The Children's Book Committee

Best of the Best

Outstanding Books of 1997 to 2008
From the 1998 to 2008 editions of The Best Children's Books of the Year

UNDER FIVE | Five to Nine | Nine and Up | Twelve and Up | Special Interests

Under Five


Arf! Beg! Catch: Dogs from A to Z
written and photographed by Henry Horenstein
(Scholastic, 1999)
Charming, active photographs illustrate this original, humorous alphabet book. (4-6)   

The Animal ABC
written and ill. by Leslie Baker
(Henry Holt, 2003)
Each animal's name under a beautiful watercolor illustration. (3-5)   

Annie's Chair
written and ill. by Deborah Miland
(Walker, 2006)
When beloved dog Beany sits in Annie's chair, he learns a lesson. Gouache and digital illustrations. (3-5)   

Are You Going To Be Good?
by Cari Best, pictures by G. Brian Karas
(FSG, 2005)
Family members instruct Robert on manners as he prepares for his first grownup party to celebrate Great-Gran's one hundredth birthday.  (4-6)   

Bark, George
written and ill. by Jules Feiffer
(HarperCollins, 1999)
Hilarious tale with exaggerated illustrations of a dog who purrs, quacks, moos and grunts, but doesn't bark.  A perfect read-aloud! (2-5)   

Beaten by a Balloon
by Margaret Mahy, ill.  by Jonathan Allen
(Viking, 1998)
Sam, upset when his father will not buy him toy weapons, confronts a real-life bank robber.  Zany illustrations. (4-6)  

Best Best Friends
written and ill. by Margaret Chodos-Irvine
(Harcourt, 2006)
Although best friends have a serious quarrel, their reconciliation can be satisfying. Colorful collages. (3-5)   

Black? White! Day? Night!: A Book of Opposites
written and ill. by Laura Vaccaro Seeger
(Roaring Brook, 2006)
Children learn about opposites with hints from simple bright illustrations. (3-6)  

The Boy on the Beach
written and ill. by Niki Daly
(McElderry, 1999)
While fearful of the waves, a young boy has a wonderful day exploring the beach. Pleasant watercolors. (3-5)   

Bubba and Beau, Best Friends
by Kathi Appelt, ill. by Arthur Howard
(Harcourt, 2002)
A baby and a puppy have a lot in common, including a favorite blanket. Amusing cartoon-like drawings. (3-5)   

Bunny and Me
written and photographed by Adele Aron Greenspun, photographic enhancement by Joanie Schwarz
(Scholastic, 2000)
Baby and Bunny get to know each other. Tinted photographs. (2-4)   

Busy, Busy City Street
by Cari Meister, ill. by Steven Guarnaccia
(Viking, 2000)  
An exuberant paean to traffic noise and urban congestion rendered in graphic illustrations. (2-4)   

The Busy Little Squirrel
written and ill. by Nancy Tafuri
(S&S, 2007)
Squirrel, busily preparing for winter, does not have time to play  with the other animals.  Vibrant, full-page watercolor, pen and ink illustrations. (2-5)   

Clip-Clop
written and ill. by Nicola Smee
(Boxer, 2006)
A cat, a dog, a pig and a duck have a rollicking ride on their friend horse. Humorous illustrations.  (2-4)   

Come On, Rain!
by Karen Hesse, ill. by Jon J. Muth
(Scholastic, 1999)
After a very long dry spell, the joy of rain brings giggling hugs and dancing feet. (4-6)   

Conejito: A Folktale from Panama
by Margaret Read MacDonald, ill. by Geraldo ValÈrio
(August House, 2006)
Little Bunny outwits various hungry animals on his visit to his Tia Monica.  Bright, colorful illustrations. (3-6)  

Count Down to Clean Up!
written and ill. by Nancy Elizabeth Wallace
(HMC, 2001)
Bunnies gather together to clean up the park. Counting concepts. Appealing cut paper collage. (3-5)   

Counting Creatures: Pop Up Animals from 1-100
by Sophie and David Pelham, ill. by David Pelham
(Little Simon, 2004)
Pop-ups reveal creatures illustrating the numbers from one through twenty and the tens thereafter. (3-5)   

Counting Kisses
written and ill. by Karen Katz
(McElderry, 2001)
A baby's day of kisses, ending with a lovely kiss goodnight. Colorful, graphic illustrations. (0-2)

Cowboy Bunnies
by Christine Loomis, ill. By Ora Eitan
(Putnam, 1997)
Bunnies pretend to be cowboys before bedtime. Charming rhyme and playful art. A delightful read-aloud. (3-5)

The Daddy Mountain
written and ill. by Jules Feiffer
(Hyperion,  2004)
A small girl bravely reaches the summit. Simple energetic illustrations contrast color with gray tones. (3-6)   

Don't Let the Pigeon Stay Up Late!
written and ill. by  mo willems
(Hyperion, 2006)
The world's most inventive pigeon finds the most inventive reasons to avoid going to bed.  Humorous line drawings. (4-6)   

Duck on a Bike
written and ill. by David Shannon
(Blue Sky, 2002)
Duck and all the animals have a bright romp around the farmyard on bikes. A good read-aloud. (3-6)   

Dreaming: A Countdown to Sleep
written and ill. by Elaine Greenstein
(Scholastic, 2000) A wonderful bedtime counting book. (3-5)  
 
Duck & Goose
written and ill. by Tad Hills
(Schwartz & Wade, 2006)
Two feathered fowl discover an abandoned spotted egg.  As they fight over it, they become friends. (3-5)   

The Elf's Hat
by Brigitte Weninger, ill. by John A. Rowe, trans. by J. Alison James
(North-South, 2000)
A lost cap and the animals that claim it for a home. Vivid, energetic art. (3-5)   

Ella Sarah Gets Dressed
written and ill. by Margaret Chodos-Irvine
(Harcourt, 2003)
A sassy young lady with her own sense of style. Simple, colorful illustrations. (3-6)   

Every Friday
written and ill. by Dan Yaccarino
(Henry Holt, 2007)
A small boy and his father share a special weekly ritual. Gouache illustrations on watercolor paper. (3-6)   

Finklehopper Frog Cheers
by Irene Livingston, ill. by Brian Lies
(Tricycle, 2005)
The friendship between Finklehopper Frog and Ruby Rabbit helps them weather disappointments. (4-6)   

"Fire! Fire!" Said Mrs. McGuire
by Bill Martin Jr., ill. by Vladimir Radunsky
(Harcourt, 2006)
A delightful community of unique, humorous mice spot a fire through a keyhole.  Great read aloud. (3-6)   

First the Egg
written and ill. by Laura Vaccaro Seeger
(Roaring Brook, 2007)
Simple text and bold illustration and design provoke thought about change and creativity. (4-6)   

Five Trucks
written and ill. by Brian Floca
(DK, Inc., 1999)
In an unusual blend of story and concept, five trucks work together in an exciting project. (2-4)   

Fix It, Sam
by Lori Ries, ill. by Sue Ram·
(Charlesbridge, 2007)
Big brother Sam can always fix his little brother's mistakes. Delightful colored pencil illustrations and simple text. (3-6)   

The Giant Hug
by Sandra Horning, ill. by Valeri Gorbachev
(Knopf, 2005)
When Owen sends a huge hug through the mail to his grandmother, he brings cheer to many. Humorous illustrations. (4-6)   

Ginger Finds a Home
written and ill. by Charlotte Voake
(Candlewick, 2003)
An orphan cat finds the perfect home and a little girl finds the perfect cat. (3-5)   

The Gingerbread Man
by Jim Aylesworth, ill.  by Barbara McClintock
(Scholastic, 1998)
Captivating watercolor illustrations and lyrical prose invigorate this tale of the spirited cookie done in by a fox.   (3-6)   

The Goldfish Yawned
written and ill. by Elizabeth Sayles
(Henry Holt, 2005)
A sleeping young girl dreams of a sailboat voyage. Humorous pastels. (4-6)   

Good as Goldie
written and ill. by Margie Palatini
(Hyperion, 2000)
A spunky sister's view of her baby brother.  Lively text and humorous illustrations.  (1-3)   
 
A Good Day
written and ill. by Kevin Henkes
(Greenwillow, 2007)
Even with disappointment, there is always hope. Bright, stylized watercolors. (3-5)   

Good Knight
by Linda R. Rymill, ill.  by G. Brian Karas
(Henry Holt, 1998)
One boy's resistance to bathtime and getting ready for bed. Humorously told and illustrated.  (3-6)   

Good Night, Little One
written and ill. by Salina Yoon
(Scholastic, 2005) Where do various animals sleep? Find the answers behind the flaps. (2-5)   

The Goose That Almost Got Cooked
written and ill. by Marc Simont
(Scholastic, 1997)
Vivacious Emily tries out her independence but learns to appreciate the love and safety of the flock. Lovely watercolors. (3-5)

The Great Fuzz Frenzy
by Janet Stevens and Susan Stevens Crummel, ill. by Janet Stevens
(Harcourt, 2005)
When a tennis ball lands among prairie dogs, it results in a great fuzzy frenzy. Hilarious illustrations. (3-7)   

Happy to Be Nappy
by Bell Hooks, ill. by Chris Raschka
(Hyperion, 1999)
Rhythmic read-aloud celebrates the diversity of hair texture with joyous, rambunctious, expressive watercolors. (2-4)   

Has Anyone Seen My Emily Greene?
by Norma Fox Mazer, ill. by Christine Davenier
(Candlewick, 2007)
A father-daughter game of hide-and-seek captured in rhyme and watercolors. (3-5)   

The Hat
written and ill. By Jan Brett
(Putnam, 1997)
One by one, Lisa's winter clothes disappear from the clothesline in this cumulative tale. Charming illustrations. (3-5)

Hello, Arctic!
by Theodore Taylor, ill. by Margaret Chodos-Irvine
(Harcourt, 2002)
The cycle of life in the Arctic region. Stunningly illustrated. (3-6)   

Hello Baby!
written and ill. by Lizzy Rockwell
(Crown, 1999)
A very young chick describes the baby growing inside his mother and shares the baby's homecoming. (2-4)   

The Hello, Goodbye Window
by Norman Juster, ill. by Chris Raschka
(Hyperion, 2005)
A joyous celebration of a little girl's warm relationship with her Nanna and Poppy.  Riotous and energetic mixed-media artwork. (3-6)  
 
Here Comes Mother Goose
edited by Iona Opie, ill. by Rosemary Wells
(Candlewick, 1999)
Large print and delightful illustrations make this a joy for reading and sharing. (2-5)   

Hooray for Fish!
written and ill. by Lucy Cousins
(Candlewick, 2005)
Little fish visits his fascinating underwater friends. Bold, gouache illustrations. (2-4)   

Horace and Morris but mostly Dolores
by James Howe, ill. by Amy Walrod
(Atheneum, 1999)
Mouse friends discover that excluding the girl is not nearly as much fun as playing together. (3-5)   

How Are You Peeling?: Foods with Moods
by Saxton Freymann and Joost  Elffers, photos by Nimkin/Parrinello
(Scholastic, 1999)
Sharp, colorful photographs of fruits and vegetables carved to represent different moods and feelings. (3-5)   

How Do Dinosaurs Say Good Night?
by Jane Yolen, ill. by Mark Teague
(Blue Sky, 2000)
The mini crises of bedtime in rhymed text with funny illustrations. (3-5)   

I Lost My Bear
written and ill. by Jules Feiffer
(Morrow, 1998)
A little girl plays detective to find her beloved stuffed animal. Told and illustrated with humor. (3-5)   

I Love You Like Crazy Cakes
by Rose Lewis, ill. by Jane Dyer
(Little, Brown, 2000)
An orphaned baby girl from China is adopted by a single American woman. (4-6)
 
I Walk At Night
by Lois Duncan, ill. by Steve Johnson Fancher
(Viking, 2000)
Cats and their mysterious ways celebrated in poetry and picture. (4-6)   

I'll Play with You
by Mary McKenna Siddals, ill. by David Wisniewski
(Clarion, 2000)
A whimsical conversation with children and the elements--sun, rain, wind.  Collage illustrations. (2-4)   

I'm Going to Grandma's
by Mary Ann Hoberman, ill. by Tiphanie Beeke
(Harcourt, 2007)
A special sleepover. Sprightly rhymes and colorful acrylics. (2-5)   

Jack and the Missing Piece
by Pat Schories
(Front Street,  2004)
Wordless book about a boy and his dog encourages the creation of stories. (3-5)

Jazz Baby
by Lisa Wheeler, ill. by R. Gregory Christie
(Harcourt, 2007)
Rhythm and dance fill a baby with joy and love. Bold, colorful gouache illustrations. (4-6)   

Kiss the Cow!
by Phyllis Root, ill. by Will Hillenbrand
(Candlewick, 2000)
Annalisa, not the oldest and not the youngest, but the most curious and most stubborn of all Mama May's many children, upsets the magic cow. (4-6)   

Kitten's Big Adventure
written and ill. by Mie Araki
(Harcourt, 2005)
An exciting day for a kitten and a little mouse. Joyful watercolors. (3-5)   

Kitten's First Full Moon
written and ill. by Kevin Henkes
(Greenwillow,  2004)
Kitten mistakes the moon for a bowl of milk. Boldly outlined black-and- white art. (3-5)   

Knuffle Bunny Too: A Case of Mistaken Identity
written and ill. by Mo Willems
(Hyperion, 2007)
When Trixie eagerly takes her beloved stuffed bunny to school to show all her friends, she discovers an unpleasant surprise. Hand-drawn ink sketches overlaid with photographs.  (3-5)   

Leaves! Leaves! Leaves!
written and ill. by Nancy Elizabeth Wallace
(Cavendish, 2003)
A bear cub and her mother move through the seasons learning how leaves change. Includes colorful, informative collages of different leaves and a fun activity. (4-7)   

Lemons Are Not Red
written and ill. by Laura Vaccaro Seeger
(Roaring Brook,  2004)
A striking introduction to color. (3-5)   

Let's Play Baseball!
by Charles R. Smith, Jr., ill. by Terry Widener
(Candlewick, 2006)
Girls and boys have a great time playing the game. Whimsical acrylic illustrations. (3-5)   

Like Likes Like
written and ill. by Chris Raschka
(DK, Inc., 1999)
A lonely cat falls in love in a rose garden. Warm and charming, with vibrant illustrations. (2-5)   

Little Night
written and ill. by Yuyi Morales
(Roaring Brook, 2007)
Mother Sky engages in bedtime capers with her child in this tender loving encounter. Lyrical pastels. (4-7)   

Little Yoga
by Rebecca Whitford, and Martina Selway
(Henry Holt, 2005)
Explanations include babies and animals in yoga poses with simple, colorful pictures. (2-4)   

Lizette's Green Sock
written and ill. by Catharina Valckx
(Clarion, 2005)
Lizette's friend Bert helps her solve the problem of "only one." Simple, cheerful watercolors. (3-5)
 
llama llama red pajama
written and ill. by Anna Dewdney
(Viking, 2005)
A reassuring tale confirming that even though bedtime is scary, children will be safe. (2-5)   

Madlenka's Dog
written and ill. by Peter Sìs
(FSG, 2002)
A city girl's imaginary dog appears with neighbors, under flaps and through windows, but all on her own block.  (4-7)   

The Magic Hat
by Mem Fox, ill. by Tricia Tusa
(Harcourt, 2002)
A hat causes magical changes. Funny rhymes and whimsical illustrations. (3-6)   

Mama: A True Story
written and ill. by Jeanette Winter
(Harcourt, 2006)
A baby hippo, separated from his mother during a tsunami, finds a new home and a new  mother. Bold acrylic illustrations. (3-5)   

Mama Will Be  Home Soon
by Nancy Minchella, ill. by Keiko Narahashi
(Scholastic, 2003)
Grandmother comforts Lili during her mother's short time away.  (3-6)   

Matthew A.B.C.
written and ill. by Peter Catalanotto
(Atheneum, 2002)
A class filled with Matthews and a clever teacher who can tell them apart. Hilarious text and illustrations.  (3-6)   

Max Cleans Up
written and ill. by Rosemary Wells
(Viking, 2000)
Max helps Ruby clean up the mess in his room in a most original way. Delightful story and illustrations. (3-5)

Mommy's Best Kisses
by Margaret Anastas, ill. by Susan Winter
(HarperCollins, 2003)
Playful relationship between animal mamas and their babies. Gentle rhymes and illustrations. (1-3)   

Mouse Mess
written and ill. by Linnea Riley
(Blue Sky, 1997)
A delightful and playful tale of a mouse on the loose. Vibrant collages. (4-7)
 
My Car
written and ill. by Byron Barton
(Greenwillow, 2001)
A man, his car and the care he takes of it. Bright, bold illustrations. (2-4)

My Cat Copies Me
written and ill. by Yoon-duck Kwon
(Kane/Miller, 2007)
The tender relationship between a Korean girl and her cat as they learn from one another about their world. Korean brushwork paintings. (4-6)   

My Friend Lucky: a love story
written and ill. by David Milgrim
(Atheneum, 2002)
A boy's dog demonstrates opposites--slow and fast, here and there, and more. Charming illustrations. (3-6)   

The Noisy Airplane Ride
by Mike Downs, ill. by David Gordon
(Tricycle, 2003)
Noises, bumps, thumps and basic routines aboard an aircraft. (3-6)   

The Noisy Way to Bed
by Ian Whybrow, ill. by Tiphanie Beeke
(Arthur A. Levine, 2004) A young boy gathers farmyard animals on his way to bed.  (3-5)   

Not a Box
written and ill. by Antoinette Portis
(HarperCollins, 2006)
Bravo! A humorous look at a rabbit who thinks outside the box. Imaginative red and black line drawings. (3-6)   

Nutmeg and Barley: A Budding Friendship
written and ill. by Janie Bynum
(Candlewick, 2006)
Unlikely neighbors, a squirrel and a mouse, discover their true affection for one another. Watercolor, pencil and pastel illustrations. (4-6)   

Once I Ate a Pie
by Patricia MacLachlan and Emily MacLachlan Charest, ill. by Katy Schneider
(HarperCollins, 2006)
The personalities of different dogs described in rhyme and impressionistic paintings. (3-5)   

One Child, One Seed: A South African Counting Book
by Kathryn Cave, photos by Gisele Wulfsohn
(Henry Holt, 2003)
An engaging portrayal of life in rural South Africa with wonderful photographs. (4-6)   

One Dark Night
by Lisa Wheeler, ill. by Ivan Bates
(Harcourt, 2003)
Mole and Mouse set off for the glen through the dark scary night and meet up with Bear.   (3-6)   

One Lighthouse, One Moon
written and ill. by Anita Lobel
(Greenwillow, 2000)
The days of the week, months of the year, and the four seasons beautifully presented in striking color and design. (3-6)  

One of Each
by Mary Ann Hoberman, ill. by Majorie Priceman
(Little, Brown, 1997)
In this rhyming tale, Oliver Tolliver learns to share his solitary pleasures with first one friend, then another. Whimsical illustrations. (3-5)

One Smart Skunk
by Harriet Ziefert, ill. by Santiago Cohen
(Blue Apple,  2004)
One family tries to get along with Rebecca, a skunk who lives under their deck. Interesting information about skunks. (4-6)   

Pete's A Pizza
written and ill. by William Steig
(HarperCollins, 1998)
Mom and Dad play with Pete when a rainy day washes out his plans. (3-5)  

Pie in the Sky
written and ill. by Lois Ehlert
(Harcourt,  2004)
After Dad says their tree will grow a pie, the child watches and waits and is surprised at the end. Collages. (3-6)   

The Pig is in the Pantry, The Cat is on the Shelf
by Shirley Mozelle, ill. by Jennifer Plecas
(Clarion, 2000)
Eight rambunctious animals get into mischief in an empty farmhouse. A whimsical, silly and delightful read-aloud. (4-6)
 
A Place to Sleep
written and ill. by Holly Meade
(Cavendish, 2001)
Where do various types of animals sleep? Colorful collage illustrations with black-and-white answers. (3-5)   

The Puddle
written and ill. by David McPhail
(FSG, 1998)
When a young boy sails his toy boat in a puddle he conjures up all kinds of animals and adventures.  Appropriate illustrations. (3-5)   

pumpkins
written and ill. by ken robbins
(Roaring Brook, 2006)
About pumpkins from seed to jack-o'-lantern. Beautiful photographs evoke fall. (3-5)   

Rain
written and ill. by Manya Stojic
(Crown, 2000)
Vivid brushstrokes depict Africa's savanna animals as they await and savor rain. (3-5)   

Rainy Day
by Patricia Lakin, ill. by Scott Nash
(Dial, 2007)
The rainy weather does not stop four crocodiles from having a creative day of adventure and fun. Humorous, computer-generated illustrations. (3-5)   

Sidewalk Circus
by Paul Fleischman, ill. by Kevin Hawkes
(Candlewick,  2004) Posters advertising the coming of the circus go up as the neighborhood watches. A wordless book with spectacular acrylic illustrations. (3-6)   

Sing Along Song
by JoAnn Early Macken, ill. by LeUyen Pham
(Viking,  2004)
A small boy sings along as he rejoices in all that he sees and hears. (2-5)   

Sleepy Boy
by Polly Kanevsky, ill. by Stephanie Anderson
(Atheneum, 2006)
Gentle, dreamy illustrations and text tell a perfect bedtime story. (3-6)   

Sleepy Me
by Marni McGee, ill. by Sam Williams
(S&S, 2001)
Bedtime is gentle and comforting as this small child makes his way to sleep. Soothing illustrations. (1-3)  

Smile, Lily!
by Candace Fleming, ill. by Yumi Heo
(Atheneum,  2004)
Each member of Lily's family engages in efforts to stop her from crying, but only her brother knows just what to do. (3-6)   

Snip Snap! What's That?
by Mara Bergman, ill. by Nick Maland
(Greenwillow, 2005)
Three siblings are frightened by an alligator who creeps up the stairs, until they frighten the alligator. (3-6)   

Snow
written and ill. by Uri Shulevitz
(FSG, 1998)
A child sees more than adults in a poetic celebration of a snowstorm.  Lyrical, humorous illustrations. (2-5)   

Stanley's Party
by Linda Bailey, ill. by Bill Slavin
(Kids Can, 2003)
Little by little, Stanley stops being such a good dog, with hilarious results. (4-6)   

Stick
written and ill. by Steve Breen
(Dial, 2007)
How much trouble can a young frog encounter when he tries to be independent? Humorous mixed media illustrations. (4-6)   

The Stray Dog
retold and ill. by Marc Simont
(HarperCollins, 2001)
While picnicking, a family enjoys the company of a dog and saves him from the dogcatcher. From a true story by Reiko Sassa. Delightful watercolors.  (3-5)

Tadpoles
written and ill. by Betsy James
(Dutton, 1999)
Molly watches her tadpoles and her baby brother grow through the summer. Warm family story enhanced by information about frogs and playful illustrations. (4-6)   
 
Tails
written and ill. by Matthew Van Fleet
(Harcourt, 2003)
A counting book about all kinds of animal tails--long, short, fluffy. Pull-the-tab book. (2-5)   

Telling Time with Big Mama Cat
by Dan Harper, ill. by Barry Moser and Cara Moser
(HBC, 1998)
Follow a cat's activities through the day and move the hands of the clock. (2-5)   

There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly
written and ill. by Simms Taback
(Viking, 1997)
The folk poem/song retold with wonderful art and humor. (5-7)

This is a Poem that Heals Fish
by Jean-Pierre Simèon, ill. by Olivier Tallec
(Enchanted Lion, 2007)
Through exhaustive exploration, little Arthur learns what constitutes a poem.  Splashy watercolors. (5-7)   

This Little Chick
written and ill. by John Lawrence
(Candlewick, 2002)
This friendly chick has a wonderful time learning to speak like his farmyard friends. Bold, colorful illustrations. (2-4)   

Turtle Splash!: Countdown at the Pond
written and ill. by Cathryn Falwell
(Greenwillow, 2001)
Animals and birds appear as turtles fall into the water one by one. Handsome cut-paper illustrations and nature glossary. (3-5)

Wake up, me!
by Marni McGee, ill. by Sam Williams
(S&S, 2002)
Family members and inanimate objects are urged to wake up and get ready for the day. (2-4)   

Wemberly's Ice-Cream Star
written and ill. by Kevin Henkes
(Greenwillow, 2003)
Wemberly worries that her ice cream pop may drip on her new dress. Board book. (2-5)   

What If?
by Frances Thomas, ill. by Ross Collins
(Hyperion, 1999)
Mother Monster responds to Little Monster's scary if's with reassuring if's so that he can go back to sleep. (3-5)   
 
When Will Sarah Come?
by Elizabeth Fitzgerald Howard, photos by Nina Crews
(Greenwillow, 1999)
A pre-school boy waits for his sister to return from school.  Engaging text and lively photographs. (2-5)   

Where Is That Cat?
by Carol Greene, ill. by Loretta Krupinski
(Hyperion, 1999)
A wayward cat insinuates itself into the life of a lonely old woman as she tries to find it a home. (4-6)   
 
Where Is the Green Sheep?
by Mem Fox, ill. by Judy Horacek
(Harcourt,  2004)
About many different sheep and the one who might be missing. (2-5)   

Widget
Lyn Rossiter McFarland, ill. by Jim McFarland
(FSG, 2001)
A stray dog must fit into a household with six cats. Endearing watercolor illustrations. (4-6)
 
Yoko's Paper Cranes
written and ill. by Rosemary Wells
(Hyperion, 2001)
Friendship expressed through origami and mail sent from America to Japan. (3-6)   

Yum!
by Harriet Ziefert, ill. by SAMi
(Blue Apple (Chronicle), 2006)
Clear, clever introduction to basic shapes. Board Book. (3-5)   

Yum! Yuck!: A Foldout Book of People Sounds
by Linda Sue Park and Julia Durango, ill. by Sue Ram·
(Charlesbridge, 2005)
The varied way the same feelings are expressed around the world. (3-6)   

Z Goes Home
written and ill. by Jon Agee
(Hyperion, 2003)
Z encounters some unique words on his journey and then returns to his letter family. Creative, energetic illustrations. (4-6)