Picture Books

For ages 4-8 but to be enjoyed by all.

Ramadan

Ramadan is celebrated during the ninth month of the Islamic calendar when Muslims believe first verses of the Qur’an, the holy book of Islam were revealed by Allah. It is a “month of blessing” during which Muslims focus on prayer, fasting, and charity, culminating in the celebration of Eid al-Fitr on July 28, 2014.. Web […]

Zoos

We’re going to the zoo, zoo, zoo! Experience all sorts of zoo adventures as well as learn the ins and outs of zoos in these selections. Web links to additional information and activities about follow these reviews. Contributor: Peg Glisson Reviews 1 Zany Zoo By: Lori Degman Illustrated by: […]

Mexican-American

Mexican? American? What is it like to be a Mexican American today? These books, mostly novels, explore life and issues for Mexican American youth. Like many first, second, or third generation immigrants, it’s not uncommon to have a foot in both worlds, especially if relatives still live in Mexico. To better understand their history and […]

World War II: Fiction

Whether flying secret missions, trying to avoid capture by the Nazis, or tracking spies, fiction brings the people and events of World War II’s European front to life. These titles, published since 2010, have great appeal. (Other recent titles about World War II in Fact and Fiction can be found in our 2012 Memorial Day […]

Mother Goose

The sounds and rhythm of Mother Goose rhymes have helped them endure for years and years. Phrases from these rhymes are often heard in conversation or repeated in literature, making it important for each generation to be familiar with them. Whether using them in a story hour, at home with your child, or as a […]

Science of Spring

Plants, birds, bugs, wind, motion, bikes-all point to spring. It’s a season filled with opportunities for science learning through science in action. The titles below provide a great jumping off point. On your mark…get set…go! Web links to additional information and activities about springtime science follow these reviews. Contributor: Peg Glisson Reviews Crunch Leslie Connor […]

April Daze

April Daze! There are a plethora of things to celebrate in April, from libraries to pets, humor, baseball, religious holidays, diversity-and yes, even frogs!. Take your pick with these books.Web links to additional information and activities about April follow these reviews. Contributor: Peg Glisson Reviews Ah Ha! Jeff Mack It’s not […]

Poetry & Science

Science and Poetry? Of course! Many excellent poetry collections or novels in verse can have scientific implications-whether in nature, sports, or space. Poetry begs to be read aloud, so get set to entice those science lovers who think poems aren’t their thing, and poetry fans who turn their noses up at science. Web links to […]

Visual Arts

“This world is but a canvas to our imagination.” (H. D. Thoreau) Drawing, painting, sculpture, photography allow that imagination to soar, for the artist and the observer. Let your imagination soar with these books on various visual arts! Web links to additional information and activities about the Visual Arts follow these reviews. Contributor: Peg Glisson […]

Winter

Silently, softly falls the snow-and with it comes all sorts of wintery times. Chill out with these books featuring winter! Web links to additional information and activities about Winter follow these reviews. Contributor: Peg Glisson Reviews After the Snow S.D. Crockett In this powerful first novel, global warming has killed the North Atlantic Current, sending […]

Christmas

Funny, charming, poignant-these Christmas-themed books run the gamut! You’re sure to find one to suit your taste.Web links to additional information and activities about Christmas follow these reviews. Contributor: Peg Glisson Reviews Big Snow Jonathan Bean A “big snow” can’t arrive soon enough for a boy named David. Mom tries to keep him occupied with […]

Playtime

Fun and Games! December brings gifts and time off from school. While it’s said, “Play is child’s work,” even grown-ups enjoy letting loose with games or play activities. The titles in this list explore several aspects of play, from pure fun to slightly sinister. Web links to additional information and activities about toys and play […]

Hanukkah

An eight-day celebration that begins on the 25th day of the Jewish calendar month of Kislev, Hanukkah often occurs during December, but occasionally begins during November, as it does this year. Hanukkah 2013 is celebrated from sundown on November 27 (Thanksgiving Day in the U.S.A.) and ends on the evening of December 5th. Hanukkah (also […]

Thanksgiving

While America celebrates Thanksgiving Day in November, it is celebrated on different days around the world. Our book selections reflect a sense of gratitude as well as more “traditional” Thanksgiving fare. View Thanksgiving book recommendations from previous years at http://clcd.com/index.php/nlindex. Web links to additional information and activities about Thanksgiving and gratitude follow these reviews. Contributor: […]

Fall Holidays

Crisp apples, colored leaves, seasonal celebrations–Autumn is filled with fun. Explore the many aspects of fall, enjoyable, educational, or eerie, with these titles. Web links to additional information and activities about fall celebrations follow these reviews. Contributor: Peg Glisson Reviews The Apple Orchard Riddle Margaret McNamara Pictures by G. Brian Karas When Mr. Tiffin takes […]

School Days, School Days…

There’s more to school than readin’, writin’, and ‘rithmetic. “What is the most important thing one learns in school? Self-esteem, support, and friendship.” (Terry Tempest Williams) These titles will ease the way toward learning about those non-tangible, but so important, aspects of life. Web links to additional information and activities about school follow these reviews. […]

Mind your Ps and Qs

Manners Count everywhere! Whether at home, school, grocery store, online, riding bikes, on the phone, or on the field … good manners show respect, courtesy, kindness, and responsibility. Web links to additional information and activities about manners follow these reviews. Contributor: Peg Glisson Reviews Emily Post’s Table Manners for Kids Emily Post and Cindy Post […]

Books, Movement, and Music

Feel the rhythm! Feel the beat! Play with the sounds! Move your body! Sitting still, sitting quietly is not an option with these fun titles. Web links to additional information and activities about music, movement, and books follow these reviews. Contributor: Peg Glisson Reviews Can You Make a Scary Face? Jan Thomas We all know […]

Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur

Rosh Hashanah or Jewish New Year is observered on the first and second days of Tishrei, the seventh month of the Jewish year (coinciding with September or early October). Customs include sounding the shofar, eating symbolic foods, and wishing one another a “good year.” It is the beginning of ten days of reflection and prayer, […]

Fruits and Vegetables

Nature’s bounty fills fields, farm stands, gardens, and kitchens during the summer months. These books are filled with fun stories and information about fruits and vegetables. Web links to additional information and activities about growing and eating fruits and vegetables follow these reviews. Contributor: Peg Glisson Reviews The Bear Who Shared Catherine Rayner Norris, a […]