The Princess and the Frog Junior Novelization by Irene Trimble
Ages 9-12
RH/Disney (October 13, 2009)
Caution: There is a scary mean guy in this story, as in all Disney stories. He’s less scary in print than on screen.

Kiwi Magazine Review:
Disney’s newest Princess has alot of pluck. She’s not the type to sit around and wait for a prince or nap for years. Nonetheless, Tiana is a strong and confidant woman with alot of ambition and a great role model for girls. She still has the trademark Disney impossibly small waist and gigantic doe eyes, but this is a princess of substance. Can’t wait to see the movie!
Buy this book on Amazon.com

My Garden by Kevin Henkes (Author, Illustrator)
Reading level: 4-8
Greenwillow Books (February 23, 2010)
Cautions: None

Kiwi Magazine Review:
Kevin Henkes has made some amazing contributions to the children’s literature with his insightful themes and simple, yet lovely illustrations. And, Henkes is truly an advocate of nature and his books are one big invitation to kids to join him outside to observe birds and get dirty in the garden. Henkes aptly captures the standard childhood garden fantasies of planting atypical items (in this case, seashells) to see if they’ll grow and imagining that carrots might disappear, sunflowers change colors, no weeds and flowers would never die.

Buy this book on Amazon.com

Books Make Me Happy: My First Reading Log by Judy Pelakin
Ages 4-8
Workman Publishing Company (November 26, 2009)
Cautions: None

Kiwi Magazine Review:
The cover is a definite attention grabber with cover art and interior illustrations by little-known artists (Judy Pelikan embroidered drawings by real kids about their love of books - charming!). If any other parents have had this experience, recording the books your child reads seems to inspire a fire of reading more and more so the child can see the list grow. And, this book adds another dimension for kids and parents to start a dialogue about the best parts of the book and their critique (I had better watch my back - these kids may be after my job :). If you have an avid or reluctant reader in early elementary school, this book is useful and fun.

Buy this book on Amazon.com

Fairy Tale Knits: 32 Projects to Knit Happily Ever After by A. Stewart-Guinee
Publisher: Wiley (August 31, 2009)
Level: Intermediate (but adaptable to other levels)

Kiwi Magazine Review:
Numbered amongst the skills I have not mastered is knitting. But, this title has me anxious to learn quickly before my daughter grows up to an age where homemade isn’t cool. Some of these projects are so ingenious and completely in tune with what kids really want (knit cap with crown embellishment). Absolutely wonderful ideas and a great gift idea for your favorite knitter.

Buy this book on Amazon.com

Itty-Bitty Toys: How to Knit Animals, Dolls, and Other Playthings for Kids by Susan B. Anderson
Liz Banfield (Photographer)
Publisher: Artisan; Spi edition (October 5, 2009)
Level: Intermediate

Kiwi Magazine Review:
If you are a knitter, gather your things and head immediately to the yarn shop because you will want to make every little adorable project in this book. If you’re not (like me), I just enrolled in classes so I can head to the yarn shop and make each one of these projects. Rethink sweaters and zone into giraffes and grapes. Absolutely irresistible.

Buy this book on Amazon.com

The EARTH Book by Todd Parr
Ages 4-8
Little, Brown Books for Young Readers (March 17, 2010)
Cautions: None

Kiwi Magazine Review:
Todd Parr has a way of getting positive messages across to kids without being preachy. And, his simple boldly colored drawings, literally jump off the page. The formula works well and this book is another winner in his catalogue of 30 or more books.

The message is easily understood and powerful; if I bring my own bags to the store I am showing my love for trees and making sure owls have a place to live. The book follows along with simple tips that any child can do and what the wonderful result will be. Every one of us can (and should) do all of these things.

My favorite was the gigantic pull-out poster of ten things we can all do, including putting our underwear in the freezer on hot days. Love Todd.

Buy this book on Amazon.com

Wash Your Hands - free music download
Bill Harley
Cautions: None

Kiwi Magazine Review:
Hey teachers and parents: tired of reminding kids to wash their hands all day every day? Bill Harley has made a great song about the topic so you can save your voice and let him do the singing. It’s like a Public Service Announcement for germ control, but way more fun.

Download from

http://www.billharley.com

From the artist:
Bill wrote the song to remind kids that hand washing will help to prevent the spread of the flu. The four important things to remember are:
1) Get vaccinated
2) Cover your cough
3) Wash your hands
4) Stay home when you’re sick

Night Lights by Susan Gal
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers (November 10, 2009)
Cautions: None

Kiwi Magazine Review:
All of the lights of the night feature brightly in this sweet, creative book. There is no plot line, but the series of illustrations of the lights such as flashlights and lightening would make for a great discussion for bedtime reading.

Buy this book on Amazon.com

The Bog Baby by Jeanne Willis (Author)
Gwen Millward (Illustrator)
Ages 4-8
Schwartz & Wade (October 13, 2009)
Cautions: None

Kiwi Magazine Review:
Bog babies do exist. They really do. If you’ve never seen one, you probably had a similar experience when you captured that baby toad or frog and thought you could be best friends forever. But toads, frogs and bog babies don’t belong in pickle jars or pockets. This story really sends a fanciful yet practical message about all of the wonderful creatures who hop, run, skip and fly nearby and that’s exactly how it should remain; let the bog babies stay where they belong as we observe their magic.

Buy this book on Amazon.com

I Am Jack by Susanne Gervay
Cathy Wilcox (Illustrator)
Ages 9-12
Tricycle Press (October 13, 2009)
Cautions: None

Kiwi Magazine Review:
We receive alot of nonfiction books about recognizing and stopping bullying. They’re not exactly easy to read or share with a student who is being bullied. This book fills that gap by telling the story of a bullied kid from his perspective. Jack is 11 and it seems that all of his friends have turned on him. Walk in Jack’s shoes and see how he and his school handle this difficult situation. No worries - this book does have some light moments and Jack is an engaging character. You won’t have to convince your child or, if you’re a teacher or counselor, your student to read this book.

Buy this book on Amazon.com