Best Books Of 2010

A review on Amazon says:

"With eye-popping illustrations, three-time Caldecott medalist David Wiesner takes readers on a stunning journey through the art world. Art & Max is the story of two artists: Art, a collared lizard who is studiously painting a portrait when we first meet him, and Max, who has just picked up paints and brushes and is ready to go. What follows is a magical journey of explosive color--brilliantly highlighted by the desert background--where acrylic paints, watercolor, and line drawings, are deconstructed and re-invented, and Art undergoes a Jackson Pollack-like transformation. Combining minimal text with remarkable images, this is a book to be cherished and poured over, inspiring the artist in all of us."--Seira Wilson

Review:

*"The irrepressible Olivia is back. . . . This comic sequel is as delightful as its predecessors." -- Publishers Weekly, STARRED REVIEW

"Fans of this series will no doubt find this title humorous and enjoy the piglet's newest adventure." -- School Library Journal

Amazon.com Review

Amazon Best Books of the Month, April 2010:

Give Goodnight Moon and Goodnight Gorilla the night off and pick up this new bedtime classic. This pitch-perfect picture book by Deborah Underwood and illustrator Renata Liwska will quell the pre-bedtime crazies. With the softest of opening salvos--"There are many kinds of quiet"--the story reflects all the different peaceful moments during the day, like "Coloring in the lines quiet," "Hide and seek quiet," and of course "Bedtime kiss quiet." The repetitive pattern of the text paired with softly colored illustrations of adorable stuffed animals is better than a lullaby. --Lauren Nemroff

Amazon.com Review

Amazon Best Books of the Month, June 2010: Over the past decade, Mo Willems and Jon J. Muth have each created some of the most memorable animal stories for young readers. Working collaboratively for the first time, these award-winning authors have produced a picture book tale that is as fresh and timeless as the genre itself. City Dog, Country Mouse brings the joy of unexpected friendship and the beauty of the seasons into focus. The two seemingly incompatible animals--a free-range frog and a curious urban dog--teach young readers of the endless possibilities that unfold when we share the best of ourselves with each other. --Lauren Nemroff

Amazon.com Review

Amazon Best of the Month, September 2010: When Mouse comes to spend the night, Bear isn't sure he will like having his bedtime routine disturbed by an overnight guest. How will he ever sleep without absolute quiet? A Bedtime for Bear brings Bear and Mouse (A Visitor for Bear) together again, and first time readers of Bonny Becker's delightful duo are in for a treat. Bear reminds Mouse of his need for quiet, but carefree Mouse continues to disturb him with teeth brushing, humming, and resounding good nights. When Bear hears a noise in the night, he's awfully glad his friend Mouse is there to look under Bear's bed, behind the curtains, and in the closet. A heartwarming story of friendship and new experiences, A Bedtime for Bear is sure to become a bedtime favorite.--Seira Wilson

Amazon.com Review

Amazon Best Books of the Month, August 2010: From Syd Hoff's Danny and the Dinosaur (1958) to Jane Yolen's How Do Dinosaurs Say Goodnight (2000), very early readers have long befriended dinosaurs between the pages of a book. The interaction of these enormous creatures rendered as lovable, comic characters has proven to be irresistible among the pre-K to Grade 1 set. Therefore, it will come as no surprise when young readers fall hard for James Howe and Randy Cecil's very funny and endearing new picture book, Brontorina, which stars Brontorina Apatosaurus, an enthusiastic and surprisingly agile dino who is determined to become a ballerina. She arrives at the doorstep of Madame Lucille's Dance Academy for Girls and Boys, exclaiming "I want to dance!" Although Brontorina is certainly graceful, there are some concerns about her large size and her apparent inability to "fit in" among the smaller dancers, let alone in a pair of ballet slippers, the studio, or the arms of her male partner. With warmth and humor, Madame Lucille and her young students discover that if they step outside the (rosin) box, solutions may be found to some of the biggest problems imaginable. --Lauren Nemroff

Amazon.com Review

Amazon Best Books of the Month, May 2010 In the fourth book in the delightful Ladybug Girl picture book series, brave Lulu and Bingo, her pudgy Basset Hound sidekick, make their first trip to the ocean. Expectations run high as Lulu imagines sandcastles, kite flying, ice cream, and of course, that first swim. But as Lulu races to the water's edge, and feels the power and pull of the crashing waves, she gets scared. Everybody else seems to be enjoying the water, why can't she? This breezy story is just the right confidence-builder for little landlubbers with big dreams, but cold feet. --Lauren Nemroff

Amazon.com Review

"If Barack Obama wants to quit his day job (and maybe he might), he can probably make it as a children's book author. Certainly, this is a beautiful package: thoughtfully conceived, handsomely illustrated and designed, and with a tight yet evocative text that brings children into the world of 13 famous Americans. Framed as a letter to his daughters ("Have I told you lately how wonderful you are?" the book begins), each double-page spread then asks a question that is exemplified by a person of note. "Have I told you that you are creative?" introduces Georgia O'Keeffe, who "helped us see big beauty in what is small: / the hardness of stone and the softness of feather." Most of the people briefly profiled are expected names-George Washington, Jackie Robinson, Helen Keller, César Chávez-but there are a few outliers here as well, including Billie Holiday and Sitting Bull. As the spreads turn, other children join (the unnamed) Malia and Sasha on the question page, each embodying their own special gifts and talents. Long's exceptional artwork has a timeless, Rockwellian quality that serves the text well, and the congregation of the children at the book's conclusion will have readers looking and looking again. An addendum features a bit more about each person highlighted. Parents will be happy to talk to their own children about how creative or kind or strong they are and reiterate, as the president does, their place in the American family. - Ilene Cooper"-Booklist, starred review

Product Description

Young children all know the Mother Goose rhyme of the kittens who have lost their mittens, but theyÕve never seen it illustrated with so much energy, beauty, and flair. Preschoolers will delight in these cuddly kittens as they frolic outside in the falling leaves, get their whiskers sticky while eating a just-baked apple pie, and do the washing-up under Mama CatÕs watchful gaze.
Caldecott MedalÐwinning, New York Times bestselling author/artist Jerry Pinkney brings a gloriously vivid palette, delightful details and tremendous warmth to his version of this favorite nursery rhyme.

About the Author
Jerry Pinkney, winner of the 2010 Caldecott Medal, is also a five-time Caldecott Honor winner. He lives in Croton-on-Hudson, New York.

Review
"Yates uses words and illustration sparingly to set the pace for this jaunty tale book lovers will lap right up."
-Kirkus (starred review)

"[A] gentle tale with a winning message . . . Young children can enjoy the book by themselves by following the charming illustrations."
-School Library Journal (starred review)

Product Description
A picture-book treat for the youngest dog lovers.

Dog loves books SO much he opens his very own bookstore. At first he's short of customers. But that's all right, because when Dog is surrounded by books, he is never short of friends-or fun. And when customers begin arriving, he knows just which books to recommend.

Louise Yates's expressive little white dog-and his many expressive doggie customers-extend an irresistible invitation to the very youngest to try reading. It's fun!