- Babushka's Mother Goose, by Patricia Polacco. Preschool-Grade 1.
- Vibrant illustrations enhance this collection of very short stories and poems, many of which are familiar but all of which now have a Russian framework.
- Here Comes Mother Goose, edited by Iona Opie, illus. by Rosemary Wells. Preschool-Grade 1.
- Another magical collection of illustrated Mother Goose nursery rhymes for young children. A companion volume to My Very First Mother Goose.
- My Very First Mother Goose, edited by Iona Opie, illus. by Rosemary Wells. Preschool-Grade 1.
- This magical blend of words and illustrations introduces more than 60 favorite and not-so-familiar Mother Goose nursery rhymes to young children.
- Sylvia Long's Mother Goose, selected and illus. by Sylvia Long. Preschool-Grade K.
- Eighty-two nursery rhymes are paired with vibrant watercolor illustrations of elegantly dressed animals.
- Rhinos, by Sally M. Walker. Grades 3-6.
- Discusses the rhino's life cycle, its daily habits, and its threatened existence in the wild. With full-color photographs.
National Pet Week (May 4-10, 2008)
- Everyday Pets, written by Cynthia Rylant.
- The activities and sounds of everyday pets—dogs, cats, rabbits, ducks, frogs, and fish—are presented in a board book format that is just right for toddlers.
- Ginger Finds a Home, written by Charlotte Voake. Preschool-Grade K.
- One day a scrawny cat who drinks out of puddles and eats out of garbage cans finds a plate of delicious cat food waiting for him in the patch of weeds he calls home. Slowly he and the patient little girl who brings him food every day become friends.
- Henry and Mudge and Annie's Perfect Pet, written by Cynthia Rylant, illus. by Suçie Stevenson. Preschool-Grade 3.
- Henry and Mudge and Henry's parents help find the perfect pet for Annie—one that isn't too scary (a mouse), too wet (a turtle), too hard (a crab), and doesn't fly (a bird).
- Hoodwinked, written by Arthur Howard. Grades K-3.
- In her search for the creepiest pet, little Mitzi the witch tries toads and bats, but rejects warthogs. She is quite surprised to discover her perfect pet just might be a cuddly stray kitten. Wonderful illustrations and a subtle message that "looks aren't everything."
- I Love Guinea Pigs, written by Dick King-Smith, illus. by Anita Jeram. Grades 1-3.
- By discussing guinea pigs he has known and loved, King-Smith gives a very personal touch to this entertaining look at one of the most popular pets. He also offers lots of good information on their care and feeding.
- "Let's Get a Pup!" Said Kate, written by Bob Graham. Preschool-Grade 2.
- In this heartwarming story, Kate and her parents first visit the local animal shelter and adopt a cute little puppy. They then return to adopt an older dog, who had also captured their hearts.
- Mr. Putter and Tabby Pour the Tea, written by Cynthia Rylant, illus. by Arthur Howard. Grades K-3.
- Tried of living alone, elderly Mr. Putter finds an elderly cat at the animal shelter, who is the perfect companion for him.
- My Dog Toby, written by Andrea Zimmerman, illus. by True Kelley. Ages 4-7.
- In this touching and funny story, a young girl learns that successfully training a puppy requires more than love. Patience and repetition are also necessary.
- My Horse of the North, written by Bruce McMillan. Grades K-3.
- Nine-year-old Margret and her horse Perla practice all summer so they will be ready to take part in the annual rettir (sheep roundup) which occurs every September in the farming communities of northern Iceland. The spectacular full-color photographs will attract any child with an interest in horses.
- Not My Dog, written by Colby Rodowsky, illus. by Thomas F. Yezerski. Grades 2-3.
- Eight-year-old Ellie wants a puppy more than anything else. When her parents decide to adopt a full-grown dog named Preston, she is so unhappy she continually insists that "he's not my dog." But Preston perseveres and finally wins her over.
- Pinky and Rex and the Just-Right Pet, written by James Howe, illus. by Melissa Sweet. Grades K-3.
- Outvoted by the other members of his family, Pinky, the dog lover, isn't happy about having a cat as the family pet. But after nightly visits during which Patches the kitten pounces on his toes and purrs in his ear, Pinky has a change of heart.
- Runaway Radish, written by Jessie Haas, illus. by Margot Apple. Grades 2-4.
- Horse lovers will relish Radish the pony who is smart and sassy and definitely in control of his owners. A just-right beginning chapter book.
- Seneca, written by Karen Baker. Grades K- 4.
- The young narrator engagingly chronicles her daily activities with her horse Seneca, from the joy of riding to the many chores involved in responsibly owning a horse, such as feeding, grooming, and stall cleaning.
- Watch William Walk, written by Ann Jonas. Picture Book.
- Using only words that begin with the letter "w," Jonas fashions a charming tale in which William and his dog Wally walk and wade with Wilma and her duck Wanda.
Leonardo da Vinci Death Anniversary (May 2, 1519)
- Leonardo, Beautiful Dreamer, written by Robert Byrd. Grades 3-8.
- Witty anecdotes and quotations, combined with full-page ink-and-watercolor paintings, highlight this compelling biography of da Vinci, which covers his life, art, and scientific endeavors.
- Leonardo da Vinci, written by Diane Stanley. Grades 4-7.
- A well-written, well-illustrated portrait of the remarkable Renaissance artist, inventor, and genius.
- Chato's Kitchen, by Gary Soto, illus. by Susan Guevara. Grades K-3.
- Chato, the coolest low-riding cat in East L.A., can't believe his good fortune when a family of five fat, juicy mice move in next door. He and his best friend Novio Boy invite the family over for dinner, with plans of making the guests of honor the main dish. But it's the cats who cower in the corner when the mice arrive with a friend of their own. Bold illustrations of the two cats cooking, the mice family settling in, and the arrival of the mice's surprising friend make the entire book a sheer delight. Includes a glossary of Spanish expressions and Chato's menu.
- Cuckoo/Cucu: A Mexican Folktale/Un Cuento folklorico mexicano, by Lois Ehlert. Preschool-Grade 4.
- Having been kept awake by the incessant singing of the beautiful Cuckoo, the other birds finally fall into an exhausted sleep and don't wake up when fire threatens to destroy the entire seed crop. Only the wakeful Cuckoo can save the crop--which she does at the cost of her beautiful plumage and rich voice. In return, she wins the other birds' gratitude and friendship.
- Gathering the Sun: An Alphabet in Spanish and English, by Alma Flor Ada, illus. by Simon Silva. Preschool-Grade 5.
- In this bilingual alphabet book, each letter of the Spanish alphabet is matched with a Spanish word and is accompanied by a poem in Spanish and English. The poems celebrate the Hispanic culture while depicting the myriad of experiences of Hispanic agricultural workers.
- From the Bellybutton of the Moon: and Other Summer Poems/Del ombligo de la luna y otros poemas de verano, by Francisco X. Alarcón, illus. by Maya Christina Gonzalez. Grades K-4.
- This collection of 22 poems in Spanish and English celebrates summertime in Mexico.
- My Mexico-Mexico mio, by Tony Johnston, illus. by F. John Sierra. Ages 5-8.
- These 18 short poems, written for the very young, present the sights, sounds, smells, traditions, and humor of Mexico. A good introduction to both Mexico and to the joys of poetry. Bilingual text in English and Spanish. Includes glossary and pronunciation guide.
- Snapshots from the Wedding, by Gary Soto, illus. by Stephanie Garcia. Ages 5-10.
- Flower girl Maya narrates this story of a Hispanic wedding, complete with Mariachi musicians. Includes a glossary of Spanish terms used in the text.
Johannes Brahms' Birthday (May 7, 1833) and Peter Ilich Tchaikovsky's Birthday (May 7, 1840)
- Lives of the Musicians: Good Times, Bad Times (and What the Neighbors Thought)., written by Kathleen Krull, illus. by Kathryn Hewitt. Grades 3-6.
- Child-pleasing profiles, in chronological order, of 21 diverse composers, beginning with Vivaldi and ending with Woody Guthrie. Profiles also include: Bach, Beethoven, Boulanger, Brahms, Chopin, Foster, Gershwin, Gilbert and Sullivan, Ives, Joplin, Liszt, Mozart, Prokofiev, Satie, Schumann, Stravinsky, Tchaikovsky, and Verdi.
Martha Graham's Birthday (May 11, 1894)
- Martha Graham: A Dancer's Life, by Russell Freedman. Grades 4 up.
- The extraordinary life of the legendary dancer, choreographer, and teacher who lived to dance.
Lewis & Clark Expedition Sets Out From St. Louis, Missouri (May 14, 1804)
- Animals on the Trail with Lewis and Clark, written by Dorothy Hinshaw Patent, illus. by William Muñoz. Grades 4-8.
- With clearly written text and beautiful photographs, this is an excellent survey of the extensive wildlife discovered by the members of the Expedition. An appendix lists 121 species of vertebrate animals, including when and where they were first sighted.
- Incredible Journey of Lewis and Clark, written by Rhonda Blumberg. Grades 5 up.
- A detailed and entertaining account of the Lewis and Clark Expedition as it journeyed westward across uncharted territory from the Mississippi River to the Pacific Ocean on a voyage of discovery.
- Plants on the Trail with Lewis and Clark, written by Dorothy Hinshaw Patent, illus. by William Muñoz. Grades 4-8.
- This companion volume to Animals on the Trail with Lewis Clark discusses the various plant species discovered by the Expedition members, as well as how they used them as food, medicine, and building material. An appendix lists the 175 surviving specimens, including when and where they were collected.
- Sacajawea: The Story of Bird Woman and the Lewis and Clark Expedition, written by Joseph Bruchac. Grades 6 up.
- Alternating first-person narratives weave Sacajawea's recollections of the Lewis and Clark Expedition with those of Captain William Clark. An engaging novel of two extraordinary people who participated in one of the greatest adventures in American history.
- Flower Garden, by Eve Bunting, illus. by Kathryn Hewitt. Grades K-1.
- An urban African-American girl, with the help of her father, surprises her mother on her birthday by creating a window-box garden of flowers.
- Koala Lou, by Mem Fox, illus. by Pamela Lofts. Preschool-Grade 2.
- Young Koala Lou believes that if she wins the Australian Bush Olympics, she'll win her mother's love. Although she comes in second, Koala Lou learns her mother has always loved her and always will.
- Mama, Do You Love Me?, by Barbara M. Joosse, illus. by Barbara Lavallee. Preschool-Grade 2.
- A young Inuit girl receives warm assurances of her mother's love even when she's naughty. Illustrated with rich patterns and vibrant colors depicting this unique culture. Includes a two-page glossary of Inuit life. (Spanish edition: ¿Me quieres, mamá?)
- My Mama Had a Dancing Heart, by Libba Moore Gray, illus. by Raul Colon. Preschool-Grade 3.
- A mother's exuberant love of life and love for her daughter makes simple things extraordinary. Together they celebrate each season with dance, from a "frog-hopping, leaf-growing, flower-opening hello spring ballet" to the "body-flat, arms-moving-up-and-down, snow-angel, hello winter ballet." They share sassafras tea, lemonade, and cocoa--and make the reader wish she was there sharing it, too.
- On Mother's Lap, by Ann Herbert Scott, illus. by Glo Coalson. Picture Book.
- Sitting in Mother's lap, Michael decides he needs his doll, his boat, his blanket and his puppy. When Baby cries, Michael is sure there isn't room for her, too. But as his loving mother explains, "There is always room on Mother's lap."
National Transportation Week (May 11-17, 2008)
- Fire Truck, written by Peter Sis. Preschool.
- In this joyful story of let's-pretend, Matt wakes up one morning and discovers he has become what he loves most in the world—a fire truck.
- Mailing May, written by Michael O. Tunnell, illus. by Ted Rand. Grades K-2.
- In 1914, five-year-old Charlotte May wants to visit her grandmother. The only way to make the 75-mile journey over the Idaho mountains is by train, but her parents don't have enough money for her fare. They solve the problem by "mailing" May as a package to her grandmother. Since her mother's cousin handles the railroad mail car, little May is well-taken care of and arrives safely at her grandmother's. An engaging story, all the more remarkable because it's true.
- My Car, written by Byron Barton. Ages 2-4.
- With bold colors and simple text, Sam explains how he cares for his little red car, how he obeys traffic laws, and how he carefully drives his car to work—as the driver of a big, green bus. The perfect picture book for car-loving toddlers and preschoolers.
- Trucks, Trucks, Trucks, written by Peter Sis. Toddlers.
- A little boy cleans up his room with the help of a variety of toy trucks. Each double-page spread shows one truck with a one-word label describing its function, such as digging, hauling, lifting, sweeping.
- Vroomaloom Zoom, written by John Coy, illus. by Joe Cepeda. Preschool-Grade 2.
- An African-American father and daughter enjoy an evening ride in their big yellow car, going through the woods to the sea. A great read-aloud with rhythmic, repetitive text and large, brightly colored pictures.
Brown v Board of Education Decision (May 17, 1954)
- Through My Eyes, by Ruby Bridges. Grades 4-7.
- In this illustrated memoir, Ruby Bridges recounts the events of 1960-1961 when she became the first African-American child to integrate the William Frantz Elementary School in New Orleans. She includes both her own vivid childhood memories of that year, as well as what she later learned. A powerful book about race relations in America and the fragile innocence of youth.
Exhibition of Sue (Tyrannosaurus rex) Opens (May 17, 2000)
- A Dinosaur Named Sue: The Story of the Colossal Fossil: The World's Most Complete T. Rex, written by Pat Relf. Grades 5-8.
- From her discovery to her eventual residence in Chicago's Field Museum, this is the gripping account of the sensational lawsuits, court cases, and auction that finally decided the fate of "Sue," a nearly complete skeleton of a Tyrannosaurus rex.
Lindbergh Flight (May 20-21, 1927)
- Charles A. Lindbergh: A Human Hero, by James Cross Giblin. Grades 4 up.
- A meticulous, balanced biography of the great American aviator who very publicly experienced triumph and tragedy.
- The Great Turtle Drive, by Steve Sanfield, illus. by Dirk Zimmer. Grades 1-4.
- A young cowboy aims to make his fortune selling 500,000 turtles from Texas to a fancy Kansas City restaurant specializing in expensive turtle-soup. Although beset with problems, the young cowboy perseveres only to discover at the end of his arduous five-year drive (turtles are, after all, awfully slow) the restaurant has closed. An original and humorous tall-tale.
- Into the Sea, by Brenda Z. Guiberson, illus. by Alix Berenzy. Grades 1-3.
- This well-written nature story follows the life of a female sea turtle from the day she hatches on the beach, through her years of growing up at sea, to her return to shore to lay her eggs.
- Turtle Splash!: Countdown at the Pond, by Cathryn Falwell. Preschool-Grade 1.
- From "Ten timid turtles lounging in a line" on a log to "One lonely turtle in the fading light," young children will delight in counting down as, one-by-one, the turtles splash into the water and become "Ten tired turtles settle[d] for the night" on the pond's bottom. Endnotes provide brief information about the different creatures appearing in the story, as well as directions on how to make leaf prints.
Brooklyn Bridge Opened (May 24, 1883)
- Brooklyn Bridge, by Lynn Curlee. Grades 3-6.
- This picture book for older readers describes the planning, construction, history, and importance of one of the greatest engineering feats in the world. With full-color illustrations, diagrams, specifications, timeline, and maps.
Bill "Bojangles" Robinson's Birthday (May 25, 1878)
- Rap a Tap Tap: Here's Bojangles-Think of That! By Leo Dillon and Diane Dillon. Preschool-Grade 2.
- Paintings which convey a strong sense of movement and rhythm are the star of this picture-book glimpse into the life of African-American tap dancer Bill "Bojangles" Robinson.
Sally Ride's Birthday (May 26, 1951)
- The Third Planet: Exploring the Earth from Space, by Sally Ride and Tam O'Shaughnessy. Grades 4-6.
- Two-time Space Shuttle Astronaut Sally Ride offers her unique view of the planet Earth and its fragile ecosystem. With spectacular NASA photographs.
Amelia Bloomer's Birthday (May 27, 1818)
- You Forgot Your Skirt, Amelia Bloomer!: A Very Improper Story, by Shana Corey, illus. by Chesley McLaren. Ages 5-8.
- A light-hearted look at Amelia Bloomer, who not only fought for a woman's right to vote and to have more career choices, but also for her right to wear non-restricting clothing that allowed greater freedom of movement.
Sir Edmund Hilary and Tensing Norgay Reach the Summit of Mt. Everest (May 29, 1953)
- The Top of the World: Climbing Mount Everest, written by Steve Jenkins. Grades 2-6.
- An introduction to Mount Everest, including its history, geography, and climate, as well as why mountain climbers consider it the ultimate experience. Illustrated with remarkable full-color, cut-paper collages.
- Triumph on Everest: A Photobiography of Sir Edmund Hillary, written by Broughton Coburn. Grades 5-8.
- The lifetime accomplishments of renowned mountaineer, adventurer, and philanthropist, Sir Edmund Hillary.
- I Pledge Allegiance: The Pledge of Allegiance, written by Bill Jr. Martin, illus. by Chris Raschka. Grades K-2.
- An engaging explanation of the words and phrases that make up the Pledge, as well as their historical significance.
- Soldier's Heart: A Novel of the Civil War, by Gary Paulsen. Grades 6 up.
- In this short, stark, realistic tale of one boy's enlistment and service in the Union Army during the Civil War, Paulsen shows both the physical horrors of actual combat and the mental anguish suffered by so many survivors. Loosely based on the life of Charley Goddard who enlisted at age 15 and died a broken man at age 23.
- The Wall, by Eve Bunting, illus. by Ronald Himler. Grades 1-3.
- A young boy and his father visit the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in search of his grandfather's name. This moving picture book is a good choice for Memorial Day, Veterans Day, or for any discussion about war and its consequences.
The librarian of each library participating in the BOOKS FOR CHILDREN program selects the books her library will receive from a booklist provided by the Foundation. The 700-plus fiction and nonfiction titles on the list reflect the very best of children's literature published within the last three years, as well as a selection of classic favorites. Although the complete booklist is for the sole use of libraries participating in the BOOKS FOR CHILDREN program, the website features an ever-changing selection of books from current and past booklists.
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