The story of the incarceration of Japanese Americans during World War II is rarely told in picture book format. This moving tale of a boy who misses his father, his home and the foods his mother used to cook, not only captures the history of the time, it fits the age group it is meant to reach. In truth, fishing was a popular pastime in most of the camps, without the need to cut the fence. Indeed, Taro's doing that might have cost him his life. But it provides the drama needed for storytelling, so we will let it pass. The illustrations have a folk art primitive look and the book tells the tale that needs to be shared, so that it never happens again.

Age: Early School Years. Award Year: 2013. Click here to purchase the product on Amazon.com.

Based on the characters of the original Curious George books by Margaret and H.A. Rey, this little story starts out in a toy store where George is supposed to be shopping for a gift for a friend but falls in love with a wooden train. His big friend, the man in the yellow hat suggests that George can save his pennies for it. Of course, he manages to do so in record time but then looses his piggy bank. All's well that ends well and this is no exception. Like many of the original Curious George books this has some big messages that come through without being preachy-well maybe a little. There's also a pullout cardboard bank for saving pennies in, although pennies may be out-moded since they cost more than a penny apiece to mint. 4-7

Age: Preschool, Early School Years. Award Year: 2013. Click here to purchase the product on Amazon.com.

A tender story of a boy and his father separated by the Chinese Cultural Revolution. Though most picture book age children are not likely to know the history of this time, it will be meaningful to those who have heard of the hardships endured from family members who lived it. Most of all, it speaks to the love that endures between parent and child in times of separation, one that children of today do know about with parents in the service or separated after divorce. Greg Ruth’s watercolor illustrations capture the unfamiliar landscape as well as the emotional tone of this moving book. If only all such stories had such joyful endings. 7 & up.

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

Stunning paintings of primates to count. Gorillas, orangutans, chimps and more, with faces that will amaze. As always, Anthony Browne opens our own eyes with close-up views that we might otherwise never see.

Age: Early School Years. Award Year: 2013. Click here to purchase the product on Amazon.com.

Based on a true rescue story that happened far from the Boston Commons, Lucky Ducklings resonates (in a good way) with the classic story of Make Way for Ducklings. Nancy Carpenter's ducklings and proud Mama Duck have their own distinctive and lovable look. When Mama leads her babies across the road they fall into a storm drain and are rescued by the joint efforts of many caring people. It's the image of the policeman holding up traffic to let the ducks cross that pays homage to Robert McCloskey. Read both books and compare what is the same and different. Do a bit of comparative lit for beginners.

Age: Preschool, Early School Years. Award Year: 2013. Click here to purchase the product on Amazon.com.

Little rabbit cannot seem to get free of a big black rabbit that follows his every move. As he tries to escape, the suspense grows and rabbit ends up in the deep dark woods where at last he appears to have escaped. But wait! What are those two big eyes that glow in the darkness? With a clever twist, little rabbit is saved. A delightful mix of page-turning humor, mystery, and Science, too.

Age: Early School Years. Award Year: 2013. Click here to purchase the product on Amazon.com.

You may have borrowed books from the book mobiles that traveled to small towns all over the country. But did you know that in the 19th century when the Erie Canal carried people and supplies westward that book boats travelled the river roads bringing books to faraway places that had no libraries. Illustrated with a folk art look, this little story speaks to a boy's love of books and reading as well as giving young readers a glimpse into the history of libraries. 6 & up.

Age: Early School Years. Award Year: 2013.

Though it's hard to believe, there was a time when there were no children's rooms in public libraries; in fact, children were not welcome inside. But, Anne Carroll Moore, a spunky young woman who loved books thought otherwise. This wonderful biography for young listeners combines history with good storytelling that children can relate to and enjoy. 6-9

Age: Early School Years, Later School Years. Award Year: 2013. Click here to purchase the product on Amazon.com.

Just one word and a plaintive playful dog carry this otherwise wordless book on a delightful romp. From the moment he wakes, dog interacts with family and his own lively imagination seeking someone who will play ball! Reading the pictures and telling what's happening is an excellent way to develop comprehension as well as storytelling skills. 4-8

Age: Early School Years. Award Year: 2013. Click here to purchase the product on Amazon.com.

Meet Dodsworth, a sophisticated traveler, who is off to Japan with his duck. Will duck behave? That is the question. On his whirlwind tour of Japan, Dodsworth introduces duck to many seemingly strange customs, using a Japanese word for each as he explains. Illustrations, language, and humor give a new look to this relatively mid-level easy to read story. 2nd grade.

Age: Early School Years. Award Year: 2013. Click here to purchase the product on Amazon.com.