Thank you For Me!
By Marion Dane Bauer
(Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers 2010)
Reading time: 3 minutes
Ages: 1 and up

As baby narrates giving thanks for various aspects of his being, one hears Bauer speaking from the heart of an adoring grandmother. Parents and grandparents consumed with love for the new baby will repeatedly read it aloud to their little ones.

Seven Hungry Babies
By Candace Fleming
(Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers 2010)
Reading time: 4 minutes
Ages: 1 and up

Children will find reassurance hearing how each chick is lovingly cared for by their busy mother. Other busy mothers will read it aloud knowingly and thank Fleming for the punch line every time.

The Fathers Are Coming Home
By Margaret Wise Brown
(Margaret K. McElderry Books 2010)
Reading time: 2 minutes
Ages: 1 and up

This beautiful rendition of father’s time of day circa 1930s and ‘40s begs to be read quietly and expectantly. Here Margaret Wise Brown’s forte, capturing and transmitting mood down through the ages, rivals her classic Good Night Moon.

Chicka Chicka Boom Boom
By Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambault
(Beach Lane Books 2009 - anniversary edition)
Reading time: 4 minutes, plus author's note for children over 3
Ages: 9 months and older

A great readaloud for children from under 1 year to 5 or more. The little ones love the rhythm and sounds; as children learn the alphabet they love to interact with the text. Some write the alphabet letters as the readalouder reads it, and as they get older they may race the reader to the book's finish.

Stretch
By Doreen Cronin
(Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2009)
Reading time: 3 minutes
Ages: 10 months and up

Even babies will listen and watch the "stretchalouder" showing, as well as telling of, stretches from yawns to toe-touches and many in between. Family fun, with the more stretchers the merrier.

You’re Lovable to Me
By Kat Yeh
Random House Children’s Books (2009)
Reading time: 2 minutes
Ages: 1and up

A sweet reassuring book for parents and children alike.  Message: You, my child are my child and thus loveable to me regardless of circumstances, behavior or age. 

When Lucy Goes Out Walking: A Puppy's First Year
By Ashley Wolff
(Henry Holt and Company 2009)
Reading time: 5 minutes
Ages: l and older

A lovely month-by-month poem of a tiny needy puppy's becoming a playful, friendly dog. A child of any age who has a new puppy or remembers her dog's puppyhood will respond when a readalouder varies tones, pitches and rhythms.

We're Going on a Bear Hunt
By Michael Rosen
(Margaret K. McElderry Books 2009)
Reading Time: 4 minutes
Ages: 1 and up

This 20th anniversary edition of a modern classic captivates the whole family of bear hunt listeners, when read evenly and matter-of-factly. The readalouder can then speed up, as suddenly it's a bear who is hunting the whole family.

All the World
By Liz Garton Scanlon
(Beach Lane 2009)
Reading Time: 2 minutes
Ages: 1 and up

A lovely reassuring bedtime or anytime book for a parent to share with a young child, telling about the world and where one fits into it.

How Do You Wokka-Wokka?
By Elizabeth Bluemle
(Candlewick Press, 2009)
Reading time: 2 minutes
Ages:1 and up

The creepers, crawlers and barely toddlers will love the rhythm, catchy words and perfect cadence as much as their older siblings will. Read it with lots of expression and a straight face.

Bears On Chairs
By Shirley Parenteau
(Candlewick Press 2009)
Reading Time: 3 minutes
Ages: 1 year and up

An outstanding "starter" book with clever non-gratuitous rhyme and repetition, this winner will engage the toddler set as well as their older siblings who may want to perform a Bears On Chairs show. Read it aloud slowly and matter-of- factly to create great fun for the whole family.

Truckery Rhymes
By Jon Scieszka
(Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2009)
Reading time: 10 minutes
Ages: 1 and up

Your listeners will want you to read the 20-plus rhymes in this book straight through, and then again and again. Each rhyme is a brief fun-filled adventure; read as a whole the book is one noisy, good time. Just let loose and create all sorts of sound effects, be they scrapes, whoops, chomps, vrooms or whooshes , to name but a few of the many readalouder opportunities.

Thirsty Thursday
By Phyllis Root
(Candlewick Press, 2009)
Reading time: 2 minutes
Ages: 1 and up

In an ingenious effort to get water for her thirsty flowers, Bonnie Bumble arranges all the farm animals to help her tickle the clouds. With her characteristic humor and poetic language author Phyllis Root brings us another winner for the toddler-to-4 set. Read it aloud slowly and simply, and the whole family or classroom group will love it.

Wee Little Lamb is timid until he happens on a much smaller playmate of whom he is not afraid. Can be read quietly and gently.

The repetition throughout the book of "please pick me up" followed by "please put me down" will appeal to the little listener, especially if the readalouder sometimes raises the pitch on the up-p-p-p and occasionally lowers it on the way down-n-n-as well.

A soothing bed and nap time story intended to relax a small child. If it's read slowly and quietly a few times it's likely that the listener will indeed be asleep.

This lively bedtime romp through an "alphabet dorm" makes the parent readalouder grateful that, difficult as bedtime can sometimes be, at least she doesn't have the whole alphabet to put to bed. A fun introduction to the alphabet as little ones will be engaged by the words and the pictures which enhance them, even without quite yet knowing what the alphabet is.

In beautifully metered prose the papa's love spills forth as he tells his son in many ways how he looks forward to coming home to him. The text invites the readalouder to "become" the narrator papa, either using a quiet firm voice, or with animation and excitement, or just doing what comes naturally.

The Wild, Wild Inside: A View From Mommy’s Tummy!
By Kate Feiffer
(A Paula Wiseman Book 2010)
Reading time: 5 minutes
Ages: 2 and up

Kate Feiffer gives us the lowdown on what it’s like where we have all been but – once out – nobody discusses. From in utero, the fetus tells us what it really feels like to be awaiting the family.  Best if read absolutely matter-of –factly while letting little listeners – especially those expecting a new sibling – do the asking.

Goldilocks and the Three Bears
By Emma Chichester Clark
(Candlewick Press 2010)
Reading time: 6 minutes
Ages: 2 and up

Get with Clark’s irreverent portrayal of a modern day Goldilocks with some hoot and holler. The little snooper arrives unannounced and appropriates some Bear family possessions. The bears make themselves known; Goldilocks flees in terror while Mama Bear, who has seen it all before, has the last laugh.

The Easter Egg
By Jan Brett
(G.P. Putnam’s Sons 2010)
Reading time: 5 minutes
Ages: 2 and up

A lovely meaningful story to match Brett’s glorious illustrations makes this book a great year ‘round readaloud as well as the perfect family Easter gift.  To be read with both empathy and joy for Hoppi, the bunny, whose courageous, caring nature exceeds his creative talents. A great springboard for family or school discussion of which matters more in life.

I'm Your Bus
By Marilyn Singer
(Scholastic Press 2009)
Reading Time: 3 minutes
Ages: 2 and up

Readalouder, just take on the persona of a friendly yellow school bus – ready to meet and greet each student before and after school – and you're on a happy ride for the whole family.

Yonderfel's Castle: A Medieval Fable
By Jean Gralley
(Henry Holt and Company 2009)
Reading time: 4 minutes
Ages: 2 and older

A fun-filled tale worthy of both family and school discussion about a kind but beleaguered King, who lost half his mountain and all his friends through the deeds of a wicked ogre. How did poor King Yonderful feel when his guests fled after the loss of his mountain part? What might he have thought of their later fleeing a flood and returning to him? Would you have taken in a friend who left you and then came running back when in trouble?

Chaucer's First Winter
By Stephen Krensky
(Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers 2009)
Reading Time: 5 minutes
Ages: 2 and up

Chaucer skips hibernation in order to explore winter with his squirrel and fox friends, and has a great time. Can be read joyously, then end quietly when Chaucer returns home to recount his adventures to his just-waking parents…but falls asleep before he can.

Looking Like Me
By Walter Dean Myers
(Egmont USA 2009)
Reading Time: 5 minutes
Ages: 2 and up

Fist-bumping and bamming may not ever replace the hug, but this book shows it to be a fun way for one person to connect with another. The readalouder who emphasizes the rhythm with which the story is written creates a guaranteed feel-good experience for the whole family.

The Gingerbread Pirates
By Kristin Kladstrup
(Candlewick Press, 2009)
Reading time: 6 minutes
Ages: 2 and up

This delicious holiday fun-for-all will likely become an annual family favorite. The readalouder will enjoy portraying the emotional Captain Cookie in excited , sometimes worried tones; crew members in helpful voices, and a gregarious take- charge Santa who makes all well.

Little Blue and Little Yellow
By Leo Lionni
(Alfred A. Knopf 2009)
Reading Time: 4 minutes
Ages: 2 and up

On its face this is a simple story of two primary colors that merge into one new color; at another level it's about how a relationship becomes something other than merely the interaction of two individuals. The voices of best friends Little Blue and Little Yellow can be read with great excitement. In contrast, when their children arrive home merged into green, their families' voices are serious and concerned. If you read the book with some watercolors handy, it's a great time to show and tell how two primary colors can indeed be merged to create a brand new color.

For older listeners the story's a great springboard for talking about friendships and teamwork, asking questions such as: Do you feel different when you are with one friend than with another? In what way? Do you do different kinds of things with different friends? What happens when you stop competing with someone and work with him instead? What if a blue group and a yellow group stopped fighting and became a green team?

Lionni, an artist, provides a grand author's note of how he wrote the book, now in its 50th anniversary edition, for his young grandchildren.

Every Second Something Happens: Poems for the Mind and Senses
Selected by Christine San Jose
(Wordsong, 2009)
Reading time: Selections vary from one minute to fractions thereof
Ages: 2 and up

A great picture book poetry anthology for the very young and not so young. The compilation includes some classic poetry, some contemporary poems by adult authors and many contemporary poems by children, some as young as 5 and 6.

With excitement and wonder, Mortimer participates in the miracle of a tiny seed springing forth into a beautiful seed-producing sunflower. Mortimer narrates, alternating his delighted voice with his more pensive voice. This nondenominational appreciation of a higher power is a great springboard for talking with your child or grandchild about beginning the life cycle, from God to gardening.

Oliver at the Window
By Elizabeth Shreeve
(Front Street 2009)
Reading Time: 3 minutes
Ages: 2 and up

This excellent choice for children of newly divorced parents may be worrisome to those in two parent families. Oliver begins preschool lonely and miserable after his parents split, and remains sad for months. Then he befriends a new student, and having a friend helps him begin to enjoy his days at school. This realistic look at the emotions of a very young child mourning the loss of his family unit may help children experiencing similar loss verbalize their feelings to the person reading it.

A delightful way for young and older children to learn that behavior inappropriate for humans is very appropriate for various animals. Thus the proverbial "don't eat like a pig" given this context takes on greater meaning. If the readalouder is very straightfaced and nonjudgmental, it may provoke all kinds of questions.

On his first day of school a sad Llama misses mama, until other classmates help and include him. The readalouder can first read slowly and quietly to show Llama's pathos at being new and alone, then read more quickly and excitedly as Mama arrives and Llama proudly shows her around. A perfect book for facilitating discussion with one's preschooler prior to his first day of school.

Newly off on his own, our protagonist finds himself on a wild goose chase looking for something important that he's forgotten and, worse yet, he's forgotten what he's forgotten. The readalouder will create fun for all dramatizing Little Goose's plight through his "hoinkle-oinkles" to other pond creatures, and can show in louder excited tones goose's relief as he finds his Mama's protective wings of home.

Lawn to Lawn
By Dan Yaccarino
Alfred A. Knopf (2010)
Reading time: 5 minutes
Ages: 3 and up

A highly original, thoroughly delightful tale of lawn ornaments forgotten by Pearl and her family in a hasty move. The readalouder will enjoy maintaining a sense of excitement as the ornaments overcome obstacle after obstacle on their journey to find their mistress and new home.

The Leprechaun Who lost His Rainbow
By Sean Callahan
Albert Whitman (2009)
Reading time: 8 minutes
Ages: 3 and up

Tis the luck of us all that this book is great year ‘round fun  for children of all backgrounds. The readalouder can provide a good time portraying a wide-eyed young girl, as well as a musical grandfather and magical leprechaun with or without brogues. Children will love learning the order of  rainbow colors from leprechaun Roy G. Biv.

Sophie Peterman Tells the Truth!
By Sarah Weeks
(Beach Lane Books 2009)
Reading time: 4 minutes
Ages: 3 and older

Sophie the narrator spills the absolutely authentic, though not always pretty, beans about what older siblinghood really entails. Older sisters and brothers are guaranteed to love hearing some of their own feelings proclaimed and validated by Sophie. The readalouder will have no problem adopting Sophie's emphatic, self righteous – yet never self-pitying – voice as her tale becomes worse and more of it, until the surprise ending. This is a terrific vehicle for discussion in every family where there is an older sibling to a child under two years old.

Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day
By Judith Viorst
(Atheneum Books for Young Readers 2009; Special 35-year limited edition)
Reading Time: 6 minutes
Ages: 3 and older

The Viorst family youngest tells his tales of woe with an authenticity which has endured for over 35 years. Every readalouder who loves performing a story with equal parts humor and pathos will find great reward in becoming Alexander the narrator. This is a must-read classic, beloved by every family member.

The Bog Baby
By Jeanne Willis
(Schwartz and Wade 2009)
Reading Time: 5 minutes
Ages: 3 and up

Willis follows the rule of one for creating a highly believable fantasy: providing one extraordinary premise, while everything else is grounded in reality. Her narrator is a young girl whose voice varies: first, she speaks coyly about lying to her mother; later, at the bog, she speaks quietly, her voice filled with awe and wonder; still later her voice is sad as the bog baby must be returned; and finally she speaks in the reflective tones of the child now grown into a mother herself. The story's clearly stated message is if you truly love someone you must do what's best for them, even if it makes you sad. You'll stimulate discussion by asking your listener(s): Would you have set the bog baby free? Would you have freed a frog, or a caterpillar or a butterfly? Was the bog baby real?

Once Upon A Twice
By Denise Doyen
(Random House 2009)
Reading Time: 7 minutes
Ages: 3 and up

Doyen's outstanding debut children's book is nearly as challenging to read aloud as its inspiration: Lewis Carroll's Jabberwocky. Read this book first to yourself for rhythm and familiarity with the cleverly constructed mergerwords such as "riskarascal," "preycautious," "whispercroons," etc. Then, when reading it aloud, just follow the author's exquisite punctuation, which makes her intent clear throughout.

Listeners quickly identify with Jam, an adventurous young mouse, who manages to survive though he defies "eldermice" advice and flaunts mouse safety rules. Younger children may enjoy "discussing" the story through role-playing central characters: Jam, eldermouse, a snake, etc.

For older children the cautionary tale itself may be overshadowed by their interest in the creative language which transforms the story from ordinary to extraordinary. When discussing their reactions to some of the words, you might want to ask: What does the word "scoutaprowl" convey? Is that more, or less, than the phrase or sentence it would otherwise take to convey the same meaning? Those questions will pertain to many of the other words as well. Listeners will enjoy creating their own words and explaining when, where or why the word could be used.

Sunday Chutney
By Aaron Blabey
(Front Street, 2009)
Reading time: 4 minutes
Ages: 3 and up

Sunday – the offbeat narrator – calls herself "a bit unusual" (not surprising since her family frequently moves because of her father's work, making her feel the perpetual outsider in her many new schools). She has a rich interior life, and gives us pause for thought on every page; thus each sentence can be read aloud slowly. There are ample discussion possibilities including individuality versus group, outsider versus insider, one's comfort zone versus the whole world.

The Polar Express
By Chris Van Allsburg
(Houghton Mifflin Company, 2009)
Reading time: 9 minutes
Ages: 3 and up

Author/illustrator Van Allsburg won the Caldecott for this classic which is out in a new 25th anniversary edition for the 2009-10 holiday season. Besides being a great ride, the Polar Express is a terrific holiday bedtime read, validating a child's belief that there is indeed a Santa Claus. Can be read quietly and assuredly, helping to ensure that happy listeners may sleep well.

Who Would Like a Christmas Tree?
By Ellen Bryan Obed
(Houghton Mifflin Books for Children, 2009)
Reading time: 16 minutes, including 7 minute author's note
Ages: 3 and up

A charming, highly informative story of the many insect, bird and animal lives which impact, and are impacted by, a pine tree before it becomes a Christmas tree. The beautifully illustrated main story tells about each month of the tree's life. The author's note (another story in itself) explains how the farmer takes care of her Christmas tree farm throughout the year. A great book for the whole family to read aloud and talk about all year long.

When a neighbor sees Bridget munching on a stolen dog biscuit, she cautions the little girl, "you'll go bow-wow and turn into a dog". And Bridget thinks it's happening all day until finally she finds herself howling and running with the dogs in the night. The readalouder will try not to laugh while reading the part of the mother gently reassuring Bridget that all is well. Wonderfully written with the dream sequence developing so naturally out of the daytime worries that it should ease the way for parents to talk with their children about nightmares.

A joyful text in which the readalouder can build excitement for each African-American whose achievements are so well known that the author uses only their first names: including Ruby, Thurgood and culminating with Barack. African-American children can well take pride while girls and children of other minorities can find hope in a celebration of the American dream once again coming true. The excellent foreword and informative endnotes can be paraphrased for younger children and read to older ones.

Grandpa's Music: A Story about Alzheimer's
By Alison Acheson
(Albert Whitman and Company, 2009)
Reading time: 5 minutes
Ages: 3 and up

A first class story of a loving supportive family coping with the challenges of a grandparent's gradual memory loss. Acheson shows in her beautifully crafted story, and tells in the authors note, that creativity through storytelling, singing, cooking or playing the piano can bring many pleasures to individuals with Alzheimer's as well as to their family members. An educational opportunity for all children and a must for any child who has a loved one suffering from memory loss.

The readalouder can regale listeners through varying pitch and reading speed as mouse gets mad, mad and madder each time he pathetically attempts imitating other animals' anger and fails miserably. Only when mouse stands still does he gain approbation from larger luminaries such as bear, hedgehog and bobcat. A good springboard for discussing copying others versus doing one's own thing.

Encore, Opera Cat!
By Tess Weaver
Clarion Books, 2009)
Reading time: 10 minutes
Ages: 3 and up

Listeners will easily suspend reality and enjoy hearing a cat sing opera. Readalouders, just pull out all the stops and enjoy portraying Madame SoSo in emotional voices, the Maestro in gruff managerial tones, and Alma – the very determined operatic cat – in whatever voice seems most fun. And do enjoy the singalouding whether you sing on or off key.

Delightfully reminiscent of 1940s and ‘50s stories, complete with a helpful protagonist, children who generate their own imaginative cooperative play, a mother without a deadline and a pet dog. Lulu, aka Ladybug Girl, arrives at the playground with her mother, dog and no other children with whom to play. She quickly approaches a boy playing alone, asks him to play with her, dubs him Bumblebee Boy, compromises on a joint activity and soon invites other girls to join them. What's different from the 1940s and ‘50s is that Ladybug Girl is the quick, take-charge leader, while Bumblebee Boy is happy playing with the girls and nobody is teasing him for doing so. A wonderful vehicle for talking with children about taking the initiative in reaching out to others, sharing ideas, compromising and making your own fun.

Jamaica Is Thankful
By Juanita Havill
(Houghton Mifflin Books for Children, 2009)
Reading time: 6 minutes
Ages: 3 and up

Jamaica badly wants the new kitty she's been given, but her older brother is allergic to cats. How she solves her dilemma is a well-told story and great vehicle for discussing with listeners how they would handle such a problem.

Beyond the author's seeming intent of simply creating a lighthearted tale about the travails of childhood sneezles and wheezles, this is an excellent vehicle for discussion in both homes and schools about how colds and other infections can spread. The resolution in this story is that Louise suffered an uncomfortable day while she went about school, dance lessons, visiting her grandmother, etc., sneezing, and coughing all the while. Yet because adult readers understand that Louise unnecessarily exposed dozens of people to her germs that day, what a great opportunity to discuss with listeners some socially-conscious options. Could Louise have been kept home in the first place? Or could she have been sent home from school by her teacher to prevent others getting sick? What about the adults teaching Louise to cover her nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, and to wash her hands afterwards?

This highly credible nondenominational bedtime conversation between father and son has some profound implications. The son wonders for what and whom he should pray. His father carefully considers each of his son's questions or statements (regardless of how humorous) and gives a straightforward honest response. A memorable story that will likely stimulate many similar conversations between little listeners and their parents or grandparents.

A Gift
By Yong Chen
(Boyds Mills Press 2009)
Reading Time: 2 minutes
Ages: 3 and up

A problem of immigrant parents trying to acquaint their first generation American children with their heritage is well shown in this simply written story of a Chinese mother trying to share the Chinese New Year with her American-born daughter. The mother speaks lovingly and longingly of their traditions and family who live so far away. Her daughter listens intently, absorbing family stories and happily accepting a New Year's gift sent by her Chinese family; yet it's clear she does not miss what she has never known. A first-rate springboard for new American parents who want to talk with their children about how to keep alive their family traditions and heritage.

An elegant telling of the miracle of migration from which children 3 and older will learn and ask questions. The author's sense of wonder at the natural process is so contagious that the readalouder will likely catch and transmit it to the listeners.

Pond Circle
By Betsy Franco
(Margaret K. McElderry Books 2009)
Reading Time: 4 minutes plus 5 minute author's note
Ages: 3 and up

While we often hear "underwater tales" of roaring seas and magnificent lakes, rarely has there been such a simply told, yet highly informative story of the riches inherent in the common pond. This charming cumulative tale of the plants, insects, birds and animals that inhabit "the pond by Anna's house" challenges the readalouder to (as with most cumulative tales) inhale deeply and as paragraphs get longer read each in one breath.

This Junior Literary Guild Selection is simultaneously a highly sophisticated spoof of the avant garde Gertrude (a rose, is a rose, is a rose, is a rose) Stein and her coterie, and a philosophy of the essence of life: that what is, is; what things are, they are; and who someone is, is who they are. Winter writes exceptional prose poetry while providing the readalouder so much opportunity to vary tone, inflection and pace that it need never be read the same way twice. Nearly every page will generate listener questions.

When Evies's mother sends Max to doggie day care due to bad behavior, the King of the Castle is suddenly reduced to naught. Recovering from such an untenable situation, he forms a union of other underdogs who negotiate with the big dogs the topic of mutual aid. Max can be read with confidence, the big dogs first with condescension and irritation, later with appreciation. Behar creates a delightful situation, stimulating listeners to discuss bullying and/or to engage in creative play with toys or playmates simulating underdogs, bullies and possibly daycare personnel as well.

The librarian's "author/illustrator" partner project takes an unexpected turn when Tom, who is without a partner, finds a small notebook apparently belonging to the library's mystery author. Once having found it, Tom does not remain alone for long, and the result is a cheerful story of shyness and friendship to which many children will relate.

An Egret’s Day
Poems by Jane Yolen
(Wordsong /Boyd’s Mill Press 2010)
Reading time: under 2 minutes per section
Ages: 4 and up

In this stunning tribute to the beautiful egret, each of Yolen’s fourteen brief “chapters” provides a fact about the graceful bird, then a poem relating to it. A lovely showcase for both the gifts of the bird and the poet/author whose range seemingly expands with each new book. 

Christian, the Hugging Lion
By Justin Richardson
(Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers 2010)
Reading time: 7 minutes
Ages: 4 and up

A charming true story of two men who went to THE London department store and came home with a lion cub who lived in their apartment, slept in their beds, played inside and out with them, and grew bigger every day.  When they decided he deserved to be free, they took him to Africa where he – a descendant of generations of zoo lions – was taught to live in the wild. The following year the men returned to the wild to visit their beloved pet who remembered them immediately and spent the night camping out with them.

Fly Free!
By Roseanne Thong
(Boyd’s Mill Press 2010)
Reading time: 7 minutes
Ages: 4 and up

A beautifully crafted celebration of a wheel of kindness that goes around and comes around. (Here set in Vietnam and called karma, but present in the hearts and deeds of humans throughout history.) To be read with a combination of exuberance and quietude.

The Night Fairy
By Laura Amy Schlitz
(Candlewick Press 2010)
Reading time: 90 minutes/10 chapters
Ages: 4 and up

Bound for the classics shelf, The Night Fairy is a wonderfully compelling tale of a narcissistic young fairy who becomes a genuinely caring soul. With injured wings she adjusts to safer life as a day fairy, and develops many relationships including the most unlikely of all: a selfish squirrel named Skuggles.

Dodsworth in London
By Tom Egan
Houghton Mifflin Books for Children (2009)
Reading time: 13 minutes
Ages: 4 and up

A fun-filled introduction to the sights and sounds of London for young listeners, told as a saga of a visiting duck who moves into Buckingham Palace for a week’s stay.

Puffling
By Margaret Wild
(Feiwel and Friends 2009
Reading time: 6 minutes, including author's note
Ages: 4 and older

A lovely coming-of-age story of a puffling's becoming a puffin. In so doing he leaves his loving parents, goes off with other young adult puffins and ultimately becoming a parent puffin himself. Can be readaloud calmly and quietly. The nearly-buried author's note opposite the title page provides an extremely interesting preface.

You and Me and Home Sweet Home
By George Ella Lyon
(Atheneum Books for Young Readers 2009)
Reading time: 8 minutes
Age: 4 and older

Based on a true story, the book deftly portrays a family restored to dignity and autonomy through the power of community volunteerism. The readalouder can portray the emotions of the young girl narrator as she goes from sad to hopeful to excited to happy. A wonderful vehicle for discussion of how each of us can make a difference in the life of another.

Who Will I Be, Lord?
By Vaunda Micheaux Nelson
(Random House 2009)
Reading Time: 7 minutes
Ages: 4 and up

An excellent portrayal of a family whose history is transmitted through the generations by storytelling and shared recollections. The readalouder will want to "become" the young girl narrator by speaking proudly; then switching to a softer, concerned voice with her frequent "Who Will I Be, Lord?" refrain. This is a first rate motivator for families to begin to write their own personal histories as well as for teachers to talk with students about asking questions of, and recording answers from, their family members.

Thanks A Lot, Emily Post!
By Jennifer LaRue Huget
(Schwartz and Wade 2009)
Reading Time: 7 minutes plus author's note
Ages: 4 and up

In the process of learning proper decorum the children temporarily outsmart their mother in order to restore their happy family life. The readalouder can demonstrate with rising voice and body language the increasing frustration of the children as the dictates of Emily Post and friends become seemingly more and more onerous. The story itself is interesting social history and will doubtless stimulate listeners to discuss how they feel about manners. Do they equate good manners with courtesy, caring and respect for others? What importance do listeners believe good manners (or lack thereof) have in their lives?

But Who Will Bell the Cats?
By Cynthia von Buhler
(Houghton Mifflin, 2009)
Reading time: 8 minutes
Ages: 4 and up

This talented author/illustrator definitively solves the problem first raised by Aesop of who will bell the cats so the mice know when they are approaching. In von Buhler's tale eight royal cats get belled through the efforts of one mouse, the strength of whose motivation is equaled only by his ingenuity. The readalouder can describe the Princess' cats in a smooth, fast-paced voice to contrast with the low-pitched, slowly told tale of the downstairs mouse. A great vehicle for family or classroom debate and discussion of whether the mouse is victim or victor.

Through the voices of the village children Mortenson and Roth tell the basic story of his failed mountain climb, resulting in his helping locals build a school in their mountaintop Pakistani community. Good for discussing questions such as whether students in the United States take their schools for granted, and contrasting with those for whom having their own house of learning is a grand accomplishment.

Would I Trade My Parents
By Laura Numeroff
(Abrams Books for Young Readers, 2009)
Reading time: 5 minutes
Ages: 4 and up

Our young boy narrator looks around at his friends and decides none of them would trade their parents. Then he looks at his parents, evaluates all the things his parents do with and for him, and decides he wouldn't trade his parents either. Good for discussions within the family of when and why the grass sometimes looks greener at somebody else's house.

The book's message, that a real friend is one who sticks by you even when you have not always done the same for him, is well worth discussing with listeners to see what they think. Do they appreciate the loyalty shown by Abigail's friend or do they think he should have retaliated and stopped being her friend? Do they see Abigail's love of spelling as similar to any all-consuming activity such as a sport or dancing, or do they see it as an odd thing?

Finding Lincoln
By Ann Malaspina
(Albert Whitman & Company, 2009)
Reading time: 10 minutes with author's note
Ages: 4 and up

Malaspina's story of Louis, kept out of a public library by the “whites only” sign, is set in Alabama, 1951. Like the excellent White Socks Only by Evelyn Coleman which Albert Whitman published a decade ago, this book makes clear that “separate but equal” was not equal. Louis finally enters the library anyway, a librarian helps him after hours on the sly, and finds him the biography he wants on Abe Lincoln. Finding Lincoln is great for classroom and family discussion on many topics from the history of slavery, to bigotry of all kinds, to the courage of those who fought for equality such as the librarian in the story.

Harlan Burch, environmentally conscious years before his time, moves into the stump of a hollow great sycamore tree and lives happily and indefinitely, becoming younger every day until he finally dies after 145 years, leaving a mountain filled with his descendants. As with many tall tales this one can be read matter-of-factly as if it's all perfectly realistic.

An Eye for Color: the Story of Josef Albers
By Natasha Wing
(Henry Holt and Company 2009)
Reading time: 8 minutes
Ages: 4 and older

An unusual book to be read by parents and teachers who will then discuss (with crayons or paints in hand) many aspects of the content with their young listeners. Albers, an abstract artist, devoted his career to the study of color and its interactions. He also spent 27 years creating more than l,000 squares which he called the “dishes” in which he “served his colors.” It's a great introduction to what a child can do with color, giving their crayons and brushes new power. The author knew Albers when she was a young child and he was already famous, so her end-of-the-book notes are especially interesting.

Louise the Big Cheese
By Elise Primavera
(A Paula Wiseman Book (Simon and Schuster) 2009)
Reading time: 11 minutes
Ages: 4 and older

The readalouder can have fun reading Louise as first over-confident then downtrodden, Louise's parents as supportive of both her dreams and realities, and Fern as bossy then forgetful. Great for discussion of good sportsmanship. Nowhere in the book does anyone tell Louise that the correct response, when her best friend Fern gets the part in the play that Louise wants, is to congratulate Fern and NOT stop speaking to her. Why did no one mention it? Is pouting, raging, and/or stonewalling a friend acceptable? If so why? If not, why not? Does the fact that Louise helped Fern with forgotten lines during the play make up for having shown such poor sportsmanship towards her for the weeks prior to it?

The Daring Miss Quimby
By Suzanne George Whitaker
(Holiday House 2009/10)
Reading time: 9 minutes plus timeline and author’s note
Ages: 5 and up

A fascinating story of the first US woman to earn a pilot’s license.   Thoroughly modern in the early 1900s, a sophisticated writer and in love with speed, Quimby quickly graduated from driving a roadster to piloting a plane. She flew faster and faster, setting records, and became the first woman to fly across the English Channel.  Like many pilots of her day she survived only a couple of years of flying before crashing to her death. Good for discussion of the potential cost of following one’s dreams.  Would you have made her choices given the known risks?

Cloud Tea Monkeys
By Mal Peet
(Candlewick 2010)
Reading time: 21 minutes
Ages: 5 and up

A lovely, unusual part mythic, part factual piece of fiction.  Complete with child laborer, sick mother, cruel overseer, heroic saviors, and a happily-ever-after ending, it should be read aloud and discussed in classrooms, libraries and families.  Older children will love it as a readalone as well.

Paris in the Spring with Picasso
By Joan Yolleck
Random House Children’s Books (2009)
Reading time: 12 minutes
Ages: 5 and up

What a terrific companion to the excellent Jonah Winters’ Gertrude is Gertrude is Gertrude, which stars Gertrude Stein and features Pablo Picasso.  In this book Picasso stars while Stein and her famed salons are featured.  This book provides a great introduction to Paris, to modern art, and to some of the leading artistic and literary lights of a beloved bygone era.

Child of the Civil Rights Movement
By Paula Young Shelton
Schwartz and Wade (2010)
Reading time: 8 minutes
Ages: 5 and up

A beautifully written recollection from the daughter of Civil Rights Movement leader Andrew Young.  In the voice of her younger self the author tells what it was like to become part of an extended “family” of other committed families, including the Kings, as they fought for the freedom of their people. There are many children’s books on the Civil Rights Movement but this is definitely one of the very best since it’s written by an “insider” and captures the emotions of the children who were there.

Muktar and the Camels
By Janet Graber
(Henry Holt and Company 2009)
Reading time: 6 minutes, with author's note
Ages: 5 and older

Muktar, a Somalian orphan, knows all about camels, and misses those he used to tend with his father. When a caravan with an injured camel passes through his village, Muktar saves the camel. In doing so, he frees himself from life in the orphanage to follow the nomadic life he prefers. An excellent vehicle for school or library discussion of the power of learning something very well, and having it with you forever.

In the Belly of an Ox
By Rebecca Bond
(Houghton Mifflin Books for Children 2009)
Reading Time: 12 minutes
Ages: 5 and up

A beautiful historical account of Richard and Cherry Kearton's brotherly love, and their adventures as they pursued and then photographed their love of nature. A great opportunity for home and classroom discussion of the evolving art of bird photography and the unorthodox methods and adventures of the brothers who started it all.

Neo Leo: the Ageless Ideas of Leonardo da Vinci
By Gene Barretta
(Henry Holt and Company 2009)
Reading time: 8 minutes
Ages: 5 and older

A terrific vehicle for classroom discussion of invention, technology, art, and the origins of ideas. Barretta's presentation is excellent as he juxtaposes text and drawings of inventions from the 1700s and into modern times with those originals done by da Vinci over 500 years ago. A book to be read, re-read and kept so that, as they become older, children can read and refer to it themselves.

The beautifully written prose poem recounts in splendid detail the launch, interim days and landing of the first men on the moon.The text and extensive author's note document an unparalleled historical moment which raises many scientific, metaphysical, social and political issues: Why was getting a man on the moon so important to the US? When did the scientific planning for this Apollo flight first begin? Why did these men take the risk? Would you like to go to the moon -- why or why not?

No Easy Way: The Story of Ted Williams and the last .400 Season
By Fred Bowen.
(Dutton Children’s Books 2010)
Reading time: 8 minutes
Ages: 6 and older

This tribute to Ted Williams, whose .400 batting average set in 1941 has yet to be topped, can be read aloud with the exuberance and excitement of an announcer giving a play-by-play report. Williams insisted on playing a final double-header game rather than let his .3995 average be rounded up, as was custom.  By playing, he risked not winning the title of the only batter in American history to reach the .400 goal. Listeners should be encouraged to discuss the question: What would you have done?  Rounded up and gotten the title for sure, or chanced playing and losing it?

Dessert First
By Hallie Durand
(Atheneum Books for Young Readers 2009)
Reading Time: 1 1/2 hours
Ages 6 and up

A delightful classroom, library or family read-aloud told in first person by the eldest child (she's 8) in a large fun- and food-loving family. While the central issue for discussion is, "What are some of the potential consequences of purposefully deceiving one's parents?," there are other less weighty issues as well. For example, what costs can you incur marching to your own drummer? What rewards? And what about eating your dessert first? Do you ever do it? Under what circumstances does it work in this family?

Sky High: The True Story of Maggie Gee
By Marissa Moss
(Tricycle Press, 2009)
Reading time: 10 minutes
Ages: 6 and up

A beautifully told picture book biography of a child who loved planes. As a young woman she learned to fly, and became one of only two female Chinese-American Air Force Service Pilots during WWII. Because the story is told in the first person, the readalouder need only read straight-forwardly for listeners to appreciate Gee's early love of planes, and enjoy discussions of how Gee's motivation lead her to set goals and, through meeting them, realize her dreams.

January’s Sparrow
By Patricia Polacco
(Philomel Books 2010)
Reading time: 45 minutes
Ages: 7 and up

An engrossing, tough story to listen to; a tougher story to have lived through as did the family about whom it’s written.  A tremendous amount of slave, Civil War and Underground Railroad history is woven in so that if a child were exposed to only one book on the subject of slavery, this book – coupled with a well-handled discussion – is something he or she would never forget.  It is written largely in dialect in the voice of a young girl and can be read with appropriate accents as well.  A basis for a whole range of discussions on Civil War history: before, during and after.

Upon Secrecy
By Selene Castrovilla
(Calkins Creek 2009)
Reading Time: 22 minutes plus author's note
Ages: 7 and up

A well-researched, fascinating nonfiction story of how George Washington's spies, men known as the Culpers, risked their lives on a regular basis to help win the Revolutionary War. The book provides a great opportunity to discuss the need and role of spies in warfare. Whom to trust with what, and when? What about counterspies? What were the challenges of maintaining secrecy over 200 years ago, as opposed to our challenges in this technological age?

Camping With the President
By Ginger Wadsworth
(Calkins Creek 2009)
Reading Time:12 minutes plus 10-minute author's note
Ages: 8 and up

When President Theodore Roosevelt requests a private camping trip to Yosemite National Park with Sierra Club founder John Muir, environmental history is bully well made. A great classroom and library vehicle for discussion of the history of conserving our natural resources, and of "going green" in this country. Also a good source for information on Teddy Roosevelt, our 26^th US President; John Muir; Yosemite National Park; and California's 2000-year-old giant Sequoia trees.

The Yankee at the Seder
By Elka Weber
(Tricycle Press, 2009)
Reading time: 11 minutes
Ages: 8 and up

Based on a true incident, Weber relates that as the Civil War ended Meyer Levy, a Yankee soldier, was invited to share a Passover Seder with a young Confederate boy and his family. Slavery was on everyone's minds. The war was about slavery; Passover is about slavery. Thousands of years before there were slaves on this continent, the Hebrews were slaves in Egypt, and Passover commemorates their escape from that bondage through re-telling the story of how and why it happened. When the Yankee attended the Confederate family Seder the story of the Hebrew escape from slavery was told within a new context. This is a fascinating story of both ancient Jewish and U.S. history.