Children

I thought I would include some poetry books on this month’s list. I call this book “a poem with attitude.” I LOVE the illustrations, and I think this is a cool poem to show students how to let their own voices enter their poems.

Are you kidding me? I’ve never included a Walter Wick book on my lists? Yup, even I overlook masters, as Walter Wick’s books deserve a place in everybody’s libraries. His illustrations are to die for, and his books captivate all ages. He is truly one of my favorite children’s authors, and he is a blessing to any parent or teacher of a reluctant boy reader. This is a good one for Halloween.

Adults fans of Breathed’s Bloom County comic strip will enjoy reading aloud this funny tale about the penguin Opus that also strikes a sweet chord.

While on the subject of cats and in the poetry genre, I thought I’d include this classic read aloud. One of my favorite repetitions ever (I think the book was written in the 20s): “hundreds of cats, thousands of cats, millions and billions and trillions of cats.” That line of poetry has stuck with me forever.

Before he hibernates for the winter, Bear is urged to stay awake by his buddies in time for Christmas morning. With beautiful illustrations by Jane Chapman, this nice story is sure to captivate your little ones before bedtime.

How I have failed to include this book on a prior recommendation list is beyond me, as I have been reading this book aloud to audiences of children, teenagers and adults for years. McPhail is a treasure, and teachers can find the full text of this book (with pictures on the PBS Kids website.

Occasionally, I like to include a classic that every parent, grandparent, guardian or teacher needs to read to children. This wonderful story of Rat, Moley and Mr. Toad is one of my favorite read alouds of all time and a perfect story for a lazy summer day.

Another in Reagan’s How to series with illustrator Lee Wildish, this book is sure to bring lots of holiday cheer. FYI – I enjoy funny books!

Like stories about the underdog who wins? Like books that rhyme? Like beautiful illustrations? Here is the perfect quick read for you. This book can be sung, and Gerald the giraffe reminds just about everyone who reads it of a jungle version of Rudolph the Red-Nose Reindeer.

High Noon for kids, only except retiring sheriff Gary Cooper, this story features retiring dog sheriff Bart. Probably one of my favorite read alouds to kids over the past couple of months.

A funny tale of President Taft seeking the source of a heavenly aroma as he gets off the train in a small town. Makes you hungry reading it.

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.

A great introduction into the good and bad of America: baseball and segregation. Great photos and anecdotes.

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.

A nice look at the grand U.S. of A.