For the Youngest Readers (Toddlers to Kindergarten) 

ONE TRUE BEAR 
Written and illustrated by Ted Dewan (Walker & Company)
Surviving a little boy named Damian had been impossible until the right bear with the “right stuffing” volunteered for service. Darcy Brewster, bear extraordinaire, has what it takes to win Damian’s heart in this charming story. 

GUESS WHO? A FOLDOUT VALENTINE’S ADVENTURE
Written and illustrated by Lola Schaefer (Little Simon)
This is a brightly colored board book with unique toddler interaction opportunities, which include predicting, animal identification, and motor skill development through folding and flipping pages. 

BABY, I LOVE YOU
Written by Karma Wilson, illustrated by Sam Williams (Little Simon)
A board book meant to help moms imagine all the different ways possible to tell their babies they love them.

For Readers (Kindergarten to 2nd Grade)

GROUNDHOG WEATHER SCHOOL
Written by Joan Holub, illustrated by Kristin Sorra (Putnam)
Groundhog Punxsutawney Phil made his first prediction in 1886. Learn more about the history, facts, and accuracy surrounding Groundhog Day weather forecasts in this entertaining and delightful book. 

MELVIN’S VALENTINE (TRUCKTOWN READY-TO-ROLL)
Written by Jon Scieszka, illustrated by David Shannon, Loren Long, & David Gordon (Aladdin)
If you have not discovered this new series for beginning readers, this is a good place to start. This combined team of award-winning authors and illustrators has created a great series of attractive picture books and early readers targeted for young males. 

BEAR HUGS: ROMANTICALLY RIDICULOUS ANIMAL RHYMES
Written by Karma Wilson, illustrated by Suzanne Watts (McElderry Books)
This book is filled with silly valentine poems for sharing with good friends and loved ones.

For Readers (3rd to 6th Grade)           

SHIPWRECKS: EXPLORING SUNKEN CITIES BENEATH THE SEA
Written by Mary M. Cerullo (Dutton)
New navigation technology, exploratory spirit, and survival instincts bring treasure hunters, maritime archeologists, marine biologists, and a host of sea life to two discovered shipwrecks from the 20^th century.

BEFORE COLUMBUS: THE AMERICAS OF 1491
Written by Charles C. Mann (Atheneum)
There was a thriving community in the Americas prior to Columbus. This amazing book offers some perspectives on history that have all too often been overlooked or deliberately censored.        

TOUGH CHICKS   
Written by Cece Meng, illustrated by Melissa Suber (Clarion)
This picture book offers some strong or subtle messages about pushing traditional gender roles, depending on the maturity of the audience. Three vivacious chicks are more interested in exploring than in just being a chicken.

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.