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The Easter Egg

The Easter Egg

By Jan Brett 32 pages Children

Danny Says

Sometimes I take it for granted that everybody knows who the greatest children’s authors are. I was terrified to discover a friend recently who had never heard of Jan Brett. Blasphemy! Her book The Mitten is a favorite of my own children, and I figured I’d be timely and include The Easter Egg just in time for a certain holiday.
The Circus Ship

The Circus Ship

By Chris Van Dusen 40 pages Children

Danny Says

What a treat! The local residents of an island in Maine are not too pleased when the animals of a wrecked circus ship scatter about – until a tiger saves a baby. Then it is the residents who disguise their new friends so the circus owner cannot take them away. Funny and heartwarming.
Down, Down, Down: A Journey to the Bottom of the Sea

Down, Down, Down: A Journey to the Bottom of the Sea

By Steve Jenkins 40 pages Children

Danny Says

Let’s put it this way: if you are a teacher or parent of young children, I suggest you feed your kids, clothe them and buy them books by Steve Jenkins. He is one of the greatest children’s authors out there, as his books inspire kids to ask all sorts of questions, and his illustrations are simply beautiful. I’ll add this book to my growing list of essentials by Jenkins: Actual Size, I See a Kookaburra, etc.
Chalk

Chalk

By Bill Thomson 40 pages Children

Danny Says

When three friends find a bag of chalk on a playground, they quickly learn that whatever they draw becomes reality, for better or worse. An amazing wordless picture book that my own children love.
Stranger in the Woods

Stranger in the Woods

By Carl R. Sams & Jean Stoick 48 pages Children

Danny Says

Lovely book of actual photos of animals in the woods investigating the appearance of a snowman. Absolutely sensational. I want this book in every classroom.
One

One

By Kathryn Otoshi 32 pages Children

Danny Says

I have my friend Annette Alpern to thank for this simple yet moving book about how all it takes is one brave soul to stand up to bullying. I use this book with business executives interested in team-building. Great for teaching preschoolers colors and numbers, as well.
Joha Makes A Wish: A Middle Eastern Tale

Joha Makes A Wish: A Middle Eastern Tale

By Eric A. Kimmel 40 pages Children

Danny Says

Kimmel’s adaptation of a classic Middle Eastern tale of a man who finds a magic stick, only to deal with one curse after another, is sure to entertain young readers. Omar Rayyan’s illustrations are magnificent, as my own children giggle at his beautiful illustration of the donkey that poor Joha winds up carrying on his back to Baghdad. Wonderful come-uppance at the end to the greedy Sultan makes this a favorite.
Library Lion

Library Lion

By Michelle Knudsen 48 pages Children

Danny Says

This is a MUST purchase. I love any books that promote libraries, and I cherish touching books about friendship. This book delivers both, as one library’s patrons come to love a lion who treasures the library. My favorite part is when the resentful Mr. McBee seeks out the lion to cheer up head librarian/rule aficionado Miss Merriweather. Beautiful illustrations, courtesy of Kevin Hawkes. 
Animal Fair (Board Buddies)

Animal Fair (Board Buddies)

By Ponder Goembel 24 pages Children

Danny Says

This book has touched my heart, as my son Sean sings the song lyrics that accompany Goembel’s magnificent illustrations. This is the first book Sean has “mastered” on his own, and I love watching him and my daughter Kate compete to see who can read the song first. 
Owen & Mzee: The True Story of a Remarkable Friendship

Owen & Mzee: The True Story of a Remarkable Friendship

By Isabella Hatkoff,Craig Hatkoff,Paula Kahumbu 40 pages Children

Danny Says

I have listed Greste as the author, as his photos of a baby hippo and adoptive mother tortoise are the true stars of this amazing story publicized following the Indonesian tsunami in 2004. I have been recommending this book to audiences for years and never realized I had not listed it among my lazyreaders.com recommendations. Make sure to check this one out (along with Jeanette Winter’s Baby).
Show Way

Show Way

By Jacqueline Woodson 48 pages Children

Danny Says

Woodson is a rock star who does not need me to promote her books. I cannot resist recommending this one, though. It is a great book to introduce to students when teaching them the importance of writing their personal family stories. Woodson is one of the most gifted storytellers of our time, and I thank goodness I get to expose her works to my students. She has inspired a lot of my young writers. By the way – Hudson Talbott’s illustrations are phenomenal.
Not a Stick

Not a Stick

By Antoinette Portis 32 pages Children

Danny Says

Portis has developed a delightful Not a… series of books with simple illustrations that inspire children to use their imaginations. Great motivation for young writers and illustrators.
Some Kind Of Love

Some Kind Of Love

By Traci Dant 34 pages Children

Danny Says

Dant touches me with this book of poems about the members of her family. Absolutely beautiful illustrations by Eric Velasquez. This is the kind of book I buy multiple copies of for students, as it emphasizes love and kindness.
Monster Speller (Monster and Me)

Monster Speller (Monster and Me)

By Robert Marsh 40 pages Children

Danny Says

With fun illustrations courtesy of Tom Percival, this graphic novel series is a hit with the young boys for its style, humor and easy-to-read format.
Home on the Range (Down Girl and Sit Series)

Home on the Range (Down Girl and Sit Series)

By Lucy A. Nolan 64 pages Children

Danny Says

I think I am on an illustrator kick this month, as I selected this month’s children’s books for the illustrations just as much as the stories. Mike Reed’s pictures remind me of Quentin Blake’s work for my favorite Roald Dahl books. Third graders enjoy the short chapters and sometimes longer (more challenging) sentences in this fun tale about the experiences of two dogs (Down Girl and Sit, respectively) as they visit a ranch.

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