Kids' Next List: Ages 4-8

"Animals Up Close is a very cool book, full of absolutely startling photographs of the world's cutest, creepiest, and most fascinating animals. It also offers interesting tidbits and statistics on creatures you've heard of, as well as those you haven't. A great way to acquaint yourself with the unseen world around you." --Amanda Hurley Inkwood Books, Tampa, FL

"Neil Gaiman has written a beautiful, multicultural celebration. Three wise women (a maiden, mother, and crone) watch as an infant becomes a girl who transforms into a woman of strength and character. Warm and wonderful illustrations perfectly capture the text." --Ellen Richmond, Children's Book Cellar, Waterville, ME

"Dessert Schneider is lovable and believable little girl who is always getting into trouble, and learning how to accept the consequences of her actions. Dessert First is a sweet tale about learning lessons in life, especially how to wrong a right. Scrumptious!" --Rebeka Leinberger, Blue Manatee Children's Bookstore,
Cincinnati, OH

"Do you see the two holes in the ground? Do you see the two soldiers in these holes? Do you see the manuals they've been given about The Enemy? What happens when one soldier discovers that he is also The Enemy? The soldiers have been told that there is only one way to end the war, but is that true?" --Katie Capaldi, McLean & Eakin Booksellers, Petoskey, MI

"Monster Gabe has gone fishing and his human, Ethan, doesn't know how he will fall asleep without his monster under his bed. This beautifully illustrated story will have youngsters and their parents laughing out loud." --Mary McHale, Fox Tale Books, New Durham, NH

"Ant is stopped short when he encounters a huge ball of string. As he starts to unravel the ball of string, he asks his friend Bird, 'Just how long can a long string be?' Wise Bird says 'it depends,' and proceeds to show Ant just how true that is. With colorful and cheerful illustrations, Baker illustrates a great lesson in taking a big problem and breaking it down to a manageable size." --Trish Brown, Hooray for Books!, Alexandria, VA

"It's Little Llama's first day at school. What could be harder than feeling all alone and missing your mama? As always, Dewdney's rhymes flow effortlessly, with a pacing and repetition that are sure to capture the attention of little llamas everywhere. This is my favorite new read-aloud title." --Lauren O'Neill, Kepler's Books & Magazine, Menlo Park, CA

"Brian Floca skillfully tells the historic story of Apollo 11 with details in word and watercolor that will capture the imaginations of the youngest readers. A stand-out!" --Carol Moyer, Quail Ridge Books, Raleigh, NC

"This is the best book for kids about the subject of divorce I have seen in some time. Relayed in a matter-of-fact yet funny tone, it's a story told from a kid's perspective. Lot's of things may make him 'weird' (say, that he has named his elbows), but his parents' divorce is not one of them." --Cinda Meister, Booksmart, Morgan Hill, CA

"Another great collection of humorous poetry from Jeff Foxworthy, with illustrations by Steve Bjorkman. This one is fun and hilarious, and kids will love it." --Kelly Peroni, High Sierra Books, Portola, CA