November is National Adoption Month. Celebrate with children's books about adoption. There are not a great many children's books about adoption for beginning readers. However, Canadian author Jean Little has written an excellent series of chapter books for beginning readers that focus on a young girl, Emma, and her adopted younger brother, Max. Emma's Yucky Brother, the first book in the series, tells the story of how four-year-old Max joins Emma's family and how the children begin to care for, and trust, one another. For additional books about adoption, see Adoption Guide Carrie Craft's adoption book reviews.

Related Links

• All About National Adoption Month (About: Adoption / Foster Care)
• Fun Things to Do with Children's Adoption Books (About: Adoption / Foster Care)

(Cover art courtesy of HarperCollins)

All across Canada this week (November 14-21), authors, illustrators, and storytellers are visiting communities as part of the annual TD Canadian Children's Book Week celebration. Schools, public libraries, bookstores, and community centers are hosting special programs as Canada celebrates Canadian children's books and reading. The theme this year, Gold Medal Reading!, celebrates sports in preparation for the 2010 Olympic Winter Games, which will be held in Vancouver, BC. Who are some of your family's favorite Canadian authors and illustrators of children's books? Jean Little is one of my favorite Canadian authors. Share your favorites by clicking on "Comments" below and posting a message.

Often referred to as Sweden's best-known author, Astrid Lindgren gained international fame for her children's books, particularly Pippi Longstocking, which has been translated into 91 languages since it was first published in 1945. In honor of the 100th anniversary of Astrid Lindgren's birth, Viking published a new translation of Pippi Longstocking, with lively illustrations by award-winning author and illustrator Lauren Child. Have you or your children read Pippi Longstocking? What did you think of it? Click on "Comments" below and share your opinions.

(Cover art courtesy of Viking, A Division of Penguin Young Readers Group)

The children's picture book John Henry combines a fascinating tale by Julius Lester with award-winning artwork by Jerry Pinkney. The book was designated a Caldecott Honor Book for excellence in American, children's picture book illustration. Some of the things that make this book about the African American folk hero memorable include:

• Julius Lester's use of imagery and personification
• Jerry Pinkney's striking illustrations
• Background information that helps set the context for the story

I recommend this picture book for children 4-9 years old. What are some of your favorite children's books about folk heroes? Click on "Comments" below and share your recommendations.

(Cover art courtesy of Puffin Books, Penguin Putnam Books for Young Readers)