Children

There are great pictures in this book, and it reminds me of the Christmas I spent grasping the porcelain potty after eating a pound of fudge and dozens of Hershey Kisses.

Chabon amazes me with his versatility as a screenwriter (Wonder Boys), Pulitzer Prize-winning scribe (The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay) and now – children’s author. Specifically, he knows how to write in a way that gets guys interested in reading with his wonderful wit and, in this case, Jake Parker’s terrific illustrations.

Wilson’s debut is a hit, as your children will love this funny tale of animal’s sneaking into a cozy bear’s lair that reminds me a lot of Jan Brett’s The Mitten. Wonderful illustrations by Jane Chapman and a clever and humorous ending.

Caldecott winners do not need my reviews, but this one is so beautiful that I would feel like a criminal to not include it on one of my lists. Floca is a truly gifted illustrator, and this story will delight your children and any train enthusiasts.

This is one of the first books I remember reading on a daily basis as a young lad. Every child can appreciate this dog who does not particularly enjoy baths.

You read it here first: congratulations to what should be the Caldecott winner for this year. I have always loved Lane Smith – his collaborations with Jon Scieszka are legendary (in fact, he won a Caldecott for the rioutous The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales), and while I have always loved Smith’s sense of humor, Grandpa Green might be his best. Readers of the hilarious Robert Munsch (author of the witty The Paper Bag Princess and the tear-jerker Love You Forever) may observe that while both author/illustrators were known for their funny books, the one they will be forever remembered by are their touching, personal stories.

All kids love Pete the Cat lift-the-flap books, and I am just intrigued by the married couple of authors/illustrators who left corporate America to pursue their passion for art. Kimberly and James Dean are my heroes!

Thank goodness for the French! They gave us The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Around the World in Eighty Days, Candide, Madeline and now this magical picture read that will delight all little ones discovering the marvel of books.

I guess this month's theme is "great authors that I have forgotten to mention before now." Patricia Polacco is fantastic, and if this book about a teacher helping a dyslexic child does not touch your heart, you are a grinch living on your own mountain. All of Polacco's books address important issues, and I think all kids need to be exposed to her work.

Poor Duncan has to figure out a way to appease his crayons so they will let him color, as some colors are not even talking to one another in this very funny book with great illustrations by Oliver Jeffers.

If you’re not reading kids’ books, you are truly missing out on some of the most imaginative and creative writing out there. Rubin, along with illustrator Daniel Salmieri, the dynamic duo responsible for Dragons Love Tacos, have created another hilarious read with one of the coolest and most clever ideas I have ever seen to a book for ANY age.

Yes, this is based on the Robert Louis Stevenson classic. My father read Classic Comics when he was a kid, and it was that series of comics that attracted him to the original works. In similar fashion this graphic novel does a great job of exciting kids about the adventures of young Jim Hawkins. By the way – did I mention there are pirates (fairly popular right now because of a certain Capt. Jack Sparrow)?

If you ever see a book written by Rosalyn Schanzer, get it. You have to love an author who proudly proclaims, “every single word is true, unless it is false.” In this delightful tall tale, Davy saves the planet by wringing the tail off Halley’s Comet.

Fun book for kids who are just starting to read chapter books. Powell uses short chapters and lots of action to move the reader along in this fun tale about a boy who becomes suspicious that his principal may be an alien. A great introduction to the wonders of science fiction writing, and the book even includes some nice black-and-white illustrations.

Based on an Indian folktale about a cat who eats everything a parrot prepares for him…then the parrot. Then a farmer…then, well, let’s just say he decides to eat the wrong thing. Kids love this book.