Children

This one will have your kids rolling with laughter before they go to bed, as it follows two dogs who are none too happy about “that new animal” in the house (a baby). Charming story with lots of laughs and wonderful illustrations by Pierre Pratt.

Yes, I probably should not include a text that you can only purchase secondhand, but I encourage you to check out this beautiful book during this month when we celebrate the beautiful country we live in, the United States. Features poems and artworks from all 50 states.

Margery Cuyler has written a number of wonderful children’s books, and I love this one for a variety of reasons. First, her characters have names like Raquelita and Tawana to go along with David (too many children’s books lack the diversity I see in our schools). Second, Sachiko Yoshikawa’s colorful illustrations are vibrant. Most importantly, the book shows kids the importance of kindness and even offers child readers 100 suggestions for random acts of kindness that they can perform.

I’ve always said that books that are written in English and Spanish are worth their weights in gold. I’ll go even farther on this book and say that everyone should buy this book. Juanito feels like his word is upside down (de cabeza) when he enters a new school, and he worries that is tongue will turn into a rock (and it does). The author writes a touching memoir of his experiences as a second language learner entering an English-only third grade classroom. A good book for building empathy.

I am on an illustration kick this month, as I love Dave Frank’s illustrations (they sort of reminded me of the illustrations for The Beatles's Yellow Submarine) in this fun rhyme that reads like a Dr. Seuss book. Animals, balloons and geographical references spun in a humorous rhyme – all of the elements I like in my read alouds with kids.

The classic story (it’s over 65 years old) of a dynamic duo that battles to prove their worth, even when they find themselves outdated. A wonderful story about friendship that generation after generation adores.

Frustrated parents, please take heart: my 2-year-old son rarely pays attention to my read alouds. He does, however, love this cute little picture book about a boy imagining he drives a truck cross country (maybe it is because I add my own truck sound effects). Viviana Garofoli’s pictures captivate while London’s simple story about a boy imagining at play is sure to entice young boys who find it difficult to sit still and pay attention to most books.

The story of a 6-year-old girl who becomes the first African-American student to attend an all white school in New Orleans in 1960. Children learn all about Ruby's struggles and hear an update of her civil rights activities as an adult.

Oops. What else can I say? Laura is an active member of the board of directors of BookEnds, the literacy charity this site benefits, and I have never mentioned one of her books on a list. That is a huge oversight, as Laura’s If You Give a… series is a phenomenon. My preschoolers used to adore If You Give a Mouse a Cookie. As an apology, I am promoting her latest book before it reaches stores in early September. Order your copy now! You’ll love any of her books.

I cannot believe it took me so long to recommend this wonderful book, which I just recommended to a couple of my mentors. The true story of Jews Margret and H.A. Rey (creators of Curious George) fleeing Paris in 1940 from Nazi invasion. Makes a wonderful writing prompt for children, as the world would have never known Curious George if they had not escaped. My writing prompt: who did not escape – the person with the cure for cancer, the world’s most-gifted ballerina or perhaps the inventor of a microphone for NFL referees that actually works?

A touching tale told by a 10-year-old in South L.A. who almost joins a gang. A great book to show students the power of their choices.

This may not win any great literary awards, but my own kids ask me to read this book to them every night so they can see the silly pictures of animals wearing different types of underwear (and one elephant who left his at home).

Rather than steal cheese with his compatriots, this innovative French mouse wanders into a cheese shop every night and leaves notes for the owner describing the quality of each cheese. The owner shows his appreciation to his anonymous critic by leaving Anatole all the cheese he wants. A real kick to little kids.

Teaching students tricks to enhance their vocabularies is one of my specialties, and one of my favorite series of books for all ages are O’Connor’s wonderful (and highly successful) Fancy Nancy books (with terrific illustrations by Robin Preiss Glasser). I felt like I had to include at least one holiday book on this month’s list.

Lovely story about a rose that endures ridicule for being so different growing up in a bed of weeds. Perfect read aloud for classes in need of remembering to be nice to one another.