Welcome back! These zany Sheep in a Jeep have been among the missing for a few seasons. Originally released in 1986, some of today’s parents may have enjoyed this when they were little lap-sitters. It’s a great read aloud for toddlers with its bouncy rhythm and rhyme. Published on sturdy stock this is a board book that you will be reading aloud again and again. There are other books in the series, but this is the best of the lot. 2 & up.

Age: Toddlers, Preschool. Award Year: 2010. Click here to purchase the product on Amazon.com.

Hard Hat Harry and his little dump truck go through all sorts of work. Told in verse with bright lively illustration all on sturdy stock for active page turners, this is a good choice for older toddlers and young preschoolers who love trucks. 

Age: Toddlers, Preschool. Award Year: 2009.

An action packed story of a Rhino Fire chief who rushes to a fire that turns out to be a birthday cake emblazoned with 100 candles. The amusing art adds to the fun and the wise old woman who forgives the silly Rhino, since he was trying to do a good thing. It's a light bit of froth with a cherry on top ending.

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

Told in lively verse, this big picture book features a cast of non-threatening monsters. Indeed, the poor creatures are more threatened than the other way around by a waitress who tries to feed them broccoli. The happy ending with kids who do like broccoli will probably convince no one to try the stuff, but it just might. This is more about the verse than changing eating habits.

Age: Preschool. Award Year: 2009.

Dewey is one smart kitten. When he lands in the book return box of the library he finds a home and wins over even the most reluctant patron. Based on an adult book about Dewey, this is a love story about the warmth found in libraries; not about fuel oil but people. 

Age: Preschool, Early School Years. Award Year: 2009.

When the big snow begins to fall Jeff and Veronica take their dog Snowflake out to play. Almost at once, their pooch dives into a snowbank and the two go searching for him. Kids will be able to find Snowflake as the children in the story fail to find him until the end. A simple little story for beginning listeners.

Age: Preschool. Award Year: 2008.

Picturebook regulars will recognize some of their old favorites ( as in Pat the Bunny and Very Hungry Caterpillar) in Marc Brown’s illustrations of this entertaining tall tale. Young Sam begins reading before he can talk, no doubt, and with his ability to read he solves all obstacles. Written in verse, this will be a good choice for preschoolers. 4 & up.

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

Patrick Penguin awakes and finds that he has turned pink! At first blush Patrick is horrified to find that he is different. But as he travels he discovers he is more at home looking different than sort of fitting in with a flock of pink flamingoes. This is fun, but not as light and bubbly as Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed. 4 & up.

Age: Preschool. Award Year: 2009.

For preschoolers who often visit the firehouse, this is a good follow up book to that experience. The text, told in verse offers simple information and the art offers lots to talk about. When the alarm goes off a drama unfolds as the firefighters go off to put out a fire and rescue everyone.

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

Welcome Tilly and friends, a new series for for big toddlers. In this story Pru, a hen, is busy putting on her makeup when Tumpty, a blue elephant makes off with her purse. He shares her make up with Hector, the pig Tiptoe, a bunny, and Doodle, an alligator. It’s the little girl, Tilly who helps Pru find her missing purse and its contents. Told in lively dialog with enough humor and action for those who are ready for stories with small adventures. Also charming, Where’s Tumpty? (4.5) with the same cast only this time Tumpty has closed his eyes and thinks others cannot see him.

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