Childrens Days Books

This book would be excellent for any reference or school library- the author investigates the background of many of the traditions around Valentine's Day. Simple to read and follow, it would be great for adult or teenager- I am looking forward to reviewing some of the histories and legends around the other holidays in her series!

In only 64 pages the author traces the origins of today's Valentine's Day back to the pre-Christian Roman festival of Lupercalia, and finds the connections to various courting customs and symbols through the ages. Although small, the book is no lightweight -- it's packed with apparently well-researched and detailed information. The monochrome illustrations that accompany the text are appropriately sparing. There are plenty of other books with lots of big, colorful pictures but none with as much information conveyed so clearly and pleasantly in so little space!

This will now be one of the books I send to all new babies/parents I know. It is a perfect first book, with a simple text. The rhythm flows as each page states an animal's name and the sound it makes. The story has a beginning, middle, and end, beginning with the sun rising and the rooster crowing, and ending with the moon rising and the owl hooting. The illustrations are painted beautifully in the style of Van Gogh, with swirls, dots, and brilliant colors.

Anita Lobel's new book "Hello, Day!" is gorgeously illustrated in a rich palette of colors and enhanced with a simple text that is in a large font - perfect for beginner readers. The story itself is of various animals and the sounds they make, e.g. "The rooster said, Cock-a-doodle-doo!", "The cow said, Moo" and so on. It makes for easy reading and a little child would be able to 'read' as they associate a particular animal with the sound it makes. Highly recommended for preschoolers!

My kids love the Henry and Mudge Books. Each Story is Wonderful and worth reading over and over again.

Henry and Mudge in the Sparkle Days

Henry and Mudge enjoy the winter season in this delightful collection of three short stories. The words are easy and the type is large enough for the beginning reader to feel comfortable. This book is filled with humorous illustrations that extend the text. In one illustration Henry is sliding a reluctant Mudge across an icy pond. In another picture Mudge messes up Henry's snow angel. This is a good book for the younger set.

This is a great book to read with Pre-K/kindergarteners on the first day of school to help calm anxieties over being in a new setting and not knowing anyone.

In this rhythmic, rhyming tale-set to the tune of "Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush"-it is the first day of school and little pig is scared. Although he tries building a tower and playing at the water table, he can't quite get the hang of it and ends up making messes.

When the other pigs go outside to play tag, he hides inside a mulberry bush. There he finds another little pig hiding also. The two become fast friends, making the last half of the day more enjoyable than the first. By story's end, little pig declares, "My first day has made me one happy guy."

Hillenbrand's cartoon-like, mixed media illustrations capture perfectly the initial scariness of school from the little pig's perspective as well as the excitement and fun as the day progresses.

The bright, colorful spreads are filled with action and humorous touches.

An excellent choice for a reassuring, first-day read aloud.

Reviewed by the Education Oasis Staff

Sharon Lovejoy makes you want to be the gardener you've always longed to be but didn't know where to start. I could not put the book down and read it in one sitting. She has inspired me to believe I can do gardening! Her ideas and tips are useful and doable. I highly recommend this to parents and teachers to encourage children to connect with nature and gardening.

A companion book to her popular classic "Sunflower Houses," this treasure book also can stand on it's own to give as a gift to children through grandparents...the watercolors range from the whimsical to botanical impressions. I use this as a guidebook when I seek inspiration, good memories, and ideas beyond the practical garden books.

This book starts at planning a simple garden for children and adults and closes with a friendly conversation about garden critters. Each section mingles garden memories from children to grandparents, and includes poems, delicate illustrations, lists of plants, and ideas in a gentle and nostalgic way. This book inspires me to plan garden time even after a hard day or a sleepy early morning rising.

My family members have always loved beautiful gardens for good, healthy eating, quiet work, or simply to gain pleasure in sweet smells and bright blooms. This book celebrates not only the garden for it's generous gifts to people, but also the family who loves quiet and gentle times

My third graders like this book very much and it sparks a lot of discussion about America and freedom. It's about a family that must flee a Caribbean island because of political persecution. They escape in a crowded boat, where they face hunger and fear. On their trip they are even robbed and shot at. Finally, they reach a friendly shore where they are welcomed and invited to share a feast, for it is Thanksgiving Day in America. They agree there is much to be thankful for. The text is very simple and the illustrations convey the mood of fear and uncertainty. This little book may bring tears to your eyes, and will definitely make you proud to be an American.

Eve Bunting has managed to describe at a child's level the fear, anticipation and exhaustion that often accompanied many of our ancestors as they came to America. This book is a reminder of the people who both came before us and those that still come with hope to America.

It is a beautiful, meaningful and heartwarming book to share with elementary students and families either during the Thanksgiving season or while studying history and immigration.

As good as I expect it to be. Nice illustration, funny storyline and most important of all my daughter like it very much. The accessories at the back of the book is cool.

Agent Book Review here. The purple cow flies at noon! This book helps me with my missions. It helped me write in code, make a spy bug buddy and taught me how to make myself look different!


I liked the things in the back of the book --- but it might be hard to keep the things (such as the tiny mustache and the decoder wheel) in the pocket for the library


I would recommend this book to any kids that would like to be a spy!

I loved this book both for the interesting use of language and observation and for the rich, colorful illustrations. The story really gave me a feeling of living right in the middle of a very cozy Brooklyn. The description of some of the characters was extremely funny and unique.

This wonderful book teaches children to love writing--particularly if they happen to live in the great borough of Brooklyn. Probably it would work even if they don't. It gently suggests the pleasures of observing things, and writing them down.

The little narrator watches a parade of beauty-parlor moms, and all the sights, sounds and smells inside. She moves on to Bibi's old world bakery, and Monday back-in-school day, where the principal's skinny mustache tickles her fancy. She's back outside after school watching the million bikes on her block and then she takes off by subway and bus to visit Ruby in Queens, whose Aunt Betty makes the best brownies in the world. All that and more she writes in her notebook, the pages of which are shown throughout.

Then its pages are swooped up in a rainy storm gust and blown away. Not one goes out to sea, though. They stay "right here where everyone can read them, every night before bed. And that, for your information, is how you get famous in Brooklyn." Taking her encouragement from this book and others, my daughter became a published writer by age 11. Alyssa A. Lappen

This book is my 2 year old's favorite book. I love it too. It talks about different places we can pray, why we pray, and gives a sample prayer. I enjoy reading it and hearing my daughter fill in the blank in the story when I say "Isn't..." and she finishes "God amazing!?" A well written board book that my almost 4 year old enjoys too.

While teaching my young daughter about prayer, I found this book to be very helpful. While some of the concepts will come later (like confessing), she understands that the girl in the book likes to pray, can do it anywhere, anytime, and in lots of ways. The book explains the different parts to prayer (praise, confession, gratitude, asking for help, and listening for answers) and shows a simple, good example of a happy girl who makes prayer part of her life.

As a school counselor, I purchased this book for my schools that I service for young learners who are experiencing separation anxiety and not wanting to go to school. It is an easy read and understandable by a preschooler and kindergartener. It allows parents to talk to their child about going to school. Even the kindergarten teacher borrowed it to share with the entire class! Great storyline and book is illustrated beautifully.

The Mom's Choice Awards® honors excellence in family-friendly media, products and services. An esteemed panel of judges includes education, media and other experts as well as parents, children, librarians, performing artists, producers, medical and business professionals, authors, scientists and others. A sampling of the panel members includes: Dr. Twila C. Liggett, Ten-time Emmy-winner, professor and founder of Reading Rainbow; Julie Aigner-Clark, Creator of Baby Einstein and The Safe Side Project; Jodee Blanco, New York Times Best-Selling Author; LeAnn Thieman, Motivational speaker and coauthor of seven Chicken Soup For The Soul books; Florrie Binford-Kichler, Founder of Patria Press, Inc.- an award-winning independent publisher and Member of The Children's Book Council; Tara Paterson, Certified Parent Coach, and founder of The Just For Mom Foundation(tm) and the Mom's Choice Awards®. Parents and educators look for the Mom's Choice Awards® seal in selecting quality materials and products for children and families. This book has been honored by this distinguished award.