Animal Poems of the Iguazu by Francisco X. Alarcon, illustrated by Maya Christina Gonzalez

Award-winning poet, Francisco Alarcon shares the animals of the Iguazu National Park, located in Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay.

 

Bebop Express by H.L. Panahi, illustrated by Steve Johnson and Lou Fancher

Hop on the train and follow the be-bopping rhythm of jazz across the country.

 

Before John Was a Jazz Giant: A Song of John Coltrane by Carole Boston Weatherford, illustrated by Sean Qualls

Spare text and collage combined with acrylic paints tell the tale of a young John Coltrane and the sounds all around him. 

 

Bring On That Beat by Rachel Isadora

Follow the progression of American music from jazz to rap.

 

Cherries and Cherry Pits by Vera B. Williams

This is Bidemmi’s book and these are her stories and her pictures.

 

The Composer is Dead by Lemony Snicket, illustrated by Carson Ellis, music by Nathaniel Stookey

Snicket’s snarky style comes shining through in this musical who done it. The composer is dead. The Inspector is determined to find the culprit. Did the violins do it? Or was it the ever-suspicious tuba?

 

Duck! Rabbit! By Amy Krouse Rosentham and Tom Lichtenheld

Is it a duck or a rabbit? You decide.

 

A Foot in the Mouth: Poems to Speak, Sing, and Shout selected by Paul B. Janeczko, illustrated by Chris Raschka

Go ahead, read them aloud. I dare you.

 

Joseph Had a Little Overcoat by Simms Taback

Just when Joseph thinks he has nothing, he finds a story.

 

Monkey and Me by Emily Gravett

An instant storytime classic! Full of repetition and the opportunity to imitate a variety of animals. What’s not to love?

 

A Penguin Story by Antoinette Portis

Edna the penguin wants something that isn’t white, black, or blue. This is a cleverly designed book that will require repeated readings.

 

The Pet Dragon: A Story about Adventure, Friendship, and Chinese Characters by Christoph Niemann

Niemann designed this tale around the graphic possibilities of Chinese characters. He succeeded in writing an excellent story which also introduces children to Chinese culture and language.

 

Pictures from Our Vacation by Lynne Rae Perkins

A pair of siblings documents their vacation with snapshots. They also learn that many memories live in their minds, not on celluloid.

 

Piggies by Don and Audrey Wood

A funny and fun fingerplay.

 

There Are Cats in This Book by Viviane Schwarz

I am not a cat person. If I were to meet cats like those in this book, I could be converted. There are cats peering over the front cover of the book and they are anxious for you to open the book and get the fun started. It’s a rollicking good time from beginning to end and sure to please your favorite toddler.

 

There Was an Old Man Who Painted the Sky by Teri Sloat, illustrated by Stefano Vitale

Based upon cave paintings in Spain, this take on a familiar rhyme explores the creation of the world. Vitale’s illustrations are as vivid as ever!

 

Tuba Lessons by T.C. Bartlett, illustrated by Monique Felix

On his way to his tuba lessons, a young boy encounters animals who want to hear him play.

 

What a Wonderful World by George David Weiss and Bob Thiele, illustrated by Ashley Bryan

Children present a puppet show of the song made famous by Satchmo.

 

Yesterday I Had the Blues by Jeron Ashford Frame, illustrated by R. Gregory Christie

A young boy has the blues. His sister has the pinks. Mama has the reds. Watch out!

 

You Are Here by Nina Crews

Two young girls imagine a treasure map on a rainy day.