The Longest Night

The longest night of the year occurs at the winter solstice. In this beautiful picture book, four animals boast that they can get the sun to return. As the crow, moose, and fox try, the wind replies "not you - not you". Only the tiny chickadee is able to wake up the sun with her cheery "dee - dee - dee". Written by Marion Dane Bauer, with stunning watercolor illustrations by Ted Lewin, this is one to share in the heart of winter.

A Farm Country Christmas Eve

Children around the world experience Christmas differently. In some places, it is warm and sunny, in others, it's cold and wintery. This story is set on a farm in rural Minnesota, and is based on the authors childhood experiences. It is 1950 and the children who live on a small dairy farm help their parents do chores in the barn, while they hope that Santa will visit their home. Jimmy, the oldest, has begun to doubt the stories of Santa, but he guides his younger siblings through feeding calves, and teaching a newborn calf to drink milk from a pail. While the kids are busy, Santa comes and leaves a surprise that transforms Jimmy into a permanent believer. Written in rhyming text by Gordon Fredrickson, illustrated by Michael Otis, this is a story that would be fun to share with city kids who have no experience of farm life.

The Twelve Days of Christmas in Minnesota

The holiday season is here. This book will get young readers into the spirit as it counts up to 12 wonderful and unique things about Minnesota. From a loon in a Norway pine tree, 2 hockey sticks, 3 red stones, 4 lunberjacks, 5 golden hot dishes, 6 walleye wriggling, 7 swans-a -swimming, 8 happy Holsteins, 9 bears-a-snoring, 10 dogs-a-dashing, 11 spooky sailors, and 12 sculptures sparkling, they are quite a collection. In a modern twist, a boy named Jack gives the gifts to his cousins Sara and Hannah who are visiting Minnesota for the holidays. Each double page spread includes a letter from Hannah to her parents describing each gift and its importance to Minnesota. Additional facts about the state are in the back matter. Written by Constance Van Hoven, illustrated by Mike Wohnoutka, this will be a fun gift for young readers

Emmy and the Home for Troubled Girls

Here is the sequel to Emmy and the Incredible Shrinking Rat. While it has only been a few weeks since Emmy got rid or the evil nanny Miss Barmy, the problems are just beginning. Miss Barmy is now a rat, and just as evil as before. She has some girls trapped in the attic of a shoe store, and uses them for bad (i.e. criminal) purposes; and she has grand plans for a beauty pageant in the rodent community. Emmy will need all her wits, and plenty of friends to thwart the evil one again. Written by Lynne Jonell, illustrated by Jonathan Bean, this story is somewhat more convoluted than the first; but still fun for readers who want to know what happened to Emmy.

The Sick Bug

In this year full of concern about the flu, especially H1N1, here is a story that takes a lighter view of catching a 'bug'. Tess is not feeling well, and her imagination goes a bit wild when her mom tells her she has sick with a 'bug'. The fun increases as they pondeer what sick bugs look like, where they come from, and when/how they decide to go home to Sick Bug Land. This rhyming story by Susie Bazil, with illustrations by Shawn McCann carries a simple but true message about how to get better.

Start Saving, Henry!

Henry is seven years old and gets an allowance for doing his chores. As soon as he gets the money, he runs out and spends it. At the toy store one day, he sees a new toy that he would love to have; but it costs more than his allowance, and his mother won't buy it for him. She suggests he save his allowance until he has enough money. Henry soon discovers that saving money is harder than it looks. Written and illustrated by Nancy Carlson, this could be the basis of a discussion about earning and saving money.

The First Chinook

A famous dog was born in New Hampshire in 1917, a cross between a sled dog and a St. Bernard, and named Chinook. His owner was a man named Aurhur T. Walden; and together they set a variety of records, helped to popularize sled dog racing, and created a new breed of sled dog named after Chinook. Written in rhyming verse by David Pagel from Duluth, illustrated with colorful woodcuts by Rick Allen (also from Duluth); this small book has a good story for young dog lovers, and is also good for the cold winter season that is upon us.