For the Youngest Readers (Toddlers to Kindergarten)

CHILDREN MAKE TERRIBLE PETS
Written and illustrated by Peter Brown (Little Brown)
In a hilarious twist of events, Lucille Beatrice Bear finds a stray child while rollicking in the woods. From that moment forward, readers will be rolling with laughter as bear tries to domesticate child.

RED GREEN BLUE: A FIRST BOOK OF COLORS
Written and illustrated by Alison Jay (Dutton)
Using nursery rhymes as a backdrop in this amusing book about colors is fantastic. Take time to look at all the pictures carefully. You will find many more nursery rhyme connections than what first meets the eye.

ALPHA OOPS! H IS FOR HALLOWEEN
Written by Alethea Kontis, illustrated by Bob Kolar (Candlewick Press)
Imagine theatrics woven into creating a Halloween alphabet book for the stage. This attractive collaboration is an entertaining read.

For Readers (Kindergarten to 2nd Grade)

HALLOWEEN NIGHT
Written by Marjorie Dennis Murray, illustrated by Brandon Dorman (Greenwillow)
“Twas Halloween night, and all through the house/Every creature was stirring, including the mouse…” Wildly ghoulish and spectacular illustrations take readers into a haunted house party that proves to be even too much for the trick-or-treaters.

THE STORY OF THEJACK O’LANTERN
Written by Katherine Tegen, illustrated by Brandon Dorman (Harper)
This book provides the background on the lighted pumpkins that adorn steps and windows on Halloween. According to Irish legend, the Jack O’Lantern originated as a result of one greedy man by the name of Jack.  

TELL THE TRUTH, B.B. WOLF
Written by Judy Sierra, illustrated by J. Otto Seibold (Knopf)
They say admitting the truth is the first step in changing one’s bad habits. B. B. Wolf seems to have a good alibi for every dastardly deed he ever committed. Whimsical illustrations and a witty spin from Big “Bodacious” Wolf, now a truly reformed bad guy, make a great read.

For Readers (3rd to 6th Grade)

THE DAILY COMET: BOY SAVES EARTH FROM GIANT OCTOPUS
Written by Frank Asch, illustrated by Devin Asch (Kids Can Press)
It’s “off to work with Dad” day. Hayward had seen the skyscraper his “tabloid news reporter” father worked in, but never the inside. Reading this eccentric book should inspire some tall tales and creative photo imagery that could add some sparkle to school newspapers and yearbooks. 

PETER KENT’S CITY ACROSS TIME
Written and illustrated by Peter Kent (Kingfisher)
Budding archeologists, historians, civil engineers, natural history buffs, teachers, adults who remember Richard Scarry’s books and curious kids will love Peter Kent’s amazingly detailed books. 

THE JAGUAR STONES, BOOK ONE: MIDDLEWORLD
Written by Jon & Pamela Voelkel (Egmont)
This page-turning adventure novel takes readers into the world of Mayan culture. Max unexpectedly leaves the last week of school for the Yucatan Peninsula to join his archeologist parents. One big problem: they are not at the airport to meet him. In his quest to find them, Max hooks up with Lola, a beautiful descendent of the Mayan, who is key to his survival.

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 treasurevalleyfamily.com.