Picture Book Recommendations

We see hundreds of new picture books every year.  Here are some of our favorites, including some classics!  For our younger readers, the artwork is so important in making a book into a permanent friend.

Up and Down (Hardcover)

$16.99
ISBN-13: 9780399255458
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Philomel, 12/2010
Unpacking hundreds of children's books a day, I often don't have a chance to take a look at everything that comes in, but Up and Down caught my eye immediately. Jeffers' watercolor illustrations are simple but beautiful, and the story of friendship and reaching for dreams is touching and funny. Also look for the boy and penguin's previous adventure in Lost and Found. All in all, it's a great book to share. Ages 3 and up. - Ted (in Receiving)

Along a Long Road (Hardcover)

$16.99
ISBN-13: 9780316129251
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, 6/2011
Peddle off on the glossy ocher road that runs through a matte four-color background in this picture book depicting a country to city round trip cycling adventure. I'm captivated by the movement I imagine in the lone cyclist's posture. He peddles, pumps and glides against the linocut print-like scene. The rhythmic pace of the simple text imitates a bicycle ride. Author, award winning illustrator and global cyclist Frank Viva is recognized as a frequent cover artist for The New Yorker. This is his debut children's book. For ages 3 - 6. - Linda

$15.99
ISBN-13: 9781596436688
Availability: Usually Ships in 1-5 days
Published: Roaring Brook Press, 9/2011
You wouldn't think it possible to give a fresh spin to A NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS, but Nick Bruel pulls it off. The wild and (really not) Bad Kitty races through alphabets of holiday greed. But time with a wise new friend, and help from a faithful old one, ensure a happy holiday for all.

Bruel's created a colorful, bold, frenetic Christmas keeper.

For ages 4 and up. - Rosemary


$15.99
ISBN-13: 9781442421417
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Beach Lane Books, 6/2011

Do YOU know your veggies???

See the colors and the shapes of the food that farmers grow.

Learn what all is down the row.

Buy and cook to give your kids a satisfied, healthy look!

For ages 4 and up.- Julia


$16.99
ISBN-13: 9780547199450
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Houghton Mifflin Books for Children, 10/2011
Ever wonder about those huge inflated puppets that bob their way down the street for the Thanksgiving Day parade? Melissa Sweet tells the fascinating story of their creation by Tony Sarg, an ingenious puppeteer, along with the history of the parade itself. Her trademark watercolor and collage illustrations are equally ingenious, and are full of engaging details. I love the way she brings the character to life for children. Ages 4-8. - Carol

Grandpa's Tractor (Hardcover)

$16.95
ISBN-13: 9781590787625
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Boyds Mills Press, 4/2011
Urban children today do not know much about the farming tradition. GRANDPA'S TRACTOR introduces the various components of life on the farm. The bonding of generations and learning some history of rural traditions are what I find to be the treasures in this visually appealing illustrated book.- Julia

$16.95
ISBN-13: 9780823420469
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Holiday House, 9/2010
As a former elementary teacher, I could so relate to the attempts and effort of instructing the students in a writing lesson. Revising can be tough – as well as properly helping your students understand new vocabulary. This book should cause at least one smile to creep up on an educator's face!- Julia

Mitchell's License (Hardcover)

$15.99
ISBN-13: 9780763644963
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Candlewick, 4/2011
Clever, funny, and what may actually be the perfect solution for reluctant bed-goers! Mitchell's creative and patient dad creates a wonderful bonding ritual for bedtime. For ages 3 and up. - Rosemary

Ant and Grasshopper (Hardcover)

$16.99
ISBN-13: 9781416951407
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Margaret K. McElderry Books, 3/2011
Luli Gray gives the familiar fable a sympathetic and saucy retelling, tying math and music together in a cleverly satisfying finish. This story on the beauty of friendship is a gem, and Ferri's watercolor & pencil illustrations magnify the charm. A great read-aloud, too! Ages 3-8. - Carol

$16.95
ISBN-13: 9781934960400
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Raven Tree Press, 5/2009

Have you ever fallen in love with a mouse? Rip Squeak shows his creativity and kindness. Leonard Filgate, the illustrator, shows his immense talent in creating such a splendid character with so much detail, warmth, and sweetness. Open the book to happily meet Rip, Jesse, Abbey, and Euripides.- Julia


The Loud Book! (Hardcover)

$12.99
ISBN-13: 9780547390086
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Houghton Mifflin Books for Children, 4/2011

Add one more instance to THE LOUD BOOK – the “Let Everyone Know How Much You Love A Book Loud”. Deborah Underwood & Renata Lewska combine talents again to celebrate the loud and standout moments in life. LOUD is a worthy companion to the creative THE QUIET BOOK. For ages 3 and up. - Rosemary

This book comes out in April 2011.


A Bedtime for Bear (Hardcover)

$16.99
ISBN-13: 9780763641016
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Candlewick, 9/2010
The 3rd offering featuring ill-humored Bear and lighthearted Mouse is the charm.  This is my favorite of the collaborations between Becker and illustrator Kady Denton.  The watercolor paintings perfectly compliment the funny tale.  Mouse disrupts Bear's bedtime routines when he stays for a sleepover.  Bear's patience is worn thin as Mouse noisily readies for bed.  When mysterious sounds in the night disturb Bear, his friend Mouse offers comfort and reassurance. - Linda

$17.99
ISBN-13: 9780375858994
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Schwartz & Wade, 7/2010

I have recently added this adorable title to my personal collection, intent on sharing it with young children.  Pup Rocket is curious to hear the ending of a story Bird is reading aloud.  He becomes Bird's student, leanrs the "gorgeous" alphabet, and begins to read.  Children will want to have this read aloud over and over, and will delight at sounding out words with Rocket. 

For ages 2 1/2 - 6.  - Linda


The Blue House Dog (Hardcover)

$15.95
ISBN-13: 9781561455379
Availability: Usually Ships in 1-5 days
Published: Peachtree Publishers, 8/2010
What happens when a faithful, loving dog loses his owner & home? What happens when a boy who's lost his dog finds he may be the only one who worries about a stray dog with unusual eyes? Deborah Blumenthal's THE BLUE HOUSE DOG ($15.95, Peachtree) eloquently plays out the delicate dance of trust between a boy and a dog who just may be ready to love again. For ages 5 and up.  - Rosemary

Dog Loves Books (Hardcover)

$16.99
ISBN-13: 9780375864490
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Knopf Books for Young Readers, 9/2010

Here is a heartwarming tribute to books and booksellers.  Dog opens a  bookstore, and gets ready for customers, but soon is lost in the adventures of the books he loves.  It all works out perfectly because now he knows what to share with his most eager clients. 

Need a smile in your day? Share this with everyone, ages 3 and up. - Carol


The Quiet Book (Hardcover)

$12.95
ISBN-13: 9780547215679
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Houghton Mifflin Books for Children, 4/2010
SHHHH – It won't be a secret for long, but THE QUIET BOOK is delightful. Just as Inuits have many words for snow, you'll be surprised by how many types of "quiet" there are once you think about it. Discover your favorite – I love "First Snowfall Quiet". For ages 4 and up. - Rosemary

Bear in the Air (Hardcover)

$15.95
ISBN-13: 9780810983984
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Harry N. Abrams, 5/2010
An adorable teddy bounced from a pram has quite an adventure before being reunited with his boy. Amy Bates' soft nostalgic illustrations give a charming view
of bear's seaside and underwater happenstance. For ages 2-5. - Linda

Once Upon a Twice (Hardcover)

$16.99
ISBN-13: 9780375856129
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Random House Books for Young Readers, 8/2009
Denise Doyen's nonsensical rhyming verse, in this cautionary tale, should be read aloud and savored.  Her original tongue tangling words are delightful and reminiscent of Lewis Carroll's "Jabberwocky" poem.  Will young mouse Jam escape the pond snake when he ignores advice from the elder mice? For ages 4 - 8. - Linda

$17.00
ISBN-13: 9780618862542
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Houghton Mifflin Books for Children, 5/2010
After reading this book, you'll know what to call those groups of magical creatures you saw yesterday: a splash of mermaids, a grace of unicorns, or a faculty of centaurs. Ogburn has done the research and includes a description of each creature at the back. Nicoletta Ceccoli's colorful, mixed media illustrations evoke the enchanted world for young readers. Ages 4-8. - Carol

$17.99
ISBN-13: 9781423103004
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Hyperion, 6/2010

You know anything these two combine talents on will be fantastic – beautiful illustrations & a story that will resonate for a long time.

A city dog romps out in the country and befriends a local frog. This deceptively deep tale of friendship follows them through the seasons, to a poignant and reassuring conclusion.

For ages 5 and up. - Rosemary


$16.99
ISBN-13: 9780786807673
Availability: Usually Ships in 1-5 days
Published: Jump At The Sun, 11/2009

With February being Black History Month, I wanted to find a beautifully illustrated picture book which would help me learn more about someone historically famous. Andrea Pinkney uses descriptive words throughout the text to give a more casual view of Sojourner Truth, a slave in her early years who later became a popular lecturer for women's equality. Appropriate for ages 5 to 9 years old. - Julia

 


Shark vs. Train (Hardcover)

$16.99
ISBN-13: 9780316007627
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, 4/2010
Take two behemoths of a kid's world (in this case, a Shark and a Train) and pit them together in ever crazier, bizarre contests. Adults and kids alike will be howling with laughter, no matter whose side you're rooting for. It brought back fond memories of my best friend and I debating the relative merits of Abraham Lincoln and Huckleberry Hound in a great debate when we were 5. I love this book. For ages 4 and up. - Rosemary

$16.95
ISBN-13: 9780892369898
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: J. Paul Getty Museum, 10/2009

How pleased I am that this book is available again. Through the eyes of a young child, Politi tells the beloved story of the swallows that return every year to build nests in the mission at San Juan Capistrano. Although based on California's Latino heritage, the story appeals to all children who work hard for something special. Politi won a Caldecott Medal for his expressive and charming illustrations.

Thank you J. Paul Getty Museum for bringing this book to children today. For ages 5 and up.- Carol


$9.95
ISBN-13: 9781602190337
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Our World of Books, 7/2009

Want to introduce the youngest kids to the charms of the state? Check out the new GOOD NIGHT NORTH CAROLINA (board, $9.95), with a very busy tour through the state, from morning to night. Our own NC Museum of Natural Sciences is included, with a shout-out to their great dinosaur exhibit. For ages 1-4.—Rosemary


Best Baby Ever (Hardcover)

$16.99
ISBN-13: 9780399252044
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Putnam Juvenile, 7/2009

Carol loved the humor of David Milgrim’s BEST BABY EVER ($16.99, GP Putnam). Baby sure is brilliant, talented, and adorable – but isn’t every baby to its parents? Even when he starts school, he’ll still be their best baby. For all new parents, and ages 2 and up.


$17.99
ISBN-13: 9780439309103
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Scholastic Press, 3/2001

The main theme of sharing and helping those in need gives you a warm fuzzy feeling. The extra special part of the book is enjoying the beautiful illustrations with various quilt patterns throughout.—Julia


In the Garden (Hardcover)

$14.95
ISBN-13: 9781604330267
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Applesauce Press, 3/2009

As a person who dabbles around in the flowerbeds, I love this book! From the perspective of a young gardener you learn about plant growth, insects, and the joys of yummy things to eat. What a great way to inspire children to become gardeners! For ages 4 and up.—Julia


One Rainy Day (Hardcover)

$16.95
ISBN-13: 9781561486557
Availability: Usually Ships in 1-5 days
Published: Good Books, 4/2009

The endearing Hedgehog from ONE SNOWY NIGHT braves a rainstorm to try out his spiffy, shiny umbrella. As he meets up with friends in trouble from the rain, he and his shimmery umbrella have many adventures. This is a delightful follow-up, and a lovely book on the bonds of friendship. For ages 3 and up.—Rosemary


$16.99
ISBN-13: 9781416942115
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Margaret K. McElderry Books, 3/2009

Come, take a poetic walk through the woods and see our feathered and furry friends in each of the seasons. With whimsy in words and watercolor, Ruddell and Rankin have put together a beautiful book for young readers. Read this aloud for family fun. It oozes with charm and chuckles!—Carol


$16.99
ISBN-13: 9780803733350
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Dial, 3/2009

The irrepressible Charlie and Lola have an adventure with recycling. Charlie shows Lola how to recycle, and now Lola wants to recycle everything. Of all the green books being published now for children, this one stands out. The message is just an important part of an engaging story. For ages 4-8.—Carol


What Bluebirds Do (Hardcover)

$18.95
ISBN-13: 9781590786147
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Boyds Mills Press, 4/2009

Bluebirds are nesting in our area now, and here is an informative and beautiful book about these winged friends. The brief text provides children with just enough information, but the best part of the book is the photography. The stunning close-ups show these birds in fascinating detail. The author lives in Gibsonville,NC. Share this with children ages 3 and up, as well as birders of all ages.—Carol