This Caldecott winner is a board book for the first time. It is Kitten’s first full moon, and she thinks it must be a bowl of milk in the sky. Will she reach it? The serene black and white art make it perfect for babies. ~ Reviewed by Jennifer Armstrong
This is nonfiction that reads like a spy thriller. Already nominated for the National Book Award, this account for middle and high school readers of the Viet Nam war, Daniel Ellsberg, and the Pentagon Papers is meticulously researched, beautifully written, and impossible to put down. ~ Reviewed by Jennifer Armstrong
If your kids can’t go on a walk without picking up feathers and acorns and seashells, this will be an indispensable resource for the family. Full of wonderful pictures, information, and advice on collecting and displaying. ~ Reviewed by Jennifer Armstrong
If Neil Gaiman's Coraline and David Almond's Skellig had a baby, it would be in this nest. This is possibly the most frightening gothic tale I've read in many a year - a creeptastic modern twist on the classic fairy-changeling legend. Steven's baby brother was born with multiple medical problems, an ongoing crisis which has their parents frantic and distracted. Their distraction leaves Steven emotionally abandoned, and he must struggle alone to suppress his mounting anxiety with breathing techniques, compulsive rituals, and wishful thinking. When offered a chance to "fix" the baby, Steven agrees, only to learn that the bargain he has made comes at a terrible price. For upper elementary readers who like a good pulse-pounding scare. ~ Reviewed by Jennifer Armstrong
The mysterious, eye-patched toymaker from The Nutcracker has a nephew! This action-packed retelling is perfect for the holiday season. The Mouse Queen and her monstrous Mouse Prince are plotting to overrun the human race. Stefan and the nutcracker must stop time itself on Christmas Eve to win the battle. ~ Reviewed by Jennifer Armstrong