Saturday, February 21, 2009

20 Award Winning Titles

All of the books this week are award winning titles. Some books may be familiar to you already and others may be titles you’ve never heard of before, but all are excellent reads! Hopefully you and your child will find a new book that causes you to fall in love with reading all over again. If the award winning status isn’t enough, all of these books are highly recommended by me.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
Families will enjoy reading the tale of a little caterpillar that eats his way through a treasure trove of food and eventually becomes a beautiful butterfly. The story has short, bold statements that will be easy for kids to understand and beautiful illustrations will capture a child’s attention. Children and their caregivers will learn the days of the week and practice their counting skills as you find out what this hungry caterpillar ate all week. Have fun as you flip through the cleaver page design of each day’s food. As families read the story again and again, children will also learn names of foods, fruits and about one of nature’s most magical moments.

Corduroy by Don Freeman
Loved by many generations of children, Corduroy has become a family favorite story. Corduroy is a small stuffed bear in green overalls with a wish to be taken home by a loving family. Children will love to hear the story of Corduroy’s adventure in the toy store and whether finding his missing button will truly fix what’s missing. Beautifully rendered illustrations help to tell this wonderful story. Every adult and child will relate with the story of a little girl’s adoration and love for a small stuffed bear.

Millions of Cats by Wanda Gag
Simple pen and ink illustrations bring you through this heart warming tale of an old couple and their quest for a single kitten. Sing along with the rhythmic beat of “Cats here, cats there, cats and kittens everywhere, hundreds of cats, thousands of cats, millions and billions and trillions of cats.” Find out what happens when the old man returns with more than he bargained for and how one lowly little kitten finds it’s way into their hearts.

Mr. Gumpy’s Outing by John Burningham
A lazy summer day is a perfect day for an outing. Children and caregivers will come back again and again to follow the soft pastel illustrations of Mr. Gumpy’s Outing. Large letters and colorful pictures will help kids to follow along as you read helping them learn the names of animals. This delightful picture book is sure to please.


Mike Mulligan and his Steam Shovel by Virginia Lee Burton
Follow the child-like, colorful pencil drawn illustrations in this story of the enduring love between Mike Mulligan and his steam shovel, Mary Ann. Are they going to be replaced by newer and “better” shovels? Mike and his steam shovel have dug canals, railways, highways and more, but their biggest challenge will test their worth. Maybe a solution for Mike and Mary Ann will come from the smartest person of all, a child.

Madeline by Ludwig Bemelmans
From twelve little girls in one straight line comes Madeline. She is the youngest of the girls, but is not easy to scare. From mice and ice, to the hospital, Madeline is never afraid. Read along with her adventure as you point out the famous landmarks of Paris throughout the book. Kids will love hearing about what happens with Madeline.

Make Way for Ducklings by Robert McCloskey
Follow the Mallard family as they care for their young brood. Soon it is time to move to a new home, and the wonderful, caring illustrations allow us to observe as Mrs. Mallard leads the ducklings and the city of Boston will have to make way. Highlighted by their “human” characteristics, caretakers and children will fall in love with the simple story of the Mallard family and their mother’s love.

There’s a Nightmare in My Closet written and illustrated by Mercer Mayer
The story of a brave little boy and the “nightmare” in his closet is sure to make everyone who reads it chuckle with delight. Children and caregivers will smile as they read about what the boy decides to do to face his fears. Will he conquer his fears or end up with a whole new problem altogether? Follow along to find out in the wonderfully enjoyable story of There’s a Nightmare in My Closet.

George and Martha written and illustrated by James Marshall
The book, George and Martha has five great stories about two great friends. From being honest with friends to looking at yourself in the mirror too much, children will be taught some valuable life lessons while giggling along with George and Martha’s tales. Parents will enjoy the stories too as they point out the lessons learned through the adventures of these two best friends.

Kittens First Full Moon by Kevin Henkes
Oh, what a night! Little kitten is confused when she sees her first full moon. That “bowl of milk” is just taunting her. Laugh and smile as you follow her brave journey into the night and whisper softly “oh, poor kitty” as she never can quite get her milk. Will she continue to be unlucky or will her luck change? Children and caregivers will enjoy reading the story to find out.

The Carrot Seed by Ruth Krauss and Pictures by Crockett Johnson
Read the simple tale of a little boy who plants a carrot seed. Everyone tells him “it won’t come up” but he knows it will. Kids will be delighted at the simplicity of the story and the determination of the little boy. Parents will enjoy the tenacity of the little boy as he shrugs off all those who say it’ll never happen. The Carrot Seed has become a favorite book for good reason and will continue to be read to generations of children.

Leo the Late Bloomer by Robert Kraus and Illustrated by Jose Aruego
Follow Leo and meet his friends as Leo sets out to prove “better late than never”. Have fun flipping the pages to see if Leo will read, draw, write or speak. Can he “bloom” like the rest of the young animals or will he never catch up? Beautifully rendered illustrations create a wonderful background to an important story.

Frederick by Leo Lionni
During the cold of winter 5 field mice live in a stone wall. What will they do when all the supplies have dried up? Frederick is the story of a mouse who is a dreamer and whose contribution is different than the rest. Memories of happy days when we are down, thoughts of the sunshine on a cloudy day and the colors of summer are essential supplies for a hard winter. The story of Fredrick shows how food isn’t all we need to sustain us in hard times and how being different can be an asset. Beautiful, simple illustrations lend the wonderful story of Frederick.

Good Night, Gorilla by Peggy Rathmann
Simple, colorful and enchanting pictures bring you through this tale of a mischievous gorilla. Watch the excitement begin as the guard puts the zoo to sleep, but gorilla lets all the animals out of their cage. Caregivers and children will enjoy talking about the pictures. Everyone who read Good Night, Gorilla will laugh along with gorillas’ adventure. This wonderful tale is sometimes only told with the picture on the page, or very few words, but each scene has all the information you need as you flip to see where gorilla takes you next.

Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak
Wonderful and magical, the tale of a “wild “child’s imagination brings reader’s of all ages back to a time when anything was possible in Maurice Sendak’s Where the Wild Things Are. Travel with Max as he enters a world filled with terrible monsters with terrible roars, terrible teeth, terrible eyes and terrible claws. Smile as you turn each page to a new adventure in this world of make believe and find out if being king is all it’s cracked up to be.

Caps for Sale by Esphyr Slobodkina
Simple pictures and easy text help bring this story down to an early reader’s level. Young readers will want to take the reigns as they read the story and are sure to tell this tale over and over again. Laugh along with them as the monkeys in this tale begin causing trouble, and act out the scenes when the monkeys begin to tease. Then smile when the peddler finds a way to outsmart the monkeys.

Knuffle Bunny by Mo Willems
Wonderful colored illustrations overlay the black and white photo imagery of a New York neighborhood in this tale of a trip to the Laundromat gone wrong. While dad and Trixie begin by having a wonderful time together something changes and Trixie does everything in her power to show her discontent with the situation. Knuffle Bunny has been left behind. You will read this tale time and time again as the fun imagery, short lines, and sweet story keep you turning the pages.

Harry the Dirty Dog by Gene Zion
Harry is one of those really smart dogs. He doesn’t like bath time, so he figures out that if he steals the scrub brush he won’t be forced to take a bath. Well, enjoy reading along with this story as Harry proceeds to get the dirtiest he ever has. Smile while Harry ends up getting exactly what he didn’t want when he returns home in order to prove he is the real Harry.

My Friend Rabbit by Eric Rohmann
Wherever rabbit goes, trouble follows, even though he means well. Parents will enjoy teaching kids about all the different animals in this tale of two friends who wind up making a lot trouble, even though they meant well. The wonderful and lively illustrations will keep kids enthralled in the story as you find out how Rabbit and Mouse get out of one mess and right into another.

Rapunzel Retold and Illustrated by Paul O. Zelinsky
Beautiful and detailed paintings illustrate each scene as you read this timeless classic. The true nature of love is put to the test in the classic tale of Repunzel. This story will enchant you with its wonderful telling of an enduring love and fascinate you with the detail of its illustration. Caregivers and children will enjoy reading this beautiful book.

Sunday, February 15, 2009

Another 20 Books--Fairy Tales and Such

This weeks twenty books are all selections of Fairy Tales, Fabels, and their revisions. Enjoy reading to your child the stories you grew-up with. There are many fun and creative adaptions to the classics, as well. Hopefully the stories included in this weeks blog will bring back some fond memories while helping you create some new ones.

The Gingerbread Cowboy by Janet Squires
Children will enjoy this southwestern spin on the beloved classic tale of the Gingerbread Boy. Giddyup, and try to catch the Gingerbread Man as he races past the rancher and his wife, the roadrunner, the javelinas, the long-horned cattle, the cowboys, and the coyote who all try to eat him. Wonderful colored pencil drawings bring you through the adventure of The Gingerbread Cowboy. Parents and kids alike will have fun as they read along to find out how the tale ends.

Iron Hans, A Grimms’ Fairy Tale retold by Stephen Mitchell
This classic Grimm Fairy Tale is retold in this superbly illustrated story. Follow along as the unlikely friendship between a “wild man” and a prince begins and what lessons each of them must learn to reach their true destiny. Will the prince be able to live a life of meager means and poverty to pass the tests set out before him? And who is Iron Hans really? Enjoy this story again and again as it helps teach young children many of life’s lessons about humility, kindness and being content with what you have.

The Twelve Dancing Princesses retold and illustrated by Rachel Isadora
Brilliantly colored and exciting collages adorn this African adaption of Grimm’s classic Fairy Tale. Rachel Isadora’s retelling of the story of princes, princesses, and a secret world is fun and creative. Families will enjoy reading about the secret adventures of the princesses and all night dances. Follow the tale to find out what happens to The Twelve Dancing Princesses.

The Princess and the Pea retold and illustrated by Rachel Isadora*
This wonderful retelling of a classic tale takes on a new twist in an African setting and with wonderful, colorful illustrations. Rachel Isadora gets it right again with the classic story of a prince who wants to marry a “real” princess. Learn if the prince gets his wish, or if the new “princess” can’t pass the test, and enjoy the new telling of this old tale.

Goldie Locks Has Chicken Pox by Erin Dealey
Read along with the rhyming story of Goldie Locks who has come down with the chicken pox. You’ll recognize all of the nursery rhyme characters who come to visit Goldie Locks when she’s sick. Little Bo Peep, little Red Riding Hood and more stop by as Goldie Locks little brother, Jack continues to tease her about her chicken pox. You will love the old 50’s style illustrations of this new take on an old favorite. Children who are fighting a sickness themselves will enjoy hearing this sweet story.

Kate and the Beanstalk by Mary Pope Osborne
A new retelling of a timeless tale with a progressive twist, help give this story it’s new face. Cheer on the heroine as she uses her wits to undo the wrongs of the past and set in motion some events she never could have anticipated. Families and children will love this hopeful tale and want to hear told it over and over.

Carmine a Little More Red by Melissa Sweet
Carmine a Little More Red is a lovely retelling of the classic tale of Little Red Riding Hood retold in a modern setting to keep the story fresh. The new twists will keep you intrigued about what is next for this dreamy little girl and keep the readers turning to the next page. Children will be involved in the story learning new words and their meanings from the big bold lettering. The use of special, highlighted set-apart bold words on every page will build vocabulary. Caretakers and children will enjoy the wonderful painted illustrations and creative story layout. Put these elements together and Carmine a Little More Red is sure to be on your family’s favorites list for a long time.

Jack and the Bean Stalk retold and illustrated by Steven Kellogg
This classic fairy tale with beautifully intricate illustrations assists in the telling of the tale. Enjoy reading this story with your children while pointing out the story found within the drawings. Children and caregivers will enjoy telling this favorite tale and will take pleasure in repeating along with the classic lines, “Fe-fi-fo-fum.”

Clever Beatrice retold by Margaret Wiley
From the North woods of Michigan comes the tall tale of a quick witted little girl versus a giant in tests of strength. Wonderful painted illustrations pull you through this story and each page is an adventure. Read aloud as little Beatrice challenges the giant to a bet of strength for his gold. Beatrice will leave you smiling as she lets her brain power win over brawn power and prompts you to wonder what she’ll think up next.

Lies and Other Tall Tales collected by Zora Neale Hurston; adapted and illustrated by Christopher Myers
A collection of tall tales so tall you don’t even want to know the truth. These stories of old time tall tales accompanied with colorful collages will keep you turning the pages to see how deep these legends will go. Kids will enjoy these hyped up stories with a southern drawl and parents will have fun reading them aloud. A beautiful collection of African-American folklore.

The Gunniwolf retold by Wilhelmina Harper
A classic fairytale style depiction,the story of The Gunniwolf tells a tale of a little girl who disobeys her mother. As the little girl wanders into the jungle she is met by the Gunniwolf. Follow along as the story tells of the little girl’s adventure with a wolf and the songs she uses to put the wolf asleep and cleverly escape danger.

The Three Little Pigs by Paul Galdone*
Families will enjoy reading The Three Little Pigs as the story continues beyond where the nursery rhyme usually ends. In this timeless tale told with soft colors and pen illustrations find out how smart the third little pig really is and how he outsmarts the wolf time and time again. Children will enjoy the clever wisdom of the third little pig and how he protects himself from the big, bad wolf.

The True Story Of The Three Little Pigs By A. Wolf told by Jon Scieszka
This story is a great twist on the original tale. Trying to set the story straight the wolf of The Three Little Pigs fame gets to tell his side of the story. Wonderfully illustrated, with witty humor and clever details, this story is destined to be a new family favorite as you read it aloud again and again.

Little Red Riding Hood retold by Josephine Evetts-Secker
Soft illustrations in this beautiful book will help you retell the tale of Little Red Riding Hood and her trip to grandmother’s house. Read along as her journey begins through the forest where the cunning wolf awaits. Follow along as you find out where her trip begins to go awry, and continue as she matches wits with the wolf. The book keeps with the true, original telling of Little Red Riding Hood with the ending sticking to the classic ending.

Bruh Rabbit and the Tar Baby Girl retold by Virginia Hamilton
Once again clever Bruh Rabbit is trying to feed himself without having to do any of the work. Have fun while reading this tale aloud, with its southern style vernacular, and find out if Bruh Wolf is able to keep any of his crops with Bruh Rabbit around. An African-American classic tale is brought to life in this beautifully illustrated book.

Beautiful Blackbird retold by Ashley Bryan
Kids and caregivers alike will enjoy this mythic tale of how all birds received a touch of black color in their feathers. Follow along with the colorful paper cut out style illustrations and dance along with the beat as blackbird gives each bird a touch of his beauty. Winner of the Coretta Scott King award, Beautiful Blackbird is a must read for the beauty found in color.

Kibitzers and Fools – Tales My Zayda Told Me retold by Simms Taback
Are you a kibitzer? Get ready to sharpen your Yiddish skills in this book of tales passed down from the author’s grandfather. Read along with the tales as each has a moral lesson to learn and learn from the rich experiences of others. The book illustrates the rich heritage of the Jewish people and how language can transcend boundaries and time.

Flossie and the Fox retold by Patricia C. McKissack
Vibrant painted illustrations pull us along the story of Flossie Finley and the sly fox. Smile as Flossie works her magic, but can she outwit the fox and get to Miz Viola’s with her basket of eggs? Kids will enjoy the artistry of the illustrations and caregivers will enjoy the southern drawl of the language as they read this tale of the extremely clever little girl.

Strega Nona retold and illustrated by Tomie de Paola
Strega Nona, which means Grandma Witch, lives with her helper Big Anthony. Anthony helps Strega Nona with her chores because she is very old, but Anthony is told to never touch her pasta pot. Find out what happens when Big Anthony disobeys Strega Nona, creating disaster for himself and others. A Caldecott winner, children and caregivers will enjoy this wonderful book.

The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales by Jon Scieszka and Lane Smith
You may think you have heard every adaption of classic fairy tales, but if you haven’t read this book then you haven’t head anything yet. Fun and extremely creative adaption of classic fairy tales, The Stinky Cheese Man will be loved by all who read it. The stories turn into quirky tales that may not always make sense in this wonderfully illustrated book of tales. Have fun reading aloud these funny stories that help illustrate just how fun reading books can be.

Saturday, February 7, 2009

4th set of 20 books

The 20 books this week all promote phonological awareness. Promoting early literacy comes from exposing children to different sounds or phonemes. Reading to children exposes them to different sounds, hence increasing their phonological awareness. Reading to children creates a win-win situation.
(I am starting a new thing where I star (*) all the books I can’t wait to read to my kids…sometimes for the millionth time. This is more for my benefit, but maybe you’ll take it as a strong recommendation)

Not a Stick by Antoinette Portis*
Not a Stick has great illustrations that show imagination at work. Each page has "pig" playing and being told to be careful with that stick. The next page draws attention to the playfulness every child and adult will recognize. The scene will change and show you why it's "not a stick," and we all learn how the imagination can make anything possible.

Previously by Allan Ahlberg and Bruce Ingman*
Fun and childlike painted scenes tell the story's of "pre-famed" fairy tale characters. Children will have fun as they connect the dots of Previously into many of their favorite bedtime stories. See fairytales in a whole new way and learn new words at the same time. Children and adults will love this creative story.

Bugtown Boogie by Warren Hanson
Wonderfully intricate, playful and fun illustrations accompany exciting words and a fun font style. The story's dance beat style and rhyming words allow the reader to dance along to the beat while following the story, creating an exciting read for anyone.

Night of the Veggie Monster by George McClements*
Real veggie pictures accompany the main characters cardboard cutout and charcoal illustration style to help tell the great story of The Veggie Monster. Parents will smile and kids will giggle as the main character squirms, twists, and wiggles from eating a single veggie at dinner. But what will happen at dinner tomorrow?

Yum! MmMm! Que Rico! Americas’ Sproutings by Pat Mora
Wonderfully colored illustrations accompany poems of blueberries, chocolate, papaya, peanuts, potatoes and more foods from the Americas. Yum! MmMm! Que Rico! will leave children and caregivers tapping their toes along with the story. Learn interesting facts about where different foods come from in the sideline notes as the stories unfold.

Old Bear by Kevin Henkes
Read along as old bear lays down for a winter nap. Follow his dreams of being a cub again during spring, summer and fall. Kids will want to see what happens next as bear wakes up. Was it all a dream, or is it spring again?

Miss Smith's Incredible Storybook by Michael Garland
The new teacher this year is very different than any Zach had before. Every time she opened her storybook the characters jumped to life and into the classroom. Read along as trouble begins when the kids in the classroom each begin reading from the magical book. Find out if this adventure will end just in time, or if the kids will be in trouble? Miss Smith’s Incredible Storybook is an excellent tale which affirms the pleasure of reading.

The Pout-Pout Fish by Deborah Diesen*
Kids will be inspired to keep turning the pages to meet new friends of Pout-Pout, a fish that is always glum. Read along as they try to turn his frown upside-down. Can they change Pout-Pout into a Grin-Grin? Children and caregivers will really enjoy this rhyming story that reads like a song. The fun ending is sure to make everyone turn their frown upside-down.

Bunny Fun by Sarah Weeks
Is a rainy day going to ruin bunny's fun? Come along as bunny shows kids and adults alike that even on a rainy day you can create your own fun. Dress Up, painting, baking, building and more help teach the readers all the great things they can imagine on a rainy day. Fun word play teaches children the joy of creating new sounds. This book is intended for younger children infant to toddler.

The Yellow Leaf by Carin Berger
As the fall season goes by one little yellow leaf just isn't ready to let go. Read along as the simple illustrations tell the story of fall turning to winter. Will yellow leaf ever be ready? Follow the story and you will find out. Beautiful and creatively illustrated, all ages will enjoy the Yellow Leaf.

Hondo & Fabian by Peter McCarty*
Have fun as you read along about the adventures of Hondo & Fabian, a dog and cat who have a very busy day ahead of them. The soft illustrations and large words make it easy for kids to understand and follow along. Children and adults who have pets will love the sweet endearing story of Hondo & Fabian.

SMASH! CRASH! by David Shannon, Loren Long and David Gordon*
Smash! Crash! is a fun read with colorful and energetic painted illustrations on each page. Jack and Dan are two trucks who are best friends and like to SMASH and CRASH, just like some youngsters you may know. Smashing and Crashing might by okay for Jack and Dan, but find out how their antics may or may not help their friends! Children of all ages will enjoy the vivid illustrations and fun story.

The End by David LaRochelle and Richard Egielski
Many fairy tales have ended with these words, but this one happens to start with them. Kids and adults alike will have fun following along with the story as each page fills you in on the previous occurrence. The End is a backward tale of a princess, a knight, a dragon, rabbits, a flying teacup, a giant and other favorite fairy tale characters all rolled into this entertaining story.

A Birthday for Cow by Jan Thomas
Simple and colorful illustrations bring us through the story of Pig, Mouse and Duck making the best birthday cake ever! Laugh along with the tale as the antics all lead up to the big surprise at the end. Big, bold, colorful words will help children read along.

Sergio Makes a Splash by Edel Rodriguez
Learn about Sergio, the penguin, and the things he loves. He especially loves the water, so what is the problem when a class trip takes them to the ocean? Will his friends be able to help him take the big plunge? Read along with the adventure of Sergio and find out what will happen on the next class trip to the ocean. Children who are afraid of the water will relate to this sweet story.

Hilda Must Be Dancing by Karma Wilson
Hilda Hippo loved to dance, the only problem was when she did the jungle floor would shake and quake. What if she danced the flamenco in heels? Would that help? Could she dance the samba in a flowered skirt? Would that help? How could Hilda's friends help her find a new hobby? Children will laugh right along with the story as they see if Hilda will keep annoying her friends or if they can find a compromise.

Monster Mess! by Margery Cuyler
Big surprise, as a little boy's room is too messy for his monster friend. Blocks, socks, shoes, rubber python, spilled juice and more all get jammed into their places before it is time for the boy to start his day. Read along and giggle as you follow the monster that cleans a little boy’s room as he sleeps. Children will enjoy this imaginative tale of what monsters really do in their rooms at night.

Who Ate All the Cookie Dough? by Karen Beaumont*
Scratch your head as Kanga tries to decipher who ate all her cookie dough? We get to follow along as Kanga tries to find who ate the cookie dough. Can you guess? Who Ate All the Cookie Dough is a fun "who done it" adventure, with many recognizable animals. Children will have fun learning the names of animals and following the story as you guess eeny, meeny, miney, moe! Who ate all the cookie dough?

The Pencil by Allan Ahlberg and Bruce Ingman
One day a lonely pencil began to draw, and a great adventure begins to unfold. Follow along as pencil draws out an exciting story for you in black and white, then color. What will happen when he draws an excited eraser? Will this be the end for pencil as the eraser tries to rub the pencil out? Children will enjoy this creative and dramatic story.

Where’s My Mummy? by Carolyn Crimi*
Follow Baby Mummy as he plays hide-and-seek with Mama Mummy in the deep, dark night. But he’s not scared…or is he? Children will enjoy guessing what friends wait on the next page after reading the sounds they make. Turn the page to reveal where Baby Mummy goes next. A fun, before bedtime story, children and adults will enjoy Where’s My Mummy.

Sunday, February 1, 2009

3rd Set of 20 Books

The theme this week is counting books and concept books. Books for early literacy can include teaching new concepts as well as early literacy skills. Here are some good recommendations.

Follow the Money by Loreen Leedy
Follow the Money illustrates mathematical concepts using money in a fun, day-in-the-life of a quarter adventure. Follow a quarter as it moves from person to person, place to place, going places only a quarter could go. Children will learn addition, subtraction, the names of money, and monetary value. Quick reference pages at the back of the book include, Who Needs Money, Money in the United States, and Money Words providing interesting facts. A great book for grade school aged children who are curious about money.

My Colors/ Mis Colores by Rebecca Emberley
Learn the names of colors in English and in Spanish in the delightful My Colors/Mis Colores. The book is a wonderful way to teach baby how to recognize colors while promoting the use of Spanish, as well. The left page is covered in a specific color with the English and Spanish name on top and the right page depicts an object of that color with the name in English and Spanish. A great way to encourage color word name recognition, the book is meant for a younger audience from infant to toddler.

Arithmetickle: An even number of odd riddle-rhymes by J. Patrick Lewis
Arithmetickle is book full of fun and entertaining mathematical riddles. Children and adults will enjoy trying to solve the amusing math riddles together. The book contains eighteen riddles with enjoyable illustrations accompanying each math problem and the answers to each on the bottom of the page. Be sure to have a piece of paper and pencil on stand-by, although these riddles are fun to solve, they are definitely meant for grade school age kids.

Color Farm by Lois Ehlert
The rooster turns into a duck, the duck turns into a chicken, the chicken turns into something new, each time you turn the page you discover a new animal made up of new shapes. Color Farm is a great way for children to learn the names of shapes, animals, and colors. The book is creative and entertaining meant for young audiences from infant to toddler, children will want this one read to them again and again.

Kindergarten Countdown by Anna Jane Hays
Children will learn the days of the week and how to count in the book Kindergarten Countdown. An excited young girl counts down from Monday to her first day of Kindergarten in just seven days. Kindergarten Countdown is a rhyming story children are sure to enjoy and relate to.

Uh-Oh! By Rachel Isadora
Follow baby as baby learns new words and gets into some mischief in this wonderfully illustrated book by Rachel Isadora. Uh-Oh! will have baby and caregivers relating to that fantastic word and the trouble baby can get into. The book is meant for infants to toddlers.

Just a Minute by Yuyi Morales
A Pura Belpre’ Award winner, Just a Minute is a wonderful trickster tale of abuela, Grandma Beetle, outsmarting death, Senor Calavera. An entertaining and creative story, Grandma Beetle keeps too busy preparing for a party to leave with Senor Calavera and in the end everyone is happy. A wonderful way to encourage learning numbers in English and Spanish, adults and children will enjoy this great story.

Cubes, Cones, Cylinders, and Spheres by Tana Hoban
Cubes, Cones, Cylinders and Spheres is a photographic collection of these shapes found in looking at everyday objects. Children will enjoy finding the cubes, cones, cylinders and spheres located in the pictures and learn their shapes in the meantime. There are no words to the book encouraging children to look and learn for themselves.

Orange Pear Apple Bear by Emily Gravett
As cute and sweet as the title implies, Orange Pear Apple Bear is a wonderful book children will enjoy. The beautiful watercolor and charcoal illustrations and the story are delightful and engaging. Children will learn the different concepts presented in the four words, orange pear apple bear. The book is for younger children ages infant to toddler.

Look at You: A baby body book by Kathy Henderson
Baby learns everything about baby body parts, what baby can do, and how baby feels in Look at You. Caregivers and babies will enjoy reading this book together. Babies love seeing other babies and this book shows just how much babies can do.

Ten, Nine, Eight by Molly Bang
Count down from ten in the Caldecott award winning story, Ten, Nine, Eight. A warmly illustrated book counts down from ten of items in a child’s bedtime routine and brings you to the end with one big girl ready for bed. Children from infant to grade school age will enjoy this award winning book.

Blue Goose by Nancy Tafuri
Follow Blue Goose, Red Hen, Yellow Chick and White Duck as the paint the farmyard different colors. Children will learn the names of colors and how colors are created by blending two different colors together. Children will enjoy watching the characters of the book coloring the story to a conclusion. The book is for children toddlers to early grade school.

How Many Blue Birds Flew Away? By Paul Giganti, Jr.
How Many Blue Birds Flew Away is a child’s counting book with a twist. How many are there, how many were there and how many more than are the questions posed in each illustrated scene. This book is a fun way to learn simple math of adding, subtracting, and differences. A grade school age book, this is a good book to get children understanding math concepts.

Click, Clack, Splish, Splash by Doreen Cronin
Click, Clack, Splish, Splash is a humorous, cute counting story. The book tells a clever story in a way that gets children counting without them even knowing. If you’re not paying attention you might miss the end of the story as it. Children and caregivers of all ages will enjoy this funny counting story.

Mouse Paint by Ellen Stoll Walsh
Three mice help children learn the colors red, yellow, and blue in Mouse Paint. As you follow the mice’s adventure you also learn about mixing primary colors to make secondary colors. Cute characters make this story a pleasure to read. Caregivers and children will enjoy reading this together.

One, Two, Buckle My Shoe by Anna Grossnickle Hines
The classic nursery rhyme is brought to life in the wonderful book One, Two, Buckle My Shoe. Children will learn to count to ten while enjoying this beautifully illustrated book. Quilt art depictions of the nursery rhyme illustrate the story.

Baby’s Day by Michel Blake
Baby’s Day has great photographic depictions of everyday baby items. The book can be read over and over again to help baby learn new concepts. The black-and-white photos with only certain colored items make it easy to illustrate what objects baby is learning about. Big, bold lettering also help baby with early literacy skills. The book is meant for the very young infant to toddler.

Freight Train by Donald Crews
Caldecott award winner, Freight Train is a beautifully illustrated book. Children learn colors and concepts such as fast, slow, over and through in this book. A child’s fascination with steam engines furthers the interest in this book. Children of all ages from infant to grade school will enjoy this book.

One Some Many by Marthe Jocely and Tom Slaughter
Simple computer illustrations and bold colors help young children learn the meaning of basic words, phrases, and math concepts. Children will have fun counting the objects on each page and caregivers will have fun building the story. Bright and colorful very young children from infants to older children will enjoy this great book.

Double Those Wheels by Nancy Raines Day
Follow monkey as he tries to deliver a pizza and ends up accumulating wheels as he goes in this fun book, Double Those Wheels. The story teaches addition in an entertaining and pleasurable story, children aren’t aware they’re learning math concepts. Grade school aged children will enjoy reading this fun book.