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Children's Books: Most Popular Articles

These articles are the most popular over the last month.
Where the Wild Things Are
Children's Classic Picture Books: "Where the Wild Things Are" by Maurice Sendak is not just one of many appealing children's picture books. "Where the Wild Things Are" has become a classic since this picture book was awarded a Caldecott Medal in 1964. This simple picture book for a child has had a lasting impact on children's literature.
2009 Summer Reading Lists
Find the best in children's books and young adult books on these current summer reading lists for 2009. You'll find children's picture books and books of fiction and nonfiction as well as young adult books of fiction and nonfiction on these 2009 summer reading lists. Here are not one summer reading list, not two, but many summer reading lists. Each summer reading list is one of the best summer reading lists I've found. There are books for elementary school, middle school, and high school ages.
Christmas Picture Books
Here are ten recommended Christmas picture books for children by such popular authors and illustrators as Jan Brett, Jane Yolen, and Tomie dePaola. Whether you are looking for a book for a special child or a book the entire family will enjoy, you'll find it here.
Christmas Picture Books 2009
My guide to the best children's Christmas books of 2009 not only provides you with information about excellent children's Christmas picture books that were published in 2009, it also provides a nice, big picture of the cover art for each of the best children's Christmas picture books of 2009. The books include The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus by L.Frank Baum.
Children's Hanukkah Books
Here are some good children's books about Hanukkah, including children's Hanukkah picture books, a chapter book, an anthology, a book of history and poetry, and other children's Hanukkah books.
Cinderella Resources
Find out about versions of the Cinderella fairy tale that can be found in many cultures and countries, and take a look at online and print resources on the Cinderella of Grimm's fairy tales, Charles Perrault, and others. There are many children's books available featuring versions of the Cinderella fairy tale from different cultures and time periods.
Best Christmas Picture Books
This guide to some of the best children's Christmas picture books not only provides you with information about ten excellent children's books about Christmas, it also provides a nice, big picture of the cover art for each of the best children's Christmas books.
Children's Cookbooks
Children's Cookbooks: A good cookbook for kids can give your children a head start in learning to cook. If you are looking for a children's cookbook for your child, I recommend these children's cookbooks.
Poetry Books
Here's an annotated list of recommended children's poetry books, including both traditional poems, concrete poetry, and poetry written specifically for children. In addition to the children's poetry books, you will also find several children's books about writing poetry.
Banning Children's Books
Why do some people want to ban or censor books, including children's books and young adult books (YA books), such as the Harry Potter series? What is Banned Books Week? When is Banned Books Week? Who do you think should be responsible for censorship and banning books - children's books, young adult books (YA books), and adult books? What about a book for your child?
Diary of a Wimpy Kid
Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules by Jeff Kinney is a very funny book for middle school age kids. Greg Heffley is in his second year of middle school and again is keeping an illustrated journal about life at home and in middle school, with an emphasis on his old brother Rodrick, in Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules, which was both written and illustrated by Jeff Kinney.
Reluctant Readers: Hi-Lo Books
Hi/lo books are for reluctant readers who are not reading on grade level and who are not interested in books at their reading level. High interest low readability books provide reluctant readers with books at their reading level that are also at their interest level. These booklists / reading lists are for upper elementary, middle school, and high school reluctant readers. Hi-lo books are often referred to as high interest / low vocabulary books or high interest / lower reading level books.
Classic Christmas Stories
In honor of the 50th-anniversary of the publication of the Dr. Seuss Christmas classic picture book, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Random House has published How the Grinch Stole Christmas A 50th-Anniversary Retrospective, which includes both the story of the Grinch and 32-pages of commentary about the development of the book, the characters, and Dr. Seuss' (Theodor Geisel)feelings about Christmas.
Children's Books by Dr. Seuss
Here are 10 children's picture books and beginning readers by Dr. Seuss (Theodor Geisel), including The Cat in the Hat, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Oh, the Places You'll Go and Horton Hatches the Egg. If you are looking for a book for a beginning reader, The Cat in the Hat and Green Eggs and Ham are perfect for beginning readers because of their controlled vocabulary. Generations of kids have enjoyed picture books and beginning readers written and illustrated by Dr. Seuss (Theodor Geisel).
Winter & Snow in Picture Books
If you are looking for recommended children's picture books that are set in the winter and feature snow, I recommend these children's picture books about winter and snow.
Author Cynthia Rylant
Cynthia Rylant is an award winning author of children's books, several of which celebrate her roots in Appalachia. Whether your child is 4-8 or 9-12 years old, there is probably a Cynthia Rylant book s/he will like. Popular characters in her beginning reader books include Poppleton, Henry and Mudge, and Mr. Putter and Tabby.
Children's Kwanzaa Books
If you are looking for a children's Kwanzaa book for your child, here are my top picks of children's Kwanzaa books, including several children's picture books about Kwanzaa, a book of Kwanzaa recipes and crafts, a third grade chapter book and a children's Kwanzaa crafts book.
Teen Reading Trends 2008-2009
What are the latest teen reading trends? In this discussion with the 2008-2009 YALSA president, find out about the young adult books teens are reading and teen reading trends.
Censorship / Challenged Books
Banned Books Week - What's the state of censorship, banned and challenged children's books in the twenty-first century? Children's books, including books by popular author Judy Blume and J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series, are being challenged, banned and censored, and some may be included in book burnings. Learn more about banned children's books and Banned Books Week.
Children's Dinosaur Books
There are all kinds of children's books about dinosaurs available, including dinosaur picture books for younger children, beginning readers, and nonfiction children's books about dinosaurs. Here are ten children's dinosaur books I particularly recommend.
The John Newbery Medal
Learn about the John Newbery Medal and the 2009 Newbery Medal winner and the 2009 Newbery Honor books, as well as the 2008 and 2007 Newbery Medal winners and the 2008 and 2007 Newbery Honor books. In the U.S., the John Newbery Medal is the most prestigious award that a children's book author can receive.
Classics for Little Ones
These five children's books are board book versions of classics for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. A board book is sturdy enough to be handled by a very young child.
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.
Christmas Pop-up Books
These Christmas pop-up books by Jan Pietnkowski and Robert Sabuda are more than just children's books. They are beautifully designed Christmas pop-up books, treasures that the entire family will enjoy. They include "The First Noel," "The First Christmas," "The Christmas Alphabet," "The 12 Days of Christmas: A Pop-Up Celebration" and "The Night Before Christmas."
Harry Potter Censorship
With the release of each Harry Potter book for children have come challenges and book banning attempts. A key question is, "When it comes to censoring or banning a book for a child, who has, or should have, the right to do so?" What are people saying and doing as they either support the Harry Potter series or support banning the books.
Grimm's Fairy Tales
Before you select a book of fairy tales for your child, get information on scholarly research and versions of popular Grimm's fairy tales, such as Cinderella, which were originally written for adult audience and not for a child. Now, some of the most popular children's books are based on Grimm's fairy tales.
2009 Caldecott Medal Winner
In the United States, the Randolph Caldecott Medal is the most prestigious award for illustration of children's picture books that an artist can receive. Here you'll find the 2009 Caldecott Medal and 2009 Caldecott Honor Book winners, the 2008 Caldecott Medal and 2008 Caldecott Honor Book winners and the 2007 Caldecott Medal and Honor Book winning illustrators and their picture books.
Good Manners and Etiquette
In this children's picture book by Aliki, children learn about good manners through brief stories and comic strip-style art that illustrates good manners and bad manners
Children's Historical Fiction
Learn about two books of historical fiction in the form of picture books for upper elementary and middle school readers, "Castle Diary: The Journal of Tobias Burgess, Page" and "The Mary Celeste," as well as the many online resources, including annotated booklists and articles related to historical fiction that you can use to pick the perfect children's book for your child.
Little Golden Books
Little Golden Books are among the all-time bestselling children's books. Since being acquired by Random House, Little Golden Books continue to publish old favorites while adding innovative new books. Share a favorite classic Golden Book with your child.
The Artistry of Maurice Sendak
Maurice Sendak's children's picture books, artwork and stories, have had a major impact on children's literature, with one book by Maurice Sendak, "Where the Wild Things Are," winning both a Caldecott Medal and complaints that it was too scary for a young child.
Winter Lights
"Winter Lights A Season in Poems & Quilts" is a beautiful children's poetry book that features poetry for children illustrated with miniature quilts. While the book is a children's poetry book, it is one that will be enjoyed by the whole family as well as those who enjoy quilts and quilting.
The Tale of Despereaux
The Tale of Despereaux, by Kate DiCamillo, is an odd and engrossing fairy tale. The hero, Despereaux Tilling, is a mouse with large ears. While of the same high literary quality as her previous two children's books, "Because of Winn-Dixie," a Newbery Honor Book, and "The Tiger Rising," a National Book Award finalist, and also geared to the 8-12 year old reader, this novel is distinctly different from her others. It has a lot in common with Grimm's fairy tales.
Top Audio Books
Children's audio books are great fun for kids, whether they are enjoying them at home or while traveling. If you are going on a summer vacation with your children, be sure and take some children's audio books with you; they'll make the car, train, or plane trip much more fun for your children; children's audio books of many popular children's books are available.
Tomie dePaola
Find the perfect book for your child by taking a look at the work of award winning children's author and illustrator Tomie dePaola, who has over 200 children's books to his credit, including folktales, Mother Goose rhymes, Bible stories, books about Stregna Nona, and his own life at 26 Fairmount Avenue.
Children's Winter Stories
These children's books are collections of short stories about winter and more. For example, The Winter Book, an anthology, is a children's book containing short stories, essays about winter holidays, artwork, and music. Fireside Stories: Tales for a Winter's Eve features short stories about winter from a number of different countries.
Kids Winter Poetry Books
The joys of winter are celebrated in these children's poetry books about the winter season. Whether you are looking for children's poetry books about winter that stress the winter holidays or the joys, and occasional annoyances, of cold, snowy weather, you will find a children's poetry book for your child here.
The Very Hungry Caterpillar
If you are looking for a picture book for your child that children love to look at and hear again and again, try The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle, one of his many popular children's picture books. Your child will enjoy hearing the story of The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle again and again.
Irish Folk and Fairy Tales
Here are recommended children’s books of Irish folktales and fairy tales, children's books for St. Patrick's Day or any day you are looking for children's books of tales from Ireland that are excellent read-alouds, children's books that you and your children can enjoy together, and enjoyable reading for independent readers.
Cadecott and Newbery Awards
The American Library Association Caldecott and Newbery Medals are among the most prestigious awards in children's literature; find out about these ALA awards for picture book illustration and children's fiction and check over the 2002 and 2003 list of winners to find the perfect book for your child.
Reluctant Readers
If your child is a reluctant reader who never seems to find a book s/he likes there are a lot of resources you can use to help your reluctant reader become an enthusiastic reader of children's books, both fiction and non-fiction. Resources for reluctant readers include hi/lo books.
Kids Books: Starting School
Children's Books - These recommended children's picture books can help young children with the adjustment to starting school, whether it's preschool or kindergarten, while these recommended children's chapter books will appeal to older children dealing with a new school or grade.
Rhymes for Little Ones
Here are three children's books filled with colorful illustrations and rhymes and fun for little ones. If you have a small child, a book of rhymes should appeal to them.
Bedtime Board Books
Children's Books - A bedtime board books may be just what you need to encourage your child to go to bed, particularly "Goodnight Moon" and "A Child's Good Night Book" by Margaret Wise Brown, Mem Fox's "Time for Bed," all delightful children's books for very young children.
Kids Winter Holiday Books
Before you buy children's books about Christmas, Hanukkah, and/or Kwanzaa books there are some things you need to know and some things you need to decide so that the children's books you purchase will meet your needs over time. Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa books vary widely. These are some of the best, including children's Christmas picture books.
Guide Picks - Top Books by ...
Sharon Creech, who won a Newbery Medal for Walk Two Moons, has written a number of excellent children's books. If you are looking for good novels for an older child (9-12, upper elementary - middle school), check out the children's fiction by Sharon Creech.
Gardening in Picture Books
children’s picture books about gardens and gardening, children’s books, children’s picture books about gardens and gardening, gardens and gardening, children’s picture books
Harry Potter Book 7 Facts
Harry Potter Book 7 - What does Joanne Kathleen Rowling, the author of the enormously popular Harry Potter series, plan for Harry Potter Book 7, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, the seventh and last book in the series? Will J.K. Rowling have Harry Potter live or die in Harry Potter Book 7, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows? Find out, from J.K. Rowling interviews, what we know so far about Harry Potter Book 7.
Christmas Picture Books
If you are looking for the best children's Christmas picture books of 2005 and 2006, these Christmas picture books for children, all of which were published in 2005 and 2006, represent some of the best children's Christmas picture books.
Best Illustrated 2008 Books
These children's books represent the best illustrated children's books of 2008. Among the best illustrated 2008 children's books included in the list are We Are the Ship, Lady Liberty, Wabi Sabi, and A River of Words.
Thanksgiving Books
If you are looking for children's books about Thanksgiving, here are some recommended children's books, including Thanksgiving picture books, children's books about giving thanks and a nonfiction book about the first Thanksgiving in America.
Author Kate DiCamillo
Kate DiCamillo's first children's book, "Because of Winn-Dixie," was a 2001 Newbery Honor Book and her second book, "The Tiger Rising" was a National Book Award finalist. Her lastest novel for a child, "The Tale of Despereaux," won the 2004 Newbery Medal. Learn about the author, her approach to writing, her characters, and her books.
Hooray for Dr. Seuss!
Dr. Seuss (Theodor Geisel also wrote under the name Theodore Lesieg. His books: picture books and beginning readers with a controlled vocabulary, include The Cat in the Hat and Green Eggs and Ham and which are all great read-alouds. Because of their controlled vocabulary, children who are just learning to read can successfully read The Cat in the Hat and Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss. Whether writing as Dr. Seuss or Theodore LeSieg, Theodor Geisel was a master at creating books children love.
The Enduring Roald Dahl
In Roald Dahl's wildly imaginative works of children's literature, strange and wonderful things happen. Among his most well-known children's books are Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Matilda, and James and the Giant Peach. If your 9-12 year old child is looking for an entertaining book, look for one by Roald Dahl.
Kids Books: Hispanic Heritage
These recommended reading lists of children's books that emphasize Hispanic heritage or Latino heritage include a variety of children's books that are not just for Hispanic Heritage Month.
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.
"Because of Winn-Dixie"
Kate DiCamillo's first children's novel, "Because of Winn-Dixie," was a 2001 Newbery Honor Book. Read a review of the children's book "Because of Winn-Dixie" and learn about the children's mvoie version of the book
The Littlest Angel
Children's Books - The 2004 edition of The Littlest Angel, the classic children's Christmas picture book, has beautiful illustrations by artist Guy Porfirio. While there are many editions of this children's Christmas picture book, which was written by Charles Tazewell in 1946, this is my favorite.
The Invention of Hugo Cabret
Despite being more than 500 pages long, The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick is the 2008 Caldecott Medal Winner for picture book illustration. More than 280 pages of the book are illustrations by Brian Selznick. Despite being a novel for 9-14 year olds, The Invention of Hugo Cabret can also be classified as a picture book since Brian Selznick tells the story in both words and pictures.
Christmas Books by Engelbreit
The Night Before Christmas, the classic tale of a visit from Saint Nicholas takes on new meaning in this children's Christmas picture book illustrated by Mary Engelbreit. The bright, colorful, and creative artwork by Mary Engelbreit captures the Christmas spirit in The Night Before Christmas.
Books for Boys
If you are looking for books for boys, get recommendations from those who know what appeals to boys - librarians. These recommended reading lists of children's books for boys are made up of books that librarians have found boys particularly enjoy.
Celebrate Hanukkah
Celebrate Hanukkah is part of the National Geographic Society's Holidays Around the World is the National Geographic Society's series of children's nonfiction books about religious and cultural holidays. Like the other books in the National Geographic Society's Holidays Around the World series of of children's nonfiction books, Celebrate Hanukkah features striking photographs of holiday celebrations from around the world.
Christmas Picture Books 2008
Best Children's Christmas Books of 2008 - My Wonderful Christmas Tree, a children's Christmas picture book, was written and illustrated by Dahlov Ipcar. My Wonderful Christmas Tree was originally published in 1986. The new edition of the children's Christmas picture book by Dahlov Ipcar was published in 2008 by Islandport Press. The book is a rhyming counting book.
Kids' Books: Death of a Pet
I recommend these ten children’s picture books about the death of a pet. If you are looking for a helpful children’s picture book about the death of a pet, these children’s picture books will provide comfort to 3-12-year-old children and their families.
The Chronicles of Narnia
Learn all about The Chronicles of Narnia and The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, the classic fantasy novels for children by C.S. Lewis. Find out about the new movie version - The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.
Guide to Children's Books
Learn about the resources that make The New York Times Parent's Guide to the Best Books for Children such an excellent reference book on children's literature. Resources include information about children's wordless books, picture books, story books, early reading books, middle reading books, and young adult (ya) books.
Young Adult Books - YA Books
If you are looking for young adult books (YA books) and YA booklists, be sure and visit the website of the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA). The YALSA Web site features award winning YA books, popular YA books, and recommended young adult books with a variety of YA booklists.
Books Adults Will Love
Children's Picture Books for Adults: If you are looking for a special book for an adult, here are some children's picture books, from fairy tales to poetry, that adults will love. Check out the children's book department and find a special children's picture book to give as a gift to an adult.
Marc Brown's Arthur
If you have, or teach, children, you are probably aware that picture books and chapter books about Marc Brown's Arthur the aardvark are tremendously popular. Find out why and learn about Arthur and his father and see if a book about Arthur would appeal to your child.
Spotlight on Author Lois Lowry
Author Lois Lowry has written more than thirty books for children and young adults. Lois Lowry received a Newbery Medal for two of her books: Number the Stars and The Giver, a young adult book. Lowry's Number the Stars is children's fiction about the Holocaust and The Giver is a thought provoking dark fantasy that has been subject to challenges and censorship.
The Three Snow Bears
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 Inuit village in the Artic.
Louis Sachar, Author of Hol...
Louis Sachar is much more than just the author of the children's book "Holes" (and "Stanley Yelnats' Survival Guide to Camp Green Lake"), popular with children 10+ and young adults (YA), and the screen writer for the movie version of "Holes." Sachar is also the author of the popular Wayside School and Marvin Redpost series, and the award winning "There's a Boy in the Girls' Bathroom."
Maurice Sendak's Books
Caldecott Medal winner Maurice Sendak has had a profound impact on children's literature. Here are your About Children's Books Guide's top picks of children's picture books Maurice Sendak has written and illustrated, including Where the Wild Things Are. Maurice Sendak was honored with the Caldecott Medal for his children's picture book Where the Wild Things Are.
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.
When You Reach Me
When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead is an excellent book. It will particularly appeal to tweens and young teens, ages 10-14 who are fans of mysteries and time-travel. When You Reach Me is the second book by Rebecca Stead.
Oliver Button Is a Sissy
"Oliver Button Is a Sissy," a children's picture book written and illustrated by Tomie dePaola, is the story of a boy who stands up to bullies, not by fighting, but by staying true to himself. The children's picture book "Oliver Button Is a Sissy," is based on the childhood experiences of DePaola
Calendar of Children's Books
Use this school year calendar of children's books to find appropriate children's books for a variety of occasions and seasons. The calendar of children's books includes books about starting school, the seasons, a variety of holidays, and much more.
Potty Training Books
These children’s potty training books should make toilet training more fun for you and your toddler. Along with the overly didactic and boring children’s potty books, there are some good children’s books about potty and toilet training.
Read Aloud to Your Child
Here are some tips to help you read aloud to your child using a variety of children's books, including picture books, classics, chapter books, and other children's books that make great read alouds.
They're Burning Books Again
Who are "they" and why are they burning "Harry Potter" and other children's books? Who, if anyone, should censor children's books? What if your child were assigned a book you disapprove of? How do you feel about banning books and censorship?
Strong Female Characters
Finding children's books that will reinforce the concept of females, including girls, as being strong and resourceful, is not always easy. These children's books resources will be helpful whether you are looking for one special children's book for your child or many children's books.
"The Hobbit" by J.R.R. Tolkien
J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Hobbit" is a science fiction classic, one which, while not a children's book, is popular with children. Here are several editions of "The Hobbit" that chidren nine and older will find appealing, so if you are looking for a copy of the book for your child, check these out.
Children's Dictionaries
Learn about three recommended children's dictionaries for upper elementary and middle school students
Mildred Wirt Nancy Drew Writer
Mildred Wirt Benson's role as the writer of the text of 23 of the first 25 Nancy Drew books under the direction of Edward Stratemeyer of the Stratemeyer Syndicate wasn't revealed to the public for 50 years. Benson was well known in the midwest as a journalist, and Carolyn Keene was the name given as the author of the Nancy Drew books. The Nancy Drew series has been popular for many years. Has your child read a Nancy Drew book?
ALA Notable Children's Books
The American Library Association's Notable Children's Books List each year includes the Caldecott and Newbery Medal and Honor Book recipients as well as other notable children's books published in the United States the previous year, a prestigious book list of the best in children's literature; find out about the Association for Library Service to Children/ALA Notable Books List and check it over to find the perfect book for your child.
Robert McCloskey
The Caldecott award winning children's picture books by author and illustrator Robert McCloskey that are set in Maine are wonderful. Like his children's picture book Make Way for Duckings, which is set in Boston, Time of Wonder by Robert McCloskey, which is set in Maine, won a Caldecott Medal. Blueberries for Sal and One Morning in Maine by Robert McCloskey were designated Caldecott Honor Books. Read about these three Maine Caldecott winners.
Are You My Mother?
Are You My Mother? by P.D. Eastman is both a beginner book for the beginning reader, it is also 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.
Eats, Shoots & Leaves
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!
Jan Brett
"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. This book will not only delight your child, the entire family will enjoy it.
The Read-Aloud Handbook
"The Read-Aloud Handbook," by Jim Trelease, is full of research and anecdotes about the value of reading aloud to children. It includes a long list of recommended books for children, from babies to young adults. Reading a chapter or a book to your child each night has enormous benefits.
What Is the Caldecott Medal?
In the United States, the highest honor an American children's book illustrator can receive for children's picture book illustration is the Caldecott Medal. The list of winners of the Caldecott Medal for children's picture book illustration reads like a "who's who" of illustrators of children's books.
Author Beverly Cleary
Children's author Beverly Cleary's popular character, Ramona Quimby, returns in "Ramona's World," the first Ramona Quimby book in 15 years. Learn about the life and books of Beverly Cleary.
Poems for Two or More Voices
Reading children’s poetry books with poems for two or more voices is a great way to help children learn to enjoy the spoken word and gain fluency in reading aloud. They will also enjoy working together as they read these children’s poetry books, and dramatically present the poems for two or more voices.
The Magician's Elephant
The Magician's Elephant by Kate DiCamillo is another in the Newbery Medal winning author's novels for children 8-12. The Magician's Elephant by Kate DiCamillo is a fascinating and mysterious book for tweens.
Hanukkah Haiku
Hanukkah Haiku by Harriet Ziefert is a children's book about Hanukkah in picture book format. For each day of Hanukkah, Hanukkah Haiku features an illustration by Karla Gudeon and a haiku about the celebration that day and the lighting of the menorah for Hanukkah.
Children's Halloween Books
If you are looking for children's Halloween books that will entertain, not frighten your child, here are some children's Halloween books, several Halloween picture books featuring popular characters (Nate the Great, the Berenstain Bears), that your children will enjoy. One is a children's science book about pumpkins. One is a children's Halloween book for the child who is a beginning reader; the rest of these children's books are good read-alouds.
Kids' Books About Cars Trucks
Children’s picture books about cars, trucks, and diggers are very appealing to kids. Here you’ll find an annotated booklist of recommended children’s picture books about cars, trucks, and diggers to help you find the perfect book for your child.
Teen ReadingTrends
What are the trends in teen reading and young adult (YA) books? Thanks to an interview with the president of the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA), a division of the American Library Association, I learned about teen reading trends and some recommended young adult books.
Coretta Scott King Book Awards
One of the important annual children's book awards is the Coretta Scott King Book Awards, which honor African American authors and African American illustrators. Here you'll find information about the Coretta Scott King Book Awards, the current winners, and the Coretta Scott King Book Award winners and Honor Books for previous years.
Find a Book For a Beginning...
Here's some advice on how to find a children's book that are at the appropriate reading level for the child who is a beginning reader, including beginning readers series and other children's books available at public libraries and bookstores.
Celebrate America
These 10 children's books, which could all be included in your Constitution Day and Citizenship Day lessons, celebrate the United State of America, America the Beautiful, the fourth of July (Independence Day), and include a children's cookbook, and books about the Constitution, the Declaration of Independence, an illustrated version of America the Beautiful more. I recommend them not just for the Fourth of July, Constitution Day and Citizenship Day, but for the year round.
In Praise of Audiobooks
Your child will enjoy, and benefit from, listening to children's audiobooks, and there are a great many audiobooks for children to choose from.
L. Frank Baum and Oz
The children's book The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum was published in 1900. Since this children's book was published, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz has become a classic Find out why L. Frank Baum considered The Wonderful Wizard of Oz a new American fairy tale.
John Henry
Children's author Julius Lester and artist Jerry Pinkney bring African American folk hero John Henry to life in this Caldecott Honor Book, a children's picture book for the child who is four to nine. Both Julius Lester and Jerry Pinkney have won numerous awards for their children's picture books, and John Henry is one of several award winning collaborations between the author and artist.
Albert Whitman & Company
Children's book publisher Albert Whitman & Company is known for publishing the Boxcar Children series. Albert Whitman & Company is also known for publishing multicultural children's books and children's concept books about such difficult concepts as dealing with bullies, divorce, and illness and other difficult situations. If you are an author interested in getting published, this information will help you.
Hans Christian Andersen
You might be surprised to find out how many of the children's books of fairy tales your child particularly enjoys are versions of Hans Christian Andersen fairy tales. Learn more about the life and work of Hans Christian Andersen and find out why one of his fairy tales might be just the special children's book to delight your child.
Aesop's Fables
The fables of Aesop make great reading for children in these picture book versions of "Aesop's Fables," illustrated by such artists as Jerry Pinkney. If you are looking for a book for your child that the entire family will enjoy, try "Aesop's Fables."
The Magic of Ezra Jack Keats
Author and illustrator Ezra Jack Keats is known for his award winning children's books with their collage and paint illustrations, particularly The Snowy Day, for which he received a Caldecott Medal, and other books featuring Peter, an African American boy who lives in the city. If you are looking for a picture book your child will enjoy again and again, try a book by Ezra Jack Keats.
Artist Jerry Pinkney
When looking for a children's picture book for your child, look for children's picture books illustrated by artist Jerry Pinkney. Jerry Pinkney has created numerous Caldecott Honor Books and is the recipient of a number of other awards, including the Coretta Scott King Award, for his watercolor illustrations of children's picture books.
Chicka Chicka Boom Boom
I fyou are looking for a fun alphabet book for your children, from babies to six-year-olds, I recommend Chicka Chicka Boom Boom. Chicka Chicka Boom Boom is a children's rhyming alphabet picture book by Bill Martin Jr and John Archambault. During his career, Bill Martin Jr wrote more than 200 children's books.
Good Sports
Good Sports is a children' poetry book about sports by Children's Poet Laureate Jack Prelutsky. The illustrator of Good Sports, Chris Raschka, brings the poems in this children's poetry book to like with his illustrations.
Kids' Books: Wright Brothers
Here are three recommended children's books about inventors Wilbur and Orville Wright and the first airplane. Two are well documented historical fiction: the first, a children's picture book, and the second, for beginning readers. The children's third book is a biography of the Wright Brothers, focusing on their invention of the airplane.
Kids Cookbooks from Kids Books
Encourage your children to cook by giving them children’s cookbooks with recipes based on foods in their favorite children’s books. The children’s books and stories highlighted in these children’s cookbooks include books by Roald Dahl, the Little House series, the Boxcar Children mysteries, Green Eggs and Ham and other Dr. Seuss books, favorite fairy tales, and others.
Author Jacqueline Wilson
British author Jacqueline Wilson, the 2005 Children’s Laureate, has more than 70 children’s books of fiction in print. Her children's books of fiction, which deal with such difficult subjects as mental illness, divorce, dysfunctional families, and bullying, is enormously popular, particularly with 7-15 year old girls.
The First Noel
The First Noel is a 3-D pop-up carousel Christmas book by Jan Pietnkowski. With its five scenes from the Bible story of the birth of Jesus, The First Noel is a children's pop-up Christmas book that will delight children and adults alike.
After Harry Potter, What?
If your child is one of the children who love the Harry Potter books by J.K. Rowling, a book by one of the following children's authors may be just the ticket: C.S. Lewis, Roald Dahl, Madeline L'Engle, Diana Wynne Jones, P.L. Travers, and Frances Hodgson Burnett.
A Poke in the Eye
About Children's Books - A Poke in the I: A Collection of Concrete Poems is an exceptional collection of concrete poetry selected by Paul B. Janeczko, with illustrations by Caldecott Honor artist Chris Raschka. This way the poets play with words as visual art in this book will intrigue and delight your child.
December Children's Books
Here's the December calendar of children's holiday books - children's Christmas books, children's Hanukkah books, and children's Kwanzaa books. Find out about some of the best children's books for Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa on the December calendar of children's holiday books, including many fine children's Christmas picture books.
Author Astrid Lindgren
Swedish author Astrid Lindgren may have been best known for her children's books featuring the lovable character Pippi Longstocking, but Astrid Lindgren had many other accomplishments as well.
A Story For Bear
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.
The Tiger Rising
Kate DiCamillo's first children's novel, "Because of Winn-Dixie," was a 2001 Newbery Honor Book and her second book, "The Tiger Rising," which was published in 2001, was a National Book Award finalist. Read a review of "The Tiger Rising."
Tales from Old Ireland
The strong oral tradition in Ireland has resulted in the preservation of Irish folk and fairy tales over the centuries, to the benefit of children's literature. Tales from Old Ireland is one of a variety of children's books of Irish folk and fairy tales.
Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Last
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.
Kids Books=Graduation Gifts
Oh, the Places You'll Go by Dr. Seuss is one of several children's books that make excellent gifts for graduates. If you are looking for a unique graduation gift for a high school or college graduate, I recommend these children's books for their illustrations, entertainment value, wit, and wisdom.
Jane Addams Book Award
Children's Books - The Jane Addams Book Awards recognizes children's books that promote peace, social justice and equality. Each year, two children's books are honored as winners of the Jane Addams Book Awards and several other books may be selected as Jane Addams Honor Books.
Boston Globe-Horn Book Awards
2009 Boston Globe–Horn Book Award Winners and Honor Books: The Boston Globe–Horn Book Awards recognize excellence in children's books and young adult books and are highly regarded awards in the field of children's and young adult literature. Learn about the 2009 Boston Globe Horn Book Awards and the 2009 Boston Globe Horn Book Award winners.
Children's Recycling Book
We Are Extremely Very Good Recyclers is a good children's recycling picture book for three- to six-year-olds. Featuring Charlie and Lola, the characters created by Lauren Child and featured on Playhouse Disney, We Are Extremely Very Good Recyclers provides an introduction to the importance of recycling and concern for the environment, stressing the role children can play in protecting the environment through recycling.
Voting / Elections
Constitution Day and Citizenship Day Recommended Children's Books -From the humorous children's picture book "Duck for President" to nonfiction books, here are children's books for Constitution Day and Citizenship Day that teach children about voting, elections - local, state, and presidential - and the political process. Children's books on the subject include books on the struggle for women's sufferage to information on voting and the reason it is so important to vote in elections.
2007 Christmas Picture Books
The subtitle of The Night Before Christmas highlights what makes this Christmas picture book version of the traditional Christmas poem so special. This 2007 edition of The Night Before Christmas is indeed A Magical Cut-Paper Edition.
Boy Raised by Librarians
The Boy who was Raised by Librarians is a children's picture book about a boy whose life is enriched by his daily visits to the Livingston Public Library and his relationship with the librarians there. The Boy who was Raised by Librarians is a delightful children's picture book for 4-8 year olds.
Children's Books About Lincoln
These children's books present biographies of Abe Lincoln. These children's books about Abraham Lincoln and his family will appeal to a wide range of ages. If you are looking for children's books about Abe Lincoln, these are ones I recommend.
Christopher Paolini: Brisingr
Here you'll find cover art and information about Brisingr by Christopher Paolini. Brisingr is Book Three in the Inheritance cycle by Christopher Paolini. The first two books in the fantasy Inheritance cycle are Eragon and Eldest. Both the first two fantasy novels in the cycle, Eragon and Eldest, have been bestsellers, very popular with teens and adults.
Harry Potter 6 Trivia Quiz - No Spoilers!
A fun trivia quiz, with no spoilers, to test your knowledge of Harry Potter 6,
Valentine's Day Books
If you are looking for children's Valentine's Day books, here are some Valentine's Day picture books that make good read-alouds and some children's Valentine's Day books for beginning readers.
Kiss Good Night
Children's Picture Books: Kiss Good Night by Amy Hest, with illustrations by Anita Jeram, is an excellent children's bedtime story, suited for a young child. Children's picture books like the picture book "Kiss Good Night" can help a child settle down for a good night's sleep.
Find Kids' Books at Low Prices
Do you wish you could find a children's book at bargain prices? Here's a simple how to on finding new and used bargain children's books for your child.
Banned Books Week FAQs
Here you'll find information about Banned Books week, including when Banned Books Week is held, who sponsors it, and what the goals of Banned Books Week are.
Kids Books About Hurricanes
Hurricanes: Earth’s Mightiest Storms is an excellent Children's nonfiction book about hurricanes that will appeal to 9-14-year-olds. Photographs, maps, satellite images, and weather diagrams help to shed light on the science and history of hurricanes in this nonfiction book about hurricanes for children
African American Heroes
From Harriet Tubman to Martin Luther King,Jr. to Dr. Ben Carson, here are children's books about African American freedom fighters from the era of slavery in America to the civil rights movement to today. If you are looking for a book for your child about heroes and heroines, take a look at these children's books about African American freedom fighters.
Diary Wimpy Kid Do-It-Yourself
Diary of a Wimpy Kid Do-It-Yourself Book is a do-it-yourself diary for tweens and young teens, featuring middle school humor, writing prompts and cartoons. With Diary of a Wimpy Kid Do-It-Yourself Book, kids can create their own journals modeled on Diary of a Wimpy Kid.
Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick
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.
The Frogs Wore Red Suspenders
If you are looking for poetry books for kids, both the poetry book for kids The Frogs Wore Red Suspenders by Jack Prelutsky and the audiobook version of the hilarious poetry book for kids The Frogs Wore Red Suspenders by Jack Pretlutsky are delightful treats for very young children.
The Amelia Bloomer Project
The Amelia Bloomer Project: If you are looking for children’s books and young adult books (YA books), including picture books, fiction, and nonfiction, that feature strong female characters, you’ll be interested in the Amelia Bloomer Project, which honors a wide variety of children's books and young adult books (YA books)with strong female characters.
Best 2008 Children's Books
These best 2008 children's books lists come from a variety of publications as well as the About.com: Children's Books Web site. These best 2008 children's books lists include children's books for kids, from babies to tweens and teens.
Most Challenged Books of 2005
Have you ever wondered why certain books are the target of individuals or groups who want them banned or censored? Generally, these are children's books or young adult books. Read this list of the ten most challenged books of 2005 and note the reasons and the online sources of additional information.
Stories of the USA
In the aftermath of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, there has been an upsurge in interest in children's books that feature heroes, symbols, and stories of the United States of America. Here are some books you should know about and,hopefully, you will find the perfect book for your child.
Who is Lemony Snicket?
Who is Lemony Snicket, the author of "A Series of Unfortunate Events," the wildly popular series of children's books for 8-12 year olds? Who is Daniel Handler and what does Daniel Handler have to do with Lemony Snicket and the children's book series "A Series of Unfortunate Events"?
Berenstain Bears Creators
The Berenstain Bears children's books have delighted children for decades. Learn about the Berenstain Bears children's books and their creastors, Stan, Jan, and Mike Berenstain.
Contact a Children's Author
Here are the steps you need to take to find contact information, email or U.S. mail, for authors and illustrators of children's books whether or not the children's books authors and illustrators have Web sites.
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.
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