Cynthia Rylant

Annie and her pet rabbit live next door to a boy named Henry and his oversized dog Mudge. Though Annie loves her neighbors and her home, she still wishes her house was prettier. Uncluttered illustrations and straightforward text reveal childhood concerns.

Lyrical prose and warm watercolor illustrations bring a “certain part of the country called Appalachia” alive for young readers. Two award-winning artists, forever touched by their experiences growing up in this unique landscape, have teamed to create a quietly powerful and beautifully crafted portrait of life in a timeless place. Appalachia is where you’ll find Shenandoah National Park and the Blue Ridge Mountains. Cynthia Rylant grew up in this area with her grandparents.

Adorable babies are lovingly pictured in appealing illustrations and rhyming text. There is a reassuring tone from a “Baby Face” to the “Baby Bed.” Even children who are no longer babies will enjoy the soothing language and images.

Henry and Mudge visit Henry’s Great Grandpa Bill in his home with all the other old grandpas, bringing slobbery kisses, great joy, and lots of energy. Together, the Great Grandpas along with Henry and his dad go swimming and lean on Mudge — literally — when they get tired proving that even a big, wet dog can make a difference!

When Henry, his big dog Mudge, and their family take in a scraggly stray cat, Mudge and the cat develop a fond and unusual friendship. This story is as engaging as the other titles in the Henry and Mudge series.

There are no other kids on Henry’s block so his parents agree that a dog to play with will ease Henry’s loneliness. This is the start of an unforgettable friendship between a boy and a big pooch named Mudge.

When the little penguins see snowflakes, they wonder how many? There are many! They dress for the weather and go play in the snow, tired and content when it’s time for bed. Bold forms of round-headed, dark penguins that play in the snow stand out until they recede in the night of their own room. This is a charming, whimsical, wintery tale.

Easy-to-read books for beginning readers often amount to dreary drivel: not in this case. In a paean to chicken soup, hot tea and one feline-tolerant dog, friendship turns out to be the best medicine of all.

When old Mr. Putter decides to join his neighbor’s knitting club, he and his faithful feline companion Tabby contribute chaos and laughs for readers. Lighthearted illustrations add to the fast-paced fun.

Mr. Putter’s neighbor, Mrs. Teaberry, decides that they should join a band, but finding the right one isn’t as easy as it sounds — for them or their pets. Mr. Putter’s everyday adventures continue In other books in the series such as Mr. Putter and Tabby Paints the Porch (opens in a new window); here the help Mr. Putter gets from his animal friends makes painting his front porch a challenge.

Snow has a different impact on those who experience it. This lyrical celebration of snow and related activities allows readers to experience it in many ways, from seeing trees anew or getting out cavorting in it told in poetic language and evocative illustrations.