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Beauty comes in all sizes, shapes, numbers of legs and fur colors. 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

These new picture books are creative and unique and make fantastic storytime, even on vacation.

"Frankie's Magical Day" by Michelle Romo; Abrams Appleseed; 22 pages; $12.99.

"Frankie's Magical Day" is the perfect sturdy, tote-along, busy-bee book for tots. It introduces a friendly round-faced girl who plays in the garden, shops in the ...Read more

Looking for vibrant, interactive books with all the bells and whistles for preschools? These new innovative pop-up books make amazing gifts; one even plays the "happy birthday" tune.

"Ten Horse Farm" by Robert Sabuda; Candlewick Press; 20 pages; $29.99.

Robert Sabuda is the undisputed king of paper engineering. His newest book displays ...Read more

A huge trend in books popular with 7- to-12-year-olds is the partially illustrated, funny, entertaining, easy-to-read novel. They make sense as a segue from the picture book genre, with shorter text, visual cues and laugh-out loud hilarity to hook the YouTube generation.

"Olga: We're Out of Here" by Elise Gravel; HarperCollins; 187 pages; $12...Read more

Man's best friend is also often a child's best friend. Dogs are comforting and loving and helpful, life-affirming and often life-saving. These new books will help young readers appreciate and cherish them even more.

"Good Dog" by Dan Gemeinhart; Scholastic; 290 pages; $16.99.

From the author of the highly acclaimed "The Honest Truth" comes a...Read more

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