Children

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.

Your children will become transfixed by Cathy Quiel’s beautiful illustrations of butterflies as you read them Calder’s wonderful and informative book about Monarch butterflies.

Featuring terrific illustrations by R.G. Roth, this delightful book teaches children all about different jazz musicians. Kids get to count up to nine (starting with Louis Armstrong at one) to the beat of “This Old Man.” A wonderful read-aloud for early elementary school teachers and students.

Like Snoopy and Woodstock, Rocket and his little yellow bird teacher will win over kids and parents alike. What a wonderful story about piquing interest in reluctant readers about the wonders of reading.

It seems to be rather apparent…for children who are frequently errant - that in order to read…all that they need…is direction from a literate parent. I may be no Shel Silverstein, but I owe a lot of my love for reading to him. His books are essential in every library.

No, it’s not about the Beatles (that would be called “John, Paul, George & the drummer guy”). The Caldecott-winning illustrator of Jon Scieszka’s popular books like The Stinky Cheese Man and Math Curse has written his own clever and informative tale of some of our nation’s founding fathers. This book is sure to make you laugh, and you might even learn a thing or two.

Maybe it’s because I have been listening to a lot of jazz on my plane rides, but I cannot get enough of good jazz stories lately. This is another beautifully illustrated book by Sean Qualls chronicling the extraordinary life of one of the most important musicians of the 20th century, Dizzy Gillespie.

Thanksgiving is always the fourth Thursday in November, and most of us view it as a chance to gorge ourselves with friends, family and – in some cases – strangers. Parr’s simple picture book helps readers focus on what the holiday is truly about: giving thanks for all of our blessings.

This autobiographical yarn by one of my favorite children’s authors makes a perfect read aloud for upper elementary students – particularly mischievous young men.

So what if I am fascinated by penguins? Kids love them, and they make me giggle. I enjoy this book because it blends my fascination with travel and adoration for penguins. Kids love Webb’s delightful illustrations, and I enjoyed her anecdotes about how she had to add alcohol to her paints to avoid them from tuning to slush on paper. The book makes me want to visit Antarctica.

A sweet story appropriate for parents preparing little ones who are off to school for the first time. This is pure saccharin with adorable raccoon illustrations by Ruth E. Harper and Nancy M. Leak. I must admit, though, that one of the motivating forces for me to get this book were the free stickers inside!

Banyai is a master of creating wordless picture books that will attract the curiosities and imaginations of all ages.

A little goose wants to be different than all the other geese, so she imagines becoming an array of different animals. When she tries to roar like a lion, she offends the lion and scurries back to her flock. She learns that it is not so bad to be part of a group, and she maintains her own unique qualities (her Rroarrhonk sound). Little kids love participating in this silly, interactive read aloud.

If you think you have problems, my advice is to read this book about Alexander’s crises.

Judy Cox has created a wonderful series of wordplay books featuring the silly Mrs. Millie, whose students always have to correct her gaffes, from looking for orange “pumas” (instead of pumpkins) to carving “gecko’”-lanterns (instead of jack-o’-lanterns). Great book for involving students in the story.