Children

I saw this modern adaptation at the library and could not resist. I am not sure I love the book, but I love Prokofiev’s wonderful tale. I always love to hear this extraordinary piece of music at this time of year. If you want kids to enjoy a truly wonderful explanation, however, I’d direct them to the audio version provided by Sir Alec Guinness over 40 years ago.

Yup, that Greg Mortenson. This beautifully illustrated book by Susan Roth retells Mortenson’s fantastic story of life through the eyes of Pakistani children made famous in his book Three Cups of Tea. Precisely the kind of story I want more children to read in order to develop greater compassion for others.

I am sorry that I did not include this pick a lot sooner (I thought I had). My good friend Marva Cappello sent this book to my daughter Kate soon after she was born, and this book is a favorite in my family. It is simple and hilarious, as a bus driver leaves the reader with the responsibility of watching his bus and making sure that mischievous pigeon doesn’t drive away in it. Turn off the nightly news and read this book to a loved one. I guarantee you’ll smile.

Stone Arch produces all sorts of great books for kids, and boys especially love Michael Dahl’s books. Try this one as a way of enticing your reluctant reader son to read more.

From 13 Sculptures Children Should Know to 13 Buildings Children Should Know, Wenzel has created a wonderful niche. She is filling in the gap left from schools ignoring art education, and this latest entry to the series will entice your students to ask more questions about art. A fabulous series.

I don’t know how I never saw this book before. Beautifully illustrated by one of my favorites, Christopher Myers, this collection of long-lost, one-line folktales is sure to spawn a classroom filled with students creating their own. Terrific fun.

McDonnell is a gifted author and illustrator, and I wholeheartedly recommend all of his books for space on your shelves. This delightful book introduces all ages to naturalist Jane Goodall, and includes wonderful illustrations and tidbits about her life with chimpanzees.

I am an avid golf fan. One of the greatest sports stories in American history is largely unknown, and that is of teenager Francis Ouimet’s remarkable U.S. Open upset at Brookline 100 years ago this year. There are so many amazing parts to this story, one of which is that of the lifelong friendship of Francis with his then 10-year-old caddie Eddie Lowery. Herzog manages to cram a lot of great stuff in 32 pages, and Zachary Pullen’s illustrations are brilliant.

What are you waiting for? The new year is here, and this is a great book for all ages to remind us of what we are capable of, written and illustrated by the always wonderful Kevin Henkes.

One of my favorite songs ever is “This Land Is Your Land,” and when I saw a children’s book about the song’s writer, I had to grab it. This is a wonderful introduction for children into the life and music of an American original, Woody Guthrie.

Who needs an iPhone when you have this book? Tullet cleverly entices children to press “buttons” and see what happens. Kids are always engaged with this book.

Touching book that reminds me a lot of Robert Munsch’s classic Love You Forever.

The second in a series of picture books based on the experiences of Henry David Thoreau, this book is just as engaging for adults as for children. Children are rewarded with an engaging story about a historical character, while adults are reminded of the rewards of simple living. I recommend the entire series.

Simple but powerful book with beautiful illustrations about true friendship.

This is a selfish selection. I recently met Bernie at a conference I was speaking at in Connecticut, and I found him to be one of the friendliest and kindest children’s authors I have ever met. He has a real passion for his work and seems genuinely delighted to see his books’ impact on teachers and students. My daughter picks this book as one of her read alouds just about every day. Most is a wonderful author.