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Sneakers goes on a trip to the seaside, where he finds many curious creatures. He discovers fish to catch in the ocean and amuses himself with playful shrimp and crabs. Anne Mortimer’s bright and beautiful illustrations portray the cat’s spirited adventure in a way that your child will surely enjoy.

Perfect for: Kids who like adventure stories.

Find at your local library.

This wonderful book allows children to imagine the things they would do if they could. This is a story everyone can relate to, no matter his or her background.

Perfect for: Kids who like adventure stories.

Find at your local library.

Children fascinated by construction sites and the resident massive equipment are bound to enjoy Carol Nevius’s new picture book. Here, the world of building becomes even more up close and personal for one young boy and his construction worker father. The boy is getting a brand-new school, and the storyline follows the work’s progress from groundbreaking all the way to the first day of class. Each page consists of a rhymed couplet, in which we’re introduced to a different facet of the job. … Nevius’s text is sweet and simple, and the boy’s feeling of pride for both his father and the school are evident. Bill Thomson’s acrylic and colored pencil illustrations are startlingly realistic — at first glance each page looks like a photograph — and will thrill young construction fans.

Perfect for: Kids who like realism.

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A study of butterflies, a trip to the Butterfly Conservatory and one specific Monarch opens a spunky little girl’s eyes to the magic of life, and she changes forever. And, the reader will too. While the metamorphosis of a butterfly may be an easy, obvious metaphor for growth and development, its use in this book is made fresh and exciting by the personality of Velma Gratch. From her “carroty curls” pulled up in springy ponytails to her “knobby knees” and “spaghetti arms” to her determination to learn important big words like “metamorphosis,” “conservatory” and “migration,” Velma is an individual, though she doesn’t know it yet. In her, both author and illustrator combine their talents to create the kind of independent, confident spirit that we hope all kids will discover in themselves.

Perfect for: Kids who like realism stories.

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An action-packed and whimsically illustrated narrative describing the adventures of seven young boys. This is another “clubhouse” mission complete with aliens, spaceships, and secret codes, sure to tap imaginations and lead to sharing of stories. Aliens beware!

Perfect for: Kids who like fantasy stories.

Find at your local library.

This book proves that a tail can be more than just a tail. The appearance and function of tails as different as the prehensile tail of an opossum to the deadly tail of a scorpion to the beautiful tail of the Central American quetzal are discussed. Simple vocabulary and close-up color photographs enhance the appeal for young readers. If this book is a hit, there are additional titles in this series (Look What Animals Can Do).

Perfect for: Kids who like animals.

Find at your local library.

This book follows the daily routine of five diverse animals at a water hole on the African savannah from dawn until midnight. The pages, which include a clock indicating the time of day, are packed with facts about the eating, playing, resting and sleeping behaviors of the animals found in this particular habitat. The visually appealing photographs and the conversational style may just hook those reluctant readers. There are additional titles in the series, including Coral Reef, Mountain, Arctic, Rain Forest, and Desert.

Perfect for: Kids who like animals.

Find at your local library.

A big sister explains things you can’t do as a baby and things you can do as an older child. The humorous story and illustrations help older children appreciate their accomplishments while gaining a better understanding of younger siblings.

Perfect for: Kids who like nonfiction.

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Splash, a Portuguese water spaniel, follows his owner, Senator Edward Kennedy, through a typical day on Capitol Hill, providing commentary on what goes on there. This book is a look at our legislative process that is considerably more entertaining than most, thanks in part to David Small’s humorous illustrations. Included in the book is additional information on Senator Kennedy, Splash the water spaniel (and how to contact him by email), and the process by which a bill becomes a law.

Perfect for: Kids who like nonfiction.

Find at your local library.

What is vermicomposting? It’s a system for turning food waste into planting soil with the help of worms. Michelle Eva Portman provides a primer on the process as an entertaining story — a young girl and her mom convert a storage box into a house for their new “pets.” The box is a vermicomposting bin, and the pets are redworms. Accompanied by adorable illustrations, Compost, by Gosh! includes a how-to section for children to try composting at home.

Perfect for: Kids who like science and nature.

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Written to celebrate Earth Day (April 22), Michael Recycle recounts the adventures of a young superhero whose powers allow him to teach people about recycling. Kids will relate to this “green-caped crusader” and the idea that one person can make a difference.

Perfect for: Kids who like science and nature.

Find at your local library.