Children

Jordan's witty and heart-warming story of a boy's attachment to a pumpkin is a timely Halloween/Thanksgiving story that all elementary school teachers should include in their collection.

I love books that bring math to life for students, as many of my reluctant readers enjoy math. Clements does a superb (and, often, humorous) job of bringing to life the concept of a “million” for students. A terrific picture book for teaching math!

This is part of a fun series of two armadillos who have a penchant for Texas history. Perfect book for that aspiring Cliff Clavin in your home that likes to recite interesting and random facts. Good discussion questions are provided in the back of the book for teachers and parents.

Tired of what’s a “red” state and what’s a “blue” state? Here is a great way to make American geography fun for kids, and the states are multiple colors, just like this country.

Little kids find this book hilarious, as it chronicles how a hungry fox gets trumped by a clever pig. Pig shows up at fox’s door, but before fox eats the pig, pig suggests that fox bathe the filthy pig, feed him to fatten him up, etc. By the time the fox is done preparing his “dinner,” he is exhausted, and the happy pig leaves bathed, well-fed – get the picture?

Ever felt ignored? While Treehorn tries to convince adults that he is shrinking, they shrug their shoulders as if the boy had told them there was a monster in his closet. All the while Treehorn shrinks, and the illustrations by Edward Gorey are delightful in his demented style (he illustrated the macabre drawings at the beginning of the wonderful “Mystery” series on PBS).

Set in ancient China, this story shows how a young boy’s father must inventory all of a warlord’s treasures. Frustrated by not enough toes and fingers to count with, he creates what turns out to be a primitive abacus with strings and beads. Great book for teaching math.

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.