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Earth Day celebrations bring awareness to the incredible importance of taking good care of our planet. These new picture books bring nature, love and appreciation to the forefront; they are smart reading for every day.

"The Brilliant Deep: Rebuilding the World's Coral Reefs," by Kate Messner; illustrated by Matthew Forsythe; Chronicle Books; ...Read more

Poetry has always soothed, motivated and resonated with readers. These new collections, perfect for celebrating April's Poetry Month, are aimed at young people but will satisfy all ages.

"Voices in the Air: Poems for Listeners" by Naomi Shihab Nye; HarperCollins; 190 pages; $17.99.

"What if we could hear the voices in the air?" begins this ...Read more

Children need music, just as they need reading and art. These splendid new CDs will take the whole family on journeys to dance, sing, clap and relax peacefully. Prices and lengths vary.

"Land of Yangalele" with Papa Siama and Auntie Dallas; Siama Music.

Siama, prolific composer and guitarist from Africa who made popular soukous music, aka "...Read more

Children trust the messages imparted in books. These new gems offer gentle advice and reassurance for today's occasionally confusing times. They also help open eyes to tolerance, kindness and hope.

"Marwan's Journey" by Patricia de Arias; illustrated by Laura Borras; minedition; 32 pages; $17.99.

A young boy named Marwan walks across the ...Read more

After a cold, snowy, wet winter, it's time to open the windows, breathe deep and inhale some springtime with these new picture books.

"Spectacular Spring" by Bruce Goldstone; Henry Holt and Co., 48 pages; $17.99.

This book is a refreshing introduction to all that spring offers. Bruce Goldstone prepares young readers with vivid photographs, ...Read more

Animals need lots of appreciation; kids are the future stewards of the environment and its living things, so it's up to them to care. These new books are wondrous and appealing.

"New Shoes" by Sara Varon; First Second/Macmillan; 204 pages; $17.99.

Graphic- or comic-style books are all the rage. This one, from Sendak Fellowship recipient Sara...Read more

Laughter makes everything better. These new picture books tell hilarious, entertaining stories sure to evoke guffaws.

"A Busy Creature's Day Eating!" by Mo Willems; Disney-Hyperion; 28 pages; $17.99.

Best-selling humor author Mo Willems produces some of the most popular children's books on the market. This alphabet book stars a crazed purple...Read more

With school shootings, wars, a seeming proliferation of bullying and bad behavior in the news, kids need some concrete examples of other strong, kind young people enacting positive change in the world. These new books will help inspire and energize kids.

"American Heart" by Laura Moriarty; HarperTeen; 402 pages; $17.99.

New York Times best-...Read more

These new readers for young children are fresh and fun and more involved than simple "Dick and Jane" tales.

"King & Kayla and the Case of the Lost Tooth" by Dori Hillestad Butler; illustrated by Nancy Meyers; Peachtree Publishers; 47 pages; $14.95.

In Dori Hillestad Butler's beginning chapter book series, readers are introduced to analytical...Read more

Most middle-grade readers ages 8 to 12 or 13 enjoy books that are mysterious, fantastical and adventurous. These picks have all those qualities and more.

"The Book of Pearl" by Timothee de Fombelle; Candlewick Press; 368 pages; $17.99.

French author Timothee De Fombelle has penned stunning tales that are internationally successful, from the ...Read more