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Best New Children's Books In January 2012

January Books

  Posted: 01/19/12 01:40 AM ET

By Regan McMahon

At every baby shower, amid all the cute onesies and fluffy toys, there's usually a small, flat package in the pile with Goodnight Moon or Pat the Bunny tucked inside. Savvy gift-giving moms know that reading with kids is as important as teaching them to throw a ball or eat their vegetables and can be as fun as a ticklefest.

It's a habit that comes naturally to most parents. I know I loved snuggling with my little ones on my lap, devouring a picture book -- or four -- or reading a story before bedtime. It's not only great for bonding, it can promote a lifelong love of reading.

As kids get older, they develop their own tastes and are always looking for something new. So we're starting a new monthly feature to highlight a few books for different ages -- some exceptional titles that could be the perfect thing to perk your kid's interest, get your reader hooked on a new author, or rediscover an old favorite. Here are our picks for January:

"Crouching Tiger" By Ying Chang Compestine
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For kids 6 and up -- Crouching Tiger is an outstanding picture book and the latest by the author of the middle-grade novel Revolution Is Not a Dinner Party. A young Chinese-American boy gains new respect for his heritage when his grandfather, visiting from China, teaches him tai chi and gives him an important role in the Chinese New Year parade. Superb illustrations by Yan Nascimbene underscore the boy's emotional journey from resistance to pride.

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06:53 AM on 01/22/2012
Check out the new children's book Left Out Lucie by Marybeth Harrison. Little book with BIG message!
11:23 PM on 01/21/2012
My new favorite book is A Spider Like Me by Terry Pollock. It is a beautifully illustrated book that will teach younger children that spiders can be very endearing little creatures. As children grow, you can read the story and discuss how there can often be more than one 'good choice' when making decisions in life. Sometimes we have the opportunity to make decisions in life that can really make someone's day and it feels good to do that. This book will bring to light that we all have those opportunities to brighten someone's day and we should take the opportunity when we can. I LOVE books that have underlying stories that can grow with our children! This book can be requested from Barnes and Noble if your story doesn't have it on the shelf. It's well worth it!
11:25 PM on 01/21/2012
That last line should read 'if your STORE doesn't have it on the shelf.' Sorry about the typo!
04:25 PM on 01/21/2012
There is a good book out there dealing with family values, bullying, and self esteem. You will find it on ltanyaleone.com or smashwords.com. It's for kids nine to twelve yrs old.
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Mr Anonymous
Mumpsimus, I am not entertained!
09:36 PM on 01/21/2012
Does this book happen to have a name?
01:03 PM on 01/22/2012
Major oops! It is an eBook called 'CIRCUS'. Thanks for catching it.
01:04 PM on 01/22/2012
Sorry, the eBook is call 'CIRCUS'. You will find it on smashwords or Amazon.com.