No Matter What,
by Emma Dodd. Ages 0-2.
A mother elephant reassures her baby that she loves him in each of his many moods. "No matter what you say and do, it makes no difference—I love you!" Bright, bold illustrations and rhyming, rhythmic, rock-a-bye words make this a perfect book for parents to read with their toddlers.

Senses in the City,
by Shelley Rotner. Ages 3-5.
This creative introduction to the five senses pairs familiar sights and sounds with new concepts. Children are invited to see the tall building and hear a train rushing by. Photograph illustrations celebrate the urban setting, and all there is to
discover within.

Just What Mama Needs,
by Sharlee Glenn. Ages 4-6.
Household chores are transformed into play when Abby wears a different costume each day of the week to help her mother around the house. She becomes a pirate to help her mother swab the deck and a witch to concoct a delicious "brew" of soup. With every change of Abby's identity, her mother always exclaims, "That's just what I need!"

Bear's Picture,
by Daniel Pinkwater. Ages 6-8
Two fine and proper gentlemen critique Bear's picture and question his right to paint anything in the first place. But Bear remains self-assured and confident in his work. A refreshing reminder that the joy of creativity is more important than what critics might think of the results.

The Wall,
by Peter Sis. Ages 9-12.
In picture-book format, a children's illustrator shares
his boyhood in Czechoslovakia under the restrictive
communist regime. He documents his life behind the
Iron Curtain during the Cold War in words and graphic design. Ultimately, it is the power of artistic freedom that triumphs.

Barb and Dingbat's Crybaby Hotline,
by Patrick Jennings. Ages 12+. 
In a story set in the mid-1970s, a brainy girl and a high school ladies man engage in verbal combat
through a series of telephone calls. Their discourse offers opportunities for emotional growth.


Brick Awards 
CNN refers to the Brick Awards as "the Oscars of youth service awards." Participation encourages young people to make a positive difference for others. Winners receive grants and scholarships. Applications submissions begin this month. Brick Awards website: www.dosomething.org/brick.


Reviews written by Lisa Dickson, Roving Children's Librarian.