By Bianca Schulze, The Children’s Book Review
Published: December 17, 2011
Looking for some last minute gift ideas? Here are some fun books and book related items that you can’t go wrong with. There is something for everyone—babies to teenagers! Just click on the images to learn more …
The Adventures of Tin Tin: Season 1 (DVD)
The Magic School Bus: Oceans (Nintendo DS—Ages 5+)
The Giant Book of Giants (Ages 4+)
The Girls' Book of Secrets (Ages 8+)
A Pocket Library: Oh, David! (Ages 0+)
Star Wars: Darth Vader, A 3-D Reconstruction Log (Ages 5+)
Ripley's Believe It or Not! Strikingly True (Ages 10+)
Tiffany's Table Manners for Teenagers (Ages 12+)
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By Nicki Richesin, The Children’s Book Review
Published: November 29, 2011
During the holiday season it’s a great joy to share family traditions and spend time together. Every year, I look forward to reading these beloved books below to my daughter.
The Story of Holly & Ivy
By Rumer Godden; illustrated by Barbara Cooney
Rumer Godden begins The Story of Holly & Ivy with the sweetest line, “This is a story about wishing.” When an orphan named Ivy and a dreamy doll named Holly see each other through a toy shop window, magic happens. In this classic Christmas tale, Holly and Ivy both find a sense of belonging in their new home and to each other. Wishes come true in part thanks to Barbara Cooney’s tender illustrations of the festive village and toys. Godden captures the precious beauty of a brave girl unwilling to give up on her dream. (Ages 5-10)
Christmas Tree Memories
By Aliki
My daughter and I love returning to Christmas Tree Memories by Aliki each December just like the family’s tradition in the book of sitting by their tree with cookies and a roaring fire to recount each story behind their homemade ornaments. Aliki imbues such gentleness to each character, whether it’s Papouli or the children, the love this family feels for each other comes across with her every detail. (Ages 4-8)
Jingle Bells
By Iza Trapani
Jingle Bells (as told and illustrated by Iza Trapani) is a rollicking fun songbook filled with holiday customs and traditions from around the world. Children will enjoy learning about bearded little gnomes in Sweden, lantern parades in the Philippines, breaking the piñata in Mexico, and presents found in their shoes in Italy. (Ages 4-8)
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Add these books to your collection: The Phantom Tollbooth 50th Anniversary Edition and The Annotated Phantom Tollbooth
Reading Level: Ages 8-12
Video courtesy of RandomBooks: “2011 marks the 50th Anniversary of the beloved classic, The Phantom Tollbooth. Meet the book’s creators, Norton Juster and Jules Feiffer, and hear them discuss how this classic came to be.
Also with commentary from Leonard S. Marcus, children’s books critic and historian, and author of The Annotated Phantom Tollbooth.”
©2011 The Childrens Book Review. All Rights Reserved.
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By Bianca Schulze, The Children’s Book Review
Published: November 1, 2011
Here’s the scoop on the most popular destinations on The Children’s Book Review site, the most coveted new releases and bestsellers.
THE HOT SPOTS: THE TRENDS
Cedella Marley Inspires with “One Love”
Author Interview: Gary Paulsen
Lessons from Laura Ingalls Wilder
Where to Find Free eBooks for Children Online
THE NEW RELEASES
The most coveted books that release this month:
Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Cabin Fever
by Jeff Kinney
(Ages 8-11)
by Christopher Paolini
(Young Adult)
by Jan Brett
(Ages 0-5)
Ivy an Bean: No News is Good News
by Annie Barrows
(Ages 6-9)
by Lita Judge
(Ages 0-5)
Steps and Stones: An Anh’s Anger Story
by Gail Silver
(Ages 4-10)
THE BEST SELLERS
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By Nicki Richesin, The Children’s Book Review
Published: October 26, 2011
Fairy tales have the power to teach us valuable lessons about love, loyalty and friendship. In these stories, characters are transformed into magical beings, sacrifices are made in their honor and small creatures perform enormous acts of courage and daring. These classic stories have been told for many generations and yet their legend grows richer with each telling.
Michael Hague’s Treasured Classics has the old-fashioned appeal of books my mother once read to me. Reading “The Three Billy Goats Gruff,” I fondly remembered my mom growling like the fierce troll under the bridge. With fourteen tales to choose from including “Jack and The Beanstalk” and “The Gingerbread Man,” children will marvel at the intricately detailed illustrations. It seems this book played a magic trick on me by transporting me back in time. (Ages 6-9)
Mouse & Lion is an unusually beautiful retelling of Aesop’s fable. Rand Burkert’s rich language embellishes the familiar story and Nancy Ekholm Burkert’s lush illustrations reflect the magnificence of the African landscape (with its brilliant orange setting sun and ancient baobab tree) in this heartwarming tale. Burkert has composed and recorded a CD of songs inspired by Aesop, also entitled Mouse & Lion. (Ages 4-8)
Brigette Barrager illustrations in Twelve Dancing Princesses reminded me of classic Disney movies such as Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty, but her version has a decidedly modern spin. When Pip the clever cobbler discovers why the sleepy princesses’ shoes are worn out each morning, she unveils the mystery with witty dialogue rather than long-winded descriptions of the enchanted forest, boat ride, and ballroom (yawn). Well done, Miss Barrager. A lovely matching game is also available from Chronicle Books. (Ages 5-8)
Bambi by Felix Salten is such a sad story and yet this coming of age tale brings with it hope and resilience. The soft watercolor paintings by Maja Dusikova of the sweet woodland creatures glow in the forest ligh
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By Nicki Richesin, The Children’s Book Review
Published: October 12, 2011
Looking for some spooky good reads this Halloween? Below is our family’s list of all-time favorites. Have a Happy Halloween!
A cautionary tale from 1829 The Spider and the Fly will capture your children’s imagination. Tony DiTerlizzi spins a masterful retelling of Mary Howitt’s poetic fable with his perversely charming pictures. It’s such fun and best read with a wicked voice… Ba ha ha ha ha! (Ages 6-9)
Humbug Witch is a little witch who can’t quite fly her broom or make her cauldron boil and bubble, but Lorna Balian’s surprise ending will delight your little ones. (Ages 3-8)
Diane Goode’s Book of Scary Stories & Songs is a fabulous collection of old folktales, poems, and songs that will either send a shiver down your spine or make you laugh out loud. Goode’s playful illustrations bring old favorites back to life like “The Ghost of John” and “The Green Ribbon.” (Ages 5-8)
From the creators of The Gruffalo, zooms Room on the Broom. Julia Donaldson tells the story of this enterprising witch and cat. Young children will become bewitched by the rhyme and have a silly time. (Ages 4-8)
The Witches’ Supermarket is a terribly clever book for ages 4-8 who will enjoy being one step ahead of the little girl in disguise who shops for all manner of shocking grocery items (like apples with worms and shake n’ bake snake) with her faithful dog. (Ages 5-8)
Ghosts in the House become repurposed by the new owner as lovely curtains, tablecloths and comforters. Decorating her cozy home with Kazuno Kaharo’s simple yet charming illustrations, kids might just want to move in. (Ages 3-6)
You’ll probably have to check your local library for copies of Adrienne Adams classic Halloween books
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Add this book to your collection: One Love
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By Bianca Schulze, The Children’s Book Review
Published: September 1, 2011
Here’s the scoop on the most popular destinations on The Children’s Book Review site, the most coveted new releases and bestsellers.
THE HOT SPOTS: THE TRENDS
Back-to-School: Books About School
Best Halloween Books for Kids: Scary, Spooky, and Silly
20 Sites to Improve Your Child’s Literacy
Where to Find Free eBooks for Children Online
THE NEW RELEASES
The most coveted books that release this month:
by Brian Selznick
(Ages 9-12)
LEGO Star Wars Character Encyclopedia
by DK Publishing
(Ages 12 and up)
by Shel Silverstein
(Ages 8-11)
You Have to Stop This (Secret)
by Pseudonymous Bosch
(Ages 9-12)
The Bippolo Seed and Other Lost Stories
by Dr. Seuss
(Ages 6-9)
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By Bianca Schulze, The Children’s Book Review
Published: August 1, 2011
Here’s the scoop on the most popular destinations on The Children’s Book Review site, the most coveted new releases and bestsellers.
THE HOT SPOTS: THE TRENDS
20 Sites to Improve Your Child’s Literacy
Superhero Books: Batman, Superman, Spider-Man
Where to Find Free eBooks for Children Online
THE NEW RELEASES
The most coveted books that release this month:
by Anna Dewdney
(Ages 1-5)
The 39 Clues: Cahills vs. Vespers: Book 1: The Medusa Plot
by Gordon Korman
(Ages 8-12)
by Lincoln Peirce
(Ages 8-11)
Darth Paper Strikes Back: An Origami Yoda Book
by Tom Angleberger
(Ages 9-12)
Aphrodite the Diva (Goddess Girls)
by Joan Holub
(Ages 8-12)
THE BEST SELLERS
The best selling children’s books this month:
PICTURE BOOKS
by Judy Schachner
(Ages 3-7)
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JacketFlap tags: Cathy Diez-Luckie, John Cassiday, Kaitlyn Nichols, Karen Phillips, Art, Books for Boys, Barbara Park, Books for Girls, Activity Books, Ages Four to Eight: Books for pre-school to second grade, Goodie Bag: Books to share and give, Ages Nine to Twelve: Books for Third Through Sixth Grade, Reluctant Readers: Will be begging for more, Book Lists: Specialty picks, Ages Baby to Three: Books for infants and toddlers, Interactive: Appeal to the senses, Nicholas Berger, Denise Brunkus, Victoria Kann, Vivian Kirkfield, Add a tag
By Bianca Schulze, The Children’s Book Review
Published: July 28, 2011
Rain, hail or shine, summer, winter, fall or spring, activity books are fantastic boredom busters. They also make wonderful birthday gifts that are budget savvy. From doodles to stickers to making your own animation movies, this list of activity books showcases some of our favorites. We’ve also included a great resource for parents that is all about building your child’s self-esteem through reading, crafting and cooking.
By Victoria Kann
Reading level: Ages 3-12
Paperback: 128 pages
Publisher: HarperFestival (May 31, 2011)
Source: Publisher
Publisher’s synopsis: Get Ready to Think Outside the Lines!
Drawing and coloring is doodlicious!
Over 100 pages of pinkatastic pictures for you to complete.
- Includes coloring, drawing, and activities to inspire creativity
- Perfect for Pinkalicious fans of all ages
Add this book to your collection: Pinkalicious: Pinkadoodles
____________________________________________________________
By Scholastic
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Paperback: 64 pages
Publisher: Scholastic Inc. (May 1, 2009)
Source: Publisher
Publisher’s synopsis: This is a doodle book, a journal, and a scrap book – the perfect buy for any child going away on summer vacation! Includes more than 50 vacation-themed doodles to complete, it doesn’t require any drawing skills, just a little bit of imagination!
More doodles and activities include:
* Design your own sandcastle.
* Draw your vacation home.
* How much money are you spending?
* Which was your favorite day on vacation?
* What is dad cooking on the campfire?
* Design a flag for your family.
* Fill the beach with seashells.
* Draw the twists and turns of a rollercoaster.
Add this book to your collection: Vacation Doodle Book
____________________________________________________________
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By Bianca Schulze, The Children’s Book Review
Published: June 14, 2010
Its time to celebrate dads! Here are four new books that we think daddies everywhere will find lots of fun …
By Beth Raisner Glass (Author), Margie Moore (Illustrator)
Reading level: Ages 3-7
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Abrams Books for Young Readers (May 1, 2011)
Me and My Dad
By Alison Ritchie (Author), Alison Edgson (Illustrator)
Reading level: Ages 3-7
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Good Books (May 2011)
A Father’s Day Thank You
By Janet Nolan (Author), Kathi Ember (Illustrator)
Reading level: Ages 5-7
Paperback: 32 pages
Publisher: Albert Whitman & Company (March 1, 2011)
Tyrannosaurus Dad
By Liz Rosenberg (Author), Matthew Myers (Illustrator)
Reading level: Ages 4-6
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Roaring Brook Press (May 10, 2011)
©2011 The Childrens Book Review. All Rights Reserved.
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By Bianca Schulze, The Children’s Book Review
Published: May 31, 2011
5 Reasons Books Make the Best End of Year Teacher Gifts
- There is a book out there for everybody and every interest
- A book is a personal and thoughtful gift
- They are affordable (especially if your child has multiple teachers)
- They are easy to wrap
- No batteries required
The Art of Selecting the Right Book
A few things to consider when choosing the perfect gift book…
- Are you selecting a book for the teacher or his/her classroom?
- Will the subject or topic interest the teacher or class?
- Is the book age-appropriate?
- Check out the latest offerings from your favorite author or illustrator.
- Read book reviews.
- Ask your local bookseller or librarian to make some suggestions.
And … if all else fails, there is always the trusty bookstore gift card!
4 Picture Book Suggestions for the Teacher’s Classroom
By Mike Twohy
This is a great choice for any classroom and especially a reading teacher. It makes for a lovely reminder of how much the children grow emotionally and socially within one year and will also be a great read for the teacher’s new class next school year. Bonus if your teacher’s name happens to be Poindexter!
Publisher’s synopsis: Poindexter is a shy, friendly, and perfectly happy pig. There’s just one thing. How is a shy, nice, well balanced pig going to make friends? You never know who you will meet when you check out How to Make Friends at the library!
Add this book to your collection: Poindexter Makes a Friend
By Andrea Beaty (Author), David Roberts
(Illustrator)
Looking for a book for the art teacher? This is a very entertaining book about doing your own thing and remaining in touch with your creativity and passion. Imaginative and very clever!
Publisher’s synopsis: Meet Iggy Peck—creative, independent, and not afraid to express himself! In the spirit of David Shannon’s No, David and Rosemary Wells’s Noisy Nora, Iggy Peck will delight readers looking for irreverent, inspired fun.
Iggy has one passion: building. His parents are proud of his fabulous creations, though they’re sometimes surprised by his materials—who could forget the tower he built of dirty diapers? When his second-grade teacher declares her dislike of architecture, Iggy faces a challenge. He loves building too much to give it up! With Andrea Beaty’s irresistible rhyming text and David Roberts’s puckish illustrations, this book will charm creative kids everywhere, and amuse their sometimes bewildered parents.
Add this book to your collection:
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Add this book to your collection: Pat the Bunny
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By Bianca Schulze, The Children’s Book Review
Published: May 5, 2011
Checkout three of our favorite picture books that celebrate moms beautifully!
Mad At Mommy
by Komako Sakai
My Mommy Hung the Moon: A Love Story
by Jamie Lee Curtis (Author), Laura Cornell (Illustrator)
Who Loves the Little Lamb
by Lezlie Evans (Author), David McPhail (Illustrator)
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By Bianca Schulze, The Children’s Book Review
Published: April 4, 2011
Spring brings warmer weather, fragrant and bright colored flowers, adorable baby farm animals, and taller children. Spring also brings more books—books that encompass all of those topics and more, for our taller children with blossoming minds. It’s time to select a book that matches the tone of the season, grab a blanket and find a nice spot outside for a spring story time session.
From bunnies to eggs to butterflies to chicks and even a spring shower, these books that have been selected all harness some kind of special spring power and celebrate Easter in its secular form.
Picture Books
Quiet Bunny’s Many ColorsBy Lisa McCue
Reading level: Ages 4-6
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Sterling (March 1, 2011)
Source: Publisher
Hands down, the best spring book of 2011. The colors, the critters, the bugs, every illustration captures the essence of spring. The story is light and bounces with fun read-aloud words and finishes with a gentle-but-powerful message of self-acceptance. Simply gorgeous!
Add this book to your collection: Quiet Bunny’s Many Colors
Little White Rabbit
By Kevin Henkes
Reading level: Ages 2-7
Hardcover: 40 pages
Publisher: Greenwillow Books (January 25, 2011)
Source: Publisher
Kevin Henkes is brilliant and so is Little White Rabbit. The pastel colors of the pencils and acrylic paint give off friendly charm as the rabbit explores nature and his own abilities. The gentle details given to the rabbit’s face allow the readers to truly experience the delicate emotions experienced on every page—especially the bliss of true devotion from his mother. The double-page spread of Rabbit imagining what it would be like to flutter through the air with butterflies provides sheer elation.
Illustration by Kevin Henkes
Add this book to your collection: Little White Rabbit
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By Bianca Schulze, The Children’s Book Review
Published: April 1, 2011
Bestselling author Deborah Underwood
Deborah Underwood is the New York Times bestselling author of The Quiet Book, The Loud Book, A Balloon for Isabel and Granny Gomez and Jigsaw. She lives in San Francisco, California.
TCBR: Your first three picture books were released in 2010: A Balloon for Isabel, Granny Gomez and Jigsaw and The Quiet Book. How did it come about that they all released in the same fantastic year?
Deborah Underwood: I sold Granny in 2003, and Isabel and The Quiet Book in 2008—all to different publishing houses—so it was just a strange publishing quirk that they came out during a two-month period last year. What’s more, I initially wrote Isabel in 2004, but it was one of those books that just took a long time to gel. It sat in my virtual drawer for a few years before I pulled it out again and got it into marketable shape. It was great to see all those projects finally come to fruition.
I can only imagine! Word is that it’s hard to get a book published that is considered “too quiet.” Was this book your hardest sell? And, this being the case is it satisfying to know that The Quiet Book is a New York Times bestseller?
It certainly wasn’t an easy sell. You’re absolutely right about publishers shying away from “quiet” books; in fact, “too quiet” is a common rejection-letter line. I’m grateful that my editor saw the potential in the manuscript and was willing to go against the prevailing non-quiet trend. And yes, given that quiet books are hard to sell, the success of The Quiet Book is extra-sweet. I hope it helps open the door for other writers who want to write quiet picture books.
It makes sense that The Loud Book should follow closely behind its predecessor. Were you surprised at how quickly it came to fruition?
We actually started working on The Loud Book well before The Quiet Book came out. I was rewriting the text during the summer of 2009. I feel fortunate that the folks at Houghton Mifflin had enough faith in The Quiet Book to sign a sequel before it was released.
Bravo to Houghton Mifflin for having such gre
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By Bianca Schulze, The Children’s Book Review
Published: December 7, 2010
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.
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.
Add this book to your collection: MoMA Make Art Mistakes: An Inspired Sketchbook for Everyone
by Taro Gomi
Reading level: All Ages
Paperback: 116 pages
Publisher: Chronicle Books (September 1, 2010)
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.
Add this book to your collection: Play All Day
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By Bianca Schulze and Phoebe Vreeland, The Children’s Book Review
Published: November 22, 2010
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.
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.
Add this book to your collection: It’s Christmas, David! or llego La Navidad, David! (Spanish Edition)
From nicely illustrated carols to tales for the naughty and nice, our holiday gift to you is this list of wonderful Christmas books.
The Twelve Days of Christmas in Washington, DC
by Candice Ransom (Author), Sarah Hollander (Illustrator)
Reading level: Ages 5-7
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Sterling (October 5, 2010)
Source: Publisher
Publish
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JacketFlap tags: Classics, Fairy Tales, Lewis Carroll, Mark Twain, Hans Christian Andersen, Alison Jay, Brothers Grimm, Robert Ingpen, Astrid Lindgren, Lauren Child, Ages Four to Eight: Books for pre-school to second grade, Goodie Bag: Books to share and give, Ages Nine to Twelve: Books for third through sixth grade, Book Lists: Specialty picks, Picture Book - Wordless, Lisbeth Zwerger, Bernadette Watts, Sylvia Long, Tina Nunally, Charles Santore, Dorothée Duntze, J. M. Barrie, Add a tag
Classic Treats That Never Grow Old
By Bianca Schulze & Phoebe Vreeland, The Children’s Book Review
Published: November 6, 2010
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.
Add this book to your collection: Snow White: A Tale from the Brothers Grimm
by Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm (Authors), Dorothée Duntze (Illustrator)
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 24 pages
Publisher: North-South Books (September 1, 2005)
Source: Publisher
A softer version of the original Grimm tale. The illustrations are happy and sunny.
Add this book to your collection: Rapunzel
Selected and illustrated by Lisbeth Zwerger
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: North-South Books; illustrated edition edition (April 1, 2006)
Source: Publisher
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.
Add this book to your collection: Aesop’s Fables
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JacketFlap tags: Alex rider, Twilight, Star Wars, Rachel Cohn, Stephenie Meyer, David Wiesner, David Levithan, Anthony Horowitz, James Dashner, Sherman Alexie, Cassandra Clare, Lane Smith, Rick Riordan, Markus Zusak, Jeff Kinney, Best Sellers, Maggie Stiefvater, Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Suzanne Collins, Mike Lupica, Jane O'Connor, Fancy Nancy, The Hunger Games, Robin McKinley, Mary Ann Hoberman, Annie Barrows, John Flanagan, Becca Fitzpatrick, Goodie Bag: Books to share and give, The Ranger's Apprentice, Lauren Kate, The Kane Chronicles, Maze Runner, Anna Dewdney, Simon Beecroft, The Heroes of Olympus, Percy Jackson & the Olympians, The Infernal Devices, Add a tag
By Bianca Schulze, The Children’s Book Review
Published: November 2, 2010
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.
THE HOT SPOTS: THE TRENDS
Interview with Lian Tanner, Author of The Keepers Trilogy
2010 Children’s Choice Book Awards Nominees
Where to Find Free eBooks for Children Online
20 Sites to Improve Your Child’s Literacy
THE NEW RELEASES
The most coveted books that release this month:
Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Ugly Truth
by Jeff Kinney
(Ages 9-12)
by Mike Lupica
(Ages 9-12)
by Robin McKinley
(Young Adult)
by Anthony Horowitz
(Ages 12 and up)
You Read to Me, I’ll Read to You: Very Short Fables to Read Together
by Mary Ann Hoberman
(Ages 4-8)
THE BEST SELLERS
The best selling children’s books this month:
PICTURE BOOKS
by Anna Dewdney
(Ages 0-5)
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JacketFlap tags: Music, Animals, Bob Dylan, Ages Four to Eight: Books for pre-school to second grade, Goodie Bag: Books to share and give, Interactive: Appeal to the senses, Jim Arnosky, Picture Book - Wordless, Add a tag
By Phoebe Vreeland, The Children’s Book Review
Published: September 16, 2010
MAN GAVE NAMES TO ALL THE ANIMALS
By Bob Dylan (Author), Jim Arnosky (Illustrator)
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Sterling; Har/Com edition (September 7, 2010)
Source: Publisher
I had been trying to introduce Bob Dylan to my four-year-old daughter with entirely the wrong song. Clearly, dancing around the house together to Dylan’s “Everything is Broken” was a crazy idea. Recently, Bianca Schulze handed me the new children’s book Man Gave Names To All The Animals—a beautifully illustrated picture book by Jim Arnosky with Bob Dylan’s lyrics as text. The book includes a CD of the original recording with its jumpy island beat and soft female background vocals. With the right groove and stunning pictures, a new Dylan fan is born.
Few adult Dylan fans rave about this song from the 1979 release Slow Train Coming, but the song actually lends itself well to a sing-a-long with its simple chorus and predictable rhymes. While repetitive, it won’t become an annoying ear bug like so many kids songs can. Those new to the song may appreciate the book’s text since Dylan’s signature gruff, nasal vocals are at times hard to understand. It’s a playful song and children will delight while calling out the animals’ names.
However, the true reason why I am happy to have discovered this book is it brought Jim Arnosky to my awareness. As a mother of a four-year old daughter I read a lot about pink princesses and cuddly creatures. It’s refreshing to have discovered someone who is passionately committed to connecting children with the natural world. Arnosky has written and/or illustrated over a hundred books about nature—books with titles like Slither and Crawl, Crocodile Safari, and Every Autumn Comes the Bear.
Using nature as the underlying theme, his books are as varied as they are plentiful and appropriately adapted to all ages. He has reached the very youngest with his “Mouse” series of picture books and the adorable Rabbits and Raindrops and Otters Underwater. Arnosky writes books for the older child that draw him out into the natural world while engaging in it—teaching outdoor skills, identification, sketching or merely observing—inviting them to “see as an artist would and observe as a naturalist would.” He has been praised for not romanticizing or humanizing animals. Influenced by the great nature writers John Burroughs and Ernest Thomas Seaton, Arnosky has said that their writings enticed him out into the natural world and he hopes his books will do the same for others.
Living and working in a rural Vermo
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JacketFlap tags: Halloween, Steve Jenkins, April Lurie, Rob Scotton, Eoin Mcnamee, Goodie Bag: Books to share and give, Book Lists: Specialty picks, Seasonal: Holiday Events, Michele Torrey, Jon J Muth, Lisa Brown, A.R. Rotruck, Chris Grabenstein, Dan Poblocki, Lieve Baeten, Lola M. Schaefer, Mike & Jan Berenstain, Mimi McCoy, Add a tag
Bianca Schulze, The Children’s Book Review
Published: September 15, 2010
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!
Picture Books
by Jon J. Muth
Publisher’s synopsis: It’s Halloween.
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.
Scholastic Press | September 1, 2010 | Ages 4-8 | 40 pages
Add this book to your collection: Zen Ghosts
by Rob Scotton
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?
Splat the Cat Scaredy-Cat Plush Doll Toy
HarperCollins | August 24, 2010 | Ages 4-8 | 40 pages
Add this book to your collection: Scaredy-Cat, Splat!
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JacketFlap tags: Mo willems, Best Sellers, Ages Four to Eight: Books for pre-school to second grade, Goodie Bag: Books to share and give, Ages Baby to Three: Books for infants and toddlers, Picture Book - Wordless, Featured Videos, Add a tag
Add these books to your collection: Knuffle Bunny Free: An Unexpected Diversion
Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Tale
Knuffle Bunny Too: A Case of Mistaken Identity
And don’t forget that you need a Knuffle Bunny!
Blog: The Children's Book Review (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Stephenie Meyer, Sherman Alexie, Eoin Colfer, Margaret Peterson Haddix, Rick Riordan, Markus Zusak, Sara Shepard, Jeff Kinney, Best Sellers, Beverly Cleary, Suzanne Collins, Jane O'Connor, Julie Andrews, P.C. Cast, Ages Four to Eight: Books for pre-school to second grade, Goodie Bag: Books to share and give, Ages Nine to Twelve: Books for third through sixth grade, Teens: Books for young adults, Book Lists: Specialty picks, Ages Baby to Three: Books for infants and toddlers, Lauren Kate, Victoria Kann, Deborah Underwood, Lincoln Peirce, David Soman, Jon J Muth, Jacky Davis, Simon Beecroft, Sarah Pennypacker, Maggie Stiefvater, Mo willems, Add a tag
By Bianca Schulze, The Children’s Book Review
Published: August 1, 2010
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.
THE HOT SPOTS: THE TRENDS
2010 Children’s Choice Book Awards Nominees
20 Sites to Improve Your Child’s Literacy
Summer Reading Tips & What to Read When
Kids’ Summer Reading Lists: Early-Fluent to Fluent Readers / Ages 6-10
THE NEW RELEASES
The most coveted books that release this month:
Mockingjay (The Final Book of The Hunger Games)
by Suzanne Collins
(Young Adult)
Artemis Fowl 7: The Atlantis Complex
by Eoin Colfer
(Ages 9-12)
The 39 Clues, Book 10: Into the Gauntlet
by Margaret Peterson Haddix
(Ages 9-12)
Fancy Nancy and the Delectable Cupcakes
by Jane O’connor
(Ages 4-8)
by Suzanne Collins
(Young Adult)
by Margaret Peterson Haddix
(Ages 8-12)
Clementine, Friend of the Week
by Sara Pennypacker
(Ages 7-10)
THE BEST SELLERS Add a Comment
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JacketFlap tags: Ages Four to Eight: Books for pre-school to second grade, Goodie Bag: Books to share and give, Social Graces: Books with a practical use, Book Lists: Specialty picks, Ages Baby to Three: Books for infants and toddlers, Amy E. Sklansky, Ard Hoyt, Janet Bingham, Kristin Blackwood, Mike Blanc, Two daddies, Vanita Oelschlager, Rosalind Beardshaw, Fathers, Add a tag
The following books have been selected for Father's Day because they showcase strong paternal bonds and demonstrate just how special (and important) daddy-and-me moments can be. There is also a special selection for families that have two daddies.
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