Age: Preschool-Kindergarten
Culture: Nigeria
Familiar Experience: Going to the Doctor

Crisp photographs depict a visit to the doctor. I felt like the doctor's orders were very simplistic but the next day Vicky is right as rain. I wish Vicky could have been a little more sick to justify the visit (that sentence right there sounds terrible).

Age: Preschool-1st grade
Culture: Maasai people of Tanzania and Kenya

An imaginative tale about a girl teased for her smallness but with a perseverance that strives to touch the moon. Brown-Wood also presents a strong mother figure that tells stories of gods and goddesses that inspire Imani to strive for her heart's desire.

Age: 6-8 years
Media: traditional Japanese art

Kenji loves the painting of the five geese above his head, but his family must sell it in order to eat. Before they do, he brings it out and flies it like a kite so they can experience flight for the first and last time. When he pulls it back, one is missing. Eventually the goose returns and lays two eggs in the picture--eventually turning into goslings!

A wonderful story, but the writing is pretty horrific, jumbled, and confusing. I'd love to storytell this.

Age: 3-6 years due to repetition

Crane loves her fishes but someone has been stealing them. With only one left, Crane decides she must go see the wise monkey Saru. On the way, Crane gathers a rock, a snail, a broken sword, a rotten egg, and a piece of tree bark. It is these items that she uses to outwit the conniving fox Dorobo.

Cute and suspenseful for the younger ones with a simple song to sing throughout.

Age: 7-12 years
Media: watercolor and oil

A tale told by Gotama the Buddha and retold by Ernst from the Jataka texts. A longer tale about loyalty and a willingness to sacrifice oneself.

Age: Preschool+
Animals: Penguin, shrimp

Two stubborn friends are adamant that this is not a bedtime book. This book has fireworks, running through the Serengeti, and sailing through shark-infested waters--nothing that could possibly tire them out to the point where a mention of a yawn sends the whole cast into droopy-eyed, drooly-mouthed slumber. Two distinct characters would make this a delightful read-aloud with a friend.

Age: Preschool-2nd grade
Bullying: Gossip
Concept: Colors
Emotion: Jealousy, anger

"Blue's feelings are hurt when he's not invited to find worms with Red and Yellow. So Blue impulsively starts a rumor. Before he knows it, his little fib has spiraled out of control, and all the birds are caught up in the big drama. Can Blue make things right before it's too late? Includes a Note to Parents, Caregivers, and Professionals with more information on dealing with gossip and helping children build positive relationships."

Straightforward text uses jealousy to demonstrate the origins of gossip and one way to address it: through honest communication, patience, and understanding.

Age: Toddler-Preschool

Twelve diverse scientists are given the Brown Bear Brown Bear treatment in this remarkably good biographical picture book. Although this will sell just fine as a gift book based on the title alone, I was delighted to see that the text flowed and rhymed. Supplementary material includes 1-2 sentences that describe the advancements of each scientist.

Age: K-3rd grade
Art: Acrylic, Painter
Family: Aunt and niece
History: Haitian revolution
Identity: Haitian American protagonist, Haitian Aunt
Our Voices: Haitian American author, Dominican Canadian illustrator
Tough Issue: Revolution, mixed cultural identities

Every winter, Auntie Luce welcomes her American niece back to her home in Haiti. Affectionately called "Ti Chou," she fondly connects with Auntie Luce's paintings, especially portraits of herself that hold colors that she has never seen in a mirror. Auntie Luce explains that painting allows her "to remember what I've seen and heard and smelled and felt" including the past and present of Haitian life.

Through a loving dialogue between adult and child, Latour provides an accessible introduction to more complex issues without belittling them, including colonialism, mixed cultural identities and a feeling of being an outsider, and embracing your cultural roots. Little details about sitting still for a portrait and providing "I spy" opportunities within the artwork will help keep listeners engaged.

Age: Toddler-Preschool
Family: Everyone under the sun
All About Me: Being loved

4-5 word sentences describe a variety of kisses. Perfect for storytime, laptime, and circle time.