Newest in a series of that lovable cat Splat. This time, Splat's little friend Seymour is sick and Splat tries to cheer him up by telling him all the things Seymour has done for Splat. He finishes each amusing event by thanking Seymour for his help. An amusing picturebook about friendship. 4 & up.

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

This is one of the new Curious George books written in the style of the original. The stories are less complex and sometimes a bit didactic, though this one manages to make a thank you notes into something that might be fun. When George receives a thank you note for a birthday gift he likes the idea, especially putting stickers on cards. Any story that instills the idea of saying thanks for gifts strikes this reviewer as a positive idea. Great literature it is not--but it does make a good story that can be followed up with stickers, paper, markers and thank-you notes for holiday gifts. Also see, Splat says Thanks You!

We notice that online there is a book with stationary package. That looks like a great combo for followup fun.

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

Good news for fans of Little Nutbrown Hare. A warm and fuzzy collections of small adventures as the little one goes out into the world with Big Nutbrown never far away. These small adventures toward independence are child-size without any big scary moments. As always, the illustrations capture the special moments (such as Little Nutbrown sitting all alone in the leafy tree or blowing dandelion seeds or hanging onto Big Nutbrown's long ears)with a delightful childlike charm. 3 & up

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

A playful dialogue begins with Lily asking what her grandma what she would like to be when she grows up. Lily's imagination takes off with a variety of choices that lend themselves to fun illustrations. An entertaining read aloud that might lead to some further occupational choices to dream up. 4-7

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

A playful dialogue begins with Lily asking what her grandma what she would like to be when she grows up. Lily's imagination takes off with a variety of choices that lend themselves to fun illustrations. An entertaining read aloud that might lead to some further occupational choices to dream up. 4-7

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

Told in lyrical verse, this ode to grandmas takes a look at the diversity of grandmas in the world. Far from the old stereotypes, the artist and author remind us that they not only don’t all look alike, they all do different things, though they all have one thing in common--the love they have for their grandchildren. A keeper! 3 & up

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

Preschoolers will love the upside down humor of this tongue-in-cheek storybook. In her backyard, Lily sees something she has always wanted—a doggy. Of course it is rather big and obviously, to all but Lily, it is a huge bear! There is nothing scary about this silly little story that ends when Silly Lily posts a sign about her lost doggy, hoping no one will come. This might be best to borrow from the library. It's a fun book but a one joke story that may not be one of those read it again treasures.

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

Kids love upside down humor and this is a fun-filled example. Grandpa is coming over and the child narrator gives young listeners many important tips on how to be a good baby-sitter with Grandpa. From the moment he arrives the games begin and dear old Grandpa has to find his grandchild. After that there are tips on snacks to offer, getting ready to go outdoors and coming home to play good games. The cartoonish illustrations match the playful tone of this little book that is sure to tickle babysitting grandparents as well as their grandkids. 3-6.

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

A handsome and original approach to an adoption book. Unlike the usual storybooks that center on bringing home a baby, this book uses realistic photographs of babies and bigger school aged kids. It stresses the idea that there are so many different ways, reasons, places, and families that have grown through adoption. This is the kind of book that raises many questions children have about being adopted. It may also be a liberating book prompting children to ask questions they have kept to themselves. Full color photos capture diverse families with children of many ethnic backgrounds.

Age: Preschool, Early School Years. Award Year: 2011.

Mama Bear has to go away for a while, though no reason is given. She prepares her little bear as best she can, assuring him that she will send him kisses no matter how far away she is. Though it is a bit on the oh, so sweet side, this is a reassuring little story that just might be a comfort model for longer than usual separations. Henry Cole's illustrations are as tender as the little story. 4-7

Age: Preschool. Award Year: 2011. Click here to purchase the product on Amazon.com.