Bear Wants More
Grades PreK–3
by Karma Wilson, illustrated by Jane Chapman (McElderry Books)
 NAPPA HONOR BOOK
When springtime comes, Bear wakes up very hungry!  His friends help him find good things to eat, but will his hunger EVER be satisfied?  Narrated with warmth and humor by author Karma Wilson, with music by John Jennings.
Animals, Spring, Food, Problem-Solving, Friendship
Lexile®: n/a; Guided Reading Level: n/a
Study Guide (PDF)

Diary of a Spider
Grades PreK–3
by Doreen Cronin, illustrated by Harry Bliss (Joanna Cotler)
OPPENHEIM TOY PORTFOLIO PLATINUM AWARD
BOOK SENSE BOOK OF THE YEAR AWARD
This is the diary of a spider who’s a lot like you!  He goes to school, but he also spins sticky webs and takes wind-catching lessons.  From the creators of the best-selling Diary of a Worm, this portrait of an upside-down web world will have kids wishing they could be spiders too!  Directed by Gene Deitch, and narrated by Angus T. Jones, with music by Zdenek Zdenek.
Insects, Families, School, Friendship, Humor
Lexile®: 510; Guided Reading Level: L
Study Guide (PDF)

Dinosaur Bones
Grades PreK–3
by Bob Barner (Chronicle)
With lively rhyming text and collage illustrations, the author of Dem Bones reminds us that dinosaur bones used to belong to living, breathing creatures. Full of fun dinosaur facts, this production will make dino-fans of kids and grown-ups alike.  Music and vocals by Raul Malo. Directed by Gary McGivney.
Dinosaurs, Skeletons, Science, Poetry, Music
Lexile®: 350; Guided Reading Level: n/a
Study Guide (PDF)

Children’s Bookwatch:  “…very highly recommended…”

AudioFile:  “Diana Canova brings alive Rosemary Wells' popular counting book, pulling out all the stops. She sings, does a great imitation of teenaged big sister Eloise's superior voice, and puts a lot of energy and imagination into the miscellaneous characters we meet along the way.... This story depicts with humor and delightful pictures the role of numbers in elementary school.”

School Library Journal:  “…this animated version of Rosemary Wells’ book is faithful to the print edition and features the same adorable animal characters and primary-colored cartoons…”

Community, Friendship, Learning, School, People at Work, Relationships
Lexile®: 470; Guided Reading Level: N
Study Guide (PDF)

He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands
Grades PreK–3
by Kadir Nelson (Chronicle)
Through sublime landscapes and warm images of a boy and his family, this adaptation of the beloved folk song creates a dazzling, intimate interpretation that rejoices in the connectedness of people and nature.  Music and vocals by Crystal Taliefero.
Families, Community, Faith, Global Awareness, Music
Lexile®: n/a; Guided Reading Level: n/a
Study Guide (PDF)

Hondo and Fabian
Grades PreK–2
by Peter McCarty (Henry Holt)
CALDECOTT HONOR BOOK
ALA NOTABLE BOOK
NY TIMES BEST ILLUSTRATED BOOK OF THE YEAR
HONORABLE MENTION, COLUMBUS INT’L FILM & VIDEO FESTIVAL
What happens when the dog of the house goes to the beach and leaves the cat at home with the baby?  Find out in this gentle tale of the two very different days of house pets, Hondo the dog, and Fabian the cat. Narrated by Jeff Brooks, with music by Joel Goodman & David Bramfitt.

Children’s Bookwatch:  “…very highly recommended…”

AudioFile:  “Reader Jeff Brooks makes the most of this minimalist narrative. He reads with enthusiasm and differentiates the personalities of the two animals, but mostly his job is to provide a warmly agreeable backdrop for the soft, simple pictures in the book, and he does that job well.”

Teacher Librarian:  “...slow-paced, beautifully presented, and well-narrated...a touching and compassionate story."

Booklist:  “The subtle message of being a supportive friend but also retaining independence and making your own fun is highlighted…. Youngsters will enjoy spending time with these two special pets.”

School Library Journal:  “Young children, with or without pets, will respond with a sigh of pleasure at this story of friendship and family.”

Animals, Families, Friendship, Humor, Relationships.
Lexile®: 180; Guided Reading Level: G
Study Guide (PDF)

I Could Do That!
Esther Morris Gets Women the Vote                
Grades K-4
by Linda Arms White, ill. by Nancy Carpenter  (Farrar, Straus & Giroux)
BOOKLIST EDITOR’S CHOICE
BOOKLINKS LASTING CONNECTION BOOK
OPPENHEIM TOY PORTFOLIO GOLD AWARD
This is the true story of Esther Morris, who started out life believing she could do anything, and then proved it, by successfully building her own business, raising a family in the Wild West, working with local politicians to get women the vote in this country for the first time, AND becoming the first female judge and the first woman in the US to hold a political office! With humor and determination, Esther Morris sets an example for us all. Narrated by Joan Allen, with music by David Mansfield.
American History, Families, Problem Solving, Prejudice, People at Work, Character-Building
Lexile®: n/a; Guided Reading Level: n/a
Study Guide (PDF)

Inch by Inch
Grades PreK-2
by Leo Lionni  (HarperCollins)
CALDECOTT HONOR BOOK
To keep from being eaten, a resourceful inchworm measures a robin's tail, a flamingo's neck, a toucan's beak, a heron's legs, and a nightingale's song. Narrated by Ron McLarty, with music by Joel Goodman.  Directed by Gary McGivney.
Worms, Birds, Measuring, Problem Solving
Lexile®: 210; Guided Reading Level: n/a
Study Guide (PDF)

Children’s Bookwatch:  “…very highly recommended…”

AudioFile: “Stephanie J. Block narrates the tale in a gentle, steady voice that easily creates a variety of fun characters. Block's voice is pleasing to the ear, and her pacing and excellent expression guide listeners' reactions as the story unfolds.... Young children will enjoy this retelling.”

Video Librarian: “A handsome and entertaining rendition of a perennial children’s classic, this is recommended.” Three Stars

School Library Journal: “Stephanie J. Block brings the story to life with clear and energetic narration...a treat for the eyes and ears.” Video of the Week

Fairy tales, Families, Humor, Problem Solving
Lexile®: 480; Guided Reading Level: L
Study Guide (PDF)

Knuffle Bunny
Grades PreK-2
by Mo Willems  (Hyperion)
CALDECOTT HONOR BOOK
Bccb BLUE RUBBON PICTURE BOOK AWARD
iPARENTING MEDIA AWARD WINNER
Trixie, Daddy and Knuffle Bunny take a trip to the neighborhood laundromat, but their exciting adventure takes an unexpected turn when Trixie realizes something is missing.  Brilliantly narrated by author Mo Willems and his real-life daughter, Trixie, this instant classic will keep viewers on the edge of their seats! Directed and animated by MaGiK Studio, with music by Scotty Huff and Robert Reynolds.
Families, Relationships, Neighborhoods, Conflict Resolution, Humor
Study Guide (PDF)

The Little Drummer Boy
Grades PreK-3
Words and music by Katherine Davis, Henry Onorati & Harry Simeone, ill. by Ezra Jack Keats (Penguin)
ALA NOTABLE BOOK
Joyful music and Ezra Jack Keats' glowing illustrations combine to celebrate the nativity in this new iconographic adaptation of the classic Christmas song. Music and vocals by John Jennings.
Music, Christmas, Generosity, Bible Stories, Poetry
Study Guide (PDF)

Lon Po Po
A Red-Riding Hood Story from China
Grades PreK–3
retold and illustrated by James Marshall (Dial)
CALDECOTT MEDAL BOOK
In this Chinese version of the classic fairy tale, a mother leaves her three children home alone while she goes to visit their grandmother. When the children are visited by a wolf, pretending to be their Po Po, or granny, they let him in the house, but ultimately are not fooled by his deep voice and hairy face.  Combining ancient Chinese panel art techniques with a contemporary palette of watercolors and pastels, this powerful story brings lessons about strangers, trust and courage to a new generation.  Narrated by B. D. Wong, with music by Ernest V. Troost.  Directed by Cha-Pow!

Children’s Bookwatch:  “…flawlessly produced… very highly recommended…”

AudioFile: “B. D. Wong's narration brings richness to the tale....(His) slow, steady pace heightens the listener's anticipation, and the musical background lends an authentic flavor to the recording.”

Video Librarian:  “combining suspenseful direction by Cha-Pow! and appropriately spine-tingling music by Ernest V. Troost, Lon Po Po is an artistically pleasing rendition of a classic cautionary tale.  Recommended.” Three Stars"

Families, Fairy Tales, Fear, Problem-Solving, Chinese culture, Art, Wolves
Lexile®: 670; Guided Reading Level: N
Study Guide (PDF)

Open Wide:  Tooth School Inside
Grades PreK–4
by Laurie Keller (Henry Holt)
NICK JR. BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR
HONORABLE MENTION, COLUMBUS INT’L FILM & VIDEO FESTIVAL
There’s a lot to learn for the thirty-two new students — 8 incisors, 4 canines, 8 premolars and 12 molars — at  Dr. Flossman’s Tooth School.  He has his hands full showing each student how to floss, care for the gums, and avoid the ultimate tragedy…tooth decay! Presenting fascinating facts and tasty tidbits about teeth and dental hygiene, this lively cast of characters will have viewers happily reaching for their toothbrushes.  Narrated by Michael McKean, with at least 32 others.  Music by Scotty Huff and Robert Reynolds.  Co-produced by animator Daniel Ivanick and Weston Woods.

School Library Journal:  “Lively background music and fun sound effects enhance the enjoyment.  There’s important information here, but it is so cleverly disguised that students will be surprised at just how much they have learned about their teeth and good dental hygiene.”

Dental Hygiene, Health, Humor, Learning, School
Lexile®: 360; Guided Reading Level: O
Study Guide (PDF)

Children’s Bookwatch:  “…very highly recommended…”

Video Librarian:  “…a wonderful piece, perfect for children who are welcoming new siblings, as well as dog lovers of all ages (be sure to stick around for the credits to hear cute audio outtakes of Jenkins working on her canine voices).  Highly recommended.” Three & a Half Stars.

School Library Journal:  “…splendid… Jenkins paces her reading perfectly…another winner!”

Animals, Family, Humor, Relationships
Lexile®: n/a; Guided Reading Level: L
Study Guide (PDF)

Casi
 (Ish)
by Peter H. Reynolds (Ediciones Serres)
NOW IN SPANISH!
Study Guide (PDF)

Harry, el perrito sucio
 (Harry the Dirty Dog)
by Gene Zion, ill. by Margaret Bloy Graham (HarperCollins)
NOW IN SPANISH!
Study Guide (PDF)