For the Youngest Readers (Toddlers to Kindergarten)

SLEEPY, OH SO SLEEPY
Written and illustrated by Denise Fleming (Henry Holt)
A delightful pick-up- and-cuddle book for little ones and their readers. All the animals are going to bed and the last is you, little baby.

THE RING WENT ZING! A STORY THAT ENDS WITH A KISS
Written by Sean Taylor, illustrated by Jill Barton (Dial)
A rollicking story filled with love between a frog and a chicken. Absurd, you say? Not according to the characters in this book.

DAY IS DONE
Written by Peter Yarrow, illustrated by Melissa Sweet (Sterling)
Grandparents will remember this popular song by Peter Yarrow from Peter, Paul and Mary. Don’t worry if you can’t remember the lyrics. A three-song CD is included in this charming book. 

For Readers (Kindergarten to 2nd Grade)

KINDERGARTEN DAY USA AND CHINA: A FLIP-ME-OVER BOOK
Written by Trish Marx, photographed by Ellen B. Senisi (Charlesbridge)
Great photos reflect kids in both countries engaged in similar situations during a typical kindergarten day. You will see happy and emotional moments as children negotiate play and work at school.

ANIMAL CRACKERS FLY THE COOP
Written and illustrated by Kevin O’Malley (Walker)
This book is a clever spin on what might appear to be the Bremen Town Musicians, but don’t expect music. Expect a lot of witty word play and a belly full of laughs from all the jokes.

A PIRATE’S GUIDE TO FIRST GRADE
Written by James Preller, illustrated by Greg Ruth (Feiwel & Friends)
Arrgh Matey, there is only one way to go to school— and that is to use your imagination at all costs. This swashbuckling adventure is sure to get some minds a-wondering.

For Readers (3rd to 6th Grade)

X-TREME X-RAY: SEE THE WORLD INSIDE OUT!
Photographed by Nick Veasey (Scholastic)
Think beyond body bones for this fascinating book. Imagine x-rays of things and objects in your world, from inline skates to an MP3 player. For an interesting companion book featuring bones, try Bones by award-winning author and artist Steve Jenkins.

STAND STRAIGHT, ELLA KATE: A TRUE STORY OF A REAL GIANT
Written by Kate Klise, illustrated by M. Sarah Klise (Dial)
Standing 8 feet 4 inches tall would attract gawkers and surely every professional basketball team, but this was the 1890s, and basketball was only invented in 1891. Ella Kate Ewing was smart. She turned her great stature into a business venture with the Ringling Brothers Circus, which allowed her to be financially independent and travel throughout the US and Canada. 

DON’T TOUCH THAT TOAD & OTHER STRANGE THINGS ADULTS TELL YOU
Written by Catherine Rondina, illustrated by Kevin Sylvester (Kids Can Press)
Every reader will relate to this book. Especially if you have ever had an adult trick you into doing something like eating a ghastly vegetable or discouraged you from sitting too close to the television. Read the scenarios, get the facts and opinions, and be one-up on the adults.

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. Book Nook is archived at www.treasurevalleyfamily.com.