Children

Hilarious account of a man stalked by a skunk. With great illustrations by the always reliable Patrick McDonnell, Barnett’s book is a perfect read aloud, as it will delight adult readers as well as little listeners with its dry wit.

I adore familiar tales told from different points of view. Everyone knows the tale of Cinderella, but this version puts a macabre spin on it. Again, this makes for a great read aloud, but you need to practice it before you read it, as the rhyming scheme was quite complicated for a white guy like me.

A lot of adults – particularly those quick to divorce their spouse – should take a look at this endearing story about a little boy who tries to trade his goldfish in for a better pet – only to discover that maybe his original pet was better than he thought.

Perfect for frantic parents (e.g. my wife and me) who worry about the pace of their child’s development. Like my teaching mentor used to say, “Each and every one of us is gifted; it just takes some of us a little longer to unwrap the presents.”

All you really need to know about this book is that a family of pigs hunts around every nook and cranny in their house to find spare change to pay for their evening meal at the Enchanted Enchilada. I tell you – children’s authors have delightful imaginations.

How I just recently came across this book is beyond me. Once again, the French win the award for “twisted tale for children.” I loved this tale of strange vampires sucking the black blood out of the books. Extremely creative and a story readers of all ages will appreciate.

I love getting my mathematicians excited about reading with great math literature, and Lorren Leedy is one of my favorite “math” authors. In this fun poem, Leedy introduces readers to what the world would be like without numbers.

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.