Children's Books for Parents and Teachers - book reviews and suggestions for parents and teachers.
Family

Books about family life.

26 Fairmount Avenue

In a striking debut, Tomie dePaola finds just the right voice for his first chapter book about his adventures during the year the family built their house at 26 Fairmount Avenue. It all began when the “Big Hurricane of 1938″ roared into town…then his first day of school took an unexpected turn…so did Mr. Disney’s Snow White, the movie everyone had been waiting to see. These are only a few of the stories that will have readers racing from one episode to the next. Tomie fans, young and old, will …


Addy Boxed Set with Game- American Girl

Inspiring stories about growing up in 1864. Boxed set includes Meet Addy; Addy Learns a Lesson; Addy’s Surprise; Happy Birthday, Addy!; Addy Saves the Day; and Changes for Addy.


Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing

He could tell it was going to be a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day. He went to sleep with gum in his mouth and woke up with gum in his hair. When he got out of bed, he tripped over his skateboard and by mistake dropped his sweater in the sink while the water was running. He could tell it was going to be a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day. It was a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day. Nothing at all was right. …


And Still They Bloom: A Family’s Journey of Loss and Healing

Emily and Ben have just lost their mother to cancer. The children are struggling to come to terms with their mother’s death and make sense of their changed world. They experience a range of feelings: anger, sadness, fear, and hopelessness. Guided by conversations with their father, the children learn to better understand and express their feelings. Gradually, they begin to adjust to their loss.


Because of Winn-Dixie

Ten-year-old India Opal Buloni has no idea what’s in store for her when she moves to a new town — least of all that she’ll adopt a big, ugly dog and name him after a supermarket. This young-adult novel brings a community’s integrity and diversity to life.


Before You Were Here, Mi Amor

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 …


Berenstain Bears Go To The Doctor
Publisher: Random House Children's Books

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.


Best-Ever Big Sister
Publisher: Penguin Group (USA)

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.”


Big Red Lollipop
Publisher: Penguin Young Readers Group

Rubina is invited to her 1st birthday party and her mother insists that she bring her younger sister along.


Biscuit Loves Father’s Day

Father’s Day is a great time to show Dad how much we love him. Unfold the big flaps and join Biscuit for fun times with Dad — exploring, playing, and sharing.