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

Sleepy Kittens: Despicable Me

2010 Children’s Choice Book Awards Nominees

20 Sites to Improve Your Child’s Literacy

Summer Reading Tips & What to Read When

Kids’ Summer Reading Lists: Early-Fluent to Fluent Readers / Ages 6-10

THE NEW RELEASES

The most coveted books that release this month:

Mockingjay (The Final Book of The Hunger Games)

by Suzanne Collins

(Young Adult)

Artemis Fowl 7: The Atlantis Complex

by Eoin Colfer

(Ages 9-12)

The 39 Clues, Book 10: Into the Gauntlet

by Margaret Peterson Haddix

(Ages 9-12)

Fancy Nancy and the Delectable Cupcakes

by Jane O’connor

(Ages 4-8)

Hunger Games Trilogy Boxset

by Suzanne Collins

(Young Adult)

Sabotaged (Missing)

by Margaret Peterson Haddix

(Ages 8-12)

Clementine, Friend of the Week

by Sara Pennypacker

(Ages 7-10)

THE BEST SELLERS

The best selling children’s books this month:

PICTURE BOOKS

Ladybug Girl at the Beach

by Jacky Davis, David Soman

(Ages 3-7)

The Very Fairy Princess

by Julie Andrews

(Ages 4-8)

City Dog, Country Frog

by Mo Willems, Jon J Muth

(Ages 4-7)

LEGO Star Wars: The Visual Dictionary

by Simon Beecroft

(Ages 7 and up)

The Quiet Book

by Deborah Underwood

(Ages 3-5)

CHAPTER BOOKS

Big Nate: In a Class by Himself

by Lincoln Peirce

(Ages 8-12)

The Hunger Games

by Suzanne Collins

(Ages 12 and up)

Catching Fire (The Second Book of the Hunger Games)

by Suzanne Collins

(Ages 12 and up)

Fallen

by Lauren Kate

(Ages 12 and up)

Linger

(Young Adult)

PAPERBACK BOOKS

Pinkalicious: Pinkalicious and t…
by Victoria Kann

(Ages 4-7)

Beezus and Ramona

by Beverly Cleary

(Ages 9-12)

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian

by Sherman Alexie

(Ages 12 and up)

Shiver

by Maggie Stiefvater

(Ages 13 and up)

The Book Thief

by Markus Zusak

(Ages 14 and up)

SERIES BOOKS

Percy Jackson & the Olympians,

by Rick Riordan

(Ages 9 to 12)

Pretty Little Liars

by Sara Shepard

(Ages 14 and up)

Diary of a Wimpy Kid,

by Jeff Kinney

(Ages 9 to 12)

The Twilight Saga Collection

by Stephenie Meyer

(Ages 12 and up)

House of Night

by P. C. Cast

(Ages 14 and up)

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. To see the full list you can visit: www.nytimes.com.

KIDS’ LITERATURE EVENTS: CIRCA August, 2010

It’s no secret that it’s cool to read. Where can you be seen promoting literacy and encouraging kids to read?

An Exquisite Vision: The Art of Lisbeth Zwerger
June 29 – Sep 26
Location: The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art in Amherst, MA, USA

Golden Kite, Golden Dreams: the SCBWI Awards
Jul 8 – Oct 1
Location: Abilene, TX, USA

Library Week
Aug 16 – 22
Location: New Zealand

The Children’s Book Council: Children’s Book of the Year Awards
Aug 20
Location: Australia

The Children’s Book Council: The Crichton Award for New Illustrators
Aug 21
Location: Australia

The Children’s Book Council: Children’s Book Week (Across the Story Bridge)
Aug 21 – 27
Location: Australia

Know of any kids’ literacy or author events that are happening during the month of July or August? Leave your suggestion in the comments field below.

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©2010 The Childrens Book Review. All Rights Reserved.

Add this book to your collection: One Smart Cookie: Bite-Size Lessons for the School Years and Beyond by Amy Krouse Rosenthal

I can’t tell you how much I love this series! Amy, if you read this … I’d be thrilled to interview you!

©2010 The Childrens Book Review. All Rights Reserved.

Pre-order this book: DC Super Heroes: The Ultimate Pop-Up Book

©2010 The Childrens Book Review. All Rights Reserved.

The following books have been selected for Father’s Day because they showcase strong paternal bonds and demonstrate just how special (and important) daddy-and-me moments can be. There is also a special selection for families that have two daddies.

My Daddy And Me

by Amy E. Sklansky (Author), Ard Hoyt (Illustrator)

Reading level: Ages 0-6

Board book: 20 pages

Publisher: Cartwheel Books; Brdbk edition (May 1, 2010)

Source: Publisher

What to expect: Fathers and sons, Fathers and daughters, Rhyme

From the illustrations to the rhyming, rhapsodic text to the sheer daddy-and-me togetherness, this is one of my all-time favorite book recommendations for a father to share with his child. It’s available in paperback but I love that it’s now available as a board book. Double thumbs-up!

Add this book to your collection: My Daddy And Me

Daddy’s Little Scout

by Janet Bingham (Author), Rosalind Beardshaw (Illustrator)

Reading level: Ages 4-8

Hardcover: 32 pages

Publisher: Cartwheel Books (May 1, 2010)

Source: Publisher

What to expect: Animals, Fathers and sons, Foxes

This is a sweet little tale of a father fox and a son fox finding a home that is just right and being able to share it with each other. The illustrations are soft and delightful.

Add this book to your collection: Daddy’s Little Scout

A Tale of Two Daddies

by Vanita Oelschlager (Author), Kristin Blackwood (Illustrator), Mike Blanc (Illustrator)

Reading level: Ages 4-8

Hardcover: 42 pages

Publisher: Vanita Books (April 28, 2010)

Source: Illustrator

What to expect: Fathers and daughter

A simple and effective story of a young girl who has two dads. It is written from the perspective of the little girl, and most definitely offers up a non-threatening way to open conversations about same sex parents. As for the pictures: I always enjoy Kristin Blackwood’s linoleum block print illustrations.

Add this book to your collection: A Tale of Two Daddies

Leave us a comment: What’s your favorite daddy-and-me book?

©2010 The Childrens Book Review. All Rights Reserved.

Whether it be the fairytale or romantic stigma that often surrounds princess characters, or the strength that these Damsels exude after overcoming various different hardships, children—especially girls—are drawn to stories about princesses. Heck, even I love a good “Prince Charming” story every once in a while. However, when looking for a book with some royal flare, it’s easy to fall to the stories we know so well: Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Snow White, and The Little Mermaid—which, while we’re at it, are considered by many as a right-of-passage for any young girl.

In my quest to find new and original stories with a good princess feel—less boy-meets-girl and more strength and self-discovery—the following books really struck a chord with me; each for their own reasons.

Princess and Fairy

by Anna Pignataro

Reading level: Ages 4-7

Hardcover: 24 pages

Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers (September 8, 2009)

Source: Publisher

What to expect: Rhyme, Rabbits, Parties

Light and airy and deliciously entertaining. From an intricate envelope that opens to reveal a mini sized invitation from the Queen, to a list of presents that Princess and Fairy must look for and find in the pages of delightfuly-fancy illustrations, readers are captivated to the very end.

Add this book to your collection: Princess and Fairy

The Very Little Princess

by Marion Dane Bauer

Reading level: Ages 6-9

Hardcover: 128 pages

Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers (February 23, 2010)

Source of book: Publisher

What to expect: Dolls, Mothers and daughters, Grandmothers

First of all, Marion Dane Bauer is a Newbery Honor-winning author. Second of all, this book reads like a book you’ve read over-and-over, even from the very first time you pick it up. The over-all story is one of loss—Zoe, a 10-year-old, visits her grandmother for the first time and discovers that her mother is leaving her to live there indefinitely—however, Bauer has intertwined a magical story of friendship between Zoe and a “princess” doll who comes to life, softening the loss and highlighting the importance of family.

A Junior Library Guild Selection.

Add this book to your collection: The Very Little Princess

The Secret Lives of Princesses

by Philippe Lechermeier (Author), Rebecca Dautremer (Illustrator)

Reading level: Ages 7+

Hardcover: 88 pages

Publisher: Sterling (June 1, 2010)

Source of book: Publisher

What to expect: Princesses galore!

Holy princess! The illustrations in this book are so rich and mind-absorbing! This is a book for sophisticated princess-lovers—and those that enjoy individualism. From the less familiar to the unknown, The Secret Lives of Princesses offers a refreshing perspective on royal life. A beautiful book and a delectable read.

Visit www.secretlivesofprincesses.com

Giveaway: Enter to win a copy!

Add this book to your collection: The Secret Lives of Princesses

Two Moon Princess

by Carmen Ferreiro-Esteban

Reading level: Young Adult

Paperback: 324 pages

Publisher: Tanglewood Press (June 16, 2010)

Source of book: Publicist

What to expect: Time and space, gender role, California

Time travel, history, romance, and a whole lot of independence that leads to a wonderful journey of self-discovery.

Visit the author at www.carmenferreiroesteban.com

Add this book to your collection: Two Moon Princess

Be sure to also look at these books, too:

Princess Hyacinth by Florence Parry Heide

The Paper Bag Princess by Robert N. Munsch

Leave us a comment: What is your favorite princess book with a twist?

©2010 The Childrens Book Review. All Rights Reserved.

Exciting news: Eric Carle’s classic story, The Very Hungry Caterpillar, is available as a BILINGUAL First Book Marketplace Special Edition exclusively through the First Book Marketplace—an online store selling high-quality children’s books and educational materials at deeply discounted prices to registered organizations serving children from low-income families.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar is a school and home library staple. ”As a tiny green caterpillar eats his way through the book, he is transformed into a beautiful butterfly.” From the scientific wonder of caterpillar-to-butterfly, the critter’s voracious hunger for many familiar foods, the tissue-paper illustrations, and the creative design of the pages; it’s no wonder that this ravenous caterpillar has been touching hearts for decades—including mine! I’m thrilled that this book is available in such a useful format, I just had to let you know.

If you’re a registered organization you can purchase this exclusive bilingual edition from the First Book Marketplace.

Otherwise, you can purchase the Spanish or English edition from our affiliate store: La oruga muy hambrienta or The Very Hungry Caterpillar.

©2010 The Childrens Book Review. All Rights Reserved.

The children have spoken! On May 11, 2010, The Children’s Book Council (CBC) in association with Every Child a Reader, Inc. (the CBC Foundation), announced the winners of the third annual Children’s Choice Book Awards.

The CBC created the awards program to allow young readers to voice their opinions about the books being written for them and to help develop a reading list that will motivate children to read more and cultivate a love of reading. The favorite book finalists for this year were determined by close to 15,000 children and teens from across the country. They voted for their favorite books, author, and illustrator at bookstores, school libraries, and at www.BookWeekOnline.com.

The Children’s Choice Book Award winners are as follows:

Author of the Year

James Patterson for MAX: A Maximum Ride Novel (Little, Brown)

Illustrator of the Year

Peter Brown for The Curious Garden (Little, Brown)

Kindergarten to Second Grade Book of the Year

Lulu the Big Little Chick

by Paulette Bogan

Publisher: Bloomsbury USA

Synopsis: Lulu the chicken is little…but wants to be big. Paulette Bogan’s humor and timeless kid-friendly style are irresistible.

Lulu the little chicken is sick of being told she’s too little to do things…so she decides to run away where no one will tell her what to do. And when the horse, and sheep and cow and everyone seem to get in her way, it only makes her more determined. But when she finally gets far far away, what happens when a loud crow scares her? Next time, she’ll take her momma with her!

Third Grade to Fourth Grade Book of the Year

Lunch Lady and the Cyborg Substitute

by Jarrett J. Krosoczka

Publisher: Knopf/Random House

Synopsis: Serving justice . . . and lunch!

Hector, Terrence, and Dee have always wondered about their school lunch lady. What does she do when she isn’t dishing out the daily special? Where does she live? Does she have a lot of cats at home? Little do they know, Lunch Lady doesn’t just serve sloppy joes—she serves justice! Whatever danger lies ahead, it’s no match for LUNCH LADY!

Fifth Grade to Sixth Grade Book of the Year

Dork Diaries: Tales from a Not-So-Fabulous Life

by Rachel Renee Russell

Publisher: Aladdin/Simon & Schuster

Synopsis: New school. New mean girl. New crush.

New diary so Nikki can spill about all of it…

Teen Choice Book of the Year

Catching Fire (The Second Book of the Hunger Games)

by Suzanne Collins

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Synopsis: Against all odds, Katniss Everdeen has won the annual Hunger Games with fellow district tribute Peeta Mellark. But it was a victory won by defiance of the Capitol and their harsh rules. Katniss and Peeta should be happy. After all, they have just won for themselves and their families a life of safety and plenty. But there are rumors of rebellion among the subjects, and Katniss and Peeta, to their horror, are the faces of that rebellion. The Capitol is angry. The Capitol wants revenge!

Congratulations to all of the winners and finalists!

©2010 The Childrens Book Review. All Rights Reserved.

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

The Hot Spots

The New Realeases

The Best Sellers

Kids’ Literature Events

2010 Children’s Choice Book Awards

Poetry for Kids: Funny Animal Poems Written by Kenn Nesbitt

Kids’ Earth Day Books: Green with Environmental Awareness

Top 10 Children’s Literature Articles of 2009

Tickle Monster: Josie Bissett

THE NEW RELEASES

The most coveted books that release this month:

• Perfect Piggies! by Sandra Boynton (Ages 0-4)

• Ladybug Girl at the Beach by Jacky Davis, David Soman (Ages 3-7)
• Pinkalicious: Pinkalicious and the Pink Drink by Victoria Kann (Ages 4-7)

• The 39 Clues, Book 9: Storm Warning by Linda Sue Park (Ages 8-12)
• The Sisters Grimm: Book Eight: The Inside Story by Michael Buckley (Ages 8-12)
• Charlie Bone And The Red Knight by Jenny Nimmo (Ages 9-12)

• The Red Pyramid (The Kane Chronicles, Book 1) by Rick Riordan (Ages 9-12)
• The Cardturner by Louis Sachar (Young Adult)

THE BEST SELLERS

The best selling children’s books this month:

PICTURE BOOKS

• The Quiet Book by Deborah Underwood (Ages 3-5)
• The EARTH Book by Todd Parr (Ages 3-6)
• Fancy Nancy: Poet Extraordinaire! by Jane O’connor (Ages 4-8)
• Skippyjon Jones, Lost in Spice by Judy Schachner (Ages 4-8)
• LEGO Star Wars: The Visual Dictionary by Simon Beecroft (Ages 7 and up)

CHAPTER BOOKS

• Big Nate: In a Class by Himself by Lincoln Peirce (Ages 8-12)
• The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins (Ages 12 and up)
• Catching Fire (The Second Book of the Hunger Games) by Suzanne Collins (Ages 12 and up)
• Fallen by Lauren Kate (Ages 12 and up)
• The Carrie Diaries by Candace Bushnell (Ages 14 and up)

PAPERBACK BOOKS

• Fancy Nancy and the Late, Late, Late Night by Jane O’connor (Ages 4-8)
• Nick of Time by Ted Bell (Ages 9-12)
• The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie (Ages 12 and up)
• If I Stay by Gayle Forman (Ages 12 and up)

• The Book Thief by Markus Zusak (Ages 14 and up)

SERIES BOOKS

• Percy Jackson & the Olympians, by Rick Riordan (Ages 9 to 12)
• How to Train Your Dragon by Cressida Cowell (Ages 9-12)
• Diary of a Wimpy Kid, written and illustrated by Jeff Kinney (Ages 9 to 12)
• The Twilight Saga by Stephenie Meyer (Ages 12 and up)
• House of Night by P. C. Cast (Ages 14 and up)

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. To see the full list you can visit: www.nytimes.com.

KIDS’ LITERATURE EVENTS: CIRCA May, 2010

It’s no secret that it’s cool to read. Where can you be seen promoting literacy and encouraging kids to read?

Children’s Book Week
May 10 – 16, 2010
Location: USA

New Zealand Post Book Awards Festival
May 10 – 19, 2010
Location: New Zealand

Sydney Writers’ Festival
May 15 – 23, 2010
Location: Australia

Karen Cushman
Thu, May 20, 2010, 10:00 AM
Location: Book Passage, Corte Madera, CA, USA
Featured Book: Alchemy and Meggy Swann

Book Blogger Convention
Fri, May 28, 2010
Location: New York City, NY, USA

Know of any kids’ literacy or author events that are happening during the month of May or June? Leave your suggestion in the comments field below.

©2010 The Childrens Book Review. All Rights Reserved.

Confucius once said, “Where ever you go, go with all your heart.” With this in mind, I have selected the following books based on their ability to inspire.

Reach for the Stars: and Other Advice for Life’s Journey

by Serge Bloch

Reading level: Ages 4-99

Hardcover: 32 pages

Publisher: Sterling (April 6, 2010)

Source of book: Publisher

What to expect: Figure of speech and humor

Author Serge Bloch has cleverly combined an inspiring collection of idioms into one marvelous anecdote that is both humanizing and uplifting. The outcome: “Reach for the Stars.” Presented on thick, white pages are simple pen and ink illustrations of a boy and his dog; complimenting, enhancing, explaining, and humoring each turn of phrase. Small amounts of photography have been added to the pictures, providing splashes of energetic color.

Bloch’s comedic timing offers readers a chance to laugh at life’s “bumpy” moments and reminds us to “blaze our own trail.” Readers that may frequently find themselves in a pickle will undoubtedly be left smiling—inside and out.  This hardcover gift book is a great choice for graduation, the first day of school, a first job—or anyone that needs a little reminder to “march to the beat of a different drummer.”

Add this book to your collection: Reach for the Stars: and Other Advice for Life’s Journey

You may also like: Butterflies in My Stomach and Other School Hazards

Oh, the Places You’ll Go Pop-Up

by Dr. Seuss and David A. Carter

Reading level: Ages 4-99

Hardcover: 22 pages

Publisher: Robin Corey Books; 20 Pop Anv edition (March 9, 2010)

Source: Publisher

What to expect: Inspiration and encouragement

Dr. Seuss’ Oh, the Places You’ll Go! has to be one of the most inspiring and encouraging pieces of literacy for children and adults, alike. From the words of wisdom to the nostalgic illustrations, this story is a gift-book favorite among many. To celebrate the 20th anniversary of Oh, the Places You’ll Go!, the amazing Paper Engineer, David A. Carter (known for his artistic creations One Red Dot and Blue 2), has created a pop-up version that does not disappoint. This awesome book now moves and pops.  Every page unfolds into an elaborate scene that truly deepens the original artwork.

Add this book to your collection: Oh, the Places You’ll Go Pop-Up

You may also like: Oh The Places You’ll Go! (Dr. Seuss Happy Graduation Gift Set)

©2010 The Childrens Book Review. All Rights Reserved.

There are many reasons why cats make great characters in kids’ books: They’re very familiar animals and notorious for being curious—not to mention mysterious, sly, and playful. They make lovable companions and their amazing ability for always landing on all four feet is a talent to marvel at and respect. And … you can’t beat the whole *nine lives* theory!

My favorite cat characters —of the moment—would have to be Mo Willems’ Cat the Cat and Sebastien Braun’s Meeow. Both of these cats star in picture book series that are extremely entertaining and a perfect choice for ages 0-5. From the language to the illustrations, the author-illustrators of these books really know their audience.

Meeow Series

by Sebastien Braun

Reading level: Ages 0-5

Hardcover: 32 pages

Publisher: Boxer Books

Source of books: Publisher

What to expect: Play and learning

• Meeow and the Little Chairs by Sebastien Braun
• Meeow and the Big Box by Sebastien Braun
• Meeow and the Pots and Pans by Sebastien Braun
• Meeow and the Blue Table by Sebastien Braun

Add these books to your collection: Meeow Series

You may also like: Not a Box by Antoinette Portis and Not a Stick by Antoinette Portis

Cat the Cat

by Mo Willems

Reading level: Ages 0-5

Hardcover: 32 pages

Publisher: Balzer + Bray

Source of books: Publisher

What to expect: Early-learning concepts and friendship

• Cat the Cat, Who Is That? by Mo Willems
• Let’s Say Hi to Friends Who Fly! by Mo Willems
• What’s Your Sound, Hound the Hound? by Mo Willems
• Time to Sleep, Sheep the Sheep! by Mo Willems

Add these books to your collection: Cat the Cat

You may also like: Can I Play Too? (An Elephant and Piggie Book) by Mo Willems

Other notable cat books:

• Chester’s Masterpiece by Melanie Watt
• Mattoo, Let’s Play! by Irene Luxbacher
• Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes by Eric Litwin
• Cats (Smithsonian) by Seymour Simon

Leave us a comment: Whose your favorite cat character or cat book?

©2010 The Childrens Book Review. All Rights Reserved.