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Children's Books: Most Popular Articles

These articles are the most popular over the last month.
2008 Summer Reading Lists
Find the best in children's books and young adult books on these current summer reading lists for 2008. You'll find children's picture books and books of fiction and nonfiction as well as young adult books of fiction and nonfiction on these 2008 summer reading lists. These summer reading booklists are among the best booklists I've found.
Cinderella Resources
Find out about versions of the Cinderella fairy tale that can be found in many cultures and countries, and take a look at online and print resources on the Cinderella of Grimm's fairy tales, Charles Perrault, and others. There are many children's books available featuring versions of the Cinderella fairy tale from different cultures and time periods.
Where the Wild Things Are
Children's Classic Picture Books: "Where the Wild Things Are" by Maurice Sendak is not just one of many appealing children's picture books. "Where the Wild Things Are" has become a classic since this picture book was awarded a Caldecott Medal in 1964. This simple picture book for a child has had a lasting impact on children's literature.
Reluctant Readers: Hi/Lo Books
Hi/Lo books are designed for reluctant readers who are not reading on grade level and whose interests are not met with typical books at their reading level. High interest low readability books meet the needs of reluctant readers by providing books at their reading level that are also at their interest level. These booklists include booklists for upper elementary, middle school, and high school reluctant readers.
Little Golden Books
Little Golden Books are among the all-time bestselling children's books. Since being acquired by Random House, Little Golden Books continue to publish old favorites while adding innovative new books. Share a favorite classic Golden Book with your child.
Diary of a Wimpy Kid
Diary of a Wimpy Kid:The Last Straw by Jeff Kinney is the third book in the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series. The first was Diary of a Wimpy Kid. The second was Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Roderick Rules. There will be sequels to Diary of a Wimpy Kid:The Last Straw by Jeff Kinney.
Children's Books: June 2008
The June 2008 Children's Books News contains the latest news about books for kids and teens, bestsellers, movie versions of children's books, and children's book publishers.
Reluctant Readers
If your child is a reluctant reader who never seems to find a book s/he likes there are a lot of resources you can use to help your reluctant reader become an enthusiastic reader of children's books, both fiction and non-fiction. Resources for reluctant readers include hi/lo books.
Children's Cookbooks
Children's Cookbooks: A good cookbook for kids can give your children a head start in learning to cook. If you are looking for a children's cookbook for your child, I recommend these children's cookbooks.
Children's Books by Dr. Seuss
Here are 10 children's picture books and beginning readers by Dr. Seuss (Theodor Geisel), including The Cat in the Hat, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Oh, the Places You'll Go and Horton Hatches the Egg. If you are looking for a book for a beginning reader, The Cat in the Hat and Green Eggs and Ham are perfect for beginning readers because of their controlled vocabulary. Generations of kids have enjoyed picture books and beginning readers written and illustrated by Dr. Seuss (Theodor Geisel).
Poetry Books
Here's an annotated list of recommended children's poetry books, including both traditional poems, concrete poetry, and poetry written specifically for children. In addition to the children's poetry books, you will also find several children's books about writing poetry.
Children's Dinosaur Books
There are all kinds of children's books about dinosaurs available, including dinosaur picture books for younger children, beginning readers, and nonfiction children's books about dinosaurs. Here are ten children's dinosaur books I particularly recommend.
Christopher Paolini: Brisingr
Here you'll find cover art and information about Brisingr by Christopher Paolini. Brisingr is Book Three in the Inheritance cycle by Christopher Paolini. The first two books in the fantasy Inheritance cycle are Eragon and Eldest. Both the first two fantasy novels in the cycle, Eragon and Eldest, have been bestsellers, very popular with teens and adults.
Kids Books: Starting School
Children's Books - These recommended children's picture books can help young children with the adjustment to starting school, whether it's preschool or kindergarten, while these recommended children's chapter books will appeal to older children dealing with a new school or grade.
Classics for Little Ones
These five children's books are board book versions of classics for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. A board book is sturdy enough to be handled by a very young child.
Author Cynthia Rylant
Cynthia Rylant is an award winning author of children's books, several of which celebrate her roots in Appalachia. Whether your child is 4-8 or 9-12 years old, there is probably a Cynthia Rylant book s/he will like,
Top Audio Books
Children's audio books are great fun for kids, whether they are enjoying them at home or while traveling. If you are going on a summer vacation with your children, be sure and take some children's audio books with you; they'll make the car, train, or plane trip much more fun for your children; children's audio books of many popular children's books are available.
The Tale of Despereaux
The Tale of Despereaux, by Kate DiCamillo, is an odd and engrossing fairy tale. The hero, Despereaux Tilling, is a mouse with large ears. While of the same high literary quality as her previous two children's books, "Because of Winn-Dixie," a Newbery Honor Book, and "The Tiger Rising," a National Book Award finalist, and also geared to the 8-12 year old reader, this novel is distinctly different from her others. It has a lot in common with Grimm's fairy tales.
Gardening in Picture Books
children’s picture books about gardens and gardening, children’s books, children’s picture books about gardens and gardening, gardens and gardening, children’s picture books
The Enduring Roald Dahl
In Roald Dahl's wildly imaginative works of children's literature, strange and wonderful things happen. Among his most well-known children's books are Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Matilda, and James and the Giant Peach. If your 9-12 year old child is looking for an entertaining book, look for one by Roald Dahl.
The Artistry of Maurice Sendak
Maurice Sendak's children's picture books, artwork and stories, have had a major impact on children's literature, with one book by Maurice Sendak, "Where the Wild Things Are," winning both a Caldecott Medal and complaints that it was too scary for a young child.
Summer Reading Fun
Learn about public library summer reading programs for children, as well as recommended summer reading lists of children's books for your child, from series, read alouds, and chapter books to age and grade level reading booklsts. Find out how reading children's books aloud to your child can also help the child who is a beginning reader or a middle reader maintain or improve reading skills.
Children's Historical Fiction
Learn about two books of historical fiction in the form of picture books for upper elementary and middle school readers, "Castle Diary: The Journal of Tobias Burgess, Page" and "The Mary Celeste," as well as the many online resources, including annotated booklists and articles related to historical fiction that you can use to pick the perfect children's book for your child.
Good Manners and Etiquette
In this children's picture book by Aliki, children learn about good manners through brief stories and comic strip-style art that illustrates good manners and bad manners
Harry Potter Book 7 Facts
What does Joanne Kathleen Rowling, the author of the enormously popular Harry Potter series, plan for Harry Potter Book 7, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, the seventh and last book in the series? Will J.K. Rowling have Harry Potter live or die in Harry Potter Book 7, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows? Find out, from J.K. Rowling interviews, what we know so far about Harry Potter Book 7.
Calendar of Children's Books
Use this school year calendar of children's books to find appropriate children's books for a variety of occasions and seasons. The calendar of children's books includes books about starting school, the seasons, a variety of holidays, and much more.
Author Jacqueline Wilson
British author Jacqueline Wilson, the 2005 Children’s Laureate, has more than 70 children’s books of fiction in print. Her children's books of fiction, which deal with such difficult subjects as mental illness, divorce, dysfunctional families, and bullying, is enormously popular, particularly with 7-15 year old girls.
Celebrate America
These 10 children's books, which could all be included in your Constitution Day and Citizenship Day lessons, celebrate the United State of America, America the Beautiful, the fourth of July (Independence Day), and include a children's cookbook, and books about the Constitution, the Declaration of Independence, an illustrated version of America the Beautiful more. I recommend them not just for the Fourth of July, Constitution Day and Citizenship Day, but for the year round.
2008 Caldecott Medal Winner
In the United States, the Randolph Caldecott Medal is the most prestigious award for illustration of children's picture books that an artist can receive. Here you'll find the 2008 Caldecott Medal and 2008 Caldecott Honor Book winners and the 2007 Caldecott Medal and Honor Book winning illustrators and their picture books.
Grimm's Fairy Tales
Before you select a book of fairy tales for your child, get information on scholarly research and versions of popular Grimm's fairy tales, such as Cinderella, which were originally written for adult audience and not for a child. Now, some of the most popular children's books are based on Grimm's fairy tales.
Potty Training Books
These children’s potty training books should make toilet training more fun for you and your toddler. Along with the overly didactic and boring children’s potty books, there are some good children’s books about potty and toilet training.
The Very Hungry Caterpillar
If you are looking for a picture book for your child that children love to look at and hear again and again, try The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle, one of his many popular children's picture books.
Find Kids' Books at Low Prices
Do you wish you could find a children's book at bargain prices? Here's a simple how to on finding new and used bargain children's books for your child.
Banning Children's Books
Why do some people want to ban or censor books, including children's books and young adult books (YA books), such as the Harry Potter series? What is Banned Books Week? When is Banned Books Week? Who do you think should be responsible for censorship and banning books - children's books, young adult books (YA books), and adult books? What about a book for your child?
Olympics!
The children's book "Olympics!" by B.G. Hennessy is the perfect book to use to introduce 4 to 8 year old children to both the summer and the winter Olympic Games."
Rhymes for Little Ones
Here are three children's books filled with colorful illustrations and rhymes and fun for little ones. If you have a small child, a book of rhymes should appeal to them.
Kids' Books About Cars Trucks
Children’s picture books about cars, trucks, and diggers are very appealing to kids. Here you’ll find an annotated booklist of recommended children’s picture books about cars, trucks, and diggers to help you find the perfect book for your child.
Guide Picks - Top Books by ...
Sharon Creech, who won a Newbery Medal for "Walk Two Moons," has written a number of excellent children's books. If you are looking for good novels for an older child (9-12, upper elementary - middle school), check out the children's fiction by Sharon Creech.
Kids' Books: Death of a Pet
I recommend these ten children’s picture books about the death of a pet. If you are looking for a helpful children’s picture book about the death of a pet, these children’s picture books will provide comfort to 3-12-year-old children and their families.
Young Adult Books - YA Books
If you are looking for young adult books (YA books) and YA booklists, be sure and visit the website of the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA). The YALSA Web site features award winning YA books, popular YA books, and recommended young adult books with a variety of YA booklists.
Teen ReadingTrends
What are the trends in teen reading and young adult (YA) books? Thanks to an interview with the president of the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA), a division of the American Library Association, I learned about teen reading trends and some recommended young adult books.
Christmas Picture Books 2004
This guide to the best children's Christmas picture books of 2004 not only provides you with information about ten excellent children's books about Christmas that were published in 2004, it also provides a nice, big picture of the cover art for each of the best children's Christmas books of 2004.
Hooray for Dr. Seuss!
Dr. Seuss (Theodor Geisel also wrote under the name Theodore Lesieg. His books: picture books and beginning readers with a controlled vocabulary, include The Cat in the Hat and Green Eggs and Ham and which are all great read-alouds. Because of their controlled vocabulary, children who are just learning to read can successfully read The Cat in the Hat and Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss. Whether writing as Dr. Seuss or Theodore LeSieg, Theodor Geisel was a master at creating books children love.
ALA Notable Children's Books
he American Library Association's Notable Children's Books List each year includes the Caldecott and Newbery Medal and Honor Book recipients as well as other notable children's books published in the United States the previous year, a prestigious list of the best in children's literature; find out about the Association for Library Service to Children/ALA Notable Books List and check it over to find the perfect book for your child.
Bedtime Board Books
Children's Books - A bedtime board books may be just what you need to encourage your child to go to bed, particularly "Goodnight Moon" and "A Child's Good Night Book" by Margaret Wise Brown, Mem Fox's "Time for Bed," all delightful children's books for very young children.
The John Newbery Medal
Learn about the John Newbery Medal and the 2008 Newbery Medal winner and the 2008 Newbery Honor books, as well as the 2007 Newbery Medal winner and the 2007 Newbery Honor books.In the U.S., the John Newbery Medal is the most prestigious award that a children's book author can receive.
Read Aloud to Your Child
Here are some tips to help you read aloud to your child using a variety of children's books, including picture books, classics, chapter books, and other children's books that make great read alouds.
Books Adults Will Love
Children's Picture Books for Adults: If you are looking for a special book for an adult, here are some children's picture books, from fairy tales to poetry, that adults will love. Check out the children's book department and find a special children's picture book to give as a gift to an adult.
Candlewick Press
Candlewick Press is an award winning, independent publisher of children's books for all ages, from brand new readers to older children. These include Guess How Much I Love You, The Tale of Despereux by Kate DiCamillo, a Newbery Medal winner, The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey, A Poke in the I: A Collection of Concrete Poems, and Feed.
Irish Folk and Fairy Tales
Here are recommended children’s books of Irish folktales and fairy tales, children's books for St. Patrick's Day or any day you are looking for children's books of tales from Ireland that are excellent read-alouds, children's books that you and your children can enjoy together, and enjoyable reading for independent readers.
Marc Brown's Arthur
If you have, or teach, children, you are probably aware that picture books and chapter books about Marc Brown's Arthur the aardvark are tremendously popular. Find out why and learn about Arthur and his father and see if a book about Arthur would appeal to your child.
Censorship and Challenged C...
Banned Books Week - What's the state of censorship, banned and challenged children's books in the twenty-first century? Children's books, including books by popular author Judy Blume and J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series, are being challenged, banned and censored, and some may be included in book burnings. Learn more about banned children's books and Banned Books Week.
The Spiderwick Chronicles
The Spiderwick Chronicles series is full of adventure and suspense. The Spiderwick Chronicles series of children's fantasy chapter books is enormously popular with children seven and older.
Barefoot Books Publisher
Barefoot Books is an independent publisher of children's books that celebrate art and story. The publisher specializes in picture books, stories and poems, as well as audio CDs of children's books. Check here for a unique book for your child.
Spotlight on Author Lois Lowry
Author Lois Lowry has written more than thirty books for children and young adults. Lois Lowry received a Newbery Medal for two of her books: Number the Stars and The Giver, a young adult book. Lowry's Number the Stars is children's fiction about the Holocaust and The Giver is a thought provoking dark fantasy that has been subject to challenges and censorship.
Kiss Good Night
Children's Picture Books: Kiss Good Night by Amy Hest, with illustrations by Anita Jeram, is an excellent children's bedtime story, suited for a young child. Children's picture books like the picture book "Kiss Good Night" can help a child settle down for a good night's sleep.
Mildred Wirt Nancy Drew Writer
Mildred Wirt Benson's role as the writer of the text of 23 of the first 25 Nancy Drew books under the direction of Edward Stratemeyer of the Stratemeyer Syndicate wasn't revealed to the public for 50 years. Benson was well known in the midwest as a journalist, and Carolyn Keene was the name given as the author of the Nancy Drew books. The Nancy Drew series has been popular for many years. Has your child read a Nancy Drew book?
The Read-Aloud Handbook
"The Read-Aloud Handbook," by Jim Trelease, is full of research and anecdotes about the value of reading aloud to children. It includes a long list of recommended books for children, from babies to young adults. Reading a chapter or a book to your child each night has enormous benefits.
Harry Potter 7 Deluxe Edition?
If you have been wondering what's so special about the deluxe edition of Harry Potter Book 7, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, here's the information you've been looking for. Learn about the boxed deluxe edition of Harry Potter Book 7, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, the cover and all of the extra artwork.
Kids Books: Hispanic Heritage
These recommended reading lists of children's books that emphasize Hispanic heritage or Latino heritage include a variety of children's books that are not just for Hispanic Heritage Month.
Hans Christian Andersen
You might be surprised to find out how many of the children's books of fairy tales your child particularly enjoys are versions of Hans Christian Andersen fairy tales. Learn more about the life and work of Hans Christian Andersen and find out why one of his fairy tales might be just the special children's book to delight your child.
Harry Potter 6 Trivia Quiz - No Spoilers!
A fun trivia quiz, with no spoilers, to test your knowledge of Harry Potter 6,
The Chronicles of Narnia
Learn all about The Chronicles of Narnia and The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, the classic fantasy novels for children by C.S. Lewis. Find out about the new movie version - The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.
Kids Books=Graduation Gifts
Oh, the Places You'll Go by Dr. Seuss is one of several children's books that make excellent gifts for graduates. If you are looking for a unique graduation gift for a high school or college graduate, I recommend these children's books for their illustrations, entertainment value, wit, and wisdom.
The Invention of Hugo Cabret
Despite being more than 500 pages long, The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick is the 2008 Caldecott Medal Winner for picture book illustration. More than 280 pages of the book are illustrations by Brian Selznick. Despite being a novel for 9-14 year olds, The Invention of Hugo Cabret can also be classified as a picture book since Brian Selznick tells the story in both words and pictures.
Mother Goose Rules!
Learn all about Mother Goose rhymes, their value for children, and recommended Mother Goose children's books, so you can select the appropriate book for your child.
Guide to Children's Books
Learn about the resources that make The New York Times Parent's Guide to the Best Books for Children such an excellent reference book on children's literature. Resources include information about children's wordless books, picture books, story books, early reading books, middle reading books, and young adult (ya) books.
Author Beverly Cleary
Children's author Beverly Cleary's popular character, Ramona Quimby, returns in "Ramona's World," the first Ramona Quimby book in 15 years. Learn about the life and books of Beverly Cleary.
Tomie dePaola
Find the perfect book for your child by taking a look at the work of award winning children's author and illustrator Tomie dePaola, who has over 200 children's books to his credit, including folktales, Mother Goose rhymes, Bible stories, books about Stregna Nona, and his own life at 26 Fairmount Avenue.
Louis Sachar, Author of Hol...
Louis Sachar is much more than just the author of the children's book "Holes" (and "Stanley Yelnats' Survival Guide to Camp Green Lake"), popular with children 10+ and young adults (YA), and the screen writer for the movie version of "Holes." Sachar is also the author of the popular Wayside School and Marvin Redpost series, and the award winning "There's a Boy in the Girls' Bathroom."
Aesop's Fables
The fables of Aesop make great reading for children in these picture book versions of "Aesop's Fables," illustrated by such artists as Jerry Pinkney. If you are looking for a book for your child that the entire family will enjoy, try "Aesop's Fables."
"Because of Winn-Dixie"
Kate DiCamillo's first children's novel, "Because of Winn-Dixie," was a 2001 Newbery Honor Book. Read a review of the children's book "Because of Winn-Dixie" and learn about the children's mvoie version of the book
Children's Books about Ice Cream, Animals, and Friends
Summer is a great time for children to read about and enjoy children's books about ice cream, animals, and friends.
Maurice Sendak's Books
Caldecott Medal winner Maurice Sendak has had a profound impact on children's literature. Here are your About Children's Books Guide's top picks of children's picture books Maurice Sendak has written and illustrated, including Where the Wild Things Are. Maurice Sendak was honored with the Caldecott Medal for his children's picture book Where the Wild Things Are.
Harry Potter Books/CDs/DVDs
Children's Books - If you are looking for a special book, video game, DVD, or CD for the child or adult who is a dedicated Harry Potter fan, here are some great books, including deluxe editions of Harry Potter Book 7 and others in the series, the Harry Potter Book 7 audio book, and a reference book as well as movie versions of the first four books.
Cadecott and Newbery Awards
The American Library Association Caldecott and Newbery Medals are among the most prestigious awards in children's literature; find out about these ALA awards for picture book illustration and children's fiction and check over the 2002 and 2003 list of winners to find the perfect book for your child.
Robert McCloskey
The Caldecott award winning children's picture books by author and illustrator Robert McCloskey that are set in Maine are wonderful. Like his children's picture book Make Way for Duckings, which is set in Boston, Time of Wonder by Robert McCloskey, which is set in Maine, won a Caldecott Medal. Blueberries for Sal and One Morning in Maine by Robert McCloskey were designated Caldecott Honor Books. Read about these three Maine Caldecott winners.
Strong Female Characters
Finding children's books that will reinforce the concept of females, including girls, as being strong and resourceful, is not always easy. These children's books resources will be helpful whether you are looking for one special children's book for your child or many children's books.
Coretta Scott King Book Awards
One of the important annual children's book awards is the Coretta Scott King Book Awards to "authors and illustrators of African descent whose distinguished books promote an understanding and appreciation of the American Dream." Here you'll find information about the 2008, 2007, 2006 and 2005 Coretta Scott King Book Awards winners.
Fancy Nancy
Fancy Nancy is the first picture book of Jane O'Connor's popular picture books about a little girl who loves everything fancy. I recommend Fancy Nancy for three- to six-year-olds.
Crafts Books For Kids
Kids Crafts Books - These crafts books for kids provide step-by-step directions for a variety of family crafts, including knotting crafts, needlecrafts, gardening crafts, and other nature crafts. Kids crafts books can provide hours of fun for your whole family.
Oliver Button Is a Sissy
"Oliver Button Is a Sissy," a children's picture book written and illustrated by Tomie dePaola, is the story of a boy who stands up to bullies, not by fighting, but by staying true to himself. The children's picture book "Oliver Button Is a Sissy," is based on the childhood experiences of DePaola
Knitting Books for Kids/Teens
If you are looking for a good knitting book to teach your child how to knit, these knitting books for kids and teens may be just what you need. Good knitting books contain step-by-step directions and illustrations, and these knitting books for kids and teens will help your child learn how to knit.
Who is Lemony Snicket?
Who is Lemony Snicket, the author of "A Series of Unfortunate Events," the wildly popular series of children's books for 8-12 year olds? Who is Daniel Handler and what does Daniel Handler have to do with Lemony Snicket and the children's book series "A Series of Unfortunate Events"?
Harry Potter 7 Spoilers
If you have already read Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows and are eager for more information about the book and what happens to the characters after the book ends, these online resources that include J.K. Rowling interviews, book reviews of Harry Potter Book 7: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, and Harry Potter Book 7 Quizzes, are excellent.
Find Books For Very Young C...
If you are looking for children's books for very young children, here's some advice. Board books, wordless books, and picture books are among the children's books that young children enjoy. Read a book to your child every day, using library books as well as books you've purchased.
After Harry Potter, What?
If your child is one of the children who love the Harry Potter books by J.K. Rowling, a book by one of the following children's authors may be just the ticket: C.S. Lewis, Roald Dahl, Madeline L'Engle, Diana Wynne Jones, P.L. Travers, and Frances Hodgson Burnett.
Christmas Picture Books
Here are ten recommended Christmas picture books for children by such popular authors and illustrators as Jan Brett, Jane Yolen, and Tomie dePaola. Whether you are looking for a book for a special child or a book the entire family will enjoy, you'll find it here.
In Praise of Audiobooks
Your child will enjoy, and benefit from, listening to children's audiobooks, and there are a great many audiobooks for children to choose from.
Poems for Two or More Voices
Reading children’s poetry books with poems for two or more voices is a great way to help children learn to enjoy the spoken word and gain fluency in reading aloud. They will also enjoy working together as they read these children’s poetry books, and dramatically present the poems for two or more voices.
The Magic of Ezra Jack Keats
Author and illustrator Ezra Jack Keats is known for his award winning children's books with their collage and paint illustrations, particularly The Snowy Day, for which he received a Caldecott Medal, and other books featuring Peter, an African American boy who lives in the city. If you are looking for a picture book your child will enjoy again and again, try a book by Ezra Jack Keats.
America the Beautiful
The words of Katharine Lee Bates' America the Beautiful are illustrated with striking artwork by Chris Gall in this patriotic children's book for all ages. I recommend America the Beautiful for all ages.
Kid's Books: 10 Resolutions
Children's Books: These 10 resolutions for parents on raising a reader are designed to help parents raise children who love reading and books. They include reading children's books aloud, going to the library and borrowing children's books, and encouraging reading. In addition, there are a number of books about raising a reader that are recommended.
Squiggles
The subtitle of Squiggles by Taro Gomi is A Really Giant Drawing and Painting Book. Squiggles is not a coloring book. It is a creativity book, with illustrations and a very small amount of text designed to pique the imaginations of children from three to young teens, as well as adults of all ages.
Author Astrid Lindgren
Swedish author Astrid Lindgren may have been best known for her children's books featuring the lovable character Pippi Longstocking, but Astrid Lindgren had many other accomplishments as well.
African American Heroes
From Harriet Tubman to Martin Luther King,Jr. to Dr. Ben Carson, here are children's books about African American freedom fighters from the era of slavery in America to the civil rights movement to today. If you are looking for a book for your child about heroes and heroines, take a look at these children's books about African American freedom fighters.
Harry Potter Censorship
With the release of each Harry Potter book for children have come challenges and book banning attempts. A key question is, "When it comes to censoring or banning a book for a child, who has, or should have, the right to do so?" What are people saying and doing as they either support the Harry Potter series or support banning the books.
Most Challenged Books of 2005
Have you ever wondered why certain books are the target of individuals or groups who want them banned or censored? Generally, these are children's books or young adult books. Read this list of the ten most challenged books of 2005 and note the reasons and the online sources of additional information.
Kids Winter Poetry Books
The joys of winter are celebrated in these children's poetry books about the winter season. Whether you are looking for children's poetry books about winter that stress the winter holidays or the joys, and occasional annoyances, of cold, snowy weather, you will find a children's poetry book for your child here.
Stories of the USA
In the aftermath of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, there has been an upsurge in interest in children's books that feature heroes, symbols, and stories of the United States of America. Here are some books you should know about and,hopefully, you will find the perfect book for your child.
Author Kate DiCamillo
Kate DiCamillo's first children's book, "Because of Winn-Dixie," was a 2001 Newbery Honor Book and her second book, "The Tiger Rising" was a National Book Award finalist. Her lastest novel for a child, "The Tale of Despereaux," won the 2004 Newbery Medal. Learn about the author, her approach to writing, her characters, and her books.
Children's Halloween Books
If you are looking for children's Halloween books that will entertain, not frighten your child, here are some children's Halloween books, several Halloween picture books featuring popular characters (Nate the Great, the Berenstain Bears), that your children will enjoy. One is a children's science book about pumpkins. One is a children's Halloween book for the child who is a beginning reader; the rest of these children's books are good read-alouds.
Find a Book For a Beginning...
Here's some advice on how to find a children's book that are at the appropriate reading level for the child who is a beginning reader, including beginning readers series and other children's books available at public libraries and bookstores.
Children's Digital Library
Learn all about the new International Children's Digital Library (ICDL) where your child will be able to choose children's books from all over the world, as will children from around the world as the International Children's Digital Library (ICDL) of children's books is fully developed.
Baby Read-Aloud Basics
With the parent's guide Baby Read-Aloud Basics, learn why and how to read aloud to your baby. In Baby Read-Aloud Basics, you will find step-by-step instructions for reading aloud to your baby, recommended read-alouds and more.
Find Non-Fiction Children's...
Does your child frequently ask for a realistic book about animals? Here are some tips on finding nonfiction children's books on animals at your library or bookstore.
Kids Cookbooks from Kids Books
Encourage your children to cook by giving them children’s cookbooks with recipes based on foods in their favorite children’s books. The children’s books and stories highlighted in these children’s cookbooks include books by Roald Dahl, the Little House series, the Boxcar Children mysteries, Green Eggs and Ham and other Dr. Seuss books, favorite fairy tales, and others.
L. Frank Baum and Oz
The children's book The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum was published in 1900. Since this children's book was published, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz has become a classic Find out why L. Frank Baum considered The Wonderful Wizard of Oz a new American fairy tale.
Using Children's Books to Help Children Prepare for the Start of School
Children's books, particularly children's literature about the first day of school, can help to prepare a children, both kindergarten age and elementary school age, for school.
Children's Easter Books
Whether you are looking for children's picture books about the Christian celebration of Easter or children's picture books about the Easter Bunny, I have a Children's Easter picture book for your child. Good children's Easter picture books include "Love One Another: The Last Days of Jesus," "The Story of Easter," "The Easter Story," "The Golden Egg Book" and "The Country Bunny and the Little Gold Shoes" are some of the excellent children's Easter books that children will enjoy.
"The Hobbit" by J.R.R. Tolkien
J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Hobbit" is a science fiction classic, one which, while not a children's book, is popular with children. Here are several editions of "The Hobbit" that chidren nine and older will find appealing, so if you are looking for a copy of the book for your child, check these out.
Harry Potter 6
What do we know about Harry Potter 6, "Harry Potter and the Half- Blood Prince," and what is just rumor? What has the author of the bestselling Harry Potter children's books series, J.K. Rowling, reveal on her website about "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince"? Get the latest on Harry Potter 6 rumors and facts here.
Children's Books - HowTos
An index of HowTos for the Children's Books guide site.
The Eric Carle Museum
If you have a small child, you undoubtedly have read more than one Eric Carle picture book, including "The Very Hungry Caterpillar." With the opening of The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, we have two reasons to celebrate: the museum itself and the museum's Web site. Learn more about the author and illustrator of "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" and many other children's picture books and The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art.
Winter & Snow in Picture Books
If you are looking for recommended children's picture books that are set in the winter and feature snow, I recommend these children's picture books about winter and snow.
All About Harry Potter Book 7
If you are looking for information about Harry Potter Book 7, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, here are articles, blogs, discussions, and FAQs about Harry Potter Book 7, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.
Artist Jerry Pinkney
When looking for a children's picture book for your child, look for children's picture books illustrated by artist Jerry Pinkney. Jerry Pinkney has created numerous Caldecott Honor Books and is the recipient of a number of other awards, including the Coretta Scott King Award, for his watercolor illustrations of children's picture books.
Little School
Little School by Beth Norling is a busy, cheerful children's picture book that highlights an active day of fun and learning for the 20 four year old children who attend the nursery school / preschool / daycare center. If you are looking for children's picture books about starting school for 2-4 year olds, I recommend Little School.
Christmas Pop-up Books
These Christmas pop-up books by Jan Pietnkowski and Robert Sabuda are more than just children's books. They are beautifully designed Christmas pop-up books, treasures that the entire family will enjoy. They include "The First Noel," "The First Christmas," "The Christmas Alphabet," "The 12 Days of Christmas: A Pop-Up Celebration" and "The Night Before Christmas."
Thanksgiving Books
If you are looking for children's books about Thanksgiving, here are some recommended children's books, including Thanksgiving picture books, children's books about giving thanks and a nonfiction book about the first Thanksgiving in America.
Kane/Miller Publisher
Kane/Miller is a small independent American children's book publisher that specializes in children's picture books that originated in other countries. Introduce your child to books from around the world, and s/he'll learn about life in other countries, as well as how much we all have in common.
Children's Hanukkah Books
Here are some good children's books about Hanukkah, including children's Hanukkah picture books, a chapter book, an anthology, a book of history and poetry, and other children's Hanukkah books.
Reading Magic
Mem Fosx and Her Book Reading Magic: Australian children's books author and literacy consultant Mem Fox provides information on what children's books to read, when to read, and how to read aloud to your child so as to develop both reading readiness and a love of reading in her book Reading Magic: Why Reading Aloud to Our Children Will Change Their Lives Forever.
Encourage Your Child to Read
Here are some simple, yet effective, steps to take to encourage your child to read. These include finding children's books that relate to the child's interests, hi/lo books for the reluctant reader, read alouds and reading a book aloud with your child.
Harry Potter 6 Formats
What do we know about the various editions and formats of Harry Potter 6, “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince”? From the different editions of Harry Potter 6 to the different covers for the children’s and adult versions of the books in the UK to the audiobook and deluxe editions, here’s information about “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.”
Harry Potter Book 7 Covers
The Bloomsbury Publishing cover artwork for the children's edition of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows is different in mood and theme from the Scholastic cover art for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. The Bloomsbury Publishing cover art for the children's edition of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows is also very different from the Bloomsbury Publishing cover art for the adult edition of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.
Voting / Elections
Constitution Day and Citizenship Day Recommended Children's Books -From the humorous children's picture book "Duck for President" to nonfiction books, here are children's books for Constitution Day and Citizenship Day that teach children about voting, elections - local, state, and presidential - and the political process. Children's books on the subject include books on the struggle for women's sufferage to information on voting and the reason it is so important to vote in elections.
A Poke in the Eye
About Children's Books - A Poke in the I: A Collection of Concrete Poems is an exceptional collection of concrete poetry selected by Paul B. Janeczko, with illustrations by Caldecott Honor artist Chris Raschka. This way the poets play with words as visual art in this book will intrigue and delight your child.
Jane Addams Book Award
Children's Books - If you are looking for a children's book for a child that promotes tolerance, non-violence, compassion, peace, and getting along with others, you need to know more about the Jane Addams Children's Book Award. The Jane Addams Children's Book Award recognizes children's books that for promote tolerance, non-violence, compassion, peace and getting along with others.
Using Children's Books to Help Reassure Children as They Prepare for School
Children's books, particularly children's literature about the first day of school, can help to prepare a child for school.
Hold a Storytime For Presch...
Is your preschooler ready for a storytime? If so, here's some advice on holding a preschool storytime using children's books that make great read alouds for your child.
Guides to Children's Books
Parents, librarians, and teachers will find these guides to children’s books to children’s books very helpful. They include parent’s guides to children’s books, guides to reading aloud and read-alouds, and more.
The Pledge of Allegiance
Your children may recite the Pledge of Allegiance in school, but do they understand what it means during the flag salute when they say, "I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America," and do they know the history of the Pledge of Allegiance and its relationship to Columbus Day? These books for elementary school children will teach them about the Pledge of Allegiance.
Kids Books About Hurricanes
Hurricanes: Earth’s Mightiest Storms is an excellent Children's nonfiction book about hurricanes that will appeal to 9-14-year-olds. Photographs, maps, satellite images, and weather diagrams help to shed light on the science and history of hurricanes in this nonfiction book about hurricanes for children
The Three Snow Bears
The children’s picture book The Three Snow Bears, by Jan Brett, is a retelling of Goldilocks and the Three Bears. The Three Snow Bears by Jan Brett is an entertaining retelling of Goldilocks and the Three Bear set in an Inuit village in the Artic.
The Frogs Wore Red Suspenders
Both the children's poetry book The Frogs Wore Red Suspenders by Jack Prelutsky and the audiobook version of the children's poetry book The Frogs Wore Red Suspenders by Jack Pretlutsky are a delightful treat for very young children.
How Many
How Many: Spectacular Paper Sculptures by Ron van der Meer is a striking pop-up book. The pop-up book of paper sculptures by Ron van der Meer also includes questions about counting and shapes for each pop-up. I recommend How Many: Spectacular Paper Sculptures for children aged six and older, teens, and adults.
Emma's Yucky Brother
"Emma's Yucky Brother" by Canadian author Jean Little is a chapter book for beginning readers that tells the story of the adjustments that take place when Emma's parents adopt Max. It's rare to find a children's book about adoption that can be used as both a read aloud and for beginning readers. Jean Little is an award-winning author.
John Henry
Children's author Julius Lester and artist Jerry Pinkney bring African American folk hero John Henry to life in this Caldecott Honor Book, a children's picture book for the child who is four to nine. Both Julius Lester and Jerry Pinkney have won numerous awards for their children's picture books, and John Henry is one of several award winning collaborations between the author and artist.
Spotlight on Jean Little
For more than forty years, Canadian children's book author Jean Little has been writing outstanding children's books, so if you are looking for children's books for your 9-12-year-old child, be sure to include books by Canadian children's book author Jean Little.
Good Sports
Good Sports is a children' poetry book about sports by Children's Poet Laureate Jack Prelutsky. The illustrator of Good Sports, Chris Raschka, brings the poems in this children's poetry book to like with his illustrations.
Kids Books - Chinese New Year
These colorful children's books provide a look at Chinese New Year / Lunar New Year celebrations in San Francisco's Chinatown, in New York's Chinatown, in Korea and in China. They all contain interesting information about the symbols and activities that are a part of the fifteen-day celebration. The first two combine color photographs and text while the third has the irresistible artwork of Demi.
They're Burning Books Again
Who are "they" and why are they burning "Harry Potter" and other children's books? Who, if anyone, should censor children's books? What if your child were assigned a book you disapprove of? How do you feel about banning books and censorship?
Children's Book Council
The Web site of The Children's Book Council (CBC)contains a wealth of information on authors and illustrators of children's books, and member publishers of children's books. The Children's Book Council site also has information on Young People's Poetry Week and National Children's Book Week.The Children's Book Council site will be of interest to parents, teachers, and librarians, as well as those interesting in writing and/or illustrating a book for a child.
Boy Raised by Librarians
The Boy who was Raised by Librarians is a children's picture book about a boy whose life is enriched by his daily visits to the Livingston Public Library and his relationship with the librarians there. The Boy who was Raised by Librarians is a delightful children's picture book for 4-8 year olds.
Papa, Do You Love Me?
Children’s Picture Books – Author Barbara M. Joosse and artist Barbara Lavallee address the universal question asked by children across nations and cultures, “Papa, do you love me?” through a delightful new children’s picture book “Papa Do You Love Me?” “Papa Do You Love Me?” is the companion children’s picture book to “Mama, Do You Love Me,” also by Barbara M. Joosse and Barbara Lavallee, which sold more than one million copies. I recommend both of these children’s picture books.
Eliza and the Dragonfly
Children's Nature Books - "Eliza and the Dragonfly" is an excellent children's picture book about the life cycle of the dragonfly and the importance of appreciating the wonders of nature and the environment. If you are looking for children's books about nature suitable for 4-10 year olds, I recommend this children's picture book.
Tales from Old Ireland
The strong oral tradition in Ireland has resulted in the preservation of Irish folk and fairy tales over the centuries, to the benefit of children's literature. Tales from Old Ireland is one of a variety of children's books of Irish folk and fairy tales.
Children's Dictionaries
Learn about three recommended children's dictionaries for upper elementary and middle school students
Children's Author Mem Fox
Learn all about Mem Fox, the internationally published Australian children's book author and literacy consultant. Her picture books delight young children and her book about how a child learns to read and how parents can help, "Reading Magic," will greatly benefit adults.

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