In an exciting tale set in 17th-century China, a girl who is trained in the warrior arts of kung fu sets out to teach her fighting skills to a princess. While both girls learn to protect themselves against bullies, they also learn that the true meaning of kung fu is more than kicking and punching.

When it’s Mommy’s bedtime, she begs her little girl — Five more minutes? Ok, but then brush your teeth! But then Mommy wants another glass of water…another story…luckily this little girl is very patient! A hilarious reversal of the classic bedtime routine in which a little girl puts Mommy (and then Daddy) to bed.

In this fresh, funny take-off on Kafka’s Metamorphosis, Gregory Samsa wakes up one morning and discovers he’s become a boy-sized beetle. Why did it happen? And why does no one, except for his best friend Michael, notice? As Gregory searches for answers, he establishes himself as a character children will long remember.

The members of a familia lovingly prepare for a new bebé. A tenderly written story, with Spanish words throughout, tells readers how Mami is eating healthy food, Papi is building a rocking chair, Abuela is painting elefantes and tigres in the nursery, and the hermano and hermana are helping with baby names. With its vibrant and warm illustrations, this debut picture book is perfect for expectant parents or children curious about the time before they were here.

“Before you were here, tu papi carved a mecedora from the wood of an …

Soon after dark, upon the beach, we sing a hippo song, and if you’re feeling in the mood, we hope you’ll sing along: “Belly Belly Button, you’re oh so fine. Ooo, Belly Button, I’m so happy you’re mine.”

It’s time for a routine check-up with Dr. Gert Grizzly. Sister Bear is brave about her booster shot, and Brother Bear is fine, but–achoo!–is that Papa Bear sneezing? “A light-hearted approach to the subject with straightforward information.”–Appraisal.

Babies sure have a lot of growing up to do! They can’t eat with a fork, sleep in a real bed, poop on a potty, ride a trike, or read a book. On every sweet lift-the-flap spread, Karen Katz’s illustrations celebrate the varied accomplishments of older siblings who may be in need of a little ego-stroking after a new baby’s arrival! Each book ends on a warm, loving note with the older child reassuring the baby that “one day you’ll be big like me.”

Staring Fred and Ted—mutts who are opposite in every way, but best friends nevertheless.

In the Australian outback, everyone waits for rain. Old Stephen says it’s on its way, but still the dogs, frogs, and Rosie’s kids have to wait, swimming in the billabong (a small, still pool) and sleeping outside. Bold colors and patterns fill each page up to the final spread: “Wonderful, cool, wet rain.”

Harkening back to 1956, this classic children’s book by Margaret Wise Brown is still in print. Her lulling cadences introduce the barnyard animals as they play one day while the children are away. The illustrations carry us from sunrise to nightfall. A perfect choice for older toddlers. The revised drawings in full color will delight kids.