The forest conductor has regal, stately trees for his orchestra - each different, each with its own sound and voice for this symphony's magic. Taking his stand atop the tallest tree, his arms spread, baton ready, the forest music starts! Swoops and leaps of leaves take flight to dance and create new patterns and sound in the great sky. This lyrical wordless tale shares the grace and magic of the forest symphony the conductor creates with his spirit and baton. Take a bow maestro then, please - Encore, Encore!

Reviewed by Marilyn

Max is back, this time creating worlds with his building blocks. But this time the blocks are made up of letters. Watch as Max tries to undo the chaos created by his brothers by changing just one letter in his building blocks. The Pen is mightier than the Sword indeed! Gorgeous illustrations throughout bring the power of imagination to life as Max and his brothers build their castle, become kings and knights, fight dragons and pirates and dark dungeons. Just fabulous.

Reviewed by Antonia

It's true -mothers are the most advanced humans on the planet. But they do need daily care and maintenance. And if you aren't quite sure of these requirements, this is the book for you. It covers it all, from what to do if she isn't getting enough sleep (" find someone tall enough to pour her another cup of coffee"), letting your mom run freely for a few minutes each day (ideally this will not include running after the dog because she is eating your lunch), and never try cleaning your mother with a hose. It does also cover what to do if your mother experiences a minor malfunction (sighing, groaning, eerie silence) and what to do if all else fails (!) This book had me laughing so hard, I just held my sides and pointed to the pictures. From mom clothing and important safeguards to how to spot mom-pattern crankiness, this is a book to giggle over, share, and read with others. This is a book for every mom, everywhere.

Reviewed by Angela M.

You must read this book! Hilariously funny, silly and a little bit realistic, this is a tale of cause and effect. A tale of human nature, a tale of redemption. Reminiscent of Edward Gorey's The Gashleycrumb Tinies (except nobody dies, because this is a book for little children) (mostly). From Adelaide to Zelda, see if you too can play the Blame Game (and then say you are sorry). This book is an utter delight.

Reviewed by Antonia

Wiener Wolf lives the good life with Granny. There are treats, and chew toys, TV, his sweater, and Granny herself. But it all starts to seem tame to Wiener Dog. And then, one night, there is a howl outside his window and Wiener Dog is gone, heading for the wilderness until he finds some new friends. And he becomes Wiener Wolf! Life is exciting and everything is new but did he really want to leave Granny behind him?

This is an adorable book that appeals to the Wiener Wolf in all of us. You will read it over and over again.

Reviewed by Angela M.

Who says "because" isn't a real answer? Course it is. Why? I hear you ask Because... I said so, or its hot, or I don't have any ice cream and so you have to be nice to me because its hot and I said so. Or you could just bring me ice cream Just because Seriously though, this delightful picture book illustrates the imaginative give and take of childhood, as a young boy tests boundaries, gives flight to his imagination, yet always comes home to rest. Very funny; I loved it.

Reviewed by Antonia

Billy has show-and-tell in Mrs. Krupp's class, and he is so excited that he puts both hands in the air hoping and hoping that he will be picked first. He knows exactly what he wants to be when he grows up. A Chef! A snail trainer! A lathe operator! A giraffe milker (you never know, it might be a growing market)! Billy has so many ideas about what he wants to be when he grows up and he doesn't understand why Mrs. Krupp wants him to decide right now—after all, he is only eight! This is a hysterical look at the imaginations of boys, the amused frustrations of teachers, the joys of having your options open for as long as possible... and even, maybe, changing your mind when you are quite grown up!

Reviewed by Antonia S.

This beautifully illustrated counting book is fun for both little ones with their sharp eyes and for the grown-ups too! Follow the bouncing bug to find which animal has been added. Find the goat who likes nibbling on other animals' ears. As more and more animals are added to the page, it gets harder and harder to find all of the new animals.But look closely - each animal has it's own personality! With a surprise addition at the end - one too many animals gather at the water trough!

Reviewed by Judi E.

Once there were friends, a little boy and a penguin, who did everything together. By and by, the penguin decided that he wanted to do something all by himself. He wanted to fly. The boy did everything he could to help his friend fly. One day, the penguin discovered a means to fly, but at that moment, the boy and penguin lost each other. The boy was frightened and searched everywhere for his friend. This is a lovely story about friendship and togetherness.

Reviewed by Josephine

Written as an open letter from President Obama to his daughters, this is a beautiful tribute to 13 Americans who helped shape the nation, heroes whose traits can be seen in every child. Every picture opens with a question: Have I told you that you are creative? (Georgia O'Keefe), have I told you that you are brave? (Jackie Robinson), have I told you that you don't give up? (Martin Luther King Jr.) With every portrait more children join the group until they come together, united, with the question, Have I told you that America is made up of people of every kind? An ode to the strengths of our dreams and the potential in all Americans, with gorgeous illustrations by Loren Long, this really is a lovely book. This is a thoughtful, uplifting, dazzling gem that even includes short biographies at the back of the book for those who want more.

Reviewed by Angela M.

In this collection of three favorite stories by award-winning picture book team, author Doreen Cronin and illustrator Betsy Lewin, cows will type, sheep will sing, and Duck will outsmart Farmer Brown time after time. The antics of these animals will have you rolling on the floor with laughter! Your children will giggle, moo, and quack along with the barnyard animals in this hilarious collection. A must have for any child's collection of favorites!

Reviewed by Judi E.