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Children

Katie's Trunk

Katie's Trunk

By Ann Turner 32 pages Children

Danny Says

This is a very cool book! Set in the Revolutionary War, the story shows the struggles of a family loyal to England. Important for students to see that there are always good and bad people on each side of an issue.
The Story of Babar

The Story of Babar

By Jean De Brunhoff 56 pages Children

Danny Says

Ah – this one is a trip down memory lane, as I loved the friendly elephant Babar as a child. A must read for parents, as the entire series of Babar books deal with pretty deep issues in a very simple, powerful and tasteful way. The next time you decide to gripe about the French, I remind you that they gave us two of our greatest children’s characters, Babar the elephant and a little curious monkey named George, not to mention the best-selling fiction book of the 20th century about a “little prince.”
Insectlopedia

Insectlopedia

By Douglas Florian 48 pages Children

Danny Says

Beautifully illustrated book of poetry that blends humor with science. A good book to read with a child before going out for a nature walk. This is the type of book that should be required in schools, as it is absolutely wonderful. Grab a copy and see what I mean.
The Story Of A Seagull And The Cat Who Taught Her To Fly

The Story Of A Seagull And The Cat Who Taught Her To Fly

By Luis Sepulveda 128 pages Children

Danny Says

Why wouldn’t I include a book on this list with a title like that? Heartwarming and hilarious, a fat black cat named Zorba learns the value of caring for others in this magnificent story.
The Upside Down Boy / El niño de cabeza

The Upside Down Boy / El niño de cabeza

By Juan Felipe Herrera 32 pages Children

Danny Says

I’ve always said that books that are written in English and Spanish are worth their weights in gold. I’ll go even farther on this book and say that everyone should buy this book. Juanito feels like his word is upside down (de cabeza) when he enters a new school, and he worries that is tongue will turn into a rock (and it does). The author writes a touching memoir of his experiences as a second language learner entering an English-only third grade classroom. A good book for building empathy.
Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel

Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel

By Virginia Lee Burton 48 pages Children

Danny Says

The classic story (it’s over 65 years old) of a dynamic duo that battles to prove their worth, even when they find themselves outdated. A wonderful story about friendship that generation after generation adores.
If You Give a Pig a Party

If You Give a Pig a Party

By Laura Numeroff 32 pages Children

Danny Says

Oops. What else can I say? Laura is an active member of the board of directors of BookEnds, the literacy charity this site benefits, and I have never mentioned one of her books on a list. That is a huge oversight, as Laura’s If You Give a… series is a phenomenon. My preschoolers used to adore If You Give a Mouse a Cookie. As an apology, I am promoting her latest book before it reaches stores in early September. Order your copy now! You’ll love any of her books.
A Treasure's Trove

A Treasure's Trove

By Michael Stadther 102 pages Children

Danny Says

I was alerted to this book while watching an excellent profile piece on CBS Sunday Morning (email me if you’d like a transcript of the piece). Even though the treasure (12 pieces of jewelry hidden at state parks throughout America) has already been found, the real treasure is sitting with your child and enjoying this simple yet lovely story.
Storm in the Night

Storm in the Night

By Mary Stolz 32 pages Children

Danny Says

Beautifully illustrated tale of a grandfather talking about his days as a boy scared of thunderstorms, as he and his grandson wait out a power outage. Good book for teaching elements of figurative language.
Let's Go Home, Little Bear

Let's Go Home, Little Bear

By Martin Waddell 32 pages Children

Danny Says

A simple story best reserved for little children, I enjoyed the book because little bear’s constant curiosity at the everyday items adults overlook reminded me of my own young daughter, Kate.
Comes a Wind

Comes a Wind

By Linda Arms White 32 pages Children

Danny Says

I love funny tall tales, and this one does not disappoint. Two brothers who constantly search for he upper hand with one another are forced to work together when the mightiest wind they have ever seen blows their dear old mother on top of the barn. Reminded me of why I used o love the Pecos Bill stories so much.
Hurricane

Hurricane

By David Wiesner 32 pages Children

Danny Says

This recommendation is for my friends, Cindy and Eric, to read to their young son while you wait to go back to your home in New Orleans. In the face of disaster, children have a remarkable ability to allow their imaginations to replace horrific realities. I hope this book offers the three of you a way to take the positives away from the storm. The most important thing is that the three of you are safe, and America loves you and cares about your welfare. J
Hurricanes

Hurricanes

By Seymour Simon 32 pages Children

Danny Says

Seymour Simon is one of my favorite non-fiction writers for children. This book, like all of Simon’s books, does a remarkable job of spelling out the significance of the power behind hurricanes. I’d recommend that government officials pick up a copy.
The Empty Pot

The Empty Pot

By Demi 32 pages Children

Danny Says

A wonderful folktale about Ping, a young boy with a green thumb who is overjoyed when he learns about the emperor’s gardening contest. Unfortunately, despite all of his loving efforts, Ping’s seed will not grow, and he must show the emperor and empty pot. I won’t give away the twist, but I will say that you should check out this book, which also boasts gorgeous illustrations.
Bridges Are To Cross

Bridges Are To Cross

By Philemon Sturges Children

Danny Says

Teachers are always asking me how to get students interested in non-fiction. With cool pictures, of course! Not only is this a beautifully illustrated book. It also interests students in the variety of bridges that exist throughout the world.

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