 |
BEST BOOKS OF THE
YEAR
Best of Year 2010
Best of Year 2008
Notables from 2007
Notables from 2006
Notables from 2005
|
 |
THEMES
Animals
Bears
Bedtime
Classics
Concept Books
Families
Friendship
Holiday/Special Days
Humor & Nonsense
Recordings
Rhythm & Rhyme
|
Toddlers
Kindergarten
First Grade
Second Grade
Third-Fifth Grades
Middle Grades
Upper Grades
|
|
PRESCHOOL
Sometime between three and five, preschoolers begin to recognize characters in a story, and books now begin to be appreciated for the story as well as the pictures.
Younger preschoolers need sturdy books, board and cloth, that can take rigorous and repeated usage. There is usually no plot or story to these books, but they should be colorful. This is a good time to teach them how books work-from the left to the right side, from the front to the back, and how to turn pages without damaging them. Encourage preschoolers to look at and identify the pictures.
Older preschoolers often enjoy information books. They seem to love labeling and identifying their world. They are more sociable and enjoy stories involving other children or animals impersonating children. Involve them more in the story, and ask them to predict what may happen next. This will stimulate their thinking and observation skills.
Take preschoolers to the public libraries. Most have wonderful programs for preschoolers. If possible, begin a small collection of books for them.
MOTHER GOOSE &
NURSERY RHYMES:
These traditional verses have rhythms that are contagious and joyous. Preschoolers still need lullabies and traditional songs, especially at bedtime.
FAIRY TALES:
Most familiar fairy tales are not for younger children because their themes are more sophisticated. At this age, they cannot discriminate between the real and the unreal. Some folktales may be acceptable but must be free of violence.
ANIMAL STORIES:
Small children seem to have a natural attraction for animals.
This is an exciting age for preschoolers, and listening to stories is where reading begins.
|
|
|
 |
LITTLE CHICK
written by Amy Hest, illus. by Anita Jeram, (Candlewick Press,
17.99, ISBN 978-0-7636-2890-1), 56p, Ages 3+.
In three short stories, Little Chick wrestles with impatience
as she waits for a small carrot to grow, attempts to fly a leaf
kite, and stretches to catch the biggest star to put it in her
pocket. Old-Auntie is always available to offer loving reassurance
and sensible solutions, as well as soften frustrations, and
keep hope alive. "'A tall carrot is certainly nice,' agreed
Old-Auntie. 'But sometimes,' she whispered, 'a small carrot
is just what you need.'" Little Chick leans on Old-Auntie for
comfort when the carrots take forever to grow and kites refuse
to fly. She also listens to the explanation of why stars should
remain in the sky for everyone to enjoy. Children not only need
an Old-Auntie by their side growing up, but they need this story
in their home library. |
|
ME WITH YOU
written by Kristy Dempsey, illus. by Christopher Denise, Philomel
Books, $16.99, ISBN 978-0-399-25017-0)32p, Ages
3-5.
The love and special bond between a granddaughter and grandfather
is described in simple rhyme and charming illustrations. "We're
a pair beyond compare,/a rare and special two,/in all the ways
that I am me/and you're completely you." They share tea, swing,
sing, decorate, and treasure hunt together. Throughout the good
days of playing and sharing and the not-so-good days of grumpy
moods and selfishness, this special relationship represents
the unique place that grandparents hold in a child's life.
|
 |
|
 |
SYLVIA AND
BIRD
written/illus. by Catherine Rayner, (Good Books,
$16.95, ISBN 978-1-56148-661-8), 32p, Ages 2+.
"In a faraway
place, on a high mountaintop, lived a shimmer-shiny dragon named
Sylvia." While searching the world for another dragon and coming
up empty, Sylvia discovers a small, yellow bird building a nest.
She brings twigs for the nest and they soon become best friends,
swimming together and picking cherries. When racing to the moon,
Bird tires and drops through the clouds, only to be rescued
by Sylvia and gently carried home. This charming tale about
friendship will have children hoping for more adventures. Catherine
Rayner's illustrations are, as always, irresistible.
|
|
POSY
written by Linda Newbery, illus. by Catherine Rayner, (Atheneum
Books, $16.99, ISBN 978-1-4169-7112-2), 32p, Ages 2-5.
Little Posy is a "whiskers wiper,/crayon swiper./Playful wrangler,/kitting
tangler." As Posy romps across the pages, she catches spiders,
scratches sofas, guzzles ice cream, collects leaves, and inspects
socks. After a busy day, this delightful little fur ball is
more than ready to cuddle with mama. The charming illustrations
are sure to catch the fancy of budding artists.
|
 |
|
 |
KATY DID
IT!
written/illus. by Lorianne Siomades, (Boyds Mills Press, $16.95,
ISBN 978-1-59078-602-4), 32p, Ages 2-5.
To most katydids, hopping is a way of life. However, to Katy
it brings her nothing but trouble. She scatters pollen over
the lilies, frightens the aphids off the tomatoes, and tangles
up the spider's web. Following behind, her little brother shouts,
"Katy Did It! Katy Did It!" When she dislodges an olive that
is wedged in an anthill, the ants are extremely grateful, and
her brother's words take on a very different meaning. Children
will love the bouncy story and bright appealing illustrations.
|
|
CAT & MOUSE
written/illus. by Ian Schoenherr, (Greenwillow Books, $16.99,
ISBN 978-0-06-136313-9), 40p, Ages 2-4.
Best friends, cat and mouse love a good romp. To the words of
loosely adapted nursery rhymes, "Hickory, Dickory, Dock",
"Eeny, Meeny, Mo", and "I Love a Little Kitty",
they chase each other up the grandfather clock, encounter its
mechanical cuckoo bird, play tricks, tease, and enjoy taunting
each other. Always in good fun, Mouse declares, "She'll sit
by my side/And I'll give her some food./And Kitty will love
me/Because I am good." Preschoolers will love the saucer-eyed
cat and the mischievous, pink-eared, little mouse having fun
together. |
 |
|
 |
PADDINGTON
AT THE BEACH
written by Michael Bond, illus. by R. W. Alley, (HarperCollins,
$17.99, ISBN 978-0-06-068767-9), 32p, Ages 2-6.
In this delightful counting adventure, one lovable bear from
Peru and ten small seagulls enjoy a day at the beach. With his
beach chair, binoculars, shovel, pail, kite and snack, Paddington
settles in to dig sand, build sandcastles, chase a bucket in
the waves, and fly his kite. One by one, the seagulls comment
on his kite flying and digging ability. "'I think he must be
learning to fly,' said seagull number 4 as Paddington began
playing with his kite." When they spy a delicious-looking bun
in his pocket, all ten decide to dive bomb the lunchtime snack
for a bite. Paddington isn't worried though. "I always keep
a marmalade sandwich under my hat, just in case!" Happily, Paddington
takes a break on a rock, and enjoys his sandwich in peace. Children
will enjoy the priceless expressions of the seagulls. |
|
THE NAPPING
HOUSE
written by Audrey Wood, illus. by Don Wood, (Harcourt Books,
$17.99, ISBN 978-0-15-256708-8), 32p, Ages 3-7.
Written in cumulative rhyme, this gentle story of a house full
of sleeping people and creatures will sooth and amuse even the
youngest listener. One by one, a snoring grandmother, a dreaming
child, a dozing dog, a snoozing cat, and a slumbering mouse
congregate on Granny's bed in a pile of bodies for an afternoon
nap. When a small flea bites the mouse, it creates a chain reaction
of chaos, as one by one each bounces, flies, bumps, and thumps
off the bed. This newly designed edition, with CD of a reading
and six original songs, commemorates twenty-five years of great
storytelling for a new generation. |
 |
|
 |
DUCK & GOOSE
FIND A PUMPKIN
written/illus. by Tad Hills, (Schwartz & Wade Books, $6.99 Board,
ISBN 978-0-375-85813-0), 22p, Ages 2+.
Their friend Thistle's pumpkin is perfect, so Duck and Goose
decide to find one, too. Searching in a hollow log, through
a pile of autumn leaves, up an apple tree, into a pond, and
atop a tree stump, the curious duo find no pumpkins, until Thistle
recommends the pumpkin patch. As they carry their perfect pumpkin
home, Goose comments, "We sure know how to find a pumpkin, Duck."
Little ones will enjoy the expressions and, hopefully, learn
a lesson in perseverance. |
|
WHEN STELLA
WAS VERY, VERY SMALL
written/illus. by Marie-Louise Gay, (Groundwood Books, $16.95,
ISBN 978-0-88899-906-1), 32p, Ages 2+.
"When Stella was very, very small, she thought she was a turtle."
From crawler to toddler to preschooler, Stella's charming and
inquisitive personality is explained. When she was young, Stella
believed that trees talked, words resembled ants that ran across
pages, backyards were tropical jungles, bathtubs were Olympic
pools, and sandboxes created sand storms. Older, Stella delights
in teaching little brother, Sam, everything she knows–how to
survive sandstorms, tie shoes, and track insects, all with her
perfect wisdom, insight, and common sense. This is another charming
addition to the many books about steadfast, sensible, and adorable
little Stella. |
 |
|
|
