The Birds of Bethlehem by Tomie dePaola

Yes, a little late.....but this one was a big hit, a somewhat surprising hit given that the choice of "literature" by the 4 1/2 year old these days seems to focus on Star Wars.  This is a very inventive look at the nativity story.  A group of birds gather to discuss a recent event in Bethlehem.  Each different color bird seems to have witnessed some different aspect of the same event.  Told without too much text, the reader quickly realizes what all the birds saw was the same event, the birth of Jesus.  This is definitely one of my favorites for the Christmas season that we will be purchasing before next Christmas season to add to our 25 days x 2 kids books of Christmas.

Illustrations:  5 Buckeye leaves
Text:  5 Buckeye leaves

Superhero School by Thierry Robberecht

Superheros are on the fringe as a favorite at our house....we are currently ruled by Star Wars.  However this may capture the interest of my favorite 4 1/2 year old boy as the characters have special powers, except Henry.  Henry's classmates like him because he is funny, laughs loudly, and loves to pull pranks.  Teachers on the other hand are not impressed.  They do not appreciate his pranks and his low grades place him as the lowest achieving student in the school.  Henry begins to wonder if he really belongs at Superhero School since his only special talent is pulling pranks.  One day a gigantic monster appears outside the school.  All the superheros spring into action using their special talents to fight the monster.  Nothing seems to take down the monster....until HENRY (cue the music) arrives on the scene with his special gift....pranks!  Using a series of pranks Henry saves the day!  Go Henry! GO!

Text:  3 Buckeye leaves (I like the message - each of us are unique with special gifts but wish there was more "meat")
Illustrations:  5 Buckeye leaves (LOVE these....they are so cute!....or maybe superheros are not suppose to be cute?)