Best Children's Books on Emotions & Feelings
Fish swims about. With his fish face stuck. In a permanent pout. The bright and bold cartoon illustrations by Dan Hanna accompany Diesen's amusing rhythmic text. —School Library Journal.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"First, that how we see ourselves can become a self-fulfilling prophesy... if we compare ourselves unfavorably to others in our circle (i.e. so-and-so can do such-and-such much better than I, such-and-such comes so easily for others but not for me, I'm not as loveable as so-and-so), and keep re-playing that tape in our heads (perhaps reinforced by how we feel others view us), then what we "see" in that mirror is who we'll end up being. The other is that we are capable of influencing others in positive ways by demonstrating simple acts of kindness and compassion, much moreso than using words to point out faults or telling people how they "should" be, "should" feel, "should" act."
"Receiving and giving kisses without asking was a big deal for me, afterall we don't want our daughter to think this sort of behavior is acceptable."
"It teaches a good lesson about setting you mind in a positive state rather than being glum."
"My 7-month-old daughter smiles when we get to the blub, bluub, bluuuuub part."
"Started reading this to my grandson when he was about 8 months old,,,, he loves it!"
"My daughters favorite book."
"Bought for my kid as a Christmas present."
"Such a cute rhyming story!"
But hidden beneath the straightened hair and expertly applied makeup is a secret that her friends would never understand: Sam has Purely-Obsessional OCD and is consumed by a stream of dark thoughts and worries that she can't turn off. Caroline introduces Sam to the Poet's Corner, a hidden room and a tight-knit group of misfits who have been ignored by the school at large. ["While the beginning is slow and requires some suspension of disbelief, the climax and resolution are resounding enough to rise above any shadows of doubt": SLJ 6/15 review of the Hyperion book. - Booklist "A brilliant and moving story about findingyour voice, the power of words, and true friendship. I couldn't put it down" - Elizabeth Eulberg, Author of The Lonely Hearts Club "Brilliant, brave, andbeautiful." - Kathleen Caldwell, A Great Good Place for Books "This tender novel shows how powerful and helpful the brain can be under stress without being clinical or detached. - Melanie Koss, Professor of Young Adult Literature, NorthernIllinois University"Romantic, unpredictable, relatable, and sovery enjoyable."
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Tamara Stone created a magnificently amazing novel that addresses issues surrounding the mental issues of have OCD and how the behaviors brought on by this disorder impact a person's every day life. There were several surprises that just jumped out at me and left me crying or laughing with real emotion and connection."
"I think the moral of this story is that all actions have consequences whether good or bad and that it's important to own who we are as individuals, not to let anyone decide for us who we should be, and to remember that life doesn't have to be dark and lonely."
"The author does an amazing job with the nature of the subject matter."
"I truly enjoyed this book and it's story line I wasn't sure what to expect since the main character is dealing with a mental illness."
"I totally got the whole concept of her keeping her craziness to herself and not letting anyone know her thoughts. It's a great book to understand the disorder and walk in her shoes as she battles her own thoughts."
"I am not sure I have ever reviewed anything before...but that is how blown away I am by this piece of literature."
"I was, therefore, greatly surprised when I actually opened it the other day and found a completely different and wonderful story of a teenaged girl, struggling with not only the normal challenges of being 16, but some special ones as well."
"The writing is intelligent and gave me real insight into OCD and anxiety disorders in teens."
And don't forget to celebrate Grinch-mas this Christmas season, the annual holiday tradition inspired by How the Grinch Stole Christmas that encourages readers to grow their hearts three sizes by doing good deeds! His "wonderful, awful" idea is to don a Santa outfit, strap heavy antlers on his poor, quivering dog Max, construct a makeshift sleigh, head down to Whoville, and strip the chafingly cheerful Whos of their Yuletide glee once and for all. Looking quite out of place and very disturbing in his makeshift Santa get-up, the Grinch slithers down chimneys with empty bags and stealing the Whos' presents, their food, even the logs from their humble Who-fires. Crumpit to dump it and waits to hear the sobs of the Whos when they wake up and discover the trappings of Christmas have disappeared. Children simultaneously adore and fear this triumphant, twisted Seussian testimonial to the undaunted cheerfulness of the Whos, the transcendent nature of joy, and of course, the growth potential of a heart that's two sizes too small.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"This just came in the mail today and I was so impressed with it!"
"I loved this story growing up."
"I've been reading this book to my little ones (both toddlers) at least 100 times, they always love the story."
"I agree that Boris Karloff owns this narration and it's a little weird and disappointing to hear anyone else, even Walter Mattheau reciting it."
"Classic is overused to the point of abuse these days but this is simply a great book that every child and adult should spend time with."
"Classic book I’m glad I can now read to my kids."
"This is the first Christmas with my Granddaughter and on Christmas Eve I will start the tradition to give her a present to open with a book and pajamas and hot chocolate and popcorn in it."
"Seuss and is a favorite to read to youngsters around x-mas time."
Best Children's Fish Books
Fish swims about. With his fish face stuck. In a permanent pout. The bright and bold cartoon illustrations by Dan Hanna accompany Diesen's amusing rhythmic text. —School Library Journal.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"First, that how we see ourselves can become a self-fulfilling prophesy... if we compare ourselves unfavorably to others in our circle (i.e. so-and-so can do such-and-such much better than I, such-and-such comes so easily for others but not for me, I'm not as loveable as so-and-so), and keep re-playing that tape in our heads (perhaps reinforced by how we feel others view us), then what we "see" in that mirror is who we'll end up being. The other is that we are capable of influencing others in positive ways by demonstrating simple acts of kindness and compassion, much moreso than using words to point out faults or telling people how they "should" be, "should" feel, "should" act."
"Started reading this to my grandson when he was about 8 months old,,,, he loves it!"
"My daughters favorite book."
"My son loves this book and I love reading it too."
"Oh My Gosh!!"
"Such a cute book!"
"Good quality and product as described."
"HORRIBLE message, and here is the spoiler - the pout pout fish receives and UNSOLICITED KISS FROM A STRANGER, and it makes him happy."
Best Children's Dog Books
Stories of their great achievements spread throughout the region, and the combination of Old Dan’s brawn, Little Ann’s brains, and Billy’s sheer will seems unbeatable. Praise for Where the Red Fern Grows A Top 100 Children’s Novel, School Library Journal ' s A Fuse #8 Production. A Must-Read for Kids 9 to 14, NPR. Winner of Multiple State Awards. Over 7 million copies in print! Any child who doesn’t get to read this beloved and powerfully emotional book has missed out on an important piece of childhood for the last 40-plus years.” — Common Sense Media “An exciting tale of love and adventure you’ll never forget.” — School Library Journal “A book of unadorned naturalness.” — Kirkus Reviews “Written with so much feeling and sentiment that adults as well as children are drawn [in] with a passion.” — Arizona Daily Star “It’s a story about a young boy and his two hunting dogs and . When the victory over the mountain lion turns to tragedy, Billy grieves, but learns the beautiful old Native American legend of the sacred red fern that grows over the graves of his dogs. [with] careful, precise observation, all of it rightly phrased.” — The New York Times Book Review “One of the great classics of children’s literature . Any child who doesn’t get to read this beloved and powerfully emotional book has missed out on an important piece of childhood for the last 40-plus years.” — Common Sense Media “An exciting tale of love and adventure you’ll never forget.” — School Library Journal “A book of unadorned naturalness.” — Kirkus Reviews “Written with so much feeling and sentiment that adults as well as children are drawn [in] with a passion.” — Arizona Daily Star “It’s a story about a young boy and his two hunting dogs and .
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Wilson Rawls’ classic, timeless story of a young boy’s coming-of-age is heartbreaking, sentimental, and utterly charming. For two years he waits, collecting enough money doing whatever jobs he can, he finally raises enough for two puppies who are delivered via train to the town closest to where he lives. Selling skins to Sears Roebuck & Co. was enough then to fulfill that dream and then later to get him enough money to fly enough hours to be conscripted (after being declared 4F) to train pilots at Americus, Georgia."
"Every single night Billy dreams about owning two coon dogs, no boy could want them more than him. At eleven years old Billy came up with a way to get his coon dogs, he would earn the money himself."
"A few of my favorite classics are Call of the Wild, White Fang and Black Beauty and after reading this one, I must say; it’ll be named right along with the rest and best of them."
"Have to say, after reading the book again, although the movie is good, the end is so much more heart wrenching in the book."
"Must read, great family story."
"It takes a dog owner to feel what our heroine must have felt, devotion, caring, love and true devotion from mans best friend."
"My only concern was that the poor raccoons got the raw end of almost every outing."
"Couldn’t stop listening!"
Best Children's Nonfiction Family Life Books
Raina uses her signature humor and charm in both present-day narrative and perfectly placed flashbacks to tell the story of her relationship with her sister, which unfolds during the course of a road trip from their home in San Francisco to a family reunion in Colorado. *Starred Review* Telgemeier’s follow-up to Smile (2010)—possibly the only universally embraced graphic novel on the planet—offers the same thoughtful perspective while also creating a slightly more mature and complex tone. While the focus of the story explores Raina’s combative relationship with her younger sister, Amara, it is in some sense about families themselves, the tensions they breed, the unspoken worries that swirl through households, and the ways an older generation’s unintended example echoes through younger generations. -- KIRKUS REVIEWS, starred review. "Telgemeier is prodigiously talented at telling cheerful stories with realistic portrayals of middle-school characters."
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"My daughter has been a devoted fan of Raina's books for years and this one didn't disappoint."
"Granddaugher requested and loved the book."
"However, her stories (memoirs, really) are well written and really convey the nuances of being a young girl and sisterhood."
"Bought this for my 8 yr. old granddaughter and she loved it."
"When I read Smile, it really touched me because I was nervous about braces."
"A big hit with our granddaughter."
"Just read this very good book."
Best Teen & Young Adult Peer Pressure Fiction
A modern-day classic and New York Times bestseller that celebrates the power of individuality and personal expression from beloved Newbery Medalist Jerry Spinelli. From the day she arrives at quiet Mica High in a burst of color and sound, the hallways hum with the murmur of “Stargirl, Stargirl.” She captures Leo Borlock’ s heart with just one smile. In this celebration of nonconformity, Newbery Medalist Jerry Spinelli weaves a tense, emotional tale about the perils of popularity and the thrill and inspiration of first love. “A magical and heartbreaking tale.”— Kirkus Reviews , Starred. "Spinelli has produced a poetic allegorical tale about the magnificence and rarity of true nonconformity." "Stargirl tells us the captivating story of a magical, mysterious girl.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"The freedom of individuality and conformity collide in a bitter sweet tale of first like-like."
"This book made me want to be more like stargirl."
"When I read this I found myself more and more wanting to be Stargirl."
""Stargirl" is billed as adolescent fiction, but the story is timeless ... it is a portrait of the unfettered human heart and a reminder that the essence of mankind is nothing less than grand and glorious "starstuff.""
"I understand there is a return policy but this book is not in my possession and am not going to task a 13 year old to return it."
Best Children's Books on Manners
Using humorous illustrations rendered in mixed media, these questions are answered in a child-friendly way and show the consequences of thoughtless behavior. The narrator commits a series of seemingly minor offenses, such as feeding popcorn to the bears in the zoo, throwing an empty soda can out the car window, sneaking a lick of frosting from a wedding cake, and interrupting the librarian during storytime. Madden's experience as a greeting-card illustrator is evident in the variety of expressions shown on the faces of the multicultural cast in the colorful mixed-media drawings.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"The school I work at is a "Leader In Me" school, and this book fits in perfectly for teaching students about the habits and taking care of themselves and others!"
"I gave this book to my two small grandsons and it motivated them to clean up the park they enjoy going too."
"I used this book as a lesson about rules and laws to teach a social studies unit."
"Made an impact on my daughter."
"Great book."
"Great for teaching kids about how small things make a different."
"Not only is this book fun, it has a very important social message."
"This book teaches children to be responsible and respectful of people and our world."
Best Children's Books on Bullies
Soon to be a major film starring Julia Roberts, Owen Wilson and Jacob Tremblay. WONDER is a funny, frank, astonishingly moving debut to read in one sitting, pass on to others, and remember long after the final page. Homeschooled all his life, August heads to public school for fifth grade and he is not the only one changed by the experience--something we learn about first-hand through the narratives of those who orbit his world. What is essential is invisible to the eye.” From The Little Prince and R.J. Palacio’s remarkable novel, Wonder .-- Seira Wilson August, nicknamed Auggie, is a 10-year-old with a facial deformity that causes others to avoid and even shun him.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"I'm a 54 year old grandfather who served in the Marine Corps (just for a little context). Palacio...I can't believe how she so accurately and consistently pegs human nature."
"The most emotional moment for me came toward the end of the book when Auggie's father tells him that he loves the way Auggie looks, because that it exactly how my husband and I feel about our son."
"Author R.J. Palacio writes the book in multiple voices -- Auggie's, some of his friends', his sister's -- and the different points of view are mostly very well-realized and show the inner feelings of the different characters."
"I would recommend all young children to read this book and I would certainly recommend adults to read it because it will certainly change that "judgement of others" into "an acceptance of others.""
"The author did a really good job of putting the reader inside the heads of the characters in the book, helping us to really get to know them and to see different perspectives of the same situation."
"I'm a Special Needs teacher and I love how this book teaches "typical kids" to accept someone who looks different in their school; it makes the child who's different feel special as well."
"On a recommendation from my daughter (35), I read it after I saw the movie."
"Friends said to read the book before seeing the movie."
Best Children's Books on Friendship
Then, on Harry's eleventh birthday, a great beetle-eyed giant of a man called Rubeus Hagrid bursts in with some astonishing news: Harry Potter is a wizard, and he has a place at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. He is left only with a lightning-bolt scar on his forehead, curiously refined sensibilities, and a host of mysterious powers to remind him that he's quite, yes, altogether different from his aunt, uncle, and spoiled, piglike cousin Dudley. Of course, Uncle Vernon yells most unpleasantly, "I AM NOT PAYING FOR SOME CRACKPOT OLD FOOL TO TEACH HIM MAGIC TRICKS!" So far it has won the National Book Award, the Smarties Prize, the Children's Book Award, and is short-listed for the Carnegie Medal, the U.K. version of the Newbery Medal. After 11 years of disregard and neglect at the hands of his aunt, uncle and their swinish son Dudley, Harry suddenly receives a visit from a giant named Hagrid, who informs Harry that his mother and father were a witch and a wizard, and that he is to attend Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry himself.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"SPECIAL NOTE: For U.S. customers purchasing the illustrated edition of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, you will notice the text has NOT been converted to the "Americanized" version of the original U.S. releases (with the exception of changing all "Philosopher's Stone" mentions to "Sorcerer's Stone"). Good or bad is naturally for each reader to decide--just know, if you plan to read the books while listening to Jim Dale's audiobooks, you'll notice a few superficial differences. The quality of this new illustrated edition is phenomenal. All chapter intros are illustrated."
"IMPORTANT: For U.S. customers purchasing the illustrated edition of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, you will notice the text has NOT been converted to the "Americanized" version of the original U.S. releases. This difference isn't as prominent or noticeable as it was with Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's/Philosopher's Stone, but still something to keep in mind. Also, to answer a question that has come up quite a bit, this is the FULL BOOK and not an abridged or shortened version. Underneath the book jacket, the novel is bound in a sturdy orange hardback with green lettering on the spine."
"I was ravenous to get my hands on my copy as soon as it was delivered this morning, but was quickly disappointed. But when I took a close look at my dust jacket, I was extremely upset to find that the gold foil lettering for "Harry Potter" had been rubbed away and destroyed completely in some places leaving ugly, black matte in its place-- pock marking the otherwise handsome gold lettering. Needless to say I'm in awe how Bloomsbury has managed to put together such an incredible project, with JK Rowling's remarkable literature and Jim Kay's otherworldly illustrations-- and allowed it to be put together in a low quality binding! Not all alone in a box... Update (October 9th): I have finally received my new book and it was in much, much better condition. The cover and spine were tight, intact and falling apart from the binding like my original copy."
Best Children's Books on Peer Pressure
Join 12 year old Zombie and all of his school friends, as they prepare to go on a Spring break "scarecation."
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"My 9-year old grandson loves this book!"
"Great little series that my 7 year old loves to read more than once."
"My 7 year old grandson read these out loud to me from cover to cover with enthusiasm!"
"It's difficult to find anything that a 7 year old boy wants to sit still long enough to read."
"Bought this book set for my 13-year old minecraft zombie, and I was highly disappointed in the reading level of the books."
"We love to read these at bedtime."
Best Children's Boys & Men Books
Gas station bathrooms, crazed seagulls, a fender bender, and a runaway pig—not exactly Greg Heffley’s idea of a good time. Gr 5–8—When Greg's mom, who's obsessed with family time, insists on a road trip, things are bound to get interesting. Will the Heffley family make it home?
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"We loved this as a family."
"Whole series is great."
"Great series-Introduced it to my teens years ago and passed them down to my 8 year old."
"fun story."
"It really surprised me it is one of the best Diary of a Wimpy Kid books I have ever read."
Best Children's Girls & Women Books
As the German troops begin their campaign to "relocate" all the Jews of Denmark, Annemarie Johansen’s family takes in Annemarie’s best friend, Ellen Rosen, and conceals her as part of the family. On September 29, 1943, word got out in Denmark that Jews were to be detained and then sent to the death camps.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"I never really knew about the Holocaust before I read this book and I certainly wouldn't have picked up a boring nonfiction history book."
"I would give it 10 stars if I could, and also the book smells really lovely."
"Donated to my granddaughters 4th grade classroom."
"It is a glimmer into history and it teaches many lessons about humanity, ethics and doing the right thing."
"This book perfectly captured the holocaust in vivid detail from a less common point of view."
"This book is a fast and easy read!"
"From my daughter: "Recommend to all friends and family story of passion and bravery and war the story wants the heart and opens your mind.""
"I enjoyed this book and believe that the students will as well."
Best Children's Money Books
A storybook follows the Johnson family as they learn the fundamentals of stocks and bonds, the mechanics of investing, and important lessons on risk and reward. A refreshing way to teach people the basics of the stock market." - Laurie Itkin, Author, Every Woman Should Know Her Options: Invest Your Way to Financial Empowerment "One is never too young to learn about the value of money. Teaching children how to understand and take control of their finances can be a daunting task. will become the single best purchase you can make towards educating yourself and yourchildren about the pateient dynamics required for success in the stock market. Bennett Zimmerman is a businessman-author who believes that the disciplines of business offer ways to measure 'top-line' improvements in the quality of human, economic, and political rights throughout the world. Zimmerman has worked for BMG Music, the strategy consulting firm of Bain & Company, and studied at Harvard Business School, Dartmouth College and Newcomb School -- a Long Beach, California institution he credits for top education in American politics.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Makes it simple so you come away with the ability to actually try it out -- invest in a few stocks and watch what happens. I bought the book to read with my son because he was interested in investing. He could have read it on his own but I wanted to learn how to invest as well."
"I was so happy when my son started to develop an interest in investing his allowances."
"I just finished the Go Stock Go book and it is WONDERFUL!"
"Awesome book to spark kid's interest!"
"A lively, illuminating introduction to investing in stocks and bonds for the novice."
"Daughter loved it and it has given her some ideas on how to get to a million after college."
"It's a must-have book for the library of every home with children (or adults who are young at heart)..... right next to Dr. Seus' "Oh The Places You'll Go!""
"Excellent book that clearly and easily explains the stock market to a novice or potential in the investor in the stock market."
Best Children's Issues in School Books
Then, on Harry's eleventh birthday, a great beetle-eyed giant of a man called Rubeus Hagrid bursts in with some astonishing news: Harry Potter is a wizard, and he has a place at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. He is left only with a lightning-bolt scar on his forehead, curiously refined sensibilities, and a host of mysterious powers to remind him that he's quite, yes, altogether different from his aunt, uncle, and spoiled, piglike cousin Dudley. Of course, Uncle Vernon yells most unpleasantly, "I AM NOT PAYING FOR SOME CRACKPOT OLD FOOL TO TEACH HIM MAGIC TRICKS!" So far it has won the National Book Award, the Smarties Prize, the Children's Book Award, and is short-listed for the Carnegie Medal, the U.K. version of the Newbery Medal. After 11 years of disregard and neglect at the hands of his aunt, uncle and their swinish son Dudley, Harry suddenly receives a visit from a giant named Hagrid, who informs Harry that his mother and father were a witch and a wizard, and that he is to attend Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry himself.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"SPECIAL NOTE: For U.S. customers purchasing the illustrated edition of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, you will notice the text has NOT been converted to the "Americanized" version of the original U.S. releases (with the exception of changing all "Philosopher's Stone" mentions to "Sorcerer's Stone"). Good or bad is naturally for each reader to decide--just know, if you plan to read the books while listening to Jim Dale's audiobooks, you'll notice a few superficial differences. The quality of this new illustrated edition is phenomenal. All chapter intros are illustrated."
"IMPORTANT: For U.S. customers purchasing the illustrated edition of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, you will notice the text has NOT been converted to the "Americanized" version of the original U.S. releases. This difference isn't as prominent or noticeable as it was with Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's/Philosopher's Stone, but still something to keep in mind. Also, to answer a question that has come up quite a bit, this is the FULL BOOK and not an abridged or shortened version. Underneath the book jacket, the novel is bound in a sturdy orange hardback with green lettering on the spine."
"I was ravenous to get my hands on my copy as soon as it was delivered this morning, but was quickly disappointed. But when I took a close look at my dust jacket, I was extremely upset to find that the gold foil lettering for "Harry Potter" had been rubbed away and destroyed completely in some places leaving ugly, black matte in its place-- pock marking the otherwise handsome gold lettering. Needless to say I'm in awe how Bloomsbury has managed to put together such an incredible project, with JK Rowling's remarkable literature and Jim Kay's otherworldly illustrations-- and allowed it to be put together in a low quality binding! Not all alone in a box... Update (October 9th): I have finally received my new book and it was in much, much better condition. The cover and spine were tight, intact and falling apart from the binding like my original copy."
Best Children's Self-Esteem & Self-Respect
Over 6 million people have read the #1 New York Times bestseller WONDER and have fallen in love with Auggie Pullman, an ordinary boy with an extraordinary face. "Wonder is the best kids' book of the year," said Emily Bazelon, senior editor at Slate.com and author of Sticks and Stones: Defeating the Culture of Bullying and Rediscovering the Power of Character and Empathy . Homeschooled all his life, August heads to public school for fifth grade and he is not the only one changed by the experience--something we learn about first-hand through the narratives of those who orbit his world. What is essential is invisible to the eye.” From The Little Prince and R.J. Palacio’s remarkable novel, Wonder .-- Seira Wilson August, nicknamed Auggie, is a 10-year-old with a facial deformity that causes others to avoid and even shun him.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"I'm a 54 year old grandfather who served in the Marine Corps (just for a little context). Palacio...I can't believe how she so accurately and consistently pegs human nature."
"The most emotional moment for me came toward the end of the book when Auggie's father tells him that he loves the way Auggie looks, because that it exactly how my husband and I feel about our son."
"Author R.J. Palacio writes the book in multiple voices -- Auggie's, some of his friends', his sister's -- and the different points of view are mostly very well-realized and show the inner feelings of the different characters."
"I would recommend all young children to read this book and I would certainly recommend adults to read it because it will certainly change that "judgement of others" into "an acceptance of others.""
"Friends said to read the book before seeing the movie."
"I have told everyone I know that this is a must read."
"The story was heartwarming and showed positive ways to deal with disabilities."
"I could think of a lot more substance for a book to show this story."