Absolutely Not!  by Matthew McElligot  (Walker Books 2004)
Gloria wants to go outside for a walk, but her friend, Frieda says, “Absolutely not!”  Gloria insists, and Frieda does see scary things everywhere.  The illustrations provide the key to the readers who will see what Frieda sees.

Do You Have a Hat?  by  Eileen Spinelli   (Simon & Schuster  2004)
The title is the delightful refrain throughout this rhyming text. The author introduces readers to numerous celebrities throughout history and the hats they wore

Guji, Guji by Chih-Yuan Chen  (Kane/Miller Books  2004)
This tale inspired by true-life experiences of the author’s friend introduces Guji Guji, a crocodile raised with a flock of ducklings.  He does not look like them, but that is not important.  When nasty crocodiles show up, Guji has a dilemma, but makes the tough choice, and saves the day.   

Homespun Sarah by Verla Kay   (Putnam  2003)
Sarah’s life in Colonial times is anything but easy. She and her family have to grow, raise, and make everything they need. That means nothing is replaced until it is absolutely necessary. As Sarah helps plant flax and raise sheep, her one dress gets tighter and tighter. Just in the nick of time, wool is spun, fabric is woven and a brand-new dress is made just for her.

Hunter’s Best Friend at School by Laura Malone Elliott   (Harper Collins 2002)
Hunter and Stripe are good little raccoons and best friends. They do everything together. Being a true friend when Stripe misbehaves, Hunter follows along against his better judgment. Hunter soon learns that a real friend helps a friend be his best self.

ish  by Peter Reynolds  (Candlewick 2004)
In this gentle fable, a creative spirit learns that thinking “ishly” is more wonderful than getting it right after he’s given a new perspective by his sister.

Manana, Iguana by Ann Whitford Paul   (Holiday House 2004)
Iguana is planning a fiesta. Tortuga the tortoise, Canejo the hare, and Gulebia the snake all want to come, but they don’t want to help. The lazy trio loses out in this clever update of the Little Red Hen with a Mexican twist.

Mouse Went Out to Get a Snack by Lyn Rossiter McFarland   (Farrar, Strauss, Giroux  2005)
Mouse sets out to find a snack, but finds a feast instead.  He counts his way through all of the treats, until the cat shows up!  Readers will enjoy the sparse tale, bright pictures, and amusing ending. 

Mr. Putter and Tabby Write the Book   by Cynthia Rylant   (Harcourt 2004)
While stuck in the house with Tabby during a snow storm, Mr. Putter decides to write a mystery book.   But there are so many distractions, snacks, naps, etc, he does not get much writing accomplished.  On the third day he decides to make a list of all the good things in his life.  This list is what he takes to his neighbor to share. 

The Turn-around, Upside-down Alphabet Book by Lisa Ernst   (Simon and Schuster 2004)
A tactile, moveable approach to the everyday ABC’s. The physical and visual presentation is bound to keep the attention and to appeal to the imagination of youngsters.