2004 Holiday Buying Guide

Join acclaimed author Walter Dean Myers in a heartwarming celebration of African-American childhood. Sharing favorites from his collection of long-forgotten, turn-of-the-century photographs, and punctuating them with his own moving poetry, Mr. Myers has created a beautiful album that reminds us that "the child in each of us is our most precious part."

• Purchase book

When Ruby sends out invitations to a party, Max sends out his own which are delivered to Grandma. Children are encouraged to participate by lifting the flaps in this sturdy, colorful book. They'll try to figure out the meaning of Max’s messages and may even be inspired to write their own letters in this latest Max and Ruby jaunt.

• Purchase book

The ducks and goose start the animals' frenzied flight when they see a mostly hidden animal and exclaim, "A coyote's on the loose!" Colorful, comic illustrations culminate in a house in a rain storm where the "coyote" turns out to be a small white rabbit.

• Purchase book

When Lilly continues to show off her much-loved purple plastic purse and its contents in class, Mr. Slinger — an astute and stylish teacher — puts it away for the day. Lilly's anger toward her once favorite teacher comes out in a mean letter for which she ultimately repents.

• Purchase book

An author's note from Ruth Stiles Gannett, now 85 years old, provides background for this modern classic. In honor of its 60th anniversary, the fantastic tale of the boy who sets out to find his father is a bit larger with colorful endpages but otherwise unchanged.

• Purchase book

Ramona loves kindergarten and her wonderful teacher, Miss Binney. But even the best teacher and the most enthusiastic kindergartner can have a rough day or so. This leads to laughs for readers as they empathize with Ramona, who can be rather a pest and perhaps the first-ever kindergarten dropout.

• Purchase book

A father and his four children share an adventure through fields, over rivers and more. They go — and hastily return with a lumbering bear chasing them! Language lilts and repeats as the adventure unfolds, enhanced by clever illustrations.

• Purchase book

Max's temper gets him sent to his room where he takes a journey to the land of the Wild Things. There he regains control but wants to return to where he is loved best of all and so travels back into the night to his very own room.

• Purchase book