Kids Book Lists

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International Children's Book Day

April 1, 2011 | mebbitt

Since 1967, on or around Hans Christian Andersen's birthday, April 2, International Children's Book Day (ICBD) is celebrated to inspire a love of reading and to call attention to children's books. This years theme, The Book Remembers, comes from Estonia. ICBD promotes the idea that children's books can help children learn about people from other countries, learn to appreciate and respect other cultures, and learn to get along with others. Here are some of the great books available to help you celebrate the day:

Global babies

Ten little fingers and ten little toes by Mem Fox; illustrations by Helen Oxenbury

Say hello! by Rachel Isadora

Saving Zasha

March 14, 2011 | goulds

Are you in the mood for a simple, sweet dog story? Then Saving Zasha by Randi Barrow is just for you. It takes place in the Soviet Union right after World War II and is based on the real situation of canines in Russia at this time. Two brothers are determined to save a beautiful German Shepherd from certain death, since anything 'German' should be destroyed. Service in the military, starvation, abandonment, illness, and injury had all but eliminated the entire dog population in the Soviet Union. Finally realizing the value of dogs the Soviet government decided to create a new breed of dog — a "superdog" — to be used for work and military purposes. What few dogs remained were being kidnapped and sold for large sums of money. Will Mikhail and Nikolai be able to hide Zasha, especially once they learn from their mother that Zasha is pregnant? Will their nosy neighbor, Katia, who suspects they have the dog, ruin everything? Will their father, who is still officially missing in action, ever return? Told from the perspective of a young teen, this tender dog adventure tale is sure to please.

St. Patrick's Day

March 10, 2011 | Michelle

March 17th is just around the corner, my friends; and if you haven't had the chance to chase a rainbow, find a pot of gold, hang out with a leprechaun, or grow a garden of four leaf clovers, you can still read about them in our fun St. Patrick's Day themed books. If you're feeling lucky, try being crafty and make your own clovers or leprechauns out of paper, cardboard, or cookies. After all, a nice warm sugar cookie clover decorated with fine green sprinkles is always a winner! Enjoy the day! May the luck of the Irish be with you!

Chicken Big

March 7, 2011 | mebbitt

It's not a squirrel, it's not an umbrella, it's Chicken Big! In this hilarious tale of a very large creature, we get to use our investigation skills to discover exactly what this very large, yellow creature is. Is it a sweater, or an elephant? You'll have to read it to find out!

We have many other chicken adventures to choose from, maybe even a Chicken Little!

Mem Fox

March 4, 2011 | marianne

March 5th is author Mem Fox's birthday. Here in the U.S. it's still March 4th, but right now in Adelaide, Australia where Mem Fox lives, it's already March 5th! If you aren't familiar with Mem's books, check out some of my favorites listed below.

Harriet, you'll drive me wild by Mem Fox; illustrated by Marla Frazee

Time for bed by Mem Fox; illustrated by Jane Dyer

Ten little fingers and ten little toes by Mem Fox; illustrations by Helen Oxenbury

The straight line wonder by Mem Fox; pictures by Marc Rosenthal

Mysteries of the Magnificent Variety

March 1, 2011 | goulds

Are you looking for a great mystery with some meat to it? Lewis Buzbee has written such awesome books. In Steinbeck's Ghost, 13-year-old Travis, unhappy about his family's recent move, finds he can still connect with his old life at the Salinas Library re-reading his favorite books. He enjoys Steinbeck — after all, Salinas is Steinbeck's hometown. But suddenly he begins seeing the characters spring to life. As he struggles to solve this mystery, budget cuts threaten his library. In looking for ways to save his haven, Travis uncovers many truths and stumbles into a story Steinbeck might be telling him to write.

Sewing School

February 24, 2011 | Anne Heidemann

Sewing school: 21 sewing projects kids will love to make by Amie Petronis Plumley & Andria Lisle; photography by Justin Fox Burks — This book is a perfect place for any kid to start to learn to sew. For that matter, it's so easy to follow and well-designed, it's a great start for a sewing novice of any age. Covering hand-stitching and basic sewing machine techniques, you can learn to make a pincushion, a pillow, and a stuffed animal just to start with.

Little Black Crow

February 18, 2011 | mebbitt

Little Black Crow follows a young boy as he watches a bird fly through skies that alternate from stormy to sunny, cold to warm. He wonders, "Little black crow, where do you go?" This question is followed by other questions about family, friends, love, and fear. Will Boy and Crow be friends? Check it out to find out. You can always check out some other bird adventures too!

Black History Month Family Films

February 4, 2011 | baluchr

Start some family discussions by watching one of these five films.

Remember the Titans — The story of how school integration affects a football team and its coaches.

Akeelah and the bee — Akeelah overcomes a distracting home life to participate in the national spelling bee

The princess and the frog — New Orleans waitress Tiana's plans to own her own restaurant are sidelined by some unusual developments of an amphibian nature.

Ruby Bridges — Dramatization of the real life story of Ruby Bridges, the first child to be integrated into her New Orleans elementary school

Selma, Lord, Selma — Martin Luther King's Selma march is witness through the eyes of a child.

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