This is a very funny book, giving fatherhood advice without actually giving a lot of advice. The author writes about his experience as a first time father. Although I read it after my second son was born, instead of while my wife was pregnant or after my first son was born, I still found it fun to read and it made me laugh throughout. Although I didn’t agree with everything Crider said about fatherhood, I thought it was a great way to bond with another recent father over the tough things about becoming a parent.

Recommended by Clark

Lilly absolutely adores her teacher, Mr. Slinger, but when he takes away her jingly quarters, movie-star glasses, and purple plastic purse because she is being disruptive, she changes her tune. She begins to make nasty pictures of her once beloved teacher, and sneaks them into his bookbag. But what happens when Mr. Slinger gives her her stuff back with a note and some snacks? A lovely story about forgiveness.

Recommended by Jen

For "Austenfiles", or as the perfect introduction into the "Austenuniverse" for any child, this counting primer makes a great gift! 1 English village 4 Marriage proposals 9 Fancy Ball gowns 1 Million reasons to love this book!

Recommended by Cara

This book is classically wonderful and hilarious for children and their parents. Once again, Olivia is up to something good. Her family is going to see the fireworks later that night, and when she finds out there isn’t a band, she decides to create her own using everything imaginable.

Recommended by Jen

I highly recommend this beautifully illustrated and fun to read picture book, which was published in November 2008. I love reading this story to my almost three-year old son. The illustrations of the boy remind me of him and they are fun for both of us. The story is about a boy who wants a dog, but can’t have one and learns to love what he has, a fish. The illustrator is Dan Taylor and this is his first book.

Recommended by Clark

Ever wondered about the man behind the mouse? Are you looking for someone interesting and fun to do a report on? Look no further! Known for creating Disneyland, there is a lot more to learn in this book about Walt Disney throughout his life. This book is a fun and fast read for all ages.

Recommended by Jen

Jill joins in on the bullying of fellow classmate Linda. When Jill goes against the ring leader, Wendy, she finds out just what it feels like to have received that treatment.

Recommended by Tricia

Jeremy lives in an apartment. Jeremy never goes outside. Jeremy has a special pen. He decides to draw a monster. This monster comes alive and is full of demands. What will Jeremy do with this demanding monster? Surely he won't erase it.. right?! This story is funny, has great illustrations and a good message once you get to the end. Getting out is a good thing!

Recommended by Amie

This is one cool book about insects! Not only will you learn about some interesting bugs but you can build them, too!

Recommended by Amie

The boy awoke not knowing where he was, who he was and he couldn't see! The not seeing was fixed but he still had no clues. He did know things – like dampness – but not the voice that spoke to him from the unknown. When Lord Umber and his companions rescue the boy the voice tells them he is called Happenstance. Umber shortens it to Hap. Lord Umber and his friends discover that Hap is really very important to the world. Hap frequently does not understand Umber – and a lot of others often don't either. But Hap does learn to trust him and when he finally learns what is in the note that Lord Umber keeps hidden from him with promises to tell him about it “later” he is overwhelmed. How in the world can a boy who doesn't even know his name expect to save a world? This is a wonderful story of lost cities, sailing vessels that are alive and a marvelous boy with very odd, green eyes! Where will Lord Umber lead this unusual boy and how will he escape whatever is chasing him? Happenstance has been found but will he be able to find himself in time?

Recommended by Lee

All the World is one of the finest picture books I've ever read; it elevates the standards of storytelling for children to a new level.

A charming poem in the spirit of The Power of Now is lifted into the stratosphere by Marla Frazee's cinematic illustrations.

Frazee's wordless story about a family's get-together near the seashore runs parallel to the poem, and ingeniously illustrates the text. The layout and the pictures are packed with details that can be discovered, studied, and treasured by children and adults time and time again.

All the World is an excellent children's book, and many well be one of the best gift books of the 2009 Holiday Season.

Recommended by Mr. Steve