by Stan Steiner

Youngest Readers (Toddlers to Kindergarten)

FANCY NANCY'S FAVORITE FANCY WORDS: FROM ACCESSORIES TO ZANY
Written by Jane O'Connor, illustrated by Robin Preiss Glasser (HarperCollins)
With this helpful A-to-Z guide, Fancy Nancy shows that making plain words into fancy ones is not only educational, it's fun! Add a little charm by dressing up for this zany alphabetical occasion. 

THE BOY WHO WOULDN'T SHARE
Written by Mike Reiss, illustrated by David Catrow (HarperCollins)
Do you have a sharing problem around the house, daycare, or preschool? The whimsical illustrations alone will give you something to help move you toward a solution of sharing.

IT'S NOT FAIR
Written by Amy Krouse Rosenthal, illustrated by Tom Lichtenheld (HarperCollins)
Everyone experiences some unfairness from time to time. This book provides a humorous side to the unfairness in a child's life.

For Readers (Kindergarten to 2nd Grade)

DIRT ON MY SHIRT
Written by Jeff Foxworthy, illustrated by Steve Bjorkman (HarperCollins)
This collection of silly and hilarious poems is perfect for midsummer mischief. Take some time to play in the dirt and romp with your friends and family, using these poems to support the fun. 

THE FLOWER MAN
Written and illustrated by Mark Ludy (Green Pastures Publishing)
This wordless book provides a wonderful look at the power of one individual in a neighborhood. The characters' stories are woven together to create a tale that spans borders and nationalities and will refresh the human spirit with principles of compassion, honesty, integrity, and generosity. 

THE ABC BOOK OF AMERICAN HOMES
Written by Michael Shoulders, illustrated by Sarah S. Brannen (Charlesbridge)
This thoughtful book might inspire a future architect, builder, interior designer, anthropologist, or any number of other professions associated with houses. It will also reassure you to know that a house becomes a home when you share it with the people you love.

For Readers (3rd to 6th Grade) 

THE BOOK OF WIZARDS
Selected and illustrated by Michael Hague (HarperCollins) 
Wizards seem to be a popular subject these days.  This enchanting collection of nine illustrated tales will likely expand your knowledge and understanding that wizards have held their place in cultural traditions for a long time. 

THE DAY THE WORLD EXPLODED: THE EARTHSHAKING CATASTROPHE AT KRAKATOA
Written by Simon Winchester, illustrated by Jason Chin (HarperCollins)
Volcanoes, from the beginning of humankind to present day, are one of nature's most fascinating phenomena. Out of all the volcanoes, Krakatoa Island has held a long-standing place in folklore as well as scientific study that is still under investigation today. 

SEA QUEENS: WOMEN PIRATES AROUND THE WORLD
Written by Jane Yolen, illustrated by Christine Joy Pratt (Charlesbridge)
There is no reason for men to get all the bounty when it comes to pirates. Some of the bravest pirates in the world were women. Twelve captivating tales will share the experiences of women pirates.

Book reviews provided by BSU professor Stan Steiner, the Bookman.  For more suggestions and reviews, visit his web page at http://education.boisestate.edu/stansteiner.