It is award season in the land of children’s books. I’m pleasantly pleased with this year’s Newbery winner. I hadn’t read it until after it won the award (I’ll explain why in my review below). I’m a little less pleased with the Caldecott winner, though I can’t deny it is a great book. I just think something else should have won. But, then again, I wasn’t on the committee that selected it. In fact, I can’t say I’d want to be on one of the award committees (at least for the foreseeable future). It would be an honor, but the amount of books that they have to read (which, by the way, is hundreds) is daunting (especially when you have a baby).  Less well known, but just as wonderful, are the Sibert Award (to an informational book) and the Geisel Award (to a beginner reader). The Sibert Award went to Bomb: The Race to Build—and Steal—the World’s Most Dangerous Weapon, written by Steve Sheinkin (it’s checked out, so I haven’t gotten to read this one yet.).  Make sure to look up all the winners and honor books for all the awards at http://www.ala.org/alsc/awardsgrants/bookmedia. –Miss Amanda

The Newbery Medal winner for outstanding contribution to children’s literature: 

The One and Only Ivan

Written by Katherine Applegate 

Ages 8-12 

I purposely didn’t read this book when it first came in here at the library. I don’t like “talking animal” books. It’s not my thing. And this book, which is about a gorilla and his elephant friend living at a roadside attraction, sounded awful to me. So, I pointedly ignored it. But, when it won the Newbery, I had to read it. And I’m so glad that I did. It’s heartbreakingly beautiful and wondrously hopeful.  It reminds us of the best and the worst qualities of humans. It reminds us of our responsibilities to the animals and world around us. It reminds us about the importance of the families we create, as well as the families that we are born with. At its center, The One and Only Ivan is a quiet story of the friendship Ivan, a gorilla, Stella, an elephant, and Bob, a stray dog. Ruby, a baby elephant, is brought to the roadside attraction in hopes of boosting business. Ruby awakens Ivan and Stella from their complacency. This is not a good home for anyone. Ivan must help Ruby before she’s stuck like he has been for the last 27 years. I don’t want to say anything else before you read it. But, once you do, feel free to stop by the children’s department at Main. I’d love to talk about it.

The Caldecott Medal for the most distinguished American picture book for children: 

This is Not My Hat

Illustrated and written by Jon Klassen 

Ages 4-8 

If you read I Want my Hat Back and loved it (and I know many of you did – and if you didn’t, you should), you need to get your hand on a copy of this year’s Caldecott Medal winner! This is Not My Hat features a small fish who has just stolen the hat of a much bigger fish. Classic Klassen hijinks ensue. (I have just discovered that I love to type “hijinks” – but that is neither here nor there.) Klassen’s text and illustrations weave together perfectly to create this quirky and funny story. 

Geisel Award for most distinguished beginning reader book:

Up, Tall, and High!

Written and illustrated by Ethan Long

Ages 1-6

Lift-the-flap elements and bright cartoony illustrations help to bring this simple concept beginning reader to great heights. Three goofy birds are having some fun with the three concepts in the title. The text is simple enough for beginning readers to read by themselves. But everyone (young and old) will laugh along with these birds. Highly suggested for those who love the Mo Willem’s Elephant and Piggie Books. 

Other Picture Books : 

Caldecott Honor Book

Sleep Like a Tiger

Written by Mary Logue and illustrated by Pamela Zagarenski

Ages 4-8

Sleep Like a Tiger is a wonderful bedtime book, particularly for those who are reluctant to go to bed (is  there anyone who isn’t?). I hope I remain as calm as these parents when my child gets old enough to verbalize his refusal to go to bed (now he just cries). But it is the illustrations that take the well-worn story and make it fresh and new. They are like images of a dream.  Zagarenski’s mixed media illustrations are magical, ethereal, and romantically quirky. I’m very glad it won a Caldecott Honor. 

 A Home for Bird

by Philip Stead 

Ages 4-8 

 Like the Caldecott Winner, A Home for Bird weaves together words and illustrations to tell a story that each alone could not tell. Vernon is a toad that one day runs across Bird. Bird is quiet and thoughtful and lonely. Bird needs a home. Vernon is going to help him find it. What the reader knows and what Vernon does not realize is Bird is not a real bird. But, rather, he is a cuckoo that fell from his cuckoo clock on the back of a moving van. Vernon is an endearing fella who charms you from the beginning. Even Bird, still and silent, is loveable. It’s definitely worth it to take the journey with these two as the look for Bird’s home.

Chapter Book

Tangle of Knots

by Lisa Graff 

Ages 8-12 

Tangle of Knots is set in a world where most people have a Talent, a specialized and magical skill. The story follows several characters whose lives become entangle (See title. Get it?). You’ll also find, among other things, a luggage emporium, a special peanut butter recipe, and secrets galore. Fate, as usual, has a way of getting things all muddled up and then figuring itself out. And, you know Fate has a thing or two in store for these characters.  A quiet and gentle read for those who like a touch of magic and a lot of sweetness.

At the halfway point, I find that Tangle of Knots is the kind of book that I am reading simply because I want to find out what happens next. I feel no particular connection to the characters. The world is interesting, and I like the characters. Yet I set it aside a week ago, and I haven’t been interested enough to pick it back up again. I think I may just flip (…fast forward?… what do you call it on the Kindle?) to the end to see what happens.  Perhaps I’m not in the mood for this book. If you read it, let me know what you think. I’ll be in the children’s department at Main.

We’re starting off our year here at Off the Shelf with a guest reviewer, Miss Amanda H. Miss Amanda is a practicum student here at WTCPL. She’s getting her Masters in Library and Information Science at Kent State to be a children’s librarian. It looks like she’s read some great books. I’m particularly interested in Violet Mackerel’s Brilliant Plot. I hope you all have a happy new year with plenty of good reads!  -Miss Amanda A.

Mousetronaut:  Based on a (Partially) True Story

By Astronaut Mark Kelly; Illustrated by C.F. Payne

Astronaut Mark Kelly uses his experience and imagination to tell the story of a heroic mouse named Meteor who helps to save the space mission!  After being the smallest of six mice selected for the mission aboard the space shuttle, Meteor shows his fearless curiosity about space travel as the other astronauts set him free from the cage to join them as they float and conduct experiments around the space shuttle.  An afterword in the book describes historical information and significant events about space travel along with Mark Kelly’s first flight with mice.  A wonderful book to show that humans aren’t the only ones exploring space!

It’s All About ME-OW

By Hudson Talbott

From ancient cat history to feline anatomy and all of that “cat-titude,” this book takes a look at all of those feline -tastic things that we love about cats!  Told from a cat’s perspective, we learn all of the wonders of being a cat and what they think about us humans.  Any cat owner can relate to the crazy antics of their cat, like waking them up for breakfast at the crack of dawn, giving in to those precious little eyes, and don’t forget all of the prized gifts they bring you in from the backyard!  In this book, cats definitely RULE!

Penguin and Pinecone: A Friendship Story

By Salina Yoon

When you give love…It Grows!  That’s what Penguin discovers when he befriends a pinecone that he finds in the snow.  After grandpa suggests that the pinecone belongs in the forest where it can grow big and strong, Penguin sets off on a long journey to find Pinecone a new home.  On his return trip, Penguin learns that Pinecone has grown into a beautiful pine tree!  Soon many pine trees are growing in the forests, all adorned with a piece of their friend.  Penguin and Pinecone share a special friendship in this book, a cozy winter tale to share with a good friend.

Violet Mackerel’s Brilliant Plot

By Anna Branford; Illustrated by Sarah Davis

Whenever you spot something small and special on the ground, you must try to remember what you were thinking about at the very moment you saw it, according to Violet Mackerel’s “Theory of Finding Small Things.”  Violet is a very determined and loveable girl who uses this theory to get what she wants…the blue china bird from the Saturday Market.  She comes up with not just a plan, but a brilliant plot to achieve this goal after she spots a small red button on the ground.  As she thinks outside the box and uses ideas from her theory, Violet takes on new adventures and ideas and learns some valuable lessons along the way.  The black and white pencil illustrations also help to tell the story.  A great book to introduce creative thinking!

The Most Dangerous

By Terri Fields; Illustrated by Laura Jaques

Some of the most dangerous creatures from around the world are showcased in this book.  From a box jellyfish  to cape buffalo and many other terrifying creatures have gathered to win the title and trophy of The World’s Most Dangerous.  They show off their dangerous skills from poisnious venom to deadly sharp teeth and even flesh-ripping claws as all of these creatures are performing for the judges, but who will the judges pick in the end?  Find out which creatures earns the coveted title and why it has been dubbed the world’s most dangerous.  There is also a special section in the back of the book that has learning activities for a animal adaptations, habitats, and predator and prey.

White House Kids: The Perks, Pleasures, Problems, and Pratfalls of the President’s Children

By Joe Rhatigan

We all know that Malia and Sasha have lived in the White House for the past four years, but what other children have grown up on 1600 Pennsylania Ave.?  Find out what it’s like to be the child of an American President. From the perks to the problems to daily activities in and out of the spotlight, the White House has been the childhood home of many young children.  This book is filled with lots of historical photographs and facts and even information about what happened to the children after they moved out of the White House.  Get ready for the re-ignauguration this year by reading this book!

Looking for a last minute Christmas read? I certainly hope so. Looking for new Christmas stories to share is one of my most favorite Xmas traditions. [For those looking for non-Christmas recommendations, please scroll down.] What’s new this Christmas season?

Christmas Wombat

by Jackie French; illustrated by Bruce Whatley

Ages 4-8

The loveable wombat from Diary of a Wombat is back again, and this time he has stumbled upon Christmas. Literally. He stumbles upon first one and then another plate of his favorite food. Carrots! But these strange creatures with antlers keep trying to take them. Our friendly wombat inadvertently rides along with Santa as he follows these creatures to their carrots. My most favorite page: when the wombat stares down a rather confused reindeer.

The Christmas Quiet Book

by Deborah Underwood; illustrated by Renata Liwska

Ages 4-8

I love this book. And it had a lot to overcome. First of all, once again, we have a Christmas version of a series of beloved picture books (i.e. The Quiet Book and The Loud Book). These don’t always work out well (for instance, I love Pete the Cat, but, personally, I think Pete the Cat Saves Christmas just doesn’t live up to the grooviness of the other Pete the Cat books). Often these Xmas spinoffs just make you feel like someone is just trying to make money. Secondly, I am very leery of “cute” things. I hate schmaltzy and cheesy books. And at first glance The Christmas Quiet Book looks like it could be really too cute. But, I’m happy to report, this book is neither money grubbing (…well, maybe it is, but it’s worth my money) nor cutesy. It’s a think-outside-the-box, snuggle-under-a-blanket-type of warm and cozy ode to the quiet moments of the busy Christmastime season. My most favorite quiet: “Lights on quiet” followed by “Blown fuse quiet.” (I laughed out loud!)

Santa from Cincinnati

by Judi Barrett; illustrated by Kevin Hawkes

Ages 4-8

Even those not from Ohio are going to love this book. It has that nostalgic old-timey feel that is just perfect for this time of year. It tells the life story of Santa Claus, starting with his birth and childhood in Cincinnati and continuing through college, marriage, and so on. Throughout the book, of course, are his love of toys and toy building. And, if you pay attention closely, you may glimpse Santa’s magic that permeates his life. My favorite Santa tidbit: The Claus’s got their son’s name from a bowl of alphabet soup. My favorite thing about this book: The photographs with captions.

A Christmas Tree for Pyn

by Olivier Dunrea

Ages 5-9

Lastly, I need to mention my favorite new Christmas book from last year. This is the gentle and heartwarming story of a daughter and her gruff father (who insists Pyn call him by his name, Oother). They live in a cabin in the woods (at an unspecified time which I assume to be in the past). Pyn cooks over the hearth. Oother bundles up in furs and takes his axe when he sets out to work for the day. Pyn wants a Christmas tree, but Oother doesn’t. (You realize, though it is not made explicit, that Pyn’s mother has passed away, and Oother still mourns. This is deftly handled and, I believe, most children wouldn’t even blink an eye at it. It is not central to the story, but it adds a depth to the characters and to the plot that is a mark of skilled storytelling.) This little family comes together because of Pyn’s spunky attitude and the simple, quiet power of the Christmas tree. This is the book to read with your children when all the Christmas consumerism gets to you. My favorite part: When Pyn goes to her trunk and pulls out all the items from nature that she has saved all year to use when she decorates her tree. 

For those not looking for Christmas reads (or those who just want some more suggestions), I’d like to mention two other books.

Dreams Around the World

by Takashi Owaki

Owaki is a photographer from Japan who traveled to 55 countries in 3 years. For this book, he has collected photographs of children around the world and their dreams for their futures. From the boy in Uganda who dreams of driving a matatu (mini-bus) to the girl from the Philippines who dreams of being a doctor to the boy from Argentina who dreams of owning a gelato shop (so he can be close to his favorite treat, of course!), this is a wonderful look at the children around the world, a look at both the things that make us the same and the things that make us different. Above all, it is a celebration of children. Share this with your young ones to give them a sense of the world and to incite conversation about their dreams. My favorite part: That Owaki does not go to any special lengths to make the children look like they come from a particular culture. (Due to the outdated and stereotypical photographs I saw in school, I spent a part of my childhood wondering why kids in Germany were always forced to wear lederhosen instead of normal pants… Couldn’t anyone send them some?)

WHAT I’M READING (AND LOVING) WITH MY BABY

Jonathan & Martha

by Petr Horáček

Ages 3-6

This is the simple story of two worms who, unbeknownst to the other, start eating from different sides of the same pear and end up in a tangle. This simply told story of friendship and sharing is accompanied by wonderful illustration and die-cuts. The pages are sturdy for the clumsy fingers of little ones. I must be in the mood for sweet stories, because this little ditty is charming and adorable (without becoming sentimental or cutesy).  My favorite part: The end. I didn’t expect it in a kid’s book. That’s all I’ll say.

Fall 2012

Icefall

by Matthew J. Kirby

Ages 9 and up

To a fortress between a mountain and the frozen sea, Solveig is sent with her older sister, the beautiful Asa, and her younger brother, the future king Harald, to hide as their father, a Norse king, goes to war. When her father’s skald (storyteller/historian) and personal guard of berserkers arrive unexpectedly, things go from bad to worse. Aside from the cramped quarters, terrible winter weather, and dwindling food, someone among them is plotting against the king’s children and their caretakers.  Solveig must determine who she can trust as she struggles to survive the bitter winter before the traitor destroys her family. A 2012 Edgar Award Winner for Best Juvenile Mystery.

Things to love:

Solveig is the kind of character any self-respecting, dorky, female bookworm will love. If you’re a middle-child, well, she’s a homerun. Plagued by self-doubt, Solveig can, at times, get annoying with her hemming and hawing. However, she slowly comes to find her place in her family and in the world. It’s a much stronger position than she ever expected. Solveig’s relationship with the leader of warrior berserkers is also a heartwarming highlight. 

Say historical fiction, and I automatically think of WW2 or little orphans running around in knickers and selling newspapers (“Ten cents! Ten Cents! All the news fit to print, sir!”).  I know, as a librarian that’s a terrible thing to say, and I do like and read historical fiction of other time periods, but it is honestly the first thing that I think.  Icefall is a wonderful change from the historical fiction routine, and I can’t wait to give it to the next kid who comes in looking for historical fiction. I love the view of the Viking world that isn’t about war and fighting. Here we see those left behind during all that Viking warfare. With the addition of the mystery, this is one historical fiction that keeps you up at night wanting to see what happens next. 

The Lonely Book

by Kate Bernheimer; illustrated by Chris Sheban

Ages 5 -8

Here’s another book for the young book lovers out there. This is the gentle story of a book at a library. Beloved by many children when it is new, but, as it grows older, less and less children take it home. All but forgotten, the book is taken home by a young girl named Alice. Alice loves the book. She often checks the book out, but she forgets it one day. Through some unforeseen events, the book ends up in the library’s book sale. Just when it all seems lost and the lonely book will be alone forever, we are given the happy ending we hoped for. The beautiful soft illustrations rendered in watercolors and colored pencils add to the timeless, gentle quality of the book. 

Don’t Squish the Sasquatch

by Kent Redeker ; illustrated by Bob Staake

Ages 4-6

This is the perfect story for any child that likes their stories silly and the characters far from the norm. While the first two books in this edition of Off the Shelf were quiet, this book is LOUD. Sasquatch is taking the bus, and he really doesn’t want to be squished. But, as more and more creatures get on the bus, Sasquatch is running out of room. What happens when you squish a sasquatch? Read this book and find out! The zany illustrations filled with out-of-this-world creatures add to the ruckus and fun-filled quality of this book. Highly recommended!! 

WHAT I’M READING (AND LOVING) WITH MY BABY

Series: Gossie and Friends by Olivier Dunrea

Ages 2 - 6

If you don’t know Gossie and her friends, you have to meet them! These cute little books and these darling little gosling characters are well loved in my home (and, for the record, I don’t say “cute” or “darling” lightly). The stories are very simple, perfect for young children. Gossie, Gertie, Gideon, and the rest of their farmyard friends have an unassuming way of putting a smile on your face. These stories focus on the simple things in a child’s life, such as sleeping, eating, friendship, and, of course, listening to Mama. Gideon and Otto is a personal favorite. This is the simple story of a gosling and his stuffed friend, Otto the Octopus. (I wish I could find a stuffed Otto for myself!!)

August 2012

Starry Night, Sleep Tight: A Bedtime Book of Lullabies

Illustrated by Gail Yerrill

Ages birth to 5 (lullaby collection)

Tested at home with this librarian’s 2 month old, this book of lullabies gives child and caregiver alike a calm end to hectic days. The collection contains lullabies both familiar and, at least for this librarian, new. While I didn’t know the tune to many of the lullabies, they are just as effective read aloud. The illustrations of animals on calm, nighttime blue backgrounds feel homey and comfortable. The sturdy pages are perfect for young hands not yet comfortable with paper. (Of course, my 2 month old wasn’t turning pages or anything. He just stared until his eyes betrayed him and drifted shut.) This lullaby book is a wonderful addition to bedtime story time.

Oh My Baby, Little One

by Kathi Appelt and illustrated by Jane Dyer

Ages 2-5

A Mama’s love is always near, as baby bird heads off to school.

Bubble Trouble

by Margaret Mahy and illustrated by Polly Dunbar

Ages 3 and up

When Mabel leisurely blew a bubble, she had no idea it would waft her baby brother away, leaving the neighborhood franticly trying to bring Baby down. The tongue-twisting words, floating through each scene, and the illustrations of the people hurrying across the pages after Baby carry the reader through the story. The cut paper against the watercolors brings the adventure to life.

Sweet Dreams

by Rose A. Lewis and illustrated by Jen Corace

Ages 4-8

As she tucks her child into bed, a mother comforts her little one with stories of the nighttime world around her. As sweet as a lullaby, this story is a calming balm after a busy day.

Jazz Baby

by Lisa Wheeler and illustrated by R. Gregory Christie

2008 Geisel Honor Book

Ages 4 and up

Upon opening Jazz Baby readers are immediately thrown into a world of movement. Inside their home, brother starts tapping and sister’s snapping, while Baby rat-tat-tats and soon the whole family is up moving to the rhythm. It doesn’t take long until the entire neighborhood is on their feet. Not only do the characters seem to move, but the text takes on the action of the words as well.

How to Babysit Grandpa

by Jean Reagan and illustrated by Lee Wildish

Ages 5-8

A humorous story about how to entertain grandpa while a young boy’s parents are away.

Clementine’s Letter

by Sara Pennypacker and illustrated by Marla Frazee

Ages 7 and up (chapter book)

When Clementine’s third-grade teacher, Mr. D’Matz, is a finalist for an archaeological dig in Egypt, she couldn’t be happier. That is until she realizes a substitute will take his place. Upset and hurt, Clementine writes a mean letter about her teacher without pondering the consequences.

Around the World

by Matt Phelan

Ages 8 and up (graphic novel)

Do you know an adventure lover? A lover of historical fiction? Or, just a lover of great graphic novels? If so, this book is for them! Contained within this graphic novel are three stories, each about a real person who traveled around the world. There is Thomas Stevens, who traveled around the world on a bike in 1884 (back when bikes had huge front wheels!). There is Nellie Bly, who traveled around the world in 1889 (a time when it was unbelievable that a woman would travel alone). And, there is Joshua Slocum, who sailed around the world in 1895 (and may have gone a little crazy in the process – or maybe he was visited by his dead wife and a sailor from Christopher Columbus’ crew…). The style of each section’s artwork differs slightly and adds to the tone of the story. This graphic novel is highly recommended for any kid (or adult) who is looking for a story that embodies the spirit of adventure.

The Hop

by Sharelle Byars Moranville with pictures by Niki Daly

Ages 8-12 (chapter book)

Tad is a toad who must save his home from being destroyed by developers. Taylor is a young girl who treasures the nearby pond and woods. Their lives will intertwine as they try to find a way to save this precious piece of land from being turned into a strip mall. A story of adventure and delight that you won’t want to miss!

Middle School: Get Me Out of Here!

by James Patterson and Chris Tebbetts with picture by Laura Park

Ages 8-12 (chapter book)

Hey, Diary of a Wimpy Kid fans! Be sure to check out this book. Rafe is ready to skate through the seventh grade or so he thought. In this cartoon-illustrated book, join Rafe as he encounters many unexpected events during middle school.

Take Two! A Celebration of Twins

by J. Patrick Lewis & Jane Yolen and illustrated by Sophie Blackall

Ages 10 and up (poetry)

The perfect book to share with the twins in your life, this is a collection of poems all about the joys and trials of being a twin. Facts about twins are included with each poem.

Night Owls

A turtle emerges from the sea to lay her eggs in the sand.

Poppy

by Avi

(Ages 8 and up)

Poppy the deer mouse urges her family to move next to a field of corn big enough to feed them all forever, but Mr. Ocax, a terrifying owl, has other ideas.

Stellaluna

by Janell Cannon

(Ages 4 and up)

After she falls headfirst into a bird’s nest, a baby bat is raised like a bird until she is reunited with her mother.

The Very Lonely Firefly

by Eric Carle

(Ages 2 and up)

A lonely firefly goes out into the night searching for other fireflies.

Who Hoots?

by Katie David

(Ages 2 and up)

This humorous book goes through animals and their noises trying to find out who hoots.

Jazz on a Saturday Night

by Leo and Diane Dillon

(Ages 5 and up)

Learn about this popular music form and hear each instrument on a specially produced CD.

Joyful Noise: Poems for Two Voices

by Paul Fleischman

(Ages 7 and up)

This collection of poems about insects won the Newbery Medal.

Pet Shop Lullaby

by Mary Ann Fraser

(Ages 3 and up)

When the pet store closes for the night, a hamster’s activities keep the other animals awaks as they try to think of some way to put him to sleep.

Owls

by Gail Gibbons

(Ages 6 and up)

Gibbons explores the mysterious world and workings of owls.

Going Batty

by Nancy E. Krulik

(Ages 7 and up)

Fourth-grader Katie learns about nocturnal animals firsthand when the magic wind turns her into a bat during a class trip to the zoo.

The Great Monster Hunt

by Norbert Landa

(Ages 3 and up)

The animals turn to owl for help when there’s a monster under the bed.

Bats at the Library

by Brian Lies

(Ages 4 and up)

Bored with another normal, inky evening, bats discover an open library window and fly in to enjoy the photocopier, water fountain, and especially the books and stories found there.  Other titles in this series include Bats at the Beach, and Bats at the Ballgame.

A Book of Sleep

by Il Sung Na

(Ages 5 and up)

While other animals sleep at night, some quietly and other noisily, some along and others huddled together, a wide-eyed owl watches.

Duke Ellington: The Piano Prince and His Orchestra

by Andrea Pinkey

(Ages 5 and up)

A brief recounting of the career of this jazz musician and composer who, along with his orchestra, created music that was beyond category.

Owly: The Way Home and The Bittersweet Summer

by Andy Runton

(Ages 5 and up)

This is the first in a series of nearly wordless graphic novels with two stories. Owly discovers the meaning of friendship, and that saying goodbye doesn’t always mean forever.

It Looked Like Spilt Milk

by Charles Shaw

(Ages 3 and up)

The great horned owl makes an appearance in this shape story.

The Owl Who Was Afraid of the Dark

by Jill Tomlinson

(Ages 3 and up)

Owl has to get over his fear of the dark so he can learn how to hunt.

Owl Babies

by Martin Waddell

(Ages 6 and up)

Three owlets wait for their mother to come home.

Dreams and Wishes

The Wish Giver: Three Tales of Coven Tree
by Bill Brittain
(Ages 8 and up)

When a strange little man comes to the Coven Tree Church Social promising he can give people exactly what they ask for, three young believers-in-magic each make a wish that comes true in the most unexpected way.

The BFG
by Roald Dahl
(Ages 7 and up)

A tale of friendship between Sophie, a young orphan, and a 25-foot tall, big friendly giant (BFG), who catches dreams each night in Dream County and blows the good ones into the minds of sleeping children.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

by Roald Dahl

(Ages 7 and up)

Each of five children lucky enough to find an entry ticket into Mr. Willy Wonka’s mysterious chocolate factory takes advantage of the situation in his own way.

The Genie Scheme

by Kimberly K. Jones

(Ages 8 and up)

When twelve-year-old Janna helps a homeless woman who turns out to be a genie, she discovers how interconnected the world really is.

Where the Mountain Meets the Moon

by Grace Lin

(Ages 8 and up)

Minli buys a magical goldfish and then joins a dragon that cannot fly on a quest to find the Old Man of the Moon in hopes of discovering how to change her family’s fortune. Newbery Honor Book.

Moon Dreams

by Ruth Martin

(Ages 4 and up)

Luna loves to look at the moon each night before she drifts off to sleep, but she wonders where it goes during the day. While she dreams, her imagination takes her on a journey as she searches far and wide for where the moon could possibly go when the sun is out.

The Little Engine that Could

by Watty Piper

(Ages 2 and up)

The story of the little blue engine that thought she could pull a heavy train and did.

Oh, the Places You’ll Go

by Dr. Seuss

(Ages 6 and up)

Advice in rhyme for proceeding in life; weathering fear, loneliness, and confusion; being in charge of your actions.

Sweet Dreams Lullaby

by Betsy Snyder

(Ages 2 and up)

This peaceful and imaginative picture book invites a bunny who dreams of comforting scenese from nature’s bedtime.

The Wish Stealers

by Tracy Trivas

(Ages 8 and up)

Sixth-grader Griffin Penshine has always believed wishes can come true, so when a strange woman curses her with a box of pennies, Griffin fears her evil desires will come to pass unless she returns each penny to the person who first wished upon it.

Night Night

Goodnight Moon

by Margaret Wise Brown

(Ages 3 and up)

Good night to each of the objects in the great green room.

Otto’s Orange Day

by Frank Cammuso and Jay Lynch

(Ages 6 and up)

After a genie fulfills Otto the cat’s wish by turning the whole world orange, Otto realizes that his favorite color is not the best color for everything.

Llama Llama Red Pajama

by Anna Dewdney

(Ages 3 and up)

At bedtime, a little llama worries after his mother puts him to bed and goes downstairs.

The Pout-Pout Fish in the Big-Big Dark

by Deborah Diesen

(Ages 3 and up)

Mr. Fish feels nervous venturing deep in the sea to look for Ms. Clam’s lost pearl until Miss Shimmer helps him conquer his fear of the dark.

Night Lights

by Susan Gal

(Ages 3 and up)

While preparing for bedtime, a little girl and her dog note all the different kinds of lights that brighten up the night, from headlights to moonlight.

April and Esme, Tooth Fairies

by Bob Graham

(Ages 5 and up)

On their first assignment, two young tooth fairy sisters journey by night into the huge world of humans to collect Daniel Dangerfield’s tooth and fly it safely home.

Can’t Sleep without Sheep

by Susanna Leonard Hill

(Ages 3 and up)

When counting sheep does not help Ava fall asleep and the sheep complain that they are exhausted, they send in replacements, including cows, horses, penguins, and pigs, but none prove satisfactory.

Mary had a Little Lamb

by Mary Ann Hoberman and Nadine Bernard Westcott

(Ages 4 and up)

Mary’s adventures with her lamb at school are extended in this lyrical, colorful story.

Bedtime for Mommy

by Amy Krouse Rosenthal

(Ages 3 and up)

In a recersal of the classic bedtime story, a child helps her mommy get ready for bed, enduring pleas for one more book, five more minutes of play time, and a glass of water before the lights go out.

Fancy Nancy and the Late, Late, LATE Night

by Jane O’Connor

(Ages 4 and up)

Ohh la la! Nancy is utterly fascinated by movie stars – and everybody knows that movie stars don’t go to bed early!

Creak! Said the Bed

by Phyllis Root

(Ages 4 and up)

A stormy night, a snoring dad, a houseful of restless sleepers, and some masterfully humorous timing make this a classic cumulated tale fun for bedtime or anytime.

Russell the Sheep

by Rob Scotton

(Ages 3 and up)

Russell the sheep tries many different ways to get to sleep.

The Sleepy Little Alphabet

by Judy Sierra

(Ages 2 and up)

Sleepy lowercase letters of the alphabet get ready for bed.

The House in the Night

by Susan Marie Swanson

(Ages 4 and up)

Caldecott winning illustrations and easy-to-read text explore the light that makes a house in the night a home.

Time to Sleep, Sheep the Sheep!

by Mo Willems

(Ages 3 and up)

Cat the Cat has a slumber party with her animal friends.

How Do Dinosaurs Say Goodnight?

by Jane Yolen

(Ages 4 and up)

Mother and child ponder the different ways a dinosaur can say goodnight, from slamming his tail and pouting to giving a big hug and kiss.