School is back in session, but that doesn't mean all time has to be dedicated to school reading. Below are a number of picture books that will help foster children's love of reading outside of school curriculum.
"IT'S A BOOK," by Lane Smith, Roaring Brook Press, $12.99 (ages 4-8)
With the advent of the Internet and other digital technology, everything from television to journalism has changed. But the love of reading still remains.
"It's a Book," by Caldecott Honor Medalist Lane Smith ("The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales") celebrates books with a comical look at the information age through the eyes of a mouse, a monkey and a donkey.
One of the most highly anticipated picture books of the year, "It's a Book" is witty and charming and will have adults and children giggling.
This is one of the best picture books released this year. A note to parents, though. The donkey is referred to by his Biblical name twice. The wording is not inappropriate, but concerned parents should read it first to decide if the book is a good fit for their families.
From the author of "The Curious Garden" comes the story of a bear and her best friend, and the downfalls of owning a pet — a pet human, that is.
When Lucy discovers a boy in the woods, she falls in love. He makes such a cute squeaking noise that she names him squeaker. Lucy's mom gives her permission to keep Squeaker but warns, "children make terrible pets."
At first, everything is fine. The two spend all their time together playing and having fun. But Squeaker is impossible to potty train and causes problems wherever he goes. It's not until he goes missing that Lucy discovers for herself that Squeaker was never meant to be a pet.
Engaging illustrations paired with clever text make this surprising and entertaining twist on pet ownership a fun romp for young readers.
"ELSIE'S BIRD," by Jane Yolen and David Small, Philomel Books, $17.99 (ages 5-8)
Elsie is a Boston girl. She knows everything about the city and loves it there. But when Elsie's mother dies, her father seeks solace in the faraway prairies of Nebraska.
It's quiet in Nebraska, and Elsie hears only the silence. She's alone, with only her canary, Timmy, to comfort her. When Timmy flies out the window, Elsie is forced to run after him. Soon she finds herself in the tall grass of the prairie, where she begins to feel at home.
"Elsie's Bird" has a quiet, peaceful feel to it that will resonate with children. And beautiful illustrations transport readers to far off places and spark imagination.
Ever wonder why water is tasteless? What about why do countries each have a flag? Why do we have eyebrows? Why do people go bald?
Divided by subject area — humans, animals, environment/nature, technology and space — "Big Book of Why" gives kids the answers to hundreds of questions. Each answer is accompanied by a photo or illustration to help show the reason "why."
"Big Book of Why" is vibrant and very accessible. Readers will enjoy flipping through and hitting on subjects of interest. A punchy layout and fun facts make this a good choice for even the most reluctant reader.
"DICK AND JANE AND VAMPIRES," by Laura Marchesani and Tommy Hunt, Grosset & Dunlap, $9.99 (ages 4-8)
These days you're not in vogue unless you've got a vampire twist to your story, and even Dick and Jane are getting in on the act. That's THE Dick and Jane. You know, the series you and your parents and your parents' parents grew up reading.
When Dick and Jane meet a creepy, cape-wearing vampire, he doesn't become something scary, instead he becomes their friend. Based on the classic Dick and Jane series, which have been around since the 1930s, this book includes familiar writing and illustrations.
"EVERYONE NEEDS A FRIEND," by Dubravka Kolanovic, Price Stern Sloan, $9.99 (ages 4-8)
Jack the wolf likes living alone, but he get lonely on long winter nights. One day Walter the dormouse comes for a visit. Walter is fun to be around, but when his stay gets extended, he starts to annoy Jack. Jack has to decide whether friendship is more important than frustrations.
"EIGHT SPINNING PLANETS," by Brian James and Russell Benfanti, Scholastic, $9.99 (ages 3-7)
The solar system has eight planets — sorry, Pluto — each with its own unique features. Counting backwards from Mercury to Neptune, innovative die-cuts provide young readers with realistic, touchable planets that disappear one by one with each turn of the page. Simple facts accompany brightly colored board pages.
Kubla Khan takes center stage in this picture-book biography. He ruled over the greatest empire of the time, one that was lightyears ahead of Western civilization in terms of the arts, sciences, and technology. Beautifully textured and illustrations accompany informative and interesting text.
Troublesome animals that are just too cute are taking over the real world and their natural habitat in this playful mix of stories and poems based on adorable yet troublesome animals.
"HOW DO DINOSAURS LAUGH OUT LOUD?" by Jane Yolen and Mark Teague, Scholastic, $7.99 (ages 3-7)
This new lift-the-flap book answers the age-old question, how do dinosaurs laugh out loud?
e-mail: jharrison@desnews.com