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The song made famous by Louis Armstrong has been reinterpreted with brilliantly colored illustrations showing a multinational cast of children doing a puppet show. Though most young children will not recognize Armstrong, the optimism of the song is sure to please.

Rhythmic, original poems combine lyrical, evocative language and gentle lessons in this attractively illustrated collection. Each original poem begs to be shared aloud and is sure to delight both reader and listener.

Tales drawn from the oral tradition are retold with verve and musical language certain to delight listeners of all ages. Bryan’s paintings decorate each tale, bringing characters and plot vividly to life.

A range of poets introduce various aspects of African American history and culture. The alphabet is used as the device to introduce and organize the carefully selected poetry and stylized paintings to create an evocative whole.

Jewel-toned watercolors adorn a collection of both well- and lesser-known spirituals, ideal for young voices. Musical arrangements for each are included in this handsome collection which won an award for its striking illustrations.

Growing up in Soviet-controlled Czechoslovakia, Sis craved Western pop culture, subverted authority in small ways, and maintained a strong fear of the secret police. This title won the Sibert medal for distinctive non-fiction for children.

For many years, Lekuton taught school in the DC area, but before that he grew up in the Kenyan desert. Now, he’s back in Kenya, serving in parliament. This is an autobiography of his Kenyan childhood.

When a boy from an abusive home is placed in foster care with an old woman, he brings with him his troubles — an invitation to the Sinisteeds, nighttime visitors to humans who gather memories good or not so good. Tough, timely topics are handled in a straightforward telling in this compelling and credible fantasy.

As two children and their fathers explore a stream and its natural riches, a straightforward text explains how trout are made of trees — just like the bears and people who catch and eat the trout. Warmly hued, textured collages illuminate a down-to-earth, understandable story of a stream habitat.

The story of a prehistoric frog begins when it was just a tiny tadpole in a puddle. Deep within the growing amphibian is the strength of a T-Rex which may explain why “hoppers and croakers are here to stay.” Rhythmic, alliterative language and bold, large illustrations create a riveting story. An author’s note provides factual information.

CJ’s uncle, a well known jazz musician, has lost his signature hat and sends the boy out to locate it. CJ searches Harlem finding something better than the beret for the magazine photographer to snap. Animated illustrations and an author’s note take a memorable look at Harlem and musicians of the mid 1950s.

They have come in all colors and sizes and times throughout American history and their impact is still felt. Meet 100 interesting, diverse women whose contributions range from helping people escape injustice to creating fashion. Portraits accompany each engaging biographical essay.

Graciella’s father leaves his family to pick fruit far away, but calls every Sunday. The surprise he sends for Graciella’s seventh birthday is lost as is the child’s hope of seeing Papi — at least temporarily. This realistic, universally appealing story told from the child’s point of view is gently illustrated.

Unlike the arrogant, large dump truck, Little Blue Truck always has time to greet the animals in and around the farm. So when both get stuck in the mud, the animals respond to Little Blue Truck’s plea for help. Cooperation abounds in this rhyming story — ideal for reading aloud.

A child imagines being like the wind: playing with hats and leaves, zooming and racing throughout the country and city until she becomes a gentle breeze. Evocative language combines with suggestive illustrations in this breezy book.

What is “…a quiet crib, …a bobbing boat, …breakfast, lunch and dinner”? An egg, of course. Many types of eggs from insects, reptiles, and even mammals, in various environments are introduced in crisp text and clear illustration in this handsome, informative book.

A small chick finds his true voice with the help of Bow-Wow, a small, expressive terrier. Strong lines in simple illustrations convey humor and movement — for both child and adult — in this short tale.

Three leprechauns can’t help but create a bit of mischief on their way to place their pot of gold at the bottom of the rainbow; that’s what leprechauns do! This spritely original tale, accompanied by energetic illustrations evokes the magic and mayhem often attributed to the Little Folk of Irish lore.

Narrator Frannie keenly observes the changing dynamics in her classroom when a new white student arrives. Frannie also frets about her family — her deaf brother isolated from the hearing world and her pregnant mother prone to miscarriages.

Most boys look forward to birthdays, but not Palmer. Once he turns 10-years old, he’s expected to assume the role of “wringer” in the town’s annual pigeon shoot. He doesn’t want to strangle wounded birds any more than he wants to be bullied. His dilemma is compounded by the secret he keeps in his room.

Larger than life Maniac Magee is a modern folk hero, particularly in the small town of Two Mills, Pennsylvania where he brings together people from opposite sides of the track. Unforgettable characters deal poignantly, often humorously, with race, poverty, and more in this contemporary tall tale.

The Newbery Medal winning author has vivid recollections of growing up in Norristown, PA, in the 1950s. His recollections are vivid, funny, and episodic and allow fans of Spinelli’s novels to glimpse where stories might begin.

Un Día de Nieve es un cuento simple y entrañable sobre un niño que al despertar descubre que ha nevado durante la noche. El niño celebra la nevada disfrutando de un día de aventuras en su bello y nevado vecindario. Querido por generaciones de lectores, este clásico galardonado con el premio Caldecott es considerado uno de los más grandes libros infantiles publicados.

Some of us learn things in a different way from those around us — do you too? One frog might need a bit of help with counting; another might not know how to behave around other frogs. Other young frogs in this book are easily distracted and get themselves into trouble. But help is at hand: if we think differently about things that we find difficult, we can find our own ways to get better at doing them.