A delightful read aloud – this brief story could be a short play. Characters are the outrageous, unforgettable Mrs. Simpson, a little girl and three supporting players: the helper, the mother, and the nurse. Mrs. Simpson is the leading lady here as she wheels down the street in her wheelchair doing yo-yo tricks.

A wonderful chance for the readalouder to portray two distinct creatures – one quite tall and naughty, one quite small and shy – who come to recognize ways in which their differences can complement one another. An entertaining read-aloud for children ages 2 and older and a springboard or discussion with them about diversity of all kinds

A charming tale of love and friendship in which Serafina lets Sebastian know that in spite of his numerous failed efforts to get to her birthday party with her gift, that his presence means far more than any presents.

With both charm and humor, Waggoner brings senior and junior citizen together when the retired Mr. Herbert becomes preschooler Molly's new babysitter. While Molly starts out wary of him, these two credible characters become fast friends. They find much in common on the bus – where each pays half-fare because of age – at the zoo – where neither can have caramel apples, one because of a false tooth and one because of a loose tooth – and at home, where both enjoy the lemonade Molly makes from what could have been a lemon of a day.

Stuffed rabbit Emma Bean "has a girl named Molly," who loves Emma Bean instantly and constantly as Molly grows and grows. The readalouder will delight listeners 3 and older by relating – all from the rabbit's point of view – sometimes merrily, other times dejectedly, what everybody always wanted to know but was afraid to ask: What it is really like to lead a toy's life?

Another book that could be a short play. Here the characters are an older Jewish widow and a young black boy, and a cat named Tush. The widow is warmly portrayed; the boy's character really doesn't come through, but their warm, affectionate relationship and the notion of "family" - transcending blood and age lines - does.

When absentminded Mail Rabbit belatedly delivers the beautiful birthday letter which Duck made by hand for Goose, all is well again in Gooseland; the soggy, wilted birthday letter not withstanding. A really fun read for children over 3 about the value of friendship and caring.

Vowels and consonants – age-old rivals – join forces against a most feared and terrible common enemy (the squiggly line) and once united, provide freedom for thoughts to take form, voice and shape. To be read with tongue firmly in cheek, as matter of factly as if narrating any other contest.

When two five-year-old girls, one American and one Russian, bridge the language barrier and become fast friends, all things seem possible. Less possible is that the reader will correctly pronounce the many Russian words that Annie learns from Anya, Anya's family, and in school. But it's worth the try to tell this story of a friendship that grew in spite of, and perhaps because of, cultural differences.

A delightful read wherein the town's laughingstock emerges the hero, as Forri the breadmaker saves the day. Sword-shaped loaves appear as weapons, and right overcomes might! Forri can be read rather softly in contrast to the loud shouts of villagers. Wonderful discussion can result with children 4 and older about judgments based on appearances, and people and things being other than what they may seem.

A delightful tale of an enthusiastic young mouse who shows disrespect for her teacher, regrets her actions and ultimately repents. Can be read very matter-of-factly to enhance Lily's charm, her teacher's viewpoint and the other students' involvement. A good springboard for discussion of respecting rules, as well as of what constitutes appropriate restitution for failing to do so.

On the surface it's a delightful rollicking rhyme of Oliver Tolliver's time. But underneath there are great opportunities for discussion of the concepts of self-sufficiency versus sharing. When is doing one's own thing enough for one, and when does it entail loneliness? When does one wish for friends, and when might they be an intrusion? Is being part of a twosome or a group always better than being alone?

Gershator packs a lot into this short book about a curious Caribbean boy who loves to plant, to draw and most of all to look at books in the village library. Although he is too young to read, he looks eagerly forward to the day when he can do so; meanwhile the librarian creatively keeps his interest active by inviting him to provide some décor for the library. An excellent springboard for discussion about all aspects of creativity and ways that its seeds can be planted and harvested in us all.

Incredibly Rosen has done it all – Christian/Jewish; black/white; young/old – in one cohesive story of friendship which knows no religious, racial nor generational boundaries. Like the issues it deals with, this book should definitely not be reserved only for holiday times. An unusual and outstanding contribution to social and religious harmony which will be enjoyed by persons 5 and way over.

A poignant story about sleepover buddies who come from different backgrounds, recognize that each has a home life different from the other, and enjoy each other while taking pride in their individual families' ways of doing things. A great springboard for discussion with children 5 and older about respecting their friends' differences, while upholding their own values.

Based on the life story of Tomas Rivera, a migrant worker's son who becomes Chancellor of the University of California, Riverside, the book is first and foremost a tribute to librarians everywhere who stimulate children to read. Whether it's Sidney Taylor stories of her life growing up in poor Brooklyn, or Maud Hart Lovelace's growing up comfortably in Mankato, or Rivera's story, the theme is the same: a caring librarian can influence a person's life forever.

A poignant, modern tale of loneliness ameliorated when Solomon Singer, a middle-aged man transplanted to New York, meets a young waiter named Angel in the Westway Café. Angel's welcoming smile and invitations to return soon ultimately provide Solomon Singer with the anchor he needs in a too-busy world. A five-minute read aloud with a message worthy of discussion long afterwards.

While the illustrations intentionally range from the repulsive to the revolting, it's a gem of a text. The readalouder can entertain listeners of all ages by reading rhythmically, without singsong, and emphatically concentrating on the refrain. Though it stands alone as first-class entertainment, McNaughton has created a terrific springboard for discussion of group difference and culturally determined standards of appearance.

This trio of friends travels together in unusual ways: back and forth through time. Here, a gift from a magician uncle is responsible for a journey to Camelot. Scieszka's unorthodox sense of humor and ability to imbue each of the trio with a unique characterization raises this from an ordinary time travel story to extraordinary, fun-filled, fast-paced entertainment. A very fast 45-minute read with much opportunity for the reader to "ham it up!"