Are you a ladybug?

Written by Judy Allen; illustrated by Tudor Humphries

2000 Kingfisher Publications

If you were a ladybug you would start out as an egg. The rest of the book educates the reader about the life of a ladybug: what they eat, how they grow, and when their dots appear. Watercolor pictures depict the life of the ladybug throughout transformation even as the ladybug flies away. Two pages of interesting facts finish up an informative book that children will enjoy learning about.

Alice and Greta

Written by Steven J. Simmons; illustrated by Cyd Moore

1999 Scholastic 

Alice and Greta is a charming story of two witches, Alice and Greta. Alice uses her powers to do good deeds while Greta misuses her powers to create mischief. The storyline is funny and brings to light a valuable lesson. Although the illustrations are colorful, they are chaotic and too busy to follow. In the end, good triumphs and those that have caused trouble must correct their ways.

1, 2, Buckle My Shoe

Written and illustrated by Anna Grossnickle Hines

2008 HMH Books 

A well known verse, 1, 2, Buckle my shoe is written out in a fun font throughout the book. Each number is interlaced into a beautiful and bright quilted pattern. Upon first look the pages look as if one can touch the material creating the quilting but it is actually a printed page. Buttons compliment each number to aid a child in counting along. Overall this is a great book to encourage counting in young readers with entertaining verse and count along aids.

You’re all my favorites

Written by Sam McBratney; illus. Anita Jeram

2004  Candlewick Press 

Three baby bears are curious to know what makes each one of them special in the eyes of their parents. Mommy Bear and Daddy Bear explain to each bear that the differences between each bear makes them loved no more and no less: patches do not matter; boy or girl makes no difference; and, biggly or littley they are all loved just the same.

Written and illustrated by the same author and illustrator as Guess how much I love you. A wonderful story with beautiful watercolor and pencil illustrations, this book is definitely one to snuggle and share.

Twinkle, twinkle little star: A traditional lullaby

Written and illustrated by Sylvia Long

2006 Chronicle Books  

This classic lullaby is expanded upon to tell the story of a traveling group of animals following the star in the night for light and direction. Each page contains rhythmic verse and beautiful watercolor images. The melodious rhymes create a wonderful book to teach poetry to young children. As well, the mellowing verse and art make this book a perfect tool for bedtime reading.

Toes, ears, nose

Written and illustrated by Marion Bauer and Karen Katz

2003 Little Simon 

Toes, Ears, Nose is a wonderful concept book that is entertaining and educational for young toddlers. The lift-the-flap format keeps children engaged while teaching about different body parts as well as the clothes that might go with them. The toddler age group of one to two is a perfect period to introduce body parts due to the fascination that they are experiencing with their own bodies. The illustrations are clear, simple and colorful while the text is straightforward and uncomplicated. Other concept books by Katz include Peek-a-Baby, Where is baby’s bellybutton, and Counting kisses: A kiss and read book.

This is the way we take a bath

Written and illustrated by Ken Wilson-Max

2004 Cartwheel Books 

All the things we would do to clean up are illustrated in this book: washing hands, brushing teeth, taking a bath. Painted pictures alongside simple text that also include a sound button will keep children’s attention while teaching basic lessons of washing.