123 to the Zoo by Eric Carle. Philomel (1982), Hardcover, 28 pages

Signature Carle illustrations--fun, bright and colorful--fill this wordless counting book. Wordless books are a great way to encourage children to think and to practise verbal and language skills: ask questions: what color is the train? What do you think will happen next? which animal is this? etc. Language aquisition. Excellent for one-on-ones and in very small groups.

My Friend is Sad (Elephant and Piggie). Hyperion (2007), Hardcover, 58 pages

Gerald the elephant is sad and it's up to Piggie to cheer him up. He pretends to be a cowboy, a clown and a robot, but still Gerald is sad. In the end it seems that all Gerald needed to feel happy again was to be with his best friend, Piggie! Elephant and Piggie--A new series from Willems appealing to the very new reader with a quirky sense of humor...

Women of the Harlem Renaissance (We the People) by Lisa Beringer Mckissack. Compass Point Books (2007), Paperback, 48 pages

Text introduction includes a brief, cursory explanation of Harlem renaissance with strong focus on social history of women. The bulk of the work, however, consists of brief but well written biographies of five (often)lesser known but important women of the period. Includes period photos and ads. Includes a brief glossary, timeline, additonal facts, and websites list. Epilogue is clunky and seems like an afterthought--Bessie Coleman has nothing to do with Harlem. Still, a very good social history and collective biography for elementary aged children for school reports or general information. Very little exists on this topic for elementary aged children

Mr. Pusskins: A Love Story. Atheneum (2006), Hardcover, 32 pages

Emily adores her cat, Mr. Pusskins. But the bad tempered kitty doesn't appreciate what he has and decides to runaway, only to find out that there's no place like home. Fun and light hearted...everyone loves a bad pussycat. Illustrations are wonderful... just look at that face! A great read a loud.

I Know It's Autumn by Eileen Spinelli. HarperCollins (2004), Hardcover, 32 pages

"I know it's Autumn when..." In this sweet picture book written in rhyme, Spinelli highlights a host of things that signal the Fall season for children: leaves falling, zucchini bread, pumpkins, farmers markets, back to school and more. Lots of things for kids in new england to identify with.

Mouse Count by Ellen Stoll Walsh. Harcourt Children's Books (1991), Hardcover, 40 pages

Ten smart mice outwit a greedy snake and trick him into letting them go in this charming counting book

Bark, George by Jules Feiffer. Laura Geringer (1999), Edition: 1st ed, Hardcover, 32 pages

Something's wrong with George. He can't bark! Instead he meows and quacks and oinks. A quick trip to the doctor will reveal the reason but not the funny and surprising ending. Spare and simple enough for the youngest children, the clever twist in the plot will delight children of all ages. A tried and true hit for storytime and read-a-louds.