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Many times animals play the part of children and do things that would be too frightening for children to do. At this age, animal stories are often a more comfortable fit for kindergarteners than realistic fiction.

10 Fat Turkeys, written by Tony Johnston, illus. by Rich Deas, (Scholastic Books, 2009), 28p, Ages 3-5.
Now in board book format, this holiday counting book will delight children with its clever wordplay, math concept, and humorous illustrations. When ten goofy turkeys walk along the top of a fence, one by one they fall off in extremely creative ways. Swinging from a vine, strutting on a boar, doing a noodle dance, roller-skating, balancing bricks, diving, whistling in a shoe, and jumping on a pogo stick, these jolly turkeys will delight children with their silly antics. When the fence collapses, the turkeys perch in a nearby tree and it begins again. "Just a minute-what is this?/BIBBLE BABBLE JIBBLE JOBBLE/ 'Looky! Look at me!'/10 fat turkeys, fooling in a tree."

All for Pie, Pie for All, written by David Martin, illus. by Valeri Gorbachev, (Candlewick Press 2006), 32p, Ages 3-5.
Grandma Cat's apple pie is thoroughly enjoyed by her cat family, who then proceed to peacefully nap. The mice family then consumes the last piece before snuggling down for their naps. Finally, the ant family carries off the crumbs. When everyone is awake again, Grandma decides to make another pie, but this time they all help, even the baby ant. "And then everyone helped eat it,/until not even a crumb was left!"

Amos & Boris, written/illus. by William Steig, (Square Fish, 2009), 32p, Ages 5-8.
This charming and whimsical tale concerns a life-long friendship between a mouse, Amos, and a whale, Boris, who have nothing in common but their desire to help their fellow mammals. Amos loves sailing, but one day he accidentally falls overboard and meets Boris, who kindly takes him back home to the Ivory Coast of Africa. It seems that Boris was on his way to a convention of whales from the seven seas. During the trip, the two strike up a lasting friendship. "Boris admired the delicacy, the quivering daintiness, the light touch, the small voice, and gemlike radiance of the mouse. Amos admired the bulk, the grandeur, the power, the purpose, the rich voice, and the abounding friendliness of the whale." Hoping the repay the kindness someday, Amos pledges his help, if ever needed. Little does Boris realize that one day he will need a rescuing that only Amos can provide. Appealing to all ages on many levels, these two characters will wind their way into every reader and listener's heart.

Annie and the Wild Animals, written/illus. by Jan Brett, (Houghton Mifflin Co., 2006 Board), 32p, Ages 2+.
A story within a story, Annie searches for her lost Taffy, a golden-haired cat. Annie tries to find a replacement, leaving newly baked corn cakes outside to attract a new friend, but none of the forest animals are friendly. The illustrations in the border indicate what prevented Taffy's return.

Augustus and His Smile, written/illus. by Catherine Rayner, (Good Books, 2006), 28p,
Ages 4-7.
Augustus sets out to find his smile. He searches trees, climbs mountains, swims oceans, and roams deserts; until, during a rainstorm, he glazes at a puddle, and sure enough, ". . . there, under his nose . . . his smile!" Children should love the quirky but stunning illustrations.

Bats at the Beach, written/illus. by Brian Lies, (Houghton Mifflin, 2006), 32p, Ages 4-8.
In cheery verse and enchanting illustrations, a bunch of fury and friendly bats decide to visit the beach. When the moon is at its fattest, the little critters pack their moon-tan lotion, baskets of munchies (marshmallows with bug legs and pickled slugs), and fly to the seashore for a night of fun. They use left over food containers for boat races, dig sand caves, play volleyball, and relax by the fire singing bat songs. They top off the evening by entering an ice cream shack to snack on bugs around the light bulb. Soon it's time to fly home. From beginning to end, this is a delight to read aloud.

Bats at the Library, written/illus. by Brian Lies, (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Children's Books, 2008), 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.

A Birthday for Bear, written by Bonny Becker, illus. by Kady MacDonald Denton, (Candlewick Press), 56p, Ages 4-7.
The endearing duo from A Visitor for Bear returns in an amusing confrontation over birthdays. "Bear didn't like birthdays. He didn't like birthday parties or balloons. He didn't like birthday cards or songs or candles." However, Mouse loves birthdays. In four chapters, Mouse presents Bear with an invitation to his party, written by Mouse. Apologizing for his "shameful trickery", Mouse returns as a deliveryman with red balloons, a postman with a birthday greeting, and a miniature Santa dragging a present down the chimney. Bear always sees through the devious behavior and angrily sweeps Mouse out the door. When Bear spies a pink package on his doorstep containing a lovely chocolate cake, Mouse pops out of the cake, and Bear rethinks birthday parties. Mouse's relentless determination and persistence prevail, as Bear enjoys the cake, balloons, present (red roller skates from Mouse) and most of all their friendship. h

Bobbie Dazzler, written by Margaret Wild, illus. by Janine Dawson, (Kane/Miller, 2007, 32p, Ages 2-6.
From Australia comes the story of an energetic and gymnastic wallaby, Bobbie, who loves to jump, bounce, skip, and hop (on one leg). However, she cannot perform the splits. Her friends Koala, Wombat, and Possum say, "Never mind", but Bobbie does mind and perseveres until one day, she finally succeeds. With themes of not giving up and following one's dreams, children will enjoy the cheerful and exuberant illustrations depicting Australian vegetation. This award-winning book is a 2007 Notable Australian Children's Book.

Boomer's Big Day, written by Constance W. McGeorge, illus. by Mary Whyte, (Chronicle Books, 1994), 28p, Ages 4-7.
Boomer tries to puzzle through why his family is acting strange and then strangers arrive to pack everything into boxes. There is definitely something unusual going on.

Boris, written by Cynthia Rylant, (Harcourt, Inc., 2005 HC, 2006 PB), 80p, Ages 14+.
Told in 19 vignettes of free-verse poems, Boris is for anyone who possesses a speck of fondness for cats and the companionship that they provide, in spite of their quirky habits. A young woman who did not intend to acquire another pet passes a pet shop and adopts Boris and his sister. Boris settles in, provides companionship, entertainment, and drama, and makes himself at home.

            "It's clear by now, Boris,
            that we shouldn't have
            bought that kitty video.
            Look at what it's made you:
            an ottoman potato."

The young woman expresses her feelings in a range of emotions from caged animals in shelters, eagles that swoop down and carry off cats, packs of dogs that roam the neighborhood to the relentless aging process, moving on to other locations, and understanding the instincts and habits of felines.

            "Boris, you weren't supposed to
            beat up an old cat.
            Yes, he was new to the neighborhood.
            Yes, he was on your walking path.
            But, Boris, he was
            seventeen years old
            for godsakes.
            Arched and hobbling like
            a bent-up coat hanger.
            And didn't you admire him,
            just a little,
            the way he insisted on
            following his owner to
            the end of the path,
            though it must have
            seemed a day's journey to him,
            that path you streaked across
            in seconds?"

This is a short read, but it is excellent with humor, wisdom, and reflections on life.

But Who Will Bell the Cats?, written/illus. by Cynthia Von Buhler, (Houghton Mifflin Books for Children, 2009), 32p, Ages 4-7.
According to an Aesop's Fable, mice of long ago proposed to attach a bell to their common enemy, the cat, in order to hear its approach. However, the question of who would do the deed remained a mystery. Cynthia von Buhler has finally solved the riddle through the efforts of a small mouse and brown bat, who attempt to place bells around the necks of eight pampered castle cats. "Upstairs, the cats ate at the banquet table in the elegant dinning hall. Down below, Mouse ate crumbs that fell through the floorboards into the basement." Determined to enjoy the castle's luscious banquet, Mouse devises several schemes that involve armor, a dog costume, and a fashion show. However, Mouse is always captured and rescued by Brown Bat. During a birthday party for the Princess of the castle, his mission is finally accomplished with help from an unusual source. With themes of bravery, creativity, and determination, an act of kindness finally bells the cats. The original fable prefaces the story.

The Camel's Lament, written by Charles Edward Carryl, illus. by Charles Santore, (Random House, 2004), 32p, Ages 3-6.
Poor camel compares his life to others in the animal kingdom and concludes that many of the animals are held in higher esteem. This 19th century poem is a comical take off on the theme of "the grass is greener." Santore's illustrations are as usual outstanding.

Carl's Sleepy Afternoon, written/illus. by Alexandra Day, (Farrar, Straus, Giroux, 2005), 40p, Ages 3+.
Mostly told through pictures, Alexandra Day has created another delightful story. Left at home while the family shops in town, Carl wanders around town, visiting the bakery, making a delivery for the pharmacist, helping the veterinarian, and ends up a hero rescuing a litter of puppies from a fire.

Castaway Cats, written by Lisa Wheeler, illus. by Ponder Goembel, (Atheneum Books, 2006), 32p, Ages 4-7.
Fifteen soaking and soggy cats find themselves washed up and marooned on a deserted island after their boat sinks. They begin to search for food (fish), milk (coconut), build a fire, and watch for ships, but hope begins to dim. Despite personality differences, adverse conditions, and disagreements, they realize that in order to survive, they must work together. In the process, they become a family, and decide to stay together on the island. A cute story about cooperation and compromise.

Cat Skidoo, written by Bethany Roberts, illus. by R. W. Alley, (Henry Holt & Co., 2004),
32p, Ages 3-7.
Written in rhyme, two mischievous kittens romp, tumble, tangle, scritch, scratch, leap and pounce through the house and garden, narrowly avoided the dog. Tired, they finally stumble into bed for a well-deserved nap.

A Chick Called Saturday, written by Joyce Dunbar, illus. by Brita Granstrom, (Eerdmans Books for Young Readers, 2003), 32p, Ages 4-7.
All of Mother Hen's chicks are obedient except the youngest. Saturday wants to be like the other animals, but meets with failure, until he sees Rooster.

Christopher Mouse: The Tale of a Small Traveler, written by William Wise, illus by Patrick Benson, (Bloomsbury, 2004 HC, 2006 PB), 160p, Ages 7-10.
Born in a pet shop, Christopher and his siblings are taught by their mother how to find a good owner, to read, and escape bad owners. Adventure-loving Christopher moves from one home to another. Using his skills, he escapes a wicked boy, a taxidermist, and an encounter with a cat in the Egyptian room at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. A great read-aloud.

Chubbo's Pool, written & illus. by Betsy Lewin, (Clarion Books, 1996), 32p, Ages 4-7.
Chubbo, a very selfish hippopotamus, refuses to share his pool with other animals. Values of sharing, forgiveness, acceptance, as well as the joys of friendship are conveyed in this delightful tale.

Copycat, written & illus. by Ruth Brown, (Dutton Children's Books, 1994), 32p, Ages 3-7.
Buddy, a small black kitten, is beautiful but possesses an unforgettable quirk. He likes to copy everyone, however, he has second thoughts when he tries to copy Bessie the dog. A clever book of pages and half pages.

Crackers, written by Becky Bloom, illus. by Pascal Biet, (Orchard Books, 2001), 32p, Ages 4-7.
Crackers needs a job. He is a hard working cat who speaks French, has excellent manners, and likes mice, which is a deterrent to employment. Fortunately, the manager of the Squeak Co. cheese shop is a little different from most employers.

Curious George Rides a Bike, written/illus by H. A. Rey, (Houghton Mifflin, $9.95, ISBN 0-618-68946-X), 48p, Ages 4-8.
Now with a CD for listening and reading along, this famous little monkey sets off on his new bicycle. Along the way, George helps the newsboy deliver papers, builds a fleet of newspaper boats, crashes the bike, joins the circus, and rescues bear cubs. After an exhausting day, this naughty but well-meaning little monkey is found by the man in the yellow hat and taken home. Originally published in 1952.

Delicious!, written/illus. by Helen Cooper, (Farrar, Straus & Giroux, 2007), 32p, Ages 4-8.
"Deep in the woods it was lunchtime,/munchtime,/should have been cooking time,/down at the old white cabin." It should have been pumpkin soup time, but there were no ripe pumpkins anywhere. Cat, Duck, and Squirrel decide to cook something different, but Duck refuses to eat fish soup, mushroom soup, or beet soup. Cat and Squirrel persevere and finally create a soup that meets Duck's approval. Small beetle observers make pithy comments on Duck's obstinate behavior. Families that have picky eaters can relate to this story. A recipe for Pink Soup is included on the jacket flap.

Diary of a Wombat, written by Jackie French, illus. by Bruce Whatley, (Clarion Books, 2003),
32p, Ages 4-7.
One cute and enterprising wombat describes his week of scratching, sleeping, and eating carrots while proving how easy it is to train humans in whose yard he resides.

Duck, written/illus. by Randy Cecil, (Candlewick Press, 2008), 40p, Ages 4-7.
Each night when the amusement park closes, Duck, a wooden carousel animal leaves her post to roam around and longingly watch the flocks fly by. One spring day a little lost duckling wanders through the front gate and adopts Duck, who becomes a surrogate mother as she teaches Ducking how to find bugs in the mud and, most of all, manners. Duck even attempts to teach the fledgling the art of flying, but being wooden presents a challenge, and he must stay behind when Duckling flies away. The next spring Duckling returns to give Duck her long-awaited flight, on his back. "And that day they laughed together and played together, just as they had so many times before." Children need to hear more stories about unconditional love.

Duck & Goose Find a Pumpkin, written/illus. by Tad Hills, (Schwartz & Wade Books, Board), 20p, Ages 2+.
Duck and Goose admire their friend Thistle's pumpkin, and decide to find one also. They search in a hollow log, a pile of autumn leaves, an apple tree, a pond, and a tree stump, but to no avail, 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 want to find their own pumpkin.

Duck at the Door, written/illus. by Jackie Urbanovic, (HarperCollins, 2007), 32p, Ages 4-7.
Born in the spring, Max decides to stay behind when his flock flies south for the winter, but he quickly regrets this decision when it begins to snow. Seeking the warmth of a nearby home, Max makes himself at home with Irene and her menagerie of pets. Learning to use the TV remote control, discovering a flair for cooking, and hogging Brody's blanket, Max makes himself right a home. When his flock returns in the spring, Max rejoins them–to the disappointment of the family. The next winter, Max returns to Irene's house, but this time the whole flock comes along.

Duck for President, written by Doreen Cronin, illus. by Betsy Lewin, (Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2008), 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.

Ella the Elegant Elephant, written by Carmela D'Amico, illus. by Steven D'Amico, (Arthur A. Levine Books, 2004), 56p, Ages 4-8.
Ella is the littlest elephant on Elephant Island and very nervous about her first day of school. Wearing her grandmother's red hat for good luck, Ella faces a lot of teasing until her hat saves the day.

Ella Takes the Cake, written by Carmela D'Amico, illus. by Steven D' Amico, (Arthur A. Levine Books, 2005), 48p, Ages 4-8.
Ella from Ella the Elegant Elephant is back in another adventure. She finally is allowed to deliver a cake from mom's bakery, but a few obstacles get in the way - that annoying Belinda and a runaway cart. On her trusty bicycle, Ella succeeds in successfully delivering the cake and proves to be a very responsible elephant.

Epossumondas Plays Possum, written by Coleen Salley, illus. by Janet Stevens, (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2009), 40p, Ages 3-7.
Set in a Louisiana swamp, the lovable little diaper-clad possum is back with his Mama in the fourth and final picture book. Warned about the swamp's fearsome loup-garou, which snatches possums in its huge claws, Epossumondas follows a butterfly into the swamp and becomes lost. He meets a ferocious swamp cat, a huge slithery snake, a fierce swamp hog, and a powerful swamp buzzard, but by playing dead, the animals leave him alone. When Mama locates him, he is admonished for not trying to escape. Epossumondas replies, "I just played dead, like every good possum should!" In Southern tradition, Mama carries him home to have sweet tea. Note from the Author explains the legend of the loup-garou and the defense mechanisms of possums. As a lasting tribute to Colleen Salley, Janet Stevens has rendered Mama in the spitting image of the late New Orleans' storyteller.

Farmer Dale's Red Pickup Truck, written by Lisa Wheeler, illus. by Ivan Bates, (Harcourt Children's Books, 2004), 40p, Ages 3-7.
There is always room for one more when kindly Farmer Dale picks up a cow, sheep, pig, and goat that need a lift into town. Due to the overload, the rickety truck breaks down, and the animals argue over who should get off. When they get over their differences, they pull together to get the truck moving.

Finding Home, written by Sandra Markle, illus. by Alan Marks, (Charlesbridge Publishing, 2008), 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.

Five Nice Mice, written/illus. by Chisato Tashiro, translated by Sayako Uchida, adapted by Kate Westerlund, (minedition, 2007), 32p, Ages 4-7.
"One night when the moon was full five little mice heard the sound of music carried by the wind." They followed the sounds and soon discovered a frog concert beyond the gates of a park. Unfortunately, this is a concert for frogs only, and they are told to leave. The music had been so lovely that they decide to produce their own show with no frogs allowed. With scraps of metal, instruments are built and practices begin. Their efforts reap success; but on opening night, the audience not only contains their friends and neighbors, but frogs in disguise. It seems that everyone loves good music. The next time the moon was full, mice and frogs made music together, proving that the enjoyment of common interests can override barriers of any size, shape, or color.

Forget-Me-Not,written/illus. by Michael Broad, (Barrons Educational Series, 2009), 28p, Ages 4-7.
Concerned for his safety, Monty's Mama tells him two things to remember: stay with the herd for protection, and never forget how much that he is loved. While searching for flowers for Mama, Monte mistakes a buried blue bucket for a bunch of forget-me-nots. By the time he digs up the bucket, the herd has moved on. Alone and lost, he comes across a flock of flamingos, a mob of meerkats, and a colony of termites, who try to help him find home. When the rain begins, Monty finally remembers Mama's wise words and continues walking until he bumps into a group of trees (Mama's legs). "From that day on, Monty never forgot to stay with the herd, or how much his Mama loved him. And forever after, he was always called Forget-Me-Not." This warm and gentle cautionary tale is perfect for young children to remember.

Fox Walked Alone, written/illus. by Barbara Reid, (Albert Whitman & Co.), 32p, Ages 5-7.
"Night after night, Fox walked alone,/came home to a bed made of feathers and bone./He hunted at night and slept through the day./Fox walked alone; he liked it that way." On one unusual day, Fox awaken to find animals passing by in pairs. Curious, he follows at a distance. The growing procession travels over mountains and across deserts, resting at night as a group. As storm clouds begin to appear, more animals join the group. Feeling hungry, Fox detours to a deserted city but becomes lost. Upon discovering two doves in a cage, he releases them, and in gratitude, they lead him through streets and alleys to safety. The journey eventually leads to a huge boat resting on dry land and another fox waiting for him. "As Noah welcomed one and all, a steady rain began to fall." The illustrations are cleverly rendered in Plasticine clay.

Freddy to the Rescue: Book Three in the Golden Hamster Saga
written by Dietlof Reiche, translated by John Brown, illus. by Joe Cepeda, (Scholastic Press, 2005), 208p, Ages 8-11.
In the continuing adventures of the golden hamster Freddy, a tribe of field hamsters is in danger of being killed when an automobile plant is constructed on their land. Along with a wise tomcat and two guinea pig poets, Freddy takes on City Hall.

Friendship According to Humphrey, written by Betty G. Birney, (G. P. Putnam's Sons, 2005), 160p, Ages 8-11.
In this sequel to "The World According to Humphrey," the little industrious hamster, returns to Room 26 after Winter break, only to find a new class pet, Og the frog. Humphrey keeps a notebook as he analyzes, solves problems, and tries to make friends with Og. Each chapter ends with a quote or proverb about friendship.

A Froggy Fable, written/illus. by John Lechner, (Candlewick Press, 2005), 32p, Ages 4+.
Froggy is content with his surroundings and routine, but when his privacy in invaded, things go from bad to worse. Captured by a boy, Froggy escapes and finds his way home, only to realize that home is special, even with the squawking birds and bothersome otters. Theme: coping with change.

Ginger Finds a Home, written & illus. by Charlotte Voake, (Candlewick Press, 2003),
40p, Ages 3-7.
Ginger is a cold and hungry orange cat who lives in a patch of weeds, until a little girl feeds him, earns his trust, and takes him home. Thus begins a great friendship.

Harris Finds His Feet, written/illus. by Catherine Rayner, (Good Books, 2008), 28p, Ages 4-7.
Harris is a rather small hare with enormous feet. His grandfather explains that all hares have big feet, which are used for hopping high, climbing mountains, digging holes to keep cool, and running fast from predators. With all this wisdom and guidance, Harris continues to grow, learning important lessons for life. One day he outruns his grandfather and realizes that he is finally all grown up. "And Harris ran, leaping over streams and bouncing through meadows on his big, strong feet that would take him to the end of the world-and back home again." The watercolors are endearing and highly imaginative in this coming-of-age story.

The Haunting of Freddy: Book Four in the Golden Hamster Saga, written by Dietlof Reiche, translated by John Brownjohn, illus. by Joe Cepeda, (Scholastic Press, 2006), 240p, Ages 9-12.
Freddy and his friends, singing guinea pigs Enrich and Caruso, and Sir William, the civilized tomcat, travel to an English castle with their owner Mr. John. While there, Freddy works on his latest novel, "The Lord of the Ferrets." When his characters, an evil sixteenth-century poacher, Grim Harry, and his ferrets come to life, it falls to Freddy and his animal comrades to protect the castle where the poacher once lived. A fast-paced enjoyable read with clever illustrations.

Henry & the Crazed Chicken Pirates, written by Carolyn Crimi, illus. by John Manders, (Candlewick Books, 2009), 40p, Ages 4-8.
The bunnies from Henry and the Buccaneer Bunnies return in their second book about floppy-eared pirate scallywags. Henry finds a message in a bottle reading, "We're coming to steal all yer loot. We'd appreciate yer complete cooperation. BOWK! Sincerely, Yer worst enemies." The buck-teethed buccaneers are too busy shooting each other out of cannons and swinging from the ship's masts to listen to Henry's warnings of peril. While writing a book about coping with impending danger, Henry fails to notice a chicken-filled hot-air balloon descend and capture the bunnies. Coming to the rescue, Henry captures the chickens and sets them adrift in a boat with books about ocean sunsets, ways to cook coconuts, and warnings about not drinking seawater. Children will enjoy the goofy characters, a light-hearted story, and a hero who is very prepared for anything.

Houndsley and Catina, written by James Howe, illus. by Marie-Louise Gay, (Candlewick Press, 2006), 48p, Ages 5-8.
In three short chapters, two friends cannot remember their birthdays. Houndsley decides to bake a cake for Catina and give her a surprise party. Little does he realize that Catina is planning a surprise party for him. "And the two friends decided right then and there that every year after that, they would celebrate their birthdays together on the very same day." This first chapter book is also great for young readers.

How to Heal a Broken Wing, written/illus. by Bob Graham, (Candlewick Press, 2008), 40 p., Ages 3-7.
"High above the city, no one heard the soft thud of feathers against glass." So begins a tender and compassionate tale of a small boy, who discovers an injured bird and convinces his mother to take it home. With the help of his parents and a lot of love and patience, over the next month the bird is healed and released to fly again. The appeal of the story is in the details-the saving of one feather, the feeding with an eyedropper, a child's room filled with animal objects, and a calendar on which the days of healing are marked. As the author states, ". . . there is still hope in a coming generation of children who have curiosity and empathy with the world around them, and that care and attention can sometimes fix broken wings."

Hug, written/illus. by Jez Alborough, (Candlewick Press, 2005), 32p, Ages 1-3.
Young children will enjoy his large lap-size board book about a small chimp and his search for a hug. As his pleas to the animals increase, the elephants lead him to his heart's desire

I. Q. Goes to the Library, written/illus by Mary Ann Fraser, (Walker Books, HC 2005 Paper, 2003 HC), 32p, Ages 4-7.
No one has a better time at the library during Library Week than I.Q., the class pet. He loves the puppets, the head phones for audio books, making bookmarks, and learning about books. What he would really like is his own library card to check out books.

If Not for the Cat, written by Jack Prelutsky, illus. by Ted Rand, (Greenwillow 2004), 40p,
Ages 3+.
Seventeen animals are portrayed in the ancient poetic form of haiku with words that form a riddle. "If not for the cat, And the scarcity of cheese, I could be content." The illustrations provide the answers.

If You Give a Pig a Party, written by Laura Numeroff, illus. by Felicia Bond, (HarperCollins, 2005), 32p, Ages 3-7.
When you give a pig a party, one thing always leads to another. From balloons, street fairs, bumper cars, roller coasters, to hide and seek, sleepovers, and pillow fights, it requires a lot of work to give him a party.

Katje, the Windmill Cat, written by Gretchen Woelfle, illus. by Nicola Bayley, (Candlewick Press, 2001 HC, 2006 PB), 32p, Ages 6+.
Gretchen Woelfle's heroic tale of courage is based on the true story of a cat, a baby, and the famous St. Elizabeth's Day Flood on November 5, 1421 in the Netherlands. Katje and her master live happily in a small Dutch village. The family grows larger, when Nico brings home a wife and eventually a new baby. It seems to Katje that she is always in the way, so she moves into the windmill and refuses to come home. When a storm blows in from the North Sea, breaks through the dikes, and floods the village, it's Katje who saves the baby from drowning. Her devotion and bravery earn her a place of honor in the family.

Kidogo, written/illus. by Anik McGrory, (Bloomsbury Children's Books, 2005), 32p, Ages 4-8.
Positive that he is the smallest creature on earth, Kidogo leaves home to search for another animal as small as he. Through the woodlands, across the plains, and even in the river Kidogo searches until he finds someone else who is indeed smaller and in need of help.

Learning to Fly, written/illus. by Sebastian Meschenmoser (Kane-Miller Books, 2006), 56p, All Ages.
This delightful and charming story from Germany features a lost little penguin, which convinces his rescuer that he crashed while flying. Everyone knows that penguins cannot fly, but together they try all sorts of ways to return the aerodynamically challenged penguin to the skies. Nothing works until they spot a penguin colony flying by. Children will enjoy the expressive drawings.

Library Lion, written by Michelle Knudsen, illus. by Kevin Hawkes, (Candlewick Press, 2006), 48p, Ages 4-7.
Rules are very important to the head librarian, Miss Merriweather. When a lion visits her library, there are no rules that apply to large animals. However, his feet are quiet on the floor, he makes a cozy backrest for the children during story time, he never roars, and he loves licking the envelopes for overdue notices. When Miss Merriweather accidentally falls, he roars for help. Thinking that the "quiet" rule has been broken, the lion leaves. All ends well when a new rule is implemented-"No roaring allowed, unless you have a very good reason."

The Lion & the Mouse, illus. by Jerry Pinkney, (Little Brown & Co., 2009), 40p, Ages 3-6.
In a nearly wordless interpretation of the popular Aesop's fable, Jerry Pinkney's marvelous rendition takes place in Africa. An adventurous mouse escapes the claws of a hungry owl, only to accidentally disturb a sleeping lion. Trapped in his paws, mouse is graciously freed to live another day. When she later comes upon the lion, caught in a hunter's trap, she remembers the lion's kindness and nibbles through his ropes. The little mouse returns home with a piece of rope for her babies to chew. Endpapers show the mouse and her babies resting on the lion's back for a family outing. Artist's Note explains his concern and reverence for animal life. "It seemed fitting, then, to stage this fable in the African Serengeti of Tanzania and Kenya, with its wide horizon and abundant wildlife so awesome yet fragile-not unlike the two sides of each of the heroes starring in this great tale for all times." As always, Jerry Pinkney's illustrations are delightful.

Little Chick, written by Amy Hest, illus. by Anita Jeram, (Candlewick Press, 2009), 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.

Little Chicken & Little Fox, written by Brigitte Sidjanski, illus. by Sarah Emmanuelle Burg, (minedition, 2006), 32p, Ages 4+.
When Little Chicken rescues lost Little Fox from freezing in the snow, the two become instant friends. Searching for Little Fox's parents, the two come across many animals,who caution about mismatched friendships (foxes eat chickens), but they pay no attention. When Little Fox's parents are finally located, they view Little Chicken as a delicious meal but soon realize that this friendship with Little Chicken is special. This is a sweet story of an innocent and unlikely friendship, in spite of circumstances.

Little Lost Bat, written by Sandra Markle, illus. by Alan Marks, (Charlesbridge, 2006), 32p,
Ages 6-9.
Near Austin, Texas, a newborn Mexican free-tailed bat stays close to his mother in a nursery cave, except on her nocturnal hunt for insects. One night an owl kills her and the baby's cries go unanswered. In what scientists believe is an example of adoption in the animal kingdom, another mother bat (who has lost her baby) takes on the role of keeping the orphaned baby safe and fed. The author's note contains information on scientific studies, resources for further reading, and fascinating facts about the Mexican free-tailed bat.

Little Quack's New Friend, written by Lauren Thompson, illus. by Derek Anderson, (Simon & Schuster, 2006), 32p, Ages 2-6.
Growing up in a pond can be lots of fun, especially when Little Quack meets a tiny, green frog. While the other ducklings are wary of the new intruder, Little Quack has no problem. The two pals find that they have much in common. They enjoy leaping, splashing, and dunking to their hearts content. Eventually, the others join in the fun too and, as the saying goes, the more the merrier!

Little Whistle's Medicine, written by Cynthia Rylant, illus. by Tim Bowers, (Voyager Books, 2005), 32p, Ages 3-7. Little Whistle lives in a toy store, and each night when the toys wake up, he sets out on a new adventure. This night, the toy soldier cannot read the Toytown babies a bedtime story because of a hurt head. None of the toys can help Little Whistle solve the problem except the mother doll, because mothers always know what to do.

Lousy Rotten Stinkin' Grapes, written by Margie Palatini, illus. by Barry Moser, (Simon & Schuster, 2009), 32p, Ages 4-8.
In a humorous twist on the Aesop's fable, "The Fox and the Grapes", fox spies mouth-watering grapes on a vine high in a tree. Priding himself on his cleverness, he gathers paper, pencil, and graphs to calculate a method of reaching the luscious grapes. He tells Possum, "Here's the plan. Bear stands-here. Beaver stands on Bear's head-there. Porcupine stands on Beaver's tail. I stand on Porcupine. You stand on me . . . and voila! Grapes!" Each animal tries to convince fox of a simpler plan, but their ideas are ignored. When all his calculations yield no grapes, fox gives up and stomps off stating, "I, for one, wouldn't think of eating those lousy, rotten, stinkin' grapes now, even if I could." The other animals are shown enjoying the grapes thrown down by Possum, who climbed the tree to pick them. Readers and listeners will enjoy the expressions of the doubting animals trying to accommodate the prideful fox.

Lucille Lost: A True Adventure,written by Margaret George/Christopher J. Murphy, illus. by Debra Bandelin/Bob Dacey, (Viking Children's Books, 2006), 32p, Ages 6-9.
Lucille, a thirty-year-old Burmese tortoise, and Tanky, an eighty-five-year-old California desert tortoise are temporarily sent to stay with family friends. However, the adventure that Lucille longs for turns dangerous when she escapes her pen, ends up lost in the woods, and encounters a few scary creatures that night. The following day, The Great Tortoise Search begins with lost posters tacked up all over town. Interesting tortoise facts as well as dramatic images will attract children's interest.

Lucky Russell, written & illus. by Brad Sneed, (G. P. Putnam's Sons, 1992), 32p, Ages 4-7.
When everyone else on the farm seems to have big, important things to do, Russell the kitten is stuck riding around in a baby buggy and having tea with the farmer's daughter. So Russell sets out to find the perfect job for himself. It's not an easy search, but Russell finally finds a job that fits him perfectly.

A Mama for Owen, written by Marion Dane Bauer, illus. by John Butler, (Simon & Schuster, 2007), 32p, Ages 2-6.
Based on a true story, a young hippo is washed down the Sabaki River by a flood, separated from his family, and pulled back to shore by the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. Young Owen finds and bonds with a 130-year-old male tortoise, Mzee, who becomes an accepting and loving adoptive parent. Written for younger children, this version is softer and less traumatic than other tellings, which include Owen's separation from his mother and his harrowing experiences at sea.

Mary Was a Little Lamb, written by Gloria Rand, illus. by Ted Rand, (Henry Holt, 2004),
32p, Ages 4-7.
Based on a true story, a forgotten and abandoned lamb is adopted by a caring lady on Cranberry Island, but Mary is too curious and becomes a nuisance to the island inhabitants. Mrs. Paradise comes up with a perfect solution and Mary is given to the mainland petting zoo where all can visit her.

Mercy Watson Goes For a Ride, written by Kate DiCamillo, illus. by Chris Van Dusen, (Candlewick Press, 2006), 80p, Ages 6-8.
Every Saturday Mr. Watson backs his pink convertible out of his driveway and takes Mercy for a ride. Every Saturday Mercy yearns to drive. This Saturday they find a stowaway in the backseat. It seems that their elderly neighbor, Baby Lincoln, desires a little excitement also. Circumstances take a strange turn when Mercy jumps in Mr. Watson's lap and commandeers his 1959 Cadillac. Speeding along with a pig at the wheel and pursued by a police car, Mr. Watson is unable to reach the brakes, but Baby comes to the rescue. Back home safe, everyone enjoys Mercy's favorite-hot buttered toast. Not only a great beginning chapter book, but also a fun read-aloud for adults.

Minerva Louise and the Red Truck, written & illus.by Janet Morgan Steoke, (Dutton Children's Books, 2002), 32p, Ages 3-6.
Off on another adventure, Minerva Louise enjoys a ride in the back of the farm's red truck. As usual, from her goofy perspective, she mistakes golfers for farmers and a construction site for a playground for trucks.

The Mitten, adapted/illus. Jan Brett, (G. P. Putnam's Sons, 2009), 32p, Ages 3-5.
Reissued with a new cover for its 20th anniversary, this famous Ukrainian folktale centers around a lost mitten and the woodland animals that try to fit inside for warmth from the snow. Cautioned by his grandmother not to lose his mittens in the snow, young Nicki does just that. One by one, the forest animals use it for refuge: a mole, rabbit, hedgehog, owl, badger, fox, and finally a bear. The mitten is so stretched to the breaking point, that when a mouse squeezes in and tickles the bear's whiskers, his huge sneeze blows everyone out of their knitted shelter. The mitten sails through the air and lands in the snow, where Nicki discovers it. Children will love the humorous antics of the animals as they try to take up residence in one small knitted mitten, as well as the grandmother's puzzled expression at the over-stretched mitten.

Mouse Mess, written & illus. by Linea Riley, (The Blue Sky Press, 1997), 32p, Ages 4-7.
When mouse wakes up and is hungry, what a mess he makes munching his way through the kitchen eating cookies, crackers, olives, cheese, and sticky jam.

Mouse Went Out to Get a Snack, written by Lyn Rossiter McFarland, illus. by Jim McFarland, (Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2005), 32p, Ages 3-6.
A resourceful mouse sets out to find a snack in this adventuresome counting book. He creeps down the hall and up the table leg, always mindful of the cat, and finds a feast. In an effort to slip past the cat with his smorgasbord, the food flips up, lands on the cat, and the only thing left is a piece of cheese, which bounces safely into the mouse hole.

The Mystery of Eatum Hall, written/illus by John Kelly/Cathy Tincknell, (Candlewick Press, 2004), 32p, Ages 5-8.
A tongue-in-cheek tale of a gluttonous pig and goose, invited for the weekend by a host who is intent on fattening them up for his feast.

Nancy, the Little Gosling, written/illus. by Eve Tharlet, (minedition, 2005), 32p, Ages 4+.
Nancy cannot seem to keep her mind on her waddling, swimming, or flying lessons. Watching butterflies is more to her liking. An encouraging story for those who like doing things differently.

Nellie's Knot, written & illus. by Ken Brown, (Four Winds Press, 1993), 28p, Ages 4-7.
There's a knot in Nellie's trunk and she can't remember why. A jungle friends know just the thing to make Nellie's day a memorable one.

Nuts, written/illus. by Paula Gerritsen, (Front Street/Lemniscaat, 2005), 32p, Ages 2-6.
A funny faced little blue mouse sets out on a blustery day to gather nuts from a far away tree, heedless of her friends' warning about the dangers. Upon finding no nuts, as they've all blown away, she slowly walks home only to discover a surprise awaiting her beneath her own tree. Sometimes good fortune comes around unexpectedly.

The Old Tree, written/illus. by Ruth Brown, (Candlewick Press, 2007), 32p, Ages 4-8.
The residents of an old tree stop their bickering and quarreling when the mail carrier Pigeon Post notices an X on the tree's trunk. Each animals has a theory of what the X means. However, Captain Crow explains that their precious home is in danger of being chopped down. Working together, each animal is given a job, until "all traces of the X were gone and Mr. Woodpecker's new addition was in place." Ruth Brown's delightful illustrations (especially the pop-up on the last page) enhance this story of cooperation and conservation.

Once Upon a Twice, written by Denise Doyen, illus. by Barry Moser, (Random House, 2009), 32p, Ages 4-7.
"Once upon a twice,/In the middle of the nice,/The moon was on the rice/And the Mice were scoutaprowl . . ." On their nightly forage, elders warn young mice about the dangerous creatures in the woods and ponds. Young Jam Boy disregards the warnings and wanders off to watch a beetle and smell the flowers. He doesn't hear a silent water snake approach, hiss, and strike. Years later, and an older, whiskered Jam speaks to a new generation of mice, and lectures them against wandering off. This cautionary tale of youthful arrogance and overconfidence will have many youngsters on the edge of their seats. With its glorious, nonsensical words (riskarascal, goofiddles, whispercroon) and wonderful illustrations of rice paddies, a huge yellow moon, and wide-eyed mouslings, this tale is too good to wait for Halloween to enjoy.

Paddington at the Beach, written by Michael Bond, illus. by R. W. Alley, (HarperCollins, 2209), 32p, Ages 2-6.
Paddington's day at the beach is interrupted by ten seagulls, which make pithy comments on his sandcastle, a lost bucket, and his ability to fly a kite. When Paddington stretches out on a beach chair to nap, the greedy and hungry seagulls spy his lunch snack and dive to take bites. Paddington is not too worried. "Seagulls don't know everything, . . . I always keep a marmalade sandwich under my hat, just in case!" Happily he takes a break on a rock, enjoying his sandwich in peace.

Pigs in the Mud in the Middle of the Rud, written by Lynn Plourde, illus. by John Schoenherr, (The Blue Sky Press, 1997), 32p, Ages 3-7.
Pigs wallowing in the middle of the road is fine if you are a pig, but not for a family out for a ride. The pigs won't move, or the sheep, hens, or bulls that join them. The family tries their hardest to move the animals, but only Grandma's "Time for sup!" gets them going - right over Grandma.,

Pinduli, written/illus. by Janell Cannon, (Harcourt, Inc., 2004), 40p, Ages 5-8.
According to Pinduli's mother, she is a beautiful hyena, however, Dog, Lion, and Zebra tease her until she believes their lies about her big ears, a fuzzy mane and wiggly stripes. The animals from the African savanna realize how hurtful their words were and begin to make amends. The end papers contain information on hyenas.

Posy, written by Linda Newbery, illus. by Catherine Rayner, (Atheneum Books, 2009), 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.

Rabbits & Raindrops, written & illus. by Jim Arnosky, (G. P. Putnam's Sons, 1997), 32p,
Ages 3-7.
It's the first day outside the nest for Mother rabbit's five babies. There are all sorts of new adventures that await, but when a sudden rain shower appears, the rabbits scurry for shelter.

The Rubber-Legged Ducky, written by John G. Keller, illus. by Henry Cole, (Harcourt Children's Books, 2008), 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.

Russell and the Lost Treasure, written/illus. by Rob Scotton, (HarperCollins, 2006), 32p, Ages 3-7.
Russell and his long blue-striped hat from "Russell the Sheep" are back, this time searching for hidden treasure in Frogsbottom. With his Super-Duper Treasure Seeker, Russell and his frog-friend Frankie find a buried chest of old stuff, including a working camera. Upon viewing the pictures of his extended family, Russell realizes that the treasure he has found is priceless. Clever little details in some of the illustrations are a delight.

Seven Sillies, written by Joyce Dunbar, illus. by Chris Downing (Artists & Writers Guild, 1993) 32p, Ages 4-6.
One by one, pig, sheep, goat, rabbit, hen and mouse look into the pond and gaze with pleasure at the animals looking back at them - much to the amusement of frog, who is too clever to be fooled by his own reflection. Frog makes fun of the sillies, until they prove that he is the silliest of them all.

Sheep, written by Valerie Hobbs, (Farrar Straus Giroux, 2006), 128p, Ages 8-12.
On a California ranch, a young border collie learns to herd sheep, but after a fire destroys the ranch, he is sold to a pet store. Through a series of owners, some kind and some cruel, Jack yearns for a loving family and sheep to herd. When he saves an orphan boy's life, a bonding begins and ultimately a new family forms. Beautifully told from the dog's point of view, readers are drawn into this canine's struggle for a home, love, and his life's purpose of shepherding sheep. Parents need to be aware that a few scenes of cruelty are very graphic.

Silly Suzy Goose, written/illus. by Petr Horacek, (Candlewick Press, 2006), 40p, Ages 2-5.
Silly Suzy yearns to be different from the other geese. If she could hang upside down like a bat, stretch high like a giraffe, jump like a kangaroo, squawk like a toucan, or slide like a penguin, life would be perfect. When she roars at a cranky lion, Silly Suzy realizes that being different can sometimes by dangerous and runs for cover. Back in the safety of the flock, Suzy still loves a good roar occasionally.

Skippyjon Jones in Mummy Trouble, written/illus. by Judy Schachner, (Dutton Children's Books, 2006), 32p, Ages 4-8.
Skippyjon is a Siamese kitten with an alter ego of a Chihuahua. To avoid another lecture from Mama Junebug, Skippyjon hides in a closet, only to find himself in Egypt. His doggy friends, Los Chimichangos, want to visit the pyramids "where mummitos rest in peas." When Skippyjon solves an ancient Finx riddle, he discovers the tomb of King Rootin-Tootin-Kitten-Kabootin. Find out how this pint-size kitty avoids capture, gets the peas, and scurries home. A CD is included.

Skippyjon Jones in the Doghouse,written/illus. by Judy Schachner, (Dutton Children's Books, 2005), 32p, Ages 4-8.
Skippyjon is a Siamese kitty who yearns to be a Chihuahua and rescue his Chihuahua friends from the Bad Bobble-ito who has taken over the doghouse. This endearing little rascal, first featured in Skippyjon Jones, will capture your heart and funnybone.

Something to Tell the Grandcows, written by Eileen Spinelli, illus. by Bill Slavin, (Eerdmans Books for Young Readers, 2004), 32p, Ages 4-8.
Emmadine yeans to tell fascinating stories to her grandcows. Ond day she signs up with Admiral Byrd on his trip to the South Pole along with 2 other cows, 153 dogs and 56 explorers. Emmadine faces seasickness and cold, encounters seals and penguins, and teaches the other cows to dance. Although loosely based on a historical event, this story is a creative way to introduce history to children.

The Story of Giraffe, written by Ronald Hermsen, illus. by Guido Pigni, (Front Street, 2007), 32p, Ages 4-7.
Noah tells Giraffe to find a girl giraffe before he can join the ark. "We need a pair. That's how it must be." Thus begins his journey across the world in search of a mate. Upon asking other animals for information, they teach him valuable lessons, but none can help. He begins to worry when raindrops start falling and decides to ask Fish for swimming lessons. Discouraged, Giraffe races back to the ark, only to find that Noah has sailed without him. Children will sympathize with the plight of Giraffe and enjoy the happy ending. This book was originally published in the Netherlands.

The Subway Mouse, written/illus. by Barbara Reid, (Scholastic Press, 2005), 40p, Ages 4-8.
Legend states that Tunnel's End is a beautiful land where the air smells sweet and the sky is blue. Nib, who lives in a dirty, crowded subway station, decides to find this mythical land. On his journey, Nib meets a girl mouse and they discover a world beyond their wildest imagination.

Tacky Goes to Camp, written by Helen Lester, illus. by Lynn Munsinger, (Houghton Mifflin Books for Children), 32p, Ages 5-8.
Lovable, overweight, and bumbling Tacky joins Goodly, Lovely, Angel, Neatly, and Perfect on a trip to Camp Whoopihaha. Always the odd penguin, Tacky's supplies consist of a television, pizza, roller blades, and circus tent. He lags behind in rock climbing, synchronized swimming, archery, arts and crafts, and canoeing. When a bear threatens the camp, it's Tacky's obsession for "s'mores" that protect everyone. "The leftovers upon which Tacky had slept had become stuck to his sleeping bag, forming a graham-crackery, chocolaty, marshmallowy face." Frightened by the gooey monster, the bear runs off and Tacky is one sticky hero. Children will enjoy the humorous absurdity of this summer camp story.

Twoo Twit, written by Kes Gray, illus. by Mary McQuillan, (Barron's Educational Services, 2006), 32p, Ages 4-7.
Owls are known to be clever and wise. However, little Twoo Twit doesn't possess an ounce of common sense. The forest animals feel that he is "the silliest collection of feathers ever to take to the sky". The reason is that he never attends school. Every night when mom sends Twoo Twit to night school, he wanders off and enjoys being lazy. One night while perching on a church bell, the bells begin ringing. Too bad that this illiterate little owl couldn't read the sign that said BELL RINGING CONTEST TONIGHT. This is a cute story with a gentle moral about the importance of learning.

The Umbrella, written & illus. by Jan Brett, (G. P. Putnam's Sons, 2004), 32p, Ages 4-8.
Carlos takes his umbrella and walks into the cloud forest searching for animals. Little does he know that they are all around him, enjoying an adventure with his umbrella.

The Underground Gators, written by Tina Casey, illus. by Lynn Munsinger, (Dutton Children's Books), 32p, 4+.
"Legend has it that alligators live in the sewers of New York City." This explains why hot dogs are so popular (alligators love them), why smoke comes up from streets (alligators love to barbecue), why there are wires on the Brooklyn Bridge (to dry their laundry), and why the Empire State Building is tall (to see Florida while the laundry dries). Some alligators tire of city life and swim away, but there is speculation that they never left. After all, who plays Go Fish with the babysitter at night? Where do the missing socks go from the dryer? (Alligators love sock puppets.).What do teachers do during the summer? (Alligators love education.) Why do donuts have holes in the middle? (To carry on their tales.) Imaginative answers to questions that have plagued the human race for years are all explained in this hilarious spoof on alligators. Tina Casey adds an endnote about the urban legend of alligators in the sewer systems of New York City, what the Department of Environmental Protection has pulled from the sewers, and an environmental warning about flushing things down drains. Adults will enjoy this tale as well as children.

Violet Comes to Stay, written by Jan Karon (aka Melanie Cecka), illus. by Emily Arnold McCully, (Viking Children's Books, 2006), 36p, Ages 4+.
Born in a kitchen pantry, Violet is the last kitten in the litter. Along with her brother and sister, Violet is instructed by mom to remember the mouse-catching rules: "Prowl silently. Plan your leap carefully. And pounce boldly". When it's time for the kittens to find their places in the world, Violet doesn't seem to fit in wherever she is sent due to her failure at mouse catching. One day a bookstore owner overlooks her inability to kill mice and loves her unconditionally. "Mice are nuisances. But they're God's creatures, too. We'll find other ways of keeping them out."

Welcome to the Bed & Biscuit,written by Joan Carris, illus. by Noah Z. Jones, (Candlewick Press, 2006) 128p, Ages 6-10.
Grandpa Bender, veterinarian and owner of a boarding kennel, loves animals. Besides his guests, there are special family animals: Gabby, the mynah bird who cleverly communicates to the outside world through bird chatter, mini-pig Ernest who holds the family together with love and compassion, and Milly, the sensitive and insecure young cat who is the youngest of the family. When Grandpa brings home a hurt puppy orphaned from a fire, the animals are surprised, but it's Milly who develops a case of jealousy and vanishes. It's up to Ernest to find his friend, mend hurt feelings, calm ruffled feathers, and reunite a family with quite different personalities. This is a sweet chapter book full of gentle humor, faithful friends, and a bit of mystery.

Widget, written by Lyn Rossiter McFarland, illus. by Jim McFarland, (Farrar Straus Giroux, 2001),
32p, Ages 3-6
A little stray dog stumbles through the flap door into the warm and loving home of Mrs. Digs, a cat lover. To become accepted, Widget meows, purrs, and uses the litter box. One day when Mrs. Digs needs help, Widget proves that he is very much a canine.

Widget & the Puppy, written by Lyn Rossiter McFarland, illus. by Jim McFarland, (Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2004), 32p, Ages 4-7.
Widget is back, along with the girls (Mrs. Diggs' six cats). When a stray puppy shows up, Mrs. Diggs instructs Widget to "watch" the puppy while she locates the owner. With endless energy, the puppy proceeds to eat the girls' food, drool on their beds, and chase them up a tree.

Wild About Books, written by Judy Sierra, illus. by Marc Brown, (Knopf Books, 2004), 40p, Ages 4-8.
Librarian, Molly McGrew, accidentally drives her bookmobile into the zoo. Undaunted by her mistake, she begins to read aloud and introduces the animals to a new concept - reading. Giraffes receive tall books, pandas get Chinese books, and otters, of course, waterproof books.

Wilfred to the Rescue: Stories From Brambly Hedge, written by Alan MacDonald, illus. by Lizzie Sanders, (Antheneum Books, 2006), 32p, Ages 3-6.
Across the stream, over the field, and hidden under tangled tree roots is Brambly Hedge, home to many mice families. When the river floods Brambly Hedge, many are temporarily without homes. Wilfred's family provides shelter for their friends Vole family, and while the children are playing, little Sissy Vole disappears on the river. It's up to Wilfred to make the daring rescue. When everyone is home safe and sound, Wilfred declares, "The thing about rescuing is it makes you very hungry." Based on Jill Barklem's 1980 Brambly Hedge stories.

Zarafa: The Giraffe Who Walked to the King, written by Judith St. George, illus. by Britt Spencer, (Philomel Books, 2009), 40p, Ages 6-8. In 1824, a gentle and beautiful African giraffe is given to the King of France as an offer of friendship by the Viceroy of Egypt. Captured in the wild as a baby, Zarafa is raised by natives until old enough to travel. Carried by camel to a Sudanese village, Zarafa begins her journey with three cows (for milk), several monkeys, sailors, and two helpers in a small felucca up the Nile River to Alexandra, where they board a larger ship and travel across the Mediterranean Sea to France. Her handlers cut a hole in the deck for her head to poke through and watch the scenery. They also secure a tent over her for protection from the sun and rain. Upon reaching France, Zarafa begins her 550-mile trek to Paris, wearing a raincoat especially made for her by a famous scientist, Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire. At two miles an hour, the journey is long, and by the time they reach Paris, Zarafa has grown to over twelve feet. "She had traveled two hundred miles by camel. She had sailed two thousand miles down the Nile River, more than fifteen hundred miles across the Mediterranean Sea, and walked more than five hundred miles from Marseille to Paris on her own four feet." Based on a true story, endnotes explain the meaning of Zarafa's name, her unusual story, and her final home at the Jardin des Plantes in Paris until her death in 1845.