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For the Youngest Readers (Toddlers to Kindergarten)
KING JACK AND THE DRAGON Written by Peter Bently, illustrated by Helen Oxenbury (Dial) Jack, Zack, and Caspar set out to fight dragons. They must first build their castle with a drawbridge—from a box, blanket, and bricks. All goes well until some giants come along and carry off Zack and Caspar. Another good pop-up book combining imagination and the outdoors is Razzle-Dazzle Ruby by Masha D’yans.
SNOWY VALENTINE Written and illustrated by David Petersen (Harper) The right valentine for the person you love may involve an unexpected process. Jasper discovers it’s his thoughts of pleasing Lilly that really matter in the end.
ALL KINDS OF KISSES Written and illustrated by Nancy Tafuri (Little, Brown & Co.) Whether it is moo kisses or meow kisses, each animal species gets special attention from mother. Of course one of the greatest kisses is mommy’s goodnight kiss.
For Readers (Kindergarten to 2nd Grade)
A GIANT CRUSH Written by Gennifer Choldenko, illustrated by Melissa Sweet (Putnam) Jackson has a crush on Cami, but it seems that only his buddy Cooper sees all he does for her. Cooper suggests he use words to tell her how he feels, and Valentine’s Day would be the perfect time. For more humor, check out Amelia Bedelia’s First Valentine by Herman Parish.
HENRY’S HEART: A BOY, HIS HEART, AND A NEW BEST FRIEND Written and illustrated by Charise Mericle Harper (Henry Holt) This pragmatic and engaging look at your heart is perfect for February. In this clever book Henry learns what is really going on with his heart, from its actual shape to how it works.
LET’S COUNT TO 100! Written and illustrated by Masayuki Sebe (Kids Can Press) Practice counting to 100 and looking for certain shapes within the variety of brightly colored objects found in this book. Translated from Japanese to English.
For Readers (3rd to 6th Grade)
INCREDIBLE JOURNEYS: AMAZING ANIMAL MIGRATIONS Written by Dwight Holing (Kingfisher) Animal migrations occur across the globe. If you live inland, it is the birds and large game animals that you notice most. Along the coast you might be lucky enough to catch the migration of whales, waterfowl, or other sea life. The breathtaking photos in this book will take readers along for the journey.
PLAGUES, POX, AND PESTILENCE Written by Richard Platt, illustrated by John Kelly (Kingfisher) A little historical perspective on diseases may prove helpful whether or not you enter the health field. The whimsical illustrations counterbalance some of the shocking anecdotes, and provide cover to cover entertainment. More recommended related books: Albert Marrin’s Little Monsters: The Creatures That Live on Us and in Us and Bug Shots: The Good, the Bad, and the Bugly by Alexandra Siy.
EVERY THING ON IT Written and illustrated by Shel Silverstein (Harper) Old and new fans of Silverstein poetry can continue to laugh and celebrate this collection of never-before published poems from the man who gave poetry in schools new energy.
Book reviews provided by BSU professor Stan Steiner, the Bookman. For more book suggestions and reviews visit his web page at http://edweb.boisestate.edu/stansteiner/.
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