Children

Michael Jordan was once a kid who faced the same challenges that many kids face. I love this book because it shows children that with commitment and perseverance, anyone can accomplish anything.

This is what I call a “golden book,” because it is written in two languages, Spanish and English. Spanish speakers around the world are familiar with this popular song of celebration, and the lyrics are translated into English for English speakers. Caldecott winner Diaz provides beautiful illustrations in his typical bright, alluring colors.

A must read for all ages this November, as this lovely book chronicles the decades-long letter-writing campaign of Sarah Josepha Hale to Congress to create a national Thanksgiving holiday. Illustrator Matt Faulkner creates the funniest and best illustration of Congress that I have ever seen, and the story is a lesson in persistence and passion for us all. By the way, when she wasn’t writing letters to officials, Sarah occupied herself by creating nursery rhymes like Mary Had a Little Lamb.

Great for teaching the seasons, this wordless picture book takes kids on an adventure with a little girl that my own children mistake for Dora the Explorer. This little girl has an umbrella that allows her to reverse the weather under the “un-brella’s” canopy. Very fun to read aloud with very young children.

A great picture book because it matches girl needs (princesses) with boy needs (monsters). This is a hit in any kindergarten or first-grade classroom, with fun illustrations by Alexandra Boiger.

Wisniewski is one of my favorite authors to recommend to reluctant boy readers, as he has written several books that get kids laughing (I enjoy his tale Sumo Mouse, too). What is ironic is that he wrote the very different Caldecott winner Golem. I am telling you, folks: if you are not reading children’s literature, you are denying yourself access to some of the greatest authors.

A funny, quick chapter book from popular children’s author Kevin Bolger. You need to have certain expectations when reading books by someone who penned Sir Fartsalot Hunts the Booger. Aaron Belcha’s illustrations keep Zombiekins a popular read aloud after recess.

This is one of my favorite books from the last year. Kids love this as a read aloud, as the illustrator cannot paint the pictures as quickly as the reader reads the story. One of my favorite pages includes a picture of a king wearing a donut instead of a crown because the illustrator is rushing. Little kids, especially, get excited to turn pages quickly. Clever and fun.

Amos McGee is a good friend to the animals, but when he gets sick the animals decide to return the favor. Simple, lovely story with absolutely brilliant illustrations by Erin E. Stead.

With one of the most unforgettable cast of characters I’ve read in a children’s book since Jeff Kinney introduced us to his Wimpy Kid series, Michael Fry invites readers to a world that the majority of us can appreciate. I guarantee your reluctant boy readers will devour this.

Every father will be able to relate to this book, as a dad recites his own 60-second versions of bedtime stories so that his child will get to sleep (e.g. Goldilocks and the Two Bears). Unfortunately, kids do not always cooperate, so dad has to tell a lot of quick tales. The results are hilarious.

When White Rabbit leaves his hole, he spies the black rabbit following him. Your kids will howl at this silly mystery about overcoming fear of one’s shadow. A terrific read-aloud.

This is book one in the Gameknight999 Series. Does that mean anything to you? Me neither,but if you have a young boy interested in the videogame Minecraft, this is an easy way to get that boyreading.

Is there anything better than Opening Day at a baseball game? Well, for any baseball or comedy fan out there, John Martz has illustrated one of the all-time great comedy routines on baseball that is sure to capture an entirely new generation of baseball fans.

I absolutely love this book! It blends my passion for teaching kids history (this book delves into the Americans at the 1893 World Fair in Chicago trying to create something to rival the Eiffel Tower in Paris). The story is grand, but the story is lifted off of every page by the STUNNING ILLUSTRATIONS by Gilbert Ford. It is a beautiful book to hold in your hands!