“Not A Stick” by Antoinette Portis is a refreshing story in a world of video games and artificial stimulus. This simple story is about a pig who simply uses his imagination. He continues to come up with different stories in order to use his stick, which the pig insists, is not a stick. The stick becomes many things as the story goes on including, a baton to lead the marching band, a fishing pole and even a sword to fight dragons!

This is a wonderful story to encourage imagination and dramatic play to your children or students. Aimed at children  ages 4-8 it is a great, simple story to share! In the classroom students could even write their own stories to add on to the book of what their “stick” might be and the adventures they have.

Whether a teacher or a parent, this is really a book you will want to share with those children that matter most to you!  Also look for “Not a Box” also by Antoinette Portis, which is the same type of story. These are really unique stories to share!

A fabulous nonfiction text that is perfect for elementary school readers. This book describes ten different mazes and labyrinths that have puzzled people for ages. With tons of accurate information and a very well thought out display this book is sure to be a hit with any teacher or parent. I know I love it!

Each maze or labyrinth is matched with a colorful description and beautiful illustrations. This book will definitely be a hit with your students or children. For the classroom the learning possibilities are endless! Students could individually research each maze and present or one could just share the book for fun. There are really a ton of possibilities. At home this is a great way to add some extra learning without your child knowing it.

This is a very refreshing take on the sometimes overwritten nonfiction children’s book!

A delightful story with wonderful illustrations and movements is a great example for young readers and writers. Written by Kate and Jim McMullan the story is told in the voice of a Tyrannosaurus Rex who is speaking to the audience.

The story begins with the T-Rex addressing the audience(children) and he acts all tough as he goes on the hunt for food. The story follows him as he chases other animals and tries to get his dinner. All in vain, as he doesn’t catch anything and has to rely on his mom. It has a great message and a wonderful way for students and children to see wonderful illustrations paired with a unique story with, although it may not seem so at first, a very relatable and humorous main character.

This book has my seal of approval! I will definitely be using it in my own classroom this fall.

A great story written by a high school student from New Jersey that tells of the excitement of getting a new pet and the importance of pet rescue and adoption. Emma has always wanted a dog, but her parents are not so keen on the idea. They continually allow her to have other pets a fish, hamster and a guinea pig. But it is never quite the same for Emma who longs for a dog.

The story also introduces another character…a brown puppy with a black nose and white paws. A puppy who was rescued and taken to a shelter and was waiting for a home.

The story goes through the process of getting a pet and the research and work that goes into it. The story is not illustrated but includes wonderful color photographs that are sure to engage every child. It is very informational and would be great for any animal lover, child or adult! I would definitely recommend this for any home or classroom where caring and compassion are being taught. And in addition to this being a great story you can feel good when you buy it as part of the proceeds go to support the shelter that is in the story.

Add this to the list of books to get for the crazy little girl in your life! Another fantastic addition to the Fancy Nancy series, this book really stands out amongst all the alphabet books out there! Beginning with, “accessories” and ending with, Zany this book is full of great words to share with any child!

Humorous, Wild and Zany are the words I would use to describe this delightful children’s book by Jane O’Connor and Robin Preiss Glasser. Each page comes alive with with a new “fancy” word and fancy picture to accompany it. The pictures in this series by Robin Preiss Glasser really make the stories come alive for the child reading the story.

This book is aimed at ages 4-8 and can fit perfectly in a classroom writing lesson on using good word choice or just for fun at home. I am convinced that it will quickly become a favorite of young children everywhere.

The first in a terrific series by Jane Yolen and Mark Teague, “How Do Dinosaurs Say Good Night?” is a great night-time read for children ages 3-7.

This book details the antics that a group of dinosaurs give their parents when bedtime rolls around. These dinosaurs try multiple tactics often maneuvered by children. Some of these include, throwing toys, pouting, stamping feet and even sulking just to name a few. As with the other books in this series that follow the book concludes with etiquette tips on how a dinosaur or child should really behave when it is time for bed.

This book will quickly become a favorite in your home or early childhood classroom, I highly recommend adding it to your collection!

This is a great book included in an entire series of books by Jane Yolen and Mark Teague. This particular book chronicles a group of dinosaurs and their antics as they learn the best way to “get well soon.” This is a great health etiquette book whether you are addressing a behavior problem at home or going over etiquette in a classroom at school.

This book specifically addresses many behaviors that children can sometimes exhibit at home when sick. Including whining, dropping tissues on the floor, flinging medicine out of the door, flipping the covers off, dumping out juice, getting sick in a pail. It also addresses behaviors that can sometimes happen when trying to take a young child to the doctor. These include dragging feet, screaming, spitting pills in the sink. After outlining all the things that one shouldn’t do when they are sick, the book gives advice explaining proper etiquette of what to do at home when one is sick and what to do at the doctor.

If you have young children or teach preschool-first grade this would be a great addition to your collection!

This is a great find for children of all ages. Written by the parents of a young girl with cancer, “Alex and the Amazing Lemonade Stand” tells the courageous story of one girl who wanted to make a difference.

Alex Scott was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer before turning a year old. This story written by Alex’s parents Liz and Jay chronicles her battle and never ending determination to stop the disease that she was fighting. The book details Alex’s efforts describing how she opened her own lemonade stand in order to raise money for the hospital that was treating her at the age of 4. This book tells Alex’s very short, but extremely inspirational life story.

A motivational book for children of all ages, and parents as well. Through light, flowing language and whimsical rhymes and delightful watercolor pictures, this book could easily become a favorite for you and your child. I highly recommend it!