For the Youngest Readers (toddlers to Kindergarten)

  LITTLE GREEN FROGS
Written and illustrated by Frances Barry (Candlewick Press)
This delightful foldout interactive book takes readers through the life cycle of a frog, in an entertaining format. Lift the last flap for a bonus experiment to try at home or preschool.

  BECAUSE YOU ARE MY BABY
Written by Sherry North, illustrated by Marcellus Hall (Abrams)
In the charm that Runaway Bunny had for many, this new book speaks with a deep-felt motherly love for babies.

  EMILY’S SHARING AND CARING BOOK
Written by Cindy Post Senning & Peggy Post, illustrated by Leo Landry (HarperCollins)
Learning to share starts at a young age. This book offers some simple text and pictures to show some practical ways to make it happen.

For Readers Kindergarten to 2nd Grade

NOT SO TALL FOR SIX
Written by Dianna Hutts Aston, illustrated by Frank W. Dormer (Charlesbridge)
Every classroom has the smallest person. Sometimes height is met with challenges, but for Kylie Bell, she lives by her family motto: “brave and smart and big at heart.” A great read-aloud book.

  MOTHER, YOU’RE THE BEST! (BUT SISTER, YOU’RE A PEST!)
Written and illustrated by Diane deGroat (HarperCollins)
Activities surrounding Mother’s Day have become routine events in schools. This year a pre-reading of this book before you start the cards might lead to some good discussion and appropriate acknowledgement for mom.

  T. REX AND THE MOTHER’S DAY HUG
Written by Lois G. Grambling, illustrated by Jack E. Davis (HarperCollins)
Can you go overboard on indulging mothers? T. Rex wants to make it special by doing more, but more does not always mean better, as he finds out in this charming book.

For Readers 3rd to 6th Grade

  BRONTE’S BOOK CLUB
Written by local author Kristiana Gregory (Holiday House)
This is a terrific insider’s view of book clubs, for kids and by kids. Readers will be particularly touched by the female friendships evolving in this story, which add another dimension to book clubs.

  IN THE SMALL
Written by Michael Hague (Little, Brown & Company)
This page-turning science fiction graphic novel is likely to hold the attention of any reluctant reader. Readers are faced with a nation of people reduced to the size of mice. Can they survive? Stay tuned for a sequel.

  THE WEDNESDAY WARS
Written by Gary D. Schmidt (Clarion Books)
The author does an excellent job of providing a good look at the late 1960s, a tumultuous time in American history, with a good helping of humor and sensitivity. This Newbery Honor book is sure to provide some good discussion with adults who lived during this period.