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

There is so much to be thankful for–and so much to do–during this busy holiday season. No matter which holidays your class celebrates, the books below are sure to provide fun for the festivities and food for thought.

My Little Girl

Dad and his little girl, along with their very large bloodhound, set off on an ordinary day and turn it into a wonderful adventure. From dancing by a duck pond to swinging on a tire swing, lots of laughs and love are shared in time spent together. The day ends with a sweet “Goodnight, I love you” from Dad. And a whisper, “I love you more” from his little girl.  This book is a delightful reminder that spending time together really matters. Simple moments, laughter and knowing you are loved …


Nightmare Before Christmas Storybook
Publisher: Hyperion Books for Children

Meet Jack Skellington. He’s in charge of making Halloweenland the coolest creepy place around. But when Jack suddenly grows bored with tricks and treats, he goes searching for new ways to celebrate…and he finds them in Christmas Town! Christmas, Jack decides, is just what Halloweenland — and the world — needs! He sets out to take over the role of Santa. But can anything good come of a tall and lanky skeleton dressed up as everyone’s favorite jolly old elf?


Olive, My Love
Publisher: Harcourt Children's Books

The beloved–but confused–pup Olive is back! But this time she’s not heading off to the North Pole to help Santa. . . . This time she’s out to return a one-of-a-kind lost object: a heart. And not just any heart, but a heart as large as Olive’s own. In her search to find its one, true owner, she makes the acquaintance of a cast of characters who show her what it truly means to give all of one’s love. Only J.otto Seibold and Vivian Walsh could have dreamed up this …


Olive, the Other Reindeer
Publisher: Chronicle Books LLC

This beautiful deluxe edition marks the tenth anniversary of J.otto Seibold and Vivian Walsh’s modern Christmas classic the story of a little dog named Olive with big reindeer dreams! When the book was first published in 1997, it enjoyed great reviews and has since sold more than 1 million copies. This new edition is a larger version of the original book, and it features flaps to lift, spots to scratch and sniff, and a pop-up grand finale. Designed to be a perfect holiday gift, this edition will appeal to Olive’s …


Olivia Helps with Christmas
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing

Everyone’s favorite Caldecott Honor-winning porcine heroine and #1 Kris Kringle enthusiast is helping to make the season brighter than ever. Christmas is coming, and Olivia is incredibly busy. She has to wait for Santa, make sure Dad sets up the tree, wait for Santa, watch Mom make the Christmas dinner, wait for Santa, oversee the care with which the stockings are hung, and, of course, open her presents! Do you see how hard it is to be so helpful during the holidays? A lovingly told and lavishly illustrated Olivia Helps …


Party Animals
Publisher: Running Press Book Publishers

Lucy Goosy is carefully reviewing her list of animals to invite for her birthday party. She has to make sure to invite the right guests so that her party will be perfect. But when she focuses on everyone’s bad qualities, instead of good, she discovers that there is no one to attend! With a little help from the Wise Owl, Lucy Goosy discovers it is our special characteristics that make us unique. Written in adorable sing-song rhyme, Kathie Lee Gifford’s new picture book for children teaches us that we are …


Record a Story: Twas The Night Before Christmas
Publisher: Publications International, Limited

“Share the joy of Christmas as only you can. Record a Story: ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas allows family and friends to read this traditional Christmas story to children even when they can’t be there in person. Grandparents, friends, and other special people in a child’s life have the opportunity to share a personal moment across the miles. The personalized voice recording will be saved in these pages so your child can enjoy this book year after year.

Children will delight in the sound of a loved one’s voice when they …


See Inside!Junie B., First Grader by Barbara Park: Book Cover      *       Cover Image     *       Cover Image      *           o              Table of Contents  Junie B., First Grader: Jingle Bells, Batman Smells! (P.S. So Does May)
Publisher: Random House Childrens Books

It’s holiday time, and Room One is doing lots of fun things to celebrate.
Like making elf costumes! And singing joyful songs! Only, how can Junie B. enjoy the festivities when Tattletale May keeps ruining her holiday glee? And here is the worst part of all! When everyone picks names for Secret Santa, Junie B. gets stuck with Tattletale you-know-who! It’s enough to fizzle your holiday spirit! Hmm . . . or is it? Maybe, just maybe, a Secret Santa gift is the perfect opportunity to give May exactly what she …


Sleepytown Beagles Penny’s 4th Of July

Sleepytown Beagles, Penny’s 4th of July is the second book in the Sleepytown Beagles series. It takes your child on another journey into a peaceful and secure place where they can visualize and drift off to sleep. In this story, Penny shares the valuable lesson she learned about dealing with her fears. Enjoy this journey with the lovable characters of the Sleepytown Beagles.

Also check out:  Sleepytown Beagles Differences and Sleepytown Beagles Oh Brother!


Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing

Mr. Hatch leads a lonely life until one Valentine’s Day when the postman delivers a huge, heart-shaped box of candy with a card reading “Somebody loves you.” Knowing he has a secret admirer gives Mr. Hatch a bright new perspective on life — until it turns out there’s been a terrible mistake. But Mr. Hatch’s new friends rally to show him that a lot of somebodies love Mr. Hatch.