The Childrens Book Review » Ages 0-3

Wonderful Winter Books for Kids

Bianca Schulze — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 07:12:28 +0000

By Bianca Schulze, The Children’s Book Review
Published: February 7, 2012

Over and Under the Snow

By Kate Messner; illustrated by Christpher Silas Neal

As a child skis down a mountain with her dad and spots a red squirrel disappearing down a crack, she asks the question: “Where did he go?” To which her dad responds: “Under the snow.” The little girl’s world suddenly expands as her mind is opened to a whole new natural world. Messner’s text appeals to the senses and her author’s note is educational and encourages children to take in their surrounding on their next snowy adventure. Neal’s mixed media illustrations have retro appeal and capture the wintery scenery well with the combination of cool colors and earthy tones. Animal, nature and science entusiasts will love this book—especially the facts provided in the back of the book about all of the animals featured in the story. (Ages 5-8. Publisher: Chronicle Books LLC)

Razzle-Dazzle Ruby

By Masha D’yans

Masha D’yans’ fantastical debut book Razzle-Dazzle Ruby is charmingly artistic. The illustrations are moving—literally. Every page of this novelty picture book offers a playful and enticing wintery wonderland for young readers to lose themselves in. Visit: www.razzledazzleruby.com (Ages 4-8. Publisher: Scholastic, Inc.)

I Am Small

By Emma Dodd

With an icy cold backdrop and splashes of shimmery silver on every second page, a little penguin manages to cope with the big obstacles in life—deep ocean and steep mountains—because of his mother’s warm love. Sweet with its repetitive text, I Am Small is a delightful little tale for mothers to share with their young ones. (Ages 0-3. Publisher: Scholastic, Inc.)

The Tree House

By Marije Tolman and Ronald Tolman

The Tree House is a wordless and imaginative wonder that enchants readers with its wide array of characters (Bears, pandas, rhinos, and birds of many feathers) that visit a tree house located in what seems to be the middle of nowhere. Each character is so different, yet they all manage to co-exist in the marvelous tree house. Pastel and mid-hue colors splash across beautiful double-page spreads of mixed media that emphasize the differences between the various animals and highlight the bonds of friendship that form. A delicate but powerful message awaits those who choose to ponder the elegance of this treasure. (Ages 3-5. Publisher: Lemniscaat USA)

Little Bea and the Snowy Day

By Daniel Roode

Daniel Roode has created a pitch-perfect, playful day in the snow. The full-color art created with Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop splashes brightly and lightly (the snowflakes gently flurry down) across every page. Large text and descriptive words evoke the senses so much that readers can easily imagine themselves playing along with Little Bea and her friends. When the day is over, Little Bea makes plans to see her friends tomorrow; my guess is that your little reader (or listener) will also be making plans for tomorrow: plans to read this book over-and-over-and-over again! (Ages 2-5. Publisher: HarperCollins)

Brave Irene

By William Steig

Those who are fans of award-winning William Steig will be excited to know that Brave Irene (the 1986 New York Times Book Review Best Illustrated Book of the Year) has been rereleased in paperback. When Irene’s mother falls ill, Irene braves the harsh winter storm and its yodelling wind to deliver a dress to the duchess who lives over the mountain. Steig’s story showcases perseverance and the wonderful bond between a mother and her daughter. As the pages turn, the illustrations become progressively darker in tone adding dramatics to the entertaining text, before they lighten and brighten for the happy ending. A *cool* choice for winter reading. (Ages 4-8. Publisher: Square Fish)

Best New Books for Valentine’s Day

Bianca Schulze — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 19:37:37 +0000

By Nicki Richesin, The Children’s Book Review
Published: February 6, 2012

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and you know what that means: time to read some love stories! Below are just a few selections with which you’re sure to fall in love. So snuggle up with your favorite little reader and share a good laugh, a cuddle, and a whole lotta love.

Mr. Prickles

By Kara LaReau; illustrated by Scott Magoon

Even though Mr. Prickles may be prickly on the outside, he’s warm and fuzzy on the inside and looking for someone to see past his rough exterior. Thank goodness for Miss Pointypants who knows a thing or two about being judged on her sharp appearance. The deeper message LaReau humorously imparts is how to control one’s anger when ostracized by friends. Little kids who have been banished from the sandbox will love Mr. Prickles. (Ages 2-6. Publisher: Roaring Brook Press)

A Giant Crush

By Gennifer Choldenko; illustrated by Melissa Sweet

Ah, young love. This book is absolutely perfect for second and third graders confused by their beloved’s sudden mood swings. When a little bunny falls in love with another funny bunny, what’s a bunny to do? Leave it to a good friend to help him unravel the mysteries and agonies of a first crush. First rule of thumb: you have to speak to the one you love. (Ages 5-8. Publisher: Penguin Group (USA))

Love, Splat

By Rob Scotton

This tale about two star-crossed cats is seriously funny. Scotton’s silly illustrations of Splat the Cat reminded me just a bit of Garfield, but his story is pure fun. Splat goes to great lengths to impress his lady love, Kitten, but when Spike intervenes, it seems all is lost. Leave it to Kitten, with her feline prowess, to choose the best suitor to win her affections. (Ages 4-7. Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers)

Hedgehug

By Benn Sutton; illustrated by Dan Pinto

Two books about pointy critters in one review? Yes, indeed. In this “sharp lesson in love,” Hedgehug discovers love hurts after his many failed attempts to share a hug. In Sutton’s playful yet tender story, Hedgehug will also find all you need is love. (Ages 4-7. Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers)

Henry’s Heart

By Charise Mericle Harper

Harper’s informative look at the functions and needs of a growing boy’s heart features amusing illustrations of Henry’s friends and family members’ running commentary on his predicament. In the end, Henry learns how to take care of himself, his heart, and his new canine friend. Harper sweetly dedicates Henry’s Heart to the students of Daniel Warren Elementary School (listing every student’s name in the front of the book). (Ages 5-8. Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. (BYR))

The Best Kind of Kiss

By Margaret Allum; illustrated by Jonathan Bentley

For daddy’s girls everywhere, the best kind of kiss is found in the arms of good ol’ pop. Whether making up, cuddling or bidding a fond farewell, you can say it with a kiss to build a dream on. Bentley’s imaginative illustrations will make you want to pucker up with your sweetie. (Ages 3-6. Publisher: Walker & Company)

Big Hugs, Little Hugs

By Felicia Bond

Bestselling artist of If You Give A Mouse a Cookie, Felicia Bond, has created a fitting tribute to hugs for all sorts of lovable creatures including hamsters, hippos, kangaroos, and penguins. Her cut paper artwork will inspire children to create their own designs. (Ages 3-5. Publisher: Penguin Group (USA))

Just Because You’re Mine

By Sally Lloyd-Jones; illustrated by Frank Endersby

Little Red Squirrel plays a guessing game with his father as to why he loves him. Endersby’s delicate paintings of the squirrels’ adventures are well-matched with Lloyd-Jones’s touching story. (Ages 3-7. Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers)

Amelia Bedelia’s First Valentine

By Herman Parish; illustrated by Lynne Avril

Although Amelia Bedelia often misunderstands common expressions, (and thus provides children endless belly laughs) she resourcefully solves a problem and saves her Valentine’s Day class party. Perhaps best of all, little Amelia Bedelia has a very big heart and gratitude for her doting parents. Peggy Parish’s nephew Herman carries on the tradition with his modern update on the classic series of beloved books. (Ages 5-8. Publisher: HarperCollins Children’s Books)

Time for a Hug

By Phillis Gershator and Mim Green; illustrated by David Walker

In simple yet playful rhyme, mother-daughter duo Gershator and Green insist that children know it’s always time for a hug. David Walker’s charming illustrations of the rabbit family’s routine day, working and playing together, offers comfort and reassurance to little readers. (Ages 3-5. Publisher: Sterling Children’s Books)

Nicki Richesin is the editor of four anthologies,What I Would Tell Her: 28 Devoted Dads on Bringing Up, Holding On To, and Letting Go of Their Daughters; Because I Love Her: 34 Women Writers Reflect on the Mother-Daughter Bond; Crush: 26 Real-Life Tales of First Love; and The May Queen: Women on Life, Work, and Pulling it all Together in your Thirties. Her anthologies have been excerpted and praised in The New York Times, the San Francisco Chronicle, The Boston Globe, Redbook, Parenting, Cosmopolitan, Bust, Salon, Daily Candy, and Babble.

Caldecott Medal, 2012

Bianca Schulze — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 21:15:28 +0000

By Bianca Schulze, The Children’s Book Review
Published: January 23, 2012

Medal Winner

Honor Book

“The Caldecott Medal was named in honor of nineteenth-century English illustrator Randolph Caldecott. It is awarded annually by the Association for Library Service to Children, a division of the American Library Association, to the artist of the most distinguished American picture book for children.” ~ALSC

A Tribute to Mary Blair (1911-1978)

Bianca Schulze — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 22:07:33 +0000

By Nicki Richesin, The Children’s Book Review
Published: January 13, 2012

Mary Blair

If you grew up watching Disney’s Peter Pan and Cinderella or once drifted along in a boat on the “It’s A Small World” ride at Disneyland, then you’re well-acquainted with Mary Blair’s unique artwork. Blair was honored as a Disney legend in 1991 for her designs during the golden age of animation. In October 2011, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences honored her with a “Centennial Tribute” at the Samuel Goldwyn Theater in Beverly Hills. There’s even an iPhone app for her “It’s A Small World” design.

Blair is also famous for the enduring appeal of her Little Golden Book series. In her illustrations for the classic book I Can Fly by Ruth Krauss, she seems to encourage even the most timid child to attempt acts of bravery. From her first image of a small, raven-haired beauty flying high in the sky on her swing that accompanies the line, “A bird can fly, so can I” to her picture of the little girl boldly proclaiming, “Who can climb anywhere? Me! Like a bear” as she scoots up the banister, it’s a triumph in children’s picture books. Blair emboldened children yet always imbued her illustrations with warmth and humor. She made her readers believe they could be anything and do anything.

The latest update on her Baby’s House was just reissued as a Golden Baby board book. It’s perfect for little hands to hold and cherish as they flip through baby’s explorations around the house while Mama knits and Papa smokes his pipe, in his robe and slippers, and reads the newspaper. Baby has certainly come a long way since 1950. Yet she still resourcefully brushes her teeth and washes dishes convincing youngsters they too can take care of themselves. In August 2012, A Mary Blair Treasury of Golden Books will be published. I’m delighted Blair’s original artwork will be available for future generations to treasure.

Below are a few more books about this beloved artist:

The Art and Flair of Mary Blair by John Canemaker

Walt Disney’s Peter Pan by Dave Barry, Ridley Pearson and Mary Blair

Walt Disney’s Alice in Wonderland by Jon Scieszka and Mary Blair

Walt Disney’s Cinderella by Cynthia Rylant and Mary Blair

What is your favorite book by Mary Blair?

Board Books: Rhyme & Rhythm

Bianca Schulze — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 07:08:43 +0000

By Nina Schuyler, The Children’s Book Review
Published: January 2, 2012

You don’t have to be a poet to know the fun of rhyme and rhythm. Nursery rhymes tap into this good time, which may, in part, explain their longevity. We like sounds that “strike and chime and slide by each other,” writes poet Frances Mayes. “We respond to the here-it-comes again refrain.” Rhyme and repetition also stamp something into memory.

When a poet friend of mine heard I had a newborn, he said, “They’re little sponges. Why not read poems to him? The ear loves good rhythm and rhyme.”

Baby Baby Baby

By Marilyn Janovitz

If you don’t think your little one is ready for Emily Dickinson’s “An Awful Tempest Mashed the Air,” (it’s a beautiful poem, though), why not try Marilyn Janovitz’ Baby Baby Baby!

Janovitz invites not only a rhythm and rhyme scheme but tons of alliteration:

“Bitsy bouncy baby/ On a bumpity lap/ Mommy’s little baby likes to/ CLAP CLAP CLAP!” Or “Rub-a-dub baby/ In a bubbly bath/ Grandma’s little baby likes to/ Splish Splish Splash!”

This is a book you won’t mind reading over and over. By the last page, you’re either singing it and/or drumming your fingers on the board pages and bouncing baby on your lap. (Ages 1-3)

One, Two Buckle My Shoe

By Salina Yoon

Salina Yoon has taken the classic nursery tale, One, Two Buckle My Shoe, and turned it modern with bright colorful pictures and interesting cut-outs that transform into a picture. For instance, for “Two,” there’s a cutout of a square, which allows you to see blue and red and two yellow circles. Turn the page to “Buckle my shoe” and the previous fragment is now a large shoe. The six stars shown for “Six” changes into an elephant’s blanket. (Ages 0-3)

The poet Gerard Manley Hopkins said, “Read with your ears.” These two books make sure that you do.

Nina Schuyler‘s first novel, The Painting, (Algonquin Books of Chapel Hill/2004), was a finalist for the Northern California Book Awards. It was also selected by the San Francisco Chronicle as one of the Best Books for 2004 and a “Great Debut from 2004″ by the Rocky Mountain News. She currently teaches creative writing at the University of San Francisco and is working on a third novel.

January, 2012: Best Selling Kids’ Books, New Releases, and More …

Bianca Schulze — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 07:50:05 +0000

By Bianca Schulze, The Children’s Book Review
Published: January 1, 2012

Here’s the scoop on the most popular destinations on The Children’s Book Review site, the most coveted new releases and bestsellers.

THE HOT SPOTS: THE TRENDS

Kids Winter Books: Snow, mittens, polar bears and other arctic animals

Star Wars Books for Kids

Author Interview: Gary Paulsen

Review: Scat by Carl Hiaasen

Where to Find Free eBooks for Children Online

THE NEW RELEASES

The most coveted books that release this month:

Cinder: Book One in the Lunar Chronicles

by Marissa Meyer

(Ages 12-17)

The Fault in our Stars

by John Green

(Ages 14-17)

Llama Llama Nighty-Night

by Anna Dewdney

(Ages 2-4)

Fallen in Love: A Fallen Novel in Stories

by Lauren Kate

(Ages 12+)

A Million Suns: An Across the Universe Novel

by Beth Revis

(Ages 13-17)

THE BEST SELLERS

The best selling children’s books this month:

PICTURE BOOKS

I Want My Hat Back

by Jon Klassen

(Ages 4-8)

Goodnight, Goodnight Construction Site

by Sherri Duskey Rinker (Author), Tom Lichtenheld (Illustrator)

(Ages 4-8)

If You Give a Dog a Donut

by Laura Numeroff (Author), Felicia Bond (Illustrator)

(Ages 3-7)

The Artist Who Painted a Blue Horse

by Eric Carle

(Ages 0-5)

The Bippolo Seed and Other Lost Stories

by Dr. Seuss

(Ages 6-9)

CHAPTER BOOKS

Heroes of Olympus, The, Book Two: The Son of Neptune

by Rick Riordan

(Ages 9-11)

The LEGO Ideas Book

by Daniel Lipkowitz

(Ages 8-12)

The Heroes of Olympus, Book One: The Lost Hero

by Rick Riordan

(Ages 9-12)

Wonderstruck

by Brian Selznick

(Ages 9-12)

Every Thing On It

by Shel Silverstein

(Ages 8-11)

PAPERBACK BOOKS

War Horse

by Michael Morpurgo

(Ages 9-12)

The Red Pyramid

by Rick Riordan

(Ages 10 and up)

Theodore Boone: Kid Lawyer

by John Grisham

(Ages 8-12)

The Book Thief

by Markus Zusak

(Ages 14 and up)

Thirteen Reasons Why

by Jay Asher

(Ages 12 and up)

SERIES BOOKS

Inheritance

by Christopher Paolini

(Young Adult)

The Twilight Saga Collection

by Stephenie Meyer

(Ages 12 and up)

Percy Jackson & the Olympians

by Rick Riordan

(Ages 9 to 12)

Hunger Games Trilogy Boxset

by Suzanne Collins

(Ages 12 and up)

Diary of a Wimpy Kid

by Jeff Kinney

(Ages 9 to 12)

This information was gathered from the New York Times Best Sellers list, which reflects the sales of books from books sold nationwide, including independent and chain stores. It is correct at the time of publication and presented in random order. Visit: www.nytimes.com.

Review: A Kiss For You! by Joan Holub

Bianca Schulze — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 03:29:57 +0000

By Nina Schuyler, The Children’s Book Review
Published: December 28, 2011

A Kiss For You!

By Joan Holub ; illustrated by Caroline Jayne Church

Reading level: Ages 0 and up

Board book: 14 pages

Publisher: Cartwheel Books; Brdbk edition (September 1, 2011)

Source: Publisher

I started reading to my infant son from the moment he could keep his eyes open. For selfish reasons, really. I love to read. I even read magazine advertisements (usually looking for typos). One day, coming out of my fog of selfishness, I saw my son really liked books. His whole body surged with energy, limbs stiffening, eyes opening, a big grin spreading on his pink bow lips when I picked up a book.

Now he’s seven months and has a deep and profound relationship with books, so deep that he wants to grab the book, hug it, bring it to his mouth and chew on it. A Kiss For You! By Joan Holub and Caroline Jayne Church Is the perfect board book if you’ve got a kid who’s formed such a relationship with books. A large hand wraps from the back of the book to the cover. To begin reading, you lift the cardboard hand and open the book and then a whole world of magic begins. You can move the cardboard hand to pat a puppy, wave hello and good-bye, blow a kiss, hold a teddy, and play peek-a-boo. I swear by the end of this book, my little guy was waving to me, the book, the world.

Add this book to your collection: A Kiss For You!

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Last Minute Christmas Gifts

Bianca Schulze — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 03:18:55 +0000

By Bianca Schulze, The Children’s Book Review
Published: December 17, 2011

Looking for some last minute gift ideas? Here are some fun books and book related items that you can’t go wrong with. There is something for everyone—babies to teenagers! Just click on the images to learn more …

The Adventures of Tin Tin: Season 1 (DVD)

The Magic School Bus: Oceans (Nintendo DS—Ages 5+)

The Giant Book of Giants (Ages 4+)

The Girls' Book of Secrets (Ages 8+)

A Pocket Library: Oh, David! (Ages 0+)

Star Wars: Darth Vader, A 3-D Reconstruction Log (Ages 5+)

Ripley's Believe It or Not! Strikingly True (Ages 10+)

Tiffany's Table Manners for Teenagers (Ages 12+)

Modern Art Memory Game (Ages 5+)

The Odyssey: A Pop-Up Book (Ages 8+)

Source of items: Publishers and publicists.

Books for Christmas

Bianca Schulze — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 07:48:35 +0000

Best Kids Christmas Books of 2011

By Bianca Schulze, The Children’s Book Review
Published: December 6, 2011

Home for Christmas

By Jan Brett

A new holiday favorite about the importance of family and working together. Jan Brett’s clever storytelling begs to be read aloud while eyes devour her wonderfully detailed illustrations. More wintery, holiday favorites from Jane Brett: The Night Before Christmas and The Mitten. (Ages 3-5)

The Carpenter’s Gift: A Christmas Tale about the Rockefeller Center Tree

By David Rubel; illustrated by Jim LaMarche

David Rubel, a children’s historian, captures the essence of giving and charity, showing the importance of compassion during the holidays. The colored-pencil illustrations by LaMarche are evocative of the 1930′s era, depression time, and warm the sol with their glow. (Ages 5-8)

A Bad Kitty Christmas

By Nick Bruel

Bad Kitty is a little on the greedy side; however, with the help of an old friend and a new friend, he learns the true meaning of Christmas. Bruel’s alphabetical and lyrical format combine well with the busy and entertaining illustrations that fill the pages with a comical and epic Christmas journey. A Bad Kitty Christmas is for those that enjoy a good giggle. (Ages 4-8)

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever

By Barbara Robinson; illustrated by Laura Cornell

Based on her 1972 bestselling novel, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, popular author Barabra Robinson delivers an amusing picture book about the Herdmans family (“the worst kids in the history of the world”), who single-handedly capture the true meaning of Christmas with their candid interpretation. Bestselling illustrator Laura Cornell, who is well known for her artwork in actor/author Jamie Lee Curtis’s books, adds to the authenticity of the Herdmans candidness with her pictures that are purposefully unruly and farcical. This book is lots of fun. (ages 4-8)

The Story of Christmas

Illustrated by Pamela Dalton

Pamela Dalton has masterfully created intricate artwork using her paper-cutting scherenschnitte skills to bring the Nativity story from the King James Bible story alive. This is a great selection for those that are looking for a respectful, spiritual book. (Ages 4-8)

The Twelve Days of Christmas

Illustrated by Laurel Long

This is a splendid visual celebration of one of the most beloved Christmas carols, “The Twelve Days of Christmas.” Adults and children alike can get joyfully lost in the detailed oil painting illustrations as they search for hidden gifts from each of the previous verses. Destined to be a family favorite. (Ages 3+)

A Christmas Goodnight

By Nola Buck; illustrated by Sarah Jane Wright

Nola Buck has written a sweet, rhyming Christmas story that doubles as a bedtime book for young readers. The illustrations are charming and offer a gentle visual introduction to the traditional Nativity story. (Ages 2+)

The Helpful Elves

By August Kopisch; illustrated by Beatrice Braun-Fock

The Helpful Elves is a classic German tale with a cautionary message that will discourage children from unnecessary investigation into the lives of elves. The retro illustrations are enhanced by ten die-cut elves, each with their own little personality, that are perched at the top of each page. This is quick read that lingers on the mind well after the last page has been turned. (Ages 3-7)

Here are a couple more suggestions for the youngest readers in your family: Santa’s New Idea by Nina Chen, What am I? Christmas by Anne Margaret Lewis, and Duck & Goose, It’s Time for Christmas by Tad Hills.

Add these books to your collection by clicking on the book cover images above.

Source of books: Some of these books were provided by the publishers. Submissions are evaluated based on the following particulars: literary value, illustrative quality, and over-all presentation. Our reviews are always positive because we only appraise those books with the strongest potential impact on the reader.

The Babies on the Bus by Karen Katz

Bianca Schulze — Sat, 03 Dec 2011 21:02:56 +0000

Reading level: Ages 3 and up

Add this book to your collection: The Babies on the Bus

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Video courtesy of MacmillanChildrens: “Watch this book trailer video and see The Babies on the Bus sing la la la! The Babies on the Bus is a picture book for children by best-selling author and illustrator Karen Katz. Follow along as this adorable children’s picture book comes alive in this video!”