This is a wonderful collecion of William Steig's most popular picture books in one sort-of-handy edition. To see them all together, from Shrek to Brave Irene, makes one marvel at his story telling and artistic talent. The stories have just the right mixture of humor and warmth to satisfy a wide ranging audience from 3 to 93.
Carol

Sneakers discovers the sea just like a little one might. The smells and creatures are different and interesting. This is a lovely introduction, beautifully illustrated, with the Margaret Wise Brown touch.
Carol

Lovers of black (and yellow) labs will especially enjoy reading about Sally's vacation adventures at the beach. The large, colorful illustrations and the sparse text are perfect for very young "readers".
Carol

Orphaned Maya is thrust into a completely different life when her strict paternal grandmother dies and she goes to live with her mother's relatives in Wyoming horse country. She discovers her love of horses and her innate courage while connecting especially to Artemisia, a horse that her mom used to ride. This is a wonderful adventure story written in sophisticated language that girls especially will love. Fans of Pam Munoz Ryan will not be disappointed. For ages 9-12.
Carol

What's so hard about counting? In David Carter's po-up world it isn't that easy!! This is a book for an advanced counter who can find dots in secret, hidden places. Give it a try.
Carol

Here are two mysteries that will surely entertain the younger (10 and up) crowd. Ingrid is an adventuresome eighth grader whose hero is Sherlock Holmes. His inspiration helps her when she finds herself involved in some strange goings on in her little town of Echo Falls. Ingrid's appeal lies in her normalcy even though she's solving mysteries left and right. She has conflicts with her parents and friends, concerns about boys, and a very big heart. Kids will definitely relate to her and get caught up in the story.
Carol

Gooney Bird Greene is a delightful second-grader in a wonderful, colorful class with a fantastic teacher. Although the plot revolves around a Thanksgiving play, the story is really timeless, entertaining, and endearing. Along the way everyone learns about using the dictionary and discovering some sophisticated vocabulary. Perfect for the 7- and 8-year-old crowd. And check out the first of the Gooney Bird books in paper, Gooney Bird Greene.
Carol

"Dysfunctional" would be a step up for Matthew's family. He is the oldest of 3 children living with their abusive and often drunk mother. He feels a profound responsibility to protect his sisters, especially Emmy, the youngest one. Yet his attempts to avoid potentially explosive situations create enormous tension. Eventually Matthew seeks help from near-by adults who come through for him later rather than sooner. Despite their struggles, the adults and kids do what is right and serve to remind us that making the right decision is not always that easy. The story moves along at a fast pace, keeping the reader on edge at all times. Kids 14 and up will especially appreciate this well crafted book.
Carol

This is the second in a series about the British Casson family - 4 kids, 2 artist parents and a lot going on at all times. Indigo, the only boy in the family, has his own problems with bullies at school. But his new friend Tom who is visiting from America gives him new confidence. The rest of the kids have their own issues. Caddy, Saffy, Rose and Indigo are very real children in a very real loving family--despite all of their quirkiness!! Hilary McKay is unbeatable at telling a terrific story!!! A delightful read for middle graders. The first title in the series is Saffy's Angel.

Owen and Mzee are unlikely friends. Owen was found alone after the Tsunami of December 2005 swept away his pod of hippos. Rescued and brought to Haller Park in Mombasa, Kenya, Owen immediately started staying very close to Mzee, an Aldabra tortoise and they have been together ever since. Owen and Mzee is a delightful book with lots of facts and wonderful pictures. Everyone in the family will enjoy it. The reader can even follow their continuing friendship by going to LaFarge Ecosystems.
Carol

Anyone from ages 9 to 103 will love this refreshing book about a 15 year old dairy farmer who loves football and just happens to be a girl! She is hard working, confused, funny, and has a crush on the rival team's quarterback. One of those rare books that can be recommended for anyone. If you read 2 books this year, this should be one of them!!!!

The combination of J.P.Lynch's glorious edition of A Christmas Carol paired with Jim Dale's inspired reading is a terrific family gift for the holidays. Parents and kids can settle in, listen to the story, follow along in the book and be treated to Lynch's sumptuous illustrations. For all ages.
Carol

Humpty and his family live in an egg carton (of course) and work in the circus. Humpty is always getting into trouble, so falling off the wall is not unusual. But what most people don't know is that he had a musically talented, level-headed sister, Dimity, who, in fact, did help "put Humpty together again." Bob Graham is a genius at making stories come alive for young and old with his gentle touch. The pictures will drag you into this world and keep you there, smiling the whole time. Brilliant!!! Ages 3 and up.

It's the same poem, but Puttapipat's illustrations are so unusual. His silhouettes, cut-outs and pop-ups make this version one that will entertain all ages. A great family gift.
Carol

Many may be familiar with Tana Hoban's classics: Black on White and White on Black which have been very popular first books for infants for years. But apparently, even they could be improved. This new format opens up to show all the pictures at once - perfect to set into the crib or bassinette. For the very, very young. A great baby present.

This is an old story about a hard-working hen and her lazy friends. Retold and beautifully illustrated by Jerry Pinkney, it will certainly gain new fans in the picture book crowd.

Van Gogh describes the colors in some of his most famous paintings. A lovely book that can gently introduce this artist to a young audience.

This book was first published more than 40 years ago and it's great to see that the re-illustrated version makes the story even more accessible to kids. A bulletin board falls on Stanley and he becomes quite flat - only 1/2 inch thick! He feels perfectly fine - only very thin. This proves to be helpful in some situations, but not great for the long haul. Stanley's brother comes up with a solution and saves the day - although you wouldn't want to "try this at home". A great story for the 4 to 8 set.
Carol

One wouldn't think that this old favorite could be improved upon. Sylvester has been restored so that the colors are brighter and it includes Steig's wonderful Caldecott acceptance speech. If there is anyone who doesn't own this book, now is the time to get it!

This is a sequel to An All-American Girl in which Samantha saved the life of the President and then went on to fall in love with his son. Now Samantha is trying to figure out how to deal with a slightly odd-ball teenager, and questioning what exactly she is ready for! The main thing is that she is HILARIOUS no matter what she's doing. Although the content is mature, this book will be much appreciated by the slightly older YA crowd.

Oscar, the baby of the family is 6 months old and it's a perfect excuse for an outing. The family goes on a picnic and winds up celebrating with many strangers--although Oscar winds up falling into the dog's snacks. The details of Graham's illustrations and his insight into family life are just delightful. Bet you can't read this book without smiling.

What a hoot! Did you ever fall asleep reading a bedtime story to a young child? Well, this book will help avoid premature snoozing on the reader's part and encourage it for the listener. Kloske has simply summarized the usual stories with a very funny twist that will entertain all involved in the nighttime ritual. Children who are familiar with "normal" stories will really enjoy this delightful "retelling." Why did the chicken cross the road? To go to sleep. Ages 4 to 8.

Annabelle and Sam are the only ones in their family who can see fairies that have landed in a tiny ice cream truck in their backyard. Maybe their Mon and Dad are just not paying attention? This is a wonderful book for young children who invent their own fairies. Bob Graham just always seems to get it right.

Well, he's done it again! Hiasson knows how to write for kids! This is a Florida-based story about a family working to prevent a gambling ship from dumping raw sewage into the ocean. The action never stops, and the characters (even the minor ones) are quirky, entertaining, and very real. Hard issues of family life and the environment are faced head on. This will be a sure winner for the kids' audience, much like Hoot was--and for some of us adults too. Ages 9 to 12.

Ivy Louise has a great time with her peas on her high chair tray. They perform all kinds of circus acts to entertain her and then she helps them avoid the inevitable--a perfect solution for them and her. You'll have to read it to figure it out!

Caramba is a cat who can't fly in a world where flying felines are the norm. Although he gets all kinds of help and encouragement, flying is just impossible. But Caramba discovers another, very unique talent. Gay's illustrations and gently story are quite appealing and just the thing for the apprehensive among. Ages 3 to 5.

Wouldn't it be fun to go to your Mom or Dad's work and actually do their job? And what if your Mom or Dad went to kindergarten instead of you! Bea, and her Dad, Mr. Jones, switch places and are both very happy doing so. This reprint of an old favorite is a delight for kids and parents. Ages 4 and up.
Carol

Hattie is an orphan cared for by family and friends until she is 16 when an uncle that she's never met leaves her a 320 acre "claim" in Montana. The only stipulation is that she must fence a large part of the property and plant 40 acres. When this is accomplished she will own the land. Set in 1917, World War I lurks in the background as farmers are required to donate to the Defense Fund and native Germans are considered enemies. For Hattie, hard work, learning how to farm, making great friends and learning about her inner strengths make moving to Montana a very enriching experience. Readers will find Hattie Big Sky a wonderful escape. For the 8 to 12 crowd.
Carol