For the Youngest Readers (Toddlers to Kindergarten)

MY FIRST SIGNS: SIGNING SMART SERIES
Written and illustrated by Michelle Anthony & Reyna Lindert (Scholastic)
This book is part of a new series focused on teaching signs to your babies and toddlers. Based on personal experience we found everyone benefitted from learning sign to communicate prior to oral skills.

MAX SPANIEL DINOSAUR HUNT
Written and illustrated by David Catrow (Orchard)
Charming and whimsical illustrations are Catrow’s trademarks. Catrow’s first solo book features his real life dog and is sure to be the beginning of more hilarious adventures with Max.

SUN
Written by Natalie Jane Prior, illustrated by Anna Pignataro (Kane Miller Publisher)
Rhythmic and repetitive language introduces little ones to animals and one family as they greet the morning sunshine.

For Readers (Kindergarten to 2nd Grade) 

OTIS
Written and illustrated by Loren Long (Philomel)
Otis is the new little engine that could. This charming little tractor hero saves the poor calf stuck in the mud.

RUMBLE TUM
Written by Stephanie True Peters, illustrated by Robert Papp (Dutton)
Papp’s realistic illustrations will melt readers’ hearts. If that does not do it Rumble Tum’s kitty personality will.  A lovely book!

THEA STILTON AND THE MOUNTAIN OF FIRE
Written and illustrated by Geronimo Stilton (Scholastic)
Regular Geronimo Stilton fans may find this new episode a surprise. Geronimo’s sister Thea has as much spunk as Geronimo. It is nice to have a strong adventurous female role model enter the mix. 

For Readers (3rd to 6th Grade)

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT SCIENCE
Written and illustrated by Mike Goldsmith (Kingfisher)
Written with kids in mind, this information-packed book should provide hours of entertainment. Photos, illustrations and hundreds of topics are a great resource to have available.

HEROES OF THE ENVIRONMENT: TRUE STORIES OF PEOPLE WHO ARE HELPING PROTECT OUR PLANET
Written by Harriet Rohmer, illustrated by Julie McLaughlin (Chronicle Books)
This book features twelve wonderful stories of teens and adults making a difference in our world. Many of the projects are ongoing and provide inspiration to us all.  

SHOW OFF: HOW TO DO ABSOLUTELY EVERYTHING ONE STEP AT A TIME
Written and illustrated by Sarah Hines Stephens & Bethany Mann (Candlewick Press)
Wow! 224 different things you can do to have fun, impress your friends and expand your knowledge base. You may have to fight over this book with your parents.

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.