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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
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THEMES
Animals
Anthologies
Bears
Bedtime
Classics
Concept Books
Dinosaurs
Families
Fiction for the Young
Folk Literature
Friendship
Holiday/Special Days
Humor & Nonsense
Insects
Oceans, Lakes, Rivers,
& Ponds
Rhythm & Rhyme
Wordless Books
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Toddlers
Preschool
Kindergarten
First Grade
Third-Fifth Grades
Middle Grades
Upper Grades
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SECOND GRADE
Books take on a new dimension for seven year olds.
Because children are still in the formal business of learning to read,
however, there is a great difference between what they can read independently
and what they can listen to, understand and enjoy.
Children are now at an age where they can understand that other people
have feelings and experiences similar to theirs. A good story will
offer them an opportunity to step outside of themselves and into someone
else's shoes. While they may enjoy non-fiction books; the same information
gathered in the context of a story has greater meaning. Offer children
a variety of books with more complex plots and characters. Expand
on their interests and provide plenty of easy-to-read books. Always
read aloud books that may be a little difficult for them to read independently.
Children now have a greater grasp of the real and make-believe. Stories
that were once too frightening are no longer intimidating to them.
Tales that belong to "once upon a time" are now adventurous places
to visit. Stories should contain good triumphing over evil. If there
is danger involved, it should demand great courage.
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 should
always end happily. Even though children are ready for more sophisticated
fairy tales now, they still are not ready for the more gruesome ones.
Children are now ready for more complex wordless books because they
require closer attention and examination. Details must be interpreted
in order to understand what is happening. This skill will help children
in their reading comprehension.
At this age, children have an appetite for information about the real
world and they are beginning to understand the existence of faraway
places.
As children master their letters and numbers, they now enjoy books
that go beyond the simple matching object with symbols. Many riddle-like
alphabet books are definitely more challenging.
As children develop their reading skills, parents should continue
to read aloud. Eventually children will enjoy reading these books
on their own. Never should easy-to-read books replace read-aloud books,
as both are needed. |
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BIG CHICKENS FLY THE COOP
written by Leslie Helaioski, illus. by Henry Cole, (Dutton Children's
Books, $15.99, ISBN 978-0-525-47915-4), 32p, Ages 4-8.
Feeling cooped up, four hapless chickens from Big Chickens decide
to find the farmhouse. Unfortunately, they look in all the wrong
places. The Doghouse proves to be too scary, the tractor is
too dirty, and the barn has wild ponies. Finally, they locate
the farmhouse and realize that their coop is next door. The
only explanation, of course, is that someone moved the coop.
This silly, flapping squawking farmyard adventure is sure to
tickle every child's funny bone. |
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THE APPLE-PIP PRINCESS
written/illus. by Jane Ray, (Candlewick Press, $16.99, ISBN
978-0-7636-3747-7), 32p, Ages 6+.
In a barren land without laughter and happiness, the youngest
of three princesses brings life and hope to her kingdom with
an apple-pip (seed). The old king gives his daughters a task
to prove which one will rule the kingdom when he dies. "You
must each do something to make your mark-something to make me
proud." Suzanne, the oldest, builds a tall, wooden tower to
the moon. Miranda, the second princess, builds a metal tower
to reach the stars. Both assume that the people will love their
achievements and will not mind being poor and hungry. The youngest,
Serenity, uses an apple seed left to her by her mother to start
an orchard. With help from the villagers, who bring gifts of
orange and lemon pips, on the seventh day the desolate kingdom
returns to its original green, and Serenity is declared the
winner. This original fairy tale with its distinctive illustrations
reminds us of the importance of keeping our environment and
community healthy. |
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HOGWASH
written/illus. by Arthur Geisert, (Houghton Mifflin Co., $16.00,
ISBN 978-0-618-77332-9), 32p, Ages 4-8.
In another captivating and enormously fun wordless picture book,
piggies (nearly a hundred) have a great time rolling in huge
mud baths and wallowing in giant paint vats before their moms
march them to a gigantic machine that lathers, scrubs, rinses,
and dries the piglets clean. Who knew that in a village of pigs
such complicated contraptions could be designed for the sole
purpose of cleaning pig children? A swishing wooden bathing
vat cleans the piggies; a bowl-type sieve acts as a shower for
rinsing off; and a drying apparatus, similar to a clothesline,
completes the process. The elaborate drawings will have children
pouring over every detail for a long time. |
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MR. PUTTER & TABBY RUN THE RACE
written by Cynthia Rylant, illus. by Arthur Howard, (Harcourt,
Inc., $15.00, ISBN 978-0-15-206069-5), 44p, Ages
6-9.
The two friends are back again in another humorous episode where
Mr. Putter, at the recommendation of his neighbor, decides to
enter a senior marathon. First place prize is a set of golf
clubs, but second place is a train set, which Mr. Putter really
desires. Neighbor Mrs. Teaberry and her dog Zeke practice constantly,
while Mr. Putter enjoys muffins and tea (he is exhausted from
touching his toes and only reaching his knees). Finally, the
day of the race arrives. Mr. Putter is trailing the pack, when
Zeke grabs a jump rope, enters the race, and creates chaos.
Fortunately, Mr. Putter grabs the rope, and Zeke pulls him across
the finish line to win. Find out how Mr. Putter ends up with
the train set, anyway. |
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ZEN TIES
written/illus. by Jon J. Muth, (Scholastic Press, $17.99, ISBN
978-0-439-63425-0), 40p, Ages 4-8.
Lessons of doing ones best and looking beyond appearances are
taught to young children by the giant panda, Stillwater. Along
with his visiting nephew, Koo, Addy, Michael, and Karl are encouraged
to look past a grouchy neighbor's crankiness and understand
her loneliness. At Stillwater's urging they take her soup, help
clean her house, and draw her pictures. Their efforts are rewarded
when Miss Whitaker, a retired English teacher, coaches one of
the children for a spelling bee and makes an old family recipe
of apple tea for everyone. The author's note explains the roots
of haiku that Koo speaks through the book. Haiku is "a short
poem of three lines, usually stressing five, then seven, then
five syllables". This story of compassion and friendship reaffirms
the importance of our ties to one another. |
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THEA'S TREE
written by Alison Jackson, illus. by Janet Pedersen, (Dutton
Children's Books, $16.99, ISBN 978-0-525-47443-2), 32p,
Ages 6-8.
When Thea's science teacher assigns a month-long Future Scientist
Project, Thea plants a purple seed and begins her research,
observation, and recording of data. Within a few days the soil
turns purple and bubbly. As the vine begins to grow, it engulfs
her house and blocks the sun, much to the displeasure of Thea's
parents. The story is told through letters to Thea's teacher,
the Topeka Horticultural Society, the Topeka Arboretum, the
Natural History Museum, the Topeka Zoo, the First Bank of Kansas,
the Topeka Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Trent Tree Removal
company. These experts have no idea as to the nature of the
strange plant, the golden egg, the singing harp, and gold coins
that Thea finds under the vine. Adults will quickly grasp the
Jack-and-the-Beanstalk story, and children will enjoy watching
the Giant uproot the vine and chase a young boy, who is carrying
the harp and egg. The conclusion finds Thea gaping at a hole
in her front yard and huge footprints leading off into the distance.
Janet Pedersen's illustrations capture the hilarious story and
dialogue of a science project gone awry. Libraries will not
be able to keep this tale on the shelves. |
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DUCK FOR PRESIDENT
written by Doreen Cronin, illus. by Betsy Lewin, (Atheneum Books
for Young Readers, $16.99, ISBN 978-1-4169-5800-0), 40p,
Ages 5-8.
With a delightful nod to the electoral process, Duck, from Click,
Clack, Moo: Cows That Type, is tired of Farmer Brown's
chores (mowing lawns, taking out the trash, and grinding coffee
beans), and he decides to hold an election to replace the farmer.
"Farmer Brown was furious. He ran to the barn and found the
animals registering to vote." Duck wins the election, but running
a farm is hard work and no fun. Who likes hay, horsehair, seeds,
sprouts, feathers, mud, and coffee stains? Therefore, he decides
to run for governor. With the slogan, "I'm a Duck, not a Politician,"
Duck marches in parades, holds town meetings, and speaks to
fellow ducks. Duck wins again, but still isn't satisfied. Who
enjoys hair spray, ink stains, fingerprints, mayonnaise, and
coffee stains? Duck and his staff begin to prepare posters for
the presidential election. On a wining streak, Duck becomes
president, but running a country is no fun. After all, who loves
face powder, paper cuts, staples, Secret Service agents, and
coffee stains? When he spies a help wanted ad for a duck with
no experience but mowing and grinding coffee bean abilities,
Duck leaves the vice president in charge and accepts the offer.
"At the end of each day Farmer Brown is now covered from head
to toe in hay, horsehair, seeds, sprouts, feathers, filth, mud,
muck, and coffee stains. And Duck . . . is working on his autobiography."
Adults will love the hilarious text, appreciate the math, and
children will enjoy the comical illustrations. |
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FLEAS
written by Jeanne Steig, illus. by Britt Spencer, (Philomel
Books, $16.99, ISBN 978-0-399-24756-9), 32p, Ages
4-8.
There is a saying about a place for everything and everything
in it's place. Farmer Quantz might agree as he takes readers
on a comical journey, swapping fleas from a stray dog for a
talkative uncle, the uncle for a wheel of limburger cheese,
then a banjo, a wig, a pet rabbit, a used bone, and finally
the original dog (without the fleas). It's pure fun to witness
the trading of useless items, and then watch everyone come together
at a flea circus where all the participants in the story play
a role. As Farmer Quartz saunters home with the dog by his side, he sings,
"Patta pim-pam-pun, what a barrel of fun!" Sprinkled with wonderful,
lyrical language, this story makes a fun read-aloud for children.
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HANSEL AND GRETEL
adapted by Michael Morpurgo, illus. by Emma Chichester Clark,
(Candlewick Press, $18.99, ISBN 978-0-7636-4012-5), 64p,
Ages 6-10.
In this rendition of the famous fairytale, Hansel and Gretel's
evil stepmother convinces their father to abandon the children
in the forest. However, their father has second thoughts and
provides a way home for them. Again, the stepmother persuades
their father to send them away, but this time the crumbs they
leave on the ground are eaten by a magpie. Deep in the forest,
the siblings come upon a sugarcoated gingerbread cottage inhabited
by a witch. The children endure capture and torment until Gretel
tricks the witch, shoves her into an oven, and rescues Hansel.
Upon returning home, they find their real mother, who is no
longer under the witch's/stepmother's spell, and they all live
happy ever after. Themes of abandonment, starvation, and fear
are countered by family love and support. |
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FOR THE LOVE OF AUTUMN
written/illus. by Patricia Polacco, (Philomel Books, $16.99,
ISBN 978-0-399-24541-1), 32p, Ages 6-8.
Frightened by a storm, a small kitten runs away from Miss Parks'
home. Autumn is greatly missed by the new teacher, as well as
her students. One day Autumn turns up at Miss Parks' front door
with a new collar and stitches in her tail. With the help of
her students, Miss Parks solves the mystery and finds room in
her heart to share Autumn with another cat lover. In the process,
she finds true love as well. As always, Patricia Polacco's illustrations
are marvelous in this tale of sharing. |
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GONE FISHING: OCEAN LIFE BY THE NUMBERS
written/illus. David McLimans, (Walker Books, $16.99, ISBN
978-0-8027-9770-4), 32p, Ages 4-8.
Children are given a glimpse of endangered creatures that inhabit
our planet's oceans. An introduction explains the delicate balance
and correlation between ocean life and the entire planet. Each
creature is incorporated into stunning numerical illustrations
from one to ten and back again. Text boxes describe each animal's
class, habitat, aquatic location, threat to its existence, and
endangered status. Numbers one to ten feature the African Penguin,
Humpback Whale, Sea Lamprey, Blue Marlin, Tiger Tail Sea Horse,
Antarctic Krill, Sand Fiddler Crab, Blue-Ringed Octopus, Walrus,
and Black-Browed Albatross. Numbers from ten to one present
the Atlantic Needlefish, Mediterranean Monk Seal, Oarfish, Brown
Pelican, Great White Shark, Sloane's Viperfish, Humphead Wrasse,
Carnation Coral, Bottlenose Dolphin, and Giant Tube Worm. Endpapers
contain additional information on each endangered animal, organizations
that monitor and protect marine life, and further reading recommendations.
The illustrations are not only marvelous, but also well suited
for art classes. |
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CHRISTMAS COOKIES: Bite-Size Holiday
Lessons
written by Amy Krouse Rosenthal, illus. by Jane Dyer, (HarperCollins
Books, $12.99, ISBN 978-0-06-058024-7), 40p, Ages
5-10.
Wisdom for the holidays comes together with appealing illustrations
in a delightful sequel to Cookies: Bite-Size Life Lessons.
Basic concepts and feelings are incorporated into a clever sort
of dictionary surrounding Christmas. From "Anticipation" (thinking
about making cookies), "Appreciation" (thanking the baker),
and "Moderation" (eating just enough cookies) to "Frustrated"
(burned cookies), "Perseverance" (trying again), "Thoughtful"
(sharing with a neighbor), and "Gratitude" (thankful for cookies
and family), 23 holiday lessons are presented for children's
enjoyment and education. Endpapers reveal a Christmas sugar
cookie recipe. |
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THE WILD SWANS
written by Hans Christian Andersen, retold by Amy Ehrlich, illus.
by Susan Jeffers, (Dutton Children's Books, $17.99, ISBN
978-0-525-47914-7), 32p, Ages 6+.
Originally published in 1838, this famous fairy tale tells of
an evil and jealous stepmother, who turns a beautiful young
princess out of the palace and her eleven brothers into swans.
Elise searches for her brothers and discovers that under an
evil spell they fly as swans during the day, but become human
at night. Braving many dangers, Elise realizes that to break
the spell, she must spin flax and knit tunics to throw over
the swans, all the time remaining silent. Upon meeting a handsome
king, she is unable to explain her circumstances, is mistaken
for a witch, and imprisoned. When the swans rescue her from
certain death, she throws the tunics over them, however, she
is unable to finish the final tunic and the last brother's arm
remains a wing. This fairy tale of deceit, love, courage, loyalty,
and redemption is one of Hans Christian Andersen's most beloved
stories. |
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BIRDS ON A WIRE: A Renga Round Town
written by J. Patrick Lewis/Paul B. Janeczko, illus. by Gary
Lippincott, (Wordsong, $17.95, ISBN 978-0-59078-383-2),
32p, Ages 4-8.
A day in the life of an American town is described in renga,
an ancient Japanese form of poetry where writers alternate adding
verses. Each verse links with the preceding one, but not the
others. With the link, the story is taken in a different direction.
Beautiful watercolors accompany a visit around town to a local
florist, past the hardware store, and down main street with
its busy activity. "'How's the good Dr. Darigan?' 'Did you hear?
The librarian . . .' 'No, I wouldn't tell a soul.'/nothing quite
as American as small-town gossip." An introduction explains
the renga's usage, rules, and its importance in literature.
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LOUISE, THE ADVENTURES OF A CHICKEN
written by Kate Di Camillo, illus. by Harry Bliss, (HarperCollins,
$18.99, ISBN 978-0-06-075554-6), 48p, Ages 4-8.
The lure of adventure is so tempting for a farm-raised chicken
that Louise runs away and joins the crew of a sailing ship.
Captured by pirates, she is destined for the dinner menu until
a storm blows in. Washed overboard, she floats to safety and
returns home. Wanderlust strikes again, and Louise joins a circus
as a high wire walker. By accident she falls off but uses her
wings to escape the mouth of a hungry lion. Louise's final adventure
finds her in a foreign country where she decides to rescue chickens
that are caged against their will. Louise's thirst for adventure
is fun filled and farfetched, but this brave and fearless chicken
learns that although adventure is alluring, there is no place
like home. Louise now lives out her days telling adventure stories
to the other chickens. |
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