Have you ever stopped and really considered the importance that children’s books have on our lives, from childhood to adulthood? Who doesn’t remember the daunting tales of Dr. Seuss, Berenstain Bears, and Magic Tree House? These time honored stories provide an action plot filled with drama, popularity, and conflict while keeping a gentle undergrowth of awareness suited for the minds of these young readers. Whether you are reading to your children or they are reading for themselves, it is a great way to start off their scholastic adventure with a few memorable classics.

Randolph Caldecott Medal The Caldecott Medal is awarded annually to the most illustrious children’s picture book in America. These can include 3d “popup” books or regular story books with delicate images, usually filled with lots of colors and scenery. The 2008 winner of the Caldecott Medal is Brian Selznick with the release of his book, The Invention of Hugo Cabret, a story about a boy living in a French train station who strives to complete a mysterious invention left to him by his father. This story consists of over 500 pages of both text and images, neither of which can tell this story alone. Black and white pencil sketches show the silent films to which this book pays homage. It is a masterpiece and must be honored with such a fabulous award as the Caldecott Medal.

Duck for President is a great book for readers of all ages. The book is similar to the process for those who are running for president. In this humorous tale Duck who lives on a farm with many other animals, and owner Farmer Brown. He's kind of a lazy duck and doesn't like being told to chores and he surely didn't enjoy doing them. So he thought that he would take a stand and have a vote against Farmer Brown so he could take over the farm. Duck won the election but soon learned that it was even harder to be a farmer than it was to do the few chores that he originally had to do. Next he decided that by running for governor that life would be much easier. Adding to his winning streak he won the election hands down for governor, but again he soon realized that running a state was even harder than being a farmer and it was no fun at all. He soon became bored with this and decided he should move on. What will he do next?

A Counting Book by Margaret Wise Brown (with pictures by Clement Hurd) is an excellently written bed time story for children from the ages of two to six. It incorporates many of the same ideals from the classical Goodnight Moon book which was also created to entertain readers after a tiring day of learning and playing. The book begins by painting a detailed description of the “green room” from the original story. It then lists the many animals, people, and objects inside of the massive room. With colorful illustrations and short sentences, this is a great book for children to begin their learning experience at a young age. It teaches them not only how to read and count, but also how to laugh and enjoy learning. Your child will love this soothing lullaby as he or she searches for more and more objects to say good night to. “Good night cow. Good night stars. Good night moon.” Will fill your home with the soft voices of you and your child.

Fireside Stories: Tales for a Winter's Eve, a children's book, is a collection of illustrated stories about winter. Fireside Stories includes winter tales from Canada, Scotland, Russia, the Czech Republic, and Austria.

What is the National Children’s Book and Literacy Alliance, also known as the NCBLA? Learn about the mission and projects of the National Children’s Book and Literacy Alliance (NCBLA), its Web site, and the Our White House book and companion Web site.

The cover art gives little idea about How Many: Spectacular Paper Sculptures by Ron van der Meer. It is a striking pop-up book. The pop-up book of paper sculptures by Ron van der Meer also includes questions about counting and shapes for each pop-up. I recommend How Many: Spectacular Paper Sculptures for children aged six and older, teens, and adults. You will find cover art and publication details here.

Here are online resources to help you find the nearest Harry Potter 6 party so you can join the celebration of the publication of "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince." If you are planning your own Harry Potter 6 party, here are resources designed to make your "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" party a success.

The August 2009 Calendar of Children's Books includes children's books for August holidays and events, as well as books about starting school.

I recommend the picture book Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs if you are looking for a story to spark your children’s imaginations and tickle their funny bones. Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs is a bestseller and one of several children’s picture books written by Judi Barrett and illustrated by Ron Barrett.

Learn about Elizabeth Kennedy, your Guide to Children's Books. Liz, a graduate of Brown University, with a degree in English Literature, is an award winning writer with a background in education and a love for children’s literature. She'll help you find the perfect book for your child.