What Dreams Are Made Of New Titles Inspire and Motivate Kids to Think and Dream By McGeath Freeman Dream Dog By Lou Berger Illustrated by David Catrow Best for: Ages 3-7
When Harry can’t get a dog because of his dad’s allergies, he does the next best thing–brings his imagination to life. Using his X-35 helmet, Harry imagines a giant, blue, cloud-like dog. He calls his dream dog Waffle, and they do everything together. But when circumstances change, Harry’s dad brings home a real dog. It’s rough going until Harry finds a way for Waffle and his new dog, Bumper, to get along. This well-crafted story touches the heart, and Catrow’s signature illustration style adds high energy and humor to the characters.
What’s good: Good for kids with imaginary friends. What’s bad: This picture book is a little on the lengthy side. Meanwhile Back at the Ranch By Anne IsaacsIllustrated by Kevin HawkesBest for: Ages 3-7
What do you get when you have a story with giant vegetables, really giant tortoises, 1,000 brides, a gang of cattle rustlers and a few impossible contests? A tall tale that could only take place in Texas. Tulip Jones is a wealthy English widow who moves with her three maidservants to Texas around the turn of the century. When they get there, a ridiculously tall tales ensues. Through it all, the story of true love is delicately wrapped in and out of each scene—and I’m not talking about the 1,000 brides riding on the back of a giant tortoise. Children will enjoy the zaniness of the whole tale.
What’s good: Fantastic illustrations make the tall tale enormous. What’s bad: This picture book is a little long for younger children. The Noisy Paint Box: The Colors and Sounds of Kandinsky’s Abstract Art By Barb RosenstockIllustrated by Mary GrandPré Best for: Ages 4-8
Any budding artists or children trying to be themselves can take a lot away from reading about Kandinsky. When his aunt gave him a paint box at a young age, he found that he could hear the colors. This made Kandinsky want to paint music. But everyone else wanted him to paint a house or a flower. Kandinsky’s abstract images were far too different and hard to understand. But Kandinsky’s disorder, synesthesia, was also his blessing, and as he grew older, he began to explore the music and sound of colors through abstract art.
What’s good: Vibrant illustrations bring the art to life.
What’s bad: Once again, this is a long picture book and skews to older children.
Lantern Sam and the Blue Streak Bandits By Michael D. Beil Best for: Ages 8-12
This 1930s adventure follows 10-year-old Henry and a talking cat named Sam as they set out to solve the mystery of a missing girl and capture jewel thieves. Set on the Shoreliner Express from New York to Chicago, Lantern Sam has an old-time movie appeal that’s hard not to enjoy. The pacing is quick and the story entertaining, with well-developed lead characters. Lantern Sam’s autobiography is spread throughout, giving a respite from tension on board the train. If you like trains, cats and mysteries, you can’t go wrong with this book.
What’s good: Plenty of twists to keep even avid mystery readers guessing. What’s bad: Secondary characters are difficult to keep straight.