Sadly, there are some who believe that it really doesn't matter what we read to children as long as we read something. Nothing could be further from the truth.

Children learn from imitating what they see, hear and experience. It stands to reason, then, that if we read books to kids that encourage honesty, compassion, empathy, love, fairness, friendship and other good values, children will absorb the same.

There are lots of mediocre and lousy books available for kids, but you'll never find those in this column. Other resources to help you find the best books for kids are your local librarian and this column's website, www.greatestbooksforkids.com.

Books to BorrowThe following book is available at many public libraries.

“One Hen: How One Small Loan Made a Big Difference” by Katie Smith Milway, illustrated by Eugenie Fernandes, Kids Can Press, 32 pages; read aloud: age 6 to 9; read yourself: age 8 to 9.In Kojo's poor village in Ghana, Africa, money and food are scarce. When Kojo is given a small loan, he has an idea. Kojo buys one brown hen so his family will have more to eat. Kojo saves a few of the precious eggs and sells them, repays his loan, and soon sells enough eggs to buy another hen. Eventually Kojo's one small loan changes the lives of his family, his community, his town and his country.Based on the true story of Kwabena Darko, “One Hen” demonstrates how change happens in the world: one person, one family, one community at a time. Filled with hope, courage and determination, “One Hen” is thoroughly inspiring.

Librarian's ChoiceLibrary: Mars Public Library, 107 Grand Ave., Mars

Library Director: Mary Jo Simons

Choices this week: “My Little Grandmother Often Forgets” by Reeve Lindbergh;

“The Boy Who Was Raised by Librarians” by Carla Morris;

“Tractors and Farm Vehicles” by Jean Coppendale

Books to BuyThe following books are available at favorite bookstores.

“Up & Down” written and illustrated by David A. Carter, Little Simon, 2010, 14 pages $7.99 hardcover pop-up; read aloud: age 18 months to age 3; read yourself: age 5 to 6.An awesome way to capture a young child's attention, make them giggle and teach important concepts, this new pop-up book from David A. Carter are exceptional in every way.Meet zany-looking colorful bugs that go up, down, in, out, on and off a box, and all the bugs going round about.Not only is this book loads of fun and packed with learning, the pop-ups on every page are sturdy for young children's hands. And don't miss the companion book, “Colors” – equally as delightful!

“Miss Dorothy and Her Bookmobile” by Gloria Houston, illustrated by Susan Condie Lamb, HarperCollins, 2011, 32 pages, $16.99 hardcover; read aloud: age 6 and older; read yourself: age 8 to 9.When Dorothy was a little girl, she loved books and people, and decided that when she was grown up, she would become a librarian in “a fine brick library just like the one where she checked out books…” But soon after graduating from college, Dorothy fell in love and married a man whose dream took them to the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina.As happy as Dorothy was with her husband and the beautiful, rural place she now called home, there wasn't a single library for many, many miles. Dorothy made many friends, all of whom liked to read. And so, Dorothy and her neighbors decided to start a bookmobile, and Dorothy would be their librarian. Flooding rivers or dreadful snowstorms never stopped Dorothy from making sure her neighbors close and far had the books they wanted to read.Beautifully written and illustrated, this is a true account of one small, determined woman who brought books and the world to countless people in the rural area where she lived. A song of gratitude from the author to her librarian, Dorothy Thomas, this delightful offering is perfect in every way.

Nationally syndicated, Kendal Rautzhan writes and lectures on children's literature. She can be reached at her website: www.greatestbooksforkids.com.