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Pigs Will Be Pigs

Pigs Will Be Pigs

By Amy Axelrod 40 pages Children

Danny Says

All you really need to know about this book is that a family of pigs hunts around every nook and cranny in their house to find spare change to pay for their evening meal at the Enchanted Enchilada.  I tell you – children’s authors have delightful imaginations.
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Salt in His Shoes

Salt in His Shoes

By Deloris Jordan,Roslyn M. Jordan 32 pages Children

Danny Says

Michael Jordan was once a kid who faced the same challenges that many kids face.  I love this book because it shows children that with commitment and perseverance, anyone can accomplish anything.
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The Greedy Triangle

The Greedy Triangle

By Marilyn Burns 32 pages Children

Danny Says

Too often kids who are good at math are turned off from reading, so here is a funny way to entice mathematicians to read.  A great introduction to geometry.
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You Have to Write

You Have to Write

By Janet S. Wong 40 pages Children

Danny Says

Teacher Sophie Donnelly referred me to this book that all teachers and parents should use in prompting their children to find their creative voices through writing.  Many college English professors could probably use this, too (unfortunately).
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The Man Who Walked Between the Towers

The Man Who Walked Between the Towers

By Mordicai Gerstein 40 pages Children

Danny Says

On August 7, 1974, French daredevil Philippe Petit, then 24, performed an astonishing high-wire act on a cable that he and his accomplices had rigged between the north and south towers of the World Trade Center.  He talks about the feat in his 240-page autobiographical account, To Reach the Clouds: My High Wire Walk Between the Twin Towers.  Gerstein’s shorter 2004 Caldecott Medal-winning story memorializes the twin towers and inspires children with one man’s crazy yet romantic stunt.  A positive and triumphant story to read this 9/11.
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Winners Never Quit!

Winners Never Quit!

By Mia Hamm 32 pages Children

Danny Says

Bet you didn’t know that the greatest star in women’s soccer wrote a compelling kids’ book, did you?  This is a great book to show children the value of setting and pursuing goals, as well as the importance of learning teamwork and trying your hardest.  Mia’s transparent autobiography is a great tale for kids who need to learn a little more patience and a little less pouting.
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Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon

Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon

By Patty Lovell 32 pages Children

Danny Says

I guess I must just face the fact that this month’s list is geared towards female readers (send requests, gentlemen).  I have read this touching tale to kindergartners, and they love the illustrations and story of this odd-looking little girl who never lets anything or anyone bring her down.  This is a great story for children who lack self confidence (e.g. most children).
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Shrinking Violet

Shrinking Violet

By Cari Best 40 pages Children

Danny Says

Have you ever wanted to see the shy kid beat the class bully?  This book is satisfying to all ages and genders and a good lesson in treating people kindly.
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What Presidents Are Made Of

What Presidents Are Made Of

By Hanoch Piven 40 pages Children

Danny Says

I want you all to remember to vote on Nov. 2nd.  I figured that since most folks have only an elementary understanding of our political system (including some candidates), it would be fitting to include a few children’s books that enlighten us on the Presidency.  I like the pictures and simplicity of this book, which profiles 17 Presidents.
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America Votes

America Votes

By Linda Granfield 64 pages Children

Danny Says

Separated into two-page chapters, this book does a superb job of explaining various election processes.  It also serves some delicious Cliff Clavin facts, like why political parties have the animal mascots they have and what foods are associated with specific Presidents. 
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Presidential Elections and Other Cool Facts

Presidential Elections and Other Cool Facts

By Syl Sobel 48 pages Children

Danny Says

Another wonderful resource to make the election process understandable to students (and Floridians).
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The Scrambled States of America Talent Show

The Scrambled States of America Talent Show

By Laurie Keller 40 pages Children

Danny Says

Tired of what’s a “red” state and what’s a “blue” state?  Here is a great way to make American geography fun for kids, and the states are multiple colors, just like this country.
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The Shrinking of Treehorn

The Shrinking of Treehorn

By Florence Parry Heide 64 pages Children

Danny Says

Ever felt ignored?  While Treehorn tries to convince adults that he is shrinking, they shrug their shoulders as if the boy had told them there was a monster in his closet.  All the while Treehorn shrinks, and the illustrations by Edward Gorey are delightful in his demented style (he illustrated the macabre drawings at the beginning of the wonderful “Mystery” series on PBS).
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Peter and the Wolf

Peter and the Wolf

By Sergei Prokofiev 40 pages Children

Danny Says

I saw this modern adaptation at the library and could not resist.  I am not sure I love the book, but I love Prokofiev’s wonderful tale.  I always love to hear this extraordinary piece of music at this time of year.  If you want kids to enjoy a truly wonderful explanation, however, I’d direct them to the audio version provided by Sir Alec Guinness over 40 years ago.
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Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!

Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!

By Mo Willems 40 pages Children

Danny Says

I am sorry that I did not include this pick a lot sooner (I thought I had).  My good friend Marva Cappello sent this book to my daughter Kate soon after she was born, and this book is a favorite in my family.  It is simple and hilarious, as a bus driver leaves the reader with the responsibility of watching his bus and making sure that mischievous pigeon doesn’t drive away in it.  Turn off the nightly news and read this book to a loved one.  I guarantee you’ll smile.
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