1. Parenting & Family

Reviews of Children's Books

These reviews of children's books of various types, including picture books, chapter books, fairy tales, award winning books, board books, classics, and more will give you the information you need to successfully select books for children.

Lola at the Library

The picture book Lola at the Library celebrates the joys of libraries, reading and books in this story for toddlers and preschoolers.

Hate List by Jennifer Brown

The Hate List book review about the dramatic young adult novel by Jennifer Brown provide information about this book of realistic teen fiction.

And Then It's Spring

This review of And Then It's Spring provides an overview of the book - both the story and illustrations - plus author Julie Fogliano and award-winning illustrator Erin E. Stead.

The Surrender Tree: Poems of Cuba’s Struggle for Freedom

This review of the teen book The Surrender Tree: Poems of Cuba’s Struggle for Freedom covers the novel in verse and the author, Margarita Engle.

Teen Book Review: Crank

Read this book review of Crank by Ellen Hopkins to find out why it is both praised and challenged.

I Broke My Trunk! by Mo Willems

This book review of I Broke My Trunk! by Mo Willems, the 14th book in his series about Elephant and Piggie covers the story, design and illustrations and age recommendations, as well as information about Willems.

Otto the Book Bear

Learn about Otto the Book Bear, an entertaining picture book by UK author and illustrator Katie Cleminson, in this review of the children's book.

The Hunger Games Tribute Guide

This review of The Hunger Games Tribute Guide by Emily Seife explains how this book uses photos of actora and action from the movie version and text directed to the citizens of Panem to create a unique book based on both the movie and the Hunger Games book.

Heart and Soul

Heart and Soul: The Story of America and African Americans by Kadir Nelson provides a concise, and personal, history from the Revolutionary War to today in the United States.

Martin's Big Words

This book review of Martin's Big Words, which was written by Doreen Rappaport and illustrated by Bryan Collier covers the book's contents, the author and illustrator and age recommendations.

Pocketful of Posies: A Treasury of Nursery Rhymes

This book review of Pocketful of Posies: A Treasury of Nursery Rhymes by Salley M includes information about the the Mother Goose rhymes as well as the exceptional illustrations by Salley Mavor.

The Ruby in the Smoke

The Ruby in the Smoke is one of four young adult mysteries for teens, written by Philip Pullman, featuring Sally Lockhart and set in the Victorian era.

Guinness World Records 2012

The annual book of world records, such as Guinness World Records 2012, is especially popular with tween and teen boys, including reluctant readers.

The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg

Learn about The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg, an award-wining Christmas picture book that has become a classic.

The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger

In this book review, learn why The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger was considered a groundbreaking novel for teens when it was originally published in 1951.

Kids in the Holiday Kitchen

This review of Kids in the Holiday Kitchen covers how the children's cookbook is organized, the types of recipes and holiday crafts included.

Home For Christmas by Jan Brett

If you're kids love Jan Brett's books about trolls, they will be delighted with Home For Christmas, her new children's Christmas picture book.

Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak

This review of the classic picture book Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak for which he was awarded a Caldecott Medal for the book in 1964 covers the book's impact on the field of children's literature.

Escaping the Tiger

This is a book review of Escaping the Tiger by Laura Manivong, a novel of historical fiction set in the early 1980s about a 12-year-old Laotian refuge and his family and their extended stay in a refugee camp in Thailand.

An Egret's Day

An Egret's Day by Jane Yolen, with photos by nature photographer Jason Stemple, is one of a number of excellent children's poetry books about nature by this duo. To learn more, see this children's poetry book review.

The Skinny on Bullying

This book review of The Skinny on Bullying explains why it is a good informational book about middle school bullies and bullying, including cyberbullies and cyberbullying.

First Grade Jitters

Book Review of First Grade Jitters: First Grade Jitters by Robert Quackenbush is a children's picture book about a little boy who's worried about starting first grade until his friends reassure him.

Mary Engelbreit's Nutcracker

This book review of Mary Engelbreit's Nutcracker includes information on Engelbreit, the background of the story, the retelling and the illustrations.

Teen Book Review: Divergent by Veronica Roth

This book review of Divergent, the first book in a new dystopian trilogy by debut author Veronica Roth, provides an overview of the dystopian novel for teens.

Jake Drake Bully Buster

Jake Drake Bully Buster is one in a series of chapter books by Andrew Clements about the adventures of a boy in elementary school.

Teen Book Review: Delirium by Lauren Oliver

This book review of Lauren Oliver's book Delirium provides an overview of the dystopian novel for teens.

A Nonfiction Book About the Fourth of July

Celebrate Independence Day is part of the Holidays Around the World Series of children's books, published by the National Geographic Society. Celebrate Independence Day is a nonfiction children's book.

The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson

In this book review, read all about The Gruffalo, a children's picture book by Julia Donaldson that is a good read aloud for young children. This book review of The Gruffalo provides an overview of the children's picture book by Julia Donaldson and explains why it's a good book to read aloud to young children. Read this book review of The...

A Smart Girl's Guide to Staying Home Alone

Learn about A Smart Girl's Guide to Staying Home Alone from the review of this book published by American Girl Publishing.

Sam and Gram and the First Day of School

Sam and Gram and the First Day of School is a good book to use to help reassure your child about starting school.

The Strange Case of Origami Yoda

The Strange Case of Origami Yoda is a humorous middle grade chapter book by Tom Angleberger. It is a quick and entertaining read.

National Geographic Kids Almanac 2012

Learn all about the National Geographic Kids Almanac 2012 and why it appeals to kids who love facts, as well as reluctant readers.

Teen Book Review: Monster

Read this book review of Monster, the award winning, and frequently challenged, young adult novel by Walter Dean Myers.

Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson

Speak, a recommended young adult novel by Laurie Halse Anderson, covers controversial topics. Read this review of the award-winning and frequently challenged book to learn more.

Passover: Celebrating Now Remembering Then

Passover: Celebrating Now Remembering Then is a children's picture book about the Jewish celebration of Passover and the Seder. The children's Passover picture book Passover: Celebrating Now Remembering Then was written by Harriet Ziefert and illustrated with the paintings of Karla Gudeon.

Kakapo Rescue: Saving the World’s Strangest Parrot

Kakapo Rescue is part of the Scientists in the Field nonfiction series for tweens and young teens. Sy Montgomery is the author of Kakapo Rescue: Saving the World’s Strangest Parrot, which is set in New Zealand and illustrated by wildlife photographer Nic Bishop.

Teen Book Review: Tiger's Curse

The Tiger's Curse by Colleen Houck is a retelling of the traditional fairy tale about Beauty and the Beast. If you are looking for books like Twilight, then read this review of Tiger's Curse to find out why fans of Twilight will like it.

D'Aulaires' Book of Greek Myths

D'Aulaires' Book of Greek Myths by Ingri and Edgar Parin d'Aulaire provides an excellent introduction to Greek myths and mythology for kids 9 and up. Both the stories and the illustrations in D'Aulaires' Book of Greek Myths make this a very appealing children's book of Greek myths. If you are looking for kids' books about Greek mythology, I...

My People by Langston Hughes

Photographs by Charles R. Smith, Jr. provide an excellent complement to the poem “My People” by Langston Hughes. This picture book edition, My People by Langston Hughes, with its stunning photography by Charles R. Smith, Jr. provides an excellent introduction for all ages to the poetry of Langston Hughes.

Tsunami!

Tsunami! by Kimiko Kajikawa is a picture book about a village threatened by a tsunami and saved by the sacrifice of one man. The picture book Tsunami! features the stunning collages of artist Ed Young.

The Magician's Elephant

The Magician's Elephant by Kate DiCamillo is another in the Newbery Medal winning author's novels for children 9 to 12. The Magician's Elephant is a fascinating and mysterious book for tweens.

Celebrate Halloween

Celebrate Halloween is a children's nonfiction picture book that is part of the Holidays Around the World series of nonfiction children's picture books from National Geographic. Celebrate Halloween, like the other books in the Holidays Around the world series, uses photographs and descriptions to share information about how Halloween is celebrated in different countries.

Teen Book Review: Wither

This book review of Wither provides an overview of the dystopian novel for teens, which was written by author Lauren DeStefano.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days by Jeff Kinney is book four in the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series. The first was Diary of a Wimpy Kid. The second was Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Roderick Rules. The third was Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Last Straw. If you are looking for middle school humor for tweens and young teens, I recommend Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days by Jeff Kinney and the other books in the series.

The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate by Jacqueline Kelly

Children's Fiction Book Review: The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate by Jacqueline Kelly features a strong female character growing up in Texas in 1899. The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate by Jacqueline Kelly is historical fiction that will appeal to tweens and teens.

Firs Day Jitters

First Day Jitters is a picture book about starting school with a surprising twist at the end of the book. Julie Danneberg is the author and Judy Love the illustrator of First Day Jitters. This picture book is both fun for kids and a good gift for a new teacher.

The Lincolns by Candace Fleming

The Lincolns: A Scrapbook Look at Abraham and Mary by Candace Fleming is a biography of Abraham Lincoln and Mary Todd Lincoln. The Lincolns: A Scrapbook Look at Abraham and Mary by Candace Fleming is also a reference book about the Lincolns and the times in which they lived. I recommend this history book for a wide range of ages.

We Are Extremely Very Good Recyclers

Lauren Child's We Are Extremely Very Good Recyclers is an amusing picture book about the importance of recycling featuring popular characters Charlie and his little sister, Lola.

Are You My Mother? by P.D. Eastman

Are You My Mother? by P.D. Eastman is both a beginning reader book for beginning readers and a good book to read aloud to children two years old and up. Are You My Mother? is a book children love to read (or listen to) again and again.

The Last Dragon, A Fantasy Novel

The Last Dragon is a fantasy novel for tweens. The Last Dragon is a good fantasy novel for ages 9-12 because it has an engaging plot and sympathetic characters.

Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs

I recommend the picture book Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs if you are looking for a story to spark your children’s imaginations and tickle their funny bones. Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs is a bestseller and one of several children’s picture books written by Judi Barrett and illustrated by Ron Barrett.

Pizza, Pigs, and Poetry by Jack Prelutsky

If your tween (8- to 12-year-old) wants to know how to write a poem, Pizza Pigs and Poetry, a poetry writing book by Jack Prelutsky may help. The subtitle Pizza, Pigs, and Poetry by Jack Prelutsky is How to Write a Poem. Prelutsky is a prolific writer of humorous poetry for kids.

The Two Wimpy Kid DIY Books

While The Wimpy Kid Do-It-Yourself Book and the first edition, Diary of a Wimpy Kid Do-It-Yourself Book, are both do-it-yourself diaries or journals for tweens and young teens, featuring middle school humor, writing prompts and cartoons, the second edition is a greatly expanded and revised version of the first. With these Wimpy Kid DIY books,...

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Last Straw

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Last Straw by Jeff Kinney is book three in the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series. The first was Diary of a Wimpy Kid. The second was Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Roderick Rules. If you are looking for middle school humor for tweens and young teens, I recommend Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Last Straw by Jeff Kinney and the other books in the series.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules

Book Review: Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules is a very funny book for tweens and young teens. Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules, which was both written and illustrated by Jeff Kinney, is the second book in the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series, which features the humorous story of middle school student Greg Heffley.

Your Favorite Seuss

Your Favorite Seuss is a collection of Seuss stories, originally published individually as picture books or beginning reader books, all of which were written and illustrated by Dr. Seuss.

Book Fiesta! - A Children's Day / Book Day Celebration

Children's Books: Review of Book Fiesta! - Book Fiesta! is a bilingual children's picture book about Children's Day / Book Day, also known as El dia de los ninos / El dia de los libres or Dia. This bilingual English / Spanish picture book was written by Pat Mora and illustrated by Rafael Lopez.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid

Middle school students love Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney because of its humorous look at middle school and home life. Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney has been such a popular book for older children and young teens that it is now a middle school series.

Our White House: Looking In Looking Out

Our White House: Looking In Looking Out, a project of the National Children's Book and Literacy Alliance, was created by 108 well-known authors and illustrators. Our White House is a fascinating collection of historical fiction and nonfiction, artwork, personal essays, and excerpts from reports, speeches, and other documents. If you are looking for children's books about the White House and American history, I recommend Our White House.

Coraline by Neil Gaiman

The children's novel Coraline by Neil Gaiman is enormously popular with 8-12 year olds, resulting in a movie version of Coraline being released in February 2009. Children's books by Neil Gaiman are enormously popular.

Change Has Come: An Artist Celebrates Our American Spirit

Book Review - Change Has Come: An Artist Celebrates Our American Spirit is a collection of quotations by Barack Obama, the 44th President of the United States, illustrated with drawings by award-winning artist Kadir Nelson. The book review includes information as to why Change Has Come is a book for all ages, not just for children.

Change Has Come: An Artist Celebrates Our American Spirit

Book Review - Change Has Come: An Artist Celebrates Our American Spirit is a collection of quotations by Barack Obama, the 44th President of the United States, illustrated with drawings by award-winning artist Kadir Nelson. The book review includes information as to why Change Has Come is a book for all ages, not just for children.

Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit

While Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit is a young adult novel, translated from Japanese, about a woman bodyguard whose job is to protect the young prince, it appeals to both tweens and younger teens.

A Gift for Abuelita: Celebrating the Day of the Dead

A Gift for Abuelita: Celebrating the Day of the Dead / Un regalo para Abuelita: En celebración del Dia de los Muertos is a bilingual picture book. It provides a good introduction to the impact of the Day of the Dead in this story of a little Mexican girl who is mourning the death of her beloved grandmother and hoping to find some comfort through Day of the Dead activities.

FIrst Grade Stinks!

First Grade Stinks!, a children's picture book, is an excellent book for the child who hates change. Help ease the transition between kindergarten and first grade for your child by reading and discussing the children's picture book First Grade Stinks!

Lady Liberty: A Biography

Laby Liberty: A Biography by Doreen Rappaport, with illustration by Matt Tavares, is the fascinating story of the building of the Statue of Liberty, from the idea to the fund raising to the design to the building to the unveiling of the Statue of Liberty, Lady Liberty.

Squiggles: A Really Giant Drawing and Painting Book

The subtitle of Squiggles by Taro Gomi is A Really Giant Drawing and Painting Book. Squiggles is not a coloring book. It is a creativity book, with illustrations and a very small amount of text designed to pique the imaginations of children from three to young teens, as well as adults of all ages.

The Spiderwick Chronicles

The Spiderwick Chronicles series is full of adventure and suspense. The Spiderwick Chronicles series of children's fantasy chapter books is enormously popular with children seven and older.

The Three Snow Bears by Jan Brett

The children’s picture book The Three Snow Bears, by Jan Brett, is a retelling of Goldilocks and the Three Bears. The Three Snow Bears by Jan Brett is an entertaining retelling of Goldilocks and the Three Bear set in an Intuit village in the Artic.

How Many: Spectacular Paper Sculptures

How Many: Spectacular Paper Sculptures by Ron van der Meer is a striking pop-up book. The pop-up book of paper sculptures by Ron van der Meer also includes questions about counting and shapes for each pop-up. I recommend How Many: Spectacular Paper Sculptures for children aged six and older, teens, and adults.

Charmed Knits

Knitting Book - Charmed Knits: Projects for Fans of Harry Potter is full of knitting patterns and instructions based on the Harry Potter series. The knitting book Charmed Knits: Projects for Fans of Harry Potter has knitting patterns and instructions that older children, teens, and adults with a broad range of knitting ability, from beginning...

Tomás and the Library Lady

Tomás and the Library Lady by Pat Mora, with illustrations by Raul Colon is a children's picture book about the impact that a kind librarian and a library full of books had on the life of a children. Tomás and the Library Lady is a fictionalized account of the childhood experiences of Tomás Rivera, a migrant worker whose desire to learn led him to a career as a writer and educator. I recommend this children's picture book for 6-10 year olds.

The Librarian of Basra

The Librarian of Basra: A True Story of Iraq, a children's picture book, is the true story of how the librarian of Basra saved the majority of the Iraq library's books after the invasion of Iraq reached Basra in 2003. The author and illustrator of The Librarian of Basra, A True Story of Iraq, Jeanette Winter, has written and/or illustrated a number of children's picture books.

The Little Little House

The Little, Little House, a children's picture book, is a retelling of a Jewish folktale. Written and illustrated by Jessica Souhani, The Little, Little House is a delightful folktale. The collage illustrations in this children's picture book add to the book's appeal.

Baby Read-Aloud Basics

With the parent's guide Baby Read-Aloud Basics, learn why and how to read aloud to your baby. In Baby Read-Aloud Basics, you will find step-by-step instructions for reading aloud to your baby, recommended read-alouds and more.

Mommy?

Mommy?, the first children's pop-up book illustrated by the extraordinary Maurice Sendak is a riot. Mommy?, an almost wordless book, tells the story of a toddler searching for his mother among monsters and mummies. Maurice Sendak is the author and illustrator of Where the Wild Things Are, a Caldecott Medal winner.

Chicka Chicka Boom Boom

I fyou are looking for a fun alphabet book for your children, from babies to six-year-olds, This book review of Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, which is a terrific read aloud, includes information on the story, illustrationa, author, illustrator and more.

A Series of Unfortunate Events Boxed Set: The Complete Wreck (Books 1-13)

If your child is a big fan of Lemony Snicket and A Series of Unfortunate Events, the boxed set of all 13 books in the series might make an excellent birthday or holiday gift for your child. The boxed set of A Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket is titled The Complete Wreck.

Grandparents!

If you are looking for a good Grandparents Day gift for grandparents or an entertaining and informative children's picture book about grandparents for young children, I recommend Grandparents!.

Eats, Shoots & Leaves: Why, Commas Really Do Make A Difference!

Make learning the importance of punctuation fun with Eats, Shoots & Leaves: Why, Commas Really Do Make A Difference!, a children's book that is an outgrowth of author Lynne Truss's bestseller for adults: Eats, Shoots & Leaves: The Zero Tolerance Approach to Punctuation. Eats, Shoots & Leaves: Why, Commas Really Do Make A Difference!

Children’s Books About Good Manners and Etiquette

These children’s books about etiquette and good manners include children’s books about good manners for young children and children’s etiquette books for older children and teens.

Backyard Science

Backyard Sciece - Your 6-12 year olds will enjoy doing the more than two dozen science projects for kids described and illustrated in the children's nonfiction science book Backyard Science. The projects in Backyard Science can all be done in your own backyard

Our World: A Child's First Picture Book Atlas

Our World: A Child's First Picture Book Atlas was published by National Geographic for the young child. Your 3-6 year old child will be fascinated by this oversize picture book atlas. I recommend Our World: A Child's First Picture Book Atlas for young children.

A Story For Bear

Children's Picture Book Review: A Story for Bear is not only a charming children's picture book, but A Story for Bear also highlights for adults why reading books to babies and very small children is so important.

An Egg Is Quiet

An Egg is Quiet is a strikingly lovely children’s picture books by Diana Aston. Both a children's picture book and a children's science book, An Egg Is Quiet was illustrated by award winning children’s picture book illustrator Sylvia Long, who understands both the science and the beauty of eggs.

The Wall by Eve Bunting

The Wall, a children's picture book by Eve Bunting, is the poignant story of a visit to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial by a young boy and his father in memory of the boy's grandfather. The text by Eve Bunting and the artwork by Ronald Himler focus on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial - The Wall - and work together to create a children's picture book full of meaning.

The Art of Reading

The Art of Reading: Forty Illustrators Celebrate RIF’s 40th Anniversary was created to commemorate the fortieth anniversary of Reading Is Fundamental (RIF). The Art of Reading is about children’s book art, the illustrators of children’s books, and the impact of favorite children’s books.

The Complete Adventures of Curious George – Before the Curious George Movie...

The seven children’s picture books about Curious George the monkey that Margret and H.A. Rey created have delighted generations of children and their families. The special collector’s edition of The Complete Adventures of Curious George includes the Rey’s seven stories about the curious little monkey plus several essays that adults will enjoy.

"The Tale of Despereaux"

Author Kate DiCamillo won a Newbery Medal for this odd and engrossing fairy tale that has a lot in common with Grimm's fairy tales. This novel is distinctly different from DiCamillo's other two novels for children, "Because of Winn-Dixie" and "The Tiger Rising," although it is geared to same 8-12 year old age range.

"Where the Wild Things Are"

Maurice Sendak's picture book is a classic. It's a 1964 Caldecott Medal winner and has remained popular ever since. Here are both a summary and a full review of this delightful picture book.

"America the Beautiful"

Chris Gall's striking illustrations give new meaning to the words of Katharine Lee Bates' poem "America the Beautiful." Yes, that's the same poem that was put to music by Samuel A. Ward and has become one of our country's most beloved songs.

"The Beeman"

Laurie Krebs' "The Beeman" is the perfect picture book for the young child who is fascinated with nature and how things work.

"Keat's's Neighborhood"

This book, published in honor of the 40th anniversary of Keats' "The Snowy Day," contains the Caldecott Medal winner and nine other Keats' classics, as well as biographical information on Keats, who had a profound effect on children's literature.

"Little School"

This delightful picture book is about a busy day of fun and learning for the 20 four-year-olds who attend Little School. This book is perfect for the three- or four-year-old child who is starting (or going to) preschool, nursery school, or daycare.

"Oliver Button Is a Sissy"

Tomie dePaola's picture book is about a boy who stands up to bullies, not by fighting but by continuing to do what he likes best, despite the teasing. I highly recommend it.

"A Story for Bear"

This delightful new picture book, a fantasy for 5-8 year olds, celebrates the joys of reading and friendship. The evocative story by Dennis Haseley and the illustrations by Jim LaMarche will engage children and adults alike.

Mem Fox's "Reading Magic"

Here's an excellent book by Australian children's author and literacy consultant Mem Fox that is filled with information on reading aloud to young children.

"Singing with Momma Lou"

This picture book is more than just a book about a child dealing with her grandmother's Alzheimer's disease. It focuses on family bonds, shared memories, and the importance of handing down family history from one generation to another.

"City Signs"

"City Signs," by award-winning photojournalist Zoran Milich, is a colorful collection of photographs featuring outdoor signs of all kinds. Three to six year olds will enjoy identifying the words illustrated.

"Conversations with J.K. Rowling"

This biography for children 9 to 11 is written in question and answer format and answers some of the questions that will be of particular interest to Harry Potter fans.

"John Henry"

This picture book has both a fascinating tale by Julius Lester and award winning artwork by Jerry Pinkney.

"Poetry Matters"

Ralph Fletcher's "Poetry Matters: Writing a Poem from the Inside Out" is an guide for 8-12 year old children who are eager to write their own poems. The author, a poet himself, emphasizes ideas, feelings, and images.

"This Place I Know: Poems of Comfort"

These poems were originally gathered to comfort New York City schoolchildren who witnessed the September 11 tragedy. Each poem has been illustrated by a well known children's picture book artist.

September 11, 2001: Attack on New York City

In his nonfiction book for children 11 and older, author Wilborn Hampton sensitively presents the story of the attacks on the World Trade Center.

"Jan Brett's Christmas Treasury"

Here's a brief summary of Jan Brett's new Christmas collection of seven stories for children, complete with a guide rating and description.

The Collector's Edition of "Harry Potter"

The collector's edition of "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" might be the perfect gift for the dedicated Harry Potter fan.

Harry Potter Boxed Set (Years I-IV)

This set of the first four Harry Potter books in hardbound editions comes with a sturdy and colorful cardboard slip case in which to keep the books.

"Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch"

The picture book "Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch," by Eileen Spinelli, wonderfully illustrates the power of love and would make an excellent Valentine's Day gift for a four to eight year old child.

"Wonders and Miracles: A Passover Companion"

This is a beautiful children's book that the entire family will cherish. Written and compiled by Eric A. Kimmel, one of America's most well-known Jewish storytellers, it is illustrated with art spanning 3,000 years.

One Crazy Summer

A coming of age story about an African-American family in the 1960s and the impact that their mother's leaving the family and later becoming involved in the Black Panthers had on 11-year-old Delphine and her two younger sisters.

Crossing Stones by Helen Frost

Crossing Stones is a coming-of-age story, a young adult novel by Helen Frost, an historical novel set in 1917 and also a verse novel, a novel written in verse.

Tucker's Spooky Halloween

Tucker's Spooky Halloween by Leslie McGuirk is one of the Candlewick Storybook Animations. Tucker's Spooky Halloween includes a picture book, audiobook and a video and wil appeal to 3- to 6-year-olds.

Charles and Emma: The Darwins’ Leap of Faith

Charles and Emma: The Darwins’ Leap of Faith is a nonfiction book for young people about Charles Darwin and his wife, Emma Darwin. While Darwin is most know for his theory of evolution, the emphasis on this book focuses more on the everyday lives of Charles and Emma Darwin in 1800s England.

By the Light of the Halloween Moon

By the Light of the Halloween Moon is a children's Halloween book. By the Light of the Halloween Moon is a Halloween picture book. If you are looking for Halloween picture books for ages 6-8, I recommend By the Light of the Halloween Moon.

The Beeman

The Beeman by Laurie Krebs is both a picture book and a science book. Although The Beeman covers a great deal of factual information about beekeeping, it does so in a way to engage the interest of young children 3 to 8 years old.If you are looking for children's books for young children who love nat

The Mary Celeste

The Mary Celeste: An Unsolved Mystery From History by Jane Yolen and Heidi Elisabet Yolen Stemple is a picture storybook that combine historical fiction and mystery. If you are looking for a short children's book for your 8-12 year olds that will get them thinking, I recommend The Mary Celeste: An Unsolved Mystery From History.

Favorite Dr. Seuss Book - Readers Respond - Dr Seuss Books

Readers respond to the question, What is your favorite Dr Seuss book and why? This includes both children's books for beginning readers and picture books by Dr. Seuss. Share your favorite and leafn about other people's favorite Dr. Seuss books.

Hunger Games - Readers Respond to to First Book in Hunger Games Series

Readers respond to questions about The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, the first book in the Hunger Games series. Read responses to The Hunger Games and the Hunger Games series and share your opinions.

The Maze of Bones: 39 Clues

The first book in the 39 Clues book series is The Maze of Bones by Rick Riordan. In addition to writing book 1 of the 39 Clues book series, Rick Riordan also created the story arc for the entire 39 Clues book series. Book 1, The Maze of Bones, serves as the introduction to the entire series.

The Hunger Games

The Hunger Games Book Review - The Hunger Games if the first book in the Hunger Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins. It is a dystopian novel that will engage teens but is too dark for younger kids.

The Hunger Games

The Hunger Games Book Review - The Hunger Games if the first book in the Hunger Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins. It is a dystopian novel that will engage teens but is too dark for younger kids.

Too Many Pumpkins

Too Many Pumpkins is a Halloween picture book with nothing scary in it. Unlike many Halloween picture books, Too Many Pumpkins is a heartwarming Halloween picture book with no ghosts, goblins or any symbols of Halloween other than Jack O'lanterns. I recommend Too Many Pumpkins for ages 4-8.

Emily the Strange: The Lost Days (Emily the Strange Novel #1)

Emily the Strange - Emily the Strange: The Lost Days is Emily the Strange Novel # in the series about Emily the Strange. In addition to Emily the Strange: The Lost Days, the character Emily the Strange is featured in Emily the Strange comic books and graphic novels.

1621: A New Look at Thanksgiving

1621: A New Look at Thanksgiving is a nonfiction children's book that provides well-researched information about Thanksgiving in 1621 and presents the information from several perspectives. 1621: A New Look at Thanksgiving is illustrated with photographs from the living history museum Plimoth Plantation.

Jan Brett's Christmas Treasury

Jan Brett's Christmas Treasury is a beautiful oversize children's picture book, containing seven of her most popular winter and holiday children's stories. Read my book review to find out why Jan Brett's Christmas Treasury will not only delight your child, but the entire family as well. I recommend this Christmas collection by Jan Brett for the...

Christmas Is Here

Christmas Is Here Book Review - Christmas Is Here is a children's Christmas picture book for ages 4-8 that relates a modern family's visit to a live Nativity scene to the Bible story of the Nativity, the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem. The artwork is by Lauren Castillo and the words are from the King James version of the Bible. This children's...

Richard Scarry's Best Christmas Book Ever!

A new edition of Richard Scarry's Best Christmas Book Ever! will delight young children. Children's books by Richard Scarry featuring the daily lives of the animals of Busytown have have delighted generations of children. Richard Scarry's Best Christmas Book Ever! includes stories, games, a craft activity and more.

Dark Emperor & Other Poems of the Night

Dark Emperor and Other Poems of the Night is an excellent poetry book for children that combines the nature poetry of Joyce Sidman with linocuts by Rick Allen and factual information about nocturnal animals that can be found in the woodland. Dark Emperor is both a book of poetry and a science book for kids. If you are looking for poetry books...

Winner of Caldecott Medal for The Invention of Hugo Cabret

Wonderstruck by Brian Selznick, like The Invention of Hugo Cabret for which Brian Selznick won the Randolph Caldecott Medal, combines words and illustrations in a long work of children's fiction. Among children's books for ages 9 and up, The Invention of Hugo Cabret has been popular. The new children's book Wonderstruck seems likely to be...

Moon Over Manifest by Clare Vanderpool

Moon Over Manifest by Clare Vanderpool, the 2011 Newbery Medal winner, is set in a small town in Kansas during the Depression. Young Abilene Tucker is sent to Manifest when her father takes a job with the railroad. Moon Over Manifest by Clare Vanderpool, the 2011 Newbery Medal winner, will appeal to tweens and young teens.

Countdown

Countdown by Deborah Wiles is a work of historical fiction for ages 9-12 that takes place during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Countdown is Book One in The Sixties Trilogy.

Digging for Bird-Dinosaurs

Digging for Bird-Dinosaurs: An Expedition to Madagascar, was written and illustrated by photographer Nic Bishop. Digging for Bird-Dinosaurs is part of the Scientists in the Field Series of children's nonfiction books about scientists, science and nature.

Finn McCool and the Great Fish

Finn McCool and the Great Fish by Eve Bunting is a picture book retelling of the legend of Finn McCool from Irish Folklore. If you are looking for an entertaining Irish folktale for kids for St. Patrick's Day or anytime, I recommend Finn McCool and the Great Fish by Eve Bunting.

The Dreamer

The Dreamer, historical fiction, for kids is by Pam Munoz Ryan and is based on the life of poet Pablo Neruda from Chile. Pam Munoz Ryan won the 2011 Pura Belpre Author Award for The Dreamer.

Patrick, Patron Saint of Ireland

Children's Book Review: Celebrate St. Patrick's Day with your child by reading Patrick, Patron Saint of Ireland, the picture book biography written and illustrated by Tomie dePaola, the creator of more than 200 children's books. The picture book by Tomie dePaola also include legends about St. Patrick.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid - Readers Opinions of Wimpy Kid Series

Readers respond to the question, What do you and your kids think of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series? Read what others say and share your opinion of the Wimpy Kid series by Jeff Kinney.

Bumble-Ardy by Maurice Sendak

Bumble-Ardy is a new picture book by Maurice Sendak, the author and illustrator of numerous children's picture books, including Where the Wild Things Are.

The Snake Scientist

The Snake Scientist is part of the excellent Scientists in the Field series of nonfiction children's science books. I recommend The Snake Scientist, as well as the other books in the Scientists in the Field series for ages 9-14.

New Moon

Here is a book review of the dark fantasy book New Moon, the second book in the Twilight series of books for teens by Stephenie Meyer. If you are a parent looking for more information about the Twilight series and New Moon, the second book in the Twilight series, read this book review of the teen book.

Breaking Dawn

This book review of the dark fantasy book Breaking Dawn, the fourth book in the Twilight series, by Stephenie Meyer is written for parents. Parents looking for more information about the Twilight series and Breaking Dawn, the fourth book in the Twilight series, will find it here in this review of the teen book.

Zora and Me

Zora and Me, a work of historical fiction for children, provides an interesting introduction to the chidhood and storytelling of young Zora Neale Hurston and the racial prejudice she encountered as an African American living in the South.

The Wildlife Detectives

The Wildlife Detectives is a nonfiction children's book about science, specifically the investigation of forensic scientists fighting crimes against nature, part of the Scientists in the Field series. If you are looking for good books about science for your kids, I recommend The Wildlife Detectives and the other nonfiction children's books in...

Teen Book Review: Impulse by Ellen Hopkins

Impulse by young adult is a novel in verse for teens by Ellen Hopkins about teen suicide. Ellen Hopkins' teen book Impulse is a novel in verse about teen suicide, second chances, and the power of friendship.

Fat Kid Rules the World by K.L. Going

In this review of Fat Kid Rules the World by K.L. Going learn why this has often been challenged by people who think the book should be banned or censored.

Inside Hurricanes

Inside Hurricanes is a good nonfiction book about hurricanes for middle grade readers. Written by Mary Kay Carson it includes fold-out pages, diagrams, photos and more.

The Bully Blockers Club

This review of The Bully Blockers Club provides detailed information about the strategies for dealing with bullies and bullying covered in this children's picture book by Teresa Bateman.

The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything

The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything is an entertaining Halloween picture book that can also be used as a beginning reader book.

The Hugo Movie Companion

The Hugo Movie Companion is a book about how the movie version of the award-winning book for middle readers, The Invention of Hugo Cabret, was made. Brian Selznick, the author and illustrator of the children's book also wrote this book about the making of the movie Hugo.

Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children

If you are looking for a quirky fantasy for teens, I recommend Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children, a young adult book by Ransom Riggs.

A Christmas Goodnight

Use A Christmas Goodnight to introduce young children to the story of the first Christmas and the relationship of a Nativity set to the Bible story of the birth of Jesus

Amelia Lost: The Life and Disappearance of Amelia Earhart

Amelia Lost: The Life and Disappearance of Amelia Earhart by Candace Fleming

Wheels of Change:

Wheels of Change: How Women Rode the Bicycle to Freedom

The Giver by Lois Lowry

The Giver, the book for teens by Lois Lowry for which she won the Newbery Medal has been both praised and challenged.

Inside Out & Back Again

Inside Out and Back Again by Thanhhaa Lai is a novel in verse based on the author's experiences as a ten year old, leaving war-torn Vietnam and coming to the U.S.

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