Children

If you are a teacher or a parent, if you breathe air or eat, YOU MUST PURCHASE THIS BOOK. I love it! It is loaded with great activities for kids (and adults) to better understand how their brains work. I’d like to send a copy to every Federal official in charge of education policy in this country, as DiSpezio never once mentions the relationship between standardized testing and optimal brain function. Very kid-friendly, and – for that matter – parent-friendly, as well. By the way, DiSpezio has loads of other great science books.

Beneath the title of this hilarious book are the words: honor, loyalty, tinsel. That sold me on the book, and it did not disappoint. More and more kids are fascinated with manga, graphic novels that read like bound comic books. Your child will delight in this funny tale about Kris Kringle battling a disgruntled elf.

Not that he needs my help, but Jon Scieszka is one of my favorite children’s authors, and this is yet another example. Melvin is a cement truck and a constant worrier who makes even the trucks around him worry. The illustration dream team of David Shannon, Loren Long and David Gordon makes this an easy purchase for any parent or teacher.

Filled with the rudest kids you’ve ever seen, this book will delight your children with hilarious prose and silly artwork. Always a hit – especially with the boys.

Yet another great book in San Souci’s “Clubhouse Series.” Wonderfully illustrated, perfectly silly and just the right touch of ghosts to keep kids at the edges of their seats (but not too scared). I use this book and the others in the series to get my students excited about writing, as San Souci is one of those rare authors who includes interesting tidbits about his own childhood in his backflap biography. Great for showing students that their experiences can be made into wonderful books.

I grabbed this book because of the beautiful artwork on the cover by Steve Johnson and Lou Fancher. McDonnell treated me to the lovely story of a little girl from Korea who comes to live with her new American family. She cannot speak any English and bonds with a cat, who goes missing. Let me just say that if you make it through the ending without crying, you are a stronger person than me. Beautiful book.

Annoyed by California’s drought, I picked up this book and was entranced by the true story of two Sudanese children living at different times in a wonderfully-crafted tale by master storyteller Linda Sue Park.

I have always enjoyed Bruce Lansky’s silly poems, and after hanging out with him at the Poetry Olio in San Antonio I can now say that I love him! What a great guy who “gets it.” This wonderful anthology of silly poems by some of the greatest children’s poets will definitely leave your kids laughing hysterically. Great for read alouds!

Funny and clever story about a boy who likes to interrupt (I can empathize) with a nice message for all of us who need to learn to be respectful of others and listen attentively before blurting something out.

Dan Hanna’s brilliant animations add a lot to this wonderful book that should stand as a mantra to all ages: you can choose to be happy. Great way to build young readers’ confidence and self-image.

Bet you didn’t know that the greatest star in women’s soccer wrote a compelling kids’ book, did you?

This is a great book to show children the value of setting and pursuing goals, as well as the importance of learning teamwork and trying your hardest. Mia’s transparent autobiography is a great tale for kids who need to learn a little more patience and a little less pouting.

Let me just say that I LOVE this book, and I know most boys who have any interest in sports (which includes most boys) and many girls will, too. Great facts, great pictures and – best of all – the book does not just judge athletes solely for their merits on the field but looks at their exploits off the field, as well (translation: you won’t find any jerks in these pages). Part of a great series from Scholastic.

I guess I must just face the fact that this month’s list is geared towards female readers (send requests, gentlemen).

I have read this touching tale to kindergartners, and they love the illustrations and story of this odd-looking little girl who never lets anything or anyone bring her down. This is a great story for children who lack self confidence (e.g. most children).

Co-titled “Veamos el invierno,” this is what I call a “golden book,” as it is part of a series of books written in English and Spanish (kind of a good idea, considering demographic shifts in our schools).

Have you ever wanted to see the shy kid beat the class bully? This book is satisfying to all ages and genders and a good lesson in treating people kindly.