New Read-Aloud Treasures

Here’s a perfect list for teachers, parents, babysitters or anyone wanting to captivate the heart and mind of a young child.

Tell Me the Day Backwards by Albert Lamb, illus. by David McPhail (Candlewick). Little Timmy bear, before going to bed, recalls his day backwards to his Mama. It is a lovely game that starts out with watching the sunset and ends on the first day awake from hibernation. With trademark McPhail illustrations that warm the heart with emotion and warm fuzzies, this title will lead to a new tradition for readers. (5 and up)

The Curious Garden by Peter Brown (Little, Brown Books). An inspiration to young and old, little Liam takes on an urban renewal project to brighten his dreary neighborhood. The straight lines of the buildings slowly give way to the colorful, organic life that emerges from the train tracks. Although the story is quiet, the illustrations create a feeling of genuine excitement and amazement. (3 - 8)

Princess Hyacinth (The Surprising Tale of a Girl Who Floated) by Florence Parry Heide, illus. by Lane Smith (Random House). This award-collecting duo has created another amazing story of how a child’s creativity solves a problem that simply befuddles adults. Princess Hyacinth wants to spread her wings and explore the world outside the castle, but with weighted-down shoes and a heavy crown, she is surely attached to the terra firma. She meets a balloon man and drifts happily near the ceiling, full of bubbles and smiles. All is fun until she floats outside by accident! (4 and up)

A Sick Day for Amos McGee by Philip C. Stead, illus. by Erin E. Stead (Roaring Brook Press). Winner of this year’s Caldecott Award, this little gem is sure to become a classic. Amos, an elderly zookeeper, is kindness personified in his gentle and dependable caretaking of his friends at the zoo. But when an unexpected cold leaves him at home, the concerned animals return the love Amos has showered on them. The quiet tenderness of the illustrations along with genuine expressions of concern will capture the heart. (4 and up)

Mirror, Mirror by Marilyn Singer, illus. by Josee Masse (Dutton). Not the traditional read-aloud, this book of poetry will astound listeners. Read the poem one way, and a familiar fairy-tale appears. Read the story backwards, and a whole new version is unveiled. Stylized illustrations enhance the incredulous dual perspectives. A trick of magic and mastery of words, the book will have children scrambling to create versions of their own. (8 – 12)

Julie Hubble has a copy of Jim Trelease’s Read-Aloud Handbook on her nightstand in Leawood, KS.