Would I Trade My Parents?
(by Laura Numeroff, illus. by James Bernardin, Abrams Books $16.95 Score:) Everyone's parents have their own fine points. In this catalog of parents and kids, the boy narrator sees all the things that other parents allow and acknowledges that each child believes his or her parents are the best. In a predictable ending the narrator lists all the things others can do and then the things he can do and nails it all down with not wanting to trade his parents because they are the best.  There is something off putting about the basic premise here. Why should there be a contest about best…or trading parents? This just isn't Numeroff at her best.>

Age: Preschool, Early School Years. Award Year: 2009. Click here to purchase the product on Amazon.com.

Jamaica Is Thankful
(by Juanita Havill/ illus. by Anne Sibley O’Brien, Houghton Mifflin $15 Score:)

When her friend offers an adorable kitten to Jamaica, she cannot refuse, even though she knows her brother, Ossie is allergic to cats. In the end, Jamaica realizes she cares more about her brother than having a cat. A no frills story that will ring true in many families. 4-8.

 

Age: Preschool, Early School Years. Award Year: 2009. Click here to purchase the product on Amazon.com.

When Mama Comes Home Tonight
(by Eileen Spinelli/ illus. by Jane Dyer, Simon & Schuster $14 Score:) With tender illustrations and lyrical rhymes, his celebrates days end when Mama comes home-newly availbale in a board book edition. Working Moms nd their tots will enjoy this again and again. 2 and up.

Age: Toddlers,Preschool. Award Year: 1999.

Dot the Fire Dog
(by Lisa Desimini, Scholastic $15.95 Score:) RRRRing! Dot the Firedog knows what to do when the fire bell rings at the station. More than a visit to the firehouse, Dot goes along and does her part saving a kitten as the firefighters do their jobs. Fresh bold illustrations give this special appeal. 3-7

Age: Preschool,Early School Years. Award Year: 2002.

One of the Problems of Everett Anderson
(by Lucille Clifton/ illus. by Ann Grifalconi, Holt $16.95 Score:) Everett Anderson is a well loved picturebook character who often gets to the heart and soul of typical childhood situations. This time, he's worried about a school mate who comes to school with bruises but can't tell about how they happened. Everett's sister thinks it's none of their business, but Everett is able to think for himself and figure out that he needs to talk with an adult. That idea is often hard to deliver in such a tender and meaningful way. A powerful, reassuring book that just might save a child's life! 4-8.

Age: Preschool,Early School Years. Award Year: 2002.

Beverly Billingsly Borrows a Book
(by Alexander Stadler, Harcourt $16 Score:) Beverly, like many new library card holders, enjoys the book she borrows so much that she forgets to return it on time. Poor Beverly fears she will have to pay some huge fine or worse yet, go to jail! Librarians are likely to like this one a lot.

Age: Preschool,Early School Years. Award Year: 2002.

Hands Are Not for Hitting
(by Martine Agassi/illus. by Marieka Heinlen, Free Spirit Publishing $7.95 Score:) While there will doubtless be those who consider this a didactic book, it is more of a concept book that introduces the many positive and important ways we use our hands. But it makes no bones about the big idea that hands are not for hitting… a small truth that many toddlers and preschoolers need to get hold of! 1˝–3.

Age: Toddlers,Preschool. Award Year: 2003.

Maisy Goes to the Hospital
(by Lucy Cousins, Candlewick $12.99 Score:)

Hopefully you will never need this little book, but should your little one have a broken limb or need to make a short visit to the hospital, this may be just the right reassuring little story with a quicker than true life ending. 3 & up.

Age: Preschool. Award Year: 2008. Click here to purchase the product on Amazon.com.

A Day With Dad
(by Bo R. Holmberg/ illus. by Eva Ericsson, Candlewick $15.99 Score:)

For so many children who spend only a day or two each week with their Dads, this is a special story. It speaks to the anticipation, the events of the day, and the sadness of saying goodbye. It’s a tender small story with a reality that will ring true to those who live with this all too common situation. Keeping those connections alive and well is still the challenge. A good book for talking about the up and down feelings of such brief encounters. 4 & up.

Age: Preschool. Award Year: 2008. Click here to purchase the product on Amazon.com.

Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed
(by Mo WIllems, Hyperion $16.99 Score:)

As always, Mo Willems gives you a lot of laughs along with some guidelines for life. When Naked Mole Rat is chastised by others for being different he almost surrenders his love of wearing clothes. It's wise old Grand-pah who steps in and compliments Wilbur. Willems delivers without hitting kids on the head with little lessons worth talking about. 4 & up.

Age: Preschool, Early School Years. Award Year: 2009. Click here to purchase the product on Amazon.com.