THE GINGERBREAD MAN
by Jim Aylesworth
illustrated by Barbara McClintock
Scholastic;ISBN: 0590972197;$15.95;1998

“No, no! I won’t come back! I’d rather run than be your snack!” This delightful retelling of an old favorite is sure to get little ones giggling.

Suggested for ages 4 - 7
Subjects: Baking | Folklore

OUCH!: A TALE FROM GRIMM
by Natalie Babbitt
illustrated by Fred Marcellino
HarperCollins;ISBN: 0062050664;$14.95;1998

The devil’s grandmother helps Marco win the princess’s hand in a story told with witty economy and illustrated with sly humor.

Suggested for ages 5 - 7
Subjects: Folklore | Kings | Queens

AND IF THE MOON COULD TALK
by Kate Banks
illustrated by Georg Hallensleben
Farrar, Straus & Giroux;ISBN: 0374302995;$15;1998

Softly daubed, richly textured, and boldly colored illustrations accompany a poetic text, evoking a wide variety of scenes, each washed by the moon’s gentle light.

Suggested for ages 2 - 5
Subjects: Bedtime | Fiction | Night

I LOST MY BEAR
by Jules Feiffer
William Morrow & Company;ISBN: 0688151477;$16;1998

A funny, believable story of the loss and recovery of a beloved toy. Quirky line drawings reflect a child’s perspective, and backgrounds that vary from busy to blank perfectly reflect this familiar situation.

Suggested for ages 4 - 7
Subjects: Families | Fiction | Stuffed Animals | Toys

MAMA CAT HAS THREE KITTENS
by Denise Fleming
Henry Holt;ISBN: 0805057455;$15.95;1998

One sleepy kitten plus one well-timed pounce combine to make one delightful story. Fleming’s signature illustrations vibrate with color and energy.

Suggested for ages 1 - 4
Subjects: Cats | Fiction

ON RAMÓN’S FARM: FIVE TALES OF MEXICO
by Campbell Geeslin
illustrated by Petra Mathers
Atheneum;ISBN: 0689811349;$16;1998

Young Ramón makes up funny rhymes as he tends each animal on the farm. A charming combination of Spanish and English, brightened by watercolor illustrations.

Suggested for ages 5 - 7
Subjects: Animals | Farm | Fiction | Mexico | Sounds | Spanish Language

TELLING TIME WITH BIG MAMA CAT
by Campbell Geeslin
illustrated by Barry Moser and Cara Moser
Harcourt Brace;ISBN: 0152017380;$15;1998

A sturdy fold-out clock will keep little hands busy as little ears follow the story of Big Mama Cat’s busy day: scratching the sofa, napping, stealing the dog’s food, napping. Cloudy, deeply hued watercolors capture every nuance of feline attitude—and aptitude for trouble.

Suggested for ages 5 - 7
Subjects: Concepts | Movable Books

COWBOY BABY
by Sue Heap
Candlewick;ISBN: 0763604372;$15.99;1998

Sheriff Pa says it’s time for bed, but Cowboy Baby can’t sleep without Texas Ted, Denver Dog, and Hank the Horse! A playful text and bold, colorful illustrations make this a warm, wonderful read aloud.

Suggested for ages 2 - 6
Subjects: Bedtime | Cowboys | Fathers | Fiction | Stuffed Animals | Toys