The Rabbits' Wedding

The Rabbits' Wedding

by Garth Williams

Garth Williams wrote and illustrated this book in 1958 which caused an uproar. The Rabbits' Wedding is a story about a black rabbit who loves a little white rabbit. The black rabbit has the wish that the two could get married and be together forever and always. The two little rabbits make their dream come true so they make the wedding happen. And as the last line of the book says: 'And the little black rabbit never looked sad again.' This book was removed from general circulation in Alabama's state library system because of its perceived theme of interracial love. I do not see how this book should not be in schools today. It carries the message that it is okay to love someone that may look a little different than you. The more texts in the classroom that bring a message of acceptance, the more opportunities children have to learn how to be accepting of others no matter what they look like.

Intended Age 3-7

The Lorax

The Lorax

by Dr. Seuss

The Lorax is the story about a environmental loving Lorax and the greedy once-ler as he figures out that he can cut down the beautiful Truffula Trees and use them to make Thneeds. After this the Once-ler realizes just how much money he can make he continues to make more and more Thneeds all while depleting more natural resources all because 'business is business! And business must grow.' The Lorax 'speaks for the trees, for the trees have no tounges' in an unsuccessful attempt to stop the greedy Once-ler. In the end, the last Truffula Tree is chopped down so everyone leaves the horribly polluted town. Dr. Seuss leaves the readers with the message to protect and care for the planet before it is too late. This is Dr. Seuss' most controversial book and was banned in parts of the United States for its political content. Specifically, it was banned in some schools and libraries in regions with timber economies for its anti-forest industry content on grounds that this book "criminalizes the forestry industry." I was extremely surprised to see that this book made so many controversial book lists because I thought this book carried such a wonderful message. While this book does take a strong stance against big business, it carries a stronger message for the protection of our environment. Rather than this book being banned from schools, it should definitely be promoted and used in the classroom to teach young readers about the responsibility of protecting the environment! Dr. Seuss does a wonderful job of using his charteristic rhyming story with the magical and bright illustrations that follow along to engage readers of all ages.

Intended Age 4-8

Daddy's Roommate

Daddy's Roommate

by Michael Willhoite

Daddy's Roommate is a wonderful picture book about a young boy life after his parent's divorce. The story is told from the boy's perspective as he watches his father get into a relationship with another man. This is a great story to have in the classroom because it teaches students diversity and to look for the good in differences. Some children will also be able to relate to this story if they are going through a similar situation with homosexual parents. This book teaches that some situations may be confusing or different than others, but that is perfectly acceptable. Schools today need to show acceptance to students with all different types of backgrounds. As a future teacher I place myself in the shoes of children so see how they may feel in particular situations. I think about if I was part of a family with homosexual parents and I came to a classroom that only had books about families with one mother and one father. That would make me feel horrible, different, and not included. The more books with the more backgrounds that do not fit the mold that children's literature had been known to traditionally follow allows children to feel accepted and part of the classroom community. The pictures are bright, cheery and colorful but slightly outdated considering this book was published about twenty years ago. This picture book has been part of a controversy because of some of the illustrations are depicting the two men before they share a kiss as well as the two men getting ready to sleep in bed. In my opinion, this is perfectly acceptable. There are so many children's books that are deemed normal and acceptable that show the same images but with a male and a female. Overall, Micheal Willhoite had written and illustrated a very a heartwarming and wonderful story that is a must have in all schools.

Intended Age 2-5

The Giver

The Giver

by Lois Lowry

This amazing and enlightening children's novel tells the unique story of a young boy, Jonas, and his journey and troubles in an extremely unique community. The Giver presents thought-provoking ideas as Jonas is given his lifetime assignment at the Ceremony of Twelve as the receiver of memories. The story continues through Jonas thoughts and ideas as he meets with his only true companion, The Giver. Lowry does an amazing job using setting up the different scene with vivid descriptions of the unique community that allows the reader to place themselves in the shoes of one of the members. This story is sure to place new ideas in readers mind as they think about the issues Jonas must courageously work through. This text would work better with a more mature audience because it begins to place some mature and confusing ideas into the readers mind such as the topics of war, death, and romantic thoughts and dreams. Students would relate to this novel as it creates very problematic decision making that children are sure to relate to on some level at some point in their lives. It is wonderful that Lowry uses such vivid imagery in her novel enough so that it would be a great time to incorporate descriptive and vivid imagery into a paired writing task with the reading of this book. The ending of this novel is rather surprising, abrupt, and unique. After thinking about how Lowry leaves the readers, I enjoyed it because it was rather open ended and allows the reader some interpretation and some points to ponder. All in all, I loved this The Giver and think that the ideas provoked are ones that are not often discussed in the classroom; therefore, this novel would be beneficial to investigate as a class.

Intended Age 12+

Hattie and the Fox

Hattie and the Fox

by Mem Fox

illustrated by Patricia Mullins

This excellent picture book tells the story of Hattie, the big black hen, as she discovers a fox in the bushes. She tries to alert the other barnyard animals but they remain to be less than concerned. Mullins used a collage technique using tissue paper and conte crayon to complete the wonderful illustrations used in this book. They add to the telling of the book because they show so much of what the text is helping to describe. The endpaper even gives a clue as to what is about to take place in the story which can be used as a prediction page for young readers to begin thinking about what will come in a story. The type of writing employed by Fox is an excellent choice for young readers because it has many repetitive phrases that the readers will pick up on by the end of the book. This beginning book also has great examples of how dialogue works between multiple characters and word work well for the students to use as a basis for a class play or puppet show. My favorite part of this story comes at the end with a comical twist that is sure to have readers of all ages surprised and laughing.

Intended Age 3-5

Chicka Chicka Boom Boom

Chicka Chicka Boom Boom

by Bill Martin, Jr.

and John Archambault

illustrated by Lois Ehlert

This famous children's picture book is one of the liveliest counting books for young readers available today. Chicka Chicka Boom Boom follows the story of all of the letters of the alphabet as they crawl up the top of a coconut tree. 'But when all of the letters of the alphabet race up the tree... Oh no! Chicka chicka BOOM! BOOM!' as they all come crashing down! Martin and Archambault use repetition by going through every letter of the alphabet one just once, but twice through in hopes of teaching children their ABCs. The colors used in this book are very fun, bold, and bright and are sure to attract the eyes of young readers. Another fun addition to this picture book is the endpages that are colorful representation of the lower and upper case letters of the alphabet in order. Readers not only read the letters but they are then able to search the page to see the letters dispersed around the coconut tree. Yet another great feature of this book is to include speech throughout the text to introduce children to how speech looks and is used in books with quotation marks. All in all, Chicka Chicka Boom Boom is a one of a kind picture book to promote the learning of the alphabet for young readers!

Intended Age 4-8

Clarabelle: Making Milk and So Much More

Clarabelle: Making Milk and So Much More
by Cris Peterson
photographs by David R. Lundquist

Clarabelle: Making Milk and So Much More, is a new nonfiction picture book about a Holstein named Clarabelle who lives on a farm as she has her own baby calf. Children will be excited to find out that this informative book explains how cows like Clarabelle help produce not only dairy products, but also electricity, fertilizer, and bedding. The pages are illustrated with bright full-color photographs with large print text for reader of different ages to see and read. Many of children's picture books do not include actual photographs, so this is a unique and realistic look into a particular topic. This information book even includes a glossary is at the end to define some of the specific words in the text that may be new for many readers. Children from all around the world will be fascinated with reading about this seemingly ordinary animal and its very unique and surprising by-products.

Intended Age 5-8

Rushmore

Rushmore

by Lynn Curlee

Curlee describes with wonderful detail how the world’s largest stone sculpture was conceived, designed, and created by the dedicated artist Gutzon Borglum. It particularly emphasizes Rushmore’s patriotic aspects and why each of the presidents was chosen for immortality. The bold and realistic pictures add a touch art that readers of all ages are sure to enjoy and also includes multiple two-page layout illustrations. One interesting feature that is included in this book is a timeline for Mount Rushmore. This is a feature that is not used in very many children's picture books but is very helpful for information and nonfiction books. Time lines are helpful as an outline for students to see a snapshot of the topic in order. In the classroom teachers could ask students to write a timeline for Mount Rushmore as practice and check it using the already created timeline in the back. All in all, this is a great book to dive into the history of one of United States historical monuments.

Intended Age 8-12

One Giant Leap

One Giant Leap

by Mary Ann Fraser

Starting with Neil Armstrong's famous statement evoked in the title, One Giant Leap is an extremely informative book about the first trip to the moon. One unique aspects Fraser includes is to use all different sources to gather information for this nonfiction information book. She uses colorful paintings, meticulous diagrams, and the actual transcript of the Apollo 11moon mission. The endpaper is made up of blueprint-like diagrams of important aspects of the first space trip to the moon to place the reader in the position of a NASA scientist. Another unique concept incorporated into this book is the use of a countdown clock to show the ground elapsed time from the launch. This is a different way of showing time passing in children's literature and it works very effective. One Giant Leap also has a glossary to define some of the specific terms used throughout the book. Students will enjoy using this book to learn about this interesting topic.

Intended Age 8-12

We are the Ship

We are the Ship: The story of Negro League Baseball

by Kadir Nelson

"The great pitcher Walter Johnson once said 'There is a catcher that any big league club would like to buy for $200,000. His name is Gibson... he can do everything. He hits the ball a mile. And he catches so easy he might as well be in a rocking chair... Too bad this Gibson is a colored fellow." This wonderful nonfiction dives deep into the story of the Negro League Baseball when there were separate leagues for white and black baseball players. This picture book follows baseball from the 1920s through its decline after Jackie Robinson crossed over to the majors in 1947. The way that Nelson uses his rich oil paintings really places the reader back into the 20th century. The paintings are done with such great detail that they convey the true emotions of the images. We are the Ship: The story of Negro League Baseball even includes a foreword by the baseball great Hank Aaron. Baseball lovers of many ages will love to hear this unforgettable story as it is done in a unique, powerful, and wonderful way.

Intended Age 8+

The International Cookbook for Kids

The International Cookbook for Kids

by Matthew Locricchio

This fun children's cookbook compiles sixty classic recipes from Italy, France, China, and Mexico. Each recipe includes a cultural history of the dish being made as well as step by step directions that are simple enough for young children to follow. One interesting idea that Loricchio includes is a special safety section in consideration of the young chefs for working with dangerous kitchen tools. I like the idea that Locricchio incorporates fresh and nutritious ingredients for healthy eating. This is one way to get kids thinking and eating healthy by making the choice among other nutritious options. Every recipe has a bright picture that makes the dish look mouth-wateringly good. The back of this cookbook also includes cooking terms and definitions which can be helpful because of the wide variety of diverse ingredients being used in the recipes. The end also has essential ingredients for the kitchen to make cooking a homemade meal even easier for families if they have the specified ingredients on hand before cooking. There is also currently a second book in this international cookbook series available for children. Overall this wonderful cookbook is a great idea to introduce the family to diversity.

Intended Age 12+

Tokyo Mew Mew A La Mode

Tokyo Mew Mew a La Mode

by Mia Ikumi

This graphic novel tells the story of fantasy tale about a young girl named Berry. Berry is only twelve years old but when she is taken into a mansion she is magically transformed into a super-powered Mew Mew. This novel goes through the life of Berry as a Mew Mew as she takes on her new task of saving the world from Aliens. The plot of this graphic novel borders on fantasy and science fiction but also brings human feelings into the mix. The organization of this and other Mangas is rather different than what is most often seen in the libraries in the United States because it begins where we typically think is the back of the book as the text and the pictures works the way towards the front. I thought the cover was an interesting color choice because it was very bright pink and feminine that I thought it would only appeal to girls, but after reading the novel I understand this book is marketed to girls for a reason. Tokyo Mew Mew A La Mode carries a strong message of girl power because the main character is such a strong prominent female. The graphics found in this novel have a lot of of action and words going on at once that it can be overwhelming for a first-time Manga reader. The illustrations are done in an anime style of drawing that bring a lot to the story. If anime or graphic novels are a reader's preference then I believe they will thoroughly enjoy Tokyo Mew Mew A La Mode.

Intended Age 9-12

'M' is for Mirror

M is for Mirror

by Duncan Birmingham

‘M’ is for Mirror is a very unique book where the reader must find the hidden pictures. Within each picture of this book there is another hidden picture. The reader finds the hidden picture by using the written clues and placing the mirror in just the right place. This book helps young readers begin to learn their abc’s as each page contains a letter and a word beginning with the letter. Children will love learning to read when they have fun activities such as this one to do with the reading. The illustrations in this book are fun, creative, and imaginative with many goofy pictures. All in all this is a very fun book that readers are sure to enjoy

Intended Age 4-8

Jamberry

Jamberry

by Bruce Degen

This rhyming picture book brings the reader a story about a little boy who meets a big lovable bear as he is walking through the forest. The two go on a delicious berry-picking adventure in the magical world of Berryland. Jamberry carries a style of reading which repeats the word berry frequently to help the young reader recognize and read the familiar word and ultimately the book. The rhyming style is fun and helpful for the readers. Both the text and the pictures are so imaginative that will take the readers into the whole new world.

Intended Age 4-8

Dear Annie

Dear Annie

by Judith Caseley

Dear Annie is a wonderful story about the letters written between Annie and her grandfather. Judith Caseley tells this story in a interesting way as it goes from the letter the grandfather wrote the day Annie was born, to Annie dictating words to her mom as she writes the letter to Grandfather, all the way through watching Annie write her own letters. This story shows how valuable relationships can be even if it is not a face to face talking. The format for this picture book is also unique because it is mostly the text from the actual letters. Readers will enjoy reading the letter format and will learn how letters are written with the salutation and closing. The illustrations are rather simple and appear dated based upon the overall style as well as some of the color choices. Overall this book carries a joyful story in a uniquely written format that readers will enjoy.

Intended Age 5-8

If You're Happy and You Know It

If You're Happy and You Know It

by James Warhola

This picture book follows jungle animals as they sing the verses of the popular song "If You're Happy and You Know It." Each page contains a movement and phrase which encourages the readers to participate and follow along. The pictures are fun as they change from an ordinary playground to the wild jungle as the song progresses. The illustrations also play with the words as they show a monkey as part of the monkey bars before it turns into a singing monkey. The illustrations also help depict the movement that goes along with the song to help the reader follow the action. Children will have a great time following along by singing, moving, and expressing their happiness throughout this interactive children's book.

Intended Age 4-6

Junie B., First Grader (at last!)

Junie B., First Grader (at last!)

by Barbara Park

illustrated by Denise Brunkus

This chapter books is goes through Junie B. as she starts her school year off as a first-grader. It is part of the Junie B. Jones series of chapter books. Barbara Park does a great job incorporating the previous books, but does not make it imperative for the reader to know past stories by giving a brief summary when new situations arise in the book. For example, Park explains enough past context in this book when Junie B. deals with her kindergarten friend Lucille leaving her past friendship with Junie B. for two other new first graders Camille and Chenille. Junie B., First Grader (at last!) also discusses the surprise of Junie B. finding out that she needs glasses. Readers are able to relate to these common elementary school situations. I enjoyed the illustrations that came after every page or two because they help build the fun image of goofy Junie B. with her messy hair and untied shoes. I am slightly surprised with the cover image because it shows Junie B. with glasses already on. So much of this book is having the reader try to guess what is going wrong by watching Junie B. try to figure out what she needs. I think the cover illustration gives away too much of the surprise and plot of the book. Overall this is a very cleverly written book about a fun story about a girl that many young readers will fall in love with.

Intended Age 7-9

City Animals

City Animals

by Simms Taback

This picture book is a unique giant fold-out book which goes through learning about different animals page by page. When the reader opens up the book they are only able to see a quarter of the giant picture. On the opposing side is one clue describing the hidden picture of an animal. The reader then may open the page upwards to reveal half of the giant picture and yet another clue. I love the idea of this book because it helps young readers begin to simultaneously think about both the words and the meaning. If the reader is unable to read a word, they may think about the context of the hidden animal and make a meaningful guess as to what the word could be. I also enjoy the bold pictures of animals which are drawn with a cartoon-like image. I think young readers would have a great time reading and guessing animals with this wonderful new book.

Intended Age 2-5

Look-Alikes Jr.

Look-Alikes Jr.

by Joan Steiner

Look-Alikes Jr. is a fun and unique picture book. It is full of pages of common scenes which are made of familiar objects including a teddy bear made of peanuts, table made of a tambourine, and even an oven-mitt chair. Each scene includes complementing verses that are written with unique rhymes. While the reading in not very academic and rather low leveled, readers will enjoy the simple rhyming text. Children and adults alike can spend hours searching through the pages to find all of the unique look-alikes on each page. Steiner had the right idea when she scenes which are used were obviously created with a child's imagination in mind. The scences include a bold and colorful school room, a young child's bedroom, and a shuttle out in the vast dark space.

Intended Age 4-8

Where's Your Smile, Crocodile?

Where's Your Smile, Crocodile?

by Claire Freedman
illustrated by Sean Julian

Where's Your Smile, Crocodile? is a fun picture book about Kyle the crocodile as he goes on a journey to find his smile that he has lost. The story goes on to all the other animals in the forest as they perform silly antics in an attempt to cheer him up. In the end Kyle finds Little Lion Cub who is lost and helps him find his way home, in doing so Kyle seems to get his smile back. Young readers will have a great time with this book because as Kyle meets other animals such as Orange Monkey and Elephant they make many animal noises and do silly things. People young and old are able to relate to this because everybody just has a bad day now and then where they are down and this book gives the readers a strategy to use. When someone has a bad day one way of turning it around is help someone else and try to put a smile on their face just like Kyle did. The illustrations in the book are so bold, fun, and lively that is sure to keep the interest of all readers. One interesting idea that could be done in the classroom is to adapt this wonderful book into a play where students act out each part. Students would have a great time playing the Orange Monkey as she makes her angry face and her crazy face in her own attempt to make Kyle cheer up and put a smile back on his face. Over all a great book picture book that I plan to use in my young classroom.

Intended Age 3+

The Rainbow Fish

The Rainbow Fish

by Marcus Pfister

This wonderful picture book sends a bright message to all readers when the most beautiful fish in the whole ocean discovers the real value of friendship. The moral of the story is so simple and real to tell readers that beauty is not happiness, but rather friendship is much more important. The illustrations throughout this picture book are wonderful and rather simple with the highlight being placed on the sparkling silver scares that shimmer on each page. Young readers will be attracted to these neat scales, which makes the message of beauty even more clear. The background colors of the pages are well thought out. Throughout the book the majority of the pages are a blueish green, but the day that Rainbow Fish begins to give out his scales and feel at home among the other fish, the background is a happy pink that makes the fish glow. The illustrations also appears as if they are done in watercolor which adds to the setting of the book in the ocean. The language used in the book is simple and yet it has many good descriptive words to help carry the meaning of each page.

Intended Age 4-8