Truman’s Aunt Farm, by Jama Kim Rattigan - A fun play on words

Truman’s Aunt Farm, by Jama Kim Rattigan

This book, about a boy and his eccentric aunt who accidentally sends him an aunt farm instead of an ant farm for his birthday, is precious. The boy sends his aunt a letter explaining the confusion, stating that he has an abundance of aunts, only she fails to understand what has happened and responds, telling him to check and see if any of his friends would like some of his ants. So he puts out a sign which reads: "Aunts... free to good home". Eventually all his Aunts are sent off with children who are happy to have them.

This book offers a fun way to help children learn the distinction between the words Aunt and Ant. The silliness of the story will keep kids engaged and entertained.

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Diary of a Spider by Doreen Cronin earns our Seal of Approval!

Diary of a Spider by Doreen Cronin

Diary of a Spider is a delightful, enchanting, creative, and whimsical story-book that is absolutely wonderful in every way. This book boasts fabulous illustrations and a monologue from a spider that is truly a page-turner. We highly recommend this book for your home library!

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Who Put the Pepper in the Pot? - CLC Seal of Approval

Who Put the Pepper in the Pot? is a delightful story about a family and their many preparations for the arrival of an aunt who is coming to visit. The family joins together in their efforts to make everything perfect for their special visitor. When the mother is too busy to do it herself, she asks her family, one person at a time, to add some pepper to the pot of stew. When each of them say they can’t, she asks yet another to put pepper in the stew. Eventually, when they each find the time, they all add a little pepper, some more than others. Unbeknownst to each other, they have inadvertantly added so much pepper that the stew is rendered inedible. The family all has a good laugh over it and Aunt Tootie offers to make her famous omelettes for dinner. When she asks for the pepper so she can add it to her omelette, everyone gets a good laugh, because they realize they are now completely out of pepper.

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Enchanted Lions, David T Greenburg - Earns the CLC Seal of Approval

Enchanted Lions, by David T Greenburg

This enchanting story of a young girl named Rose, and her high-flying adventures as she rides on a lion’s back through the sky and galaxies beyond is wrought with imagery . Lovely rhymes will delight youngsters as they envision Rose taking flight with her enchanted lion friends.

This is a book that children will want to read again and again. Short enough for a quick bed-time read, parents will enjoy it as well.

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When a Line Bends, A Shape Begins by Rhonda Gowler Greene - Not your ho-hum, everyday book of shapes

When a Line Bends, A Shape Begins by Rhonda Gowler Greene

This book of shapes is told in a unique way with fun rhymes and lots of creative examples which are paired up with whimsical illustrations. Not your ho-hum everyday book of shapes; parents and kids will enjoy reading this unique book again and again.


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My Mama Had a Dancing Heart - "Bless the world it feels like a tip-tapping song-singing finger-snapping kind of day"

My Mama Had a Dancing Heart by Libba Moore

This is the oh so sweet story of a mother and her daughter and all the seasons during the year that inspire them to feel the wind and the sun and the chill in the air as they frolic and dance together. As an adult, the daughter becomes a dancer and as she laces up her ballet slippers she imagines her mother still saying:

"Bless the world it feels like a tip-tapping song-singing finger-snapping kind of day"

This book helps young children understand that dancing is an expression of feelings and that feelings can be translated into dance. The illustrations in this book are equally as expressive as the text, which is beautifully crafted.


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A Second is a Hiccup by Hazel Hutchins, helps little ones understand the concept of time

A Second is a Hiccup by Hazel Hutchins

This captivating children’s book helps little ones understand the concept of time in increments as small as seconds, and as large as years, in a way that doesn’t grow old, no matter how many times you give it a read. The illustrations are precious and the ending makes you feel like you’ve just been wrapped up in a great big hug.

This book would make a wonderful gift for a 3-5 year old!
Highly recommended

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The Memory Cupboard, an oh-so-wonderful Thanksgiving Story, by Charlotte Herman

The Memory Cupboard A Thanksgiving Story by Charlotte Herman

"Sometimes, no matter how careful we are, things we’re fond of get broken. But things are just things. People are more important." What a fabulous message wrapped up in a book that is rich with family values, togetherness, tradition and love. This book is simply wonderful in every way. The illustrations are beautifully done. This book teaches the importance of placing value in people, not things.

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Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse by Kevin Henkes - a wonderful message wrapped up in a sweet little purple package!

Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse by Kevin Henkes

This book speaks to children in a very real way, on their own level, about dealing with frustration and anger. Lily gets in trouble for distracting the other students in class while playing with her purple purse. Afterwards, she writes her teacher a very un-kind note out of anger. Later on, after she has had time to reflect on her actions, she feels terrible about what she has done. In the end, she finds a way to apologize and the ending is a happy one.

This book would make an excellent addition to any library, home or otherwise.

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The Unbeatable Bread, by Lyn Littlefield Hoopes, is Delightfully, Deliciously Wonderful!!

The Unbeatable Bread, by Lyn Littlefield Hoopes, is Delightfully, Deliciously Wonderful!!

Uncle Jon wakes up one cold winter morning and decides to make some bread. But not just any bread... an unbeatable bread. So he mixes in the yellow of the morning sun and a whistle of the wind. And as the scents of his fabulously unbeatable bread linger to his neighbors all around him, they all come running over for a bite of his wonderful home-made bread.

This book, is written in a lyrical style that will draw in young readers. The imagery is fabulous, and... as if that weren’t enough, the illustrations are simply divine.

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Wings Across the Moon - a splendid bedtime story-book for toddlers

Wings Across the Moon, by Linda Hargrove, is a splendid bedtime story-book for toddlers. Illustrations, in lovely muted tones of primary colors, are vivid, yet soothing. The verses, in rhyme, will hold the attention of young children as they envision all the winged creatures who set out into the night sky against the backdrop of the moon.

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When Uncle Took the Fiddle by Libba Moore Gray, toe-tapping rhymes and whimsical illustrations

When Uncle Took the Fiddle by Libba Moore Gray

This book is fabulously fun to read with lyrical, toe-tapping rhymes and whimsical illustrations. Kids will enjoy every moment of this book from beginning to end, and may even find themselves tapping their toes to the cadence of the story. This book would be a fabulous addition to any home library.

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The Forever Dog - a great book for any young child who is trying to cope with loss

The Forever Dog, by Bill Cochran, illustrated by Dan Andreasen

This book provides a wonderful life lesson about love, loss, and forgiveness. The Forever Dog, is a touching story of a young boy and his best friend, Corky, the dog. As young Mike struggles with the loss of his dog, his mother helps him to understand that Corky will always be with him in his heart. Fabulous illustrations, paired with a sweet story make this a great book for any young child who is trying to cope with a loss.

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Buttons, by Brock Cole - Absolutely Delightful!

Buttons, by Brock Cole, is the charming tale of a man who loses all his buttons. The man’s three daughters each set out with a different plan to help get new buttons for him. This story-book is whimsical, silly, unbelievable and utterly enchanting! Both the story and the illustrations are absolutely delightful. This book would make a fabulous addition to any home library.

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Terrible Things, an Allegory of the Holocaust, written by Eve Bunting, illustrated by Stephen Gammell

Terrible Things, an Allegory of the Holocaust, written by Eve Bunting, illustrated by Stephen Gammell

As forest creatures are taken away from their home one species at a time by the "Terrible Things," the white rabbits think it is better not to say anything. They conclude that, as long as it is not their own species being taken away, it is really none of their business. And besides, the forest really is much nicer without the burdens of some of the other creatures anyway. One little white rabbit, who initially questions whether it is right to allow the "Terrible Things" to do this, is saddened when he comes to the realization that the time to have done something has come and gone. And now it is too late, because in the end, the white rabbits are added to the list of creatures to be taken away by the "Terrible Things."

This is a wonderful book to open up discussion with children regarding taking a stand on what is morally the right thing to do. (Note: one might wish to take age and maturity appropriateness into consideration before reading this book to a child)

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Lucky Beans, by Becky Birtha, receives CLC Seal of Approval

Lucky Beans, written by Becky Birtha, illustrated by Nicole Tadgell

History, Math, and Social Studies, are all rolled into an interesting read in Tadgell’s book, Lucky Beans. This book, which takes place during the great depression, touches on some important historical facts, including segregation. At a time when families learned to do without, one family works together to make do. This book, with its wonderful illustrations and happy ending, is sure to make you smile.

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Hush Little Ones, by John Butler, receives CLC Seal of Approval

Hush, Little Ones, by John Butler

True to form, John Butler has created another literary masterpiece in his children’s storybook, Hush, Little Ones. Lovely text and beautiful illustrations set the stage with peaceful serenity in this fabulous bed-time story. This book, which we highly recommend for any toddler’s home library would also make a fabulous gift for a mother to be, or a new baby.

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Watermelon Day by Kathi Appelt - Illustrations by Dale Gottlieb

Watermelon Day by Kathi Appelt - Illustrations by Dale Gottlieb

Watermelon Day is the wonderfully told story of a young girl who waits all summer for the seed she plants to grow into a large, ripe, delicious watermelon. Images of long, hot summers days come to mind through exceptional story-telling and fabulous illustrations. With great anticipation, the main character anxiously awaits the momentous occasion of that first juicy bite of watermelon.


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In My Heart by Molly Bang - CLC Seal of Approval

In My Heart by Molly Bang

Playful and animated illustrations depict a child and his mother, both taking up residence in each other’s hearts. This book, is beautifully and skillfully written. When reading this book, you can’t help but feel the warm and nurturing love that has been masterfully crafted into this heartwarming manuscript.

This book earns the Children's Literary Classics Seal of Approval

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Snip Snap! What’s That? - Children's Literary Classics Seal of Approval

Snip Snap! What’s That? written by Mara Bergman, illustrated by Nick Maland

This book is delightfully enchanting and will draw in young readers as the suspense builds... what will happen as an alligator slowly creeps its way up the stairs, closer and closer to three young children. As the tension builds, one can’t help but wonder just what will happen. In the end, the children muster up their courage and send the alligator packing. The illustrations in this book are fabulous and the message is equally as wonderful: yes, sometimes we are afraid, but there is no reason to be overcome by our fears.... and when we stand up to our fears we can defeat the "alligators".

This book earns the Children's Literary Classics Seal of Approval


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Zoom by Istvan Banyai - Children's Literary Classics Seal of Approval

Zoom by Istvan Banyai -

This picture book is entirely devoid of text. From a literary viewpoint, there’s not much to say about this book. From an artistic vantage point, this book is deliciously wrought with creativity that will get any young child’s imagination flowing. The illustrations will draw you in and the lack of verbiage can create a fabulous opportunity to open up dialogue and encourage discussion. Banyai’s second book in this series - "Re-Zoom" tells a different story in much the same way.

This book earns the Children's Literary Classics Seal of Approval

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The Patchwork Quilt by Valerie Flournoy - Earns the CLC Seal of Approval

The Patchwork Quilt by Valerie Flournoy -

This picture book, beautifully illustrated by Jerry Pinkney, teaches children a valuable lesson: that elders are to be loved and respected and that memories are to be cherished. Young Tanya is intrigued by a patchwork quilt her grandmother is working on, while her mother is put out by the mess, and the rest of the family simply won’t be bothered with it. But as Tanya’s aging grandmother becomes ill, Tanya begins to help pick up the project where her grandmother left off. In time, the entire family gets involved. The quilt, which includes individual scraps, each of which bear some sort of special significance for various members of the family, becomes an important project for everyone involved.

This story encourages young readers to appreciate fine craftsmanship and acts of love, as well as respect for elders.


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Gabriella’s Song, by Candace Fleming - Excellent in every way!

Gabriella’s Song, by Candace Fleming -

Gabriella’s Song is the story of a young girl in Venice, Italy, who walks around town humming a hauntingly beautiful melody which takes on a different feeling to each person who hears it. Some believe it is a happy tune, others think it is sad, still others believe it is a love song. As each person hears the song, they begin humming it, spreading the lovely tune around the town. When a composer hears the song, he decides to incorporate the melody into a piece he is writing.  When he does, he creates an incredible symphony which he performs at a concert in town. At the end of the story, all the town’s people show up for the concert where the composer credits Gabriella for having inspired the beautiful music.

Illustrations by Giselle Potter, are perfectly paired with this lovely picture book which is sure to inspire imagination and a love for music in young children.

This book earns the Children's Literary Classics Seal of Approval

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Chidren's Literary Classics Seal of Approval for The Lonely Lioness

The Lonely Lioness, by Verna Aardema -

A lioness, who is without children of her own, steals a brood of baby chicks from a mother ostrich. As the mother ostrich attempts to retrieve her beloved chicks, she does her best to reason with the lioness. Along the way she solicits the help of other creatures - until finally she finds one who helps in outwitting the lioness. In the end the mother and her chicks are reunited. This children's picture book, with its artistic and creative illustrations teaches a multitude of life lessons to young children as they learn of the mother ostrich’s unwavering devotion to her baby chicks.  This endearing story is sure to tug at your heartstrings.

Children's Literary Classics Book Reviews ~ Awards Program ~ CLC Seal of Approval http://childrensliteraryclassics.com

Children's Literary Classics Seal of Approval for Teddy Bear Tears

Teddy Bear Tears by Jim Aylesworth -

This story of a young boy and his four teddy bears touches on the fears many young children experience at bedtime. The boy helps comfort his four furry friends as each of them, one by one, expresses their fears of being alone in a dark room. While cuddling them to sleep, the boy helps the bears get past their fears by explaining to each of them, one at a time, that they have nothing to fear. Illustrations, by Jo Ellen McAllister-Stammen are lovely in soft, soothing tones which pair well with the text. This book belongs on the bookshelf of any young child who suffers with challenges associated with bedtime fears.


Children's Literary Classics Book Reviews ~ Awards Program ~ CLC Seal of Approval http://childrensliteraryclassics.com

Children's Literary Classics Seal of Approval for Gobble, Quack, Moon

Gobble, Quack, Moon by Matthew Gollub -

This delightfully animated story of farm animals and their farmer, a woman who likes to plie in a pink tutu and leotard, will send children’s creative juices sky-rocketing to the moon and back. The vivid and expressive illustrations are fabulous and the story has a fun lyrical tone. Judy Love’s illustrations of cows in tutus are sure to be the cause of numerous belly-laughs as young boys and girls are entertained by this colorful book.

Children's Literary Classics Book Reviews ~ Awards Program ~ CLC Seal of Approval http://childrensliteraryclassics.com

Children's Literary Classics Seal of Approval - Brave Martha, Written and Illustrated by Margot Apple

Brave Martha, Written and Illustrated by Margot Apple-

Brave Martha is the story of a little girl who shares each bed-time with her friend and pet, Sophie, the cat. Martha’s evening ritual begins with Sophie leading the way as she helps make sure ‘the coast is clear,’ all the while looking here and there for things that go bump in the night. Then one evening, Sophie is not around at bed-time, and Martha must go to bed without the aid of her faithful friend. With nervous anticipation, Martha's  imagination gets the best of her as she conjures up a slew of things to be feared as she makes the trek to her room. The story has a fun little twist at the end when Martha discovers that the cause of all the scratching sounds she’s been hearing are actually caused by her good friend and cat, Sophie.

The illustrations in this book are delightful.

Children's Literary Classics Book Reviews ~ Awards Program ~ CLC Seal of Approval http://childrensliteraryclassics.com