Published by Greenwillow Books 

Summary:  On the page before the title page, the reader is informed that this picture book has been cancelled.  A few pages in, a bunch of crayons are surprised that someone has persevered to the story.  The pencil takes over, relating how the crayons were all set to do a performance of “Frankencrayon” when the lights went out, and a huge red scribble appeared.  Crayon attempts to clean it only made it worse, and the production was cancelled.  Meanwhile, the three crayons slated to play the Frankencrayon monster were awaiting their entrance on page 22.  When the big moment arrived, everyone was gone except the scribble.  The three resourceful crayons fix things up; the last page reveals who was responsible for the scribble in the first place.  40 pages; ages 4-8.

Pros:  The story takes great liberties with the standard book format, including the reader in all the goings-on.  Michael Hall, creator of last year’s Red: A Crayon’s Story once again shows his skills at bringing crayons to life.

Cons:  Careful reading is required to understand the story.

Published by Nancy Paulsen Books 

Summary: Each sense gets its own special section, in which adorable preschoolers hear, smell, see, touch, and taste, and sometimes react to their experiences. Example:  “I hear the birdie.  I hear the bee. Uh-oh!  I don’t hear the worm.”  Each section has 15-20 experiences, so kids will definitely get the idea of what that sense is all about.  The pickle ties it all together on the last page, as it is seen, smelled, touched, tasted, and heard…crunch!  32 pages; ages 2-6.

Pros: A gently humorous introduction to the senses. The multicultural cast of kids is a cute and curious bunch, enthusiastically exploring the world around them.

Cons:  Adult readers could tire of the repetitious text if this becomes a favorite book.

Published by Tundra Books 

Summary: Long ago, Miss Wilhelmina Moon traveled to an island off the coast of France to work as a governess to sixty seven dogs. This job has given her a great deal of expertise about dogs and life in general.  Here, she shares twenty of the most important life lessons she’s gained from her years as a dog governess, such as “Friends come in many shapes and sizes” and “Be true to your adventurous spirit”.  Each lesson is accompanied by a painting of the indomitable Miss Moon and several of her charges in interesting situations.  The final page is a class picture in which all the dogs are identified by name.  48 pages; ages 4-8.

Pros:  An unusual Canadian import, this book doesn’t really tell a story, but you sense there’s a story behind it.  Any illustration/lesson could be used as a writing prompt.  Each dog is unique, and kids will enjoy finding out the names of their favorites at the end.

Cons:  Some of the lessons may require some explanation for the youngest readers.

Published by Scholastic

Summary: Young Bruce Wayne is fearless until one night when, after seeing a movie together, he and his parents walk down a dark alley on their way home. Bruce hears loud voices, then two bangs, and when he comes out of the alley he’s all alone.  He finds a new home in a big house in the country, but now he’s afraid of the dark.  One afternoon he falls asleep under a tree, and when he wakes up, the sun has set.  Terrified, he runs for home, only to fall down a deep hole into a bat cave.  He’s confronted by a monster bat, but discovers the courage within himself to fight it off.  From then on, he is never afraid again; the last page shows him grown up as Batman.  32 pages; grades K-2.

Pros:  What’s not to like about the Caped Crusader?  Jon Muth takes a break from Zen paintings to illustrate this tale with interesting contrasts of dark and light.  Based on the original story of Batman, this book is sure to please superhero fans.

Cons:  Although the action occurs offstage, there’s no denying Bruce’s parents are shot down in cold blood, which may be too disturbing for some younger readers.