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BECAUSE  by Rich Torrey
 Jack’s mom tells him that “because” is not an answer, but he thinks it’s the perfect answer to many questions.  This humorous picture book should be a hit with fans of No, David!  (E Fiction)

BLACKOUT  by John Rocco
When a power outage plunges their city into darkness, a young girl and her family learn that there are adventures to be had and delightful ways to pass the time.  Intriguing and beautifully detailed illustrations compliment the story.  (E Fiction)

CHICKEN BIG  by Keith Graves
Remember Chicken Little?  Well, now it’s time for a story about Chicken Big.  Born on a teeny little farm, in an itty-bitty coop, Big is a mystery to his fellow chickens.  He must be an elephant because he’s so big.  No, he must be a squirrel because he eats acorns.  Maybe he’s an umbrella because he protects them from the rain.  They finally realize that there’s only one thing that could be so smart, so kind, so warm, and so brave.  Can you guess what it is?  A fun twist to a familiar tale.  (E Fiction)

THE COW LOVES COOKIES  by Karma Wilson
“Whenever Farmer feeds the horse, he feeds the horsey hay, of course… But the cow loves cookies.” With fun rhymes and repetition, this cumulative farmyard story is sure to be a hit with your preschooler.  (E Fiction)

THE GIANT HUG  by Sandra Horning
Owen wants to send his granny a hug for her birthday – a giant hug.  How do you give your granny a hug when she lives far away?  Send it through the mail, of course!  Owen’s hug travels across the country by truck, plane, and mail carrier in a series of hilarious, sometimes awkward, always heartfelt embraces between animals of different shapes and sizes.  For huggers of all ages.  (E Fiction)

HURRY DOWN TO DERRY FAIR  by Dori Chaconas
This beautifully illustrated book tells the story of young Dinny Brown and his family as they prepare to spend a day at the famous county fair.  Dinny’s anticipation and excitement build page-by-page, and his story culminates in a satisfying ending.  The rhyming text and humor make this a great read-aloud.  (E Fiction)

INTERRUPTING CHICKEN  by David Ezra Stein
When Papa’s bedtime story of Hansel and Gretel gets a little too intense for Little Red Chicken, she can’t help herself from interrupting to make sure there’s a happy ending.  “DON’T GO IN!  SHE’S A WITCH!...THE END!”  Two more stories are interrupted the same way when Little Red saves Chicken Little and Little Red Riding Hood.  Finally, Little Red starts a story of her own, but this time Papa is the one who is interrupting.  A fun father-daughter anytime read.  (E Fiction)

LITTLE PINK PUP  by Johanna Kerby
When little piglet Pink was born, he was the runt of the litter.  Because he was so small and weak he was unable to compete for food with his siblings.  Pink was taken indoors and introduced to Tink, a new dachshund mom.  When Tink saw Pink, she welcomed him into her family of puppies.  What follows is a sweet (and true!) story of love and acceptance.  (E Fiction)

LUCKY BEANS  by Becky Birtha
Marshall’s mother tries to guess how many beans are in a jar to win a sewing machine during the Great Depression.  It’s a touching story about keeping hope in hard times, facing discrimination, and using math in everyday life.  (E Fiction)

MAKING THE MOOSE OUT OF LIFE  by Nicholas Oldland
There once was a moose who lived in the wild but didn’t act wild at all.  His friends seemed to have fun whatever the occasion.  Not this mild-mannered moose.  But every now and then he would wonder if he was missing out on something.  One fine day, the moose took a chance and set out on a spur-of-the-moment sailing trip that ended in a raging storm at sea.  Stranded far from home, the moose had a decision to make.  Was he going to curl up in a ball and cry, or was he going to make the most of it? 
(E Fiction)

PETE THE CAT: I LOVE MY WHITE SHOES  by Eric Litwin
Pete the cat loves, loves, loves his new white shoes so much that he even sings about them as he strolls down the street.  But then…strawberries and blueberries and mud…OH MY!  Follow Pete as he shows us how to “keep on walking and keep on singing a song” no matter what.  Bright, colorful illustrations make Pete one cool cat!Dodsworth’s life wasn’t very exciting due to his motto:  “Try to do as little as possible.”  Then one morning on his daily trip to the junkyard, he discovers a pink refrigerator, and his life is changed forever.  This is an offbeat tale about embracing our creativity and discovering the world around us. 
(E Fiction)

A PIG PARADE IS A TERRIBLE IDEA  by Michael Ian Black
A pig parade is a GREAT idea, right?  No, a pig parade is a TERRIBLE idea!  Here’s why:  pigs hate to march, they won’t wear uniforms, they only like sad, slow music, and they can’t hold the giant balloons.  But how about pandas?  Would a panda parade be a good idea?  The large-scale illustrations and the clever story make this an entertaining read for anyone who loves parades.  (E Fiction)

PRESS HERE  by Hervé Tullet
What could be more delightful than a plaything that requires no batteries?  Better yet, a book that is a creative plaything that will repeatedly bring joy to a child?  Look no further.  Open the book and get ready for delight!  Follow the directions and see what happens.  Be prepared to hear, “AGAIN!”  (E Fiction)

THE RABBIT PROBLEM  by Emily Gravett
What happens in the course of a year when two lonely rabbits become friends?  With a nod to the mathematician Fibonacci, this lift-the-flap book watches the rabbits’ family grow to hilarious proportions.  (E Fiction)
 

A BRAND-NEW DAY WITH MOUSE AND MOLE  by Wong Herbert Yee
Mole is having a terrible day because all of his clothes have holes in them.  His good friend Mouse tries to help by taking him shopping.  Mole discovers he may need to replace old with new, except when it comes to his good friend Mouse!  (ER Reader)

WE ARE IN A BOOK!  by Mo Willems
In this 2011 Theodor Seuss Geisel Award Honor book, perennial favorites Elephant and Piggie realize that they exist, in fact, in a book!  On top of that, they realize that there is someone out there—a reader with whom they can have some fun.  After some laughs, though, Elephant and Piggie also realize sadly that books have to end.  But maybe they can find a way around that?...  With simple text and clean, expressive illustrations, this book is perfect for beginning readers.  (VER Reader)
 

CLEMENTINE AND THE FAMILY MEETING  by Sara Pennypacker
There’s another family meeting scheduled for tonight.  Usually family meetings mean Clementine has done something wrong.  But what could it be this time?  Does she need better table manners?  Has she been too mean to her little brother?  Has she been eating too much junk food?  Join Clementine at the family meeting and find out what changes are in store for her and her family!  (J Fiction)

DEAR HOUND  by Jill Murphy
Alfie’s your average hound puppy – curious about the world around him, happy when chasing the cat, or relaxing in his favorite beanbag bed, and very loyal to his boy, Charlie.  But when Charlie goes away and leaves him with a sitter, Alfie is so upset that he runs away into the woods!  With the help of some friendly foxes, Alfie learns to live in the wild, but he never stops thinking of Charlie and trying to find his way home.  And Charlie, of course, never stops searching for Alfie either.  Will the two be able to find each other before it’s too late?  (J Fiction)

MUDSHARK  by Gary Paulsen
Mudshark’s real name is Lyle Williams, but his lightning fast reflexes during a game of Death Ball earned him his nickname.  He’s also the school problem solver, due to his powers of observation and excellent memory.  However, the librarian’s psychic parrot seems to want this role for himself.  In this short and funny read, Mudshark is asked to solve the mystery of the missing erasers – but will the parrot figure it out first?  (J Fiction)

TURTLE IN PARADISE  by Jennifer L. Holm
Sassy eleven-year-old Turtle finds her life turned on end when she is sent to live with her aunt and ragtag cousins in Depression-era Key West, Florida.  With vivid details, witty dialogue, and outrageous escapades, this Newbery Honor book explores the meaning of family and home and lost treasures found.  (J Fiction)

WONDERSTRUCK  by Brian Selznick
Returning to the same creative combination of beautiful illustrations and imaginative storytelling he used in the Caldecott-Medal-winning The Invention of Hugo Cabret, author/illustrator Selznick tells the intertwining stories of Ben, a boy who is struck deaf just as he finds a clue to his unknown father’s identity, and Rose, a girl whose story takes place 50 years before Ben’s but leads her to the same place.  (The sheer size of the book may seem overwhelming for readers not familiar with Selznick’s work, but fear not—with so many illustrations, the story goes by quickly!)  (J Fiction)
 

BALLET FOR MARTHA: MAKING APPALACHIAN SPRING  by Jan Greenberg & Sandra Jordan
This book has beautiful illustrations that will keep children entertained while they learn about American music, ballet, art, Martha Graham, Aaron Copland and Isamu Noguchi.  (J 792.8)

THE BUCK STOPS HERE  by Alice Provensen
The 20^th Anniversary edition of this book incorporates the historical events, achievements, and personal issues faced by every American president from George Washington to Barack Obama in a distinctively informative and intimate way.  Using rhyming verse to integrate phrases and facts into the text, the author highlights both the accomplishments and disappointments of each president and their term in office, highlighting their contribution to American history.  This would make a great gift for students of all ages.  (J 973)

BUILT TO LAST  by David Macaulay
This book combines three previously-published architecture books, Castle, Cathedral, and Mosque, by author/illustrator Macaulay (who is also known for The Way Things Work and other “explaining” books), but the new versions of Castle and Cathedral are greatly enhanced by new, full-color drawings and updated information.  Perfect for kids (and adults) who like architecture, or just love learning about how things work.  (J 720)

ENCYCLOPEDIA MYTHOLOGICA: GODS AND HEROES  by Matthew Reinhart and Richard Sabuda
This beautiful book introduces readers to classical, Egyptian, Norse, Eastern, and other mythologies through large, intricate, pop-up paper sculptures as well as smaller (but still impressive) flaps and folds, as well as interesting text.  An excellent choice for introducing a child to mythology, and for anyone who can appreciate the stunning pop-up illustrations..  (J 201.3)

EPIC VOYAGES  by Robyn Mundy and Nigel Rigby
This book is written for the vicarious thrill seeker in all of us.  It contains everything the reader needs to know about the challenging conditions of life at sea, faced by explorers from Magellan to Chichester.  Maps, posters, and photographs augment the informative text and will engage readers from the beginning to the end of the story.  (J 910.45)

GARBAGE HELPS OUR GARDEN GROW: A COMPOST STORY by Linda Glaser
From garbage to compost to the garden, the process of composting is introduced in a simple, straightforward manner.  Each step is illustrated with bright, colorful photographs.  This book is sure to inspire the young gardener in your life!  (J 635)

GREATER ESTIMATIONS  by Bruce Goldstone
An estimate is a guess; but a guess is not very accurate.  A good estimate comes very close to the actual number.  This book will intrigue budding mathematicians and puzzle lovers as they learn to estimate not only quantity but also volume, length, and area.  Great photographs and hints add to the fun..  (J 519.544)

HERCULES retold by Geraldine McCaughrean
Hercules, human son of Zeus, is the mightiest of mortals.  But while Hercules can overcome any beast that attacks him from without, he is helpless against the beasts within.  Tricked by the goddess Hera into committing a horrible crime of rage, Hercules surrenders himself to twelve years of slavery as punishment.  King Eurystheus gives Hercules impossible tasks to perform.  Even as Hercules plunges into the depths of hell in search of the guardian of the Underworld, the vengeful goddess Hera plans new ways to ensure his destruction.  (J 292)

KNOCK, KNOCK!
What kid doesn’t love a good knock, knock joke?  This fun book brings together fourteen of our best known children’s book illustrators to each interpret a classic knock, knock joke.  The zany results will tickle your funny bone!  (J 818)

QUEEN OF THE FALLS by Chris Van Allsburg
Chris Van Allsburg is the author/illustrator of such favorites as Jumanji and The Polar Express.  In this latest book he recounts the real-life adventure of Annie Edson Taylor, a 62-year-old retired charm school teacher, who in 1901 became the first person to ever plunge over Niagara Falls in a barrel and survive.  This is an inspiring story of a determined woman who made her improbable dream come true but also a sad story of how she never was given the honor and recognition she so richly deserved.  Maybe this book will change that!  (J Bio Taylor A.)

THE REDWALL COOKBOOK  by Brian Jacques
Children will enjoy making some of their favorite foods from the Redwall Series by Brian Jacques.  Some recipes included are Abbot’s Special Abbey Trifle, Shrimp ’N Hotroot Soup, and Turnip and Tater Deeper ’N Ever Pie.  (J 641.5)

ZOOBORNS: THE NEWEST, CUTEST ANIMALS FROM THE WORLD’S ZOOS AND AQUARIUMS by Andrew Bleiman
The subtitle of this book says it all.  Page after page of adorable baby animals look up at you from the pages of this book.  The photographs will make any animal lover melt!  There is no denying the cute factor, but this book is also educational.  The darling photographs will draw you in, but the sparse text provides information about each of the animals.  (J 591.39)

Updated 1/4/2012