The Best of 2011

Picture Books

Why Do I Have to Make My Bed? Or a History of Messy Rooms by Wade Bradford,  Illustrated by Johanna van der Steere, Tricycle Press

The age-old question of children across America turns out to really be an age-old question. As Mom attempts to answer the question, she harkens back to her grandmother, who then looks back a generation or two and so on, until we are passing up the ancient Egyptians for a cave family of 40,000 B.C. The answer is the same for the children of every time period and generation, and our modern-day child is convinced enough to make his bed in the end.

A truly original, funny take on a common childhood issue that brings history to life at the same time. The watercolor and photo-shopped illustrations are bright, charming, lively, and a perfect complement to the great text. One of the first “must-haves” of 2011!

The Umbrella by Indrid and Dieter Schubert, Lemnicscaat, For all ages

A little doc is carried away on a windy day by a red umbrella, and so his wordless adventures around the world begin. He is carried up above the clouds and comes back through to fly over Africa, under the ocean, through the tropical rainforest, to the top of the polar ice cap, and more until he returns home by moonlight. Large, glossy pages show paintings of great depth and detail while also showing vistas of beautiful landscapes. Simply gorgeous with endless possibilities for storytelling.

Non-Fiction Children’s

Wise at Heart: Children and Adults Share Words of Wisdom by Brody Hartman, Dr. Richard Steckel and Michele Steckel, Kids Can Press

This book is the result of a year-long project that collected insights from nearly 600 children and elders, some famous but many not. Divided into “circles of wisdom” each section is a series of quotes and beautiful photographs to inspire, teach, and widen the capacity of compassion and caring for young people. “Wise Inside” encourages readers to believe in themselves and to grow happy and passionate. “Peace Wise” encourages love, honor, respect, and peaceful conflict resolution, as well as some wisdom about hate. “Nature Wise,” as you would expect, includes quotes about respecting the earth and learning from the natural world. A great section at the end on how to use this book to further conversation or in the classroom is included. Large, colorful photos of children around the world and large text complement each other perfectly. A book you can turn to through many ages and stages of childhood. Beautiful!

For Babies

Welcome to the World by Valerie Wyatt, photographs by Lennette Newell, Kids Can Press

A small hardcover with big and close-up photos of irresistible baby faces; the text talks to baby about the sights and sounds and feelings coming ahead in exploring the world. The language is simple enough for babies, but lyrical as well which makes it a joy to read aloud and gives babies the variety of sounds that help them learn language: You will see hight chase dark, as clouds pass by. The best baby book of 2011–beautiful.

For Teachers

Social Studies and Me! Using Children’s Books to Learn About Our World  by Sally Anderson, Gryphon House

“Social studies” sounds so academic for young children, but really this book is help in helping kids explore what they naturally want to, which is themselves, friends, family, people like themselves and different, and the world. Ever mindful that learning doesn’t stop at school, the author has included a “Connect with Families” section within every book and activity, as well as reproducible sheets to send home to families.   CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ABOUT IT.