Kids' books we love 2014
By Today's Parent
Updated Oct 16, 2014
Kids' books we love 2014
Today I'm Going to Wear...
Written and illustrated by Dan Stiles
POW!, $10
Ages: 3-7
What should you wear today? Will it be a cowboy hat with polka dots? Or a T-shirt covered in bats? This board book is all about what it takes to put together the perfect outfit.
Audrey (cow)
Written by Dan Bar-el and illustrated by Tatjana Mai-Wyss
Tundra Books, $22
Ages: 7-10
When Audrey the cow learns that she's headed for the slaughterhouse (oh my!), her barnyard friends help her plan a great escape.
The Story Starts Here
Written and illustrated by Caroline Merola
Owl Kids, $18
Ages: 3-7
Little Wolf is very stubborn. He tells a story about how he does things his way by asking little readers to read this topsy-turvy book back-to-front!
You're Tutu Cute
Written and illustrated by Sandra Magsamen
Little Brown Books, $9
Wee readers will want to twirl, whirl and reach for the sky the way the adorable ballerina bears do in this book. They’re simply “tutu cute.”
Don't
Written by Litsa Trochatos and illustrated by Virginia Johnson
Groundwood Books, $10
A raucous romp through all the don’ts of playing with animal friends. (Hint: never start a food ufb01ght with an octopus. Eight
arms always wins! )
Why We Live Where We Live
Written by Kira Vermond and illustrated by Julie McLaughlin
Owlkids Books, $13
For curious kids who want to know all about the world (what’s climate change and why did Grandpa immigrate, anyway?), this non-ufb01ction book has the answers.
The Boundless
Written by: Kenneth Oppel
HarperCollins, $14
Ages: 10-14
This award-winning author is at it again. William Everett's adventure on the new majestic train, The Boundless, is rife with heinous villains and suspenseful escapes.
Found
Written and illustrated by: Salina Yoon
Bloomsbury Publishing, $15
Ages: 0-5
After finally finding the owner of a lost toy bunny, Bear learns that special playthings are meant to be shared.
The Most Magnificent Thing
Written and illustrated by: Ashley Spires
Kids Can Press, $17
Ages: 3-7
This indefatigable little girl won't let frustration get in the way of creating her magnificent contraption. Determination is key!
Love You More
Written by: Susan Musgrave and illustrated by: Esperança Melo
Orca Books, $10
Ages: 0-3
Parents may love new baby animals, white clouds in July and gentle chickadees, but they love their little bundles so much more.
The Pigeon Needs a Bath!
Written and illustrated by: Mo Willems
Hyperion, $18
Ages: 3-5
This dirty birdy needs a serious scrub, but he doesn't think so. Pigeon soon discovers that bathtime really isn't all that bad—it can even be fun!
File Under: 13 Suspicious Incidents
Written by: Lemony Snicket and illustrated by: Seth
HarperCollins, $15
Ages: 8-12
A young Lemony Snicket has some cases to crack and urgently needs help! Readers use their sleuthing skills to help him solve his investigations.
Shadow Chasers
Written and illustrated by: Elly MacKay
Running Press, $20
Ages: 3 and up
As the summer sun sets, the children in this sweet tale try their best to catch their shadows before they disappear into the evening.
Mighty Dads
Written by: Joan Holub and illustrated by: James Dean
Scholastic Press, $19
Ages: 3-5
This book is full of big, mighty machines and little ones, too. Teeny trucks learn from their strong dads all about building and demolition on a construction site.
Mark Twain's The Adventures of Tom Sawyer
Written and illustrated by: Jack and Holman Wang
Simply Read Books, $10
Ages: 0-3
This cherished novel has been abridged in the latest endeavour from Cozy Classics. This board book lets even the littlest readers follow Tom's journeys, too.
Ten Little Pirates
Written by: Mike Brownlow and illustrated by: Simon Rickerty
Scholastic, $11
Ages: 0-5
Ten little pirates are having a hard time staying on their ship. As they run into trouble with sharks and mermaids, slowly but surely each swashbuckler ends up in the sea.
Captain Underpants and the Tyrannical Retaliation of the Turbo Toilet 2000
Written and illustrated by: Dav Pilkey
Hachette Children's Books, $11
Ages: 7-12
This eleventh installment includes a vengeful toilet that devours everything in sight. Will Captain Underpants save the day?
Julia, Child
Written by: Kyo Maclear and illustrated by: Julie Morstad
Tundra Books, $20
Ages: 0-12
A pair of young girls stir together some secret ingredients, teaching the grown-ups how important it is to stop worrying (and to use butter every chance they get!).
The Madman of Piney Woods
Written by Christopher Paul Curtis
Scholastic, $19
AGES 8–12
The author of the award-winning Elijah of Buxton tells the story of Benji and Red and their curious encounters with a strange presence in the forest.
Families Around the World
Written by Margriet Ruurs and illustrated by Jessica Rae Gordon
Kids Can Press, $20
AGES 3–7
Your wanderlust-filled kids will make 14 friends from all over the world and get acquainted with their families, too.
That's Not My Fox
Written by Fiona Watts and illustrated by Rachel Wells
Usborne Books, $12
AGES 0–1
Your littlest reader will love all the textures in the latest board book from this series. (Don’t forget to look for the mouse!)
Dinosaur vs. Santa
Written and illustrated by Bob Shea
Disney-Hyperion, $18
AGES 3-5
This rambunctious dinosaur is preparing for Santa's arrival and causing quite the rukus, too. He just can't seem to sit still!
Simon and the Bear: A Hanukkah Tale
Written by Eric A. Kimmel and illustrated by Matthew Trueman
Disney-Hyperion, $18
AGES 3-5
On a precarious sea voyage, Simon's faith and a polar bear's company help him stay hopeful.
Touch and Feel Christmas
DK Publishing, $8
AGES 0-2
Little ones will have fun touching Santa's fluffy beard and a reindeer's squishy nose and seeing their reflections in shiny ornaments in this board book.
