Children

When a boy is faced with choosing only one instrument to play, it's a daunting task, especially in a shop where there are 88 instruments to choose from. Smart and humorous tale about a child choosing his first instrument. The onomatopoeic text and beautiful watercolors by illustrator Louis Thomas make this a terrific read aloud.

A hilarious take on helping others and self awareness with great illustrations by Liz Climo.

It never ceases to amaze me how many truly extraordinary people can be found among us. The true story of Dashrath Manjhi, this book chronicles his 22 years of persistence, carving a road through a mountain between two villages. Using nothing but a hammer and a chisel, he devoted his life to making medical care, clean water, and schools more accessible to his home village in India. So inspiring, and I love Danny Popovici’s illustrations!

I’m a sucker for children picture book biographies of famous people, and Leonard fills this gem with lovely illustrations and prose about a boy who was fascinated with patterns and melodies that grew up to be one of the greatest composers in history.

Charming collection of poems dedicated to a love of books and reading, to be read and re-read regularly. Includes terrific illustrations by Kyle M. Stone.

A young girl sets sail across a sea of words. She meets a small boy and whisks him away on an adventure of a lifetime. Beautifully illustrated, this book is sure to be a treasured read aloud among all parents and children alike.

Birt and Etho are best friends. Together they play outside in big cardboard boxes. Sometimes they're kings, soldiers, astronauts. Sometimes they're pirates sailing wild seas and skies. But always, always they're Big friends. Then one day a new boy arrives, and he wants to join them. Can two become three?

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.