This story, "The Mitten Tree," is just perfect for this time of year. As it grows colder and more snow falls, the need for mittens is necessary. Sarah, who is an older woman whose children have grown, enjoys looking out her window at the children waiting for the schoolbus. In the midst of the children playing in the snow, Sarah notices one little boy who isn't playing with them. He doesn't have any mittens to keep his hands warm. Once discovering that, Sarah thought it would be a nice idea to knit him a pair of mittens. She has some leftover blue yarn to match his coat. Early the next morning, Sarah leaves the mittens for him on the old blue spruce tree. The boy was excited when he found them and puts them on right away. Sarah is pleased. The little boy is happy. Still wanting to help out, Sarah notices someone else who doesn't have any mittens. She sets to work knitting more and leaves them on the tree each day for the children to find. Sarah finally gets to the bottom of her yarn basket and makes one last delivery of hand-knitted mittens. She now has and empty basket, but a full heart. She makes her way home and finds a new basket with more yarn in it sitting by her front door. Sarah is surprised and delighted. Who could it be? She wonders. "The Mitten Tree," is a story that teaches us to be kind and helpful to others.

This story, "The Mitten Tree," is just perfect for this time of year. As it grows colder and more snow falls, the need for mittens is necessary. Sarah, who is an older woman whose children have grown, enjoys looking out her window at the children waiting for the schoolbus. In the midst of the children playing in the snow, Sarah notices one little boy who isn't playing with them. He doesn't have any mittens to keep his hands warm. Once discovering that, Sarah thought it would be a nice idea to knit him a pair of mittens. She has some leftover blue yarn to match his coat. Early the next morning, Sarah leaves the mittens for him on the old blue spruce tree. The boy was excited when he found them and puts them on right away. Sarah is pleased. The little boy is happy. Still wanting to help out, Sarah notices someone else who doesn't have any mittens. She sets to work knitting more and leaves them on the tree each day for the children to find. Sarah finally gets to the bottom of her yarn basket and makes one last delivery of hand-knitted mittens. She now has and empty basket, but a full heart. She makes her way home and finds a new basket with more yarn in it sitting by her front door. Sarah is surprised and delighted. Who could it be? She wonders. "The Mitten Tree," is a story that teaches us to be kind and helpful to others.

Written by Alice Schertle

Illustrated by Barbara Lavallee

Yes! It's that time of year! With anticipation from young to old, eagerness for it to snow is all around us. It only takes one snowflake to fall to start the fun and imagination of yesterday, today and snowfalls yet to come. The joy of being outside and building a snowman is a tradition that will always exist. In the story, "All You Need For a Snowman," the children can't wait for that first flake of snow. There is one, then two, and then there are millions. With snowflakes falling all around, the children build a snowman packing the snow into the biggest snowball they could. They then need a middle-sized one and then a smaller one which they use for the head. Working together, they build a huge snowman. The snow continues to fall and they decide to build a friend for their snowman. They dress them, each being unique. I enjoy the colorful and clean watercolors used to illustrate this story. They are well suited for this story and represents, for me, clean new snow which is very exciting at this time of year. Be sure to include this fun wintertime story with your bedtime audience.

Written by Alice Schertle

Illustrated by Barbara Lavallee

Yes! It's that time of year! With anticipation from young to old, eagerness for it to snow is all around us. It only takes one snowflake to fall to start the fun and imagination of yesterday, today and snowfalls yet to come. The joy of being outside and building a snowman is a tradition that will always exist. In the story, "All You Need For a Snowman," the children can't wait for that first flake of snow. There is one, then two, and then there are millions. With snowflakes falling all around, the children build a snowman packing the snow into the biggest snowball they could. They then need a middle-sized one and then a smaller one which they use for the head. Working together, they build a huge snowman. The snow continues to fall and they decide to build a friend for their snowman. They dress them, each being unique. I enjoy the colorful and clean watercolors used to illustrate this story. They are well suited for this story and represents, for me, clean new snow which is very exciting at this time of year. Be sure to include this fun wintertime story with your bedtime audience.

Written and Illustrated by Jacqueline McQuade

"Christmas With Teddy Bear," is a wonderful christmas story that re-enforces for young listeners all the special events and moments of the season. As each tradition of christmas is highlighted, you'll come to know Teddy Bear and his family as familiar or similiar to your own. From preparing for the special day by decorating the christmas tree to spending time together christmas caroling, you will enjoy and look forward to the christmas holiday that is yet to come. Teddy Bear counts down the days and writes to Santa Claus with his wish for christmas. The author and illustrator, Jacqueline McQuade, has done a beautiful job in creating a feeling of warmth and the true feeling of the christmas season and traditions. The oil paintings are rich and full of detail. Take some time out this christmas and enjoy this story as it will truly give you the feeling of this special season. Family, love and hope.

To enjoy other titles by this author, please visit http://www.jacquelinemcquade.com/

Written and Illustrated by Jacqueline McQuade

"Christmas With Teddy Bear," is a wonderful christmas story that re-enforces for young listeners all the special events and moments of the season. As each tradition of christmas is highlighted, you'll come to know Teddy Bear and his family as familiar or similiar to your own. From preparing for the special day by decorating the christmas tree to spending time together christmas caroling, you will enjoy and look forward to the christmas holiday that is yet to come. Teddy Bear counts down the days and writes to Santa Claus with his wish for christmas. The author and illustrator, Jacqueline McQuade, has done a beautiful job in creating a feeling of warmth and the true feeling of the christmas season and traditions. The oil paintings are rich and full of detail. Take some time out this christmas and enjoy this story as it will truly give you the feeling of this special season. Family, love and hope.

To enjoy other titles by this author, please visit http://www.jacquelinemcquade.com/

Written and Illustrated by Jane Hissey

Join in on the snow fun with Little Bear, Zebra, Jolly, Duck, Old Bear, Rabbit and Bramwell Brown in this "Old Bear" story. While the toys patiently wait for snow to fall so they can go outside to play, they find other things to do that remind them of snow. So the toys all take turns at using their imagination in creating fun things to do in their pretend snow. Like using flour to make believe they're in a snow storm. Snow bubbles which don't last. Paper pieces of all sizes for a blizzard, a box cut-out like a sled, and feather-snow from a comfy cushion they use to crash into when they try sledding. As Rabbit suggests to put some feather-snow around the windows, they all notice that it's really snowing outside. The toys are excited and can't wait to go outside to play in the real snow, when Little Bear decides it's too deep for him and Old Bear decides it's too cold for him. So instead, they enjoy some special snowflake biscuits inside while they watch the snow fall. Jane Hissey who is the author and illustrator of "Jolly Snow," blends her writing style and her beautiful illustrations to create a one-of-a-kind trademark known as the Old Bear Stories.

To enjoy more titles by this author, please visit www.janehissey.co.uk

Written and Illustrated by Jane Hissey

Join in on the snow fun with Little Bear, Zebra, Jolly, Duck, Old Bear, Rabbit and Bramwell Brown in this "Old Bear" story. While the toys patiently wait for snow to fall so they can go outside to play, they find other things to do that remind them of snow. So the toys all take turns at using their imagination in creating fun things to do in their pretend snow. Like using flour to make believe they're in a snow storm. Snow bubbles which don't last. Paper pieces of all sizes for a blizzard, a box cut-out like a sled, and feather-snow from a comfy cushion they use to crash into when they try sledding. As Rabbit suggests to put some feather-snow around the windows, they all notice that it's really snowing outside. The toys are excited and can't wait to go outside to play in the real snow, when Little Bear decides it's too deep for him and Old Bear decides it's too cold for him. So instead, they enjoy some special snowflake biscuits inside while they watch the snow fall. Jane Hissey who is the author and illustrator of "Jolly Snow," blends her writing style and her beautiful illustrations to create a one-of-a-kind trademark known as the Old Bear Stories.

To enjoy more titles by this author, please visit www.janehissey.co.uk

Written by Beatrix Potter

Illustrated by David McPhail

Get ready for a true classic. "The Tale of Peter Rabbit," is an old time favorite for many. Living with their mother in a sandbank underneath a fir tree, is where the Peter Rabbit tale begins. Peter, who can't stay out of mischief, decides to go into Mr. McGregor's garden. Going against his mother's cautionary directions to stay away, Peter winds up being spotted by Mr. McGregor himself! He doesn't want to be put in a pie like his father was so he runs away as fast as he can. With the thrill of the race to get out of Mr. McGregor's garden, Peter encounters a few obstacles along the way. You will enjoy Peter's adventure as he makes his way through Mr. McGregor's garden. Once home, Peter has ill-feelings of his days mischievous outcome and goes straight to bed. "The Tale of Peter Rabbit," is a timeless story that is loved by both children and parents. The illustrator, David McPhail, does a beautiful job. His artwork is detailed and colorful and is as enjoyable as the story. If you can find the version that is narrated by Meryl Streep, you will not be disappointed. She brings the story to life. It will become your favorite re-telling of this folk fairy tale.

To enjoy other classics by this author, please visit http://www.peterrabbit.com/

Written by Beatrix Potter

Illustrated by David McPhail

Get ready for a true classic. "The Tale of Peter Rabbit," is an old time favorite for many. Living with their mother in a sandbank underneath a fir tree, is where the Peter Rabbit tale begins. Peter, who can't stay out of mischief, decides to go into Mr. McGregor's garden. Going against his mother's cautionary directions to stay away, Peter winds up being spotted by Mr. McGregor himself! He doesn't want to be put in a pie like his father was so he runs away as fast as he can. With the thrill of the race to get out of Mr. McGregor's garden, Peter encounters a few obstacles along the way. You will enjoy Peter's adventure as he makes his way through Mr. McGregor's garden. Once home, Peter has ill-feelings of his days mischievous outcome and goes straight to bed. "The Tale of Peter Rabbit," is a timeless story that is loved by both children and parents. The illustrator, David McPhail, does a beautiful job. His artwork is detailed and colorful and is as enjoyable as the story. If you can find the version that is narrated by Meryl Streep, you will not be disappointed. She brings the story to life. It will become your favorite re-telling of this folk fairy tale.

To enjoy other classics by this author, please visit http://www.peterrabbit.com/

Based on a fable by the french author La Fontaine

Retold and illustrated by Brian Wildsmith

In this retelling of the classic fable, "The Hare and the Tortoise," the persistent tortoise challenges the ever careless hare to a race. The hare believes himself to be much more clever than the tortoise and agrees to the race. Over the hill, through the hedge, along the carrot field and finally to the old cart they agree. Many animals came to watch. They cheered the tortoise on. He took a slow and steady pace while the hare was fast and unpredictable. As the ending may be obvious, you'll find yourselves cheering with the rest of the characters in anticipation, too. Brian Wildsmith who adapted this fable also did the illustrations. He used all the colors of the rainbow to give a very unique feel to the story. I love the freedom in the abstracts used along with the details given to outline each character. This is illustrating at it's best. There are many versions of this great old fable. Share and enjoy at least one of them with your listening audience.

For more titles by this author please visit http://brianwildsmith.com/

Based on a fable by the french author La Fontaine

Retold and illustrated by Brian Wildsmith

In this retelling of the classic fable, "The Hare and the Tortoise," the persistent tortoise challenges the ever careless hare to a race. The hare believes himself to be much more clever than the tortoise and agrees to the race. Over the hill, through the hedge, along the carrot field and finally to the old cart they agree. Many animals came to watch. They cheered the tortoise on. He took a slow and steady pace while the hare was fast and unpredictable. As the ending may be obvious, you'll find yourselves cheering with the rest of the characters in anticipation, too. Brian Wildsmith who adapted this fable also did the illustrations. He used all the colors of the rainbow to give a very unique feel to the story. I love the freedom in the abstracts used along with the details given to outline each character. This is illustrating at it's best. There are many versions of this great old fable. Share and enjoy at least one of them with your listening audience.

For more titles by this author please visit http://brianwildsmith.com/

Written and Illustrated by Penny Dale

Bedtime should be a fun and enjoyable time for young children. If you are looking to include that into your child's bedtime ritual, then reading "Ten in the Bed," will surely help you achieve that goal. "Ten in the Bed" is a story of predictability which helps involve your child in the retelling, or singing, if you so choose, as you read aloud. This story is delightful and comforting with all of the focus going to counting, rhythm and expectations of what will happen next. Penny Dale, who is both the author and illustrator, does a beautiful job at setting the mood of this story. The characters are cute and you become to know them as faithful friends as their bedtime adventure unravels. With the "Little One" trying to fit all ten in the bed, all fun breaks out for a happy ending. This story is sure to be a hit and will be a bedtime favorite for all.

For more information on other great books by this author please visit http://www.pennydale.co.uk/

Written and Illustrated by Penny Dale

Bedtime should be a fun and enjoyable time for young children. If you are looking to include that into your child's bedtime ritual, then reading "Ten in the Bed," will surely help you achieve that goal. "Ten in the Bed" is a story of predictability which helps involve your child in the retelling, or singing, if you so choose, as you read aloud. This story is delightful and comforting with all of the focus going to counting, rhythm and expectations of what will happen next. Penny Dale, who is both the author and illustrator, does a beautiful job at setting the mood of this story. The characters are cute and you become to know them as faithful friends as their bedtime adventure unravels. With the "Little One" trying to fit all ten in the bed, all fun breaks out for a happy ending. This story is sure to be a hit and will be a bedtime favorite for all.

For more information on other great books by this author please visit http://www.pennydale.co.uk/

Written by Kristy Parker

Illustrated by Lillian Hoban

Just how magnificent is your dad? Buddy enjoys spending the day with his dad as they make breakfast on a Saturday morning. He helps his dad wash the car and even gets to walk on the ceiling. Nothing could top spending time with your dad. Not even if he was a lion tamer, a cowboy, a pro basketball player, a deep sea diver or even if his best friend is Santa Claus. So grab your jammies, brush those teeth and settle in with your magnificent dad for a bedtime story to end that special day you've shared together.

Written by Kristy Parker

Illustrated by Lillian Hoban

Just how magnificent is your dad? Buddy enjoys spending the day with his dad as they make breakfast on a Saturday morning. He helps his dad wash the car and even gets to walk on the ceiling. Nothing could top spending time with your dad. Not even if he was a lion tamer, a cowboy, a pro basketball player, a deep sea diver or even if his best friend is Santa Claus. So grab your jammies, brush those teeth and settle in with your magnificent dad for a bedtime story to end that special day you've shared together.

Written and illustrated by Erika Oller

For a charming story on friendships, read "The Cabbage Soup Solution," which was written and illustrated by Erika Oller. Her beautifully done watercolors, which won the Blue Ribbon Picture Book Awards, compliments this homespun tale. It is a story about Elsie and her simple life. Elsie loves living on her farm with her two cats. Elsie loves vegetables, especially cabbages. Elsie finds out that someone else also loves her cabbages. But, who? She must find out. With the help from her beloved cats, Fluff and Gordo, find out exactly who loves her cabbages. She invites them in for cabbage soup and with that makes some new friends. She plants more cabbages and makes more soup which brings more friends and happiness to Elsie. A delightful and endearing story for all ages.

To find out more information on other books by Erika Oller, please visit http://www.erikaoller.net/

Written and illustrated by Erika Oller

For a charming story on friendships, read "The Cabbage Soup Solution," which was written and illustrated by Erika Oller. Her beautifully done watercolors, which won the Blue Ribbon Picture Book Awards, compliments this homespun tale. It is a story about Elsie and her simple life. Elsie loves living on her farm with her two cats. Elsie loves vegetables, especially cabbages. Elsie finds out that someone else also loves her cabbages. But, who? She must find out. With the help from her beloved cats, Fluff and Gordo, find out exactly who loves her cabbages. She invites them in for cabbage soup and with that makes some new friends. She plants more cabbages and makes more soup which brings more friends and happiness to Elsie. A delightful and endearing story for all ages.

To find out more information on other books by Erika Oller, please visit http://www.erikaoller.net/

Written and Illustrated by Dav Pilkey

If your looking for a story to end a busy day of activities, then settle in for storytime with, "The Paperboy." From cover to cover a sense of calm and quietness seems to be the theme of this story. In "The Paperboy," he and his faithful dog wake up very early in the morning to get ready to deliver the newspaper. Even though he is very cozy in his bed sleeping, the paperboy and his dog manage to wake, dress and quietly go downstairs for breakfast. While everyone is still fast asleep, the paperboy gets the newspapers ready to be delivered. Once they're ready, they begin their journey through the quiet dark streets of his neighborhood. Following close behind is his dog and companion. The illustrations are beautifully done and compliment this story to it's fullest. I like that the author/illustrator used deep rick colors which are perfect for this great story. I would encourage everyone to include this as part of their children's personal library. "The Paperboy" is a Caldecott Honor Book and soon to be a classic, if not already.

For other childrens books by Dav Pilkey please visit http://www.pilkey.com/

Written and Illustrated by Dav Pilkey

If your looking for a story to end a busy day of activities, then settle in for storytime with, "The Paperboy." From cover to cover a sense of calm and quietness seems to be the theme of this story. In "The Paperboy," he and his faithful dog wake up very early in the morning to get ready to deliver the newspaper. Even though he is very cozy in his bed sleeping, the paperboy and his dog manage to wake, dress and quietly go downstairs for breakfast. While everyone is still fast asleep, the paperboy gets the newspapers ready to be delivered. Once they're ready, they begin their journey through the quiet dark streets of his neighborhood. Following close behind is his dog and companion. The illustrations are beautifully done and compliment this story to it's fullest. I like that the author/illustrator used deep rick colors which are perfect for this great story. I would encourage everyone to include this as part of their children's personal library. "The Paperboy" is a Caldecott Honor Book and soon to be a classic, if not already.

For other childrens books by Dav Pilkey please visit http://www.pilkey.com/

Written by Laura Numeroff
Illustrated by Felicia Bond

The book, "If You Give a Pig a Pancake," is a story filled with adventure. This endearing story of a pig who comes for breakfast when she smells pancakes, develops very quickly to a very busy day for a little girl. Using her imagination, and having a short attention span, the pig takes the little girl through a whirlwind day. From baths, bubbles, tap shoes, picture taking and building a tree house, the little girl is exhausted only to find herself back in the kitchen with a request for more pancakes. The illustrations, by Felicia Bond, are cute and vibrant. She uses humorous and playful expressions throughout this fun story. "If You Give a Pig a Pancake," is entertaining and sure to delight even the youngest of listeners. This will be a story your child will want to hear again and again.
To view more books by this author, please visit http://www.lauranumeroff.com/

Written by Laura Numeroff
Illustrated by Felicia Bond

The book, "If You Give a Pig a Pancake," is a story filled with adventure. This endearing story of a pig who comes for breakfast when she smells pancakes, develops very quickly to a very busy day for a little girl. Using her imagination, and having a short attention span, the pig takes the little girl through a whirlwind day. From baths, bubbles, tap shoes, picture taking and building a tree house, the little girl is exhausted only to find herself back in the kitchen with a request for more pancakes. The illustrations, by Felicia Bond, are cute and vibrant. She uses humorous and playful expressions throughout this fun story. "If You Give a Pig a Pancake," is entertaining and sure to delight even the youngest of listeners. This will be a story your child will want to hear again and again.
To view more books by this author, please visit http://www.lauranumeroff.com/

Written and Illustrated by Paul Galdone

The story of The Gingerbread Boy gives new meaning to clever as a fox.
The author and illustrator, Paul Galdone, revives an old classic folktale which is sure to entertain and delight young listeners.
The illustrations are classic and gives a timeless feeling to the story.
The story is repetitive which appeals to young children as they take the first steps into reading.
The Gingerbread Boy is a story that takes place at the home of a little old woman and a little old man who don't have any children. So the little old woman makes a Gingerbread Boy.
When the Gingerbread Boy came out of the oven, he ran away. He didn't want to get eaten and thought he was very smart, so he ran away as fast as he could.
With everyone not too far behind, the Gingerbread Boy came to a river and entrusted a fox to take him across.
While he's on the fox's back, the Gingerbread Boy thinks he was so clever, he out-smarted a little old woman, a little old man, a cow, a horse, a barn full of threshers and a field full of mowers.
But what he doesn't know is that you can't out-smart a fox.
The Gingerbread Boy is a fun story and will continue to entertain children for generation to come.

Written and Illustrated by Paul Galdone

The story of The Gingerbread Boy gives new meaning to clever as a fox.
The author and illustrator, Paul Galdone, revives an old classic folktale which is sure to entertain and delight young listeners.
The illustrations are classic and gives a timeless feeling to the story.
The story is repetitive which appeals to young children as they take the first steps into reading.
The Gingerbread Boy is a story that takes place at the home of a little old woman and a little old man who don't have any children. So the little old woman makes a Gingerbread Boy.
When the Gingerbread Boy came out of the oven, he ran away. He didn't want to get eaten and thought he was very smart, so he ran away as fast as he could.
With everyone not too far behind, the Gingerbread Boy came to a river and entrusted a fox to take him across.
While he's on the fox's back, the Gingerbread Boy thinks he was so clever, he out-smarted a little old woman, a little old man, a cow, a horse, a barn full of threshers and a field full of mowers.
But what he doesn't know is that you can't out-smart a fox.
The Gingerbread Boy is a fun story and will continue to entertain children for generation to come.

Written by Roberta Baker

Illustrated by Debbie Tilley

Not your typical childhood would be predicted for a girl with a name like Olive Elizabeth Julia Jerome.

From the very start, Olive stood out from all the rest. She liked being different.

Her parents recite with encouragement, "She's no ordinary Olive."

With a great imagination, Olive is not afraid to try new things. She does her best to make breakfast for her parents even though it happens to be raisin pancakes with bubble gum and oatmeal with pickles!

Whether Olive is spending time outside, attending school for the first time, daydreaming instead of doing her schoolwork or quietly sitting in the principal's office, her imagination takes over and a new adventure begins.

"No Ordinary Olive" is a fun story which has a light-hearted theme on learning to be yourself.

The illustrator uses splendid details to reinforce Olive's personality and sense of personal expression.

I would recommend this delightful story, it has a lot of character.

To visit my website please go to www.childrensbooksbyrita.com