The Pennsylvania Center for the Book presents the 2006
A Baker’s Dozen: The Best Children’s Books for Family Literacy

Alphabet House, by Nancy Elizabeth Wallace.
Cavendish, 2005.

An extended family of cut paper rabbits are viewed among the many objects in their house that start with each of the 26 alphabet letters. This classic ABC book is also a wonderful exercise in identifying all the unnamed paper objects glued on each page. Why is young Zoe bending over on the E page? Oh, yes, exercise! Some are harder than others. I especially like that two of the adult rabbits wear glasses—not something you see everyday.

Chameleon, Chameleon, story by Joy Cowley, photographs by Nic Bishop.
Scholastic, 2005.

The incredibly detailed and beautiful photographs of this book depicting the life of a chameleon will fascinate children and adults alike. The story follows the chameleon through his quest for something to eat. The vibrant natural colors and easy-to-read format will hold children's attention as they must look deeply into some photos to find the camouflaged animals. Several pages of additional information follow the story to feed young readers' curiosity.

Cornelius P. Mud, Are You Ready for Bed?, by Barney Saltzberg.
Candlewick, 2005.

It's time for bed, and is Cornelius P. Mud ready? Of course not! This energetic pig still has to put away his toys, brush his teeth, put on his pajamas, and find countless ways to make mischief throughout all of his nighttime chores. Young readers who themselves dread the thought of bedtime will enjoy Cornelius' creative approach to his nightly routine. An appealing picture book that invites active, vocal participation from readers, Cornelius P. Mud is a bedtime story that nearly every child can relate to.

The Dog Who Cried Wolf, by Keiko Kasza.
Putnam, 2005.

 Michelle points out that her dog Moka looks a lot like the wolves in the picture book they are sharing. Moka is intrigued and decides to try life as a wolf. His decision is made in the middle of a tea party where Michelle has him dressed in a hat, skirt, and socks! At first, life is good—“he ran, he jumped, he danced, and he peed wherever he wanted.” He soon finds out that live food is very hard to catch, real wolves are a little scary to a dog, and that his life is lonely without Michelle. All ends well when Moka runs home to his relieved owner.

Food for Thought: The Complete Book of Concepts for Growing Minds—Shapes, Colors, Numbers, Letters, Opposites, by Saxton Freymann and Joost Elffers.
Arthur A. Levine, 2005.

Have you ever seen a herd of tomato hippos, a strawberry dog, or a cucumber car? A whole grocery basket of playfully transformed produce comes to life on the vibrant pages of Food for Thought. This truly appetizing and appealing book imaginatively teaches basic concepts while encouraging eager readers to guess the edible ingredients featured on each page.

He's Got the Whole World in His Hands, by Kadir Nelson.
Dial, 2005.

Remember hearing this song before? Sing along, as this well-loved spiritual is adapted to bring the whole world into a beautifully illustrated story. The soft illustrations portray an affectionate family spending quality time together and enjoying the beauty the world has to offer each of us.

Hi! Fly Guy, by Tedd Arnold.
Scholastic, 2005.

Is Fly Guy a pest or a pet? Buzz thinks that Fly Guy is the smartest pet ever. His parents and The Amazing Pet Show judges think that Fly Guy is only a pest. How Buzz and Fly Guy change the doubters' minds is a comical story and the beginning of a beautiful friendship. All the characters sport huge bug eyes in these cartoon-like illustrations filled with hatch mark shading done in swirls and squiggles that add a quirky spin. This offbeat tale will please everyone—the small, the tall, and the oddball! A 2006 Geisel Honor Book.

Llama Llama Red Pajama, by Anna Dewdney.
Viking, 2005.

It's bedtime, but Baby Llama needs a drink and calls for his Mama - what is taking Mama Llama so long? Children and their parents will easily recognize the emotional escalation Baby Llama goes through from the first hint of being alone to the full blown “weeping, wailing for his Mama” tantrum in this silly and reassuring bedtime book. The deepening background colors in Baby Llama's bedroom provide a contrast to the white of Mama working in the kitchen that helps accent the Llama drama.

Mommy, Carry Me Please!, by Jane Cabrera.
Holiday , 2005.

In a simple repetitive pattern, animal babies ask their mommies to carry them. Cheerful paintings actually reflect how real animal mothers would hold and move their young ones, such as the penguin chick on its mother's feet and the kangaroo joey in the pouch. Both children and mothers will enjoy ending the book sharing with a warm hug just like the little boy and his mother on the final pages.

Mouse Went Out to Get a Snack, written by Lyn Rossiter McFarland, pictures by Jim McFarland.
Farrar, 2005.

Mouse keeps an eye out for the cat on the way to the delicious spread on the dining room table, but by the time he has piled a plate with 1 piece of cheese, 2 plump plums, 3 baby carrots, 4 fried chicken legs, 5 ears of corn—you get the idea—the cat is out of sight and out of mind. When the hero has to make a dash for his hole he manages to keep everything balanced until he realizes the plate won't fit. Kids probably already guessed the ending, but in a twist—the majority of the food and the plate flatten the cat (temporarily) and the cheese slips through the door with Mr. Mouse.

Snip Snap! What's That?, written by Mara Bergman, illustrations by Nick Maland.
Greenwillow, 2005.

Three very imaginative children are attacked by a ferocious alligator in their high rise apartment in this fun story. Each time the alligator approaches the readers are asked, “Were the children scared?” YOU BET THEY WERE!, is the reply. Until the tables are turned and the kids boot that alligator back to where he came from. That turns out to be a manhole in the street—a nice touch on the old New York City urban legend about alligators in the sewer.

So Happy!, written by Kevin Henkes, pictures by Anita Lobel.
Greenwillow, 2005.

“There once was a boy, a rabbit, and magic seed, and a book”, who grew together in this wonderful story that intertwines the needs and wishes of the characters. The little boy wants something to do, the curious rabbit seeks adventure, and the thirsty seed desires water. As the book unfolds, rain provides water for the seed, excitement for the boy, and a dilemma for the rabbit. In the end, all are “so happy!” Warm, rich illustrations accompany and complement the simple and engaging text.

Whatever, by William Bee.
Candlewick, 2005.

William Bee's “Whatever” will resonate with parents everywhere. In this funny story, Billy's father finds Billy impossible to impress. No matter what kind of extreme things his father finds to show Billy – small, tall, bouncy, etc, -- Billy's response is the familiar, “whatever.” The use of repetition makes this a wonderful book in which to interact with young children, who can provide the “whatever”s on almost every page. In the end, however, parents may just have the last laugh.

All Tips for Using the Baker's Dozen Books