Read It, Don't Eat It!
By Ian Schoenherr
In this gorgeous picture book, children are given some helpful hints on taking care of books. Illustrative examples show - among others - a hippo on a raft for "be careful with it at the pool," and an alert terrier in a turtleneck showing us "No dog-ears, please." Ages 3-6.


Boo Hoo Bird
By Jeremy Tankard
When Bird's head gets a playtime bonk, not even cookies and bandages can stop the boo-hooing. Tankard's one-of-a-kind illustrations will ensure that Bird becomes a fast favorite in any young reader's library. Ages 3-6.


Stanza
By Jill Esbaum
This picture book uses rhyming verse to tell the story of a bullying dog who secretly loves to write poetry. The tale practically sings itself to life as the mean mutt reveals his truer, more sensitive nature. Ages 4-8.


Flat Stanley's Worldwide Adventures, Books 1 and 2
By Jeff Brown
Flat Stanley slides off the picture book shelves for this first chapter book series. Join the beloved character for a Mount Rushmore calamity and an Egyptian grave robbery to find out how he wiggles his way out. Ages 7-10.


The Beautiful Stories of Life: Six Greek Myths, Retold
By Cynthia Rylant
Simple and straightforward language from master re-teller Rylant adds ease and interest to the reading of these classic tales. The stories include Pandora, Persephone, Orpheus, Pygmalion, Narcissus, and Psyche. Ages 8-11.


Appetite for Detention
By Sloane Tanen
In Sloane Tanen's first teen book, she takes her typical photo-diorama format and gives it a hilarious high school spin. Tanen's signature fuzzy chicks serve as the main characters in photographic dioramas, tackling the injustices of cliques, dating and gym class. Teen.

www.commonsensemedia.org
Parents who would like to know if their children's reading material is age- and content-appropriate - but lack the time to actually read the materials themselves - will appreciate this smart website's rating system. Users can search by a book's title and the ratings will suggest for which age group the book is most appropriate. The assessments also provide details on any language or content that might be red flags for parents.

All reviews by Melissa Fischer, librarian, Center for Discovery, Columbus Metropolitan Library.