It’s nearly impossible for us to narrow down our lists, but here are some of our absolute favorite picks this year!

Infant – 3

Picture Book

Sleepy Little Yoga by Rebecca Whitford and Martina Selway

Toddlers will enjoy these relaxing poses as they wind down from a busy day. Teach your yoga baby to flop down like a tired bunny or curl up like a little porcupine. Warning: parents might get sleepy, too.

CD

Lullabies and Wildflowers, Melissa Errico

This album is a smooth, jazzy tribute to new mothers. On it, she sings classics from The Beatles and Judy Collins, as well as her own song, “Gentle Child.” Serene mommy = happy baby.

Ages 3-7

Picture Books

Who’s Hiding by Satoru Onishi

This book has minimal text but is fabulous fun as your child looks for the animals who are hiding, who have horns or are backwards. This is a hands-down favorite.

A Child’s Day: An Alphabet of Play by Ida Pearle

Pearle’s style truly captures the pigtail-flying joy of jump rope and the gentle grace of dance.

Hanukkah Haiku by Harriet Ziefert

Harriet Ziefert is a prolific children’s author who has teamed up with Karla Gudeon, who illustrates the text in colorful, festive tones. Haiku and Hanukkah are a perfect pair!

When Santa Turned Green by Victor Perla

You guessed it: the North Pole is melting.  Santa enlists the help of all boys and girls to reduce, reuse, recycle and rethink to make a big difference around the world.

Ages 6-10

Chapter Book

Toys Go Out and Toy Dance Party by Emily Jenkins, Illustrations by Paul O. Zelinsky

Toys not where you left them?  Suspicious trail of gold glitter glue?  I knew it all along that the toys in our house have a very active life of their own when the family is out.

Picture Book

Mr. Lincoln’s Boys by Staton Rabin, Illustrated by Bagram Ibatoulline

There are two new kids moving into the White House in January.  Let’s hope they’re not as mischievous as President Lincoln’s water-balloon-dropping, goat-chasing, troublemaking sons, Tad and Willie!

CD

Tabby Road – Recess Monkey

Recess Monkey is a group of school teachers turned kid-centric rock band, so they sure know the right material to sing about. You’ll love “Under My Bed” and “Green Monster” which rock out about monsters and vegetables, respectively. Parents will get caught scream-singing along at red lights, so exercise caution.

Tween (9-12)

Nonfiction Book

Taking Care of Your “Girls”: A Breast Health Guide for Girls, Teens and In-Betweens by Marisa Weiss MD and Isabel Friedman

Bra-vo!  Since 70% of breast cancer cases have no known cause, teaching girls early in life to know their breasts, watch for changes and take care of themselves is long overdue.  Not only is the information helpful and empowering, it is presented via question/answers, call-out boxes and very girl-friendly language.

Fiction Books

Hachiko Waits by Leslea Newman

This novel is based on the true story of a loyal dog who waits patiently at the train station for ten years for his master to return. This book has some sad parts, but the overall story will ring true as a perfect illustration of how fortunate we are to be the blessed by dogs and how seriously they take the role of friend, protector and family. 

The Penderwicks: A Summer Tale of Four Sisters, Two Rabbits, and a Very Interesting Boy by Jeanne Birdsall

Just as the Ingalls girls are forever a fond memory of our childhood, the Penderwick girls will make a wonderful impression on today’s middle schoolers.  Both Penderwick books will become instant favorites.

Teens

Nonfiction Book

The Green Year – 365 Small Things You Can Do To Make A Big Difference By Jodi Helmer

Can putting dryer lint outside instead of the trash really help? Just ask the birds who use it to make soft, warm nests.  Every day is a suggestion for a small change that adds up over the year, especially if we all do it together.

DVD Documentary

Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill by Judy Irving

If you have a nature-lover in the family, this is a fascinating documentary about the parrots who have taken over Telegraph Hill in San Francisco.  Many theories abound about how they got there, but these fascinating creatures are there to stay and add their color¾and loud squawking¾to their neighborhood.

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BEST ON SHELF - Favorite Books of the Year in All Categories

Fiction Chapter Book: Toy Dance Party by Emily Jenkins

Nonfiction: Taking Care of Your “Girls”: A Breast Health Guide for Girls, Teens and In-Betweens by Marisa Weiss MD and Isabel Friedman

Green:  When Santa Turned Green by Victor Perla

CD: Tabby Road – Recess Monkey

DVD: Wonder Pets Save the Bengal Tiger