Children

Subtitled Everyday Disasters and Impending Doom, this wonderful book for tweens includes lots of illustrations and laughs and some sound advice for your middle schoolers.

As silly as this book may seem, it offers a wonderful message about the potential that is inside all of us. A grumpy fish realizes that the characteristics that make him negative are the same elements that allow him to spread cheer with others. A nice book that includes great illustrations by Dan Hanna.

I had to include at least one funny Thanksgiving book, yes? Lots of repetition and laughs makes this a great read aloud.

I need to confess that I am a lazy reader. Interested in learning more about the great showman P.T. Barnum, I skipped the 500+ page adult biographies in favor of this beautiful, fun, heavily-illustrated and simply-written portrait of a man who turns out to be much more than what I had perceived. Fabulous reading.

With fun illustrations by Deborah Zemke, this delightful collection of barnyard limericks will have your little ones giggling and insisting to recite passages from their favorite animals. Terrific read aloud.

Hilarious for both kids and the adults reading this terrific tale of a grumpy bear who accidentally “hatches” the eggs he is cooking for dinner and finds himself stuck with four goslings that follow him everywhere. One of the most satisfying books I’ve read this year.

Excellent read aloud for middle grade students to reflect on the events of 9/11.

A friend pointed out that I had not yet included any book picks from Chris Van Allsburg. I figured Van Allsburg did not need my help, as The Polar Express has sold a zillion copies. Everyone needs to be familiar with Van Allsburg’s work, though, as he is one of the most important children’s book authors and illustrators working today. I love this book about the misadventures of two mischievous ants. It is one of my favorite books to read aloud to kids.

I don’t know how I missed this wonderfully charming bedtime story, but this is a must-purchase. When the king’s kiss misses the prince’s cheek, the knight is sent to retrieve it. Original story, wonderful illustrations and a nice message about a busy family’s love for one another. I couldn’t ask for more in a book.

Broach’s Masterpiece is a wonderful book but a little too difficult for younger elementary students to read. This companion for younger readers will spark an interest that will get your little ones excited to listen to you read aloud the original.

The beautiful story about a poor Appalachian girl who proudly wears a coat made from the rags of her neighbors, only to find herself ridiculed by her classmates. Touching and uplifting, and a good lesson.

The perfect book for students returning to school in need for clever ideas to enliven their summer vacation adventures. Tons of fun.

I thought I’d throw in at least one funny kids’ book.  This hilarious retelling of the three little pigs, as explained from the wolf’s point of view, is sure to make you laugh.  Like he says, poor wolf just had a horrible case of the sneezes one day.

Just in time for Easter, this beautifully-illustrated and wonderfully-told tale of a forgotten toy bunny ranks among my favorite stories written by Wilhelm, who has one of my favorite websites, www.hanswilhelm.com. Go to the website and check-out the “Story Time” area, which boasts FREE downloadable FULL-TEXT and PICTURES of Wilhelm’s out-of-print books.

This book has always been one of my favorites for interactive read-alouds with children, as there is so much repetition and fun motions that go along with this story. A must-have for every library.