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
The secret to picking good early reader books.

In early elementary school, kids take their first steps toward independence, and reading chapter books is a real badge of pride for an early reader. Being able to read a chapter book gives kids a great sense of accomplishment.

A good place to start: Pick a series with a character whose personality is similar to your child's. That way, he or she will identify with the hero, be very invested in the action, and want to read more.

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New Book Reviews for Kids (ages 5-8)

showing: picture book
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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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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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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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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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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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Chicken Butt! by Erica Perl
Parents Need to Know...

that this speedy read might offend parents who don't care for "butt" humor but will get a giggle from families who are comfortable with the joke. read more

Age 7+
Chicken Butt!
3
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Goin' Someplace Special by Patricia McKissack
Parents Need to Know...

that this book speaks clearly to kids about the pride of growing up, the fear and sadness of facing prejudice, and the comfort of finding safe, special places in this world, like libraries. read more

Age 6+
Goin' Someplace Special
5
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Mama Says by Rob D. Walker
Parents Need to Know...

that although this book focuses on mothers and sons in particular, it offers beautiful lessons for all of us, with illustrations fit to be framed. read more

Age 5+
Mama Says
5
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Willoughby & The Lion by Greg Foley
Parents Need to Know...

that this is the first in a proposed series of Willoughby books. Though it's suggested for kids 4-7, it's really geared more toward the older kids in this age range. read more

Age 6+
Willoughby & The Lion
3
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Barack Obama: Son of Promise, Child of Hope by Nikki Grimes
Parents Need to Know...

that Nikki Grimes has based her inspirational book on Barack Obama's own memoir, simplifying its content and message for young readers. Both the author and the illustrator have previously won the Corretta Scott King award. read more

Age 5+
Barack Obama: Son of Promise, Child of Hope
5
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Enigma: A Magical Mystery by Graeme Base
Parents Need to Know...

that this book would work with even younger children than the publisher is targeting. read more

Age 7+
Enigma: A Magical Mystery
4
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Little Mouse's Big Book of Fears by Emiy Gravett
Parents Need to Know...

that the interactive design of this clever encyclopedic journal of phobias and fears includes nothing inappropriate or scary, except possibly for the fears themselves. Sensitive children may need to discuss the pages with an understanding ... read more

Age 6+
Little Mouse's Big Book of Fears
5
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The Scrambled States of America Talent Show by Laurie Keller
Parents Need to Know...

that this companion to Laurie Keller's earlier book The Scrambled States of America presents a wacky premise but nothing harmful or inappropriate. read more

Age 5+
The Scrambled States of America Talent Show
3
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Jabberwocky by Lewis Carroll
Parents Need to Know...

that this poem written by Lewis Carroll is given a new twist on the basketball court, but it still hovers somewhere between silly nonsense and pure rhythmic genius. read more

Age 5+
Jabberwocky
4
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