Home

Children's
Books

There are two categories of classics: early classics and modern classics. Both are written by people who never lost their love of childhood. These are a definite must for any home library.

Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, written by Lewis Carroll, illus. by Robert Ingpen, (Sterling Publishing, 2009), 192p, Ages 10+.
Alice's nonsensical and curious adventures begin when she follows a frantic white rabbit down a hole into a magical world called Wonderland. There she meets a Cheshire Cat, the hookah-smoking Caterpillar, a Mad Hatter, the March Hare, a Doormouse, an absurd Dodo, a Dutchess, a Gryphon, and the bossy Queen of Hearts, with whom she plays a bizarre game of croquet. Through her adventures and predicaments, where the nonsensical become the norm, Alice retains her humor, reason, and sense of justice. Robert Ingpen's artwork is fascinating and memorable. As Alice states, "and what is the use of a bookŠwithout pictures or comments?" Told to a group of children in 1862, this unabridged edition will capture the heart, mind, and imagination of children everywhere.

Alice Through the Looking-Glass, written by Lewis Carroll, illus. by Helen Oxenbury, (Candlewick Press, 2009), 208p, Ages 10+.
In the sequel to Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, Alice climbs through a mirror on the family's mantel and into a giant chessboard world, where it takes walking backward to get anywhere. In order to become a queen, Alice must move through sequences on the chessboard to reach the other side and return home. On her way, she meets Tweedledee and Tweedledum, Humpty Dumpty, the Lion and the Unicorn, the White and Red Queens, the White Knight, and the oyster-loving Walrus and Carpenter. Throughout all her sideways, upside down, and backward adventures, Alice maintains her sensible and analytical ways. Lewis Carroll also uses clever wordplay, symbolism, and hidden messages for older readers to enjoy.

Amos: The Story of an Old Dog and His Couch, written & illus. by Susan Seligson, (Little, Brown & Co., 1987), 32p, Ages 4-8.
Amos, an Irish setter who is getting along in years, discovers that his favorite resting place can be driven like a car all over town, however he doesn't count on rush-hour traffic. When his master discovers his new mode of transportation, they have great adventures going everywhere together.

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.

A Bear Called Paddington: 50th Anniversary Edition, written by Michael Bond, illus. by Peggy Fortnum, (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2008), 144p, Ages 8+.
To commemorate the 50th anniversary of one of the great stories in children's literature, this enduring tale of a small, marmalade-loving bear from darkest Peru has been reissued with full color illustrations for another generation to enjoy. Discovered in London's famous Paddington Station by the Brown family, Paddington takes up residence at number thirty-two Windsor Gardens, learns about manners and etiquette, develops a taste for sticky cream buns, makes new friends, and adjusts to British life. In a series of messes, mishaps and misunderstandings, Paddington encounters bathtubs, escalators, department store windows, a trip to the beach, and the theater. Stumbling from one hilarious escapade to another, Paddington always maintains a strong sense of right and wrong and defends those who he feels are being mistreated. This humorous tale should be on every list of children's literature to read aloud as well as read.

Beatrix Potter: The Complete Tales, written/illus. by Beatrix Potter, (Frederick Warne & Co., 2006), 400p, Ages 5+.
This reissued, unabridged collection contains all 23 of Beatrix Potter's tales, including a special section with four additional stories unpublished during her lifetime and an introduction about her life. Presented in the order in which they were published, each tale includes a brief history behind each story. From "The Tale of Peter Rabbit" to "The Tale of Little Pig Robinson", her tales were often connected with real places, people, and animals. Of the four additional stories, two are narrative illustrations, "Three Little Mice" and "The Rabbit's Christmas Party", and two are charming stories, "The Sly Old Cat" and "The Fox and the Stork". Children have loved Beatrix Potter's irresistible characters with human personalities down through the years, and hopefully for many years to come.

Beauty and the Beast, retold by Max Eilenberg, illus. by Angela Barrett, (Candlewick Press, 2006), 64p, Ages 6-10.
Timeless fairy tales such as this one make for great storytelling. Set in the nineteenth century, a brave young girl begins a journey to rescue her father from the dazzling palace of a sad and lonely monster, who is looking for release from a terrible spell. Due to her great capacity to love, Beauty frees a handsome prince from his prison as an ugly beast. "And very soon afterward they were married, and of course they lived happily ever after, for they had earned their love, and love that is earned lasts a very long time, and about that there really is no more to say." This famous story of transforming love, courage, and hope is a quite different retelling from Disney's.

The Big Book of Little: A Classic Illustrated Edition, compiled by Cooper Edens, (Chronicle Books, 2006), 124p, Ages 5+.
This is a nice collection of fifty-nine classic poems, nursery rhymes, and excerpts from famous stories featuring antique illustrations from turn-of-the-century artists. Excerpts are from The Little Engine That Could, Teenie Weenie Town, Gulliver's Travels, Little Toot, The Brownie ABC, Peter Pan, Snow White, Little Lord Fauntleroy, The Little Prince, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, Little House on the Prairie, Goldilocks and the Three Bears, With a Little Help from My Friends, Cinderella", and Thumbelina.

The Boy Who Was Followed Home, written by Margaret Mahy, illus. by Steven Kellogg,
(Dial Books for Young Readers, 1975), 32p, Ages 4-6.
Robert is an ordinary boy to whom extraordinary things happen. One day a hippopotamus follows him home from school, then two, and ultimately forty-three. His parents seek to remedy the situation and think that it is finally solved, until the giraffes show up.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, written by Roald Dahl, illus. by Quentin Blake, (Alfred A. Knopf, 2004), 160p, Ages 8+.
A young boy finds the last Golden ticket and wins a trip of a lifetime to Willy Wonka's mysterious chocolate factory. With four other winners, they experience the magical wonders of rainbow drops and lickable wallpaper, but discover the consequences of disobedience. This classic has been reissued to commemorate its 40th anniversary.

Cinderella, written by Charles Peril, retold by Amy Ehrlich, illus. by Susan Jeffers, (Dutton Children's Books, 2004), 32p, Ages 4-8.
This rags to riches story of a girl, a pumpkin, a glass slipper, a wicked stepmother, a magic fairy godmother, and handsome prince are the makings of a classic story that every little girl should have in a home library. This one should be treasured for the illustrations.

The Chronicles of Narnia, written by C. S. Lewis, illus. by Pauline Baynes, (HarperCollins, 2004), 784p, Young Adult.
In this unabridged edition all seven titles are found that were written over fifty years ago. Each book is presented according to Lewis's preferred order: "The Magician's Nephew," "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe," "The Horse and His Boy," "Prince Caspian," "The Voyage of the Dawn Treader," The Silver Chair," and "The Last Battle."

Corduroy - 40th Anniversary Edition, written/illus. by Don Freeman, (Viking Children's Books, 2008), 40p. Ages 3+.
Corduroy is a charming department store bear, who is unaware that a button on his overalls is missing. The mother of a little girl, who wishes to purchase him, brings this circumstance to his attention. "I've spent too much already. Besides, he doesn't look new. He's lost the button to one of his shoulder straps." That night after the shoppers depart, Corduroy looks for his missing button. Riding the escalator to the furniture department, he spies mattresses with buttons on them. Before he can take one, the night watchman spies him and Corduroy is returned to his shelf. The next day the little girl returns with her piggy bank to purchase him, and happily sews on a new button. In honor of its 40th anniversary, endpapers contain replicas of Don Freeman's correspondence with his editor, sketches of original drawings, and newspaper clippings on Don Freeman's life and death in 1978. This classic should be required for reading aloud to every child.

Count With Maisy: Board Book and Number Blocks, written/illus. by Lucy Cousins, (Candlewick Press, 2008), 22p, Ages 1+.
From one to ten, young children will love counting a ladybug on Maisy's nose, buckles on her pirate shoes, fish in an aquarium, as well as fleas on an accommodating elephant. Along with the colorful board book, ten bright colored blocks are included, featuring the same number on two sides, and illustrations on the other sides. For children who love puzzles, the blocks can be rearranged to match the illustration on the book cover. Bright and appealing artwork, plus a clever concept, makes this a winner for all youngsters.

Curious George, written & illus by H. A. Rey, (Houghton Mifflin Co., 1941), 56p, Ages 4-8.
In children's literature, George is probably the most famous monkey of all time and his adventures have delighted children and adults for decades. Taken from the jungle by "the man in the yellow hat", George arrives in the big city, but due to his insatiable curiosity, trouble is never far away. Throughout every adventure George never loses his curiosity, nor reforms, but the man is always ready to forgive.

George Shrinks, written and illus. by William Joyce, (HarperCollins, 1985), 32p, Ages 3-7.
George is a resilient kid. One morning he wakes up to find that his parents are out and he has shrunk to the size of a mouse. Undaunted, he begins his daily chores from scrubbing his teeth to taking care of his baby brother, all the while avoiding the family cat.

The Gingerbread Man, retold by Bonnie Rutherford, illus. by Bill Rutherford, (Golden Books, 2001), 32p, Ages 3-6.
Delighting and entertaining for well over a century, this little strong-willed cookie is one of the most enduring characters in children's books. As he runs from an old woman, old man, brown cow, large black horse, striped yellow cat, he meets a clever and much wiser red fox.

Goldilocks, retold/illus. by Ruth Sanderson, (Little, Brown & Co., 2009), 32p, Ages 4+.
"Goldilocks loved to pick blueberries. That morning, she wandered from bush to bush to bush, and before she knew it, she was standing in front of a cottage she had never seen before." Forgetting her manners, Goldilocks creates a mess by eating the inhabitants' porridge, breaking their chairs, and sleeping in their beds. Confronted by the bear inhabitants, Goldilocks is embarrassed by her rudeness and makes amends by straightening up and helping around the house with chores. Offering the bears her bucket of blueberries, they all pitch in to make blueberry muffins. Endpapers offer a delicious recipe for blueberry muffins. Of the numerous renditions of Goldilocks, this interpretation, with its delightful twist and happy ending will appeal to a new generation.

Good Night Gorilla, written & illus. by Peggy Rathmann, (Penguin Putnam Books for Young
Readers, 1994), 40p, Ages 4-7.
It's bedtime at the zoo, but mischievous Gorilla isn't quite ready to go to sleep. He would rather follow the zookeeper on his round s and let all of the other animals out of their cages. Children will love sneaking along with gorilla for a good laugh.

Goodnight Moon, written by Margaret Wise Brown, illus. by Clement Hurd, (HarperCollins, 2005), 32p, Ages 1-4.
A classic bedtime book for years, it has now been reissued in a larger format for another generation. A small rabbit settles down for the night, saying good night to all the things and creatures in his room.

Half Magic, written by Edward Eager, illus. by N. M. Bodecker, (Harcourt Children's Books, 2004), 240p, Ages 8+.
One summer four children's lives are suddenly changed when the oldest finds what she thinks is a nickel on the sidewalk. They discover that the mysterious coin grants wishes only by halves, so they learn to double their wishes. There are complications - what is half of twice a talking cat? This 50th anniversary edition is magical, humorous, and heart-warming.

Harold and the Purple Crayon, written & illus. by Crockett Johnson, (HarperCollins, 1955),
64p, Ages 4+.
A very imaginative little boy sets out one night for a walk With the help of his trusty crayon., Harold creates many wonderful adventures. Children will enjoy the unexpected twists of the plot as Harold finds a way to return home safe to his little bed.

Harry the Dirty Dog, written by Gene Zion, illus. by Margaret Bloy Graham, (HarperCollins, 1956), 32p, Ages 3-7.
What Harry won't do to stay out of the bathtub. He buries his brush and runs away, but gets so dirty even his family doesn't recognize him. Once he is lovingly scrubbed clean, Harry is content once again to be a white dog with black spots and realizes that there's no place like home.

The Hound of the Baskervilles (Whole Story), written by Arthur Conan Doyle, illus. by Nicollet, (Viking Children's Books, 2004), 192p, Ages 12+.
In this edition, the famous Sherlock Holmes story combines the famous mystery with detailed background information, illustrations, and photographs. Originally written in 1901, a legendary curse warns of a beast that haunts the moors near the Baskerville home on the English moors. The family heir calls upon Sherlock Holmes and his assistant Dr. Watson to disprove the legend and solve the mystery of his uncle's recent death.

The Hound of the Baskervilles, written by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, illus. by Pam Smy, (Candlewick Press, 2006), 176p, Ages 14+.
Taken from the original version published from 1901 to 1902, this edition is particularly appealing, due to the striking illustrations throughout. The famous detective, Sherlock Holmes, is hired to investigate a murder, a diabolical curse surrounding the Baskerville family, and threats to the Baskerville heir, Sir Henry. Holmes and his trusted friend, Dr. Watson, investigate several suspicious characters as well as the legend of a murderous hound that roams the moors. Nightly sounds of a woman wailing, secretive servants, peculiar neighbors, an escaped killer, a quicksand marsh, and the howl of a legendary hound combine with the bleakness of the moors and the lizards of the bogs to make this novel a page-turner. No believer in the supernatural, Holmes believes that the answers lie with the natural world. Along with its suspenseful climax, this mystery has become a classic for more than a hundred years.

Ivanhoe, written by Sir Walter Scott, adapted by Marianna Mayer, illus. by John Rush, (Chronicle Books, 2004), 56p, Ages 9-13.
This abridged edition serves as an introduction to Scott's classic novel about the medieval world of knights and castles, hatred and rivalry between the Saxons and Normans, love and treachery, justice and mercy, and honor and revenge. Two knights, having fought on the same side in the crusades, return as enemies.

Jonathan Swift's Gulliver, written by Jonathan Swift, abridged by Martin Jenkins, illus. by Chris Riddell, (Candlewick Press, $ 19.99, ISBN 0-7636-2409-8), 144p, Ages 7+.
Abridged for younger children, this classic adventure still contains the original voyages to Lilliput, the land of small people, Brobdingnag, the land of giants, Laputa, where the inhabitants are hit on their heads to speak, Glubbdubdrib, the island of ghosts and magicians, and Houyhnhnms, where horses rule over people. The illustrations are splendid.

Katy and the Big Snow, written/illus. by Virginia Lee Burton, (Sandpiper, Book/CD, 2009), 40p, Ages 3-7.
Katy is a red crawler tractor, who is a bulldozer in summer and a snowplow in winter. After a blizzard buries the city of Geoppolis under many feet of snow and the city's truck snowplows break down, Katy is called into action. With power lines down, the fire department unable to reach a fire, the railroad station and airport closed, and a break in the water main, everyone is helpless. Katy begins to chug slow and steady throughout the city, past the police station, the post office, the railway station, the telephone company, East Geoppolis, the water department, North Geoppolis, West Geoppolis, past the hospital, South Geoppolis, and the airport. "Katy finished up the side streets so traffic could move in and out and around the city." Tired from a long day of work, Katy returns home for a well-deserved rest. This classic tale teaches children the value of persistence and endurance, addresses problems created by snowstorms, and becomes a great tool for understanding how maps work. Ô

Kidnapped, written by Robert Louis Stevenson, illus. by N. C. Wyeth, (Atheneum, 2004),
64p, 10+.
After the death of his parents, wealthy sixteen-year-old David Balfour is kidnapped by his evil uncle and sold into slavery. After escaping, David becomes involved with the struggle of the Scottish highlanders against English rule. In this abridged edition, the language is truer to the original classic.

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.

The Little Engine That Could, written by Watty Piper, Illus. by Loren Long, (Philomel Books, 2005), 48p, Ages 4+.
Newly re-illustrated, this wonderful classic tells the story of a happy Little Blue Engine who agrees to pull a stranded train full of toys over the mountain. Despite her size, she chugs up the mountain with, "I think I can. I think I can. I think I can."

Little Toot: Restored Classic Edition, written/illus. by Hardie Gramatky, (G. P. Putnam's Sons, 2007), 104p, Ages 4+.
"At the foot of an old, old wharf lives the cutest, silliest little tugboat you ever saw. A very handsome tugboat with a brand-new candy-stick smokestack." Descended from a distinguished family of tugboats, Little Toot would rather play around the harbor than work. When his frivolous pranks cause trouble, Little Toot struggles to redeem himself by conquering his fear of the rough seas and rescuing an ocean liner during a storm. Children can identify with a brave tug who decides that his purpose in life is to help others. To celebrate the 100th anniversary of Hardie Gramatky's birth, this beloved classic has been restored to include never before published illustrations, endpapers from early editions, and an introduction by the author's daughter. First published in 1939, Little Toot has been translated into seven languages.

Madeline, written & illus. by Ludwig Bemelman, (Viking Children's Books, 1939), 48p,
Ages 4-7.
A charming story about the lives of twelve little girls who live in a Paris boarding school with their headmistress, Miss Clavel. One night the calm atmosphere is disrupted when Madeline comes down with appendicitis.

Make Way for Ducklings, written & illus by Robert McCloskey, (Viking Children's Books, 1941), 64p, Ages 4-7.
Mr. & Mrs. Mallard need to find a safe home for their ducklings. They decide that The Boston Public Garden is the perfect place. On their journey to their new home. Mother Mallard and her ducklings are aided by the police who stop traffic, in order for them to cross the street safely.

Make Way for McCloskey, written & illus. by Robert McCloskey, (Viking Children's Books, 2004), 144p, Ages 4-8.
Generations of children were raised on the Robert McCloskey's stories, and eight are featured together for the first time in this marvelous collection. From his 1941 "Make Way for Ducklings" to his last, "One Morning in Maine", this is a fitting tribute to an unforgettable storyteller.

Mary Poppins, written by P. L. Travers, illus. by Mary Shepard, (Harcourt, Inc., 2006), 224p, Ages 8+.
Number Seventeen Cherry-Tree Lane will never be the same when a British nanny, blown in by the east wind, takes charge of the Banks children. Mary Poppins slides up banisters, banishes fear and sadness, pulls wonderful things from an old carpet bag, and introduces the Banks' children to a wide variety of interesting and colorful characters. Written in 1934, this classic, reissued along with "Mary Poppins Comes Back," "Mary Poppins in the Park," and "Mary Poppins Opens the Door" is now available for another generation and should be in every child's library.

Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel, written & illus. by Virginia Lee Burton, (Houghton Mifflin Co., 1939), 48p, Ages 3-7.
Mary Anne, a red steam shovel, and her loyal operator, Mike Mulligan, were famous for digging, but are no longer needed. When the town of Popperville wants a new town hall, Mike and Mary Anne prove their worth in the hectic digging of a cellar in one day. Of course, they forgot to dig a way out, but there's a great ending to this dilemma.

Millions of Cats, written/illus. by Wanda Gág, (McGunn, 1928 HC, Puffin Books, 2006 PB), 32p, Ages 4+.
First published in 1928, this 1929 Newbery Honor Book tells the story of a lonely, old man and his wife who desire a "sweet little fluffy cat". As the man searches for a kitty, he finds millions of them. Unable to decide on just one, he brings them all home. Find out how they make the trip home and decide on one to keep, or rather the cats decide. The black and white illustrations are wonderful.

The Mitten, adapted & illus. by Jan Brett, (G. P. Putnam's Sons, 1989, 2009), 32p, Ages 3-8.
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.

Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of Nimh, written by Robert C. O'Brien, illus. by Zena Bernstein, (Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 1971, 2006), 240p, Ages 9-12.
This beloved classic and Newbery Award winner has been reissued to celebrate its 35th anniversary. Mrs. Frisby is a widowed mouse who turns to the rats of NIMH, a breed of intelligent creatures with a high regard for morality, for help when one of her children becomes sick and she must move her family. Forced from her family home or face certain death, Mrs. Frisby finds herself flying on the back of a crow, slipping sleeping powder into a cat's dinner dish, and helping 108 unusual laboratory rats escape to a civilization of their own. Robert O'Brien has created a marvelous world in which a mother's concern for her children overpowers her fear of natural enemies. The appealing illustrations of Zena Bernstein help readers face the realization that they may never look at field mice or rats the same way again.

The Night Before Christmas, written by Clement C. Moore, illus. by Tom Browning, (Sterling Publishing, 2009), 48p, Ages 4-8.
Written as a Christmas present for his children in 1822, Dr. Moore's classic poem tells the story of a magical visit one Christmas Eve from Santa Claus. Hearing clatter on his roof, the father of a sleeping family discovers "a right jolly old elf" in his living room placing toys under their Christmas tree. Upon completing his task, Santa winks, nods, zooms up the chimney, and leaves in a sleigh pulled by eight miniature reindeer. An introduction explains the background of the famous poem and its printing history. This charming and memorable tale, accompanied by exquisite paintings from award-winning artist, Tom Browning, should be in all home libraries and read at least once a year.

The Nutcracker and the Mouse King, written by E. T. A. Hoffmann, illus. by Gail deMarcken, (Orchard Books, 2009), 56p, Ages 4-8.
On Christmas Eve, a young girl falls in love with a handsome nutcracker doll, given to her family by Godfather Drosselmeier. When Marie claims him as her own, her godfather explains that the nutcracker was once human. Upon saving the life of a princess, he was turned into a wooden doll by the wicked seven-headed Mouse King. When the Mouse King and his army threaten Marie, the Nutcracker comes to her rescue. "Hello, you filthy pack of mice!/You've come to meet your doom!/My army is ready to crush you,/Let us battle in this room!" With the enemy defeated, the Nutcracker takes Marie to his enchanted Toyland, where she discovers ballet dancers, golden dolphins, and sugared forests. Her family believes the stories to be a dream, but years later Marie's nutcracker prince, now human, returns for her, and together they reign over Toyland. Gail deMarcken's beautiful illustrations perfectly capture this tale of adventure, bravery, and honor. An Introduction provides the history behind the unforgettable story.

Peter Pan and Wendy, written by J. M. Barrie, illus. by Robert Ingpen, (Orchard Books, 2004), 224p, All Ages.
A beautiful classic story about a boy who refuses to grow up, a mischievous fairy, and three curious children. The story is presented in the original, unabridged text to celebrate its 100th anniversary.

The Racketty-Packetty House: 100th Anniversary Edition, written by Frances Hodgson Burnett, illus. by Wendy Anderson Halperin, (Simon & Schuster, 2006), 96p, Ages 8-11.
When it is pushed behind a door in a little girl's room to make way for a newer, more elaborate "Tidy Castle", the old dollhouse becomes the "Racketty-Packetty House". The occupants, Meg, Peg, Ridiklis, Kilmanskeg, Gustibus, and Peter Piper, though old and shabby dolls, remain jolly and good-natured. When they learn that humans are planning to destroy their house, it's Queen Crosspatch and her fairies who rescue the old dollhouse. This is a timeless story about making the best of every situation. As Peter Piper would say, "If you make a fuss over trouble and put it to bed and nurse it and give it beef tea and gruel, you can never get rid of it." This 100th anniversary edition is for every child who has ever owned or dreamed of owning a dollhouse.

Regards to the Man in the Moon, written/illus. by Ezra Jack Keats, (Viking Children's Books, 2009), 40p, Ages 5+.
Friends tease Louis about his father "the junkman," but his father explains that imagination can transform junk into amazing adventures. With help from his parents, Louis transforms junk into a special spaceship called "Imagination I", which Louis and a friend magically fly into outer space. "They floated past strange and wondrous things . . . and on through worlds no one had ever seen before." While gliding through space, they discover two friends, who decide to follow in a converted bathtub. When the friends become frightened during a rock storm, they lose their imagination, and Louis tows them safely home. Reissued for the fortieth anniversary of the first lunar landing, children will learn about the power of dreams and imagination. The paint and collage illustration are marvelous.

The Reluctant Dragon, written by Kenneth Grahame, illus. by Inga Moore, (Candlewick Press, 2004) 40p, Ages 5-8.
A delightful classic, reissued to commemorate its 100th anniversary, tells the tale of a young boy's friendship with a gentle, poetry loving dragon. The townspeople decide to send for St. George, the dragon slayer. However, the three become friends and find themselves in a quandary. In the end, they create a plan where everyone lives happily ever after. This abridged edition is a treasure for any home library.

Roald Dahl Gift Set, written by Roald Dahl, illus. by Quentin Blake, (Puffin Books, 2004),
Ages 8+.
Four of Dahl's famous stories are gathered in this boxed set - "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory," Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator," "Fantastic Mr. Fox," and "James and the Giant Peach." As in most of Dahl's stories, the nasty are punished and the good are rewarded.

The Runaway Bunny, written by Margaret Wise Brown, illus. by Clement Hurd, (HarperCollins Children's Books, 2005), 48p, Ages 0-3.
First published in 1942, this classic is now available in a larger format. A small bunny pretends to run away in a hide-and-seek game with his mother. Whether he becomes a fish, a mountain climber, a sailboat, or a tightrope walker, mother reassuringly tells him that she will always find him.

The Secret Garden, written by Frances Hodgson Burnett, illus. by Inga Moore, (Candlewick Press, 2008), 272p, Ages 7+.
Spoiled and selfish ten-year-old Mary Lennox, orphaned when her parents perish in a cholera outbreak in India, finds herself a ward of a strange uncle on the Yorkshire moors in England. Lonely and struggling with her new life at Misselthwaite Manor, Mary meets her invalid cousin and realizes that he needs encouragement, and she determines to get him walking again. They discover an overgrown, hidden garden that begs for tender loving care. As the garden blooms and changes, so do Mary and Colin, as well as Mary's emotionally distant uncle. For families who value the classics and love reading aloud, this story should be in their home library.

Selected Tales From Beatrix Potter, written/illus. by Beatrix Potter, (Warne & Co., 2007), 128p, Ages 4-8.
Written in the early 1900s, four of Beatrix Potter's famous tales are contained in this padded format. The Tale of Peter Rabbit tells of a young disobedient rabbit that ventures into Mr. McGregor's garden, avoids capture, but loses his clothes. In The Tale of Timmy Tiptoes, husband and wife squirrels hunt and collect nuts for winter, but Timmy unwisely hides his and is accused of stealing. From The Tale of The Pie and The Patty-Pan, a pussycat invites a dog to tea, but the dog switches meals due to his dislike of mouse pie. In the last story, The Tale of Johnny Town-Mouse, a country mouse and a city mouse visit each other's homes. With unfamiliar noises and dangers in the new locations, they decide that they prefer their own homes. With stories of adventure, danger, courage, and consequences of disobedience, Beatrix Potter never shied from introducing difficult words to children's vocabularies and never wrote down to children. Children and adults have enjoyed these tales for generations because of the great stories and appealing illustrations.

The Snow Queen, written by Hans Christian Andersen, Adapted by Naomi Lewis, illus. by Christian Birmingham, (Candlewick Press, 2008), 64p, Ages 6-10.
"Once there was a wicked imp-he was the devil himself-who had made a magic mirror with a special power: everything good and beautiful that was reflected in it shriveled up to nothing, but everything evil and ugly seemed even larger and more hideous than it was." When the mirror splinters into millions of pieces, two pieces enter the heart and eye of a small boy. Lured from his home by the wicked Snow Queen, Kay goes willingly, but his childhood friend, Gerda, begins to search for him. On the way, she encounters sympathetic animals and humans, who are touched by her innocence and purity and show her the way to the Snow Queen's palace. With angels for protection, Gerda recites her evening prayers, finds a cold and lonely Kay in the palace, and frees him from the evil spell. Written around 1845, this Danish fairy tale is one of the most popular of Han Christian Andersen's stories of good triumphing over evil. (Ages 6-10)

The Story of Ping, written & illus. by Marjorie Flack & Kurt Wiese, (Viking Children's Books, 1933), 32p, Ages 4-8.
Ping, a small duck, lives with his mother, father, two sisters, three brothers, eleven aunts, seven uncles, and forty-two cousins on a Yangtze River boat. One day Ping is captured and almost becomes dinner, but is released by a kind child and reunited with his family. A reassuring adventure story for those who are ready for limited journeys into the big world.

The Story of the Treasure Seekers, written by E. Nesbit, illus. by Gordon Browne/Lewis Baumer, (Chronicle Books, 2006), 192p, Ages 8+.
Written in an era when honesty and integrity were valued and instilled in children, this classic is now available for another generation to enjoy. Having lost their mother, and with a downturn in their father's business, the six Bastable children pool their meager resources and ideas to restore the family fortune. However, often their lively and humorous good intentions go awry. From digging for treasure and publishing their own newspaper, to thwarting a pair of real bandits and becoming kidnappers themselves, the children's bravery and sense of honor shine through all their adventures. Written from the viewpoint of one of the children (readers must puzzle out which one), it is evident that they are just ordinary children, neither well behaved, nor bad, and possess a large quantity of imagination, determination, and a desire to help their family. Originally published in 1899, this was E. Nesbit's first book for children. There is an afterword by Peter Glassman on the author's life.

Swimmy, written & illus. by Leo Lionni, (Alfred A. Knopf, 1963), 32p, Ages 3-6.
A little fish, the one survivor of a school of fish swallowed by tuna, devises a plan to camouflage himself and his new companions.

The Three Little Pigs, Adapted & illus. by Marie-Louise Gay, (Groundwood Books, 1996),
32p, Ages 3-6.
This classic fairy tale is faithful to the original theme of three small pigs and their comic and tragic adventures with the big bad wolf.

The Three Little Pigs, retold/illus. by Paul Galdone, (Clarion Books, 2006), 40p, Ages 3-6.
"Once upon a time there was an old sow with three little pigs. She had no money to keep them, so she sent them off to seek their fortune." Thus begins the classic tale of three small pigs and their comic and tragic adventures with the big bad wolf. Underneath is a cautionary tale about growing up and fighting battles with wisdom and cleverness. A CD accompanies this story.

Treasured Tales From Beatarix Potter, written/illus. by Beatrix Potter, (Warne & Co., 2007), 128p, Ages 4-8. Beatrix Potter's stories, written in the early 1900s, are famous for giving animals human qualities and stretching children's vocabularies. The following four tales teach lessons of responsibility and consequences to disobedient behavior. In The Tale of Tom Kitten, Mrs. Tabitha Twitchit dresses her kittens in their best clothes, as guests are coming. The kittens succeed in getting dirty and losing their clothes to the puddle ducks. The Tale of Mr. Jeremy Fisher tells of a frog who decides to fish for minnows, but he is caught by a huge trout and narrowly escapes with only his shirt. From The Tale of Benjamin Bunny, Benjamin persuades his cousin Peter Rabbit to return to Mr. McGregor's garden to retrieve Peter's clothes, but they are trapped by the garden cat under a basket. In The Tale of Pigling Bland, a young pig goes out into the world to seek his fortune, meets a cunning old man, and rescues a new friend. In this last cautionary tale, children are expected to have good sense and resourcefulness in a sometimes dangerous world.

Thumbelina, written by Hans Christian Andersen, retold by Brian Alderson, illus. by Bagram Ibatoulline, (Candlewick Press, 2009), 40p, Ages 4-8.
A tiny girl, the size of a thumb, is kidnapped by Mrs. Toad and betrothed to her Toadikins. "Thumbelina wept big tears, but the river fish heard what was going on, and they nibbled at the lily pad stalk and-whisht!- away it floated down the river." On her journey, Thumbelina meets selfish and fickle maybugs, a manipulating Mrs. Fieldmouse, and a pompous marriage-minded mole, who keeps her in his underground home. After rescuing a hurt swallow, Thumbelina nurses him back to health until he is well enough to fly. Because of her care and concern, the swallow offers to fly her to his summer villa, where she finds Crystal Fairies and her own fairy king. Throughout all of her harrowing adventures, Thumbelina never loses her compassion and sympathy for others.

Thumbelina, written by Han Christian Andersen, retold/illus. by, Brad Sneed, (Dial Books for Young Readers, 2004), 40p, Ages 4-8.
Once there was a tiny girl, no bigger than a thumb, who was kidnapped by an ugly old toad. Thumbelina experiences many adventures, some dangerous, before discovering a fairy prince just her size. As in most fairy tales, there is a happy ending with good triumphing over evil.

Thumbelina, written by Han Christian Andersen, retold/illus. by Lauren Mills, (Little, Brown & Co., 2005), 32p, Ages 4-8.
To celebrate Andersen's 200th birthday, his magical tale of a thumb-sized girl comes alive again. Kidnapped by a toad, Thumbelina has many adventures, some dangerous, as she learns to use her wits instead of strength to make her way in the world. As in most fairy tales, good triumphs over evil, and she finds her own fairy prince just her size.

We're Going on a Bear Hunt, written by Michael Rosen, illus. by Helen Oxenbury, (McElderry Books, 2009), 40p, Ages 4-8.
To celebrate its 20th anniversary, this classic tells of a brave father, his four children, and pet dog, who find adventure in hunting a bear. "We're going on a bear hunt. /We are going to catch a big one. /What a beautiful day! /we're not scared." Whenever they experience an obstacle, they declare, "We can't go over it. /We cannot go under it. /Oh, no! / We've got to go through it!" Running, climbing, crawling, and trudging through grass (swishy swashy), cold water (splash splosh), mud (squelch squerch), and a snow storm (hoooo wooo), they stumble upon a dark cave, inhabited by an unfriendly bear. Quickly retracing their steps (followed by the bear), they hurry home, bare the door, and hide under the covers, exclaiming no more bear hunts. The final scene depicts the bear tromping home to his cave. Children will love the clever language and good-natured antics of a family determined to experience adventure.

The Wild Swans, written by Hans Christian Andersen, retold by Amy Ehrlich, illus. by Susan Jeffers, (Dutton Children's Books, 2008), 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.

Winnie-the-Pooh, written by A. A. Milne, illus. by Ernest H. Shepard, (Dutton Children's Books, 1991/2004), 176p, Ages 6+.
Larger in format and in now in color, the adventures of Christopher Robin and the animals of the Hundred Acre Wood are as charming now as when they were originally written in 1926. Children will enjoy each character including Pooh, Piglet, and Eeyore as they try to catch Heffalumps. Also in this new format are "The House At Pooh Corner", "When We Were Very Young", and "Now We Are Six."

Winnie-the-Pooh: 80th Anniversary Edition, written by A. A. Milne, illus. by Ernest H. Shepard, (Dutton Children's Books), 160p, Ages 6+.
Published in 1926, Edward Bear, better known as Winnie-the-Pooh, has been loved by generations of children and parents. Based on the toys of A. A. Milne's son, Christopher Robin, Pooh is a bear of very little brain and lives in the Hundred Acre Woods. Along with his friends, Piglet, Eeyore, Kanga, Baby Roo, and Owl, there are charming and humorous adventures involving bees, honey, a Woozle, Eeyore's lost tail, a Heffalump, and an Expotition to the North Pole. The colorful illustrations help make this early chapter book also great for reading aloud.

The Wizard of Oz, written by L. Frank Baum, illus. by Charles Santore, (Sterling Publishing, 2009), 96p, Ages 7+.
Originally published in 1900, this enduring classic tells of a Kansas cyclone that transports a girl, her dog, and house to a magical land called Oz, where she begins an unforgettable journey to return home to Kansas. When her house lands on the Wicked Witch of the East, her sister, the Wicked Witch of the West, becomes a powerful enemy. Dorothy is advised to traverse the yellow brick road to the City of Emeralds and ask the Great Wizard for help. On her way, she meets three special friends, who also seek help: a stuffed Scarecrow in need of a brain, a rusty Tin Woodsman looking for a heart, and the cowardly Lion searching for courage. Through blue Munchkin land, over poisoned poppy fields, into the sparkling Emerald City, sidetracked by a Wicked Witch of the West and her winged monkeys, Dorothy and friends finally reach the Wizard, only to discover that he cannot help. The story is condensed, rather than adapted or retold, to accommodate Charles Santore's sixty stunning watercolor illustrations. However, the heart, brain, and courage of the story remain for children of another generation to enjoy. The Introduction, written by Michael Patrick Hearn, leading authority on L. Frank Baum, explains the making of this unforgettable classic, which should be an essential addition to all home libraries.

Wynken, Blynken, & Nod, written by Eugene W. Field, illus. by David McPhail, (Scholastic, Inc., 2004, 2009 Board), 20p, Ages 2+.
Originally published in 1889 and now available in board book, this classic bedtime poem tells of three fishermen, who set sail in a wooden shoe into the night sky in search of fish. With their nets of silver and gold, they meet the Old Moon, who laughs and speeds them along with a song. "All night long their nets they threw/To the stars in the twinkling foam;/Then down from the sky/Came the wooden shoe,/Bringing the fishermen home." Home is a little girl's bedroom, where her mother sings of the fisherman, Wynken, Blynken, and Nod.