List submitted by Dianne Munson

These books come well recommended. Two boys, ages three and five, chose them from more than 50 new books that were available for them to look at and hear. All are good read-alouds and the Ready-to-Read book was a particular favorite of the five-year-old.

Daddys Lullaby — Tony Bradman, illustrated by Jason Cockcroft

Daddy comes home late and creeps quietly upstairs, carrying the cat. He stops to comfort a weeping baby, sings a lullaby– and falls asleep with baby in his arms. A perfect book to set the mood for going to bed.

Giggle, Giggle, Quack — Doreen Cronin, pictures by Betsy Lewin

There's trouble in the barn when Farmer Brown leaves Bob to take care of the animals. What kind of mischief is Duck up to? It's a real page-turner by the creators of Click, Clack, Moo.

I Love Saturdays y domingos — Alma Flor Ada, illustrated by Elivia Savadier

This child loves the weekend because on Saturday she visits one set of grandparents and on Sunday the other. The Sunday grandparents are Mexican-American, and those days are described joyfully in both Spanish and English. An excellent book for children who are fortunate enough to know both languages, or to introduce English-speakers to some Spanish words.

If You Had a Nose Like an Elephant's Trunk — Marion Dane Bauer, illustrated by Susan Winter

A terrific book for sparking the imagination! Children will enjoy responding to phrases like "If you had feet like a fly" or "If you had a tail like a monkey's." Having fun with "what-ifs" ends peacefully with the child going to sleep quietly in her own bed because "you are made just to be you."

My Pet Turtle — Deborah Reber, illustrated by David Cutting

Our five-year-old, who is excited about starting kindergarten in the fall, did not want to put this Ready-to-Read book down. There are simple instructions about how to set up a tank for a turtle and what to feed her. The large print text is made more readable by the use of rebus pictures that remind children of words like turtle, table, tank, present, school, and cake. Those who are almost ready to read will have great fun participating as you read this together.

A Quiet Place — Douglas Wood, illustrated by Dan Andreasen

Your quiet place can be your own backyard or a forest, or a pond, or a desert or a cave – or even your own room. A lovely, quiet book that each child can enjoy in a personal way. Would be a nice book to share before or after taking a walk in the park or another special place.

Robin's Room — Margaret Wise Brown, paintings by Steve Johnson and Lou Fancher

Robin was a very naughty boy until he was given a room of his own, which he decorated with the help of three carpenters. On the door was a sign letting everyone know from four o'clock to suppertime Robin could do whatever he wanted alone to in his own room. Imaginative paintings and an unusual layout make this book fun for children to hold while it is being read. Some of the features of Robin's room may give children ideas for their own private spaces.

Sweet, Sweet Memory — Jacqueline Woodson, illustrated by Floyd Cooper

There is a soothing rhythm in these words and pictures as a little girl and her grandma remember their favorite stories about grandpa on the day of his funeral. After the rest of the family has gone away, they sit on the porch, listening to the katydids and the crickets singing. Summer turns to fall and, out of the sadness, comes the realization that Grandpa is still with them, as they enjoy the vegetables from his garden and share the memories that go on and on.

What the Animals are Waiting For — Jonathan London, illustrated by Paul Morin

Paul Moran's expressive paintings bring to life this story about the Maasai people and the African animals waiting for the rains. Cameo insets show the acacia trees, grasslands and growing thunder clouds that characterize the landscape. Some children will ask for other books that tell more about the elephants, zebras, lions, crocodiles and other animals that inhabit the region.

Why Do Wolves Howl? Questions and Answers about Wolves — Melvin and Gilda Berger, illustrated by Roberto Osti

Children are fascinated by animals and this paperback about wolves answers some of the questions they have. How are wolves related to dogs? How fast can they run? How do they talk to one another? These are just a few of the topics included here. Children will enjoy comparing the behavior of dogs they know with the wolves described here.

Bonus for parents:

Reading Magic: Why Reading Aloud to Our Children Will Change Their Lives Forever — Mem Fox, illustrations by Judy Horacek

Here is wisdom about the benefits of reading to children, along with some pointers about how to read and what to expect from children as they begin to show an interest in reading on their own.