A lovely, gentle folktale that tells the story of a tree with golden apples that suddenly loses its fruit. A young prince must show kindness, faith and courage to resolve the mystery of the tree.

This book provides an in-depth look at the formation and types of ice. The many different types of ice are supported by excellent photographs. This book would be an excellent resource for school research projects and it promotes good scientific observational skills. Appropriate for older elementary aged students or younger with adult support.

Beautiful, moving story about a young boy's relationship with his grandfather and music. Jack is lucky to grow up in a house filled with music, and especially the sound of his grandfather's guitar playing his favorite song about the blackbird. With his grandfather's patient encouragement, Jack learns to play and eventually become a musician himself. When his grandfather ages and seems to lose his memory, it is that shared music that brings them together. The jewel toned illustrations add vibrancy to this special story.

Wonderful book in a lot of ways, but why is it always called the grandmother's or mother's kitchen? What about the grandfathers and especially the father? Particularly jarring for a young family today.

This is a fascinating book about children who were collectors of items from nature that grew up to make important discoveries. HUGE caveat: the author only addresses guidelines for collection of natural objects in an author's note at the end of the book. Earlier, she includes a story about a boy stealing multiple eggs from a nest and doesn't directly address it. This is an enormous and irresponsible error in a book intended for children.

Cute book, but the idea that it's ok to call someone a baby because they don't like the same things as you, is never challenged. Yumi learns to like kimchi, but what if she didn't? Everyone is entitled to their personal likes and dislikes.

This book brings back the character of Marisol McDonald, a bi-cultural child who doesn't like things to match - primarily her clothes. The story is told both in English and Spanish and is accompanied by brightly colored illustrations. Marisol is worried by noises in the night which she believes to be a monster under her bed, even though everyone tells her that there are no monsters. She know this is true but her vivid imagination still causes her to be afraid. While her family is generally supportive, it is Marisol herself who comes up with a creative solution to the problem. It is great to see a young girl who uses her creativity to find believable solutions to her own problems.

Quirky story about a fox who longs for a friend to play stick with. He tries to make himself look like a dog so that a human (he thinks they are all called Debbie)will play with him. He quickly learns that being a pet is not for him and finds a friend who likes him the way he is. To each his own, he learns. The illustrations are charming and Ooko is particularly adorable.

The humorous story of a polite wolf who loses out on catching prey as a result. With the unwitting assistance of an equally well-manner boy, the wolf gets his dinner after all. Kids will love the humor, although some adults may object to the unexpected ending.

This is a whimsical story about an itch that turns into an unusual bear. The bear's adventures lead him to discover he is very nice, happy and very handsome. This large format book has enchanting pictures and a slightly odd story that will appeal to imaginative children.

Cute, funny picture book about a little boy named Bill who becomes invisible when his family ignores him one night at dinner. He is the middle child who is often overlooked by both his busy, important parents and his two siblings. Bill finally decides to take advantage of the situation and make his family pay attention to him. This book is sure to appeal to middle children everywhere.

This is a charming picture book about an armadillo named Arlo who goes to New York City at the suggestion of his grandfather. The grandfather has mentioned Lady Liberty often in his travel notes so Arlo is particularly keen to meet her.

Very attractive illustrations in oil and graphite enhance the story and the facts about the Statue of Liberty at the end make it a useful book for the classroom.

This book is beautifully written and a joy to read. The characters are well drawn and the plot moves swiftly but certainly not superficially. I will recommend this to all my fourth and fifth grade students.

Colorful, imaginative book about a bed that gets separated from its pirate owner during a storm. The bed loves its freedom at first, and this section of the book is quite lyrical and engaging. However, the bed soon begins to miss the dreams it shared with the pirate and longs to have a new owner.

This book might be a good choice for a bedtime read for a child that is reluctant to stay in his or her own bed at night. It would also be useful in a lesson for younger elementary students on the use of descriptive language.

Illustrations are bright with a slightly cartoonish feel that will appeal to young readers.

The story of cakes in a bakery that learn that everyone does not need to look the same to get along. This book was the Washington, DC metro area winner of the B'nai B'rith Diverse Minds Youth Writing Challenge. It was written and illustrated by two Montgomery County Public Schools high school students.

True story of the rescue of a koala baby and its release back into the wild. Adorable photographs will prove a hit with readers of all ages. Includes map and extensive suggestions for further research.

Charming story about a boy whose family goes to visit his relatives in Algeria, in an attempt to cure his father's sleepwalking. Interesting description of the culture and landscape of Algeria. Includes a glossary of Arabic terms used in the book and a recipe. My only complaint is that on page 106 there is a dig at the French which is unfortunate in a book touted for its multiculturism. Should appeal to strong second grade readers up to fifth grade.

Different perspectives on familar fairy tales are revealed when poems are reversed to give new meaning.

Another wonderful treasure from Brian Selznick!

Beautiful, charming illustrations story about the childhood of Jane Goodall. Not sure why it's classifed as fiction since it appears to be an accurate description of her childhood and includes childhood drawings and pictures as well as an afterword by Ms. Goodall, herself.

The traditional tale of Hansel & Gretel told with all the scary details and a dose of humor. Reader on audio book version is excellent.

Beautiful illustrations compliment this lovely retelling of the myth of Persephone. Author's note about cultural significance.

Amazing book about a young boy living in a community of freed slaves in Canada. Contains some frightening and disturbing elements that make it more suitable for older elementary students.

Fun, colorful illustrations. Cumulative story like "The House that Jack Built" with a bilingual twist.

Bright, engaging illustrations add to the charm of this introduction to the wonders of Egypt. Extensive back matter includes Egypt's ancient eras, gods and hieroglyphics.

Charming story about a cockroach who learns a trick to evaluate her suitors from her Cuban grandmother, Abuela.

Fun ways to personalize your school supplies. Best for upper elementary and middle school students.

Includes history of the breed as well as how to care for them. Lots of good pictures.

Wonderful, charming book that captures the feelings of childhood and the unique culture of Key West during the Great Depression. Additional historical information and photographs at the end add to the experience.

Cute book about a goldfish that finds he's lonely after all the creatures that had been annoying him in his bowl suddenly disappear.