Discover a smorgasbord of new children’s books

Vick Mickunas of Yellow Springs interviews authors every Saturday at 7 a.m. and on Sundays at 10:30 a.m. on WYSO-FM (91.3). For more information, visit www.wyso.org/programs/book-nook. Contact him at vick@vickmickunas.com.

A previously unknown story by Dr. Seuss will become available this summer. The publisher plans to issue “What Pet Should I Get?” on July 28. Advance orders for the book through Amazon.com are as brisk as our recent temperatures. Here are some recently released titles that your young book lovers might enjoy:

"Redbird: Colors, Colors, Everywhere!" by Barney Saltzberg (Workman, 19 pages, $5.95), for ages 0-4. The Redbird of this series teaches young children the meanings of basic words. This one teaches words for colors. Redbird says: "maybe red can be my favorite! From my feet up to my head, I am sure you must have noticed … I am red! Red! Red!" The sturdy pages were designed to weather repeated readings.

"Redbird: Friends Come in Different Sizes" by Barney Saltzberg (Workman, 19 pages, $5.95), for ages 0-4. Redbird has friends of varied sizes and the words to describe them. The books in this series are sturdy and joyfully illustrated.

"Hop! Hop!" by Leslie Patricelli (Candlewick Press, 25 pages, $6.99), for ages 0-3. The happy little baby in this popular series is now preparing for the arrival of the Easter Bunny. This book reveals the pleasures to be found in coloring eggs and in the delightful search for those hidden eggs out in the yard. This is another sturdy one.

"When You Were Born" by Emma Dodd (Templar Books, 22 pages, $12.99), for ages 2-5. This charming book expresses how parents feel when their children are born. There are pictures of various animals with their newborn babies. The book ends as a human infant is being welcomed into the world.

"Everything" by Emma Dodd (Templar Books, 22 pages, $12.99), for ages 2-5. In "Everything" a koala expresses her love for her baby. She loves everything about this child. This one is a warm and fuzzy read with heart warming illustrations.

"A Lullaby for Little One" by Dawn Casey (Nosy Crow, 27 pages, $12.99), for ages 2-5. Here is the story of a young rabbit. There's plenty of time to frolic in the meadow and in the forest with the other animals. All this activity leads to a well deserved rest by the end of this rabbit's tale.

"Spots in a Box" by Helen Ward (Tempar Books, 40 pages, $16.99), for ages 3-7. A guinea fowl who didn't have any spots. How mysterious. Our bird orders some spots in a box-with hilarious results. This book cleverly merges nursery rhyme forms with modern notions. There is a tactile surprise ending.

"Monty's Magnificent Mane" by Gemma O'Neill (Templar Books, 33 pages, $15.99), for ages 3-7. Monty is a lion and he has a lovely lion's mane. Monty encounters danger in this story. Most importantly, he protects his friends from harm. Gemma O'Neill's artwork is truly spectacular.

"Home" by Carson Ellis (Candlewick Press, 33 pages, $16.99), for ages 4-8. The places that we live can often have starkly different appearances. Homes in different countries frequently possess unique features. Carson Ellis has drawn pictures of some of these places. Her images are magical. This was this reviewer's favorite book from this group.

"Information Graphics: Space" by Jennifer Daniel (Big Picture Press, 79 pages, $17.99), for ages 8-12. If you have a child who is fascinated by outer space this book might be their ticket to imagine those strange new worlds. There are seven key topics being discussed: the universe, galaxies and stars, the solar system, the sun, the earth and moon, observing space and exploring space.

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