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.
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!
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.
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 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 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.
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.
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 knitters to advanced knitters, will enjoy knitting.
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 knitters to advanced knitters, will enjoy knitting.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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, I recommend Chicka Chicka Boom Boom. Chicka Chicka Boom Boom is a children's rhyming picture book by Bill Martin Jr and John Archambault. During his career, Bill Martin Jr wrote more than 200 children's books.
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 picture book by Bill Martin Jr and John Archambault. During his career, Bill Martin Jr wrote more than 200 children's books.
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.
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!.
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!
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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 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 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 Came the Children’s Picture Books by Margret and H.A. Rey
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
"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.
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.
Harry Potter Schoolbooks
Rowling's two books, Fantastic Beasts & Where to Find Them and Quidditch Through the Ages, are presented as if they were written by scholars and are reference books frequently used by Harry Potter.
Rowling's two books, Fantastic Beasts & Where to Find Them and Quidditch Through the Ages, are presented as if they were written by scholars and are reference books frequently used by Harry Potter.
"John Henry"
This picture book has both a fascinating tale by Julius Lester and award winning artwork by Jerry Pinkney.
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.
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.
"The Sorcerer's Companion"
"The Sorcerer's Companion: A Guide to the Magical World of Harry Potter" provides background information on the mythology, folklore, and history found in Rowling's books.
"The Sorcerer's Companion: A Guide to the Magical World of Harry Potter" provides background information on the mythology, folklore, and history found in Rowling's books.
"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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.