Spoon thinks he just doesn't have as much fun as fork and knife.  He just doesn't realize that without him we couldn't eat ice cream or soup!  A wondeful story about appreciating why we are all special and unique.

Recommended by Jessilynn

Although I've long been a fan of any book graced with David Small's whimsical and expressive illustrations, I dare say this is my favorite to date. This story is ideal for any reader going through that dinocentric phase of childhood. Charming and truly clever, parents will especially appreciate the mother's innovative spirit at the end. An all-around winner! Recommended by Katie

One of my most beloved of children's books, with spectacular pencil drawings, this classic tells the story of one Mike Mulligan, who remained faithful to his trusted steam shovel Mary Anne, even when newer, faster equipment threatened to take her job. A touching story of friendship and the rewards it brings. Recommended by Katie

Even before Edna Lewis moved to New York City and became a pioneering African American and female chef, she understood the importance of eating foods grown in a garden or by Mother Nature. As a young girl, Edna took pleasure in the exciting flavors that came with the changing of the seasons in the South. She ran through fields with bare feet, and sang rhymes about picking apples and pickling beans and gathering honeycomb. She shared meals with her family, and used all these lessons and love in her cooking for many years to follow. Recommended by Katie

You can now sleep easy knowing that your child too will find a fitting job one day . . . Recommended by Katie

In our childhoods, my siblings and I have taken care of numbers 1-3, 7, 8 and 14-17. The kids I've babysat have got 5, 6, 9, 11 and 12 covered. And surely by the end of the day I can be sure to have crossed the street backwards (twice) and started a food fight... Even if you don't want to admit it, you have surely known - or been -- someone who can relate to this hilarious (and quite accurate) picture book! Recommended by Katie

Who would have guessed that existing as a wee green vegetable could be such a difficult life? Little pea comes home to a miserable dinner of candy every night, before he is allowed to have his most favorite dessert of all! Recommended by Katie

This may be the first one I've encountered, but I can now say, without question, that I'm a sucker for any toad who's been pumping iron. And if he's able to lend a helping hand to the plucky little blue truck, pig, cow, and the rest of the farm animals, I can only lover him all the more. Schertle has most splendidly and cleverly retold the classic underdog story with Little Blue Truck. Recommended by Katie

I've read enough picture books in my time to know that a) simplicity is not overrated and b) most children have a far more zany and intuitive sense of humor than we give them credit for. As an adult, who frequently acts like a child, I can tell you that Shea's creation is spot-on simple silliness. Few words, bold colors and an exuberant dino make for an absolute delight to read again and again. You'll no doubt be roaring by the end! Recommended by Katie

A delightfully creative story of a wee monster who unassumingly takes up residence as a couch potato on a family's newly-purchased sofa...and in their hearts. A tale that gives a colorful twist to the age-old saying, "Home is where the heart is." Recommended by Katie

While exploring his dreary, gray city one afternoon, a curious little boy named Liam discovers "a lonely patch of color" -- scraggly flowers and plants struggling to survive in the dull, urban wasteland. Though he knows nothing about caring for plants, Liam begins to look after these stems and vines and blooms, and the tenacious little plants recover until soon bits of green and splashes of color are popping up all over. The garden wends its way among brick and concrete, transforming the city into a lush green wonderland and its inhabitants into a vibrant community of gardeners and caretakers. The Curious Garden is an enchanting testament to the value of green space and the power of one person to improve the world. Recommended by Megan

In Mommies Say Shhh the always enchanting Patricia Polacco works her magic with a story for the very young. The simple text, lively illustrations, and fun animal noises make for a memorable romp through the farmyard. Be prepared to read this one over and over again! Recommended by Susan

Author Barbara Lehman has done it again! Rainstorm is a treasure. In her wordless format she tells the story of a boy as he looks out the window and rain is spattering the panes. Bored, he starts to wander only to find a key that opens a chest, that contains a ladder, that leads to a most interesting place on a rainy afternoon. Recommended by Susan