4.24 avg rating — 2,600 ratings

"A book about nature, perspectives, and accepting change! My vote for a Caldecott Medal.
This is a wonderful book to share with children to talk about the beauties in the little things of nature, how people and animals have different perspectives from each other about things, and how change happens and how we must learn to cope with change. "

4.32 avg rating — 4,082 ratings

"Well orchestrated book. Author, illustrator, and composer work together to make an original story of chance, dreaming big, setting goals, being determined and diligent to achieve those goals. This book will inspire many to follow their dreams, just because.
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4.23 avg rating — 1,719 ratings

"Great story! Love the splash of colors from page to page, in shades of blues, greens, browns, and golds, right off the farm. And the page overlays of cotton, trees, and roots are gorgeous!

Daddy says, "There's nothing like going down home." Granny says, "Nothing is more important than family." Amens all around.
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4.23 avg rating — 3,540 ratings

"Bear wakes up to a dreary world. Watch as the story goes along, the world brightens both in the color of nature and the joys of friendship. Well done, Richard T. Morris and Leuyen Pham. "

4.63 avg rating — 7,296 ratings

"Illustrations in The Undefeated stir many emotions as the book studies those Black Americans who have overcome defeat in life. Some pictures inspire while others pay tribute and honor to those who died in their efforts to rise above defeat. Some illustrations are symbolic of difficult and ugly times for Black people. The last two-page spread of illustrations is a positive encouragement to today's youth to give it their best to achieve worthwhile dreams and goals for making the world a better place for all."

4.50 avg rating — 2,836 ratings

"The perfect book for parents-to-be! The message is TREMENDOUS! The illustrations help tell an emotion packed story of a child and its mama - precious time spent together! "

4.39 avg rating — 6,959 ratings

"A wonderful story about Native American culture. Food is an important way that people make connections - to self, others, and the world. This story about making fry bread helps readers make those connections."

4.47 avg rating — 1,183 ratings

"The illustrations are made from paints, collage, and found items. The dedication is eye opening. The story brings tears to the eye and heart. The gift of beautiful illustrations makes this undoubtedly a winner of many awards and a winner for every reader, young or old! "

4.26 avg rating — 2,556 ratings

"Outstanding. Text. Illustrations. A powerful message in this book.
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4.13 avg rating — 723 ratings

"Inspirational! Challenging!
Little readers will marvel at how one little boy loved the moon and dreamed of going there someday. This book is dedicated to Neil Armstrong and so it seems to be a simple biography of his life for young children to understand. Little boys and little girls will want to send their own kites dreaming of what in the world they might become someday upon reading this beautiful story! The illustrations are warm, with a pleasing contrast of colors. "

3.86 avg rating — 739 ratings

"A gentle, peaceful read about connections and relationships. The large format is great for eyes of wonder. The pictures are open-book spread views in easy viewing shades. The book reminds me of the 50s storybooks. Really recommend this book for pre-school age and toddlers. It is a rhyming book, and it is fun to examine the rhyming pattern! "

4.35 avg rating — 1,187 ratings

"Wonderful illustrations, portrayed in a beautiful and unusual array of colors, are used to tell this story magnificently. Even the Verso page has a fun twist. The clothing throughout the book is designed as paper cutouts. So clever! Especially cool throughout the book are Mary's expressions, the main character of the story. Her angry look is great!!! This is a terrific biography, and an important one for children to read! The author notes at the end of the book that Mary was a teacher, surgeon, war hero, writer, and activist that paved the way for us to enjoy the freedom to wear what we want today. Eyeopening read!"

4.45 avg rating — 374 ratings

" Such an amazing story about Manhattan. Travel back in time to see the events making this island what we know it today. There is an incredible timeline and an extensive source list in the back. The author/illustrator is a map illustrator, as well. And thus, her maps throughout the book are delightfully detailed and interesting. Modern day Manhattan is mapped on the end pages. Fascinating coverage!

The book describes global climate changes as a challenge for the future well-being of Manhattan. What can be done to preserve this island?

Highly recommended for readers of all ages. Readers will want to learn more about the history of Manhattan upon finishing this book!"

4.17 avg rating — 602 ratings

"How do you become an inventor without inventing anything, at all? This is the story of Rube Goldberg, who did just that. Considered the Dean of Cartoonist, he created over 50, 000 cartoons in his lifetime. As a child, he loved art and cartooning. Instead of studying art in college, he wanted to make his dad happy, so he received an engineering degree from the University of California. He was never happy with engineering jobs. Instead, he began working in a newspaper office, and as his chain reaction-type drawings went, so did his life! Eventually, he became a leading, well-known cartoonist covering every aspect of life. He made people laugh. He covered war, politics, and everyday happenings in his cartoons. At first, his father disagreed with this line of work, but in time, he became Rube's agent.

This is wonderful book. The story and illustrations work together to make a great biography for all ages. And encourages readers to think outside of the box!"

3.79 avg rating — 622 ratings

"A great three-dimensional book. The illustrations seem to move, just like Elvis could! Look inside the book jacket cover. Very unique of showing how the illustrations were made! "

3.89 avg rating — 922 ratings

"Imagination and creativity at its finest. Gear up! It's time for one last camping trip way up in the woods, away from all the city lights and noises. Read along with a family. The mom, dad, older brother and younger brother, who will soon be in first grade. But, on this one last vacation, the little one begins to imagine a real live tiger has joined their camp. The experiences with this tiger are amazing. The tiger helps the little fellow begin to grow up and prepare for his first grade experience.

Great story and amazing, real-life like images!"

3.68 avg rating — 238 ratings

"Perhaps, it will win an award or two in January's Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC) ceremony. The artwork is really nice and supportive of the story. What a great informational biography for elementary school children and older! I knew so little about Charlie Chaplin until I read this book! What a great story! And, I cannot believe I didn't know Charlie Chaplin wrote this brilliant song - Smile, one of my all-time favorites!"

3.85 avg rating — 359 ratings

"Smooth paper strips make up interesting collages to form the main character of this book, the Wind! On each open-spread page, the Wind is made of colors to compliment the background colors. These illustrations are then photographed using lights to add warmth or chill, accordingly, to help tell the story. "

4.18 avg rating — 629 ratings

"Hum and Swish is a delightful story. Enter the imagination of a little girl as she plays at the ocean's edge. She dreams and builds in the sand. What is she making? She doesn't know; she just hums as the ocean swishes. And then a painter sets up her painting tools next to the little girl. What is she making? She doesn't know till she is done. The painter swishes as the little girl hums. They are friends. Readers will sense what the painter is creating! The ending is sheer delight. The illustrations are strong colors of oil and acrylic paints - pleasing to the eye. "

4.33 avg rating — 3,320 ratings

"What a wonderful story to include in a children's literature section. This story will take readers back in time to life in Southern California before the time of busy interstates and fast food chains. It has the feel of a story from the 60s - 80s, my guess. It gives readers a beautiful look at the family structure of the Mexican immigrants that populated this area. What an appreciated story to show children a wonderful Mexican-American culture. There are lots of Hispanic words and pictures to explore and discuss. "

3.89 avg rating — 2,271 ratings

"Looking at life through a whole new perspective. What would you do if you traveled to another world and met someone who looked just like you?
This book will get you thinking outside the box...outside your world. Food for thought and your imagination!"

4.20 avg rating — 1,710 ratings

"Good for upper elementary. Shows how a career can offer its ups and downs. Margaret Wise Brown wrote hundreds of books for children. She faced many obstacles in her writing career. But, today she is well known and greatly appreciated for her contribution to children's literature.

This biography reveals some surprising information about Margaret Wise Brown. The librarians in the New York City Public Library were trying their best to pick the right kind of books for their children's section. What one person likes might not be what another person likes. The librarians banned her books from their library shelves. Good Night Moon just happened to be one of the books banned! Imagine that!

Learn more about Margaret Wise Book in reading this 42-page biography. You might not like everything you read. But it happened. The book includes a source list if readers are interested in learning more about Margaret Wise Brown."

4.42 avg rating — 3,072 ratings

"Should win some nice awards at ALA Conference, though not eligible for Caldecott. Magnificent book for a children's section of any library. This story encourages children to learn about other people, study history, think about other cultures and geographical settings, and write their own family stories as well as tell their stories.

The story and illustrations do so well together. A nice resource section is at the back of the book to encourage further reading and investigation."

4.36 avg rating — 2,045 ratings

"A child asks a grandfather where she is from. He gives a very sophisticated, philosophical answer. And the child asks again, "But, where am I really from?" The grandfather answers that she is from the love in his heart and from the love from all those before us. Nice answer to share with children.

Beautiful illustrations to a very lovely book. A nice book to share with children about being thankful for family, parents, grandparents, great-grandparents, and those that came before."

4.07 avg rating — 364 ratings

"Cowgirls and cowboys, get ready, we are going to the rodeo with this read! What a perfect book about an individual who has a dream, sets goals, and works hard to do his/her very best. The main event of this story centers around the 1911 Pendleton Round-Up. Three finalists compete in the bronc busting event, a Native American, a White man, and an African-American. The judges (inaccurately) score the white man as the winner, but everyone knew the award belonged to George Fletcher, the black man. He was the People's Champion. This story tells of his amazing life. The images are painted so realistically. It's a great piece of history, seldom told.

The author includes historical and research information in the back of the book."

3.89 avg rating — 403 ratings

"A dragon is afraid of the knight in a book that the dragon is in. The child is afraid of the night. They whisk away together on a fantasy ride and help each other face their fears. Problem solving is an important thing we teach children at an early age. This book offers great solutions for the little boy and his dragon. The illustrations are magical! "

4.01 avg rating — 326 ratings

"A book about gender identity and using the bathroom. This is a current issue and problem for society. This is a great book for the classroom and for libraries to educate people on a change that must happen in our society. The illustrations are wonderful, in a cartoon manner, that help tell an important story. "

3.48 avg rating — 376 ratings

"Sweet book about birds and flight. Such a beautiful story to welcome spring and new life. The pictures are lovely, done in pastel markers and a fascinating collage - Avery labes! Reads like poetry and is a rhyming word, picture book.

A delightful book to share with little ones!"

4.08 avg rating — 1,165 ratings

"Reminds me of the Richard Scary's books and Where's Waldo books. This is an excellent bilingual book about the market place and the many workers found there, as well as those who supply the market with goods. This is a lively positive book about life in a desert border town between the USA and Mexico. Spend the day at El Mercado. The illustrations are labeled in Spanish and the story is told interchangeably in English and Spanish. This is a great book for children wanting to learn Spanish. And, of course, the story must end with a peaceful bedtime. But, tomorrow will be another busy day! "

3.90 avg rating — 647 ratings

"Sometimes, working with others can be tough. Personalities clash. So, it is with a pencil and an eraser. The eraser just doesn't like anything that its pencil draws. The pencil gets so frustrated and wants to work alone. Along comes a third party, a very wise voice, with good advice. The pencil listened and began to act and try new ideas. The eraser agreed. Together, they became highly creative and productive.

Children can see, through this story, how it is to address conflict, work together, and be more productive. This could be a great "back to school" book. One about being friends, sharing ideas, and making the effort to keep trying to do your best!"

4.11 avg rating — 1,147 ratings

"Adorable! So much thought went into the making of this book. What are all the odd, exciting, and crazy things about decorating for Christmas? It's all in this book! There are crafts tucked into the pages and there is an amazing surprise at the end. So don't peek till you get turn the final pages! "

3.61 avg rating — 627 ratings

"Girls can drive race cars, too! This is a cute story of a little girl with a large imagination! Her bedroom is all decked out in race car decorations. Especially sweet is the bedtime story with dad in bed with the little children reading about cars. This page drives home the fact that reading to children builds their thoughts, dreams, imaginations, vocabularies, family bonds, and desires! "

4.19 avg rating — 1,960 ratings

"A good book about feelings - Hank, a cactus, is content to be alone, enjoying peace and quiet. He shows many unfriendly emotions to the other animals in the desert, passing by, that say hello to him. One day, when he realizes that nobody seems to care about him, he begins to feel lonely. He thinks a hug might not be such a bad idea after all. When he gets in trouble with the wind and a passing cup, one of his friends is there to help. He wants to thank her by growing her a flower. Hank has learned the value of friendship!"

3.38 avg rating — 428 ratings

"Children are going to love this book! It is a storyteller's dream! A real read-aloud book! Little Jim is so hungry when he wakes up. Mom calls him down for breakfast, but wait, he has grown a tail! A real adventure awaits. Will the pancakes wait? The illustrations and story line work well in telling this delicious tale!"

3.62 avg rating — 1,296 ratings

"Full double-page spreads. The chickens scratch messages in the dirt for people to read. Quite humorous.
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4.23 avg rating — 1,435 ratings

"Delightful! Will have kids in an uproar and barely able to sit still. There will definitely be interaction and hands-on with this book. High Five gets a high five rating in my estimation! The text in written in a poetic fashion - making a great read aloud. The illustrations are done in crayons and sketching, in the brightest colors ever imaginable! The text and illustrations compliment each other to bring a lot of fun and laughter to the reader. Is a book children will want to read over and over again!"

4.11 avg rating — 829 ratings

"Carl is an earthworm. He spends his days happily tunneling in the soil until a field mouse asks him a simple question that stops him short: "Why?" Carl's quest takes him on an adventure to meet all the animals of the forest, each of whom seems to know exactly what they were put on this earth to do, unlike the curious Carl. But it's not until the world around him has changed that Carl begins to realize everyone, no matter how small, makes a big difference just by being themselves. Earthy brown illustrations compliment the story of the important work done by worms in the soil. "

4.10 avg rating — 659 ratings

"Fascinating description of what life is like for polar bears. Their life on sea life and on land is one of survival. Great book for any library. A wonderful fact section at the end of the book tells about sea ice, polar bears, and other animals in the polar regions. "

3.87 avg rating — 1,533 ratings

"The colors are rich and vivid, especially as the readers get to see what is inside of the donkey egg. This is a humorous story. Fox is supposed to outsmart the other animals but does he?
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4.10 avg rating — 1,416 ratings

"Great science concept book about the forms of water and how we use it and preserve it. An important topic for all ages."

3.80 avg rating — 555 ratings

"Beautiful illustrations to support a wonderful imaginary story! Who could ever tell on the cat?
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