ArcaMax

Beauty comes in all sizes, shapes, numbers of legs and colors of fur. The animals touted in these new picture books can seem unloved at times but are actually full of tremendous qualities and character.

"Tony" by Ed Galing; illustrated by Erin E. Stead; A Neal Porter Book/Roaring Brook Press; 30 pages; $16.99.

This little gem of a book is ...Read more

Seems like a good time to remind girls they can do everything boys can and are stronger than they may know. These new books introduce tough girls and women, and even a feminist baby.

"Martina & Chrissie: The Greatest Rivalry in the History of Sports" by Phil Bildner; illustrated by Brett Helquist; Candlewick Press; 40 pages; $16.99.

Chris ...Read more

Fall into a young adult novel, and leave worries behind. These new teen reads are every bit as exciting and absorbing and brimming with timely tops as those aimed at older audiences.

"The Suffering Tree" by Elle Cosimano; Disney Hyperion; 357 pages; $17.99.

Elle Cosimano recently won praise for "Holding Smoke," now up for a Bram Stoker award...Read more

Reading is more important now than ever. Don't let spring fever erase reading time! These imaginative reader series for elementary school kids ages 6 to 9 or 10 are short but very sweet -- and affordable.

"Wild Child: Forest's First Home" series by Tara Zann; Imprint/Macmillan; 138 pages and $5.99 each.

When Olive meets Forest, he was ...Read more

If comedy can get kids to books, then hallelujah! These new picture books will send them off to laugh land and tickle adults' funny bones, too.

"The Legend of Rock Paper Scissors" by Drew Daywalt; illustrated by Adam Rex; Balzer + Bray/HarperCollins; 32 pages; $17.99.

The creators of "The Day the Crayons Quit" return with a bombastically ...Read more

Lately, board books offer much more than simple stories (though those are vital to tots' development as well). These let babies, toddlers and preschoolers touch, spin, pull tabs, listen to animal sounds and learn about fine art.

"Fly" by Xavier Deneux; Chronicle Books; 16 pages; $17.99.

This joyous celebration of natural life is the newest ...Read more

Prolific poet and Newbery Medal-winning author Kwame Alexander releases a poetry gem, and a few other rhyming tales bring verse to springtime.

"Out of Wonder: Poems Celebrating Poets" by Kwame Alexander with Chris Colderley and Marjory Wentworth; illustrated by Ekua Holmes; Candlewick Press; 56 pages; $16.99.

His novel told in verse, "The ...Read more

These gorgeous books showcase beautiful art perfect for the whole family. A nature poster book, unique coloring books and a coffee table tome featuring ethereal trees are all refreshingly beautiful and incredibly cool.

"Botanicum" curated by Katie Scott and Kathy Willis; Big Picture Books/Candlewick; 96 pages; $35.

Like uncovering a vintage ...Read more

Books for Easter have less sugar and last longer than candy. These lively tales capture the magic of Easter and all things springtime.

"Tucker Digs Easter" by Leslie McGuirk; Candlewick Press; 28 pages; $7.99.

Though Leslie McGuirk's Easter dog tale is a board book, it reads as a complete picture book story. Tucker, the little white dog, ...Read more

Kids ages of 8 to 12 or 13 can seem happy and well-adjusted on the outside but be full of fears and insecurities on the inside. These books help them see that other kids face the same challenges. They also star boys -- a group that's becoming harder and harder to reach with books.

"The Icarus Show" by Sally Christie; David Fickling Books/...Read more

In the last 10 years or so, I've been blown away by the sophistication, musicality and alternative fun factor of children's music. No longer is the genre populated by staid nursery rhymes and childlike voices. These CDs will liven up and smarten your kids. A few are from tried-and-true classics.

"Born in the Deep Woods" from Red Yarn; $12.99 ...Read more

These super cool new books invite kids of all ages to engage their artsy and playful sides without using electronics.

"Flippin' Awesome" by Sarah Doughty; Race Horse for Young Readers/Sky Horse Publishing; 64 pages; $14.99.

Bottle flipping is a captivating new feat for middle school kids. The act of flipping a water bottle through the air to...Read more