever their relationship. The little girl encourages
him with "You won't be lonely. You'll play with sea lions and
Otters. Whales will sing with you, and when you're tired, the
waves will rock you to sleep." With wonderful watercolor illustrations,
this story of friendship and bonding will make a great read-aloud,
especially at bedtime. |
|
HURRICANE
written/illus by David Wiesner, (Clarion Books, $16.00 Bk/CD,
ISBN 978-0-547-06433-8), 32p, Ages 4-8.
As the sky grows dark and the winds begin to blow ahead of a
hurricane, two boys and their parents wait out the storm inside
their house. The next day the boys discover a huge fallen elm
in their yard, which, with a little imagination, becomes perfect
for exploring jungles, sailing the seven seas, and journeying
to other planets. "Sometimes they just sat and enjoyed the view.
The tree was a private place, big enough for secret dreams,
small enough for shared adventure." When the tree is cut up,
the boys are heart broken, but begin dreaming about the next
storm on it's way and the remaining elm in their yard. Storms
can be disrupting for children, but when imagination takes over,
the experience can be quite an adventure. |
 |
|
 |
THE SILK PRINCESS
written/illus. by Charles Santore, (Random House, $17.99, ISBN
0-375-83664-0), 40p, Ages 4-7.
Based on a Chinese legend of how silk was discovered, a young
princess meets a man who explains the mystery of transforming
cocoons into silk. Princess His-Ling Chi, watches a cocoon drop
from a mulberry tree into a cup of tea. As it softens, she ties
a silken strand around her waist to leave a trail behind her
as she travels to the Holy Mountain, ventures past a ferocious
dragon, and encounters a mysterious weaver. The old man gives
her food and shelter and reveals the secret of silk. So impressed
is the Emperor that, "From that day forward, his little daughter,
the little princess Hsi-Ling Chi, was known as the Silk Princess
and was greatly honored throughout the land." The Author's Note
explains the history of the legend as well as other versions.
Charles Santore's elegant illustrations make this beautiful
tale is even more lovely. |
|
BATS AT THE LIBRARY
written/illus. by Brian Lies, (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Children's
Books, $16.00, ISBN 978-0-618-99923-1), 32p, Ages
4-8.
The fun-loving bats from Bats at the Beach pay a nighttime visit
to a library via an open window. They enjoy creating shadow
creatures on the walls, frolicking in the water fountain, duplicating
themselves on the copy machine, and they especially enjoy story
time. Lost in the world of make-believe, the bats imagine themselves
as characters from Make Way for Ducklings, Pippi Longstocking,
Goodnight Moon, and Peter Rabbit. "Breathless, lost within
the tale, no one sees the sky grow pale." They leave hoping
for another evening when an open window will allow them to enjoy
the fun-filled world of books. Brian Lies nighttime illustrations
of book-loving bats are a wonderful and enchanting experience
for young children. |
 |
|
 |
ADÈLE & SIMON IN AMERICA
written/illus. by Barbara McClintock, (Farrar, Straus and Giroux,
$16.95, ISBN 978-0-374-39924-5), 40p, Ages 4-8.
Siblings from Adèle & Simon return in another early 20th century
adventure, this time across America with their Aunt Cécile.
As they pack for the train trip, Adèle reminds her absent-minded
brother about holding onto his belongings, but Aunt Cécile has
labeled everything with their name and her address. In typical
Simon fashion, he manages to loose an item at each destination–a
journal in New York, a pencil box in Boston, his cowboy hat
in Chicago, a tin drinking cup in North Dakota, his canteen
in Seattle, bandana in San Francisco, binoculars in Denver,
a map in Santa Fe, pocketknife in Texas, jacket in New Orleans,
vest in St. Louis, and suspenders in Washington D.C. Adèle is
disgusted, but Simon is too busy enjoying the trip to mind his
loses. Children will enjoy searching for the lost belongings
in the illustrations and rejoice when the items are returned
via the United States postal service. Endpapers trace the travel
route and include historical and geographical background information
about each place that is visited. Barbara McClintock's detailed
watercolors are not only marvelous, but a subtle history lesson
is incorporated for children. |
|
DRUMMER BOY
written/illus. by Loren Long, (Philomel Books, $17.99, ISBN
978-0-399-25174-0), 40p, Ages 4-7 yrs.
Several weeks before Christmas a young boy receives a strange
package containing a small drummer boy. "The child loved the
drummer boy and played with him all the time. And as often as
he could, when it was quiet and still, the little drummer boy
played his drum for the child." Accidentally dropped into the
trash, the little toy journeys from a trash truck, to a city
dump, an owl's nest, the top of a bell tower, and a dog's mouth,
finally coming to rest in a cold snow-covered cemetery. Wherever
he resides, animals (a green rat, three baby owls) and objects
(twinkling stars, a lonely snowman) are comforted by his "Boom
pum pum boom pum." When the child places flowers on his grandfather's
grave, he spies an object in the snow, and he is delighted to
find his missing drummer boy. Placed in the manger scene on
the family's mantel, the drummer boy now plays for the baby
Jesus. This heart-warming story is a classic reminder that one
of the best gifts at Christmas is the giving of one's love,
kindness, and time. |
 |
|
 |
THE DINOSAUR'S NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS
written by Anne Muecke, illus. by Nathan Hale, (Chronicle Books,
$18.99, ISBN 978-0-8118-6322-3), 40p, Ages 4-8.
In a humorous twist on a famous Christmas poem, dinosaurs from
the American Museum of Natural History celebrate the holidays
with a boy, who lives across the street. Together they throw
an enormous party, sing holiday songs, snack on Pterosaur gingerbread
cookies, dance around the Yule log, decorate the Christmas tree,
and wait for Santasauras and his eight dino-deer. From a distance
they hear the soft tinkling sound of sleigh bells. "Echoed through
the large hall as a booming voice swelled,/Calling: 'Bronto!'
and 'Maia!' and 'Steggie!' and 'Packy!'/'On Tri-tops and Raptor!
On Rexxie and Bracki!'" Dinosaur-loving children will also enjoy
the endpapers featuring dinosaur lyrics from famous carols and
a CD. A portion of the book's proceeds will support the American
Museum of Natural History in New York. |
|
PADDINGTON AND THE CHRISTMAS SURPRISE
written by Michael Bond, illus. by R. W. Alley, (HarperCollins,
$16.99, ISBN 978-0-06-16870-2), 32p, Ages 4-7.
In honor of Paddington's 50th anniversary, this reissued holiday
favorite surrounds a visit to the Barkridges department store
to see Santa Claus. Paddington can hardly wait to see where
Santa makes his marmalade. Having saved his bun money, Paddington
takes the Browns and housekeeper, Mrs. Bird, on a sleigh ride
through the Winter Wonderland, the reindeer stable, Santa's
Workshop, and the blinking lighthouse. By the time the tour
is over, Paddington goes missing (he decides to repair the lighthouse).
The uproar over a missing bear makes the newspapers the next
day, however, management is delighted with the publicity, and
Paddington is rewarded with another visit and marmalade from
Santa. |
 |
|
 |
THE LITTLE YELLOW LEAF
written/illus. by Carin Berger, (Greenwillow Books, $16.99,
ISBN 978-0-06-145223-9), 40p, Ages 3-7.
As the seasons change, leaves fall from their trees, pumpkins
turn ripe, wild geese fly away, and snow begins to fall. However,
one Little Yellow Leaf isn't quite ready to leave the oak tree.
It holds on tight in spite of the wind and snow, until it spies
a Little Scarlet Leaf higher up on an icy branch. Together they
find courage to fly off together. "And one, two, three, they
let go and soared. Into the waiting wind they danced . . . off
and away and away and away. Together." With beautiful paper-cut
illustrations, this charming and delightful story of friendship,
courage, trust, and letting go can be discussed on many levels
with children. |
|
A FRIEND IS SOMEONE WHO LIKES YOU
written/illus. by Joan Walsh Anglund, (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt,
$9.95, ISBN 978-0-15-229678-0), 32p, Ages 4-8.
Reissued for its 50th anniversary, this soothing and comforting
little book describes friends and friendships that can be found
in unlikely places-a shady tree that provides branches for swinging
and eating delicious fruit, a gurgling brook that is perfect
for cooling small feet, and even the wind can be a friend. "Sometimes
it calls to you to play. It pushes you from behind as you walk
and makes the leaves dance for you." Small animals and children
are also featured as special friends. This little treasure will
touch the hearts of children and adults, and is perfect for
sharing. |
 |
|
 |
NATALIE & NAUGHTILY
written/illus. by Vincent X. Kirsch, (Bloomsbury Children's
Books, $16.99, ISBN 978-1-59990-269-2), 32p, Ages
4-8.
Inspired by a real family, who lived above the famous Bergdorf
Goodman department store, Vincent X. Kirsch has created a marvelous
world around two young twin sisters, who live above their family's
nine-story department store, Nopps. Natalie and Naughtily were
opposite in every way, except when it came to playing in their
department store. One rainy day the twins decide to help the
customers. Two very young patrons, Rudy and Ridley Toolittle,
were provided with Natalie's list of her favorite things from
every floor, and Naughtily's map for guidance. Natalie picked
out evening gowns for fussy customers on the second floor, while
Naughtily helped find spring hats for everyone on the third
floor. With good intentions, the girls try to aid the customers,
but as the complaints grow, they are told to leave by department
managers, store detectives, and clerks. Only the young Toolittles
are pleased to have seen every floor and the girls are only
too happy to give a private tour of their top floor. The illustrations
of each floor are spectacular, and children will yearn to live
above a department store. |
|
MADELINE AND THE CATS OF ROME
written/illus. by John Bemelmans Marciano, (Viking Children's
Books, $17.99, ISBN 978-0-670-06297-3), 48p, Ages
4-7.
"From an old house in Paris that was covered with vines/Left
twelve little girls in two straight lines./Their bags were packed,
a camera stowed;/They were ready to escape the cold." On a visit
to Rome in the spring, Miss Clavel's camera is stolen. Madeline
chases the thief through the streets of Rome and discovers many
homeless cats that are cared for by the young thief. Ultimately,
Madeline rescues the young girl from a life of crime, and together
they find homes for all the cats. After a fifty-year absence
in new Madeline books, Ludwig Bemelmans's grandson has created
a delightful tale around some of the more than 300,000 cats
that over the centuries inhabited the ruins of Rome's Torre
Argentina. |
 |
|
|
