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Tacky is an odd bird, very unlike his friends and colleagues. But it is Tacky’s peculiarities that save he and his friends from hungry predators. Humor is created by offbeat illustrations of Tacky’s behavior and clever language.

A tenacious bird finally inspires Rocket, a small white dog with black spots, to learn to read and spell. Children will empathize with Rocket as they see the expressive illustrations and hear the straightforward telling showing the passage of seasons but Rocket’s gradual ability to read.

Ahmed must carry his secret with him as he does his chores throughout the bustling, colorful streets of Cairo. Later in the day with his family all around him, Ahmed shares his wonderful secret: he can write his name in Arabic. Mild tension will keep children guessing what it is that Ahmed carries with him and detailed realistic watercolors are sure to inspire discussion.

Cheerful, childlike depictions of Maria and her much loved llama set the familiar rhyme, “Mary Had a Little Lamb”, in a Peruvian village. The little white llama follows Maria to school, makes the children laugh, but with a distinctive and unique setting and characters in a familiar cadence.

Little Llama Llama has a major meltdown when he tires of shopping with Mama in the shop-o-rama. But Mama Llama is smart and figures out how do end the llama drama. The rhyming text shares not only a common experience but a great deal of llama wisdom all told with good humor and rhyme.

Peekaboo! Lift the paws and what do you see? Boldly colored, textured, cuddly animals giving — and getting — soft kisses to the reader. Ideal for sharing one-on-one, this predictable, repetitious, and interactive book has become a modern classic.

What can you “peek-a” through the die-cut window? Does it “moo”, say “boo” or could it be YOU? Turn the page and find out! A predictable format and bold illustrations are sure to engage and delight.

A new baby creates lots of excitement and all the animals want to kiss the baby duckling! Black pages with bold white lines depict the animals with splashes of color to highlight the joy and a repeating text makes this just right to encourage young children.

Twelve poems for each of the four seasons come together to provide a unique perspective of the seasons.

Attractive illustration combines with wide-ranging poetry to recognize and celebrate words and language.

This collection of poems by Karla Kuskin, David McCord, and Janet Wong features rhymes about mathematics, numbers, and having fun, accompanied by illustrations in a naïve style.

What do books and libraries mean to readers young or old? Fifteen poems pay tribute to just that. Poets included are generally well known and are accompanied by jaunty, playful illustrations which together are sure to please.

The charm and sensibilities the late 19th and early 20th century are captured by illustrator Jessie Willcox Smith.

Real inventions come into focus in this poetry collection, some factually, others fancifully; each is sure to make readers think anew about what is often taken for granted!

The diversity of the United States is celebrated in this collection of poems accompanied by handsome, realistic watercolors.

Won Ton the cat is back with a new arrival: a puppy! How the adult cat and small dog get on — or not — (until ultimately they learn to live in harmony) is told in haiku. The staccato language of 17 syllable form adds humor and verve to ideally complement the expressive illustrations.

The poem encourages readers to “Spread your feathers,/sweep up the sun,/ride the wind and explore.” When combined with stunning photographs of birds, many in motion, the natural world comes into crisp focus for a unique, lyrical exploration of North American birds.

Mr. Tiffin’s class studies similes, metaphors and different types of poetry in preparation for a visit from a real poet for the school-wide celebration of National Poetry Month. In sharing with Ms. Crane, Ellinor discovers that she holds a “poem in the pocket of my mind.” Child-like illustrations combine with a gentle story which dispels many misconceptions about poetry.

Nursery rhymes from around the globe are collected here with illustrations by more than 70 artists. The diversity of artistic styles, places of origin, and the combination of well and lesser known ditties (and additional verses) in a large format make this a book to share frequently.

Katy and her baby brother Olly go out and about through four seasons beginning with spring when “The birds are busy/And so am I.” Realistically rumpled children engage in recognizable activities are presented in short poems and the artist’s signature illustrations for a charming collection that celebrates childhood and the seasons.

Every day, young children and their families can celebrate familiar things and activities in this sturdy, handsome, and appealing collection of 30 poems. Each short piece by a range of poets is about food, family, firsts, play and bedtime, creating a memorable collection just right for the youngest listener.

Short poems about animals appear in English and Spanish accompanied by textured illustrations reminiscent of folk art. An author’s note reveals that she is neither a poet nor native Spanish speaking but was launched into both Spanish and poetry when she discovered the work of Pablo Neruda.

“Like horses at the starting gate,/We shift and shuffle — we can’t wait” for the bell that signals the end of the school day. Violin practice, homework, television, and more call on kids during the week and are presented in clever rhyming poems and humorous cartoon illustrations.

A grandmother and her grandson enjoy flying a kite on a windy spring day near their seaside home. Lush, textured illustrations show the landscape and animal inhabitants and the way wind plays with hats. Staccato rhymes chronicle the joy-filled day that ends with a shower.