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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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I Spy: An Alphabet in Art

I Spy: An Alphabet in Art

By Lucy Micklethwait 64 pages Children

Danny Says

You have to be impressed that I managed to spell the author’s last name correctly, yes? If you have little ones who are learning the alphabet, this is the perfect book to peak their curiosity (heck – the author’s last name will teach them half the alphabet). I have teacher Sophie Donnelly to thank for this book find.
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The Story of Clocks and Calendars

The Story of Clocks and Calendars

By Betsy Maestro 48 pages Children

Danny Says

Betsy and her husband, Giulio (who illustrates all of her books), have written a ton of these wonderful nonfiction books that children all over the place look at to find useful information not covered in depth by most encyclopedias. I always had sets of this series in my classrooms.
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Alice the Fairy

Alice the Fairy

By David Shannon 40 pages Children

Danny Says

David Shannon is probably best known for his wonderful No! David. I enjoyed this book a great deal, too, as it deals with a little girl’s wonderful imagination (i.e. her magic wand that allows her to darken a room: a light switch). Very entertaining for young children.
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Amelia Bedelia Helps Out

Amelia Bedelia Helps Out

By Peggy Parish 64 pages Children

Danny Says

This is the first in a series of wonderful, popular episodes in the life of a maid who takes her directions quite literally. It is kind of like Seinfeld for kids.
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Piggie Pie!

Piggie Pie!

By Margie Palatini 32 pages Children

Danny Says

I cannot believe it took me this long to include this wonderful book on the list. When a witch gets a craving for some pigs, the barnyard pigs disguise themselves as other barnyard animals to hilarious effect. I think adults may laugh even more than children at this one. Great book!
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The Princess Knight

The Princess Knight

By Cornelia Funke 32 pages Children

Danny Says

The wonderful parable of a brave-hearted maiden who refuses to be married off to “some dimwit in a tin suit.” Kids will love this different take on the traditional fairy tale of a damsel in waiting.
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Commander Toad and the Dis-asteroid

Commander Toad and the Dis-asteroid

By Jane Yolen 64 pages Children

Danny Says

Commander Toad and his spaceship Star Warts answer a mysterious call for help from a flooded asteroid. One of a series of fun picture adventures about the lovable Commander Toad.
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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.
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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.”
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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