It may be interesting to learn that I did not read this book in school.  I was never given the opportunity to read this classic in Jr or regular High School.  I’m sort of glad of that fact.  I’m not sure of I would have taken to reading it with such ferocity as I did when a friend recommended the book to me now.  I loved the tale of a community inflicted with sameness and the struggle that grew inside a little boy when faced with the knowledge of the world before the differences were disregarded.  Every twist made me want to read further – and even though I adore books with more open ended finales – I wish this one gave me a more concrete idea of where Jonas and the little one ended up.  I have heard that this book is a series – and I may have to look into the other books as well.  But as far as I am concerned, I had a blast discovering this classic.

I know there is also a movie coming – but do yourself a favor and read the book first.

I was going to save this until October – but in reality I found this book last April in one of the Boston Public Libraries and have had it in the arsenal ever since.  I thought it was time to break it out and let the world know how much I love this book!  It’s a hilarious look at monsters and a little boy who wasn’t afraid to help them look their best!

I am so excited since starting the Preschool Building Stories where I get to talk to librarians about their favorite titles – including my favorite books – the wordless picture books!  This is one of the more impressive books I have come across.  As I always tell the people who come to the workshops – wordless picture books are so fantastic and work so well with kids who have a great imagination – but they are even better for children with a more concrete way of thinking – with a harder time using their imaginations.  They also teach children that books are more about the fantastic stories inside and not just about learning to read.

This hilarious and surprisingly accurate storybook was introduced to me by the librarian at the Norwell Library.  When I asked her what books were her favorite to read she immediately went to the bookcase that housed this gem and plucked it off the shelf.  I leafed through the book giggled my way through it.  Not only is it extremely funny – but the ending is so perfect as well!  I love idea of this story and think it’s a perfect read for anyday day of the week!

Bill Thomson continues to amaze and give David Weisner a run for his money in the wordless picture book category.  This book follows a young man discovering a special power where, after discovering a fossil, the thing appears in front of him – even though it has been extinct for millions of years.  The real adventure begins when he finds a fossil of a Pterodactyl.  Make sure you seek out this book and enjoy this amazing find!

Here is one of my favorite books to read about family!  What better month to read about family than November. When you sit down around your table this Thanksgiving this year, take a moment to tell your Grandmother or Grandfather how much you love them. Too many people are without their loved ones and this time a year it highlights it a little more than any other time.

I think that books with messages are great – of course they are meant to entertain – but if you have a way of working a message in as well. well, then you really have something special! The better thing, if you can work it in, is give a child a power against a fear. This books talks about how the child in the story conquers his fear of the dark.  Pick it up – especially in this great, spooky month!

Here we are heading back to school!  Bullying is still a really big topic these days - and for good reason – no one should have to be bullied.  There is another aspect of bullying that we should not overlook and that is children standing up for themselves.  This book handles both sides of the coin very well and is a perfect resource for anyone who is having trouble dealing with with this senstive issue.

Try staying out of the heat with a library visit well, make sure to check out this very funny book! This is a whole series and each one os pretty hilarious – but this one is my absolute favorite! It makes me crack a smile everytime I read it – mainly due to the Duck’s unique ability to keep everyone smiling through every page!  Check it out today!

Steve Jenkins has been a favorite of mine for a LONG time – one of the best books I have offered up as a BOTM was a classic of his called Looking Down. Mix this with my love for watching birds and you have a winning combination and a winner of a children’s book!  One of the best things about taking interests in birds is hearing their different calls and telling them apart!