When she crashes her bike, makes new friends or tries anything new, Frankie finds out that doing new things takes bravery and that is how you grow up. A tender mix of humor and courage that kids will relate to as they try their own firsts.

Age: Early School Years. Award Year: 2012. Click here to purchase the product on Amazon.com.

Take off on a journey to an island that is totally fantastical. But you must be quick, as the island of Neverbelieve can rise up and walk away. Illustrated in soft watercolors, Messenger gives the reader a tour of his imagined island with crowded pages of strange trees, houses, creatures, and people (with cloven feet) that inhabit this unbelievable place. Many pages have gates that open to reveal still more sightings and short exclamations. Trees formed of ropes, bricks, chocolate, to name but a few, are sure to inspire creative kids to draw their own Neverbelieve worlds. A fun journey to share--with so much to see. Kids are sure to return to this one again and again. 7 & up.

Age: Early School Years, Later School Years. Award Year: 2012. Click here to purchase the product on Amazon.com.

Chances are you grew up with these delightful storybooks by master storyteller and Caldecott winner artist, Paul Galdone. Packaged in a boxed set, this collection of four hard covered books is a bargain and includes these favorites: The Three Bears, Three Kittens, The Town Mouse and the Country Mouse, and The Little Red Hen. Another boxed collection, the Heirloom Library includes. The Three Pigs, The Three Billy Goats Gruff, Little Red Riding Hood, and The Gingerbread Boy. The two sets combined give children the essential library of folktales every child should know. 3 & up.

Age: Preschool, Early School Years. Award Year: 2012. Click here to purchase the product on Amazon.com.

Who better than Mo Willems can fracture the Three Bears? The laughter began with the endpapers and did not end until the last page of this delicious picturebook! I never felt more connected to Goldilocks; who knew she was a chocolaholic! So, imagine the vicarious pleasure of Goldilocks with pots full of pudding instead of porridge. Yum! Yes. This is one big funny treat to share! 4-80.

Age: Preschool, Early School Years. Award Year: 2012. Click here to purchase the product on Amazon.com.

Every morning Bear wakes from his cave to find a surprise waiting for him. First it is one carrot, then two - eventually a bunch. Somewhere along they way bear decides to start leaving gifts for his unknown gift giver. Try as he may, he cannot seem to stay awake and find out who is leaving these gifts. It's rare to find a quiet little story that is filled with so much suspense! The payoff is also surprising, but a gentle and amusingly tale about blossoming friendship. 3-7

Age: Preschool, Early School Years. Award Year: 2012. Click here to purchase the product on Amazon.com.

Tip your tiara and say hazzah to this independent and feisty gal! What with all the princess toys we receive, it's nice to find a kindred spirit, even if she is a young opinionated pig, who is just not into all that pink stuff for princesses! Unlike many continuing characters who wear thin--Olivia just keeps getting better and better. You go girl! 4-8

Age: Preschool, Early School Years. Award Year: 2012. Click here to purchase the product on Amazon.com.

Piggie and Elephant Gerald are planning to go for a drive. Of course, first they have to gather all the essentials for their trip--a map, sunglasses, an umbrella, bags...but wait. What about a car? Does Piggie have a car? Does Elephant? Gosh, what now? Leave it to this imaginative pair to find a satisfying solution. Written for the beginning reader, this has tons of repetition that will give 1st graders the pleasure of being enabled to read the whole thing with a little help. Level 1

Age: Early School Years. Award Year: 2012. Click here to purchase the product on Amazon.com.

A new generation will marvel at the inspiring story of Helen Keller who was unable to hear, see, or speak due to an illness that struck in childhood. Combining a narrative with direct quotes from Helen Keller, Doreen Rappaport has woven the familiar story of Helen and her teacher, Annie Sullivan, with a quiet elegance. Add to this the painterly illustrations by Matt Travares. Though this is a picture book format, it is definitely an inspiring story for older children 7-9.

Age: Early School Years, Later School Years. Award Year: 2012. Click here to purchase the product on Amazon.com.

This further adventure of Goldilocks and Baby Bear takes place in the city where a not so little Baby Bear has wandered by mistake. In a goofy adventure the tables are turned and the two classic characters rediscover each other. Sure to amuse older children who know the original tale well.   They say 3 & up, but we say old 4-5-year olds will see the connections and enjoy comparing the old and the new.

Age: Preschool, Early School Years. Award Year: 2012. Click here to purchase the product on Amazon.com.

Based on the new Star Wars Cartoon series, this is a pop-up book of dreams! The pages have several smaller pops as well as the big ones that spring on every turn. There are Battle Beasts, Destroyer Droids, ETR Interceptor, and Lord Darth Vader with his light saber that actually changes colors! Whoa! The ultimate gift of the year for Star Wars fans of all ages.

Age: Early School Years, Later School Years, Tweens, Teens, Adult. Award Year: 2012.