I loved "The House in the Night," also. The illustrations remind me of Wanda Gag ("ABC Bunny," "Millions of Cats"). A gorgeous book.

I just read Marushka's Egg for Easter. Here is my review:

Wow! I loved this book! I'm SO sad that there are no reviews of this little gem and no image of the gorgeous and unique illustrations. I really couldn't decide which I wanted to do more, read the story or stare at the pictures. It is one of those tales that truly transported me--a true fairytale, complete with kind, resourceful heroine, frightening and ugly Babba Yaga, a collection of sweet animal friends, and a "surprise" (though I guessed it!) happy ending brought about by our heroine's cunning. I am ordering a copy from Amazon so I have my very own before they all disappear!!!

(Eastern European fairytale/Easter)

This from a NY Times Article in 1994:
When "Marushka's Egg" is read on the White House lawn today, it will be the second Easter in a row for this lively Russian folk tale for children, written by Elsa Okon Real and illustrated by Joanna Wezyk, who also stages a puppet show to accompany the reading.

For Ms. Wezyk, a 28-year-old resident of Elizabeth, who left her family in Poland to arrive alone in the United States five years ago, the honor holds special meaning because "my strong desire to illustrate books brought me here," she said.

In 1989, she received a Master of Fine Arts degree from the Academy of Fine Arts in Cracow with a major in children's book art. But she said she was discouraged by the inferior paper and the insistence on black-and-white drawings in her native land.

"Marushka's Egg" revels in color. The vivid story (Macmillan, $14.95) features doll-like Marushka and her captor, Baba Yaga, a wily witch and probably the best-known character in East European folklore. Ms. Wezyk uses, she said, "memories of artwork I cherish from my childhood" in her festive -- indeed, more festive than scary -- depictions of Baba Yaga, whose forest house stands on chicken legs and who gets around in a flying mortar and pestle.

But whence the inspiration for the image of Marushka? Well, that's another story. Soon after arriving in Elizabeth, Ms. Wezyk worked as a nanny for the Harms family in East Brunswick, and the rosy-cheeked, golden-haired Marushka, who finally triumphs over Baba Yaga, was, she said, modeled after Chrissie Harms -- "the little girl I loved taking care of."

Chandra,

I loved The House in the Night

and I'm also enjoying the Betsy-Tacy books. Read 2 of the middle ones as a kid but am sorry I didn't know about the whole series.

I wanted to add a few books that I've read recently that really stood out.

First, is the 2009 Caldecott Medal winner - The House in the Night. It's really a gorgeous book and one that I think is destined to be a beloved classic. It's really wonderful when so deserving a book gets recognized like this!

Second, I'm a bit of a Fairy Tale nut and it seems one version of a fairy tale is never quite enough for me. I always love to see what different illustrators bring to a story. Anyway, one of my daughter's very favorite fairy tales is Hansel & Gretel. I think she enjoys that the children are the protagonists and I've enjoyed exploring the idea that appearances can be deceiving with her.

We started with the Caldecott Honor version illustrated by Paul O. Zelinsky. It is a very nice version with dark, ominous illustrations that fit perfectly with the story.

Then recently I discovered a very beautiful version retold beautifully by Cynthia Rylant and illustrated by Jen Corace. The telling is very poetic and meaningful and we really got a lot out of it. And, for me, the illustrations were just out of this world - I believe I described them in my review as Edward Gorey meets Japnonisme - a tad eerie, but very beautiful.

Finally, we just finished the version illustrated by one of my all time favorites - Susan Jeffers. Again, Jeffers brings something special to her artistic interpretation. I felt that her candy cottage was the most visually appealing and that she captured the poverty of the family the best.

I recommend all of these versions very highly!

And, I wanted to add that we've finally started Betsy-Tacy and so far it's been quite a success.

I think we'll be holding off on the Magic Treehouse for now, but I have ordered Betsy-Tacy to share with her - I've heard from several people that 5 is a good age to start as that is the age of the characters. I've also considered the Little House books as they were read to me when I was about 6 or 7.

No need to worry that we're in a rush though - we still adore picture books and read many of them several times a day and will continue to do so until she begs me to stop ;-) I like to think I'm pretty in tune to what she's interested in and I'm glad to put down something that I think isn't holding her attention. I do want reading to be a joyous experience - not a chore.

In response to the person who was looking for a books to read aloud with her five year old. I'm a children's librarian, I think it's a little early to fully appreciate Magic Tree House. There are some wonderful read aloud novels. Tales of Desperaux, Trumpet of the Swan and don't forget the original Winnie the Pooh. Amelia Bedilia is funny if she is high end. Many children love the Junie B. Jones books. But there are so many wonderful picture books, books that every child should be exposed to before starting Kindergarten. Don't rush through them. This is the one time in her life you can share them with her. I love anything by Robert Munch. They are always funny. The key is to get some idea what she is interested in and then find books that might interest her. I'm so glad you are sharing books with your daughter. It's the most wonderful gift to give a child.

Chandra wrote: "I've been curious about those Magic Tree House stories. I have a five year old and we are about to start trying honest too goodness chapter books after seeing that she seems to enjoy and absorb ad..."

Chandra, We LOVE the Magic Tree House books. The fact that they are historical or realistic fiction adds to the coolness factor. If you go online to the website, you can download a "passport" where he can collect the different stamps of the books as you red through them. I am assuming you are reading to her, the reading level is probably 2nd grade in my opinion. Some of them 3rd grade.

The Horrible Harry series is good, Cam Jansen, Animal Ark, A to Z Mysteries...I know I can think of more...Frog and Toad...

My daughter (7) loves the Rainbow Magic Fary books as "fluff" reading. She can finish one in about 30 min, but reading is reading! I'm not sure a boy would be as interested.

If you are looking for chapter books for her to start reading I would suggest the Breyer Horse series. They have short chapters with illustrations on every page. At bedtime my daughter would have to read one chapter to me from one of those books and then I would read a chapter from whatever chapter book I was reading aloud. She was ready to read these at 5, but that would vary greatly from child to child. My youngest, who is 5 now, would not be ready for them.

Chandra wrote: "I've been curious about those Magic Tree House stories. I have a five year old and we are about to start trying honest too goodness chapter books after seeing that she seems to enjoy and absorb ad..."

Hi Chandra! Glad to see you posting (hope I didn't miss any)

There is nothing in the Magic Tree House books that would overwhelm a 5 yo...ie not scary or too complicated. Most of the books are written at the 3rd Grade level.

A chapter-book series we liked is the Rainbow Fairies. Me hub and I took turns reading them and both my boy and girl liked them. Son was 5 at the time. (They make great bedtime reading as you can finish one in about a 1/2 hour) They are written generally at the 4th Grade level. Interest level, of course, is very wide on all of these series.

I've been curious about those Magic Tree House stories. I have a five year old and we are about to start trying honest too goodness chapter books after seeing that she seems to enjoy and absorb advanced picture books pretty well. We're going to start with Betsy-Tacy and I was also thinking about The Little House books. Do you recommend the Magic Treehouse for a 5 year old or should we wait a bit?

As for me my favorite recent picture books are:

Martina the Beautiful Cockroach - recommended by Kathryn and also an award winner! Highly recommended!

The Ballad of the Pirate Queens - for older children (8 to 12) Fun story, beautiful art!

Strega Nona - A classic Caldecott honor book. Very simple message with great illustrations!

Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type - just plain fun! Great read aloud.

The Secret Staircase - (part of Jill Barklem's Brambly Hedge series) This is possibly one of my very favorite finds of the month. Very reminiscent of Beatrix Potter. Author does a lot of research to include factual information about traditional rural celebrations.

The Little House - another classic Caldecott winner - HIGHLY recommended for artwork AND story!

A my name is Alice - a delightful alphabet book illustrated by Steven Kellogg.

A Frog Prince - a neat re-telling of the classic fairy tale with a twist and GORGEOUS illustrations.

Eastofoz wrote: "I have a 7 year old who is totally hooked on the Magic Tree House series by Mary Obsborne Pope. The stories are action packed and actually teach something about history, science, literature etc. ..."

My first graders love The Magic Tree House series also!

I have a 7 year old who is totally hooked on the Magic Tree House series by Mary Osborne Pope. The stories are action packed and actually teach something about history, science, literature etc. There are additional non-fiction books that accompany some of the stories for kids who want to learn more say about volcanoes, deep sea creatures, natural disasters etc.

A recent stand-out for me was
Amelia and Eleanor Go for a Ride Based on a True Story

I think this book is splendid!!! You really feel like, just for a few minutes, you get to go out for a lovely evening of fine dining, good conversation, and rousing adventure with two dear chums who also happen to be two of the most famous women in American history!!! It's just really warm and cozy but with a dash of daring! ;-> The historical note at the end is great. I wasn't at first sure what I felt about the B&W artwork, but I was charmed by the end. Selznick is pretty darn good as ...more I think this book is splendid!!! You really feel like, just for a few minutes, you get to go out for a lovely evening of fine dining, good conversation, and rousing adventure with two dear chums who also happen to be two of the most famous women in American history!!! It's just really warm and cozy but with a dash of daring! ;-> The historical note at the end is great. I wasn't at first sure what I felt about the B&W artwork, but I was charmed by the end. Selznick is pretty darn good as those of you who read "Hugo Cabret" know!

We've been really lucky lately and have run across some great books.

"Rabbit! Duck!" is sort of like "Not a box/stick". There's a drawing that sort of looks like a Rabbit, and sort of looks like a Duck. My son thinks it's hysterical.

We also loved Todd Parr's "The I Love You Book". It's sooo sweet.

Aw! If there are any pup lovers out there, my 14 month old LOVES MY PUP by Margaret O'Hair. I will admit I know the author personally, but I don't think my daughter cares about that. :) She just loves the book. She barks and barks and barks whenever we read it. (She hasn't figured out how to say dog yet.)

What's great about it is the text is really simple and fun to read (read: SHORT) and the pictures are HUGE. Perfect for her age.

I wish it were a board book but she lets me turn the pages for her.

So MY PUP for dog-lovers. Hoorah!

I think the book that has stood out to me the most recently was a cute unassuming little book called Susan Laughs. I actually got it as a kind of joke because we had Aunt Susan in town and she was with us at the library. Anyway, it turned out to be quite a neat little book that doesn't beat you over the head with its message of acceptance. Definitely recommended!

I wanted to bring these books to people's attention as I think they are really great at giving not only a glimpse into history (1930s NYC) but also into Jewish culture and religion. I enjoyed them and appreciated learning more about something I have always appreciated but never been part of myself.

What Zeesie Saw on Delancey Street

When Zaydeh Danced on Eldridge Street

I'd say they're for the older picture book readers as the stories are a bit longer and more complex.

We're reading "Coraline" free online. Sort of feeling rushed though, as they are supposed to be taking it down before the movie comes out.

Well, we've been on an absolute tear through Mo Willems... so I would heartily suggest any of his books: Pigeon, Elephant & Piggie especially

I just read "This is New York" ISBN 0789308843 by Miroslav Sasek- It's part of a picture book series and each book describes what to expect when you travel to a major city. Cities covered in the series are New York, Rome, London and Paris. It's just a wonderful book with beautiful illustrations on a vanilla paper that feels so sturdy and the way they used to make books. Very retro, bright, colorful, full of life not passe at all.

I just read This is New York - It's part of a picture book series and each book describes what to expect when you travel to a major city. Cities covered in the series are New York, Rome, London and Paris. It's just a wonderful book with beautiful illustrations on a vanilla paper that feels so sturdy and the way they used to make books.

I agree! Not a Box and Not a Stick are wonderful.

=========

We just read "Knuffle Bunny Too" last night. Definitely was a hit.

Kathryn, it is so cute! I just read it to some kindergartners and they were hysterical. The part they loved best was when the bunny pretends to be a fireman.

Michele, I absolutely love NOT A BOX!!! :-)

Milo's Hat Trick is a great book for all ages. My 3-yr old loves it and my 3rd grader enjoys listening when I read it. Lightening Thief by Rick Riordan is what his 3rd grade teacher is reading out loud right now. It appears to be a little advanced for individual reading but all the kids in the class are loving having it read. It has sparked great conversation and imaginary play. The Spiderwick Chronicals is a very animated read, and because of how short and how many books there are it is easy for the children to pick up one on their own. We are also starting him on the Whale on Stilts by M.T. Anderson.

I just read Not a Box and Not a Stick by Anotoinette Portis. I love them, and I gave them to a few of the at-risk second graders I work with, and they were completely absorbed.

I also read Milo's Hat Trick by Jon Agee. I laughed out loud. I have yet to test it with any of my students, though.

Just read Martina the Beautiful Cockroach: A Cuban Folktale
It was great! An unexpected treat. Luminous artwork and a fine "moral" to the story that is clever and sweet, not preachy. (The only thing I found weird was that the suitors for Martina the Beautiful Cockroach were NOT other cochroaches but lizards and pigs and such... but, hey, it is a fable!)

My 1.5 year daughter loves Little Leon series (Linne Bie). She's copying lots of little Leon action (brushing her own teeth, pretending reading) :-)

Brown Bear is a great book. I love that there is so much to talk about with children.

We're reading two newer books by Mo Willems: Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed, and Pigeon Wants a Puppy. Of the two I like the second book best.

Kim I mentioned this on another thread but "Brown Bear" by Bill Martin Jr.,and his others are great for a two-year-old.

Also, a good resource for read alouds for children is "The Read-aloud Handbook" (6th edition)by Jim Trelease.

Some of my favorite "Children's Novels" this year:

Larklight: A Rousing Tale of Dauntless Pluck in the Farthest Reaches of Space by Philip Reeve. A Victorian space-pirate adventure; what more could you want!? ;-p

The Penderwicks: A Summer Tale of Four Sisters, Two Rabbits, and a Very Interesting Boy by Jeanne Birdsall--lots of old-fashioned charm here. So beautiful! But also deals with some contemporary themes like divorce/parents remarrying. (The sequel, The Penderwicks on Gardam Street, is also pretty good but not as good as the first)

The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart--a great mystery/adventure with lots of puzzles to solve!

The Invention of Hugo Cabret Yes, worthy of all praise that has been heaped upon it!

Shelley wrote: "i love "Little Pea". It is one of my all time favorite books! It puts a smile on your and your children's faces!! (probably for most ages, too!!)"

I love that book, too! Also, check out Little Hoot by the same author. Poor little owl has to stay up late, and can't go to bed early like his friends...

Hi all, I just finished "The Book of the Dun Cow" by Walter Wangerin and just loved it. It's one of those that can cross many age groups. It's just wonderful. If you liked Tolkien or C.S. Lewis you will love this.
Another fun one that I discovered that's perfect for the intermediate crowd is
"The Bears Famous Invasion of Sicily" by Dino Buzatti. Lot's of quirky and fun illustrations throughout this chapter book.

Currently reading How to be a Perfect Person in Just 3 Days.

We've a little person in the house who has this 'perfectionist' streak :)

Terry: pirates are always fun! Always good to combine them with other great themes... I almost died laughing when I heard about the Vampirates series! Vampires and pirates, who knew? :)

We just finished A Pirate's Night Before Christmas and my first grader is yo-ho-hoing and using lots of new pirate terms. HIGHLY recommended. We're also posting a 12 Days of Christmas (changing year to age of child) on our blog: Scrub-a-Dub-Tub

PS - You can only get Where Are My Christmas presents at the publisher/author's site: http://www.sterlipublishing.com/

I recommend two books (based on 2 granddaughter opinions!). One, they loved the art on Lucy's Christmas, written by Donald Hall. The other is a book given to them by a friend called Where Are My Christmas Presents? by J.G. Rives. They both love it. Don't know where you can get either book, but those were their favorite two.

Try the "Regarding the" series by the Klise sisters. This is one of my favorite "new" series. For those kids who like books in an alternative type face (more like handwritten/printed), books that are in correspondence format with drawings, or who like puns--this series has all that and more. The kids think it's cool that the series is written and illustrated by sisters.

I love kids' books. Here are some of my favorite
picture books: For the youngest. Many are classic.

Have you Seen My Duckling by Nancy Tafuri

Rosie's Walk by Pat Hutchins humorously portrays a hen, unaware of the fox who follows her, foiling his attempts to catch her because of the obstacle course she's chosen for her walk.

The Story of Ferdinand by Munro Leaf -- the story of the peaceful bull who did not want to fight

Diane Siebert's poems about transportation -- Truck Song and Train Song.

Over the Steamy Swamp, by Paul Geraghty ( I will post my review of this out of print book after I post this. I love it.

GROWING VEGETABLE SOUP, by Lois Ehlert

You can see my reviews of most of these and more of my favorites on my web site, along with cover art. The page with my favorite picture books is
http://www.barbsbooks.com/pb.html

We've been reading biographies of popular "stars" like Miley Cyrus, Bindi Irwin, and Ashley Tisdale.

While I like the fact that the books keep kids reading, and are un-objectionable, they are pretty much twaddle.

I received Jack Hanna's book as an ARC by the way, and while it's not a book I would go out of my way to purchase for my own home shelves, it's a book that I WOULD buy for a gift. Very attractive and colorful. Lots of stunning pictures. For the 5 to 9 age range.

It comes with a "passport" and stickers. (I loath stickers but these are alright ;)

pam @ booksforkids-reviews.com

Just read "Lester Fizz, Bubble gum artist" and it was very cute. Lester's family are take-offs of famous artists and only he hasn't found his inner genius. Until he discovers his talent with gum...

Umberto, I WANTED to LOVE Horns and Wrinkles. I loved the cover picture and the idea of "rivery" magic. But for some reason, it just never completely pulled me in. Read my review here.

I'll definitely have to add The Witches of Dredmoore Hollow to my to-read list. Thanks for the recommendation. Sounds interesting!

Jill, I love Inkheart! The sequel is Inkspell, which I didn't like quite as much as Inkheart. Still, it was worth reading. The US version of the third in the series, Inkdeath, was just recently published. I'm currently reading it, but haven't read enough to form any opinions yet.

I enjoyed all of the "book love" in Inkheart - such as the bookbinder father and the book characters who are literally "read" out of their books into our world. In Inkspell and Inkdeath, I love the idea of being able to jump into a book and experience that world!

For tweens who love Harry Potter, I recommend the series: Ink Heart. I beleive the author is Cornelia Funke. I am reading the first book right now and it is spellbinding. This book will soon be a major motion picture.
My granddaughter was reading Ink Heart in the 5th grade.

Two recent recommendations for parents like me who have Potter-addicted tweens:
1) The Witches of Dredmoore Hollow by Riford McKenzie
2) Horns & Wrinkles by Joseph Helgerson

Both are more folksy and quirky, plenty of magic & adventure, and humorous. All things that make my kids want to read read read.

Hi,
I am a children's author who enjoys reading children's and young adult books.
I will give a short list of favorite books, I have read recently.
A Tale of Despereaux: I finished it last night.
This is a tale of bravery. There are some scary parts. There is also a girl who is abused, and hit in the ears so much, she becomes deaf.
Boy books: Pirateology--I recommend this book for boys from 7-12. If you aren't sure, find it at the library. This book teaches a boy everything he needs to learn in order to be a pirate hunter, such as knots, flags and maps. It also has stories of notorious prirates and how they met their fate.
Diary of a Wimpy Kid--I think younger boys could handle this, but it is written in the voice of a 7th grader.
Magic Shop Books, by Bruce Coville--the one I read was The Monster Ring. The ring allows the boy to turn into a monster.
The Castle in the attic--This is suitable for younger children and would be a great read together book. It may have a few scary parts, but not too scary.
_________________________________________________
Books by Andrew Clements are good for boys or girls--check the age recommendations.
Also, Five Children and It is a fun read-together book for boys and girls. And try the magical books of Edward Eager: Half Magic, Magic by the Lake, The Well Wishes etc.
_________________________________________________
Fun girls books: Fancy Nancy, Fairy Haven, The Princess Test; by Gail Carson Levine
The American Girl Books, No Flying in the House; by Betty Brock, and Harriet the Spy; by Louise Fitzhugh
You can read my reviews on Amazon.com,(I have about 90 reviews) and a few on Goodreads.

Just read a book in the Mouse and Mole series. M&M is sort of like Frog and Toad, if you are familiar with that series.

It was an okay read, but not one I'd be dying to buy.

We found a series about kid stars and my daughter just finished up reading about Ashley Tinsdale. They're short books with nothing objectionable. (It's all about the reading, right!)

My son is 2 and we just found these books about a tractor named Tractor Mac. He loves them. I can't think of the author but if you'd like to know i'll get it. The title of the series is Tractor Mac. He had different adventures and my son loves all of them.

We just received "Billy and the Birdfrogs" in the mail today. I was thinking I would start reading this with the kids tonight, however I am already half way through it. I LOVE finding great books. My daughter is going to love this. It's got a little bit of a scary twist to it, and I can't even figure out where the story is going :-)

Kate DiCamillo just published another good book about a chicken: "Louise, the Adventures of a Chicken".

I would say it's for younger children. My 6 and 8 yo loved it.