For the Youngest Readers (Toddlers to Kindergarten)              

NOT ALL ANIMALS ARE BLUE: A BIG BOOK OF LITTLE DIFFERENCES
Written and illustrated by Béatrice Boutignon (Kane/Miller Publishers)
Originally published in France, this unique concept book will entertain everyone as they search the illustrations for answers. Perfect for teaching vocabulary, visual discrimination, sorting, and more.       

YUMMIEST LOVE
Written by Lisa McCourt, illustrated by Laura J. Bryant (Cartwheel Books)
Hugs in the family are guaranteed after reading this book together! The portrayal of a loving relationship between a parent and child does not get any better.

BEDTIME SING TO ME
Written by Diane C. Ohanesian, illustrated by Nadine Bernard Westcott (Scholastic)
This board book offers many cute choices for expanding your repertoire of bedtime stories.  With a CD included, you need not worry about your ability to carry a tune.

For Readers (Kindergarten to 2^nd Grade) 

FOLLOW THAT MAP!  A FIRST BOOK OF MAPPING SKILLS
Written and illustrated by Scot Ritchie (Kids Can Press)
This book is excellent for teaching the basics of mapping. Easy to follow pictures complement the reading - guiding children through a host of fun mapping skills.

CORETTA SCOTT
Written by Ntozake Shange, illustrated by Kadir Nelson (Katherine Tegen Books)
Strong, carefully crafted poetry and impeccable portrait illustrations pay tribute to one of the greatest female civil rights activists of our time. 

HOPE IS AN OPEN HEART
Written by Lauren Thompson (Scholastic)
Our world is experiencing some challenging times. This timely book is filled with wonderful prose and photos that can be used to reassure children that they are loved.

For Readers (3rd to 6th Grade)

CABIN CREEK MYSTERIES: THE BLIZZARD OF BLUE MOUNTAIN
Written by Kristiana Gregory (Scholastic)
Local author Kristiana Gregory adds another mystery to her series.  Claire, David, and Jeff get a free snow ski pass if they help around the cafeteria at the resort. The work is easy, but when things start disappearing only during their work shift, a mystery unfolds that leads them to an unexpected culprit. 

GRANNY
Written by Anthony Horowitz (Penguin)
Joe Warden comes from a wealthy family, but money does not buy happiness. His life gets interesting when he discovers his crazed grandmother is out to get him. Alex Rider fans are going to experience some laugh-out-loud moments and experience a different side of Anthony Horowitz.

VOICE FROM AFAR: POEMS OF PEACE
Written by Tony Johnston, illustrated by Susan Guevara (Holiday House)
One way to deal with the concept of peace is through writing. This collection of 26 poems may inspire audiences to think and write about the possibilities. 

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