These books are great to read aloud to a younger reader, and is an especially fun time for grandparents. It’s never too early to start!
Published: 2016 Theme: Learning Something New Best for: 6 to 9 "My name is Juana. It is spelled J-u-a-n-a, and it is pronounced Who-Ah-Nah...Bogota is where I am. And where school is and where Mami and my abuelos and Lucas are..." This perfect multi-cultural children's book introduces us to Juana, who needs to learn English for her trip to the USA, and resists it.
Published: 2016 Theme: Biography Best for: 5 to 8 "John loved to tell the chicks the Good News. When he fed and watered them, he spoke about the value of hard work and patience..." The illustrations alone could make this an important book, but the subject matter is what we really want to read...
Published: 2016 Theme: Adventure and Chinese Tales Best for: 8 to 12 "When it is time for you to do something, you will do it..Amah's words echoed, untying and smoothing the knotted string of Pinmei's voice. She took a deep breath, and, with a whisper, she started the story." "Storytellers can make time disappear..." and with this wonderful children's book, the readers can lose themselves in a magical past...
Published: 2008 Theme: Wildlife in Africa Best for: 6 to 9 "They came to a halt beside the hut... It had been made out of tree branches and the trunks of saplings, all tied together with twine and then poked firmly into the ground." The small first chapter book is set in the bush in Africa, and gives wonderful images of African children, wildlife, and insights into baboon behavior.
Published: 2016 Theme: Biography, Equality Best for: 6 and up "Boys were expected to grow up, go out in the world, and do big things. Girls? Girls were expected to find husbands." This very appealing illustrated children's book is perfect because it can spark important family conversations about justice...
Published: 2016 Theme: Children, Poets, and Dogs Best for: 7 to 10 "I'm a dog. I should tell you that right away. But I grew up with words. A poet named Sylvan found me at the shelter and took me home. He laid down a red rug for me by the fire..." Prepare to have your heart strings plucked by master storyteller MacLachlan, as a dog and two children comfort each other.
Re-Published: 1993 Theme: Dealing with Obstacles Best for: 5 to 8 "Ming Lo and his wife lived in a house at the bottom of a large mountain. They loved their house, but they did not love the mountain." This story reads like a classic Chinese folktale. It's filled with lovely Asian artwork, and it offers a simple life lesson...
Published: 2014 Theme: Biography Henri Matisse Best for: 4 to 6 "If you were a boy named Henri Matisse who lived in a dreary town in northern France where the skies were gray, and you wanted color and light and sun, what might you become?" The images and wonder of Matisse's imagination come to life in a beautifully crafted children's book.
Published: 2001 Theme: Math Riddle Best for: 5 to 8 "Aziza learned all there was to know. But her favorite subject was numbers. And her favorite game was riddles." This is a simple and enjoyable way to present numbers and riddles to young children who are already showing signs up interest in numbers.
Published: 2010 Theme: Be Yourself Best for: 6 to 9 "Blue Jay Girl had a good family who loved her, and a little dog of her own. He was called Kiyu. Until now, her life had always pleased her. But today she was the very saddest girl in the village." This small children's book is a great addition to Native American folk literature. It reads like an oral story that has been converted to a children's book.
Litkidz 