Children

Sometimes I just have to include a book for the illustrations. Yes, Jonathan London’s text presents a moving tribute to the life of flamingoes, but the extraordinary illustrations by Kristina Rodanas make this book a treasure for any library.

One in a series of wonderful books examining scientific concepts in understandable ways for kindergartners and dense adults (like me). Denise Shea’s illustrations add a lot to these simple, wonderful books.

My daughter was born two months prematurely, and my wife and I were fortunate that we were at Torrance Memorial Hospital in Torrance, CA (which, we accidentally discovered, has one of the best NICUs anywhere). I wish someone had given me a copy of this wonderful book back then, as it is a perfect gift for anyone panicking over the premature birth of a child. I’d also use it with siblings who are anxious about “newcomers” to the family.

I’ve always said that there are children’s books that deal with just about any issue a child could experience. This is a great story about a little girl caught between the two worlds of her divorced parents. The one constant in her life is her dog, who goes wherever she goes. Beautiful illustrations by Tricia Tusa.

I selected this book not for its biographical value (as some of the facts are questionable), but because I have become a huge fan of the book’s illustrator, Barry Blitt. The illustrations are marvelous and sure to provoke wide laughs and speculations among young children. In that respect, that makes this book a perfect story to entice children to write their own versions of Beethoven’s life (and stimulate their interest in Beethoven).

Easter is upon us, and I’ll take Max and Ruby over Peter Cottontail any day of the week. Not that Rosemary Wells needs any help from me, but I find her books irresistible.

If you ever have the chance to see Jarrett Krosoczka speak, jump out of your chair and get a ticket. His wicked sense of humor, tempered by a huge heart, come through on the pages of all of his books, and I am very excited about his latest series of books, the Platypus Police Squad.

I have a crush on Pam Munoz Ryan, as she is one of my favorite authors and a delightful speaker. She may be best known for her young adult book Esperanza Rising, but this is probably my favorite of her works. It stems from a Mexican folktale her grandmother used to tell her about a pitacoche bird (beautiful for its multicolored feathers) that falls in love with a much smaller swallow. Lovely and heartwarming, I rate this up there with Robert Munsch’s Love You Forever among my favorite read-alouds.

The cover art alone will mesmerize you, and you and your children will add this to your favorite books to read at bedtime – GUARANTEED.

Just in time for the start of the school year, this clever take on miscommunicated idioms reads like a long Amelia Bedelia adventure. Terrific tool for making language arts fun.

Can you tell I have a baby girl yet? Again, here is a fun tale for children to hear during that most difficult of transitions: from diapers to “the potty.” There is a children's book written about anything, I tell ya.

How could you pass up a book with a title like that? Charming story of a scrawny alligator tired of eating bananas, with fun illustrations from Dorothee de Monfreid.

Timely book to celebrate the 10-year anniversary of the devastating hurricane to hit the Gulf in 2005.

I have my sister to thank for this book, as she gave it to my baby Kate for the holidays. Madonna shares a nice tale that illustrates the power of one’s words. A good lesson that children (and people in the media) should hear. Wonderful illustrations by Loren Long.

Great book for reluctant readers, as it follows the adventures of a boy who reluctantly reads a book that “nabs” him and carries him away.