For this issue, we looked through the Books of Excellence and Notables from the
past 15 years – well over 500 titles – and chose our favorites, the best of the
best for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and school-agers. We hope that you and
your children will delight in these old favorites or perhaps discover a new
treasure. What is the best children’s book? Of course it is the one that you and
your child come back to over and over again.
By Susan C. Brenner, EdD.
What is your child's favorite book? We'd like to know. Please send title and
author to Growing
Readers
INFANT & TODDLER BOOKS:
Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes, written by
Mem Fox, illustrated by Helen Oxenbury: Mem Fox and Helen Oxenbury
team up to bring us this charming picture book highlighting babies from around
the world with one thing in common: finding delight with their fingers and
toes!The text is simple with rhyme and repetition which toddlers will love.
Rah, Rah, Radishes! A Vegetable Chant, written by
April Pulley Sayre: Vibrant pictures and clever alliteration bring
new panache to vegetables..The rhyming text allows young readers opportunities
to join in
the fun, because “Cucumber's cool. Kohlrabi’s queen,” and “Veggies rock!”
Who Said Moo?, written by Harriet Ziefert,
illustrated by Simms Taback: Red Rooster asks the question of each
of his animal friends in this entertaining and interactive lift-the-flap book.
The bold illustrations will have children asking for this to be read again and
again.
Me Baby, You Baby, written and illustrated by Ashley
Wolff: “Stretch, baby. Yawn, baby. Here comes the dawn, baby,”
begins this tale of two moms and their babies visiting animal babies at the
zoo.The lilting rhymes will make this a read over favorite.
Tap the Magic Tree, written by Christie
Matheson: This picture book tells the story of the seasons through
the life cycle of a tree. Each page encourages the reader to use his or her
magic and tap, pat, shake, blow, and wiggle to help the tree transform through
its phases.
PRESCHOOL BOOKS:
A Sick Day for Amos McGee, written by Philip C.
Stead, illustrated by Erin E. Stead: Amos McGee, a faithful
zookeeper who always makes time to visit with his animal friends at the zoo,
does not show up for work one day, his friends board the bus to check on their
beloved zookeeper. In a sweet turn of events, each animal gives Amos a little
bit of the kindness that he has shown to them.
Too Tall Houses, written and illustrated by Gianna
Marino:Owl and Rabbit are good friends until they compete with each
other over whose house is taller which almost causes their friendship to come
tumbling down. This story explores concepts of competition, problem-solving, and
compromise as two friends learn to work together.
Flora and the Flamingo, written and illustrated by
Molly Idle:Flora loves to dance and wants somuch to imitate the
beautiful moves of the graceful flamingo who is not interested in her
attempts.The book's enjoyable construction invites youngsters to put their own
wordsinto this beautifully illustrated story.
Amber was Brave, Essie was Smart, written by Vera B.
Williams: Sisters and best friends, Amber and Essie use their
unique skills to get through life in hard times. One brave, one smart, they show
their
resilience in a struggling but loving family.
Library Lion, written by Michelle Knudsen,
illustrated by Kevin Hawkes: Lions are not a common sight in a
library; however when a lion wanders into the library, there are no rules to
govern this unexpected event.The lion endears himself to the patrons and
librarian through his daily visits. An unfortunate mishap takes place and the
lion breaks the rules. Read this heart-warming story to find out if certain
circumstances can warrant “not following the rules.”
SCHOOL-AGE BOOKS
Wabi Sabi, written by Mark Reibstein, illustrated by
Ed Young: In one of the most beautifully illustrated children’s
books, Wabi Sabi, a brown cat wants to know the meaning of her name. She travels
far and wide to learn the answer and finds beauty in simplicity.
Wonder, written by R.J. Palacio: In this
moving story, we walk with Auggie, a 10-year-old boy born with severe facial
anomalies, through the many challenges of building friendships in the pre-teen
years -- challenges magnified when you look different from everyone else.
Ultimately, this story reminds us of the goodness of people.
Mr. and Mrs. Bunny -- Detectives Extraordinaire!
Translated from The Rabbit by Polly Horvath, illustrated by Sophie
Blackall:When Madeline's parents (humans) are kidnapped by a fox,
she hires the Bunny couple to
find them. Readers are in for a funny, unpredictable story with many silly turns
of events, complemented by comical illustrations in this madcap adventure.
Owen & Mzee: The True Story of a Remarkable
Friendship, written by Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff, and Dr Paula
Kahumbu: This true story is about an unlikely friendship between a
baby hippopotamus and a tortoise from Africa. After losing his mother in the
tsunami, the baby hippo is saved by a group of caring villagers and brought to a
refuge where he meets a tortoise named Mzee. Children will learn a very
important lesson about friendship.
Great Estimations, written by Bruce
Goldstone:At first glance, how many jelly beans do you see? This
book takes the reader through a series of photographs to develop the skill of
estimating. Page after page, the book progressively trains the eye to recognize
numerous groupings of objects. Perhaps refining this skill willmake you a "prize
winner".
