My book pick for April is, Those Shoes written by Maribeth Boelts and illustrated by Noah Z. Jones

All Jeremy wants is a pair of those shoes, the ones everyone at school seems to be wearing. Though Jeremy’s grandma says they don’t have room for “want,” just “need,” when his old shoes fall apart at school, he is more determined than ever to have those shoes, even a thrift-shop pair that are much too small. But sore feet aren’t much fun, and Jeremy soon sees that the things he has — warm boots, a loving grandma, and the chance to help a friend — are worth more than the things he wants.

Ages 4-7

Link: Those Shoes

My book pick for March is, Goggles and the Teddy Bears’ Picnic written by Jonathan Gunson and illustrated by Richard Robinson.

The Honey Bees give Goggles The Flying Bear a Teddy Bears’ Picnic with LOTS of honey! If you go out in the woods today, you’ll be sure of a BIG surprise! Goggles rescues the Honey Bees when their beehive is blown over by a storm. The bees reward him with a Teddy Bears’ Picnic, with honey for the whole bear family.

When the Honey Bees lose their beehive, Goggles and the bears build them a new BEEHIVE PALACE – the most beautiful beehive ever. The noise of hammering and banging fills the air as builder bear, electrician bear, glazier bear, plumber bear, and roofing bear race to finish it before sundown. Kids will love singing the “Growly, Growly” song as builder bears build the palace.

Ages 3-7

Link: Goggles and the Teddy Bears’ Picnic

My book pick for February is, Owl Moon written by Jane Yolen and illustrated by John Schoenherr.

Late one winter night a little girl and her father go owling. The trees stand still as statues and the world is silent as a dream. Whoo-whoo-whoo, the father calls to the mysterious nighttime bird. But there is no answer.

Wordlessly the two companions walk along, for when you go owling you don’t need words. You don’t need anything but hope. Sometimes there isn’t an owl, but sometimes there is.

Distinguished author Jane Yolen has created a gentle, poetic story that lovingly depicts the special companionship of a young child and her father as well as humankind’s close relationship to the natural world. Wonderfully complemented by John Schoenherr’s soft, exquisite watercolor illustrations, this is a verbal and visual treasure, perfect for reading around and sharing at bedtime. Ages 3-5

Link: Owl Moon