Koncocoo

Best Children's Poetry

The Giving Tree
And don't miss Runny Babbit Returns , the new book from Shel Silverstein! In Shel Silverstein's popular tale of few words and simple line drawings, a tree starts out as a leafy playground, shade provider, and apple bearer for a rambunctious little boy. At this point in the story, the double-page spread shows a pathetic solitary stump, poignantly cut down to the heart the boy once carved into the tree as a child that said "M.E. When there's nothing left of her, the boy returns again as an old man, needing a quiet place to sit and rest. (All ages) --Karin Snelson “If you’re looking for a children’s book that teaches generosity or unselfishness, most people will point you right to The Giving Tree , Shel Silverstein’s lovely story of a tree that will do anything for the boy it loves—and for good reason.
Reviews
"All that I can honestly say about this book, what some people say is "controversial" is it ; touches on feelings. teaches about selfishness. teaches about selflessness. teaches about caring. teaches about giving. this book really tugs at all the emotions everyone goes through one time or another. It has turned into a discussion book for all my grandkids. The book is a hardback & comes with a cover resembling the cover of the book."
"She would often just read a poem from A Light in the Attic, or Where the Sidewalk Ends, but this book really stuck with me."
"One of my favorite books with a great lesson for children on giving/taking and appreciation."
"This is my family's favorite children's book and certainly mine."
"Must have for all children."
"Best childhood book ever - adults should re-read every year as well."
"They were all gifts, so I had read it years ago that is why I chose to purchase it for Christmas gifts."
"Great story for my 6 year old who reads voraciously.."
Find Best Price at Amazon
How the Grinch Stole Christmas (Classic Seuss)
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
"I loved this story growing up."
"Seuss and is a favorite to read to youngsters around x-mas time."
"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 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."
"I was not sure my two year old grandson was ready for this book but I was wrong."
"Very nice book."
Find Best Price at Amazon
One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish (Beginner Books(R))
From the can-opening Zans to the boxing Gox to the winking Yink who drinks pink ink, the silly rhymes and colorful cast of characters create an entertaining approach to reading that will have every child giggling from morning to night: “Today is gone. Originally created by Dr. Seuss, Beginner Books encourage children to read all by themselves, with simple words and illustrations that give clues to their meaning. (Ages 4 to 8) "[Dr. Seuss] has...instilled a lifelong love of books, learning and reading [in children]" - The Telegraph "Dr. Seuss ignites a child's imagination with his mischievous characters and zany verses" - The Express "The magic of Dr. Seuss, with his hilarious rhymes, belongs on the family bookshelf" - Sunday Times Magazine.
Reviews
"My son loves these books, and read them well!"
"My 3 year old granddaughter loves it."
"We think these books should be numbered so people can know which book should be read first."
"Enter "I Can Draw It Myself, By Me, Myself", and two other interactive Seuss books - such wonderful ways for my older grandchild to entertain himself and stretch his creativity and imagination while I'm focused on the younger! We've collected every Seuss children's book, but there are three books in particular that we ordered two copies of, because they can be personalized by our little guys to make them truly "their own"! This one is just great... each page has colorful Seuss drawings that are incomplete, with his typical whimsical rhymes accompanying them, and your youngster "completes" the drawings him/herself!"
"I grew up reading Dr. Suess so I am overjoyed to be able to read his books to my son."
"Seuss introduces many odd characters through the book and laces their odd situations with even odd-er (if you will) rhymes. In most children’s books, you'll find that many are filled with pictures and silly fonts that are meant to draw a child’s attention to the book. If I had to guess, this may be because the book is aimed more at the parent reading the book to the child. I sing high. and my Ying sings low, and we are not too bad, you know.” ( Seuss23). As a kid I loved hearing this book read to me."
"I read children's books professionally, and I'm appalled at some of the lame rhymes and off rhythm cadences I encounter."
"Since receiving it, it's been read a hundred times and she never gets tired of it."
Find Best Price at Amazon

Best Children's Fox Books

Pax
From bestselling and award-winning author Sara Pennypacker comes a beautifully wrought, utterly compelling novel about the powerful relationship between a boy and his fox. He strikes out on his own despite the encroaching war, spurred by love, loyalty, and grief, to be reunited with his fox. Pennypacker, author of the exuberant "Clementine" series (Disney-Hyperion) and the charmingly morbid Summer of the Gypsy Moths (HarperCollins, 2012), here displays not only her formidable writing skills and a willingness to stretch her storytelling into increasingly complex narrative forms but also her ability to tackle dark and weighty themes with sensitivity and respect for the child reader. As the protagonists struggle to reunite in a world in the grip of violence and destruction, they each find helpers who assist them on their respective journeys: Peter breaks his foot and is rehabilitated by Vola, a hermit suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, while Pax is taken in by a leash of foxes who teach him the basics of foraging and hunting. Black-and-white drawings by Klassen offer a respite for readers, while adding to the haunting atmosphere.With spare, lyrical prose, Pennypacker manages to infuse this tearjerker with a tender hope, showing that peace and love can require just as much sacrifice as war. “In an exceptionally powerful, if grim story, Pennypacker does a remarkable job of conveying the gritty perspective of a sheltered animal that must instantly learn to live in the wild.” (Publishers Weekly (starred review) ).
Reviews
"It's a beautifully written story."
"Targeted at the 8 – 12 year old group, Sara Pennypacker’s latest novel “Pax” is a book that carries universal truths and one that will touch readers of any age. “…distrust is no match for kindness administered consistently and unmeasured …”. Having enlisted in the army, Peter’s father takes his son to live with his grandfather and demands that Peter release “Pax” back into the wild. A broken leg, an encounter with an amputee-veteran whose unnamed war occurred twenty years previously, and a realization – by both Peter and “Pax” – that each must be true to his own nature creates an emotional, poignant story that will touch your heart. Writing in the third person voice, Sara Pennypacker alternates the focus of “Pax” between developments affecting Peter and those in which “Pax” learns what it is to be a fox."
"A truly beautiful book however I think kids should be over 10 prior to reading it."
"Gave this to my great, great nephew who's named Paxton, but we call him Pax."
"Fabulous!"
"Touches upon deep subjects line war, ptsd, reaching a goal despite adversity."
"wonderful story."
"Such a good book!"
Find Best Price at Amazon

Best Children's ESL Books

The Giving Tree
And don't miss Runny Babbit Returns , the new book from Shel Silverstein! In Shel Silverstein's popular tale of few words and simple line drawings, a tree starts out as a leafy playground, shade provider, and apple bearer for a rambunctious little boy. At this point in the story, the double-page spread shows a pathetic solitary stump, poignantly cut down to the heart the boy once carved into the tree as a child that said "M.E. When there's nothing left of her, the boy returns again as an old man, needing a quiet place to sit and rest. (All ages) --Karin Snelson “If you’re looking for a children’s book that teaches generosity or unselfishness, most people will point you right to The Giving Tree , Shel Silverstein’s lovely story of a tree that will do anything for the boy it loves—and for good reason.
Reviews
"All that I can honestly say about this book, what some people say is "controversial" is it ; touches on feelings. teaches about selfishness. teaches about selflessness. teaches about caring. teaches about giving. this book really tugs at all the emotions everyone goes through one time or another. It has turned into a discussion book for all my grandkids. The book is a hardback & comes with a cover resembling the cover of the book."
"One of my favorite books with a great lesson for children on giving/taking and appreciation."
"Must have for all children."
"Best childhood book ever - adults should re-read every year as well."
"Great story for my 6 year old who reads voraciously.."
"Just like I remebered!"
"One of my favorite books ever."
"Every child should hear and read the story of The Giving Tree as a tool for understanding the goodness and usefulness of nature and all of life’s gifts."
Find Best Price at Amazon

Best Children's Wolf Books

Wolf's Coming! (Carolrhoda Picture Books)
As the shadowy figure gets closer and closer and the day draws to a close, the animals shut the door, pull the shades, and turn out the lights. Bright, clear computer graphics show small animals fishing and playing in the woods, the piglets and rabbits in jeans, shirts, and caps. Adult animals shoo the small creatures inside, where they pull the shades, and hide behind an armchair--until the wolf opens the door, and surprise!
Reviews
"Not only are the illustrations and story captivating for young imaginations, but the surprise ending delights, and teaches how preconceived notions aren't always accurate!"
"Had to buy another hard copy as ours got dog earred after a few kids :) It is suspenseful, even a might scary for some children as the wolf is drawn in the typical vein of big bag wolf."
"This book was read to us when my DS's school had a Parent's "Stay Play" I saw the reaction to the children as the teacher read the book and had to bring it home for him."
"She loves howling with the wolf and exclaiming "Surprise!""
"I gave this book to my nephew, and was told that it quickly became his bedtime favorite."
"Suffice to say, we were relieved when we finally learned that it's all about a surprise birthday party for their friend Wolf."
"My students absolutely LOVE this book."
"As a preschool teacher I am always looking for quality reading for circle time."
Find Best Price at Amazon

Best Children's Elephant Books

Horton Hears a Who! (Classic Seuss)
Horton is back! Surely among the most lovable of all Dr. Seuss creations, Horton the Elephant represents kindness, trustworthiness, and perseverance--all wrapped up, thank goodness, in a comical and even absurd package.
Reviews
"My children loved "Horton Hears a Who!""
"(It also makes it more interesting if you read it thinking that it's a prequel to the Grinch."
"This is a sweet book."
"Another part of a Baby Shower Gift ... turns out this was the "Mom To Be's" favorite book when she was little."
"I bought this book so that my daughter can start reading to her son and he really loves sitting on the couch with this book."
"We have read this book to our children for many years along with other Dr. Seuss titles."
"love love love!"
"A wonderful classic with so much meaning."
Find Best Price at Amazon

Best Children's Fox & Wolf Books

Pax
From bestselling and award-winning author Sara Pennypacker comes a beautifully wrought, utterly compelling novel about the powerful relationship between a boy and his fox. He strikes out on his own despite the encroaching war, spurred by love, loyalty, and grief, to be reunited with his fox. Pennypacker, author of the exuberant "Clementine" series (Disney-Hyperion) and the charmingly morbid Summer of the Gypsy Moths (HarperCollins, 2012), here displays not only her formidable writing skills and a willingness to stretch her storytelling into increasingly complex narrative forms but also her ability to tackle dark and weighty themes with sensitivity and respect for the child reader. As the protagonists struggle to reunite in a world in the grip of violence and destruction, they each find helpers who assist them on their respective journeys: Peter breaks his foot and is rehabilitated by Vola, a hermit suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, while Pax is taken in by a leash of foxes who teach him the basics of foraging and hunting. Black-and-white drawings by Klassen offer a respite for readers, while adding to the haunting atmosphere.With spare, lyrical prose, Pennypacker manages to infuse this tearjerker with a tender hope, showing that peace and love can require just as much sacrifice as war. “In an exceptionally powerful, if grim story, Pennypacker does a remarkable job of conveying the gritty perspective of a sheltered animal that must instantly learn to live in the wild.” (Publishers Weekly (starred review) ).
Reviews
"It's a beautifully written story."
"Targeted at the 8 – 12 year old group, Sara Pennypacker’s latest novel “Pax” is a book that carries universal truths and one that will touch readers of any age. “…distrust is no match for kindness administered consistently and unmeasured …”. Having enlisted in the army, Peter’s father takes his son to live with his grandfather and demands that Peter release “Pax” back into the wild. A broken leg, an encounter with an amputee-veteran whose unnamed war occurred twenty years previously, and a realization – by both Peter and “Pax” – that each must be true to his own nature creates an emotional, poignant story that will touch your heart. Writing in the third person voice, Sara Pennypacker alternates the focus of “Pax” between developments affecting Peter and those in which “Pax” learns what it is to be a fox."
"A truly beautiful book however I think kids should be over 10 prior to reading it."
"Gave this to my great, great nephew who's named Paxton, but we call him Pax."
"Fabulous!"
"Touches upon deep subjects line war, ptsd, reaching a goal despite adversity."
"wonderful story."
"Such a good book!"
Find Best Price at Amazon

Best Children's Foreign Language Learning Books

The Giving Tree
And don't miss Runny Babbit Returns , the new book from Shel Silverstein! In Shel Silverstein's popular tale of few words and simple line drawings, a tree starts out as a leafy playground, shade provider, and apple bearer for a rambunctious little boy. At this point in the story, the double-page spread shows a pathetic solitary stump, poignantly cut down to the heart the boy once carved into the tree as a child that said "M.E. When there's nothing left of her, the boy returns again as an old man, needing a quiet place to sit and rest. (All ages) --Karin Snelson “If you’re looking for a children’s book that teaches generosity or unselfishness, most people will point you right to The Giving Tree , Shel Silverstein’s lovely story of a tree that will do anything for the boy it loves—and for good reason.
Reviews
"All that I can honestly say about this book, what some people say is "controversial" is it ; touches on feelings. teaches about selfishness. teaches about selflessness. teaches about caring. teaches about giving. this book really tugs at all the emotions everyone goes through one time or another. It has turned into a discussion book for all my grandkids. The book is a hardback & comes with a cover resembling the cover of the book."
"She would often just read a poem from A Light in the Attic, or Where the Sidewalk Ends, but this book really stuck with me."
"One of my favorite books with a great lesson for children on giving/taking and appreciation."
"Must have for all children."
"Best childhood book ever - adults should re-read every year as well."
"Great story for my 6 year old who reads voraciously.."
"Just like I remebered!"
"Kids take stories very seriously and this is depressing to say the very least."
Find Best Price at Amazon

Best Baby & Toddler Poetry Books

Oh, the Places You'll Go! (Classic Seuss)
In a starred review, Booklist notes, “Seuss’s message is simple but never sappy: life may be a ‘Great Balancing Act,’ but through it all ‘There’s fun to be done.’” A perennial favorite and a perfect gift for anyone starting a new phase in their life! The incomparable Dr. Seuss rejoices in the potential everyone has to fulfill their wildest dreams: "You'll be on your way up! While doting relatives will find this extended greeting card an ideal gift for nursery school graduates, the story will have less appeal for children than Seuss' story books and easy readers. Seuss' characteristic drawings carry and extend the text through mazelike streets, over colorful checkerboard landscapes, into muddy blue "slumps," through heady highs when fame results from success at the game of life, and through dark, lonely confrontations with graveyard-like fears in times of solitude. While the text gives a strong message of self-determination and potential, the small, male "you" pictured seems more of a passive passenger on his journey through life, reacting to things as they come and walking along with his eyes shut on both the first and last pages of the text.
Reviews
"I love these books with the great illustrations and wonderful message to encourage someone graduating high school and going to the next phase of life to "see the places you'll go"."
"This will be apart of my babies graduation gift."
"I had given this book to my granddaughter as a toddler."
"I hope to present the book to my granddaughter in 10 years, when she graduates from high school."
"This will be my daughter's 2030 High School graduation present."
"Tomorrow, he will take it to school and have this year's teacher's sign it."
"Arrived early, and it is delightful."
"We intend to have their teachers at each grade level throughout their school career write something in this book about them and we will present it to them at graduation."
Find Best Price at Amazon

Best Foreign Language Study & Reference

The Giving Tree
And don't miss Runny Babbit Returns , the new book from Shel Silverstein! In Shel Silverstein's popular tale of few words and simple line drawings, a tree starts out as a leafy playground, shade provider, and apple bearer for a rambunctious little boy. At this point in the story, the double-page spread shows a pathetic solitary stump, poignantly cut down to the heart the boy once carved into the tree as a child that said "M.E. When there's nothing left of her, the boy returns again as an old man, needing a quiet place to sit and rest. (All ages) --Karin Snelson “If you’re looking for a children’s book that teaches generosity or unselfishness, most people will point you right to The Giving Tree , Shel Silverstein’s lovely story of a tree that will do anything for the boy it loves—and for good reason.
Reviews
"All that I can honestly say about this book, what some people say is "controversial" is it ; touches on feelings. teaches about selfishness. teaches about selflessness. teaches about caring. teaches about giving. this book really tugs at all the emotions everyone goes through one time or another. It has turned into a discussion book for all my grandkids. The book is a hardback & comes with a cover resembling the cover of the book."
"She would often just read a poem from A Light in the Attic, or Where the Sidewalk Ends, but this book really stuck with me."
"One of my favorite books with a great lesson for children on giving/taking and appreciation."
"This is my family's favorite children's book and certainly mine."
"Must have for all children."
"Best childhood book ever - adults should re-read every year as well."
"Great story for my 6 year old who reads voraciously.."
"Just like I remebered!"
Find Best Price at Amazon

Best Baby & Toddler Nursery Rhyme Books

Don't Juggle Bees! And Other Useless Advice For Silly Children: A Silly Rhyming Picture Books for Kids
Another silly rhyming children's picture book from Gerald Hawksley! He lives in a small castle beside the River Snood with his chums Lord Treacle, "Mousy" Mousington and Otto Fishblanket.
Reviews
"This is a Do and Don't book, the kind that will make you laugh at times because it sounds so silly. The Do's are the things that you really should do, like Do read to the end of the book. Any silly book will make your child laugh, and so will the adults."
"Gerald Hawksley has written an easy to read-aloud rhyming advice book - one that incorporates the absurd silliness that young children find so amusing."
"The original review can be found at Ian Wood's Novellum. The title of this book would seem to be eminently safe and useful advice, as is everything between these covers!"
"A cute rhyming book for young children."
"This, along with several other of this authors books, are always lighthearted and funny, usually with a rhyme that makes it easy to read with your little one."
"My son and I love this authors books!!!"
"I read this first on amazon's cloud reader (PC) and loved the 1 line sentences with the associated graphics to explain the message."
"Can't wait to read it with the grandkids."
Find Best Price at Amazon