Children

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.

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.