Little kids will have no problem identifying with the frustrated protagonist in Polly Dunbar’s handsome, oversize picture book, Arthur’s Dream Boat. A young boy named Arthur wakes up one morning, excited about an “amazing” dream he’s just had. Understandably, Arthur can’t wait to tell his family all about it. And to the delight of keen-eyed readers, there is—literally—a tiny boat balanced on Arthur’s head.

This chapter book for young’uns (ages 6-9) is short and sweet. But it touches upon important lessons. In just 160 pages, Chinese-American fourth grader Anna Wang learns how to appreciate her heritage, helps a friend deal with her parents’ separation, and teaches readers how to sew their very own lunch bags (simple instructions are included!).

Today, May 23, is the birthday of Margaret Wise Brown (1910-1952). Even those who don’t recognize the name will most likely recognize her book, Goodnight Moon, which was originally published in 1947 and is still a staple when it comes to bedtime reading for young children.

Fortunately, many of Brown’s stories and poems are still in print today. How many can you name from the excerpts below? And shame on you if you don’t recognize the line from Goodnight Moon!

In The Cloud Spinner, by Michael Catchpool, illustrated by Alison Jay, we’re introduced to a young boy with a special talent: He can weave cloth made from the clouds—a skill learned from his wise mother. On top of a hill, with a spinning wheel and a loom, the boy gathers the clouds as they pass and turns them into thread and then cloth. ... This is an enchanting fairy tale with an important modern-day message. 

Twelve-year-old Carley Connors is in a pickle. Her new stepfather’s abusive, her mother’s too weak to stop him, and Carley’s beyond angry at the world. So when she winds up in foster care, she’s determined to hate the new family just like she hates her old one. But sometimes life is full of surprises. 

Today is the birthday of L. Frank Baum, author of The Wizard of Oz. Written after a string of professional and creative failures, Baum's creation has become an American classic.

Are you a fan of Oz? Why do you think Oz remains a perennial favorite of American children's literature?

I’m a big fan of Dan Yaccarino’s artwork (ever since I discovered Trashy Town), so when I saw the cover for Boy + Bot, a new picture book by Ame Dyckman, I just had to pick it up. Boy, am I glad I did. This is a sweet, heartwarming story about an unnamed boy who meets a robot while out collecting pinecones in the woods. The boy and robot quickly become friends ...

I told my 3-year-old that today, May 11, is Peter Sís’s birthday, and for a while, he was running around the house singing at the top of his lungs, “Happy birthday, Peter Seeeeees!” True story—I kid you not. This prolific, highly acclaimed author-illustrator is a familiar name in my house (though more people may associate him with books for older children). That’s because he’s the creative genius behind two of my son’s favorite books: Fire Truck and Trucks Trucks Trucks.

For a 12 year old, having two same-sex parents can be difficult terrain to navigate, especially when confronted by bullying peers. But the protagonist in this winning debut asks realistic questions and faces her fears (and those of others) with strength, heart and grace. A perfect read for classroom discussions about prejudices and tolerance.