50 Below Zero by Robert Munsch *
Strange things are happening at night in Jason's house – things that require quick thinking and a helping hand. The rhythm and repetition in the story is pure Munsch and loads of fun for you and your child. If the phrase "This house is going craaazy!" resonates with you, then this book is sure to be a winner in your family. Fun for children 2 to 4.

Stanley at Sea by Linda Bailey
Stanley is back – Stanley of Stanley’s Party, winner of the 2004 Blue Spruce Award. When his owners refuse to share their picnic, Stanley the dog and his friends set off in search in food and find themselves aboard a small boat heading out to sea. Will Stanley be rescued?  Read and find out. Enjoyable for children 3 to 6.

My Lucky Day by Keiko Kasza *
When the pig mistakenly knocks on the fox's door, it looks like it's curtains for the young swine. It's fun to watch brains slowly triumph over brawn, and the twist at the end will leave you shaking your head in disbelief. You haven't seen an ending like this since the film, "The Usual Suspects." A thrilling romp for kids 3 to 6.

The Old House by Pamela Duncan Edwards
An old, empty and rather ramshackle house feels sorry for itself because it has no family living within its walls. But with the help of some special friends, its dreams come true.  If you have ever fallen in love with a fixer-upper, this books is certainly for you. Great for children 3 to 6.

Pumpkin Soup by Helen Cooper *
Cat, Squirrel and Duck are three friends living happily together -- that is, until Duck decides to shake up their daily pumpkin-soup-making routine. A quarrel ensues and the trio's friendship seems at an end.  Will Cat and Squirrel learn to accommodate their longtime friend's desire to learn and explore? Can they even find Duck, who was last seen pushing his wheelbarrow into the distance?  Cooper's delightful illustrations tell this story about helping and social skills as much as the words do. Recommended for ages 3-5.

Bear Feels Sick by Karma Wilson
When Bear is too sick to play, his animal friends go to his cave to make him soup and tea, and keep him company.  The rhyming text and repeated refrain – “Bear feels sick” – makes this book very appealing when read out loud.  Recommended for children 2–5.

Zen Shorts by Jon J. Muth **
When the gentle panda Stillwater comes into the lives of Addy, Michael and Karl, they begin to see life in a new way. With a wisdom of years gone by, Stillwater teaches the siblings lessons that even adults struggle to master. Beautifully written and illustrated, this is sure to become a keepsake for both parent and child. Recommended for ages 5 and up.

A Special Day for Mommy by Dan Andreasen
With Mother’s Day fast approaching, this title is sure to be a hit. A little pig is working hard to make this a very special day for mommy, and in so doing, of course, is creating quite the mess. Does this sound like a familiar scenario? The simple text and soft illustrations will delight the youngest children, especially those 2–4.

"The Trouble with Dogs..." said Dad by Bob Graham
Dave the dog is exuberant... make that out of control.  It’s time to call in the dog trainer, but the Brigadier’s lessons appear somewhat harsh to the family. Dave loses much of his zip after the training. But don’t worry, there is a feel-good ending and the water colour illustrations are enjoyable. This is a sequel to the highly successful Let’s Get a Pup, Said Kate. Great for children 3–6.

It's Not What You've Got by Wayne Dyer **
If you are concerned that children today are too focused on material things, then this is the book for you. Wayne Dyer explains through various one-page lessons how we are more than the “stuff” we accumulate. He also asks children to look at their lives and appreciate what they already have. A must for today’s child (and parent!). Ideal for ages 5 and up.

Ella, of course by Sarah Weeks
Ella, the pig, is a problem solver.  Well, she is until her obsession with her brand new umbrella causes a lot of problems.  She loves her new umbrella and takes it everywhere. “Whoosh…click.” It makes such a satisfying noise. When it threatens to spoil the dance recital Ella comes up with a satisfying solution.  Brightly illustrated by Doug Cushman. Enjoyed by parents and kids of all ages, especially those 3-7.

Pink by Nan Gregory
Vivi loves pink. Perfect pink. She longs for a bride doll in a dress of perfect pink, which she sees in the window of a fancy toy shop – a doll probably beyond the means of her beloved truck-driver dad. So she decides to save to buy the doll herself. However, there is no fairy-tale ending to this story and Vivi must deal with crushing disappointment but also realizes that there are more important things in life than material goods.  Recommended for children 4 – 7.

Hound from the Pound by Jessica Swaim
Lonely Miss Mary longs for a four-legged friend, but does not choose wisely from the local pound.  No sooner does her untrained basset hound, Blue, howl AH-ROOooo than her house has gone to the dogs. When every manner of canine arrives at her doorstop, can Sam the dog trainer get the situation under control?  The rollicking rhyming text promises a fun-filled read-aloud for children 3–6.

Badger's Fancy Meal by Keiko Kasza
The apples, worms and roots in Badger’s den have become unbearably boring, so he sets off to find more exciting food. The main ingredients that he is chasing, however, aren’t so eager to become his lunch. Do mole tacos, rat burgers and rabbit-banana splits whet your appetite? Children will find the surprise twist at the end very satisfying. Recommended for children 3-6.

A Perfect Snowman by Preston McDaniels
Dressed in the finest hat and scarf, with the finest carrot nose and roundest coal eyes, the perfect snowman stands proudly in the front yard.  After receiving visits from three special friends the snowman realizes that having the best of everything is not what truly matters. Using sepia-coloured illustrations, Preston McDaniels tells the heartwarming story of a snowman who receives the gifts of humility, compassion and love. Best for children 5 and up.

We Love Bunk Beds by Paula Metcalf
Doris adores her big sister Shirley and wants to be with her EVERYWHERE. This isn’t always a good idea. Shirley’s bed is not big enough for two growing elephants. Are bunk beds the answer? This humourous look at sibling relationships is adorable. Great for children 2-5.

Annie and the Wild Animals by Jan Brett
This typically beautiful Jan Brett picture book has wonderful, expressive pictures of animals that come out of the woods to feast on the muffins that Annie puts out. Annie hopes to find a replacement for her cat that went missing during a snow storm but none of them is friendly and cuddly as her cat was. A surprise is revealed in the end. Kids 3 to 6 will enjoy this one.

Pip and Squeak by Ian Schoenherr
Pip and Squeak are two mice off to a birthday party. Far from home, Squeak realizes that Pip has left the gift behind. They are late already and deep snow is everywhere. What are they to do? It is a simple but clever story. The beautiful wintry landscape is viewed exclusively from a mouse’s point of view. Children will enjoy the details, which are often seen from unexpected angles. For children 2-4.

Someday by Alison McGhee
Be warned. This book is a real tear-jerker. Reminiscent of Robert Munsch’s Love You Forever, the book focuses on the mother-daughter relationship. A mother reflects on the milestones that her daughter will achieve during her life, whether it be leaving home or having her own child. The illustrations are soft and delicate with just a touch of humour. As it is about life’s potential and its continuity, this would make a great graduation gift or wedding gift. For older children and any mother who has a daughter.

The True Story of Christmas by Anne Fine
This is a family read-aloud (chapter book) that parents will enjoy as much as their children. Various aunts, uncles, cousins and grandparents of the extended Mountfield family are gathering for a typical, chaotic family Christmas. Anne Fine is the author of Alias Madame Doubtfire, on which the movie Mrs. Doubtfire was based.  For children 5 – 8.

Emma's Christmas by Irene Trivas
We all know the song, The Twelve Days of Christmas. Now let’s take it literally and imagine the havoc created by all those birds, animals, courtiers, pear trees and all the rest arriving daily at the home of Emma, the farmer’s daughter.  The prince finally wins her over but there is a delightful twist at the end.  Great for kids 3–7 years old.

Star Mother’s Youngest Child by Louise Moeri
This tiny gem of a book would make a lovely family read-aloud for children 4 – 7. This original heartwarming fable tells the story of an unlikely friendship and Christmas wishes come true. A welcome antidote to the commercialization of the holidays, and a personal favourite.

Too Many Pears! by Jackie French
This picture book has quickly become a storytime favourite. Pamela the cow loves pears. Her appetite for pears frustrates the farmer’s best efforts to discourage her until Amy comes up with the perfect solution. Or is it? The strong storyline is matched with humourous illustrations and the twist at the end is sure to elicit smiles and laughter. Great from children age 3 to 6.

Skip to my Lou by Nadine Bernard Westcott *
A sing-along story like this one is guaranteed fun. When a young boy is left alone to look after the family farm for an afternoon, the job seems a cinch. But is it? When he finds cows in the kitchen, pigs in the parlour, and the rest of the barnyard animals scattered throughout his home, he decides that when you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em – at least until his parents are about to arrive back home. Find out how he solves the problem of farmyard mayhem in the family home in this charming sing-along that is brimming with pictures amusing to kids and parents alike.  For ages 2 to 5.

Two Frogs by Christopher Wormell
This wonderful cautionary tale starts out with two frogs on a lily pad in the middle of a large pond. One frog is armed with a large stick to beat off the dog. There is no dog—yet. Preschoolers will enjoy the bold illustrations but will likely not appreciate the clever twists and turns of the plot. However, older siblings and their parents will definitely like this delightful picture book.

Slugs in Love by Susan Pearson
Slugs in love? It boggles the mind. Shy slug Mary Lou uses her slime trail to write love poems to Herbie. He replies, but unforeseeable circumstances prevent their meeting. Full of humour and charm, this endearing love story proves the power of perseverance. Best for older preschoolers to grade 3.

Tree of Birds by Susan Meddaugh

Harry brings home a wounded bird whom he names Sally. She turns out to be a Green Tufted Tropical, a species that cannot tolerate cold weather and winter is on its way. Harry’s mom warns that Sally belongs with her friends, who arrive determined to arrange Sally’s release. Will Sally be able to join her companions? Will the birds head south in time to avoid freezing to death? Read and find out. This book is a hit with kindergarteners and grade ones.

To see the other lists of great children's books, click one of the healthy child development themes below:

• Language and cognitive development, communication and general knowledge
• Physical health and well-being

The Understanding the Early Years initiative is funded by Human Resources and Social Development Canada. For further information, visit www.hrsdc.gc.ca