Handpicked by Our Editors

Testing the Ice: A True Story About Jackie Robinson
Age 5+
4

Testing the Ice: A True Story About Jackie Robinson

Why We Recommend It

Jackie Robinson was special on the baseball field and off. His daughter's bio of the slugger-as-dad emphasizes courage.

Read our full review
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Waddle: A Scanimation Picture Book by Rufus Butler Seder
Parents Need to Know...

that this third of Rufus Butler Seder's "scanimation" books is as mesmerizing as the others, with a text that is perfect for beginning readers.  read more

Age 5+
Waddle: A Scanimation Picture Book
4
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Skippyjon Jones: Lost in Spice by Judy Schachner
Parents Need to Know...

that this is the fifth in the bestselling series of Skippyjon Jones books, and includes a CD on which the author reads the story and the songs are put to music.  read more

Age 5+
Skippyjon Jones: Lost in Spice
4
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How Do You Wokka-Wokka? by Elizabeth Bluemle
Parents Need to Know...

there is nothing of concern in this fun book. read more

Age 3+
How Do You Wokka-Wokka?
3
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What Sisters Do Best/What Brothers Do Best
Parents Need to Know...

that this book reads two ways: from the point of view of what sisters do best, and then brothers.  read more

Age 4+
What Sisters Do Best/What Brothers Do Best
3
Finn.jpg
Finn Throws a Fit by David Elliott
Parents Need to Know...

that this book does a great job of showing just how fleeting, yet all-absorbing, a kid's fit can be. It includes a nice message for kids that parents will love you no matter how bad a fit can get. read more

Age 3+
Finn Throws a Fit
4
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Marley Goes to School by John Grogan
Parents Need to Know...

the loyal Marley disobeys the rules because he wants to find his friend. When a teacher warns that a “wild animal” is on the loose in the school and asks if anyone has seen him, the students lie and disguise Marley. Adults chasing ... read more

Age 4+
Marley Goes to School
3
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Thunder-Boomer! by Shutta Crum
Parents Need to Know...

that this book about a thunderstorm on a Midwestern farm is exciting, but it's not too scary for preschoolers. Rife with sound effects, it makes a great read aloud, and the rhythm of the words reflects the growing power of an oncoming ... read more

Age 4+
Thunder-Boomer!
4
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Once Upon a Twice by Denise Doyen
Parents Need to Know...

that they should read this book through a couple of times before reading it aloud because the clever nonsense words can be stumbling blocks. Also, this may not be the story to read to sensitive kids who are already afraid of the night or ... read more

Age 6+
Once Upon a Twice
4
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Dinotrux by Chris Gall
Parents Need to Know...

that this book mixes dinosaurs, trucks, and cavemen, all with playfully far-fetched humor and a storyline that is not to be taken seriously. The fantasy truck-animals are fierce looking and might be scary for younger, more impressionable ... read more

Age 5+
Dinotrux
3
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The Curious Garden by Peter Brown
Parents Need to Know...

that this book will inspire kids to look for plants in the most unlikely places, and challenge them to learn how to tend them and make them grow and spread. read more

Age 4+
The Curious Garden
4
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Goldilicious by Victoria Kann
Parents Need to Know...

that kids who liked the first Pinkalicious book will probably like this third book in the "licious" series.  Also, anyone who wants to open a discussion on imaginary friends may find it helpful.  read more

Age 5+
Goldilicious
3
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Just in Case by Yuyi Morales
Parents Need to Know...

that kids who find Halloween too creepy might need some background to understand why the skeleton isn't really a bad guy and why people don't seem to be afraid of him. Kids who are already familiar with the Day of the Dead may need less ... read more

Age 5+
Just in Case
3
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It's a Secret
Parents Need to Know...

that kids will enjoy this pleasant little story, especially those who like cats and wonder where they go at night. The story is set in an imaginary nighttime world where animals wear clothes, talk, and dance. Also, the little girl is able ... read more

Age 4+
It's a Secret
4
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The Girl Who Wanted to Dance by Amy Ehrlich
Parents Need to Know...

that Clara's parents are both more concerned with their own feelings than with hers. Her abandonment is the centerpiece of the book, but isn't satisfactorily resolved. read more

Age 6+
The Girl Who Wanted to Dance
2
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Let's Do Nothing
Parents Need to Know...

that this may be the perfect book to inspire kids who complain that they have nothing to do.  read more

Age 6+
Let's Do Nothing
4
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Crazy Hair by Neil Gaiman
Parents Need to Know...

that this fantasy about creatures living in a crazy head of hair might not appeal to everyone. People with a head full of wild hair, kids who hate to have their hair combed, or readers who just like silly scenarios will get a kick out of ... read more

Age 6+
Crazy Hair
4
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Duck! Rabbit! by Amy Krouse Rosenthal, Tom Lichtenheld
Parents Need to Know...

that this book can be enjoyed simply as a playful game about optical illusions and finding shapes in clouds. It also might easily lead into a greater discussion about the different ways people see the same things, and why. And, even more, ... read more

Age 4+
Duck! Rabbit!
4
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Love, Splat by Rob Scotton
Parents Need to Know...

that Splat is an appealing hero, Kitten a sparkling romantic interest, and Spike a worthy opponent. Classic comedic confusion forms the basis of the book. read more

Age 3+
Love, Splat
3
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Grizzly Dad by Joanna Harrison
Parents Need to Know...

that this is a playful book in which the grumpy dad actually turns into a grizzly bear, and back, which may confuse the youngest kids. Also, in the end, both the father and son, who have been very messy, have pigs' tails. read more

Age 5+
Grizzly Dad
4
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The Enemy: A Book About Peace by Davide Cali
Parents Need to Know...

that they should be prepared to talk about war, soldiers, weapons, killing, and fear with their children. The message is one of peace, but the problems are those of war. read more

Age 8+
The Enemy: A Book About Peace
4
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Blueberry Girl by Neil Gaiman
Parents Need to Know...

that this book offers prayers and wishes for a growing girl, the blueberry girl. It contains nothing harmful or inappropriate, but may be too abstract for young kids. It would be a good gift for a new parent, especially if the baby is a ... read more

Age 6+
Blueberry Girl
4

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