A Magical Day with Matisse – Julie Merberg and Suzanne Bober

The Mini Masters Series has been a favorite in our home since our daughter was very, very little.  These board books feature the works of world-renowned artists coupled with lyrical text.  A Magical Day with Matisse starts with an invitation to come out and play and then takes the reader through a day of fun while featuring Matisse’s masterpieces.  Our daughter still loves to look at these books, and they often are selected to be brought in the car to be read and enjoyed when we go on errands.  The Mini Masters Series is an all around winner which our whole family has enjoyed.

T is for Turkey – Tanya Lee Stone

T is for Turkey is a cute book which functions as an ABC book as well as a Thanksgiving story book.  The Thanksgiving story is told in rhyming couplet by a group of children as they perform their class Thanksgiving play.  It includes a great deal of factual information and is presented in an age appropriate manner for children three years and older.  The pictures truly enhance the text and are simply fun to look at for young and old alike.

Corduroy’s Thanksgiving – Lisa McCue

Corduroy helps introduce the reader to Thanksgiving traditions as he celebrates with his friends.  This board book includes darling pictures and does an excellent job highlighting Thanksgiving activities from preparing pies, watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade, enjoying football, sharing what you are thankful for, and simply enjoying each other.  A great first explanation of Thanksgiving which is totally accessible to young children.

When I Was Little ~ A Four-Year-Old’s Memoir of Her Youth – Jamie Lee Curtis

Jamie Lee Curtis books are always fun for our daughter as well as for Mom and Dad.  When I Was Little ~ A Four-Year-Old’s Memoir of Her Youth is another winner.  Celebrating the accomplishments that have been made during the past four years was neat to see as we read thru this book.  It is easy to forget the extraordinary development that goes on from birth to four years old.  As we read, our daughter was quick to add her own commentary regarding each of the accomplishments featured within the book.  It was clear she not only keenly related but felt pride in her accomplishments.  A delightful book well worth reading…

I Like Myself – Karen Beaumont

I Like Myself is a feel good story of self acceptance written in rhyme.  I love how the little girl in the story pick outs the things that make her different than others and celebrates them.  Her self confidence is a good reminder for little ones and not such little ones to appreciate themselves.  The pictures work beautifully with the text and are reminiscent of the work of Dr. Seuss.  This book would be a great addition for an “All About Me” unit with little ones.

Stand Tall Molly Lou Melon – Patty Lovell

Stand Tall Molly Lou Melon is an old favorite of mine that I recently shared with our daughter.  With encouragement from her Grandmother, Molly Lou is proud of who she is and confidently tackles challenges that come her way.  The true test comes when her family moves and she encounters Ronald Durkin who attempts to bully her.  Molly Lou triumphs by remembering her Grandmother’s wisdom – “Believe in yourself and the world will believe in you too.”

Stand Tall Molly Lou Melon has an important message to share and does so skillfully.  It is a great book to use as a discussion starter with preschool and elementary aged children.

The World Champion of Staying Awake – Sean Taylor

The World Champion of Staying Awake is a new favorite at our home.  Stella, a little girl who loves her stuffed animals very much is told that it is time to go to bed by her Daddy.  Unfortunately there is much work to do before Stella can go to sleep.  She still has to get her dollies – Cherry Pig, Thunderbolt the puppet mouse, and Beanbag Frog to sleep which provides quite a challenge.  Ultimately, through adventures fueled by imagination, Stella is able to get everyone sleeping in her bed including herself!

I Can Be Anything! – Jerry Spinelli

I Can Be Anything! is a feel good book that is perfect for preschoolers.  Faced with the question of what will you be when you grow up, the author has many unexpected answers – dandelion blower, apple chomper, mixing-bowl licker – that youngsters will relate to with ease.  The large, colorful illustrations support the text beautifully, and each picture is filled with interesting details.  This one is a fun read!