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This year, Chinese New Year falls on February 3, 2011. It is the Year of the Rabbit—the fourth animal in the 12-year cycle of the Chinese zodiac. The rabbit represents hope, and it is widely shared that “People born under the sign of the rabbit are gentle, sensitive, modest, and merciful and have strong memory. They like to communicate with others in a humorous manner. They cannot bear dull life, so they are good at creating romantic or interesting spice…”
The picture books listed below, offer solid introductions into the Chinese New Year and are then followed by some good-old bunny tales to celebrate the Year of the Rabbit.
Bringing in the New Year
by Grace Lin
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 34 pages
Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers (January 8, 2008)
Publisher’s synopsis: This exuberant story follows a Chinese American family as they prepare for the Lunar New Year. Each member of the family lends a hand as they sweep out the dust of the old year, hang decorations, and make dumplings. Then it’s time to put on new clothes and celebrate with family and friends. There will be fireworks and lion dancers, shining lanterns, and a great, long dragon parade to help bring in the Lunar New Year. And the dragon parade in our book is extra long–on a surprise fold-out page at the end of the story. Grace Lin’s artwork is a bright and gloriously patterned celebration in itself! And her story is tailor-made for reading aloud.
Winter. A very fun season: Ice skating, skiing, sledding, building snowmen—or snow-ladies—and the perfect excuse for some good-old hibernation. Definition of hibernation: staying inside watching movies, playing board games, and reading books.
From picture books to a young adult novel, check out this uber-cool list …
Picture Books
Bedtime for Bear
by Brett Helquist
Reading level: Ages 2-7
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: HarperCollins (December 21, 2010)
Source: Publisher
Publisher’s synopsis: Wintertime is here, and that means it is bedtime for Bear. But Bear’s friends don’t think so. They want Bear to come and play outside in the snow. Bear can hear his friends calling. He hears them laughing and playing. Bear can’t sleep. But it’s bedtime! What is a bear to do?
Publisher’s synopsis: One winter morning, Mr. Magee and his little dog, Dee, head out bright and early to learn how to ski. But what begins as a pleasant day in the snow quickly goes downhill when a run-in with a curious moose sends them flying through the air and hanging above an abyss! How will Dee and Magee find their way out of this snowy situation? Chris Van Dusen, the creator of Down to the Sea with Mr. Magee and A Camping Spree with Mr. Magee, has crafted yet another fun-filled adventure for Magee fans old and new.
Thanks to Lauren Donovan from Random House Kids, I have the following book list to pass on …
Join in GLSEN’s No Name-Calling Week (January 24-28, 2011) with titles from Random House Children’s Books:
CONFESSIONS OF A FORMER BULLY
By Trudy Ludwig; Illustrated by Beth Adams
(Tricycle Press / on sale August 24, 2010 / $18.99 / Ages 8-12)
Ever wonder what goes on in the mind of a bully? Katie has been caught bullying a classmate and now she’s in big trouble: both her parents and the principal insist that she meet with the school counselor, Mrs. Petrowski, to get to the bottom of her behavior. Mrs. Petrowski encourages Katie to keep a diary where Katie can explore her reasons for bullying and the repercussions of what she’s done, not only for those around her, but for Katie herself. Over the course of writing her journal, Katie uncovers the various forms bullying can take, both emotional and physical. She discovers how her actions have isolated her from her peers and kept her from making real friendships. Ultimately, Katie comes to the conclusion that she needs to make right her wrong and learn how to become a better friend. Chock full of useful, real-life advice and information, Confessions of a Former Bully will help kids identify bullying right from the start and gives them a “toolbox” with everything they need to stop it in its tracks. The notebook format, including full-color cartoons and relevant facts and quotes, makes this highly accessible for upper elementary students. Trudy Ludwig is an award–winning author who specializes in writing children’s books that explore the colorful and sometimes confusing world of children’s social interactions. She has received rave reviews nationwide from educators, experts, organizations, and parents for her passion and compassion in addressing relational aggression—the use of relationships to manipulate and hurt others. Since her first book, My Secret Bully, she has become a sought–after speaker, presenting at schools and conferences around the country and educating students, parents, and teachers on the topic. She has been featured on television, radio and in print.
“Confessions of a Former Bully is unmatched in providing effective tools for girls and boys in EVERY social role, whether they are instigators, targets or bystanders. Rarely does a book speak so effectively to both kids and adults alike; certainly a must-read for all young children, as well as educators and counselors.”
–Melissa Norman, Founder & Executive Director, Girl CHARGE, Inc
Recognizing an African American author of outstanding books for children and young adults:
“One Crazy Summer,” written by Rita Williams-Garcia is the 2011 King Author Book winner. The book is published by Amistad, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers.
Three King Author Honor Books were selected:
“Lockdown,” by Walter Dean Myers and published by Amistad, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers; “Ninth Ward,” by Jewell Parker Rhodes and published by Little, Brown and Company, a division of Hachette Book Group, Inc.; and “Yummy: The Last Days of a Southside Shorty,” written by G. Neri, illustrated by Randy DuBurke and published by Lee & Low Books Inc.
Coretta Scott King (Illustrator) Book Award
Recognizing an African American illustrator of outstanding books for children and young adults:
“Dave the Potter: Artist, Poet, Slave,” illustrated by Bryan Collier, is the 2011 King Illustrator Book winner. The book was written by Laban Carrick Hill and published by Little, Brown and Company, a division of Hachette Book Group, Inc.
The American Library Association (ALA) announced the winner of the Michael L. Printz Award for excellence in literature written for young adults:
“Ship Breaker,” written by Paolo Bacigalupi, is the 2011 Printz Award winner. The book is published by Little, Brown and Company, a division of Hachette Book Group, Inc.
Four Printz Honor Books also were named:
“Stolen,” by Lucy Christopher and published by Chicken House, an imprint of Scholastic Inc.; “Please Ignore Vera Dietz,” by A.S. King and published by Alfred A. Knopf, an imprint of Random House Children’s Books, a division of Random House, Inc.; “Revolver,” by Marcus Sedgwick and published by Roaring Brook Press, an imprint of the Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group; and “Nothing,” by Janne Teller and published by Atheneum Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing Division.
We all know that when a person, big or small, loves Star Wars, they really LOVE Star Wars. And as crazy as it is, even children that have never even seen the film can be obsessed with Star Wars.
Before you take a look at this year’s list of Star Wars picks, Yoda has a few words of wisdom that he would like to share with you as you ponder the idea of giving books to your young jedi:
“Truly wonderful, the mind of a child is. Give the gift of reading, you will! Do or do not… there is no try.”
Star Wars: Millennium Falcon- A 3-D Owner’s Guide
by Ryder Windham
Publisher’s synopsis: This novelty format dissects the most famous ship in the galaxy section-by-section, revealing the ship’s secrets and special modifications.
Includes technical notes from Han Solo as well as a detailed overview of each of the ship’s main functions.
Publisher’s synopsis: Even the most die-hard Star Wars fans will find themselves challenged by this entertaining new approach to the details of the saga. This fourth volume in the popular addictive Obsessed With series again includes an in
The holiday season can bring out the “Martha” in all of us. Unfortunately, ’tis the season to zap away the time required to be a “Martha.” So … this book list (or book-ish, at least) can be used a few different ways:
The obvious: You are shopping for a budding artist or crafting enthusiast.
The handy: Use some of these books to entertain your children while you get busy baking cookies, writing Christmas cards, or putting your feet up while you sip on some spiked hot apple cider.
The clever: You like to give books, but the kids you are buying for can’t sit still long enough to read or be read to. Art and craft books are like reading trickery: The craft keeps fingers busy while the instructions keep minds reading.
MoMA Make Art Mistakes: An Inspired Sketchbook for Everyone
by Museum of Modern Art New York
Reading level: All Ages
Diary: 128 pages
Publisher: Chronicle Books (October 27, 2010)
Publisher’s synopsis: With eye-catching interiors and playful activities, this open-ended sketchbook encourages would-be artists of all ages to look at the world around them and take chances expressing what they see. Inspiring and colorful graphic design will unleash the artist in anyone.
Publisher’s synopsis: Taro Gomi invites children to punch out more than 60 fantastic playthings, including ring-toss games, finger puppets, boxes, picture frames, a zoo’s worth of animals, and more! Packed with Gomi’s fun, accessible artwork and a delightful variety of games and toys, this book will appeal to children of all ages, engaging their imaginations and entertaining them all day long.
The littlest ones should not miss out on any fun Christmas reading. There are plenty of sturdy-paged board books for babies and toddlers to get their hands on. Getting the full sensory experience is the beginning step of reading; so let him grab, drag, chew, and flip through these fun holiday stories.
Publisher’s synopsis: The beloved characters from Smee’s Clip-Clop are off on a wild and wintry ride. Mr. Horse has invited all the barnyard animals into his sleigh, and Cat, Dog, Pig, and Duck couldn’t be more excited. Soon, they’re holding on tight and dashing through the snow with bells jingle-jingling all the way. Over the fields they fly-but when they reach the hill, everyone wants to slide down even Mr. Horse, of course. Is there room for them all? Like the happy Mr. Horse, toddlers will think “THAT WAS SO COOL!”
Publisher’s synopsis: This irresistible retelling of the Gingerbread Man by Jim Aylesworth and illustrated by Barbara McClintock is now in board book format for the first time, and it’s a perfect treat for cookie lovers everywhere. Children enjoy chiming in with Aylesworth’s charming, rollicking refrains, accompanied by whimsical animal images and a delicious recipe for gingerbread men. (Note: the text has been adapted to fit board book format)
Last year, Lauren Thompson’s holiday book, The Christmas Magic, let us in on one of Santa’s little secrets: Santa gets a “tingling in his whiskers” when the Christmas magic is on its way. I believe that the tingling has begun. Perhaps even a little jingling, too!
From nicely illustrated carols to tales for the naughty and nice, our holiday gift to you is this list of wonderful Christmas books.
It’s Christmas, David!
by David Shannon
Reading level: Ages 3-7
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: The Blue Sky Press (September 1, 2010)
Source: Publisher
Publisher’s synopsis: Readers of all ages will vividly remember trying to peek at hidden gift packages; writing scrolls of wish lists to Santa; and struggling to behave at formal Christmas dinner parties. Always in the background, we know Santa Claus is watching, soon to decide if David deserves a shiny new fire truck or a lump of coal under the tree. From playing with delicate ornaments to standing in an endlessly long line for Santa, here are common Christmas activities–but with David’s naughty trimmings. A surefire hit that is destined to be an annual classic.
Note: Fans of No, David! will be thrilled with Shannon’s latest addition. Pairing it with Too Many Toys would make a great gift. It’s Christmas, David is also available in Spanish.
This is a book list for sports enthusiasts, young Einsteins-in-the-making, myth busters, restless minds and grown men! From Potato Chip Science to The World’s Most Amazing Facts and Records, there is seriously something for everyone. And, while I would recommend most of these books to the most reluctant of readers—particularly boys—I would suggest that you don’t rule these suggestions out for girls. Young girls in particular have very curious minds and very much enjoy a good hands-on experiment—there’s also a beautiful and energetic baseball book which tells the inspiring story of Effa Manley.
The Science Books
Potato Chip Science: 29 Incredible Experiments
by Allen Kurzweil (Author), Max Kurzweil (Collaborator)
Reading level: Ages 8-12
Paperback: 96 pages
Publisher: Workman Publishing Company (September 1, 2010)
Source: Author
The packaging of this kit (a “book & stuff”) alone has a ton of kid-appeal—it looks and feels like a bag of potato chips—but it’s not the cover from which we judge, it’s what is on the inside. Judge for yourself …
You love to give books as gifts, but you want to give a book that will be cherished and kept to be shared with future generations. Right? What you’re looking for is a classic. Something well-written, tried and tested, but perhaps with updated illustrations that will tantalize any young mind. Feast your eyes on the following delights …
Snow White: A Tale from the Brothers Grimm
by Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm (Author), Charles Santore (Illustrator)
Reading level: Ages 6-9
Hardcover: 48 pages
Publisher: Sterling (October 5, 2010)
Source: Publisher
Complete with a beautifully patterned ribbon marker, this is a nice retelling of the Grimm Brothers’ fairy tale, Snow White, illustrated by award-winning artist Charles Santore. Santore has also illustrated an Aesop’s Fables, The Wizard of Oz and The Little Mermaid.
This is not the ultimate collection of Aesop’s Fables, however, it is a cleanly illustrated compendium carefully selected by the uber-award-winning artist Lisbeth Zwerger.
Thanksgiving is a time for pie. Pie makes me think of Harold and his purple crayon. Remember that picnic on the sandy beach? “There was nothing but pie. But there were all nine kinds of pie that Harold liked best.” My daughter and I love to imagine what all the different fillings could be. Who doesn’t love freshly baked pie, the most amazingly delectable dessert that fills the home with its tantalizing aroma? It’s such a perfect vehicle for a scoop or dollop of some cool creamy topping. Kids love to help bake, especially mixing, licking their sweet, sticky fingers and rolling out pie dough.
Here follows a list of picture books—all about pie—to share with your little ones. Some simply get your mouth watering, but most are laced with a secret ingredient. There is a reminder about abundance, a lesson on humility, and a tale of perseverance. You will also find a trip around the world, a juicy alphabet primer and a cautionary tale for the literal-minded—from Amelia Bedelia, of course. A few even include a recipe so good that you won’t need to invite a very hungry moose and deserving porcupine to help you finish.
Publisher’s synopsis:In this merry, multi-species story cooked up with folksy warmth and humor, everybody gets a piece of the pie — and then some.
Grandma Cat makes a delicious apple pie, and there’s plenty for everyone — and even a piece left over. Grandma Mouse finds a piece of apple pie, and there’s plenty for everyone — and even crumbs left over. Grandma Ant spies some crumbs of apple pie, and there’s plenty for everyone. But what’s left over after cats, mice, and ants have had their fill? Little readers will eat up this scrumptious, gently math-related story that’s as sweet and satisfying as a fresh-baked dessert.
Thanksgiving is a celebration of abundance and there is a virtual cornucopia of children’s books about this holiday. You can find a Thanksgiving themed book featuring every child’s favorite character from Amelia Bedelia to Scooby Doo. Bookstore shelves are laden with picture books about the first Thanksgiving as well as ones about today’s holiday tradition. There even seems to be a whole genre of entertaining books about turkeys on the run.
So with the Thanksgiving spread overflowing, what will you look for in books for your children? What you choose to serve your children helps create the tradition we wish to carry on. If you want a book that teaches history, it can be tricky. That harvest feast of 1621 has inspired many an author to use it as a tableau and many an illustrator has romanticized and created beautifully idealized images. Take care to choose books that are accurate and respectful towards everyone at that table. Rather than choosing books for their familiar story and warm illustrations, take time to read a book through carefully by yourself before sharing it with your child. Guidance offered here may inform your choice: http://www.oyate.org.
Today, the Thanksgiving tradition encompasses many things. For some, it is a time to travel, a time to gather with family and friends and feast. It is a time to watch a football game, attend a school play or a parade. Above all, the holiday is about giving thanks. This makes it a wonderful opportunity to evoke gratitude in children. The list includes several books to encourage this. It also offers educational books that aim to be culturally sensitive and historically accurate. The other selections are simply unique or just plain silly—usually about a turkey in trouble.
Happy Thanksgiving! May your holiday be filled with gratitude, good will, and good books.
What to expect: Hardscrabble Harvest uses rollicking verse and Ipcar’s distinctive illustrations to tell a charming story about the running battle between a farm family and the mischievous animals that plunder their fields. Crows peck at freshly sown seeds, ducks eat new strawberry plants, rabbits nibble on tender lettuces, and raccoons dine on ears of ripening corn. All summer long the young farmer and his wife are ha
by Trudy Ludwig (Author), Beth Adams (Illustrator)
Reading level: Ages 8-12
Hardcover: 48 pages
Publisher: Tricycle Press (August 24, 2010)
Source: Author
Ten-year old Katie has hung up her bully hat. With gentle nudges from parents, principal and school counselor, she is now sharing her secrets with you and your child so that the bullying can stop.
Katie is a creation of author Trudy Ludwig in her latest offering to tweens, Confessions of a Former Bully. After five books, Ludwig has become much beloved by kids, parents and teachers. This award winning author has truly become an advocate for children in the area of social justice. Her former books deal with a variety of issues helping kids navigate the perils of social situations. In 2005, her first book My Secret Bully, disarmed the frenemy. In Just Kidding, Ludwig tackled teasing. Sorry exposed the insincere apology and Trouble Talk illuminated the problems of gossiping. Her fifth book, Too Perfect (read review), shed light on the problems of perfectionism. The latest book builds on this body of work and offers a new perspective—that of the reformed aggressor. Now with the help of Katie, we can pull the curtain on the bully once and for all.
Confessions of a Former Bullyis written in the guise of a journal. The school principal has asked Katie to meet with the school counselor Mrs. Petrowski once a week as consequence for her unkind actions, in order to learn more about bullying behavior and how to be a better friend. Her parents have asked her to keep a journal about what she has learned.
Illustrator Beth Adams’ child-like drawings and margin doodles help create an authentic tween journal feel. While it is written in the voice of a tween, Katie is clearly smart and there is no annoying tween jargon. The handwritten type-face and faux taped-in snippets help create the journal feel. But lest you judge this book by its cover, beware—Katie’s journal is in no way jejune. It is chock-full of helpful information, charts, “Quick Facts”, reflections and revelations. Knowledge comes in many ways, like Mrs. Petrowski’s “Think-About It” cards. These bright yellow quote cards offer gems from the greats: Martin Luther King Jr., Mahatma Gandhi, Mother Te
Trick-or-treat. Smell my feet. Give me something good to read!
Well, it doesn’t quite rhyme, but I do wish that people gave out kids’ books instead of candy during Halloween.
For those of us that really enjoy Halloween— you know who you are: you’ve had your child’s costume since July, you’re dying for a visit to the pumpkin patch, and you’re dreaming of ways to make Halloween last longer than one fabulous day and night—this is the list you’ve been waiting for. There’s the silly, the spooky, the scary, and everything in between. No tricks here—only treats!
The trees are ablaze in fiery reds. Excited children don colorful costumes. And there’s mystery and fun around every corner!
When Addy, Michael, and Karl finish trick-or-treating, their bags are brimming with treats. But the fun isn’t over yet. Their good friend Stillwater the panda has one more special surprise in store for them. A mysterious visitor is about to tell them a spine-tingling story — one that will fill each and every reader with wonder.
Publisher’s synopsis: It’s Halloween, and Splat is determined to be the scariest cat in the class. Unfortunately he’s just too much of a scaredy-cat. He’s afraid of a little spider, and everyone says his costume looks more silly than scary. And when Mrs. Wimpydimple tells a ghost story in the dark, Splat gets so frightened that he tips over his jack-o’-lantern. But when the lights go back on, the entire class is scared silly by a small, black, furry creature with a big pumpkin head. Whooooo can it be?
Here’s the scoop on the most popular destinations on The Children’s Book Review site, the most coveted new releases, the bestsellers, and kids’ book events.
To capture the interest of a teen/young adult while summer is in full swing, books need to have an engaging story line and strong characters. The following books represent just that, they are all very hard to put down!
Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers (May 11, 2010)
Source: Publisher
What to expect: Summer, Family, Game of bridge, Self-discovery
Louis Sachar, a Newberry-winning (Holes, 1998) and bestselling author, sure knows how to take a subject that may be seen as boring—the game of bridge—and turn it into a riveting story of self-discovery, integrity and morals. The story moves around a teenage boy, Alton Richard, and his great-uncle Lester—a rich family member with a large inheritance that everyone is trying to get a piece of. When you combine a teenage boy and a cute girl, old men, greed, and the game of bridge, (you may not believe me but …) you get a real page-turner. Great book!
Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers; First Edition/First Printing edition (December 8, 2009)
Source: Publisher
What to expect: Angels, Boarding school, Love
Thrilling, exciting, and engaging is what this love story is. Too much vampire talk going on at your house? Lauren Kate has certainly launched us into a new phase: angels. Fallen angels, at that! The characters are captivating and have strong voices. This is a suspenseful book that is very hard to put down.
Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers (April 13, 2010)
Source: Publisher
What to expect: Johnstown, Pennsylvania flood; Social classes; Summer
Providing a book of interest is key. This is a book for a true historical-fiction lover. It will also convert your regular-fiction reader into a historical-fiction lover before you know it. Jame Richards takes on social class, romance, and the Johnstown Flood of 1889, and truly touches th
Here’s the scoop on the most popular destinations on The Children’s Book Review site, the most coveted new releases, the bestsellers, and kids’ book events.
July 4th is upon us again. This years Independence Day book selections are both lively and rich in heritage. Don’t be afraid to take a story-time break from all of the festivities—it might just be the thing that gets you and your family all the way through to the fireworks!
What to expect: Self-reliance, United States history
Imogene loves history. So much so, she quotes famous people (Davy Crockett, Abraham Lincoln, Eleanor Roosevelt—to name just a few) and has been doing this since she was a baby. These famous quotes help carry the story of Imogene’s discovery of an abandoned Historical Society building in her quiet, New Hampshire based town. She takes it upon herself to clean up and restore this historic gem and open it up for tours. Unfortunately, no one comes. Then, the icing on the cake, she finds out that the building will be demolished and replaced with a shoelace factory— a factory, that according to the town’s people, will put them on the map. Just when things look bleak, she discovers a letter written by George Washington that states that he had slept in the very building that was about to be torn down. The story peaks with self-reliance and perseverance as Imogene notifies a historian and then takes her stand on the front porch of the building, blocking the way of the wrecking trucks. The town’s people end up joining the crusade and the historian turns up with the President—who happens to be depicted as an African-American woman—and Imogene gets to save the building.
Candace Fleming has written a clever and engaging story that will appeal to both boys and girls. And, I have to say, it’s always a pleasure to read books that showcase girls with a strong sense of self. The illustrations, which are rendered in pen-and-ink and digital media, really add an authentic tone to the story—as well as a touch of humor. It’s really a great, little, history-lesson conversation starter. Different facts will interest different kids depending on their age and the previous introductions they’ve had to history; however, putting aside the historical emphasis, it’s an engaging and entertaining story.
This selection is all about energy and vibe. Using dance, author M. P. Hueston bands the people of the United States together. Each mentioned state has i
Great titles, new and old, that are, of course, well-suited to the summer season—hot days, lemonade stands, beach vacations, fishing, and summer thunderstorms.
Ladybug Girl and the Bug Squad
The Vampire Diaries: The Return: Midnight
Scorpia Rising: An Alex Rider Misson
The Cardturner
Fallen
Three Rivers Rising: A Novel of the Johnstown Flood
Imogene’s Last Stand
The All-American Jump and Jive Jig