Best of
Picture-Books

2009

The Wonky Donkey


Craig Smith - 2009
    In this very funny, cumulative song, each page tells us something new about the donkey until we end up with a spunky, hanky-panky cranky stinky dinky lanky honky-tonky winky wonky donkey, which will have children in fits of laughter! There is much fun to be had by listening to the song and trying to predict the new word for each clue given!

The Circus Ship


Chris Van Dusen - 2009
    Staggering onto a nearby island, they soon win over the wary townspeople with their kind, courageous ways. So well do the critters blend in that when the greedy circus owner returns to claim them, villagers of all species conspire to outsmart the bloated blowhard. With buoyant rhymes and brilliantly caricatured illustrations evoking the early nineteenth century, Chris Van Dusen presents a hugely entertaining tale about the bonds of community — and a rare hidden-pictures spread for eagle-eyed readers of all ages.

Llama Llama Misses Mama


Anna Dewdney - 2009
    . .It’s Llama Llama’s first day of preschool! And Llama Llama’s mama makes sure he’s ready. They meet the teachers. See the other children. Look at all the books and games. But then it’s time for Mama to leave. And suddenly Llama Llama isn’t so excited anymore. Will Mama Llama come back?Of course she will. But before she does, the other children show Llama Llama how much fun school can be!Activities for Llama Llama Misses Mama by Anna DewdneyWatch a Video

How Full Is Your Bucket? For Kids


Tom Rath - 2009
    Each of us has an invisible bucket. When our bucket is full, we feel great. When it’s empty, we feel awful. Yet most children (and many adults) don’t realize the importance of having a full bucket throughout the day. In How Full Is Your Bucket? For Kids, Felix begins to see how every interaction in a day either fills or empties his bucket. Felix then realizes that everything he says or does to other people fills or empties their buckets as well. Follow along with Felix as he learns how easy it can be to fill the buckets of his classmates, teachers and family members. Before the day is over, you’ll see how Felix learns to be a great bucket filler, and in the process, discovers that filling someone else’s bucket also fills his own.

The Curious Garden


Peter Brown - 2009
    one garden at a time.While out exploring one day, a little boy named Liam discovers a struggling garden and decides to take care of it. As time passes, the garden spreads throughout the dark, gray city, transforming it into a lush, green world. This is an enchanting tale with environmental themes and breathtaking illustrations that become more vibrant as the garden blooms. Red-headed Liam can also be spotted on every page, adding a clever seek-and-find element to this captivating picture book.

I Need My Monster


Amanda Noll - 2009
    One night, when Ethan checks under his bed for his monster, Gabe, he finds a note from him instead: "Gone fishing. Back in a week." Ethan knows that without Gabe’s familiar nightly scares he doesn't stand a chance of getting to sleep, so Ethan interviews potential substitutes to see if they've got the right equipment for the job—pointy teeth, sharp claws, and a long tail—but none of them proves scary enough for Ethan. When Gabe returns sooner than expected from his fishing trip, Ethan is thrilled. It turns out that Gabe didn't enjoy fishing because the fish scared too easily.

Ron's Big Mission


Rose Blue - 2009
    Today, Ron is ready to take out books by "himself." But in the segregated world of South Carolina in the 1950s, Ron's obtaining his own library card is not just a small rite of passage - it is a young man's first courageous mission. Here is an inspiring story, based on Ron McNair's life, of how a little boy, future scientist, and Challenger astronaut desegregated his library through peaceful resistance.

January's Sparrow


Patricia Polacco - 2009
    In the middle of the night, The Crosswhites--including young Sadie--must flee the Kentucky plantation they work on. Dear January has been beaten and killed by the plantation master, and they fear who may be next. But Sadie must leave behind her most valuable possession, the wooden sparrow carved for her by January. Through the Underground Railroad, the Crosswhites make the slow and arduous journey to Marshall, Michigan, where they finally live in freedom. And there they stay, happily, until the day a mysterious package shows up on their doorsteps. It is January's sparrow, with a note that reads, "I found you."How the Crosswhites, and the whole town of Marshall, face this threat will leave readers empowered and enthralled. This is a Polacco adventure that will live in the minds of children for years.

Turkey Trouble


Wendi Silvano - 2009
    Bad trouble. The kind of trouble where it’s almost Thanksgiving…and you’re the main course. But Turkey has an idea—what if he doesn’t look like a turkey? What if he looks like another animal instead?After many hilarious attempts, Turkey comes up with the perfect disguise to make this Thanksgiving the best ever!Wendi Silvano’s comical story is perfectly matched by Lee Harper’s watercolors.

All the World


Liz Garton Scanlon - 2009
     It is there. It is everywhere. All the world is right where you are. Now. Following a circle of family and friends through the course of a day from morning till night, this book affirms the importance of all things great and small in our world, from the tiniest shell on the beach, to warm family connections, to the widest sunset sky

Spoon


Amy Krouse Rosenthal - 2009
    He's always been a happy little utensil. But lately, he feels like life as a spoon just isn't cutting it. He thinks Fork, Knife, and The Chopsticks all have it so much better than him. But do they? And what do they think about Spoon? A book for all ages, Spoon serves as a gentle reminder to celebrate what makes us each special.

In Our Mothers' House


Patricia Polacco - 2009
    In their beautiful house, they cook dinner together, they laugh together, and they dance together. But some of the other families don't accept them. They say they are different. How can a family have two moms and no dad? But Marmee and Meema's house is full of love. And they teach their children that different doesn't mean wrong. And no matter how many moms or dads they have, they are everything a family is meant to be. Here is a true Polacco story of a family, living by their own rules, and the strength they gain by the love they feel.

Rhyming Dust Bunnies


Jan Thomas - 2009
    Well, except for Bob. Much to the other bunnies’ frustration, Bob can never get the rhythm right. Then he saves everyone from a big, scary monster wielding—gasp!—a broom, and they all breathe a sigh of relief. But can Bob save them from the big, scary monster’s next attack? Vrrrrrroooommm . . .

Tell Me a Dragon


Jackie Morris - 2009
    They range from a dragon as big as a village to a tiny dragon with whisper-thin wings, from a snaggle-toothed dragon to a sea-dragon which races dolphins on the waves - ending in a page inhabited by every dragon in the book!

Silly Tilly


Eileen Spinelli - 2009
    She takes her baths in apple juice. She wears a pancake as a hat. She tries to ride the farmer’s cat."But the barnyard animals complain that she’s too silly. When she stops entertaining her friends with her antics, the farm becomes a quiet and unhappy place. David Slonim’s acrylic, pencil, and ballpoint pen illustrations add to the hilarity in this story about a one-of-a-kind silly goose.

The Lion and the Mouse


Jerry Pinkney - 2009
    After a ferocious lion spares a cowering mouse that he'd planned to eat, the mouse later comes to his rescue, freeing him from a poacher's trap. With vivid depictions of the landscape of the African Serengeti and expressively-drawn characters, Pinkney makes this a truly special retelling, and his stunning pictures speak volumes.

Eleanor, Quiet No More: The Life of Eleanor Roosevelt


Doreen Rappaport - 2009
    Alone and lonely for much of her childhood, Eleanor found solace in books and in the life of her lively and independent mind. Her intellectual gifts and compassionate heart won her the admiration of many friends—and the love of her future husband, Franklin Delano Roosevelt. While other young women of her class were spending time at dances and parties, Eleanor devoted her energies to teaching children in New York City's poorest neighborhoods. Later, she became the most socially and politically active—and controversial—First Lady America had ever seen. Ambassador, activist, and champion of civil rights, Eleanor Roosevelt changed the soul of America forever.In her eloquent prose, Doreen Rappaport captures the essence of Eleanor's character and the deep significance of her legacy. With beautiful paintings by Gary Kelley and selections from Eleanor's own writings, Eleanor's Big Words is an extraordinary tribute to an extraordinary American.

Blueberry Girl


Neil Gaiman - 2009
    . .A much-loved baby grows into a young woman: brave, adventurous, and lucky. Exploring, traveling, bathed in sunshine, surrounded by the wonders of the world. What every new parent or parent-to-be dreams of for her child, what every girl dreams of for herself.Let me go places that we've never been, trust and delight in her youth.Nationally bestselling author Neil Gaiman wrote Blueberry Girl for a friend who was about to become the mother of a little girl. Here, he and beloved illustrator Charles Vess turn this deeply personal wish for a new daughter into a book that celebrates the glory of growing up: a perfect gift for girls embarking on all the journeys of life, for their parents, and for everyone who loves them.Give her all these and a little bit more, gifts for a blueberry girl.

Our Children Can Soar: A Celebration of Rosa, Barack, and the Pioneers of Change


Michelle CookE.B. Lewis - 2009
    It symbolically takes the reader through the cumulative story of the US Civil Rights Movement, showing how select pioneers' achievements led up to this landmark moment, when we have elected our first black President.Each historical figure is rendered by a different award-winning African-American children's book illustrator, representing the singular and vibrant contribution that each figure made.Lending historical substance, the back matter includes brief biographies of: George Washington Carver, Jesse Owens, Hattie McDaniel, Ella Fitzgerald, Jackie Robinson, Rosa Parks, Ruby Bridges, Thurgood Marshall, Martin Luther King Jr., Barack Obama.

My Name Is Sangoel


Karen Lynn Williams - 2009
    Leaving behind his homeland of Sudan, where his father died in the war, he has little to call his own other than his name, a Dinka name handed down proudly from his father and grandfather before him / When Sangoel and his mother and sister arrive in the United States, everything seems very strange and unlike home. In this busy, noisy place, with its escalators and television sets and traffic and snow, Sangoel quietly endures the fact that no one can pronounce his name. Lonely and homesick, he finally comes up with an ingenious solution to this problem, and in the process he at last begins to feel at home.

Duck! Rabbit!


Amy Krouse Rosenthal - 2009
    • A fun story based on the classic duck/rabbit visual puzzle• Book teaches a lesson on right versus wrong and differing points of view • Written by Amy Krouse Rosenthal, the award-winning author of Little Pea, Little Hoot, and Little Oink; and illustrated by Tom Lichtenheld, creator of children's books including Everything I Know About PiratesFans of Red is Best, The Perfect Pet, and In My Opinion will love solving the eternal visual puzzle in Duck! Rabbit!★ "The snappy dialogue makes for fine read-aloud. Duck? Rabbit? As kids will readily see, it depends on how you look at it." — Publishers Weekly, starred review• Fun, interactive family read aloud book• Books for kids ages 3 and up• Picture books for preschool, kindergarten, and elementary students

Redwoods


Jason Chin - 2009
    As he reads the information unfolds, and with each new bit of knowledge, he travels--all the way to California to climb into the Redwood canopy. Crammed with interesting and accurate information about these great natural wonders, Jason Chin's first book is innovative nonfiction set within a strong and beautiful picture storybook.

Testing the Ice: A True Story About Jackie Robinson


Sharon Robinson - 2009
    The neighborhood children join the Robinson kids for swimming and boating. But oddly, Jackie never goes near the water. In a dramatic episode that first winter, the children beg to go ice skating on the lake. Jackie says they can go--but only after he tests the ice to make sure it's safe. The children prod and push to get Jackie outside, until hesitantly, he finally goes. Like a blind man with a stick, (contd.)

Skippyjon Jones Lost in Spice


Judy Schachner - 2009
    Buckle up, amigos— everyone’s favorite kitty boy is about to lift off. You’ll want to be there when the brave Skippito gets lost in spice!That’s right, spice. Skippy knows— from his big ears to his toes—that the planet Mars is red because it’s covered in spicy red pepper. To prove it, he’s off on a space jaunt replete with craters, crazies, and creatures from Mars. His new adventure is packed with witty wordplay, Spanish phrases, and Judy Schachner’s trademark hilarity. This rollicking romp is simply out of this world.Watch a Video

Sleep, Big Bear, Sleep!


Maureen Wright - 2009
    He thinks Old Man Winter has told him to drive a jeep, to sweep, and to leap. Big Bear just can’t seem to hear what Old Man Winter is saying. Finally, Old Man Winter finds a noisy way to get Big Bear’s attention. Cozy illustrations rendered in pencil and mixed media by Will Hillenbrand bring this bedtime story to a fitting conclusion.

The Rabbit Problem


Emily Gravett - 2009
    Hop along to the Field and follow Lonely and Chalk Rabbit through a year as they try to cope with their fast expanding brood and handle a different seasonal challenge each month, from the cold of February to the wet of April and the heat of July.

Sonia Sotomayor: A Judge Grows in the Bronx/La juez que creció en el Bronx


Jonah Winter - 2009
    Justice Sotomayor didn't have a lot growing up, but she had what she needed -- her mother's love, a will to learn, and her own determination. With bravery she became the person she wanted to be. With hard work she succeeded. With little sunlight and only a modest plot from which to grow, Justice Sotomayor bloomed for the whole world to see. Antes de que la magistrada de la Corte Suprema Sonia Sotomayor llegara al máximo tribunal de nuestra nación, no era más que una niñita en el South Bronx. La magistrada Sotomayor no tuvo mucho durante sus primeros años, pero sí tuvo lo que contaba -- el amor de su madre, la voluntad de aprender y su propia determinación. Con valentía se hizo la persona que quería ser. Con trabajo arduo triunfó. Con un poquito de sol en un solarcito donde crecer, la magistrada Sotomayor floreció para que todo el mundo la vea.

Missing Mommy: A Book About Bereavement


Rebecca Cobb - 2009
    I am not sure where she has gone.Honest and straightforward, this touching story explores the many emotions a bereaved child may experience, from anger and guilt to sadness and bewilderment. Ultimately, Missing Mommy focuses on the positive—the recognition that the child is not alone but still part of a family that loves and supports him.

Alphabeasties and Other Amazing Types


Sharon Werner - 2009
    It's a dazzling package of language arts, design smarts, humor, and fascinating nonfiction content. It's alpha-mazing!

Ladybug Girl and Bumblebee Boy


David Soman - 2009
    Sam likes Diggers, while Lulu thinks Monkeys is the best game. Sam suggests playing under the castle, but Lulu knows that the top is the most fun. They just can't agree! And then Lulu asks, "Have you ever played Ladybug Girl?" As Ladybug Girl and Bumblebee Boy, Lulu and Sam save the playground from hairy monsters and big mean robots, and have their very own parade on the bouncy dinosaurs. They figure out that when they work together, they can create fun games that they both like to play.

The I LOVE YOU Book


Todd Parr - 2009
    Most of all, I love you just the way you are. In this colorful picture book, Todd Parr explores the meaning of unconditional love in a heartfelt, playful way. Perfect for Valentine's Day and beyond, Parents and caregivers are sure to be inspired by Todd's vibrant illustrations and tender sentiments, and will enjoy sharing this very special book with the little ones they love.

Mama Says: A Book of Love for Mothers and Sons


Rob D. Walker - 2009
    Written in rhyming text, this is a "must have" for every family.Gentle, but powerful life lessons spoken to a child, delivered with a mother's immutable love. Stunning illustrations will leave readers breathless and deeply moved. Never heavy-handed, Mama Says teaches the universal importance of kindness, sharing, diligence, and faith, along with the importance of courage and a willingness to always try your best. Here is the perfect gift book for any mother--as a baby gift, a holiday gift, a birthday gift, a Mother's Day gift, or just as a way to say "I love you."

The Composer Is Dead


Lemony Snicket - 2009
    Where exactly were the violins on the night in question? Did anyone see the harp? Is the trumpet protesting a bit too boisterously?In this perplexing murder mystery, everyone seems to have a motive, everyone has an alibi, and nearly everyone is a musical instrument. But the composer is still dead.Perhaps you can solve the crime yourself. Join the Inspector as he interrogates all the unusual suspects. Then listen to the accompanying audio recording featuring Lemony Snicket and the music of Nathaniel Stookey performed by the San Francisco Symphony. Hear for yourself exactly what took place on that fateful, well-orchestrated evening.

The Scar


Charlotte Moundlic - 2009
    He shuts all the windows to keep in his mother’s familiar smell and scratches open the cut on his knee to remember her comforting voice. He doesn’t know how to speak to his dad anymore, and when Grandma visits and throws open the windows, it’s more than the boy can take—until his grandmother shows him another way to feel that his mom’s love is near. With tenderness, touches of humor, and unflinching emotional truth, Charlotte Moundlic captures the loneliness of grief through the eyes of a child, rendered with sympathy and charm in Olivier Tallec’s expressive illustrations.

Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed


Mo Willems - 2009
    But what will happen when Grandpah, the oldest, wisest, and most naked Naked Mole Rat ever discovers Wilbur's secret?Funnyman and three-time Caldecott Honoree Mo Willems exposes the naked truth about being yourself and wearing it well.

Wanted: The Perfect Pet


Fiona Roberton - 2009
    What Henry wanted more than anything in the whole wide world . . . MORE than chips . . . MORE than a cowboy costume . . . MORE than an all-expenses-paid trip to the moon . . . was a DOG.A lovable tale of adventure and friendship . . . and the lengths some will go to find it.

Nasreen's Secret School: A True Story from Afghanistan


Jeanette Winter - 2009
    In despair, her grandmother risks everything to enroll Nasreen in a secret school for girls. Will a devoted teacher, a new friend, and the worlds she discovers in books be enough to draw Nasreen out of her shell of sadness? Based on a true story from Afghanistan, this inspiring book will touch readers deeply as it affirms both the life-changing power of education and the healing power of love.

Little Red Hood


Marjolaine Leray - 2009
    The wolf is still big and bad, but he also happens to be really, really dumb. Little Red Hood questions the wolf's personal hygiene before tricking her predator into his demise. This is one savvy little red hood.

A Soup Opera


Jim Gill - 2009
    The book is accompanied by a music cd of the opera being performed.

Mermaid Queen: The Spectacular True Story Of Annette Kellerman, Who Swam Her Way To Fame, Fortune & Swimsuit History!


Shana Corey - 2009
    A fun, feel-good, "underdog" story about a little-known female athlete whose derring-do transformed girls' sports.Are you brave enough to make a wave? If you love sports and people who aren't afraid to swim against the tide, Annette Kellerman and her freestyle approach to life will make your heart swell.With strokes of genius, Shana Corey and Edwin Fotheringham pool their talents to create a winning portrait of a little-known athlete, performer, and fashion revolutionary who broke records (and rules!) and dazzled the world with her splashy pluck and courage.

The Mitten


Jim Aylesworth - 2009
    So he sqe-e-e-e-zes inside. But he's not the only animal with that idea. How many animals can fit inside a little boy's mitten?Aylesworth's rollicking rhyming refrains and McClintock's delightfully expressive characters are sure to make this book every child's storytime favorite.

Shades of People


Shelley Rotner - 2009
    A perfect resource for starting conversations about race with young children, Shades of People celebrates the diversity of everyday life. This beautiful picture book and its board book edition, All Kinds of People, pair simple text and vibrant photographs to explore one of our most notable physical traits.At school, at the beach, and in the city, diverse groups of children invite young readers both to take notice and to look beyond the obvious. Combining lively action shots and candid portraits, Shelley Rotner's photographs showcase a wide variety of kids and families--many shades, and many bright smiles.For even younger readers, this title has also been adapted as a board book, All Kinds of People.An ALA Notable Book.

A Balloon for Isabel


Deborah Underwood - 2009
    Everyone will get one on Graduation Day—everyone except the porcupines, because Porcupines + Balloons = TroubleBut Isabel isn't going to settle for another boring bookmark. She has a plan. . . .

What's in the Witch's Kitchen?


Nick Sharratt - 2009
    Peek inside a witch’s kitchen, and you’ll either smile or shriek! Cool two-way flaps offer humor and heebie-jeebies in this neon-bright novelty book.Those who dare to poke around in a witch’s kitchen should be prepared for what they find! Will it be tasty treats or terrifying beasts? Foods that delight, or a nasty fright? A nice way to fill your belly or something disgusting and smelly? And who do you think will pop up if you try to escape through the back door? Nick Sharratt’s bold illustrations combine with a clever concept sure to lure kids in for a tour that will scare them silly.

How Do Dinosaurs Say I Love You?


Jane Yolen - 2009
    Even when little dinosaurs are naughty, it's important to remind them that no matter what they do, they are always loved. In this book, readers will laugh aloud as parents cope with the typical antics of childhood, but in the end, hugs and kisses show your little one how much you care.

Leon and the Place Between. Angela McAllister, Grahame Baker-Smith


Grahame Baker-Smith - 2009
    Filled with rabbits, doves, playing cards and magician's assistants - among other things - if a magician can make it disappear, it will end up in the Place Between.

Flip, Flap, Fly!: A Book for Babies Everywhere


Phyllis Root - 2009
    But what these babies like best, of course, is spotting other baby animals! With the buoyant rhythms of Phyllis Root and David Walker’s cheerful illustrations, here is a guaranteed favorite for babies and toddlers, who will love shouting out the rhyming word sure to come on the next spread.

Are You A Horse?


Andy Rash - 2009
    Find a horse.2. Enjoy the ride!But there's a problem; Roy doesn't know what a horse IS! So he sets off to find out with hilarious results: A snake tells him to look for a creature with legs. A crab has six legs, but he's too unfriendly to be a horse. A chameleon smiles at Roy, but horses don't change color... What's a horseless cowboy to do?

There was an old lady who swallowed a fly


Jeremy Holmes - 2009
    Do you know what happened to her? Of course you do! But with his distinct art style and a clever format, acclaimed graphic designer Jeremy Holmes has given the universal rhyme a unique makeover that is clever, funny, and unexpected.

Wag!


Patrick McDonnell - 2009
    But Mooch, Earl's best friend, knows what all of these things have in common: love is what makes Earl's tail wag. Patrick McDonnell, creator of the nationally syndicated comic strip, Mutts, pays an incredibly sweet tribute to his dog in a tale of wiggling and waggling, fwipping and fwapping...and every dog's secret to the joy of life.

Otis


Loren Long - 2009
    Otis is a special tractor. He loves his farmer and he loves to work. And he loves the little calf in the next stall, whom he purrs to sleep with his soft motor. In fact, the two become great friends: they play in the fields, leap hay bales, and play ring-around-the-rosy by Mud Pond.But when Otis is replaced with the big yellow tractor, he is cast away behind the barn, unused, unnoticed . . . until the little calf gets stuck in Mud Pond. Then there is only one tractor—and it’s not big or yellow—who can come to the rescue. It is little old Otis who saves his friend. It is Otis who saves the day.In a wonderful new palette, and in the tradition of classics like Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel and The Story of Ferdinand, Loren Long has crafted an unforgettable new story—and character—celebrating the power of friendship and perseverance.

I Know the River Loves Me/Yo se que el rio me ama


Maya Christina González - 2009
    It cools her when the summer sun is too hot and holds her up when she dives in. It keeps her company in the quiet of winter. The river takes care of Maya and Maya takes care of the river. In this charming story about the wonders of nature presented in both English and Spanish, Maya Christina Gonzalez uses her remarkable talents as an artist and storyteller to inspire young readers to explore and protect the natural world around them."

Monkey with a Tool Belt and the Noisy Problem


Chris Monroe - 2009
    . . a noisy problem. He wants to fix it. BUT HE CAN'T FIND IT! What's a monkey to do? Use his tools, of course. With his tool belt, Chico can do anything!

Fancy Nancy: Explorer Extraordinaire!


Jane O'Connor - 2009
    Fancy Nancy and her best friend, Bree, set out to explore the fascinating world of wildflowers, trees, leaves, birds, and, of course, butterflies in their exclusively glamorous Explorers' Club.With recipes for pinecone bird feeders and extra-fancy lemonade, an official club bird, and an exclusive map of the territory, this popular book shows Fancy Nancy as one explorer extraordinaire!Take a look at Nancy's very own enlightening discoveries and find out just how fancy the outdoors can be!

It's Springtime, Mr. Squirrel


Sebastian Meschenmoser - 2009
    Squirrel’s friend, the hedgehog, catches sight of an attractive lady hedgehog, he isn’t sure what to do to win her heart. What a stroke of luck that he has a friend like Mr. Squirrel, who can help him.Mr. Squirrel knows all about love, and what ladies like. Lady hedgehogs like heroes! But can Mr. Squirrel and the hedgehog conquer the most dangerous animal in the forest?

Babysitting Sugarpaw (Mom's Choice Silver Award-winner)


VS Grenier - 2009
    As the story unfolders SugarPaw learns about honesty and friendship, in this fun loving story. Babysitting SugarPaw, with its child-centered plot on getting to know others, is the perfect book for little ones scared of being left alone with a babysitter for the first time. This book will delight three-to-eight-year-old readers, especially those who like to create mischief.

The Octonauts and the Great Ghost Reef


Meomi - 2009
    I have to say, they just keep getting better and better, and the newest, The Octonauts & the Great Ghost Reef is probably my favorite yet. Not only are the illustrations so cute I want to hang them on my walls, but the story is great, and it's educational... Every page is filled with the cutest illustrations, featuring Meomi's signature characters!" – Tokyo Bunnie"The eight cuddly underwater explorers from The Octonauts and the Sea of Shade (2007) take a vacation to the Great Reef City only to discover the wondrous reef ecosystem has become bereft of both life and color. They learn that coral is actually made up of thousands of little creatures, and the buildings built on top of the reef have strangled them of sunlight. Even if children don’t quite respond to the gentle socio-environmental message of learning to live in harmony with one’s surroundings, the anime-inspired artwork and oodles of minute details bubbling around each page will have them deeply immersed in the fantastical undersea world." -American Library Association, BooklistThis is the original book series that launched the animated TV show, which is now popular worldwide and broadcast on the Disney Channel in the USA. Discover the creative and fun stories where it all began!In their fourth adventure, the Octonauts travel to a large reef city where they discover this bustling destination has turned into a ghost town! The once colorful coral has turned an eerie white and homes lay empty. So the crew visit different reef 'neighborhoods' from mangrove  forests to seagrass meadows, searching for clues. Can they solve the mystery of the great ghost reef?“For many here at COLOURlovers, the illustrations and color compositions found in this brilliant series have continually been a source of inspiration, and The Octonauts and the Great Ghost Reef is no exception.” – Colour Lovers“The illustrations are delightful and a host of reef dwellers are beautifully presented, as other reef neighbourhoods are also explored. Despite this being designated a picture book for children 4-8, The Octonauts & the Great Ghost Reef is another fine example of top quality illustration that makes a fine book for anyone of any age to pore over.” - ArtMoCo"Kids should be drawn in by the zippy graphics and comprehend the message about conservation." - Publishers Weekly“The Octonauts are Diesel Oakland's favorite team of underwater animal explorers. Cute, colorful, imaginative, and action-packed, their exploits appear in four volumes...Their mission? To investigate the mysteries of the deep and to help their fellow creatures. Kids will love the fact that The Octonauts have their own unique personalities, a deep sea workstation in which they live and play, and jobs just like real scientist-explorers. Adults will appreciate the cool graphics and quirky humor. And both will look forward to the vibrant illustrations and little visual details that make each adventure worth returning to again and again.” - Colin Waters, Diesel Bookstore, Oakland, CA

Ferocious Wild Beasts!


Christopher Wormell - 2009
    . .But then they hear a terrible roar . . . Who can it be?Award-winning author-illustrator Chris Wormell’s charming illustrations and delightfully clever text combine to make for perfect bedtime reading.

Mother Goose in California


Doug Hansen - 2009
    Mary, Mary, quite contrary, is a Sierra Nevada Red Fox gathering flowers in a mission garden. And the prolific California Quail is the old woman who lives in a shoe. Celebrate California's native plants, animals, and historic places in this creative adaptation of the Mother Goose rhymes!

Millie's Marvellous Hat


Satoshi Kitamura - 2009
    But the shopkeeper has an idea. He produces a box containing an amazing hat with the most perfect shape and color imaginable--if Millie dares to imagine it. Millie does dare, and soon she sees not only her own marvellous hat, but everyone else's hats as well.

The Pirate-Cruncher


Jonny Duddle - 2009
    Captain Purplebeard and his crew of cut-throat pirates are off to find an island packed with treasure! But could their greed be leading them into some monstrously big trouble?

A Walk in New York


Salvatore Rubbino - 2009
    In this unabashed ode to America’s biggest city, Salvatore Rubbino’s fresh, lively paintings and breezy text capture the delight of a young visitor experiencing the wonders of New York firsthand.

The Klezmer Bunch


Amalia Hoffman - 2009
    What s the best way for traveling musicians to schlep their instruments to a wedding in a faraway village? Why, in an old baby carriage, of course! But when the mischievous carriage takes off by itself and rolls from village to village, oy vey, oy vey, only a sweet klezmer song can save the day.

Tabby McTat


Julia Donaldson - 2009
    He loves his life with Fred, singing along as people throw coins in their hat. Then one day, Fred has an accident, and the two are separated. How will they ever find each other again?

Elliott


Tobin Sprout - 2009
    Tobin Sprout's powerful and imaginative artwork tell an entertaining and unique tale of a magical rabbit who must take a leap from the safety of his magic hat to make a new life for himself.

Morris the Mankiest Monster


Giles Andreae - 2009
    and completely disgusting!Kids will absolutely LOVE him.

Who's Your Greatest Hero?: A Book of Mormon Story Applied to Children


David Bowman - 2009
    It is a great reference for family scripture study, talks, and family night activities. Who s Your Greatest Hero? is the ideal book for teaching Primary- aged children about Christ in the New World and how they can try to be like Jesus today.

Eliza's Field of Faith


Rachel Castor - 2009
    Based on a true story about Utah pioneers Canute and Sarah Ann Peterson, who were called to settle the area now known as Lehi, Utah.

Faith


Maya Ajmera - 2009
    With stunning photographs from many cultures and religious traditions, Faith celebrates the ways in which people worship around the globe . Thematically organized back matter gives additional information on common expressions of faith, and a glossary describes particular religions and elements of faith depicted in the book.A portion of the proceeds from the sales of this book helps support The Global Fund for Children’s grantmaking to community-based projects serving vulnerable children around the world.

The Gophers in Farmer Burrows' Field


Mike Boldt - 2009
    From then on, Farmer Burrows fields become extraordinary when the resident gophers begin stacking everything. The cows, chickens and even the tractors are stacked high into the sky, one on top of the other. This proves to be not only a strange sight to see, but a tricky situation for Farmer Burrows. Find out how Farmer Burrows deals with the stacking gophers and makes the most of his gopher problem.

Julie Morstad ABC


Julie Morstad - 2009
    This gorgeous set of flash cards makes the process easier, and fun for both parent and child. These big, brightly colored, sturdy cards, featuring funny animals, intriguing characters, and objects both familiar and new, are perfect for grasping in small hands. Julie Morstad ABC makes this first, fundamental step in the reading process an enjoyable one, and proves a unique addition to a diverse collection of art.

The Saving Name of God the Son


Jean Ann Sharpe - 2009
    The first title in a set of three board books on the Blessed Trinity and first work in the Teaching the Language of the Faith Series, this full-color book focuses on the invocations and titles of Christ. Drawing from the rich treasure of biblical language and doctrinal understanding of our Catholic Faith, and using the luminous art of Fra Angelico, the life of our Lord is depicted from conception to the promise of his final return. Lavishly Illustrated.

The Legend of Lyla the Lovesick Ladybug


Joe Troiano - 2009
     These roses were growing for Valentine's Day, so people in love could give them away. Sitting alone watching the other ladybugs celebrate Valentine's Day, Lyla decides to find out what this thing called love is really about. On her journey, she makes some new friends, misses one very special old friend, and finally discovers for herself the true power of love.

The Listeners


Gloria Whelan - 2009
    She is a slave. It’s dark in the morning when Ella May heads to the fields to pick cotton. And it’s sunset when she comes home. But her day isn’t done, not yet. Ella May still has important work to do. She’s got to listen.Each night Ella May and her friends secretly listen outside the windows of their master’s house. The children listen in the hopes of gleaning information about their fates and those of their loved ones. Who will be sold? Who will stay?The lives of slaves depended on the inclinations of their owners. They had no control over their daily lives or futures. But they could dream. And when the promise of freedom appears on the horizon, the children are the first to hear it.Book Details: Format: Hardcover Publication Date: 9/8/2009 Pages: 40 Reading Level: Age 6 and Up

The Wrong Book


Nick Bland - 2009
    Ages: 4+

Karate Pig


Alan Katz - 2009
    Readers will laugh out loud as they read this novelty book with pull-tabs, die-cut pages and a gatefold flap.

The Belly Button Fairy


Bobbie Hinman - 2009
    She is responsible for making sure that every child has a belly button, and that its’ always in the middle.

Farmyard Tales ~ Brer Rabbit Down the Well


Louie Stowell - 2009
    When Brer Fox tricks Brer Rabbit into falling down a well, he has to come up with a plan to get out mighty fast before the hunter comes!Usborne First Reading: Level Two

A Filth of Starlings: A Compilation of Bird and Aquatic Animal Group Names


Patrick George - 2009
    Nominated for the Kate Greenaway Award, this is an eye-poppingthat are powerful to the eye and the mind.

Joey Kanga Roo: First Day of School


Jose A. Torres - 2009
    Joey Kanga Roo reached the age of five years. All the kids at Roo Village are very excited. He goes with his mom, Mrs. Roo, to Roo-Mart to get all the school supplies that he needs. How will Joey's first day of school go?

Cat in the Clouds


Eric Pinder - 2009
    Then Nin begins his greatest journey yet--to the top of Mount Washington. Follow Nin to a land where the wind howls, snow swirls and wild bears roam. At the Mount Washington Observatory, Nin learns that the best friends--and a wonderful home--can be found anywhere, even high above the clouds.

Remember: A Seasonal Record


Nikki McClure - 2009
    Each section features an opening list page, where seasonal plans can be written down, along with gentle suggestions of such activities as identify mushrooms, build a fire, make ice cream, or share a secret swimming spot. Gardeners can note plants they're growing or planning to grow, students can keep track of coursework, foodies can jot down when their favorites are in season, and anyone can organize plans and favorite seasonal activities. Scattered amongst the pages are full-page re-creations of Nikki McClure's art, including old favorites and brand-new works. Considering its seasonal divisions and its open-to-interpretation blank pages, the journal can also be used by those who want to keep an annual diary.

Sleeping Beauty


Jim Talbot - 2009
    How big is your Littlest Pet Shop bookshelf? This 8x8 is a retelling of the classic story!This 8x8 paperback storybook is a retelling of the classic fairy tale-starring the Littlest Pet Shop pets!

Anholt Family Favourites: Going to Nursery


Laurence Anholt - 2009
    Tom is new too, and together they discover how much fun it can be! Young children and adults alike will enjoy sharing and talking about this much-loved classic picture book, with its delightful and amusing insight into the joys and trepidations of starting nursery.

My Dad Is My Hero: Tributes to the Men Who Gave Us Life, Love, and Driving Lessons


Susan ReynoldsC. Lynn Beck - 2009
    Fortunately, this book expresses those emotions for them. This endearing collection of stories about the everyday heroics of the contributors’ fathers, and father figures, will show Dad how much he means to his children. From the story of a fly fishing trip that bonded father and daughter to the one that saw a friend’s imposing father turn into the contributor’s own loving father-figure, this wonderful book brings together tales of heroic dads from all walks of life, and is a great way for his kids to show him how much they care. And it lets dads everywhere know that they don’t need to be daring to be heroic—that it can be the little things that mean the most to his kids.

Jonah's Story


Andrew McDonough - 2009
    Based on the book of Jonah, we read about how great God's love and belief in his people really is when he sends a reluctant prophet to work with the nastiest crowd of people around!

Sunshine and Showers: a Flower Fairies Handbook: A Flower Fairies Handbook


Cicely Mary Barker - 2009
    The perfect flower fairy handbook for all seasons! How do the Flower Fairies prepare for spring? What special events do the Fairies hold in the winter months? This helpful handbook, divided into seasons, offers tips, sayings and notes for the various times of the year and features over 105 flower fairies.

Ready, Set, Go! (Disney Pixar Cars)


Annie Auerbach - 2009
    Every spread features tracks that go left to right, each with a car that kids can move. Once the vehicle is zoomed to the end of its track, the one on the next page is automatically set at the beginning of its track. Plus, each new page takes readers to a different part of Radiator Springs

Big, Bigger, Biggest!


Nancy Coffelt - 2009
    What about a whale? Gigantic? Immense? How about enormous! What if you had to find a word for the biggest animal of them all—a dinosaur. Mammoth? Humongous? Colossal!With its bright pictures of animals in all shapes and sizes, this terrific read-aloud introduces young children to the language of comparisons, synonyms, and antonyms.

The Malagawatch Mice And The Cat Who Discovered America


Caroline Stellings - 2009
    A stray cat with a mysterious past has taken up residence in the Malagawtch church and seems determined to make life difficult for the mice who fought so hard to maintain their home there.Yet there is something familiar about the look of this cat, and Grandpa is determined to find out what it is. He journeys to visit a community of Mi’kmaw mice in nearby Eskasoni and learns a centuries-old legend about a cat who came aboard one of the earliest European ships to visit the Atlantic coast. Could the Malagawatch stray be a descendant?Caroline Stellings’s delightful story is beautifully illustrated by her trademark watercolours. This is a chapter book for young readers and for those who like to read to them.

Classic Stories for Little Children


Susanna Davidson - 2009
    The railway children / retold by Susanna Davidson -- The Wizard of Oz / retold by Rosie Dickins -- The secret garden / retold by Susanna Davidson -- The wind in the Willows / retold by Lesley Sims -- The story of Heidi / retold by Susanna Davidson

Quincy Finds a New Home


Camille Matthews - 2009
    With the help of a new friend Quincy conquers his fears of a new place, feeling different, and unknown expectations.

The Pirate Koostoe


Michael Scotto - 2009
    Young Koostoe is a little Midlandian with a big dream: he wants to be a pirate! While things don't work out as planned, Koostoe discovers that he doesn't have to be a pirate to find treasure all around him.

Periwinkle Smith and the Twirly, Whirly Tutu


John & Wendy - 2009
    Periwinkle Smith loves to jump, twirl, and pirouette, but then the unthinkable happens - she spills paint on her favorite tutu! And who could dance with paint on her tutu? From scaring the spot away to turning her tutu into a kite, children will love the creative ways in which Periwinkle tries first to remove and then to make the best of the stain.

One Giant Leap


Robert Burleigh - 2009
    To commemorate the 40th anniversary of this extraordinary moment in human history, Robert Burleigh and Mike Wimmer have created a breathtakingly beautiful tribute that transports readers to the stars, where they will experience the moon landing just as Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin did.

Nicholas, That's Ridiculous!: A Story About Being a Boy


Christa Carpenter - 2009
    After reprimanding him on his behavior at least 30 times a day, Nicholas’ mom finally comes to realize that he isn't being ridiculous—he’s just being a boy. A book talk section designed to help engage children in discussion, imagination, and perception is also included. Winner of the Silver Medal in the Florida Publishers Association, Children's Picture Book category; Best Illustrator in the 2009 Moonbeam Children's Book Awards; Honorable Mention in the 2010 Eric Hoffer Awards; and the Silver Medal in the 2010 Independent Publisher Book Awards.

Weighty Words, Too


Paul M. Levitt - 2009
    As with the earlier Weighty Word Book, the stories, often fanciful, help young readers build their vocabularies.Hibernate tells the tale of Nathaniel, a very energetic Canadian bear, who plays in the snow with the other bears. Soon all the bears tire and want to sleep, with the exception of Nate. He's hyper, one grizzly bear observes. If it's winter sleep you want, advises Nathaniel, then I suggest you do the opposite from me, hyper Nate. So, whenever animals sleep through the winter, think of hyper Nate, and you will remember the word HIBERNATE.

First Ballet


Deanna Caswell - 2009
    In this beautiful picture book, Deanna Caswell and Elizabeth Matthews conspire to recreate all the joy and wonder of the first theatrical experience, for children to relive again and again.

Let's Do Nothing!


Tony Fucile - 2009
    What's left to do? Nothing! Ten seconds of nothing! Can they do it? Can they act like stone statues in the park? Can they simply hold their breath and not blink an eye? With a wink to the reader and a command of visual humor, feature film animator Tony Fucile demonstrates the Zen-like art of doing nothing...oops! Couldn't do it!

Ernest, the Moose Who Doesn't Fit


Catherine Rayner - 2009
    He is so big he can't fit inside his book! Luckily, Ernest is also a very determined moose, and he and his little chipmunk friend aren't going to give up easily. With some tape, odd bits of paper, and plenty of enthusiasm, the pair constructs an enormous gatefold page by themselves, and everything fits together in the end.