Koncocoo

Best Children's Mammal Books

Llama Llama Red Pajama
Tucked into bed by his mama, Baby Llama immediately starts worrying when she goes downstairs, and his soft whimpers turn to hollers when she doesn't come right back. After Mama Llama reads Baby Llama a bedtime story and turns out the light, the llama drama begins. Key worry words, such as fret , are highlighted, and for extra humor, Baby Llama's toy llama mimics his every expression.
Reviews
"Found this book on Amazon's book editors "100 Children's Books to Read in a Lifetime", which has been very handy in directing me toward books for our four grandchildren that had been published after my own children were young, and in reminding me of books I'd forgotten (need a new lock for that memory bank!). Anna Dewdney does a nice job of matching rhymes with her own whimsical illustrations in recreating the real-life scenes grandparents can recall with their own children (and young parents may be currently experiencing), in which Baby Llama (in his red pajamas) is read a bedtime story by Mama Llama, after which he's kissed goodnight and Mama heads downstairs to a sink full of dishes. Mama finally comes back in, a bit frustrated at first, then softening as she realizes he just needs a bit of reassurance... "Little Llama, don't you know, Mama Llama loves you so?"
"We bought this as a gift for a co-worker who recently had a child, knowing how much our child has loved this book at all stages of his life so far."
"Oh man this book is so cute."
"Can remind toddler how to behave by reciting simple direct and kind statements from the book."
"My 2yr old son LOVES this book."
"Good Book."
"This book made me laugh out loud the first time I read it to my son, which made him laugh too."
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National Geographic Little Kids First Big Book of Animals (National Geographic Little Kids First Big Books)
The National Geographic Little Kids First Big Book of Animals is an adorable animal reference sure to be welcomed by parents and librarians alike. Catherine D. Hughes is the author of several books in the National Geographic Little Kids First Big Book series, including Little Kids First Big Book of Dinosaurs , Little Kids First Big Book of Space , and Little Kids First Big Book of the Ocean .
Reviews
"I'm a teacher, and I use these books to write animal reports with my 1st and 2nd grade students. After I read about one animal I ask my students what they remember about the animal. I take suggestions from the students and we write two to six sentences about the animal."
"The perfect book to use for teaching toddlers about all kinds of animals."
"My daughter loves this book, it's very educational she is three and loves to look at the pictures I will definitely be ordering her more books from this series."
"My daughter loves these books!"
"This book is awesome!"
"My boys love bugs."
"The pictures and the well-made quality of the books make them absolutely worth it."
"I got this to help my toddler learn animals in a way that wasn't totally boring for us adults."
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The Christmas Wish
This New York Times bestselling Nordic tale in the tradition of The Snowman, The Polar Express, and the many books of Jan Brett will have readers of all ages believing in the magic of Christmas. The full-page photographs look like they could be movie stills, so sharp and seamless are the figures that Anja and the animals cut against the winter landscape of Northern lights, glaciers, and snowy pine trees.
Reviews
"What an adorable story."
"Great book!"
"Beautiful story."
"Beautiful story, great gift for adults and children alike."
"Sweet story, awesome photos."
"Such a Beautiful book!"
"Beautiful book to keep for years to come."
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Best Children's Mouse & Rodent Books

The Gruffalo
A mouse is taking a stroll through the deep, dark wood when along comes a hungry fox, then an owl, and then a snake. The mouse is good enough to eat but smart enough to know this, so he invents . Julia Donaldson lives in Glasgow, Scotland.
Reviews
"It's longer than you'd think would hold a baby's attention, but with wide eyes she giggles and kicks her feet with excitement."
":-). UPDATE 4/20/16: We LOVE this book... our daughter is now 18 months old and she just loves the Gruffalo, Gruffalo's Child, Stick Man, Tabby McTat... ok... all of Julie Donaldson's books... you can actually find the Gruffalo somewhere in all almost the books she writes...."
"The best part about it is the rhythm and repetition throughout the story- just love how it reads (and enjoy the illustrations that go with the story too)."
"It is a favorite around this house and our little one picks it time and time again for story time."
"Our favorite book! Julia Donaldson, you nailed it!"
""Knobby knees, turned out toes, and a poisonous wart at the end of his nose" are all times when I would touch my son's knee, toes and nose to add emphasis to the story."
"Not only does my 2.5 year old like this story, her one year old brother sits through the entire thing and often asks us to read it to him."
"Great story about a little mouse who survives by leading everyone to believe he is meeting an imaginary creature in the woods---the gruffalo!"
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Best Children's Cat Books

Dr. Seuss's Beginner Book Collection (Cat in the Hat, One Fish Two Fish, Green Eggs and Ham, Hop on Pop, Fox in Socks)
A perfect gift for new parents, birthday celebrations, and happy occasions of all kinds, this collection of five beloved Beginner Books by Dr. Seuss— The Cat in the Hat, One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish, Green Eggs and Ham, Hop on Pop, and Fox in Socks —will be cherished by young and old alike. Dr. Seuss’s long list of awards includes Caldecott Honors for McElligot’s Pool , If I Ran the Zoo , and Bartholomew and the Oobleck , the Pulitzer Prize, and eight honorary doctorates.
Reviews
"She's three, and I was looking forward to reading them to her now, and watching her learn the words, so she could 'pretend' she was reading them along with me, as I did as a child, and ultimately, letting her read them to me. I've just opened a couple of them at random and taken pics to show you the bleed-through of the images and words on the reverse side of the page."
"These books are just what you'd expect."
"These books are smaller than I remember as a kid, but upon further research all the book stores were selling Dr. Suess books this size."
"grandson loved this...i love reading it to him too!"
"I bought these as a gift for my grand baby and I liked it so much that I bought another for home so I can read to my grandchildren."
"Classic books and makes a perfect gift."
"I bought this set to go along with Her First Bible for a shower gift."
"Kind of hard to enjoy the story when the illustrations on the back of the page are showing through."
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Best Children's Farm Animal Books

Little Blue Truck board book
With a text full of truck sounds and animal noises to read aloud, here is a rollicking homage. to the power of friendship and the rewards of helping others. The first half of the book is an enchanting, toddler-entrancing symphony of animal noises and beeps. While the message might be a little heavy-handed, this is still a fun, rollicking story that should find a place in most collections.— Rachael Vilmar, Eastern Shore Regional Library, Salisbury, MD Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Reviews
"I just love stories that are cute, rhyme well and offer a good message."
"While reading through it, I found the rhymes catchy and it left the reader with a good message."
"I love that the story flows and the words are sing-songy as you read."
"We bought this book for our almost 2 year old niece!"
"My kids have loved this book for years."
"My daughter loves the blue truck and all the animals."
"I originally saw/read this book at Barnes & Noble & knew my kiddos at school would love it."
"A great story about why it's important to treat people with respect, and how having friends to help you in life is invaluable."
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Best Children's Bear Books

Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?
A big happy frog, a plump purple cat, a handsome blue horse, and a soft yellow duck--all parade across the pages of this delightful book. Born in Kansas, he worked as an elementary-school principal in Chicago before moving to New York City, where he worked in publishing developing innovative reading programs for schools. He lived in the east Texas woods, near the town of Commerce, until he passed away in 2004.
Reviews
"I know it seems like a simple book, but there's a lot more depth to be uncovered on repeated readings, as I've had the luxury of experiencing every night (and sometimes multiple times during the day) for the last three months. But as it unfolds, we are... *** SPOILERS BELOW ***. ... taken through a tour of the real and familiar (brown bears, red birds) along with the fantastically surreal (blue horses, purple cats). As the pages turn, we learn that all characters are being watched: from the strong (the bear), to the useful (blue horse), to the outcast (black sheep). As the camera pulls back, we learn that each animal is merely a minor player with myopic vision. With the introduction of this (white) teacher we realize that these characters who seemed to be free, roaming in their natural habitat, are actually prisoners trapped in the hardbound confines of this book. "We see a brown bear, a red bird, a yellow duck, a blue horse, a green frog, a purple cat, a white dog, a black sheep, a goldfish, and a teacher LOOKING AT US. How tight must the children's tyrannical grip be to force an entire population into unified submissive silence? But through the bear's opening omission we learn that even he is too scared of the children to publicly acknowledge their existence. The true revelation to this book's opening question is not that the brown bear sees the red bird. I don't believe the rumors that this book originated as recruitment propaganda by US intelligence agencies to entice young children to join an elite, "all-seeing" organization that has complete control over the rest of the population, including its powerless authority figures. Instead, I like to believe that Martin wrote this book (just one year after regular US troops were deployed to Vietnam) as a subversive allegory daring to ask the question "Who watches the watchers?""
"I find this one awkward compared to the original."
"Don't hesitate to get this book----the best gift you can give your kids is a book!"
"Purchased this book for a beginning reader."
"A sweet, cute book for a toddler just happens to be this repetitive story."
"Little granddaughter coming to visit from out of state."
"Although he's not what I consider learning to read-age he memorized the book after I read it twice to him, not to mention that there are some word recognition activities after the story."
"My daughter loves it."
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Best Children's Pig Books

Richard Scarry's Cars and Trucks and Things That Go
It's time to start your engines in this Richard Scarry classic all about vehicles! Even 11-, 12-, and 13-year-olds are known to pore over the book nostalgically, cooing at Lowly Worm and eagerly tracking Officer Flossie's book-long chase after that irresponsible, speedster driver in a cowboy hat.
Reviews
"It will probably take us years before we can fully soak in everything that is illustrated in this book."
"Gave this to a truck loving toddler for Christmas."
"My kids loved these books and the appeal is still there."
"Some of the things in it are quite literal (i.e. a hot dog car is really a hot dog car)."
"I read this book over 40 years ago as a little boy and I still have my copy.... Fast forward to 2017, I gave a copy as a gift to my minster for her baby boy and the book still kicks butt........."
"Fun book to read with toddlers."
"My son of 18 months loves this book a lot."
"My 3 year old son is obsessed with this book."
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Best Children's Pet Books

The Most Magnificent Thing
The girl's frustration and anger are vividly depicted in the detailed art, and the story offers good options for dealing honestly with these feelings, while at the same time reassuring children that it's okay to make mistakes. The girl doesn't just "make" her magnificent thing -- she "tinkers and hammers and measures," she "smoothes and wrenches and fiddles," she "twists and tweaks and fastens." These precise action words are likely to fire up the imaginations of youngsters eager to create their own inventions and is a great tie-in to learning about Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. Fanciful illustrations depict the spindly, cartoonish characters; the girl’s intricate found-object contraptions; and colorful scenarios against black-and-white line drawings of a city-neighborhood setting. With witty and whimsical elements (including the dog’s side antics), this supportively portrays the sometimes-frustrating process of translating ideas to reality and shows how a new perspective can help problem solve and rekindle enthusiasm and joy.
Reviews
"My two year old loves it, my six year old enjoyed it."
"This is an awesome book that I got to encourage my girls and their friends to be engineers."
"Totally helps address the idea of perfectionism in children."
"We enjoyed this book so much we have it to my niece as a gift."
"Favorite new book."
"I really liked this book because it is a relatable story of creation."
"Great book!"
"Great addition to my classroom."
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Best Children's Dog Books

The Most Magnificent Thing
The girl's frustration and anger are vividly depicted in the detailed art, and the story offers good options for dealing honestly with these feelings, while at the same time reassuring children that it's okay to make mistakes. The girl doesn't just "make" her magnificent thing -- she "tinkers and hammers and measures," she "smoothes and wrenches and fiddles," she "twists and tweaks and fastens." These precise action words are likely to fire up the imaginations of youngsters eager to create their own inventions and is a great tie-in to learning about Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. Fanciful illustrations depict the spindly, cartoonish characters; the girl’s intricate found-object contraptions; and colorful scenarios against black-and-white line drawings of a city-neighborhood setting. With witty and whimsical elements (including the dog’s side antics), this supportively portrays the sometimes-frustrating process of translating ideas to reality and shows how a new perspective can help problem solve and rekindle enthusiasm and joy.
Reviews
"My two year old loves it, my six year old enjoyed it."
"I like that it teaches determination and I'm glad I got it at a reduced price."
"This is an awesome book that I got to encourage my girls and their friends to be engineers."
"Totally helps address the idea of perfectionism in children."
"We enjoyed this book so much we have it to my niece as a gift."
"Great book!"
"Great addition to my classroom."
"Great story, great art work."
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Best Children's Baby Animal Books

If Animals Kissed Good Night
If animals kissed. like we kiss good night, Giraffe and his calf. would stretch their necks high. and kiss just beneath. the top of the sky. Would Wolf and his pup "kiss and then HOWL"? A follow-up to Paul and Walker’s other bedtime tome, Little Monkey Says Good Night (2003), this book offers charming, fanciful visions of parents and children of various species preparing for sleep. Using soft color, Walker renders the nighttime rituals inventively, across pages and around panels, making this gentle book a satisfying bedtime selection.
Reviews
"Cute book!"
"This story creates a bond between child and parent that places emphasis on what is known already, which can be necessary when reading to younger children."
"My 15 month old loves this book!!!"
"What a sweet and lovely book for my toddler."
"Very sweet illustrations and story."
"Great..the first book was damaged..the company graciously sent me another free of charge."
"Sweet book I bought for my niece's 1 year old daughter."
"The edges were damaged."
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Best Children's Zoo Books

The One and Only Ivan
Inspired by the true story of a captive gorilla known as Ivan, this illustrated book is told from the point of view of Ivan himself. This paperback edition includes an author's note highlighting the differences between the fictional story and true events, a version of the author's Newbery Medal acceptance speech, Ivan's "signature," discussion questions, and more. Starred Review, Kirkus Reviews: "How Ivan confronts his harrowing past yet stays true to his nature exemplifies everything youngsters need to know about courage.”. Starred Review, School Library Journal: “The characters will capture readers’ hearts and never let go. "Discover an animal hero that will take his place with other courageous and beloved animals such as Babe, Mrs. Frisby, Charlotte and Wilbur. "Beautifully written, intelligent, and brave book…Quite simply, this story is life-changing.”. --Patricia MacLachlan, Newbery Medalist, Sarah, Plain and Tall. "The One and Only Ivan will break your heart--and then, against all odds, mend it again."
Reviews
"When my 11-year-old finished reading this novel, his first statement was, “I LOVED that book!” With an endorsement like that and because it was the first instance where he ‘stopped time,’ I had to read the book too. In it, the author says,” We live in a world where children are bullied into despair and even suicide; where armed guards in a school hallway are considered desirable; where libraries are padlocked because of budget cuts; where breakfast and backpacks, for too many children are unaffordable luxuries.”. “What makes children better than the rest of us is that they are buoyant, unrepentant optimists.”. As a writer, reader, and lover of words, I make it a habit to ‘stop time’ whenever I come across sparkling phrases that deserve homage. A ‘stop time’ is where we stop whatever we are doing to read out loud and to listen; we listen to both the author’s words and to what made that phrase so meaningful to the reader. The first ‘stop time’ that my son called happened when Ivan makes an impossible promise to Ruby, the baby elephant."
"Bought it for my 4th grade nephew."
"Great read for kids!"
"This is a fun little book."
"My 11 year old son loved this book--it was hard for him to put it down."
"it was a gift for brothers who like to read."
"Touching, and based on a true story.. my 8 yo enjoyed it very much."
"Christmas gift - I'm sure he likes it cause he likes the author."
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Best Children's Bird Books

It's a Busload of Pigeon Books! (NEW ISBN)
It's a busload of the Pigeon books!
Reviews
"And this is a great set of the first three books (I think there are currently 5 full-length Pigeon books, 2 shorter books, and an Activity Book)."
"Our family enjoys Mo Willems books."
"I bought these for a 2 year old and she absolutely loves them!"
"These books are great for small hands and my great-granddaughter loves the bus."
"The books in this set are smaller than usual and edited a bit but the spirit of the story is still there, and they are board books so good for little hands."
"This particular set made it affordable for me to read these books to my students."
"Grand daughter & grand son loved it."
"They are not just fun to read, they are also written in a way that allows the reader to engage the child in playing along, to participate by adding their own comments and observations to the pigeon's latest crazy scheme."
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Best Children's Fish Books

The Pout-Pout Fish (A Pout-Pout Fish Adventure)
Fish swims about. With his fish face stuck. In a permanent pout. Swim along with the pout-pout fish as he discovers that being glum and spreading “dreary wearies” isn’t really his destiny. Bright ocean colors and playful rhyme come together in this fun fish story that’s sure to turn even the poutiest of frowns upside down.
Reviews
"First, that how we see ourselves can become a self-fulfilling prophesy... if we compare ourselves unfavorably to others in our circle (i.e. so-and-so can do such-and-such much better than I, such-and-such comes so easily for others but not for me, I'm not as loveable as so-and-so), and keep re-playing that tape in our heads (perhaps reinforced by how we feel others view us), then what we "see" in that mirror is who we'll end up being. The other is that we are capable of influencing others in positive ways by demonstrating simple acts of kindness and compassion, much moreso than using words to point out faults or telling people how they "should" be, "should" feel, "should" act."
"Started reading this to my grandson when he was about 8 months old,,,, he loves it!"
"My daughters favorite book."
"My son loves this book and I love reading it too."
"Such a cute book!"
"Very cute book."
"Bought for a gift."
"HORRIBLE message, and here is the spoiler - the pout pout fish receives and UNSOLICITED KISS FROM A STRANGER, and it makes him happy."
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Best Children's Duck Books

The Pigeon Finds a Hot Dog!
The Pigeon Finds a Hot Dog! is the companion to Mo's first children's book, Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! Willems's deceptively simple cartoon drawings convincingly portray his protagonist's emotional dilemma, from his initial joy to his frustration and struggle over what he wants to do versus what he knows is right. Robin L. Gibson, formerly at Perry County District Library, New Lexington, OH Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Reviews
"I cannot help but get a kick out of Gerald and Piggie, and the humor in the book was right up my ally as the two friends plan for a road trip."
"I pair this book with the Disney song, Naked Mole Rat."
"Let's Go for a Drive is my daughter's favorite of all the Elephant & Piggie books!"
"WE are all excited to read this series maks my 5 year old daughter very motivated to read and we all love these books."
"They were great books that my almost 7 and almost 4 year olds both loved."
"I love when they have surprise friends in the books too!"
"The kids love it - and you know kids these days need to be reminded to use their imaginations, which this does."
"I love giving these books at baby showers and 1st birthdays."
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Best Children's Rabbit Books

Beatrix Potter the Complete Tales (Peter Rabbit)
A special section at the end of this volume contains four additional works by Beatrix Potter that were not published during her lifetime. The Tale of Peter Rabbit¸ published in 1902, was her first book, expanded from an illustrated letter she had sent to a young friend.
Reviews
"Loved this collection when I was a kid and now sharing with my daughter."
"I've wanted this for my daughter for years."
"Peter Rabbit, his friends, Mr. Todd, Johnny-Town Mouse, Timmy Tip Toes, Ginger and Pickles, our favorite-Mrs.Tiggy-Winkle as well as many more characters are timeless treasures to be enjoyed over and over again!"
"he is one who hates to try new books because he can read the ones he loves over and over. he is learning to read so most of the time it gets read to him but now it is a series of the same characters like his cartoon series so we don't get bored reading Seven Silly Eaters every night or Miss Suzy."
"A gift which was much appreciated."
"It was exactly what I was looking for and in great shape."
"super books, super price, fast shipping; daughter loved them."
"Boxed set 1-23. This review is regarding the poor printing quality of the books that are currently being sold. From all my research on Beatrix Potter, I understand she wanted to have the books printed as cheaply as possible to be able to reach as many children as possible, but 111 years later, we should expect a higher quality than what is being published opposed to even one year ago. February 28, 1938, Beatrix Potter gave advice to Josephine and Delmar Banner regarding publication of their artwork. Rather than to have their work reproduced badly, she advised them to redesign the pages to allow for current publishing practices because, "Children deserve the best" (Letters 387). If this a problem with Penguin publishers in UK, they need to step up and implement a review of their quality control practices."
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Best Children's Turtle Books

Yertle the Turtle and Other Stories
The collection features tales about greed (“Yertle the Turtle”), vanity (“Gertrude McFuzz”), and pride (“The Big Brag”). Seuss, this cheerful trio of tales teaches some valuable lessons in humility--thanks to a sharp-eyed worm, a bragging bear and rabbit, a fuzzy-tailed bird, and a couple hundred turtles led by their foolish King Yertle. Meanwhile, in "The Big Brag," a proud rabbit and an even-prouder bear duke it out in a battle of the senses, arguing over who's the best of the beasts, only to get their clever comeuppance from a wild-eyed little worm.
Reviews
"Got this for a neighbor's boy who's turning 6."
"One of the best children's books of all time."
"Bought it for a friend of mine who never read (never having children) as a representation of the president to be."
"An absolute classic and totally relevant today."
"Bought this for my grandsons and it was a huge hit!"
"It's Dr. Seuss."
"The Little guy (who is 7) loved these stories."
"I remember this one only vaguely from childhood."
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Best Children's Horse Books

Rush Revere and the Brave Pilgrims: Time-Travel Adventures with Exceptional Americans
America’s #1 radio talk-show host and multi-million-copy #1 New York Times bestselling author presents a book for young readers with a history teacher who travels back in time to have adventures with exceptional Americans. Talk about a rock star—this guy wanted to protect young America so badly, he rode through those bumpy, cobblestone-y streets shouting “the British are coming!” On a horse. But what if you could get the real picture—by actually going back in time and seeing with your own eyes how our great country came to be? Our exceptional nation is waiting to be discovered all over again by exceptional young patriots— like you ! After offering a wide-ranging definition of American exceptionalism that begins with the statement that the U.S. is a “land built on true freedom and individual liberty, and it defends both around the world,” Limbaugh goes on to explain that the Founders believed all people were born to be “free as individuals.” Really? The book’s premise is that a substitute history teacher, Rush Revere, who dresses like his hero, Paul, along with his talking horse, Liberty, can go back in time. The text is wordy, and many of the pages are spent on the banter between Rush and Liberty, occasionally amusing but mostly just filling space, as do the tedious explanations of the way time travel works. They hadn’t been spoiled by wall-to-wall carpets, central heating and microwave ovens.” The fact that many modern-day people do experience incredible hardships, albeit different from the Pilgrims, seems not to have occurred to Limbaugh. Apparently, the turnaround for the struggling colony came “when every family was assigned its own plot of land to work.” Rush Revere drives home the point that it was after the Pilgrims stopped sharing the profits that success was ensured.
Reviews
"Great story to get your kids interested in the history of our nation."
"Does not gloss over or belittle of Pilgrims' accomplishments."
"Gift for my home-schooled granddaughter."
"My 8 yr old loves these books!"
"my grandson of 8 can't wait for the next one."
"Humor to teach US history."
"purchased copies for all the grandchildren."
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Best Children's Marine Life Books

Wild Oceans: A Pop-up Book with Revolutionary Technology
Journey into the mysterious world under the sea as 3-D pop-ups swing off the page, bringing to life whales, dolphins, angler fish, and much more! Using the ocean as their milieu, the Santoros (pop-up creators of Journey to the Moon, 2007, and Predators, 2008) provide solid information along with amazing visuals.
Reviews
"This is a really cool educational book that young children will LOVE!"
"I would recommend it to any parent whose child needs to be brought towards loving books."
"I bought it for my three year old, the book is very advanced for her but she still likes looking at the pop ups."
"Great book for a 5 year old."
"Cute and awesome book."
"My son absolutely loves this."
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Best Children's Elephant Books

The One and Only Ivan: A Harper Classic
Inspired by the true story of a captive gorilla known as Ivan, this illustrated book is told from the point of view of Ivan himself. This Harper Classic edition includes an author's note highlighting the differences between the fictional story and true events, a. letter from Ivan's caretaker at Zoo Atlanta, Ivan's "signature," discussion questions, and more. ★ “Animal-loving youngsters and their adults will find plenty of food for thought in Ivan’s extraordinary story.” (Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books (starred review) ). ★ “Exemplifies everything youngsters need to know about courage.” (Kirkus Reviews (starred review) ). “Discover an animal hero that will take his place with other courageous and beloved animals such as Babe, Mrs. Frisby, Charlotte and Wilbur.
Reviews
"When my 11-year-old finished reading this novel, his first statement was, “I LOVED that book!” With an endorsement like that and because it was the first instance where he ‘stopped time,’ I had to read the book too. In it, the author says,” We live in a world where children are bullied into despair and even suicide; where armed guards in a school hallway are considered desirable; where libraries are padlocked because of budget cuts; where breakfast and backpacks, for too many children are unaffordable luxuries.”. “What makes children better than the rest of us is that they are buoyant, unrepentant optimists.”. As a writer, reader, and lover of words, I make it a habit to ‘stop time’ whenever I come across sparkling phrases that deserve homage. A ‘stop time’ is where we stop whatever we are doing to read out loud and to listen; we listen to both the author’s words and to what made that phrase so meaningful to the reader. The first ‘stop time’ that my son called happened when Ivan makes an impossible promise to Ruby, the baby elephant."
"great book for children, my son was reading this at school and just had to have it for home too."
"It had some sad parts and some good parts.I think that this is the best story I ever read."
"Great read for kids!"
"Great audiobook for the family."
"Christmas gift - I'm sure he likes it cause he likes the author."
"Easy, quick and interesting reading."
"Great novel with a deep message and memorable characters."
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Best Children's Dinosaur Books

Encyclopedia Prehistorica Dinosaurs : The Definitive Pop-Up
With each of six spreads featuring one spectacular, large pop-up as well as booklets of smaller pop-ups and text, ENCYCLOPEDIA PREHISTORICA: DINOSAURS is a magnificent display of paper engineering and creativity — an astonishing book that will be read, admired, and treasured forever. Rendered in warm earth tones and speckled with splashes of color, the three-dimensional creatures move with a life of their own as they gracefully extend their bodies into a full stretch or lurch toward readers with jaws open wide.
Reviews
"I am including a video so you can sort of see the depth and involvement this brings. Types of dinos, Carnivores, Herbivores, Feathered, Armored, Biggest etc. He wants it read as a bedtime story but there is so much info you could prob do 1 page per night and extend it out."
"I have to read the book to my four-year-old. It costs more than most 12-page books. We bought the Encyclopedia Prehistorica Dinosaurs because we like to give each of our boys a good book for Christmas each year. We give them the book on Christmas Eve so we can sit quietly as a family and read the evening before Krampus comes to destroy us all. Bucky just turned four, and as a helicopter parent, I feel like I still need to hover over him when he’s reading the book so he closes all the pop-ups and doesn’t smash them. Anyway, I strongly recommend this book if you have a youngster in your life who is interested in dinosaurs, pop-up books, and the inevitable decline of man."
"I'd say that the reading level is fairly advanced - maybe 4th grade, but even at such a young age, my son gets a kick out of the animals and tries to rip their tail off or whatever."
"He went through every page & opened every flap to tell us all about the dinosaurs he was seeing."
"He is so enthralled with the dynamic of this book and encourages him to be inquisitive and learn about things they aren't teaching in daycare."
"Unfortunately he's a weapon of mass destruction so the book stays out of his reach, but I was amazed at the quality and just how many pop-ups there are in this book!"
"It’s very delicate in some places so it’s a great book for adults to read to smaller kids."
"My two year old son is obsessed with dinosaurs so this is his favorite book."
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Best Children's Fox & Wolf Books

Pax
From bestselling and award-winning author Sara Pennypacker comes a beautifully wrought, utterly compelling novel about the powerful relationship between a boy and his fox. He strikes out on his own despite the encroaching war, spurred by love, loyalty, and grief, to be reunited with his fox.
Reviews
"It's a beautifully written story."
"Targeted at the 8 – 12 year old group, Sara Pennypacker’s latest novel “Pax” is a book that carries universal truths and one that will touch readers of any age. “…distrust is no match for kindness administered consistently and unmeasured …”. Having enlisted in the army, Peter’s father takes his son to live with his grandfather and demands that Peter release “Pax” back into the wild. A broken leg, an encounter with an amputee-veteran whose unnamed war occurred twenty years previously, and a realization – by both Peter and “Pax” – that each must be true to his own nature creates an emotional, poignant story that will touch your heart. Writing in the third person voice, Sara Pennypacker alternates the focus of “Pax” between developments affecting Peter and those in which “Pax” learns what it is to be a fox."
"A truly beautiful book however I think kids should be over 10 prior to reading it."
"A story about the bond between a fox and a boy."
"Fabulous!"
"wonderful story."
"11 year and 9 year old daughter both liked this book."
"Great story for all of us!"
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Best Children's Frog & Toad Books

The Wide-Mouthed Frog (A Pop-Up Book)
From the Okefenokee Swamp comes a frog with a wide mouth that he just loves to use. PreS?A greatly condensed, pop-up edition of the universally known story of the bragging wide-mouthed frog who ends up changing his tune and trying to make his mouth as tiny as possible.
Reviews
"Great book, I really like the pop ups on the animals, but it wasn't much of a story."
"My 4 y old son loves this book: he takes his playmobil little men and puts them in the mouth of the frog, in the beck of the bird, he runs away from crocodile."
"This gets our vote as a quick and fun read that doesn't feel burdensome when your toddler asks for it for the bazillionth time."
"Delightful choice for pre- and early school youngsters."
"My 3 year old likes this book."
"This book is so fun to read to the kids."
"My kids' favorite pop up book ever."
"Omg this book is not only for kids amusement and laugh!"
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Best Children's Ape & Monkey Books

The One and Only Ivan
Inspired by the true story of a captive gorilla known as Ivan, this illustrated book is told from the point of view of Ivan himself. This paperback edition includes an author's note highlighting the differences between the fictional story and true events, a version of the author's Newbery Medal acceptance speech, Ivan's "signature," discussion questions, and more. Starred Review, Kirkus Reviews: "How Ivan confronts his harrowing past yet stays true to his nature exemplifies everything youngsters need to know about courage.”. Starred Review, School Library Journal: “The characters will capture readers’ hearts and never let go. "Discover an animal hero that will take his place with other courageous and beloved animals such as Babe, Mrs. Frisby, Charlotte and Wilbur. "Beautifully written, intelligent, and brave book…Quite simply, this story is life-changing.”. --Patricia MacLachlan, Newbery Medalist, Sarah, Plain and Tall. "The One and Only Ivan will break your heart--and then, against all odds, mend it again."
Reviews
"When my 11-year-old finished reading this novel, his first statement was, “I LOVED that book!” With an endorsement like that and because it was the first instance where he ‘stopped time,’ I had to read the book too. In it, the author says,” We live in a world where children are bullied into despair and even suicide; where armed guards in a school hallway are considered desirable; where libraries are padlocked because of budget cuts; where breakfast and backpacks, for too many children are unaffordable luxuries.”. “What makes children better than the rest of us is that they are buoyant, unrepentant optimists.”. As a writer, reader, and lover of words, I make it a habit to ‘stop time’ whenever I come across sparkling phrases that deserve homage. A ‘stop time’ is where we stop whatever we are doing to read out loud and to listen; we listen to both the author’s words and to what made that phrase so meaningful to the reader. The first ‘stop time’ that my son called happened when Ivan makes an impossible promise to Ruby, the baby elephant."
"great book for children, my son was reading this at school and just had to have it for home too."
"It had some sad parts and some good parts.I think that this is the best story I ever read."
"Great read for kids!"
"Great audiobook for the family."
"Christmas gift - I'm sure he likes it cause he likes the author."
"Easy, quick and interesting reading."
"My seven year old son and I loved this book."
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Best Children's Bug & Spider Books

The Very Hungry Caterpillar
THE all-time classic picture book, from generation to generation, sold somewhere in the world every 30 seconds! More than 12 million copies of this book have been sold in its original, full-sized edition, and the beloved tale of science and gluttony has been translated into 20 languages. Despite its diminished state, the book is complete in every detail, following the ravenous caterpillar's path as he eats his way through one apple (and the pages of the book itself) on Monday, two pears on Tuesday, three plums on Wednesday, and so on, through cherry pie and sausage--until he is really fat and has a stomachache. Kids love butterfly metamorphosis stories, and this popular favorite teaches counting and the days of the week, too. Tomie dePaola is the author and illustrator of Strega Nona: Her Story and countless other books. Tomie dePaola: When I was only four years old, I announced to my family in particular and to the world in general that I was going to become an artist, and write stories and draw pictures for books. Eric Carle: My career began as a graphic designer and for a number of years I worked as an art director for an advertising agency in New York. After that, I started to create my own books, both words and pictures, and really it was then that I had found my true course in life. My style began to develop early in art school, and through the years, it hasn’t changed very much, but it has refined itself. I always think of the wonderful advice I received from my twin cousins when they were in art school in the late '30s. But I am truly honored that my story is enjoyed by so many and that it is now being shared by a generation of parents who grew up with my book. Eric Carle: On The Very Hungry Caterpillar Day, March 20th, I will probably be at home with my wife, Bobbie (I am a bit of a hermit, actually).
Reviews
"The different sized pages in the middle of the book (after the caterpillar pops out of his egg on Sunday morning) showing different foods with holes punched in the centers to indicate where he's nibbled through them are darling - each page is thick enough that I think I'm going to cut a caterpillar-sized piece of green pipecleaner to give him so he can watch his very own caterpillar making its way through the one red apple he eats on Monday, two green pears on Tuesday, three purple plums on Wednesday, four red strawberries on Thursday, five bright orange oranges on Friday, and then the variety of multi-colored foods (probably not a caterpillar's scientifically accurate diet, but fun!)."
"The book itself is cute and perfect to read for babies and toddlers (repetition teaching days of the week, numbers 1-7, fruits and other foods, and life cycle). It is a solid, sturdy, proper board book with smooth finished edges that I feel comfortable having a baby touch (or even if they suck on it before you notice and pull it out of their mouth). The plush toy is also very well constructed with no loose seems and withstands gentle tugging on the ears, legs, and colored fringy hairs (of course you always need be careful with babies and choking on anything and not let them suck on this more than a moment or unsupervised)."
"I've just got him the bath book version, for his love for the caterpillar :))."
"Delightful story, beautiful art, clever little "bite" holes in the pages, and even a gentle lesson about caterpillars and butterflies."
"This is my 2 year olds favorite book."
"Clever story, well-written, too."
"My granddaughter really enjoys this book and we read it several times a day."
"Went great with the big stuffed caterpillar I got my niece for the holidays!!!"
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Best Children's Reptile & Amphibian Books

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them: The Original Screenplay
J.K. Rowling's screenwriting debut is captured in this exciting hardcover edition of the Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them screenplay. She has written three companion volumes in aid of charity: Quidditch Through the Ages and Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (in aid of Comic Relief), and The Tales of Beedle the Bard (in aid of Lumos), as well as a screenplay inspired by Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.
Reviews
"I did not read this until after I had seen the movie, so I had the visuals playing in my head as I read, down to Newt's awkward lovability and Jacob's wonder."
"Once again Ms. Rowling delivers a fantastical world within our own."
"In whatever form, this world created by JK Rowling will always be amazing."
"Great prequel of Potter universe."
"Huge Potterhead!"
"Fantastic Beasts was exactly what I expected from the author."
"Though I would suggest going to see the movie first, so you can read the screenplay in the characters voices."
"Amazing and exciting story!!"
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Best Children's Alligator & Crocodile Books

The Wide-Mouthed Frog (A Pop-Up Book)
From the Okefenokee Swamp comes a frog with a wide mouth that he just loves to use. PreS?A greatly condensed, pop-up edition of the universally known story of the bragging wide-mouthed frog who ends up changing his tune and trying to make his mouth as tiny as possible.
Reviews
"Great book, I really like the pop ups on the animals, but it wasn't much of a story."
"My 4 y old son loves this book: he takes his playmobil little men and puts them in the mouth of the frog, in the beck of the bird, he runs away from crocodile."
"It's not a very long story, but that's fine since toddlers don't like to sit still for long."
"This gets our vote as a quick and fun read that doesn't feel burdensome when your toddler asks for it for the bazillionth time."
"Delightful choice for pre- and early school youngsters."
"My 3 year old likes this book."
"This great popup book was favorite of my grandkids and little kids in Sunday School."
"This book is so fun to read to the kids."
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Best Children's Lion, Tiger & Leopard Books

Sleep Like a Tiger (Caldecott Medal - Honors Winning Title(s))
2013 Randolph Caldecott Honor Award. After they kiss her goodnight and turn out the light, the child incorporates her parents' descriptions of the various animals into her nighttime routine. Her attention to detail can be found again on the endpapers where primitive circuslike train cars, a tiger riding proudly atop one of them, appear in sunlight and later in moonlight. The dust jacket depicting the sleeping youngster curled up beside a dozing tiger ushers in the gentle and calm mood of this memorable picture book.-Lynn Vanca, Freelance Librarian, Akron, OHα(c) Copyright 2011.
Reviews
"Cute story!"
"This is a beautifully illustrated book with a comforting story that will help little ones sleep."
"Exactly as described and arrived as promised."
"Item arrived promptly and as described."
"One of our absolute favorite books."
"As my grandson was busy saying he didn't want to take a nap, and I said he didn't have to, I started reading this story, and the calm dialogue and peaceful pictures put him to sleep every time!!!!"
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