Best of
Picture-Books

2006

Library Lion


Michelle Knudsen - 2006
    No running allowed. And you must be quiet. But when a lion comes to the library one day, no one is sure what to do. There aren't any rules about lions in the library. And, as it turns out, this lion seems very well suited to library visiting. His big feet are quiet on the library floor. He makes a comfy backrest for the children at story hour. And he never roars in the library, at least not anymore. But when something terrible happens, the lion quickly comes to the rescue in the only way he knows how. Michelle Knudsen's disarming story, illustrated by the matchless Kevin Hawkes in an expressive timeless style, will win over even the most ardent of rule keepers.

Duck, Death and the Tulip


Wolf Erlbruch - 2006
    Death, Duck and the Tulip will intrigue, haunt and enchant readers of all ages. Simple, unusual, warm and witty, this book deals with a difficult subject in a way that is elegant, straightforward, and thought-provoking.

Have You Filled A Bucket Today? A Guide to Daily Happiness for Kids


Carol McCloud - 2006
    Bucket filling and dipping are effective metaphors for understanding the effects of our actions and words on the well being of others and ourselves.

Don't Let the Pigeon Stay Up Late!


Mo Willems - 2006
    Hurrying away to brush his teeth, the pajama-clad bus driver implores readers not to let his feathered friend stay up late. Youngsters are thrust into the role of caregiver as the puerile pigeon attempts to talk his way out of the inevitable, coming up with requests that range from manipulative (I hear there's a good show about birds on TV tonight. Should be very educational) to cajoling (Y'know, we never get to talk anymore. Tell me about your day-¦) to classic (Can I have a glass of water?). Meanwhile, the fowl fights yawns and tries to keep his wide eye open, despite a drooping lid. Defying drowsiness to the last, he finally falls asleep, clutching his stuffed bunny tightly under his wing. Set against comfortably faded pastel backgrounds, the cartoon artwork focuses tightly on the main character, with his comments presented in dialogue balloons. The black-crayon lines speak volumes, as the pigeon's body language and the positioning of his ever-expressive eye humorously convey each nuance of the text. Children will be charmed by this bedtime treat, which will have them laughing out loud at the pigeon-and at themselves.-Joy Fleishhacker, School Library Journal Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Beauty and the Beast


Max Eilenberg - 2006
    Though her patron is hideous, his disarming generosity slowly leads to a surprising connection. Accessibly and with great compassion, Max Eilenberg sheds fresh light on one of our most beloved fairy tales. Angela Barrett's enchanting illustrations illuminate both the sumptuous palace and the horrifying beast himself. The resulting tour de force reminds us that ultimately love conquers all.

The Black Book of Colors


Menena Cottin - 2006
    This groundbreaking, award-winning book endeavors to convey the experience of a person who can only see through his or her sense of touch, taste, smell or hearing.Raised black line drawings on black paper, which can be deciphered by touch, complement a beautifully written text describing colors through imagery. Braille letters accompany the text so that the sighted reader can begin to imagine what it is like to use Braille to read. A full Braille alphabet at the end of the book can be used to learn more.

The Incredible Book Eating Boy


Oliver Jeffers - 2006
    But Henry doesn't like to read books, he likes to eat them. Big books, picture books, reference books . . . if it has pages, Henry chews them up and swallows (but red ones are his favorite). And the more he eats, the smarter he gets--he's on his way to being the smartest boy in the world! But one day he feels sick to his stomach. And the information is so jumbled up inside, he can't digest it! Can Henry find a way to enjoy books without using his teeth? With a stunning new artistic style and a die-cut surprise, Oliver Jeffers celebrates the joys of reading in this charming and quirky picture book. It's almost good enough to eat.

An Egg Is Quiet


Dianna Hutts Aston - 2006
    From tiny hummingbird eggs to giant ostrich eggs, oval ladybug eggs to tubular dogfish eggs, gooey frog eggs to fossilized dinosaur eggs, it magnificently captures the incredible variety of eggs and celebrates their beauty and wonder.The evocative text is sure to inspire lively questions and observations. Yet while poetic in voice and elegant in design, the book introduces children to more than 60 types of eggs and an interesting array of egg facts. Even the endpapers brim with information. A tender and fascinating guide that is equally at home being read to a child on a parent's lap as in a classroom reading circle.

Scaredy Squirrel


Mélanie Watt - 2006
    It's way too dangerous out there. He could encounter tarantulas, green Martians or killer bees. But in his tree, every day is the same and if danger comes along, he's well-prepared. Scaredy Squirrel's emergency kit includes antibacterial soap, Band-Aids and a parachute.Day after day he watches and waits, and waits and watches, until one day ... his worst nightmare comes true! Scaredy suddenly finds himself out of his tree, where germs, poison ivy and sharks lurk. But as Scaredy Squirrel leaps into the unknown, he discovers something really uplifting ...

Skippyjon Jones in Mummy Trouble


Judy Schachner - 2006
    . . and finds himself in ancient Egypt. His doggy pals, Los Chimichangos, want to visit the Under Mundo—the underworld— where mummitos rest in peas. But they need El Skippito's brains and courage to answer the riddle of theFinx and enter the mummy's tomb. Our hero is up to the task, and he's in for another grand and whirlwind adventure. Full of Judy Schachner's rollicking wordplay and bold, imaginative illustrations, Skippy's latest outsize outing will tickle the funny bones and warm the hearts of his many amigos.

Flotsam


David Wiesner - 2006
    A young boy comes to the beach eager to collect and examine flotsam—anything floating that has been washed ashore. But nothing among his usual finds compares with the discovery of a barnacle-encrusted underwater camera with its own secrets to share . . . and to keep. Meet unexpected underseas denizens and enter fascinating worlds within worlds in this entrancing celebration of imagination, creativity, and the impulse to share that which delights and amazes us.

Once I Ate a Pie


Patricia MacLachlan - 2006
    Beefy ate a pie.It's a dog's life. Filled with squeaky toys, mischief, and plenty of naps. Every dog has a tail to wag and a tale to tell. Patricia MacLachlan and Emily MacLachlan Charest asked this collection of canines to speak up with their own words, barks, and yips.

John, Paul, George & Ben


Lane Smith - 2006
    . . John [Hancock], Paul [Revere], George [Washington], and Ben [Franklin]. Oh yes, there was also Tom [Jefferson], but he was annoyingly independent and hardly ever around. These lads were always getting into trouble for one reason or another. In other words, they took a few . . . liberties. And to be honest, they were not always appreciated. Until one day, they all played a part in securing America's freedom."Deftly drawn, witty, and instantly appealing, the illustrations creatively blend period elements such as wood-grain and crackle-glaze texturing, woodcut lines, and formal compositions typical of the era, with gaping mouths and stylized, spiraling eyes typical of modern cartoons," wrote Booklist, and School Library Journal declared, "Exercise your freedom to scoop up this one."

The Goodnight Train


June Sobel - 2006
    Roll that corner, rock that curve, and soar past mermaids, leaping sheep, and even ice-cream clouds. You won't want to miss a thing, so whatever you do, don't . . . close . . . your . . . eyes!            With soothing, lyrical words and magical illustrations, June Sobel and Laura Huliska-Beith have created a nighttime fantasy that's guaranteed to make even the most resistant sleeper snuggle up tight.Ready to keep rolling?The companion books Goodnight Train Rolls On and Santa and the Goodnight Train are now available!

Lilly's Big Day


Kevin Henkes - 2006
    Slinger has big news.He's getting married.Married!Lilly has big plans.She's going to be the flower girl.(Lilly has always wanted to be a flower girl.Even more than a surgeon or a diva or a hairdresser.)But what's the biggest,the best,the most perfect thing of all?You're invited to the wedding -- so start reading!

This Jazz Man


Karen Ehrhardt - 2006
    The tuneful text and vibrant illustrations bop, slide, and shimmy across the page as Satchmo plays one, Bojangles plays two . . . right on down the line to Charles Mingus, who plays nine, plucking strings that sound "divine."     Easy on the ear and the eye, this playful introduction to nine jazz giants will teach children to count--and will give them every reason to get up and dance!      Includes a brief biography of each musician.

Frankenstein Makes a Sandwich


Adam Rex - 2006
    Monster-sized. You try to address Dracula's hygiene issues. And don't even get me started on the Phantom of the Opera. Really, just read this book.

Just Like Heaven


Patrick McDonnell - 2006
    'Wow,' he remarks as he explores. 'What a great place.' But when Mooch comes face-to-face in heaven with a big and scary dog, what, he wonders, is he supposed to do? Mooch's reassuring answer reveals that the joys of nature, home and friends are blessings to appreciate here and now. Heaven really is a place on earth!

Miss Brooks Loves Books!


Barbara Bottner - 2006
    But Missy dismisses them all--"Too flowery, too furry, too clickety, too yippity."Still, Miss Brooks remains undaunted. Book Week is here and Missy will find a book to love if they have to empty the entire library. What story will finally win over this beastly, er, discriminating child? William Steig's Shrek!--the tale of a repulsive green ogre in search of a revolting bride--of course!Barbara Bottner and Michael Emberley pay playful homage to the diverse tastes of child readers and the valiant librarians who are determined to put just the right book in each child's hands.

That Rabbit Belongs to Emily Brown


Cressida Cowell - 2006
    Along the way, she shows the queen how to love a special toy of her very own.The popular author of How to Train Your Dragon teams up with the author/illustrator of Oscar and Arabella in this irresistible picture book.

Only One You


Linda Kranz - 2006
    Make it a better place. Adri's mama and papa share some of the wisdom they have gained through the years with their eager son. Their words, simple and powerful, are meant to comfort and guide him as he goes about exploring the world. This exquisitely illustrated book explodes with color and honest insights. Kranz's uniquely painted "rockfish," set against vibrant blue seas, make an unforgettable and truly special impression. Only One You will inspire parents and children of all ages as they swim through the sea of life.

Adèle & Simon


Barbara McClintock - 2006
    Ad�le makes Simon promise to try not to lose anything. But as they make their way home, distractions cause Simon to leave something behind at every stop. What will they tell their mother?Detailed pen-and-ink drawings - filled with soft watercolors - make a game of this unforgettable tour through the streets and scenes of early-twentieth-century Paris. Illustrated endpapers extend the fun by replicating a 1907 Baedeker map of Paris.Adèle & Simon is a 2006 New York Times Book Review Best Illustrated Book of the Year and a 2007 Bank Street - Best Children's Book of the Year.

Fletcher and the Falling Leaves


Julia Rawlinson - 2006
    But then winter comes, and with it a wonderful surprise. Do you know what it is? Join Fletcher and find out. . . .Fletcher the fox is concerned about nature and wants to understand the changing of the seasons. Young readers will share the feelings of wonder and empathy as they curl up with a parent or gather in circle time to enjoy this beautiful picture book.

Max's Words


Kate Banks - 2006
    Benjamin collects stamps and Karl collects coins, and neither one will share with their little brother. So Max decides to start a collection of his own. He’s going to collect words. He starts with small words that he cuts out of newspapers and magazines, but soon his collection has spilled out into the hall. All the while, his brothers are watching. Benjamin brags that he has one thousand stamps. Karl is just a few coins short of five hundred. But a thousand stamps is really just a bunch of stamps, and a lot of coins is only a heap of money. A pile of words, however, can make a story.  Bright, bold pictures incorporating clever wordplay accompany this highly original tale about a younger brother’s ingenuity. Max's Words is a 2007 Bank Street - Best Children's Book of the Year.

The Little Red Hen


Jerry Pinkney - 2006
       As he did with his Caldecott-winning The Lion and the Mouse, Jerry Pinkney has masterfully adapted this story of the hardworking hen and her lazy neighbors. Its Golden Rule message and sassy finale are just as relevant and satisfying as ever. Read it in tandem with Pinkney’s Puss in Boots and The Tortoise and the Hare or David Wiesner’s The Three Pigs.     "Perfect [for] sharing with one listener, or a crowd." —Kirkus Reviews (starred review)   “Cheerful [and] luminous. Kids will gleefully chime in.”—Publishers Weekly (starred review)   “A lush light-filled rendition of a folktale staple.”—School Library Journal (starred review)

Uno's Garden


Graeme Base - 2006
    And one entirely unexceptional Snortlepig.Uno loves the forest so much, he decides to live there. But, in time, a little village grows up around his house. Then a town, then a city. . . and soon Uno realises that the animals and plants have begun to disappear. . .

Cookies: Bite-Size Life Lessons


Amy Krouse Rosenthal - 2006
    Open this delectable book to any page and you will find out something about life. Cookies: Bite-Size Life Lessons is a new kind of dictionary, one that defines mysteries such as "fair" and "unfair" and what it really means to "cooperate." The book is by turns clever, honest, inspirational, and whimsical. Go ahead, take a bite!

Hero Cat


Eileen Spinelli - 2006
    But Mother Cat has left her cozy heap of kittens to go in search of food. Determined to save her babies, Mother Cat dashes into the burning building and follows the sounds of frightened mewing. In five daring acts, she saves each kitten—a true hero cat! This story, accompanied by beautiful illustrations rendered in pastel, honors the tenth anniversary of the real story of a homeless cat who rescued her kittens from a burning building in 1996.

Three Little Cajun Pigs


Mike Artell - 2006
    Their mom has just kicked them out of the house and it's time they make their own way and start constructing new homes in the heart of the swamp. When ol' Claude the gator comes sneaking along, however, the three brothers are forced to question their choice of construction materials! This hilarious tale from the creators of the popular Petite Rouge (which School Library Journal declared "A treat from start to finish") will once again take you to the heart of the Cajun swamps and show you the Three Little Pigs like you've never seen them.

Tiger Can't Sleep


S.J. Fore - 2006
    After much pleading, the little boy soon discovers how to deal with a noisy tiger. Full color.

Across the Alley


Richard Michelson - 2006
    Willie is black and Abe is Jewish, and during the day, they don't talk. But at night they open their windows and are best friends. Willie shows Abe how to throw a real big-league slider, and Abe gives Willie his violin to try out. Then one night, Abe's grandfather catches them — will Abe and Willie have the courage to cross the alley and reveal their friendship during the day? Like the bestselling The Other Side, E. B. Lewis's striking, atmospheric watercolors bring to life a moving story of baseball and music, and how two young people try to bridge the divide of prejudice.

The Adventures of Polo


Régis Faller - 2006
    Polo's journey is packed with incident and expression; 80 pages of seamless, satisfying picture storytelling are perfectly targeted to the youngest reader. Unique, dynamic, and playful, The Adventures of Polo calls to mind the worlds of film animation, comics, and classic books from Harold and the Purple Crayon to The Snowman--and has style, appeal, and substance all its very own.

Is There Really a Human Race?


Jamie Lee Curtis - 2006
    Is the human race an obstacle course? Is it a spirit? Does he get his own lane? Does he get his own coach?Written with Jamie Lee Curtis's humor and heart and illustrated with Laura Cornell's worldly wit, Is There Really a Human Race? Is all about relishing the journey and making good choices along the way—because how we live and how we love is how we learn to make the world a better place, one small step at a time.

The Bearskinner: A Tale of the Brothers Grimm


Laura Amy Schlitz - 2006
    Enter that sly opportunist, the devil, who wraps the soldier in the armor of a dead bear’s skin, fills its pockets with gold, and makes a dangerous and horrible wager. An unforgettable retelling of a classic Grimm tale, THE BEARSKINNER is a story about the struggle between the two sides of our selves, and the heroic strength it takes to claim a victory.

Hugs on the Wind


Marsha Diane Arnold - 2006
    'Hugs on the Wind' is a lyrical, luminous picture book about missing a loved one. Like 'Goodnight Moon' and 'The Snowy Day', this book celebrates a child's special connection to the world around him, and the power of nature to comfort.

One Green Apple


Eve Bunting - 2006
    She listens and nods but doesn’t speak. It’s hard being the new kid in school, especially when you’re from another country and don’t know the language. Then, on a field trip to an apple orchard, Farah discovers there are lots of things that sound the same as they did at home, from dogs crunching their food to the ripple of friendly laughter. As she helps the class make apple cider, Farah connects with the other students and begins to feel that she belongs.Ted Lewin’s gorgeous sun-drenched paintings and Eve Bunting’s sensitive text immediately put the reader into another child’s shoes in this timely story of a young Muslim immigrant.

Bear's New Friend


Karma Wilson - 2006
     There's a clatter in the tree! Is it Mouse? No . . . "Who?" calls Bear. Something quickly scampers by! Is it Hare? No . . . "Who?" calls Bear. Someone seems to be hiding from Bear and his friends. Who is it? WHO? How Bear and his forest friends discover a NEW FRIEND will enchant young readers. Karma Wilson's playful text and Jane Chapman's radiant illustrations make Bear's New Friend a perfect summertime read-aloud companion to the bestselling Bear Snores On.

The Blue Stone: A Journey Through Life


Jimmy Liao - 2006
    Breathtaking illustrations and a haunting story take readers on a wondrous voyage around the world. A large, beautiful blue stone is discovered in a forest. It is cut in half, and one half stays in the forest while the other starts on a long and mystical journey through many places, many owners, and many transformations. It begins as a statue of an elephant, admired by museum goers, and then becomes a carved bird residing in an elderly woman's garden. It becomes a moon, a cat, a necklace, and more, until it finally returns to the forest. The Blue Stone is a powerful tale of different life paths and possibilities, a longing for home, and love.Reading Level: Age 3 and Up

The Octonauts and the Only Lonely Monster


Meomi - 2006
    When the Octonauts, a team of eight animals that explores the ocean, help a lonely monster, everyone learns the value of friendship and individuality.

If You're Happy and You Know It!


Jane Cabrera - 2006
    Clap along with silly monkey, stamp with enormous elephant, and roar out loud with lion! This popular nursery song comes alive with Jane Cabrera's zany animal paintings in a colorful sing-along action book that will put a smile on everyone's face.

Art


Patrick McDonnell - 2006
    Children are introduced to the imaginative world of art and how a picture really can be worth a thousand words.

Duck & Goose


Tad Hills - 2006
    This New York Times Bestseller and ALA-ALSC Notable Children’s Book stars two unforgettable characters and is filled with humor that young children will appreciate—and recognize!Duck and Goose have to work at getting along. You see, Duck doesn’t much care for Goose at first, and Goose isn’t fond of Duck. But both want the egg that each claims to be his. As the two tend to their egg, and make plans for the future, they come to appreciate one another’s strengths. And when a bluebird points out that it isn’t really an egg—it’s a polka dot ball—the two are not dismayed. After all, it is a lovely ball. . . .“Duck and Goose have taken their places alongside Frog and Toad and George and Martha as fine examples of friendship, curiosity and problem-solving.” —Kirkus Reviews

Los Gatos Black on Halloween


Marisa Montes - 2006
    Las brujas come on their broomsticks. Los muertos rise from their coffins to join in the fun. Los esqueletos rattle their bones as they dance through the door. And the scariest creatures of all aren't even there yet!This lively bilingual Halloween poem introduces young readers to a spooky array of Spanish words that will open their ojos to the chilling delights of the season.Los Gatos Black on Halloween is a 2007 Bank Street - Best Children's Book of the Year, the winner of the 2008 Pura Belpre Medal for Illustration and a Pura Belpre Honor Book for Narrative.

Who's in the Bathroom?


Jeanne Willis - 2006
    Now, who could it be?A whale who is doing the world's biggest pee?"With a pooping elephant, a farting rhino, and a piddling penguin, this hilarious picture book is full of toilet fun. don't be too shy to ask, "Who's in the bathroom?"

Mrs. Crump's Cat


Linda Smith - 2006
    From Linda Smith and David Roberts comes a funny, heartwarming tale about the wonderful things that can happen when you open your door to friendship.

My Wobbly Tooth Must Not Ever Never Fall Out


Lauren Child - 2006
    At first, Lola does not want her wobbly tooth to ever fall out, but when she learns about the tooth fairy, she wiggles and wobbles her tooth until out it pops! Finally it is time to go to bed—but the tooth has disappeared! Now how will Lola convince the tooth fairy that she really did lose her tooth? Big brother Charlie has just the answer—if Lola has dreams so lovely that she smiles while she sleeps, the tooth fairy will be able to see for herself!

When You Were Small


Sara O'Leary - 2006
    Henry was so small that his father's original name for him, Hieronymous, wouldn't fit.An enchanting, comic bedtime story that can make even the smallest child feel big, When You Were Small is the perfect book for children in a hurry to grow up.

Waiting for Mama


Tae-Jun Lee - 2006
    This tale from Korea is universal--a small child waits for Mama at the station, asking the conductor if he has seen her. The conductor hasn't, but cautions the child to wait a little farther from the tracks. It is cold and snowy but the child waits patiently until finally Mama comes. In the last wordless spread, we see the small hand in a mother's firm clasp as they walk away from us. The art and text are so authentic, so real, that this book is best published in a bilingual edition that respects and honors those traditions. The Korean setting gives it special appeal to a growing demographic segment. The institutional market is especially hungry for bilingual books in languages beyond Spanish.

Miss Malarkey Leaves No Reader Behind


Judy Finchler - 2006
    Miss Malarkey is determined to find the right book for each student so they'll participate in the school program, and learn to love reading. She's got a tough audience -- video game fanatics, artists, sports lovers -- nonreaders all. But she won't give up until Principal Wiggins can flip his purple wig.With all the new pressures being put on teachers these days, the one thing everyone agrees about is the need for all children to learn to love reading. Now, the best-selling Miss Malarkey series uses all the programs and initiatives developed to help children read as fodder for the humor mill, keeping everyone laughing about this important topic. No teacher, librarian or parent should leave this book behind!

She'll Be Coming 'Round the Mountain


Jonathan Emmett - 2006
     This classic song has brand-new verses and enough "tee-hees", "toot-toots", and "squish-splats" to keep kids singin', shoutin', and readin' again and again.

Bats at the Beach


Brian Lies - 2006
    The first of many nighttime adventures with the award-winning Bat Book series. Quick, call out! Tell all you can reach: the night is just perfect for bats at the beach! So pack your buckets, banjos, and blankets—don’t forget the moon-tan lotion—and wing with this bunch of fuzzy bats to where foamy sea and soft sand meet. Brian Lies’s enchanting art and cheery beachside verse will inspire bedtime imaginations again and again. Come visit a bedazzling world of moonlight, firelight, and . . . bats! Check out brianlies.com for more escapades with these zany bats.

Keeper of Soles


Teresa Bateman - 2006
    When Death comes to call in his black cloak, Colin the shoemaker does not go quietly. With some quick thinking and sweet-talking, Colin distracts Death by offering to make him some shoes. Death, completely befuddled, is fitted for sandals and soon after that for a pair of boots. Each time Death comes to claim Colin's soul, he leaves with a sole, but never the kind he intended.

Pokemon Tales: Pikachu's Day: Pikachu's Day


Toshinao Aoki - 2006
    Readers can follow the mousy-looking Pikachu, Pokemon #25, through a whimsical sort of day. Color illustrations throughout.

Small Beauties: The Journey of Darcy Heart O'Hara


Elvira Woodruff - 2006
    Life is simple but sweet in Pobble O'Keefe, with her family gathered round the hearth in the evenings while Granddad's voice fills the small room with stories. But in 1845, a blight strikes the land, the potatoes turn rotten, and Darcy and her family must leave Ireland forever. How will Darcy ever find a way to to bring the small beauties of home across the sea to America? Elvira Woodruff's story of emigration, heartbreak, and hope is vividly illustrated with the warm, evocative oil paintings of Adam Rex.

Last Day Blues


Julie Danneberg - 2006
    Hartwell's class is excited to leave for summer vacation. The only problem is that the kids don't want their teacher to miss them while they're gone. Once again Julie Danneberg and Judy Love bring to life the crazy antics of Mrs. Hartwell and her class and show that teachers and students are more alike than different.

Something about Hensley's


Patricia Polacco - 2006
    It's almost magical the way the manager, Old John, seems to know what the townsfolk need before they do! But then a new family moves to town. The youngest child, Molly, has asthma--but her mother doesn't have money to treat her, or for anything else. But leave it to Old John to find a way to use Hensley's to give the family exactly what it needs, even if it can't be boxed or bagged. A true--and truly moving--story about an unforgettable general store and about the extraordinary power one person's acts of kindness can have on another. About the Author: Patricia Polacco lives in Union City, Michigan.

Little Red Train's Race to the Finish


Benedict Blathwayt - 2006
    . .There's oil on the tracks, sheep on the line and someone has switched the points! Can Jack's quick-thinking save the day?

365 Penguins


Jean-Luc Fromental - 2006
    At first they’re cute, but with every passing day, the penguins pile up—along with the family’s problems. Feeding, cleaning, and housing the penguins becomes a monumental task. They’re noisy and smelly, and they always hog the bathroom! And who on earth is sending these kwaking critters? In a large format, and with lots of opportunity for counting, 365 Penguins is sure to become a perennial wintertime favorite.

Charlie Cook's Favorite Book


Julia Donaldson - 2006
    It's about a pirate, who also has a favorite book . . . about Goldilocks, who also has a favorite book . . . about a knight, who also has a favorite book . . . . This hilarious pattern continues throughout the story, right to the satisfying and surprising end.

I Love It When You Smile


Sam McBratney - 2006
    His mother tries everything to make him feel better, but nothing she does makes any difference.Until…she finds the perfect hole. How will a deep, wide, and muddy-at-the-bottom hole make Little Roo smile? Well, Mom always knows best!From Sam McBratney and Charles Fuge comes a story perfect for parent and child story time that will guarantee a smile and a laugh from even the grumpiest reader.

Lola at the Library


Anna McQuinn - 2006
    Why? Because it's Tuesday--and on Tuesdays, Lola and her mommy go to the library. Join Lola in this cozy celebration of books and the people who love them.

The Flower


John Light - 2006
    When he finds a book in the library labelled 'Do Not Read', he cannot resist taking it home. In it, he comes upon pictures of bright, vibrant objects called flowers. He cannot find flowers anywhere in the city, but stumbles instead on a packet of seeds. This sets off a chain of events which bring about unexpected results, continuing to grow and bloom even after we have turned the last page. John Light's enigmatic story is told with utter simplicity, but resonates long after we finish reading this book. His increasingly optimistic vision is hauntingly captured by Lisa Evans's beautiful and whimsical illustrations.

Shep: Our Most Loyal Dog


Sneed B. Collard III - 2006
    Shep is the true story of a dog that became an inspiration to people around the world. Following the death of his owner in 1936, Shep watched as his body was placed on a train and shipped east. For more than five years, through rain and snow, Shep met every incoming train with hopes that he would see the man who had cared for him. Even today, people visit Fort Benton, Montana, to stand at the grave of a dog whose actions remind us of the true meaning of loyalty and heart.Sneed B. Collard III is the author of more than 45 books for young people including The Prairie Builders, The Forest in the Clouds, Butterfly Count and B is for Big Sky Country: A Montana Alphabet. Sneed lives in Missoula, Montana. Joanna Yardley has illustrated a number of award-winning children's books. This is her third book with Sleeping Bear Press. She is the illustrator of B is for Big Sky Country: A Montana Alphabet and P is for Peace Garden: A North Dakota Alphabet. Jo lives in Missoula, Montana along with her husband and son.

Fluffy and Baron


Laura Rankin - 2006
    Her name was Fluffy." So begins the adorable tale of a dog, a duck, and a perfect companionship. Perfect, that is, until Fluffy joins up with the wild ducks from the pond. Baron is suddenly alone—no one to play with, eat with, or cuddle up with at night. But when those wild ducks fly away, Baron’s in for a surprise—and more friends than he ever expected!

Broken Bird: A Tale of True Love


Michael Broad - 2006
    A bird was born with only one wing. He knows he is different from his siblings. Even if they laughed at him, Broken Bird decides that he will fly. And fly, he did. In Chinese. Distributed by Tsai Fong Books, Inc.

Santa Claws: A Scary Christmas to All


Laura Leuck - 2006
    Here in the rollicking rhyme of Laura Leuck and the gruesomely silly illustrations of Gris Grimly, is a truly memorable Christmas tale. Mack and Zack may be monsters, but their excitement is the same as that of children the world around. Come join the celebrations in Monster Town!

Meerkat Mail


Emily Gravett - 2006
    One day Sunny goes to visit his mongoose cousins. But from the watery world of the Marsh Mongoose to the nocturnal lifestyle of the Malagasy Mongoose, Sunny just doesn't fit in. And what's that shadowy figure that seems to be following him around?

Lucia and the Light


Phyllis Root - 2006
    But one day the wind screams fiercely and the sun does not rise over the mountain. Someone has stolen the sun! "Perhaps it has lost its way," says Lucia, who despite her mother's pleas sets out to find it with only a bit of bread, a tinderbox, and her milk-white cat to keep her company. In dramatic pastels, Mary GrandPre illuminates troll-pocked frozen mountains and wraps Lucia's family in a blanket of warmth. Inspired by Nordic lore, Phyllis Root spins a golden yarn of courage, love, and the age-old longing for the return of light.

The Peace Rose


Alicia Jewell - 2006
    

Kai the 'Opihi Gets the Point


Gail Omoto - 2006
    His friends - the eel, turtle, octopus, bird and crab - all try to give Kai solutions to his problem, but it is finally Tutu 'Opihi, Kai's grandmother, who gives him the needed insight and courage to persevere and overcome his dilemma. Based on real situations in nature, Kai the 'Opihi Gets the Point also models for our children the value of intergenerational wisdom and the Hawaiian value of ho'omau, or perseverance. The lesson of Kai's story - "cling and don't fear" - is an important concept to help prepare our younger generations for the challenges of life! Includes a read-along CD, narrated by legendary Hawaiian recording artist Nina Keali'iwahamana! About the Authors Gail and Garrett Omoto live in Honolulu with their two daughters, Jessi and Kaci. Gail was raised on the island of Moloka'i. She has an MA degree in early childhood education and is the statewide program director of the Tutu and Me Traveling Preschool Program. Garrett was raised on O'ahu and attended the University of Hawai'i and Manoa, where he graduated with a BA degree in art. Garrett worked at several animation studios in California before returning to Hawai'i and is currently an art teacher at Hawai'i Baptist Academy. Judy Dill is a mathematics educator and highly regarded teacher of statistics in Hawai'i's schools. Jan is the founder and president of Partners in Development Foundation, a notfor-profit organization committed to working with the children andfamilies of Hawai'i. Jan and Judy have five grown children and eleven mo'opuna (grandchildren).

When God Made The Dakotas


Timothy Kessler - 2006
    . ."Wakantanka opened his bag and peered inside. He set the bag down slowly, shaking his head."I'm sorry, Old Friend," he said quietly. "I have no mountains left to give. Ask for something else."Before he creates the Dakotas, the Great Spirit, Wakantanka, asks Woksape, the Dakota medicine man, about his dreams for the land. Woksape soon learns that many of the things he imagined -- verdant forests, vast lakes, towering mountains, and desert canyons -- have already been given away. When Woksape allows the Great Spirit to fashion the Dakotas in his own way, however, he finds that the Dakota lands far exceed his expectations.Tim Kessler's creation story, framed as a Native American legend, reminds readers to find beauty and joy in what surrounds them. Paul Morin's stunning illustrations, inspired by the landscape and spirit of the Dakotas, celebrate the unique qualities and character of the Dakota lands and people.

Amy's Travels


Kathryn Starke - 2006
    Based on a true story, Amy's Travels takes us on an adventure to all seven continents through the eyes of a young Latina girl. This resource has been released in its second edition and is complete with a comprehensive book guide and activities.

Katie and the Spanish Princess


James Mayhew - 2006
    Katie is very excited—her birthday is coming, and she will be having a fancy dress party! What Katie would like more than anything is to dress up as a princess, but Grandma can’t seem to get her costume quite right! Perhaps a trip to the art gallery will provide some inspiration.

Near Mama's Heart


Coleen Newman - 2006
    The heart-warming verse and exceptional photography flawlessly display the beauty and importance of breastfeeding.

Arctic Adventure (Read At Home: Level 4a)


Roderick Hunt - 2006
    The story provides parental support within and beyond the book.

Striking Images: Vintage Matchbook Cover Art


Monte Beauchamp - 2006
    The give-away matchbook was one of the most pervasive means ever found of putting promotional images into the hands of the public. Small and disposable, matchbooks were not only a highly successful marketing tool for a wide variety of products, they were also the repositories for a wealth of anonymous design creativity. Fantasies of ocean travel, bathing beauties, regal leisure, and tropical locales adorned the covers, as did hand-lettered typography, stylized illustration, and eye-catching color. This red-hot celebration brings the ubiquitous matchbook's art to life in all its pulp panache and visual zing.

Thank You, Aunt Tallulah!


Carmela LaVigna Coyle - 2006
    Will it be another long fluffy scarf? A pair of six-fingered gloves? A nice, warm hat? Everybody should have an Aunt Tallulah - maybe some of you do! Through a series of hilarious mishaps, Bettina and her Aunt Tallulah are ever so appreciative to have each other. Flollow along as love, silliness, and surprises are exchanged through the mail between Bettina and her nutty aunt in this wonderful story.

Barbie in the 12 Dancing Princesses


Jen Cullerton Johnson - 2006
    They include amusing stories, favorite characters, colorful pictures, and seven sound buttons. Character voices and story sounds make these already exciting stories even more fun to read.

Shaun White


Matt Doeden - 2006
    But the nearly perfect athlete nailed his second run, then crushed the competition in the finals to win two Olympic gold medals.

Detroit's Woodmere Cemetery


Gail D. Hershenzon - 2006
    They decided to form an association and invested their own money to purchase a plot of land that had once been occupied by Native Americans and then French settlers, a few miles from the heart of the city. They chose this heavily wooded area because it offered many acres of land that could accommodate the growing need for more burial space, and it became the cornerstone of one of the city's oldest and most historic cemeteries, Woodmere Cemetery. Cemetery acreage has been bought and sold, and buildings on the grounds have been raised and later razed. Funeral procedures have changed, as well as cemetery ownership. Still, Woodmere has remained one of Detroit's most beautiful treasures, where visitors can take a historical step back into time. From the very rich to the very poor, many thousands have chosen Woodmere Cemetery to be their final resting place. Through archival images, Detroit's Woodmere Cemetery takes a look at the movers and shakers of Detroit found in these bucolic grounds and glimpses the ordinary citizens who have lived and died through extraordinary circumstances.

Wishes for One More Day


Melanie Joy Pastor - 2006
    When Anna and her little brother Joey hear the sad news about their Poppy's death, they begin to think about what they would do if they could have one more day with him. They smile thinking about Poppy’s crazy birthday hat, giggle at the silly songs Poppy used to plunk out on the piano, and laugh out loud at the weekly chicken-soup game they played with him at the deli. As the list grows into a pile, the pile becomes a book—a book of wishes for one more day with Poppy—or, as their mother explains, a memory book of the love and fun they shared with him, since all of their wishes have already come true. This treasured memento celebrates Poppy’s life and helps Anna and Joey keep his memory alive for years to come.

Scuttle's Big Wish


Sean Delonas - 2006
    The result is hilarious and touching.

Zerubbabel Rebuilds the Temple (Arch Books)


Larry Burgdorf - 2006
    Zerubbabel and others rebuild the temple that was destroyed.

Alphabet of Animals


Laura Gates Galvin - 2006
    A is for ant; B is for blue-footed Booby and C is for coyote! Children will delight in listening to, reading and singing about the world of animals featuring 26 well-knownand uniqueanimals, birds and insects.

The Hen House (Fast Fox, Slow Dog, #3)


Allan Ahlberg - 2006
    The intruder abducts the chickens, but luckily, Slow Dog sleepwalks out of the window and lands on the intruder, who turns out to be Fast Fox.

Who Is Melvin Bubble?


Nick Bruel - 2006
    Everybody who knows Melvin--his mom, his dad, his best friend Jimmy, his dog--even Santa Claus, the Tooth Fairy, and the big ugly monster with three eyes who lives in his closet have a different opinion.  This original and riotous picture book has a lot to say--not only about Melvin, but also about perspective, point of view, and a six-and-a-half-year-old's place in the world.

I Saw an Ant on the Railroad Track


Joshua Prince - 2006
    There they meet a hungry little ant and the gentle giant of a switchman who cares for him.

Dooby Dooby Moo


Doreen Cronin - 2006
    But this time they’re pooling their considerable resources to win a local talent show, because first prize is a trampoline! The cows want to sing. The sheep want to sing. The pigs want to...dance. Dance? And Duck? Duck just wants to win that trampoline. But first he’ll have to handle Farmer Brown.

Is a Paw a Foot?: All about Measurement


Kris Hirschmann - 2006
    But the popular Dogs know how to make it paws-itively fun as they guide readers to learning about inches, feet, yards, distances, and more. Full color.

I Know He Is There: A Lift-A-Flap Book about Faith


Rebecca Gunderson Thornley - 2006
    Through the eyes, ears, hands, and nose of a precocious little girl, children will begin to grasp the first principle of the gospel. For example, in one instance she says, "When Grandma calls me on the telephone, I can't see her . . . but I know she is there." With each page, readers can lift-the-flap with a discovery that will reaffirm their faith, remembering, "If you have faith ye hope for things which are not seen, which are true." (Alma 32:21)

Tiger


Nick Butterworth - 2006
    He's a kitten. But sometimes, when he plays, he pretends to be a real tiger. He pretends that his soft, little, tigery paws are great, big, tigery claws. He pretends that his funny, little, tigery miaow; is a loud, scary, tigery roar.

Angels Watching Over Me


Lynn Hodges - 2006
    Join a little one as she wonders about God's promise to send angels to protect us. Are angels big or small? Do they really have wings? Will they come when we call? Sing along as your child drifts off to sleep surrounded by angels and loved by God.

Dreams for My Daughter


Becky Kelly - 2006
    A daughter reminds her mother of herself as a girl, offers her a chance to relive that girlhood, then passes her mother's wisdom on to her own daughter someday. Mothers and daughters know what the other is thinking before she says it, and communicate with a touch or a glance as easily as with words.A mother's love is so strong, sometimes words alone are insufficient to express it. That's why Becky Kelly's gift book, Dreams for My Daughter, is so special. On every page her soft watercolor illustrations celebrate the warmth of a mother's love for her daughter. Paired with beautiful prose, each enchanting image evokes the heartfelt times that only mothers and daughters share. Whether as a birthday or graduation gift, or for no special occasion at all, Dreams for My Daughter is a beautiful keepsake of a mother's genuine love.

The Goat Woman of Smackover: An Arkansas Legend


Ramona Wood - 2006
    The illustrated story of Rhena Miller Meyer, a once-celebrated musician who lived in a circus truck for over 50 years.

Creatures Great and Small


Karen Patkau - 2006
    From extremely large creatures, such as the blue whale, Chinese giant salamander, and goliath tarantula, to extremely small ones, such as the bumblebee bat, dwarf gecko, and fairy shrimp, embark on this informative, beautifully illustrated voyage of discovery. Even the simple fact-filled text is enchantingly presented in the voices of the animals themselves. A glossary, map endpapers, and handy charts — introducing the concepts of scale and proportion by comparing measurements of animals that are “Big” and “Really Big” to “Small” and “Really Small” — make this book a must-have for parents, schools, and libraries alike.

Hi, I'm Ben... And I've Got a Secret!


Julie A. Bouwkamp - 2006
    Before revealing his secret, Ben shares much about his life and likes. All readers find they have much in common with this charming boy with Down syndrome. A must have for siblings, school classrooms, church and synagogue reading rooms and public libraries. THis new edition includes mischievous bear illustrations by David Tesnar.

Hole in One


Gayle Grass - 2006
    He gets so nervous sometimes that his heart beats very fast, he feels nauseous, dizzy, or often gets a bad headache. Teeman meets Iris the Dragon and learns techniques like Dragon Breathing to relax. This is a story about anxiety disorder; specifically school and performance anxiety. It's an opportunity for children to identify with the thoughts, feelings and actions of one who suffers from anxiety.

In the Fiddle Is a Song: A Lift-the-Flap Book of Hidden Potential


Durga Bernhard - 2006
    Somewhere deep inside is a tree waiting to grow tall. And that golden wheat swaying in the breeze? It's bread, just waiting to be baked. There's hidden potential all around us. There's even hidden potential inside you! This special lift-the-flap book will open your eyes to the remarkable possibilities within the ordinary things we see every day.

Stitch: The Movie (Disney Movie Book Library, volume 6)


Walt Disney Company - 2006
    [4] of cover.

The Great Catch of Fish - Arch Books


Lisa M. Konzen - 2006
    Where Jesus calms the seas and Peter walks on water.