When I was a little girl, I thought teachers were amazing and idolized them the way other children might look up to their favorite athletes or musicians. I spent hours playing school with my dolls and stuffed animals which, by the way, were attentive, but not very quick to participate. Who knew?

Pretending I was a teacher was my favorite game, and I’d often integrate it with my grade school homework. If I was challenged by a subject, I’d try to teach it to my glassy-eyed pals and for me, concepts became clearer and I’d start to understand while having fun at the same time. I found that with a few materials, like a little chalkboard, some chalk and a variety of books–including my real school books–I could teach and learn just about anything.

I’d actually forgotten about my playtime classes until I was poking around Amazon.com and came along a series of books published by the American Girl doll company. Now, if you’re a mom of boys like I am, you might not be very familiar with the astonishing growth of the American Girl line of products since we were little girls. Remember when there were a few dolls and books featured in a catalog the company mailed out every few months? Yeah, it’s not like that anymore. American Girl has exploded into a huge sensation, not only expanding their doll line, but also adding many more related products and even chain stores in metropolitan areas where your daughter can bring her doll, friends and their dolls for booked parties and events. Yeah. Huge.

So, anyway…I was looking around Amazon.com when I found some American Doll books that center around games and imaginary play that little girls might find interesting. The books combine instructions and materials necessary for girls to make and play with all sorts of themed activities with her doll. They cover everything from Doll Purses and Doll Crafts to Doll Salon and Doll School.

As a former doll educator myself, Doll School caught my eye. I’m not usually one to hop onto the trendy bandwagon, but this book is pretty cool. It includes everything she needs to get her own doll classroom started, from tests and grade registers to tiny library cards and instructions to turn a shoebox into a little locker. And, I don’t see why it couldn’t be used for other dolls and stuffed animals outside the American Girl line. The entertainment and educational value would be just as great.

While little boys are usually more keen on fantasy play, like Power Rangers, girls have a tendency to gravitate to pretend play that emulates real life, like cooking and teaching. If you know a little girl who likes to play school, I think this book might be a worthwhile investment. But if teaching her dolls isn’t her thing, then checking out some of the other books in line would be awesome, too, even if she’s not a huge American Girl fanatic. It’s a rarity to find such complete books that offer the materials needed along with fun ideas for imaginary play, and there’s a very good chance you’ll find something she likes without going bankrupt trying to put a kit together.

No related posts.

When I was a little girl, too many moons ago to calculate with an abacus, my mom got me a subscription to Highlights Magazine. It was filled with short stories, cool projects, jokes and the simple moral-teaching exploits of Goofus and Gallant, but my favorite part of the magazine…by far…was the hidden pictures page. As soon as my mom handed me the magazine, I ran to the couch to start finding those little images, which were skillfully drawn into a larger picture. It wasn’t until I’d found and marked off every single one that I’d even consider flipping through the rest of the magazine.

As I got older, other similar types of hidden picture books started to emerge, like Where’s Waldo and the I Spy books. By the time they became really popular, I was into more mature “literature,” like Sweet Valley High and The Baby-Sitters Club. (Hey, don’t judge, they were mature at the time.)

I’d all but forgot about the I Spy books until my son brought home one of his book order forms. I saw that there was a beginner’s Halloween edition, and figured I’d see if my kids loved hidden picture searches as much as I did. When the book came home, it sat and collected dust.

I couldn’t believe it. Were my kids switched at birth? There was no way my offspring would pass up a good hidden picture book. I’d have been in heaven at their ages. Finally, I sat down and walked them through the first couple images.

At first, they didn’t get where I was coming from…at all. It was the first time my boys looked at me the same way I did when I found my mom’s bell-bottoms in the attic. You actually liked this…on purpose? You know…that look.

But then, something magical happened. I was just moments away from closing the book and calling the hospital to demand my real kids be returned when my middle guy found his first picture. I knew when I saw the light in his eyes, he was totally hooked. The other two were quick to follow. They wanted the ultimate “Found it!!” thrill that Jaxon got.

Those little guys made their mama proud. They sat together, relatively peacefully, for almost an hour until they’d found every last hidden treasure in the book. I was smiling from ear to ear as I hopped on my computer and ordered their first Highlights subscription. Now, the only problem I have is having to be a big girl and hand it over.

No related posts.

In my opinion, the best baby books are built with a three-ring binder design. You can take out pages you don’t need and add more for special events or occasions. These books tend to run a little higher in price and usually have to be ordered online or purchased at a specialty shop, like Hallmark, but they’re much more friendly to moms who like to scrapbook or save extra special memorabilia.

Most baby books cover the basics, like a small family tree, background pages for mom and dad, medical records and baby shower gift lists. Still, there are so many wonderful things from the first year that are worthy of the honor of being included. These are all items you’ll wish you had in your baby book as your babies turn into kids.

• Baby shower cards. Most books have a page for your baby shower, but once you add a picture of the cake and a copy of the invitation, there’s no room for the cards. Many cards have sweet, personal sentiments handwritten from those who love you and your family, and your child will love to see them some day.
• Hospital bands. Carefully clip the hospital bands from you and your baby (and daddy if he gets one) and add them to a page. These are the first symbols of your family coming together.
• Newspaper clippings. Save the front page of a newspaper and later the birth announcement. They add actual pieces of history to your baby book.
• A lock of baby’s hair. Many babies are born with a hair color that changes within the first month. One of my sons was born with jet black hair and a week later it was light brown. Trim a little lock of the first color, to remember exactly what it was like.
• The little things. Keep a pair of socks or booties and even a newborn diaper. They’re amazing to look at as your child gets older and much, much bigger.
• Swatches. After a favorite receiving blanket gets worn out and your baby outgrows his first outfit, cut swatches from the fabric.
• Baby food jar label. When your baby samples his first soft foods, it’s always a Kodak moment, but also try to peel the label from the jar. It will be hard to believe he started out with pureed peas when he’s wolfing down two cheeseburgers at a time.

There are so many cute little keepsakes along the first year that you’ll wish you had as your baby grows into a child, teen and adult. A baby book is like a time capsule for your child which will be treasured and shared for generations to come.

No related posts.

The Cat in the Hat

You can imagine my excitement when I happened upon an article on CBC News stating that a new book was being published featuring long-lost Dr. Seuss stories from the ’50s. The stories were previously published in magazines around the time that The Cat in The Hat was written.

The collection of seven stories will be available in a book called The Bippolo Seed and Other Lost Stories, and is set to be released by Random House on Sept. 27.

As a lifelong fan of Dr. Seuss’ work, I can’t wait to get my hands on this book. I know that my husband and I will treasure it as much as our children will. And the coolest part is that we’ll all experience the stories for the first time together.

What is your favorite Dr. Seuss story? Does your child have a favorite character?

No related posts.

When you think about the suggested retail prices of brand new books, the numbers are enough to make a mom’s head spin and debit cards cry. I couldn’t afford to pay full price for as many books as my children devour per week, so the hubz and I have come up with a wide variety of places to score good reads.

1. Libraries: Between our local library and my son’s school library, we get seven free books per week. Of course, they need to be returned, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Books take up space, and we can have a constant flow of new reading material without lining every wall in the house with shelves. Also, our local library often has used books for sale for less than a dollar. Every once in a while, we find a really great book and pay next to nothing.
2. Garage sales: I always check out the books that are at garage sales. Usually they’re being sold dirt cheap, and sometimes, if I see a bunch I want, I can talk the owners into selling me a bulk amount for one price. It’s not a rare occasion that I’ll pick up a box of books for $5.
3. Dollar stores and aisles: Dollar stores usually have children’s books available for a buck a piece, and while you’re probably not going to find best-sellers on the shelves, you’d be surprised at how many fun, interesting and informative reads you can find for a bargain. Many big chain stores have dollar aisles. Check them out from time to time. I’ve found some great learning books for my kids that way.
4. Resale shops: A lot of people, myself included, donate books to resale charity shops. The good deed doesn’t go without its rewards. Those stores have tons of great reads available, usually for less than the price of a cup of coffee.
5. Book orders: My son comes home with tons of book orders and while a lot of them can be expensive, there are often spotlighted titles that are on sale for a dollar or two. It’s economical, and my son is always excited on book order day.
6. Book exchanges: Create your own little book swap club with some of your friends. Meet up for coffee once a month and bring one book for each friend. If you meet with five friends, then you get five new books.

Books are treasures that offer so many great opportunities for education, entertainment, adventure and just plain silly fun. Building a great library for your kids doesn’t have to be expensive to be valuable. Every word that makes your children’s eyes sparkle and imaginations run wild is priceless, regardless of how much you pay for the book.

No related posts.

This last question can strike fear into the heart of even the most open, honest parent. Do I tell the truth? How much will she understand? How detailed should I get? My mom was very honest with us. When we asked, she answered. There was never any confusion or embarrassing moments later on when we retold false facts to friends, teachers or family members.

Even knowing how much easier it was for me that my mom was completely honest, now that I’m raising children, it’s not so black and white. I have to give my mom props for opening up and giving us the facts, because when my doe-eyed 5-year-old asked me how his brother got in my tummy, I thought my head was going to explode. Well. Uhhh. Erm…

And then I remembered an episode of “The Cosby Show.”  Olivia, played by a very young Raven Simone, asks her grandpa (Cosby) what he does for a living. He explains that he helps moms deliver babies. Without hesitation, precocious little Olivia tells him that he’s wrong, and proceeds to recite back the “Stork” story that her daddy told her. I was actually surprised to find the scene on YouTube:

It reminded me that our kids take what we say at our word. That’s why they believe us when we tell them about Santa Claus or the Tooth Fairy. They look to us for guidance and take what we tell them to be absolute truth.

While I’m still letting Santa and the Tooth Fairy live on in my children’s imaginations, I think that where babies come from is a pretty important lesson that deserves an honest answer. So, because my little dude is still very young, I didn’t get too detailed, but I showed him pictures in the book How Was I Born?. It satisfied his curiosity, and he has a basic, general knowledge we can build on when he gets older and can understand more.

Every parent has to make a decision about how he or she will answer this question. I decided to take an honest approach, because while it was a little difficult for me to do now, I knew it would be easier for both of us down the line.

Thanks for the lesson, Mom.

No related posts.

I loved these books because it wasn’t just a linear storyline. I could make a decision that led to the an awesome ending, dire consequences or something more mundane and ordinary. If I didn’t like the ending, I could always retrace my steps and choose a different path.

You could read the book 20 times and never have the same adventure. The majority of the books revolved around some otherworldly adventure and even a few were based on television shows, my personal favorite were the Star Trek Choose Your Own Adventures.

Then, they were gone. It turns out they stopped publishing those books in 1998. In my opinion, there was a void in the literary world. I don’t know what happened. Maybe they couldn’t compete with video games or the endless supply of choices provided by the Internet, but the Choose Your Own Adventure series was no more.

I remember thinking how depressing that was. You could still find the occasional copy in a library or second hand bookstore, but there were no new books created. It wasn’t such a big deal at the time because I didn’t have any children of my own, but now that my oldest is learning to read I was thinking how awesome a activity it would be for us to have a father and son Choose Your Own Adventure. I even thought, I’m a writer, why not just write my own.

I did a little research and lo and behold, Choose Your Own Adventure lives on … sort of. In 2006, they created a DVD game called The Abominable Snowman. It even had Frankie Muniz and William H. Macy.

There is even an iPhone app based on Choose Your Own Adventure. These are great, but I was really hoping for the books. Then, whammo, Chooseco, is republishing and selling several of the classic Choose Your Own Adventure books.

I was so excited and can’t wait to begin the first story with my children. Choose Your Own Adventure books were a fun and memorable part of my childhood and now they will be a part of my children’s as well.

Image Source: flickr.com/photos/cdrummbks/3742991709/

No related posts.

Yesterday I shared with you Scholastic’s Top 25 Picture Books. Here are the Top 25 Chapter books, chosen by 200 school teachers. Many of these children’s books made a major impact on my childhood. Charlotte’s Web was the first book I ever cried over and Anne of Green Gables made me realize it was okay to be smart and headstrong. Little House on the Prairie was special to me because I grew up in the cold upper midwest, where Laura Ingalls Wilder spent her childhood. Did your favorites make the list?

1. Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White (HarperCollins). Some pig, indeed. Monica Edinger, fourth-grade teacher and author of Using Beloved Classics to Deepen Reading Comprehension, calls Charlotte’s Web “the great American children’s novel…beginning with that remarkable first sentence ‘Where’s Papa going with that ax?’”

Who it’s for: Grades 3–6
What it’s about: The classic tale of the talented spider who uses all her energies to save the life of her friend Wilbur, farmyard pig and soon-to-be dinner. Gareth Williams’ illustrations add depth and sensitivity to this beautiful story of simple miracles.

2. Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson (HarperCollins).

Who it’s for: Grades 4–7
What it’s about: Leslie brings a whole new world to the life of the main character Jesse. She ruins his dream of being the fastest 5th grader (she is), creates a magical world with him, and then leaves him just as he begins to come into his own. A lovely classic.

3. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K. Rowling (Scholastic). When the NEA surveyed teachers on kids’ books in 1999, Harry Potter had yet to cast a spell. Now the whole world is hooked!

Who it’s for: Grades 2 and up
What it’s about: The magical first year of a young wizard’s first year at Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry.

4. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis (HarperCollins).

Who it’s for: Grades 3–6
What it’s about: An English brother and sister discover a wardrobe that opens into a different land. The first book in a beloved series, this story introduces us to Narnia, its cold and evil witch, and loving lion, Aslan, and awakens the hero in the siblings.

5. Holes by Louis Sachar (FSG).

Who it’s for: Grades 4–8
What it’s about: The compelling and complex story of Camp Green Lake and the boys who dig holes to “build character”. As our hero discovers that there is more to the holes than just punishment, he begins to fulfill his own destiny. Terrific social commentary!

6. The Giver by Lois Lowry (Random House), makes kids think. “It’s wonderful for discussing politics,” says brave teacher Jennifer Kopp.

Who it’s for: Grades 4–8
What it’s about: In a world free of disease and crime, Jonas takes up his role as the Receiver of Memory. As the images and ideas of a world that was flawed but free begin to enter his mind, Jonas begins to question everything about the world he lives in.

7. Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo (Candlewick).

Who it’s for: Grades 3–6
What it’s about: Winn-Dixie is the dog that frequently leads our protagonist, Opal, into new adventures and occasional trouble. She also helps her create a world in which she can accept herself, others, and the fact that her mother abandoned her seven years before.

8. Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing by Judy Blume (Penguin).

Who it’s for: Grades 3–7
What it’s about: Oh, that Fudge! Fourth-grader Peter has to put up with 3-year-old Fudge’s shenanigans day and night, but when Fudge steals Peter’s turtle, it’s the last straw. A wonderful book for older siblings, no matter what their age.

9. A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle (FSG). Jennifer Roy, author of Yellow Star, says her childhood fave “makes math, science, and philosophy appealing.” Really.

Who it’s for: Grades 3–7
What it’s about: Meg Murray and her siblings journey to another world in this classic.

10. Frindle by Andrew Clements (Simon & Schuster).

Who it’s for: Grades 4–6
What it’s about: Watch out! This is the story of ornery Nick Allen, who circumvents his English teacher and makes a new word (“frindle” replacing “pen”) which becomes a world-wide sensation.

11. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl (Random House).

Who it’s for: Grades 3–6
What it’s about: The famous tale of poor Charlie and his winning ticket to visit Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory. The other kids drop like flies as they disobey Willy’s rules, but Charlie prevails in the end—bringing his family with him.

12. Junie B., First Grader (At Last!) by Barbara Park (Random House).

Who it’s for: Grades 1–3
What it’s about: Junie B., of the popular series, makes it to first grade. But here, a whole new set of problems beset her—new friends, old friends who are changing and what’s more? She needs glasses! A great installment in a terrific series.

13. Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls (Random House).

Who it’s for: Grades 3–7
What it’s about: A remarkable story of a Depression-era boy growing up in the Ozarks. With his bluetick hound in tow, Billy Colman spends his days roaming the woods, hunting raccoons. Tragedy will strike this tale, but life goes on, as does the red fern.

14. Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt (FSG). Snag this idea from Jane Yolen: “I use the opening in writing classes as an example of sheer beauty.”

Who it’s for: Grades 4–8
What it’s about: A haunting story that is part nature tale, part adventure story, and part romance. The Tuck family has found the fountain of youth and they protect it well. But when they decide to share it, they will learn an important lesson (so will the reader).

15. Harriet the Spy by Louise Fitzhugh (Random House).

Who it’s for: Grades 2–6
What it’s about: Classic story about a curious observer who ends up an outcast for her observations. The presentation of peer interactions is both funny and painfully accurate. In the end, Harriet will have to come to terms with growing up on her own (she does!).

16. Ramona Quimby, Age 8 by Beverly Cleary (HarperCollins).

Who it’s for: Grades 2–5
What it’s about: Cleary’s insightful and funny presentation of the workings of a third grader’s head continues to please kids across time. Ramona is smart, engaging and funny and her daily adventures never stop entertaining!

17. Little House on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder (HarperCollins).

Who it’s for: Grades 2–6
What it’s about: Part of the treasured series, this book introduces us to the Kansas prairie life of young Laura. Having traveled there by covered wagon, the book outlines the setting up of hearth and home and dealing with all the travails of the true 1860 house!

18. From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E.L. Konigsburg (Simon & Schuster).

Who it’s for: Grades 3–6
What it’s about: You’ll never visit a museum in the same way again! This is the wonderful story of Claudia and her brother Jamie, who didn’t want an “old-fashioned” running away, and so they move into the Met. And that is just the beginning…

19. Maniac Magee by Jerry Spinelli (Little, Brown).

Who it’s for: Grades 2–6
What it’s about: This Newbery Award winner concerns the day-to-day of Jeffrey (Maniac) Lionel Magee; part kid, part folk-hero, all fun. He tries to undo racism, knit fighting factions together, and generally bring peace and good will to make a home.

20. The Secret Garden by Frances Burnett.

Who it’s for: Grades 2–6
What it’s about: Two children, sour and stifled in a gloomy British estate house, find a locked and secret garden. The discovery of this place of flowers and sun revitalizes the children physically and mentally. A terrific story of new life from old….

21. Ruby Holler by Sharon Creech (HarperCollins).

Who it’s for: Grades 2–6
What it’s about: Dallas and Florida have seen the inside of one too many foster homes. But when a compassionate couple takes them in, new life develops. We see the two kids begin to rely on themselves even as they learn to love and develop new relationships.

22. Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred D. Taylor (Penguin).

Who it’s for: Grades 4–8
What it’s about: A fascinating story of a large and loving African-American family in the Deep South 1930s. We read through the relationships within the family even as we watch them navigate hatred and discrimination from without.

23. Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery.

Who it’s for: Grades 2–6
What it’s about: When Anne, age eleven and an orphan, is mistakenly sent to the Cuthbert’s, who wanted farm help, they could’ve sent her back. They don’t. The lovable Anne—center of a number of stories—begins her new life on Prince Edward Island.

24. Freak the Mighty by Rodman Philbrick (Scholastic).

Who it’s for: Grades 6–9
What it’s about: Two boys, living with mismatched difficulties, learn to overcome the world’s obstacles with each other’s help. Inspired by King Arthur’s tales, the friendship will even be able to survive the death of one of the pair, since friendship doesn’t die.

25. A Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket (HarperCollins). We can’t believe it’s over either.

Who it’s for: Grades 3–7
What it’s about: The beginning of one of the most unique children’s book series. Woe to the Baudelaire children, and all the events that befall them! Plucky, smart and funny, these kids outwit the many unfortunate events that come their way.

image: playbooks

Find more kids’ books at Smarter.com.

No related posts.

Looking to start your Christmas shopping but don’t know where to start? Books always make a great gift. Scholastic surveyed 200 teachers to find out which picture books are the most loved. Here are 25 timeless treasures:

1. Where the Wild Things Are, by Maurice Sendak, (HarperCollins, 1963) is “so compressed in its language and so exuberant in its pictures and so psychologically right,” says author Jane Yolen, herself nominated for Owl Moon. “I return to it again and again.” So do teachers! Max earned three times as many votes as a certain munching insect.

Who it’s for: Grades PreK–3

What it’s about: When Max is sent to bed without his dinner, he imagines an adventure to the land of the Wild Things, where he meets a crowd of fanciful beasts. When he becomes homesick, he wakes up in his bedroom to find his warm supper waiting for him.

2. The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle (Penguin, 1969).

Who it’s for: Grades PreK–2

What it’s about: Eric Carle’s colorful classic depicts the famished insect eating his way through an apple, two pears, three plums and a smorgasbord of other treats. Along the way, readers learn about colors and counting—not to mention the life cycle of a caterpillar.

3. The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg (Houghton Mifflin, 1985). For many of you this shadowy story is a winter must, up there with hot chocolate and mittens. Third-grade teacher Janice Wright explains: “It’s magic.”

Who it’s for: Grades K–5

What it’s about: Could there be a better Christmas tale than that of a boy lying awake on Christmas Eve who is taken by Santa himself to the North Pole? This Caldecott winner encourages kids to believe in the spirit of Christmas.

4. Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown (HarperCollins).

Who it’s for: Grades PreK–2

What it’s about: A young bunny tries to stave off sleep by bidding goodnight to every item he can think of leading himself (and readers!) to a quiet sense of peace. Clement Hurd’s illustrations range from small black and white drawings to full color beauties.

5. Love You Forever by Robert Munsch, illustrated by Sheila McGraw (Firefly).
“I can’t help myself, I cry every time I read it,” says Instructor editor Hannah Trierweiler. Sniff. Pass the tissues.

Who it’s for: Grades K–3

What it’s about: The story of a boy and his mom. While the mother continues to rock her boy to sleep—even if she must sneak in his bedroom to do so—eventually he will do the same for her. A touching cycle-of-life tale.

6. The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein (HarperCollins).

Who it’s for: Grades 2–5

What it’s about: This wise and lovely story of the tree that gives her all for love is also a wonderful tale about life transforming the boy that played on her branches to an old man that sits on her stump.

7. Sylvester and the Magic Pebble by William Steig (Simon & Schuster).

Who it’s for: Grades K–5

What it’s about: Once a pebble-collecting donkey finds his lucky stone, misadventure begins. Once Sylvester accidentally turns himself into a stone, it seems all is lost, but eventually he comes back to his donkey self—and wishing is approached more carefully!

8. Madeline by Ludwig Bemelmans (Penguin).

Who it’s for: Grades K–5

What it’s about: Ah, the Parisian adventures of Madeline! Her life with the nuns, her trip to the hospital, and Bemelemans’ depictions of the city still satisfy kids of many ages. This long running series never surpasses the charm of its first installment!

9. The Little House by Virginia Lee Burton (Houghton Mifflin).

Who it’s for: Grades 1–4

What it’s about: Before arriving at the happy ending, readers will experience the growth of a city as it surrounds the previously isolated little house. Burton’s fanciful drawings add to the delight of the story.

10. Blueberries for Sal by Robert McCloskey (Penguin).

Who it’s for: Grades PreK–2

What it’s about: As Sal and her mom set out to pick blueberries, so do a mother bear and her cub. Eventually the young set swap moms for a cross-species adventure tale and a comedy of errors.

11. The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats (Penguin).

Who it’s for: Grades K–4

What it’s about: A book that makes the simple, everyday activities of a little boy into an epic. When Peter awakes to the first snow of the season, every detail of the day—from kicking snow off a branch to the attempt to save a snowball—becomes magical.

12. Stellaluna by Janell Cannon (Harcourt). “Kids really connect to the message,” wrote first-grade teacher Laurie Foote. What higher praise could a book receive?

Who it’s for: Grades K–3

What it’s about: A story about a fruit bat raised by birds, this book celebrates uniqueness and independence. As a beautifully told tale with gorgeous illustrations and a section of bat information as well, this book has it all.

13. If You Give a Mouse a Cookie by Laura Numeroff, illustrated by Felicia Bond (HarperCollins).

Who it’s for: Grades PreK–2

What it’s about: Oh, that hungry mouse. Once you give him the cookie, the trail of action is unstoppable! By the end, the mouse, the boy that gives him the cookie (and perhaps the reader) are exhausted! With terrific illustrations and a wonderful lead character.

14. The Other Side by Jacqueline Woodson, illustrated by E.B. Lewis (Penguin).

Who it’s for: Grades 1–4

What it’s about: A powerful narrative with echoes of metaphor, this is a story about a fence that divides a white neighborhood from a black one and the two little girls whose need for play and companionship allow them to straddle and then cross it.

15. Owl Moon by Jane Yolen, illustrated by John Schoenherr (Penguin).

Who it’s for: Grades 1–5

What it’s about: A classic example of child’s mind expanding a simple walk into a glorious adventure. As a girl and her father hike through the moonlit night, the creatures they encounter become thrilling companions for their owl hunt.

16. The Snowman by Raymond Briggs (Random House) is the only wordless tale on our list.

Who it’s for: Grades PreK–2

What it’s about: A great book to lead a child into reading. A whimsical story of a boy who makes and then befriends a snowman who both enters his world and takes him out on a nighttime escapade. The enigmatic ending can also be a great beginning.

17. The Mysteries of Harris Burdick by Chris Van Allsburg (Houghton Mifflin).

Who it’s for: Grades 2–6

What it’s about: This exquisite book offers fourteen drawing with captions, each its own launch pad for stories and imaginings of any sort. The lack of a cohesive narrative allows, indeed requires, that kids provide their own ideas of what happens next.

18. Make Way for Ducklings by Robert McCloskey (Penguin). Anita Silvey, author of 100 Best Books for Children, cherishes McCloskey’s “subtle economy in text and art.”

Who it’s for: Grades K–3

What it’s about: Watch out for urban ducks… A great read aloud book, this tale of two mallards who decide to raise their family in the Boston’s Public Garden is a perennial favorite. Beautiful drawings and a great story make Boston seem perfect for ducks!

19. SkippyJon Jones by Judy Schachner (Penguin). This 2003 story of a mischievous cat has the distinction of being the newest teacher pick.

Who it’s for: Grades 1–4

What it’s about: A wonderful combo of story, rhyme, Spanish-English hybrid, color, action and pure joy, this book has something to enchant any kid and is a fantastic read aloud. SkippyJon is part kitten, part dynamo. A real fiesta (muy caliente)!

20. No, David! by David Shannon (Scholastic).

Who it’s for: Grades K–4

What it’s about: As little David careens from one forbidden activity to the next, with his mom shouting the title, David’s naughty output is impressive. A kids’ book with a “real” soundtrack, the text is drawn from a book the author produced when he was 5!

21. The Keeping Quilt by Patricia Polacco (Simon & Schuster).

Who it’s for: Grades K–3

What it’s about: A rich immigrant’s tale, this book is the classic American story. A quilt that is made from the bits and pieces of the past to warm up the present, it provides not just the story, but the only color in these otherwise black and white ink drawings.

22. The Little Engine That Could by Watty Piper, illustrated by George & Doris Hauman (Penguin). Will the real Watty Piper please stand up—and accept our hurrahs? (It’s a pseudonym for the original publisher; the author is disputed.)

Who it’s for: Grades PreK–3

What it’s about: What would childhood be without the whispered “I think I can, I think I can”? This book is possibly the best-known children’s classic and a wonderful read-aloud. Its positive message has underscored the days of thousands of children.

23. The Mitten by Jan Brett (Penguin). Second-grade teacher Donna Thaggard echoed many voters when she said “any book by Brett” is bound to be an instant favorite.

Who it’s for: Grades K–4

What it’s about: With illustrations to delight, this story of a grandma-knitted mitten that becomes a home to a whole group of chilly winter animals—until a sneeze ousts them all—is a perfect winter companion. Nicki’s glove has a life of its own!

24. Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss (Random House). Thank goodness the good doctor accepted a bet that he couldn’t write a story using only 50 words. As Instructor editor Jennifer Prescott sums up in only five words: “I do so like it!”

Who it’s for: Grades PreK–3

What it’s about: I am Sam, Sam I am. Possibly the most fun a kid can have while learning to read, this book’s repetitive phrases, simple drawings and goofy charm make it one of childhood’s must-haves.

25. Curious George by H.A. and Margret Ray (Houghton Mifflin).

Who it’s for: Grades PreK–2

What it’s about: The world’s most beloved monkey! Curious George has had many adventures in his day, but it all starts with this classic. Introduce a new generation of readers to his irrepressible chimp.

image: babble

No related posts.

Surrounding children with great and well-illustrated books can give them a lifelong love for reading and and also for art and illustration, an equally important aspect of children’s books. The best gifts for children are those that are enduring and inspiring, a book can be both of these. For gifts I would choose hardbacks and classic books that are suitable for a wide enough age-range that the child will enjoy the gift for years to come.

I have listed some books which I think make ideal gifts for children. More to come at a later date!

The Complete Alice: Slipcased Gift Set – The two books in this boxed set are classics and will make a very special gift for a child of any age. The illustrations are beautifully executed and will be appreciated by both adults and children.

The Classic Treasury of Aesop’s Fables – This is a beautifully-illustrated book that will enchant and delight. A lovely gift for children of all ages.

Hairy Maclary from Donaldson’s Dairy (Book & CD) – A rhyming book (great for developing language skills) which has some fantastic animal characters including “Noodle the Poodle” and “The Poppadum kittens from Parkinson Place”. A wonderful read!

No related posts.