The Art of Freedom: How Artists See America

Author: Bob Raczka

Publisher: Lerner Publishing Group

Release Date: Aug. 1, 2008

Age Range: 4 to 8

“America is an idea.”

What a wonderful idea Bob Raczka had when he decided to create this book. This collection of artwork from artists such as Jasper Johns, Georgia O’Keeffe and Ansel Adams gives the reader a well-rounded glimpse into what is America. The history, hard work, natural wonders, 
accomplishments — all as seen through the eyes of gifted 
artists. The book is recommended for ages 4 to 8, for its 
simple, easy-to-read text, but readers of all ages will will find its simplicity poignant. The back of the book includes brief bios on the featured artists, giving insight into their works and the America they experienced. A beautiful, wonderful book for all ages. Thank you, Bob Raczka, for this inspirational look at America. —JK

The Boy Who Wouldn’t Swim

Author/Illustrator: Deb Lucke

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Company

Age Range: 4 to 8

From the publisher: Electric sherbet-y colors, uniquely comic characters and a story line filled with high comedy mark this fabulous picture book by new talent Deb Lucke. Eric Dooley just won’t swim. If sweating in the hot summer sun while everyone else cools off in the pool isn’t bad enough, Eric’s younger sister is having the time of her life. When he sees her dog-paddling right across the middle of the pool, under his sunblock he’s positively green with envy. After the babies in the wading pool give him dirty looks for invading their territory, Eric finds a way to conquer his fears. And just like that, he goes from being the boy who wouldn’t swim — to being the boy who won’t get out of the pool. Not even in October.

How to Teach Your Baby to Swim: from Birth to Age Six

Author/Illustrator: Douglas Doman

Publisher: Square One Publishers

Age Range: Adult

Hundreds of children drown each year, making drowning the second leading cause of death among children under the age of 5. This fact alone makes this book extremely relevant to parents. Teaching your child to swim is not only a safety measure, but swimming is a great way to stimulate coordination, concentration and intelligence. Douglas Doman, vice president of The Institutes for the Achievement of Human Potential, has put together an easy-to-follow guide to teach your child how to swim. Detailed instructions and checklists for each age are accompanied by over 160 photographs to illustrate the lessons. A must-read for new parents, who will find that it is never too early to teach your baby to swim. —JK

Yankee Doodle America: The Spirit of 1776 from A to Z

Author/Illustrator: Wendell Minor

Publisher: Penguin Young Readers Group

Age Range: 8 to 12

From the publisher: If you traveled the roads of colonial America, colorful hand-painted signs would greet you when you came across an inn or tavern, and inside, folks would be gathered to share eagerly the news of the day. Wendell Minor invites us on just such a journey through America in the days of its struggle for independence. Each striking illustration, painted on hand-carved replicas of these signs, introduces readers to the people, places and events that gave birth to our nation. Beginning with the Stamp Act that angered the patriots and inspired the “Sons of Liberty” to protest, readers meet George Washington (who gave his farewell speech to his soldiers at Fraunces Tavern), Thomas Jefferson (who penned the first draft of the Declaration of Independence at a Philadelphia tavern) and other historical figures, and learn about the documents and battles that keep the fight for freedom alive. Minor has created a book of great beauty — every image sparking the reader’s curiosity about the history of our great nation.