Eleanor, Quiet No More: the Life of Eleanor Roosevelt by Doreen Rappaport; illustrated by Gary Kelly

A nearly impossible task to sum up the life of a true heroine in a picture book for children, but Rappaport has done a superb job. By using Roosevelt's own words alongside brief descriptions of her life, Rappaport guides the reader through her early childhood, education, marriage to FDR, teaching and political careers. There is certainly enough information for a student to use the book for a project, but more importantly, the books reads like a story. It is engaging and stands up to several readings. There is end matter that leads those interested to other sources for additional information. Another excellent picture book biography by Rappaport.

The One and Only Marigold by Florence Parry Heide; illustrated by Jill McElmurry

A little bit Ramona Quimby, a little bit Olivia. Marigold is a spunky little monkey with her own way of doing things. Follow her in four short chapters as she shops with her mother for a new coat, develops a new hobby of bugging her best friend Maxine, creates a rival "lemonade" stand and creatively dresses for school. This is a fun new look at the always popular quirky girl protagonist genre.

What Lincoln Said by Sarah L. Thomsom; illustrated by James E. Ransome

A short, easy, picture book biography of Abraham Lincoln. Using his own words as inspiration for the text, the author shows Lincoln as a boy, a young lawyer and eventually President. The majority of the book covers Lincoln's own views of slavery, the outbreak of the civil war, and his signing of the Emancipation Proclamation. Picture books about historical events are always hard to present to our youngest readers because they haven't yet developed a sense of themselves in the larger world and in history. That said, this is a good and simple view of one of our most important historical figures.

Adventure Annie Goes to Work by Toni Buzzeo; illustrated by Amy Wummer

Every Saturday is Annie's adventure day. On this particular Saturday, there will not be any jungle adventure or mountaintop adventure. No, Mommy's important report is missing at work. Adventure Annie will have to don her cape and help her mother out at the office. Annie explores, creates a map, makes a mess and eventually find the important report. While it may not have been the author's intention to make this a single parent picture book, this is one of those hard to find picture books showing normal single parent households. A book that isn't strictly about a single mother and her child.

Faith by Maya Ajmera, Magda Nakassis, and Cynthia Pon

A beautiful photographic depiction of faith throughout the world. With the photos, the authors show how our world's many faiths are really much more similar that they are different. All those of faith pray, sing, celebrate holidays, read holy books, etc. A summary of each element of faith is described in greater detail at the end and a glossary is provided. The simple text and photos are truly engaging.

Bella and Bean by Rebecca Kai Dotlich, illustrated by Aileen Leijten

Bella is a studious poet, Bean is a whimsical, fashion conscious gardener. They are, however, bestest mice friends. The story takes place over a single day and evening. Bella only wants to write poems. Bean keeps bothering Bella with requests such as walks to the pond, and planting a snow bush. Bella is annoyed and eventually shuts Bean out completely. Bella realizes that her best friend is truly a part of her artistic process. In the end, the two friends come together to write a poem together. A nice illustration of the poetic/artistic process. A bit text heavy. Best for elementary aged children.

Anytime, Anywhere: a Little Boy's Prayer by Marcus Hummon, illustrated by Steve Johnson and Lou Francer

A picture book story of a boy saying his goodnight prayers to his father. All kids try to delay their bedtime and the child in this story does it by including anyone and any thing he can think of into his blessing. It turns into a thoughtful discussion between father and son about God and prayer in general. The text is lengthy, however. Regardless, this is a pleasant story that doesn't try to hit you too hard over the head (yes, I did feel it slightly in a few spots0.

Tough Chicks by Cece Meng, illustrated by Melissa Suber

"From the moment Mama Hen's eggs burst open, she knew she was dealing with some pretty tough chicks." And so begins this tale of three wonderfully non-conforming chicks. All the other barnyard animals think Penny, Polly and Molly need to be docile and peck and chirp like good little chickens. No, they would rather swing from the cow's tail, roll in mud and figure out the inner workings of a tractor. And as you can probably guess, the farmer gets into a big mess and it is the 3 wild chicks who must rescue the animals and fix the tractor. Obviously this is a book showing girls in non traditional roles, but it is not heavy handed. Older preschool and young elementary is the perfect audience.