Children

There are very few counting books that will prompt little ones to anxiously turn the pages. Barnett, however, has created a counting book that even made me curious on every page – and laughing out loud at the end. A wonderful book for parents to read aloud to their preschoolers.

From the author of Sarah, Plain and Tall comes a beautiful story of a baby left on a doorstep in a basket and loved by an amazing family. Have they made a movie about this yet? They should!

Clever tale of a cave boy so addicted to his technology that he never comes out of his cave.

Beautifully written and illustrated story celebrating “the wonder of reading.”

With terrific illustrations by Lauren Castillo, this book will ring true with any parent frustrated with what seems to be a nightly ritual in my household – how long children can stay up past their bedtimes.

Ever feel slow? Tad, the Turtle, thinks his shell is slowing him down, so he sets out on a quest to become fast in this great story for children.

Like casting a movie with a couple of Academy Award winners, this great winter book matches the writing talents of Newbery-Award winner Rylant and the illustrations of Caldecott honoree Christian Robinson for a perfect read-aloud under the covers on a cold night.

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.