Children

The best children's stories captivate the imagination while capturing the soul, and that is why your children will adore Big Shaggy Max. Tanenbaum and Zaslow have created a story that is sure to stimulate plenty of meaningful classroom and bedroom discussions about the importance of community and how even little kids can do BIG things!

Wonderful graphic novel for young readers by the dependable Telgemeier.

The Number Three is having an identity crisis-there are so many other things he could do with his life; why stop at being just a number? He tries a variety of things, but after awhile, Number Three starts to realize that what he enjoys most is the job no one else can do: being the Number Three in this clever book perfect for attracting young mathematicians to read more.

In the land of lines, anything is possible: the connection between a boy and a girl from different worlds, the potential for self-discovery, and the vanquishing of a monster. While exploring mysterious terrain, the characters cascade down geometric cliffs and mountains, navigating the unknown and finding their potential in this engaging wordless graphic novel.

Sadie’s town of Fortune Falls is as superstitious as can be, and students at age 13 are tested for their luck. The Luckies get to go to Flourish Academy, while the Unluckies are sent to Bane’s School for Luckless Adolescents. So after an unlucky streak, Sadie is a bit apprehensive of her upcoming 13^th birthday in this witty tale with a clever, satisfying twist at the end.

Ever watch the excellent PBS show Mystery? Ciardi drew the opening credits to that show, and his funny, macabre drawings punctuate a collection of fun poems to read with your kids.

Has everything I look for in a children’s picture book: great illustrations, funny writing and a heartwarming message.

The Stratford Zoo looks like a normal zoo…until the gates shut at night. That’s when the animals come out of their cages to stage elaborate performances of Shakespeare's greatest works. I’m a huge fan of Ian Lendler’s books, and I guarantee you’ll get out of this hilarious tale of after-hours animal stagecraft. Includes great illustrations by Zack Giallongo.

In a day and age when many people have lost their manners, I believe it is critical that we teach one another the power of kindness. This simple book is filled with all sorts of ideas on how to show gratitude. A good reminder for adults!

Four friends creep through the woods and spot an exquisite bird high in a tree. When they stealthily make their advance – nets in the air – hilarity ensues.

When a large family of ferrets and their precocious baby take a chaotic trip to the supermarket, mom can't keep track of the groceries, the shopping cart or even the kids! Baby Edwin tries to help, but everyone thinks he's just babbling. Little do they know that he really has all the answers. Engaging read-aloud with great illustrations by Sophie Blackall.

Amazing true story of a 1930s family that fielded an entire baseball team – of their own kids! Great read to excite kids about the new baseball season.

When a gust of wind swoops George and his nest out of the tree and onto the roof of a car, George is off whether he likes it or not! With his mom following along chirping encouragement, George must gain the confidence to fly before his nest blows away entirely. This charming picture book gently nudges little fledglings everywhere to try out their wings.

To those who cannot understand subtlety, I have included a lot of titles this month that remind us – ALL of us – of the importance of treating others with kindness. In a day and age when everyone likes to blame others and never accept responsibility, I think it is critical that each of us look in the mirror and figure out how we can make things better by our treatment of others. Let’s start our own bug…not the flu, the “kindness” bug.

Reynolds is very successful and doesn’t need me promoting his work, but I am including this book for three reasons: (1) I love everything Peter Reynolds writes and illustrates; (2) kids deserve a nice story about the value of vocabulary and (3) everyone could heed the book’s message of the importance of kindness.