The text in Caldecott medalist Peggy Rathman’s latest book tells a simple story. Father begins counting down to bedtime, and his son does his best to get ready. He takes his bath, puts on his pj’s, and brushes his teeth. But this is not a typical evening. The boy’s computer-literate hamster has created a Web site that invites virtually every hamster on the planet to come take a “bedtime tour” of the house. As more and more hamsters arrive, the boy’s nightly bedtime ritual turns into a fun-filled circus.

Winning unanimous rave reviews, Mo Willems’ Elephant and Piggie series continues to charm readers. Featuring two lovable and funny characters, an optimistic (and sometimes reckless) pig and a cautious, pessimistic elephant, these books make reading irresistible to the beginning readers. Children who sat on their parents’ laps to have Pigeon read to them will eagerly take the plunge with these books to start reading on their own.

Each book has been vetted by an early learning specialist (and many adorable early learners). In Are You Ready to Play Outside?, Piggie …

Clifford the Small Red Puppy thinks up lots of ways to put off going to bed.

How many kisses does it take to say good night?

A youngster gets a memorable bedtime send-off with Grandma, Dad, and even the family cat teaming up to provide old-fashioned tender loving care just when he needs it most. This endearing read-aloud, with bright, pattern-filled art and a countdown of kisses from ten to one, gently invites preschoolers to practice their numbers.

Curious George and the man with the yellow hat visit the zoo. A hungry Curious George snatches a pail of bananas from the zoo keeper. Though he shouldn’t have taken the bananas, George soon changes the zookeeper’s shouts to praise with his clever, helpful ways.

Daddy loves to give Baby hugs to say “I love you!” Now Baby and Daddy can cuddle and count along with this hug-and-read book perfect for Baby’s teeny, tiny hands.

Do animals have mothers, too? Of course they do – just like me and you! Meet the little joey, whose kangaroo mother carries him in her pouch. See the cygnet riding on the back of the mother swan. Eric Carle’s colourful collages of animal babies with their caring and affectionate mothers offer small readers visual delight as well as comforting reassurance.

Doggone fun for toddlers! In Matthew Van Fleet’s captivating new multiconcept book, twenty breeds of capering canines demonstrate action words, opposites, synonyms, and more. Cleverly designed pull tabs and flaps plus ten pettable textures provide interactive treats that will have toddlers arfing along from start to surprising finish. Bow-WOW!

With a trampoline promised as the grand prize, this year’s local talent show is attracting lots of animal buzz. With the cows, sheep, and pigs all jockeying for position, Duck is eager to join the fray. Unfortunately, Farmer Brown has other ideas. A frolicking farmyard tale from the pair who cave us Click, Clack, Moo and Giggle, Giggle, Quack.