The Circus Ship

by Chris VanDusen
"I don’t want to read that." Can't find a book that will satisfy all your children? Here is a good option. This title is meant to be read aloud. The rhythm will hold the interest of young children and the story will hold the attention of children in grade school. It is based on a fascinating but little known historical event. In 1836, the Royal Tar was sailing off the coast of Maine with a full circus on board when it caught fire. Locals from the nearby islands reported seeing exotic animals for many years after the wreck. Young readers will delight in all of the detail put into each illustration. Like VanDusen's If I Built a Car, the quality of this read aloud stands out amongst similar picturebooks.

Recommended for ages 3-9
Reviewed by Koren Power

Two Bobbies

by Kirby Larson
How do you explain tragedy to children? When there are catastrophes that invade the world of our young loved ones, we are often at a loss to balance our needs to shelter and to explain. This book does an excellent job of telling a heart warming tale of heroism in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. A tailless mutt acts as a seeing-eye dog for a blind, tailless cat as they struggle to survive post-hurricane and find a new life. Based on a true story with photos and a description of their happy ending, this title offers many opportunities for discussion and provides a warm fuzzy story to share. The illustrations show in subtle colors the ravaged homes with water damaged toys and furniture in the streets and bolder images of the animals in front. This is a true find for parents and teachers needing something for one-on-one or group discussions.

Recommended for ages 5-10
Reviewed by Koren Power

Daddy Hug

by Tim Warnes
Animal daddies show their softer side and cuddle with their little ones in this picture book. The illustrations in this book are soft but realistic and you feel like you could reach out and touch the animals. I've tested this book on my own little one and she keeps coming back for more! Plus you get the added bonus of getting a hug at the end of the book, even if you're not daddy.

Recommended for ages 2-5
Reviewed by Alicia Parmele

Mother, You're the Best! (but Sister, You're a Pest!)

by Diane deGroat
Second grader Gilbert is looking forward to pampering his mother on Mother's Day. After finishing a hand-made card for his mother, his classmates fill him in on all the neat presents and activities that they're planning for their mothers. While they were all good ideas, Gilbert decides he wants to do come up with his own plans. Come the big day, his designs quickly go awry as breakfast in bed turns into watching his mother eat burnt toast and spilled orange juice! To add insult to injury, his pesky baby sister Lola gets to share Mom's lap while Gilbert goes to clean up the mess he made. As a ruse to get Lola off Mom's lap, Gilbert coaxes her into walking to the store with him to buy Mom a present. His day is just getting worse when his "present" melts all the way home! After more misadventures, Gilbert gets discouraged because he feels that nothing has gone right, and more importantly, he has done nothing special for his mother. But does his mother feel this way? Fans of the Gilbert series will enjoy this warm, funny book about a child who wants to please his mother, and surprisingly ends up doing so - despite everything that goes wrong!

Recommended for grades 1-3
Reviewed by Rozanne Porter

Such a Prince

by Dan Bar-el
Princess Vera is ill, and Libby Gaborchik, an unlikely fairy has diagnosed that she is love starved. The man who brings her three perfect peaches will cure her and win her hand in marriage. Three brothers all vie to win her hand, but it is Marvin the skinny, good son who brings Princess Vera three perfect peaches. But the king does not like his looks and says he must prove his worthiness. 100 rabbits are involved and an impossible test. Will Marvin win the hand of Princess Vera, and will Libby Gaborchik help him? Parents and children ages 4 and up will enjoy this rollicking good twist on a fairy tale.

Recommended for ages 5-8
Reviewed by Alice Woertendyke

Bobbie Dazzler

by Margaret Wild
illustrated by Janine Dawson
Jump, skip and bounce to the shelves to find this "dazzler." Poor Bobbie, the red-necked wallaby, can do many amazing things, but what she really wants to be able to do is the splits. Her friends try to tell her that it is OK. "Never mind," they say, but Bobbie really does mind. She minds a lot. Whirl and twirl through the Australian landscape with these marvelous marsupials as Bobbie tries and tries again. Will she ever be able to do the splits? Keep trying, Bobbie. Don’t give up.

Recommended for ages 2-7
Reviewed by Koren Power

Ballerina Dreams

by Lauren Thompson
photographed by James Estrin
It is a curtain call for ALL dancers. A true story about five incredible ballerinas, read about their strength and it will fill your hearts. Though they have physical difficulties including cerebral palsy, a condition very near and dear to me, these young dancers will not be told that there is anything they cannot do. Five little girls dreamed of tutus and tiaras. Find out how they made their dream come true. This is a good book for all aspiring ballerinas, those with disabilities or have friends with disabilities, or anyone who needs a reminder that anything is possible when our hearts are in our dreams.

Recommended for ages 3-6
Reviewed by Koren Power