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.

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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.

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Black Magic by Dinah Johnson
Hardcover: 32 pages
Henry Holt and Co. (BYR); 1st edition (January 19, 2010)
Cautions: None

Kiwi Magazine Review:
Black is the color of all things magical, fascinating and fun like zebra kisses, dark chocolate and twisty braids. Although the author extols all things black, the illustrations are vivid and whimsical. This is a lovely book which may make little girls reconsider black over pink as their favorite color.

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Snow Day by Komako Sakai
Arthur A. Levine Books - 2009
Ages 4-8
Cautions: None

Kiwi Magazine Review:
Gorgeous illustrations are the hallmark of this book about the timeless excitement of snow appearing and closing school. Unlike the Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats, this mama makes her child wait until the snow stops falling to go outside and play just before bedtime.

Synopsis
A young rabbit wakes up to wonderful news: A snow day! School is canceled, and the day that follows is rich with the magic and delight of the falling snow. And yet there is longing too, as the young rabbit and his mother wait for news of his father, grounded on a plane in a faraway city…. The news that his father will be home tomorrow gives the book a peaceful, comforting, and perfect ending.

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The Vampire Book by DK Publishing
Ages 9-12
DK Publishing (September 21, 2009)
Caution: Well, it is about vampires!!

Kiwi Magazine Review:
There is a vampire craze right now and this book captures all of the lure of those blood-loving mythical creatures. Well, let’s hope they’re mythical because they are dangerous dudes. This book explores the ‘lore and allure’ of Vampires, their history and their MO (modus operandi). Fortunately, this colorful, creepy book also provides some deterrents and a guide to destroy them if you are so inclined. From what I have been reading on blogs, the publisher should list the targeted age range : 9-12 plus all moms.  Why should the kids have all of the fun?

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Thanksgiving Rules by Laurie Friedman
Teresa Murfin (Illustrator)
Ages 4-8
Carolrhoda Books (September 1, 2009)
Cautions: None

Kiwi Magazine Review:
This book rules. The title’s double entendre because these are the definitive survival rules for this holiday that rules. Be helpful because it’s the fastest way to the food. And, make sure you give everyone an endearing squeeze, except for those who ate too much at Thanksgiving (they get a simple peck on the cheek). Every kid needs to read this book because to maximize their holiday experience and, even if it is for appearance sake only, be declared the best kid in the world by all of the visiting relatives. Pure fun and pure genius.

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On This Special Night by Claire Freedman
Illustrated by Simon Mendez
Ages 4-8
Scholastic Press (September 1, 2009)
Cautions: None

Kiwi Magazine Review:
This holiday season is going to be one of the best years for children’s picture books. Every title that has crossed my path has been gloriously illustrated and beautifully written, whether it be on Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Christmas or the glory of winter. This book is an incredible feast for the eyes with the impeccable artistic talent of Simon Mendez capturing the very essence (and scents) of the animals preparing for the birth of Jesus. And, Claire Freedman weaves this timeless story from the perspective of the barn animals, starting with a mother cat and her kitten, and bringing in a donkey, calf, mice and others to share the excitement. Absolutely beautiful.

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The Sound Of Kwanzaa by Dimitrea Tokunbo
Ages 4-8
Scholastic Press (October 1, 2009)
Cautions: None

Kiwi Magazine Review:
The words and colors dance off of the pages in this book that celebrates Kwanzaa. Each page begins with the same refrain: “Come closer, gather ’round. Listen to the sound of Kwanzaa…” The rich illustrations by Lisa Cohen are the perfect accompaniment to the seven guiding principles of Kwanzaa.

The author’s note is particularly interesting. Dimitrea Tokunbo tells of the day his father took him to Harlem and he met Dr. Maulana Karenga who he credits with bringing this Africa American celebration in 1966.

This book is an excellent tool to teach young children about this joyous holiday, rich with culture and tradition.

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The Christmas Magic by Lauren Thompson
Jon J Muth (Illustrator)
Ages 4-8
Scholastic Press (September 1, 2009)
Cautions: None

Kiwi Magazine Review:
I have to reveal a little bit of bias here. No, I am not receiving payment from any publisher. Here’s my big naughty secret: I will buy any book that Jon J. Muth illustrates. Buying a book that Muth has illustrated is like buying your own little art museum. His watercolors and pastels make the lovely, inspirational words of Lauren Thompson simply dance and frolic across the pages. This simple take on Santa’s preparation for the big reveal will have even skeptics wiping a little tear from the corner of their eyes, glazing skyward and hearing the tinkle of little bells. This one is a keeper and is my new BFF (book friend forever).

PS - if you look carefully, you can see Muth’s panda from Zen Shorts on one of the pages.

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Let There Be Peace on Earth: And Let It Begin with Me by Jill Jackson and Sy Miller
Tricycle Press - September 2009
All ages
Cautions: None

Kiwi Magazine Review:
It’s hard to believe that this lovely song about peace all started at a high school retreat in 1955 and has since spread throughout the world as an anthem for peace, love and understanding. Brilliantly and beautifully illustrated, this is a perfect introduction to the concept of peace for young children or a reminder to ourselves how important peace is. This book comes with a 12-song CD with the title’s classic song.

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