logo

Children

Once Upon a Time, the End (Asleep in 60 Seconds)

Once Upon a Time, the End (Asleep in 60 Seconds)

By Geoffrey Kloske 40 pages Children

Danny Says

Every father will be able to relate to this book, as a dad recites his own 60-second versions of bedtime stories so that his child will get to sleep (e.g. Goldilocks and the Two Bears). Unfortunately, kids do not always cooperate, so dad has to tell a lot of quick tales. The results are hilarious.
Buy on Amazon
Junie B., First Grader: Jingle Bells, Batman Smells! (P.S. So Does May)

Junie B., First Grader: Jingle Bells, Batman Smells! (P.S. So Does May)

By Barbara Park 128 pages Children

Danny Says

If you have not read any of the Junie B. Jones books, you are in for a treat. I hear all sorts of stuffy shirts gripe about Junie’s poor grammar. Whatever! Barbara Park should be commended for getting a lot of kids interested in reading with one of today’s most delightful characters…and this recommendation works perfectly for the holidays.
Buy on Amazon
Manga Claus: The Blade of Kringle

Manga Claus: The Blade of Kringle

By Nathaniel Marunas 80 pages Children

Danny Says

Beneath the title of this hilarious book are the words: honor, loyalty, tinsel. That sold me on the book, and it did not disappoint. More and more kids are fascinated with manga, graphic novels that read like bound comic books. Your child will delight in this funny tale about Kris Kringle battling a disgruntled elf. 
Buy on Amazon
The Amazing Ghost Detectives

The Amazing Ghost Detectives

By Daniel San Souci 40 pages Children

Danny Says

Yet another great book in San Souci’s “Clubhouse Series.” Wonderfully illustrated, perfectly silly and just the right touch of ghosts to keep kids at the edges of their seats (but not too scared). I use this book and the others in the series to get my students excited about writing, as San Souci is one of those rare authors who includes interesting tidbits about his own childhood in his backflap biography. Great for showing students that their experiences can be made into wonderful books.
Buy on Amazon
No Bigger than My Teddy Bear

No Bigger than My Teddy Bear

By Valerie Pankow 32 pages Children

Danny Says

My daughter was born two months prematurely, and my wife and I were fortunate that we were at Torrance Memorial Hospital in Torrance, CA (which, we accidentally discovered, has one of the best NICUs anywhere). I wish someone had given me a copy of this wonderful book back then, as it is a perfect gift for anyone panicking over the premature birth of a child. I’d also use it with siblings who are anxious about “newcomers” to the family. 
Buy on Amazon
The 39 Apartments of Ludwig Van Beethoven

The 39 Apartments of Ludwig Van Beethoven

By Jonah Winter 40 pages Children

Danny Says

I selected this book not for its biographical value (as some of the facts are questionable), but because I have become a huge fan of the book’s illustrator, Barry Blitt. The illustrations are marvelous and sure to provoke wide laughs and speculations among young children. In that respect, that makes this book a perfect story to entice children to write their own versions of Beethoven’s life (and stimulate their interest in Beethoven).
Buy on Amazon
Nacho And Lolita

Nacho And Lolita

By Pam Munoz Ryan 40 pages Children

Danny Says

I have a crush on Pam Munoz Ryan, as she is one of my favorite authors and a delightful speaker. She may be best known for her young adult book Esperanza Rising, but this is probably my favorite of her works. It stems from a Mexican folktale her grandmother used to tell her about a pitacoche bird (beautiful for its multicolored feathers) that falls in love with a much smaller swallow. Lovely and heartwarming, I rate this up there with Robert Munsch’s Love You Forever among my favorite read-alouds. 
Buy on Amazon
A Horse Called Starfire

A Horse Called Starfire

By Betty D. Boegehold 48 pages Children

Danny Says

Beginning readers will enjoy this story of a little Native American boy who encounters a horse (set free by a Spanish explorer) for the first time. This book has a mystical quality to it.
Buy on Amazon
Groundhog Stays Up Late

Groundhog Stays Up Late

By Margery Cuyler 32 pages Children

Danny Says

A teacher asked me for a fun book to read aloud to her kindergartners for Groundhog’s Day (Feb. 2nd), and I suggested this amusing tale I recently discovered about a groundhog who tricks his forest friends into believing Spring has arrived, so he can stay out late and play with his friends. They are not amused when they learn that winter is still here. Silly, with wonderful illustrations by Jean Cassels.
Buy on Amazon
D.W.'s Guide to Preschool

D.W.'s Guide to Preschool

By Marc Brown 32 pages pages Children

Danny Says

Marc Brown is one of my favorite children’s authors, and his series of Arthur books are a treasure. Whenever I conduct trainings and concerned parents and teachers ask me about the downside of television, I always point to the PBS version of Arthur as not only a great show for kids, but one of the funniest shows on television. I read the books and watch the show with my kids all the time (there is a great book about D.W. being a picky eater, which I read to my daughter at least once a day – especially since she is a picky eater). Reading Marc Brown’s books will make you a happier and healthier human being.
Buy on Amazon
Meet Mr. and Mrs. Green

Meet Mr. and Mrs. Green

By Keith Baker 72 pages Children

Danny Says

I recently met Keith at the Oregon Reading Association’s annual conference, and Keith had an entire room (including me) bending over in laughter every time he shared a letter from a child fan. He is a terrific illustrator, and besides purchasing his books you should book Keith to speak at your school. His descriptions of the illustration process are fascinating and a great inspiration to aspiring young artists.
Buy on Amazon
Ox-Cart Man

Ox-Cart Man

By Donald Hall 40 pages Children

Danny Says

Wonderful in its simplicity, this book is a must for teachers, as it does a wonderful job of illustrating seasons and the process of growing goods, harvesting them, selling them and restarting the process. Oh, and it won this little award called the Caldecott Medal.
Buy on Amazon
A Million Dots

A Million Dots

By Andrew Clements 48 pages Children

Danny Says

I love books that bring math to life for students, as many of my reluctant readers enjoy math. Clements does a superb (and, often, humorous) job of bringing to life the concept of a “million” for students. A terrific picture book for teaching math!
Buy on Amazon
Woody Guthrie: Poet of the People

Woody Guthrie: Poet of the People

By Bonnie Christensen 32 pages Children

Danny Says

One of my favorite songs ever is “This Land Is Your Land,” and when I saw a children’s book about the song’s writer, I had to grab it. This is a wonderful introduction for children into the life and music of an American original, Woody Guthrie.
Buy on Amazon
Henry Builds a Cabin

Henry Builds a Cabin

By D.B. Johnson 32 pages Children

Danny Says

The second in a series of picture books based on the experiences of Henry David Thoreau, this book is just as engaging for adults as for children. Children are rewarded with an engaging story about a historical character, while adults are reminded of the rewards of simple living. I recommend the entire series.
Buy on Amazon

Explore

Act

About

Connect With Us

Join Now