Buying books for a child you care about is a wonderful, lasting gift. With literally thousands of children's books on the market, it's no easy task to know which books are the cream-of-the-crop. Avoid the hassle of trying to navigate through the high seas of children's books by using this no-nonsense guide.

Infant to 18 months

“Where is Baby's Yummy Tummy?” written and illustrated by Karen Katz, Little Simon, 2011, 14 pages, $6.99 board book. This charming story is filled with just the right elements that your youngest readers will enjoy. Each double-page spread asks a question about locating a part of baby's body, then lift the flap to discover the answer. Find baby's pretty nose hiding behind the flowers, feet that are hiding under the blanket and more.

“Won't You be My Hugaroo?” by Joanne Ryder, illustrated by Melissa Sweet, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2011, 32 pages, $11.99 board book.“Won't you be my hugaroo? I've lots of hugs to share with you.” So begins this warm, delightful book that describes many different kinds of hugs, from a friendly hug to a tickle hug, a cheer-up hug to a cuddly hug and many more.

“The Very Best Daddy of All” by Marion Dane Bauer, illustrated by Leslie Wu, Little Simon, 2011, 32 pages, $7.99 board book. Engage your baby with this endearing tribute to all the ways daddies love their babies. Featuring zebras, gorillas, horses, humans and more, this love story is loaded with good stuff.“

My First Farm Friends” written and illustrated by Betsy Wallin, Storey Publishing, 2011, four board books, 20 pages each, $18.95/set.A farm is a busy place, and these four board books introduce children to four of the animals that live there. “A Day With Chickens,” “A day With Pigs,” “A Day With Goats,” and “A Day With Cows” each take readers on an engaging tour of each animal as they begin their day until it's time for bed. Packaged in a beautifully illustrated box that doubles as a play barn with the added delight of four stand-up sturdy cardboard figures of each of the featured animals, “My First Farm Friends” is certain to ignite the imagination of young minds.

<b>“The Splendid Spotted Snake”</b> written and illustrated by Betty Ann Schwartz and Alexander Wilensky, Workman, 2011, 18 pages, $13.95 board book. “When yellow snake was born, he had bright red spots. But then he grew … His new spots were blue!” But that's not all. Yellow snake continued to grow, and each time he sprouted more spots, each a different color! Not only does this book teach children about colors, but the magic polka-dotted cloth ribbon literally threads its way throughout the pages of the book, changing with each double-fold page.<b>“A Box of Bugs”</b> written and illustrated by David Carter, Little Simon, 2011, 4 books, 14 pages each, $14.99 boxed set. This choice features four pop-up books in a boxed set. Each book is a miniature version of author/illustrator David Carter's bestselling BUGS series, and designed as an early concept learning book. Including “Up & Down,” “Counting,” “Colors,” and “Opposites,” it boasts colorful, fun pop-ups that help illustrate the concept.<b>“Otis and the Tornado”</b> written and illustrated by Loren Long, Philomel, 2011, 40 pages, $17.99 hardcover. Otis was a cheerful tractor who had many animal friends on the farm, and one favorite game was to play follow-the-leader. There was only one animal that never wanted to play and didn't want to make friends — the bull. He stayed in his pen alone.One day, a sudden tornado was barreling down toward the farm. Otis sprang into action, freeing the animals and leading them to the safety of low-lying Mud Creek. But once there, Otis heard a cry of fear; it was the bull, still trapped inside its pen. Otis knew what he had to do, but would he make it to the bull in time to free him and lead him to safety, too? It is a wonderful story of courage, heroism, and friendship.<b>“Match-and-Muddle Terrific Transport”</b> by Macmillian Publishers, illustrated by Ian Cunliffe, 2011, Campbell Books/Macmillan UK, 10 pages, $10.99 board book. Start your engines and let's go! Double-page spreads offer opportunities to take the five vehicles with superstrong stick-on backings and place them within each of the four settings. A car, a train, a bus, a plane, and a bulldozer can be positioned throughout the book. This selection will be a real hit with young transportation enthusiasts.Age 4 and 5<b>“The Magical Christmas Horse”</b> by Mary Higgins Clark, illustrated by Wendell Minor, Simon & Schuster, 2011, 36 pages, $17.99 hardcover. Eight-year-old Johnny lives with his family in Arizona. One Christmas, when Johnny was 3, they went to visit his grandparents in Connecticut. One of his fondest memories was riding on the wooden horse that had been in the family for generations.This year, when the family returned to Connecticut for Christmas Johnny discovers the wooden horse is broken. He had promised his little brother he could ride the horse and now doesn't know how to make his brother's Christmas wish come true. This heartfelt story is certain to become an annual favorite.

<b>“Treasured Classics”</b> retold and illustrated by Michael Hague, Chronicle, 2011, 133 pages, $19.99 hardcover. Fourteen classic children's stories that have delighted children for generations are included in this volume with the magical illustrations of Michael Hague.From “Jack and the Beanstalk,” “Cinderella,” “The Ugly Duckling,” “The Elves and the Shoemaker” and 10 other cherished stories, this collection is a delightful gift.<b>“Tom's Tweet”</b> by Jill Esbaum, illustrated by Dan Santat, Knopf, 2011, 28 pages, $16.99 hardcover. One morning, right after a storm, Tom the cat was on the prowl for a tasty morning treat. Suddenly, he spied a delicious-looking baby bird that had fallen from its nest. When he approached the little bird, Tom realized two things: Tweet was too skinny to eat, and Tweet looked frightened and alone. So, instead of making breakfast of the little birdie, Tom decided to do the right thing and put it back in its nest.It wasn't easy, but Tom persevered, ultimately paving the way for a new life for Tom, Tweet, and several other little birdies.Hilarious in every way, kids will clamor to have this story read to them time and time again.<b>“The Giant Book of Giants”</b> by Saviour Pirotta, illustrated by Mark Robertson, Sterling, 2011, 24 pages with a 3-D giant fold-out poster, $19.95 paperback book in hardcover case. Six awesome stories about giants grace this oversized book. And if that isn't enough, there is a huge (almost 4½ feet tall) 3-D fold-out poster of a gruesome giant. With two firm grommets to allow you to hang the poster on the wall, loads of information about this giant (including such facts as the value of his earwax and the toadstools that grow in his armpits), flaps to lift and removable items, it's easy to see why this choice will be popular with kids both young and old.

<b>“Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Pop-Up Book” </b>by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake, Puffin/Penguin, 2011, 20 pages, $29.99 hardcover.The one thing young Charlie Bucket longed for more than anything else was chocolate. But his family was poor, and there wasn't any extra money for frivolous purchases. Willy Wonka, who owned the chocolate factory in town, announced he would open it to the five lucky children who found a Golden Ticket inside one of his candy bars. As luck would have it, Charlie was one of the fortunate, and once inside the factory, all kinds of wonderful magic began to take place that would change Charlie's life forever.This much-loved story springs to life in this incredible book.<b>“Magic Tree House No. 46: A Merlin Mission — Dogs in the Dead of Night”</b> by Mary Pope Osborne, illustrated by Sal Murdocca, Random House, 2011, 115 pages, $12.99 hardcover. Jack and Annie have a new mission — to find a rare flower to save one of their friends. Their Magic Tree House transports them back in time to the Great Saint Bernard Pass in the Swiss Alps. The two are narrowly saved from an avalanche by Saint Bernard dogs, then the monks who live at the monastery. But something doesn't seem right. How are they to find this rare flower when snow covers everything as far as the eye can see?Annie makes their situation worse by offering to train the unruly Saint Bernard dog, Barry. When Barry runs away and Jack and Annie must race off to find him, it seems they are going further away from succeeding in their mission, or are they?<b>“Every Thing On It” </b>written and illustrated by Shel Silverstein, Harper, 2011, 195 pages, $19.99 hardcover. Experience the joy and magnificent magic of Shel Silverstein in this brilliant collection. Never-before-published poems and drawings by the author of “Where the Sidewalk Ends,” “A Light in the Attic,” “Don't Bump the Glump” and numerous other works kids have loved, this collection will amaze, fire the imagination, and elicit endless giggles and outright laughter.<b>“Ballpark Mysteries 3: The L.A. Dodgers” </b>by David Kelly, illustrated by Mark Meyers, Random House, 2011, 105 pages, $4.99 paperback. Cousins Mike and Kate are flying to Los Angeles to spend their spring break with Kate's dad, Mr. Hopkins. Kate's dad is a baseball scout for the Dodgers. They quickly learn that something isn't right. Kate's dad has had his computer stolen, then Kate's notebook is stolen at the airport. It also seems that they're being followed. What could it all mean?Kate and Mike decide they are going to help solve this mystery, and after a few hair-raising near-misses, it's clear that the man trailing and threatening them wants Mr. Hopkins's top-secret scouting reports, and more!A fun mystery filled with action and lots of interesting facts about the Dodgers, baseball fans will enjoy this quick read.

<b>“My Life as a Stuntboy”</b> by Janet Tashjian, illustrated by Jake Tashjian, Henry Holt, 2011, 257 pages, $13.99 hardcover. Derek is asked to be a stuntboy in a major movie featuring a very popular young actress. Derek's joy quickly sours as his job causes jealousy problems with his best friend, Matt. Then Derek learns his job requires he wear a wig — a girl's wig — because he's the young actress's double. If that's not enough, Matt secretly videos Derek with his reading tutor, posts the lesson on YouTube, and humiliates Derek.Could anything else go wrong? You bet. Derek's pet monkey is in danger of being taken away. As friendships and situations collide and Derek tries to execute his stunts (as a girl) with precision, he manages to handle it all, including saving his pet money from being banished from his life.Strong, believable characters, plots and settings and the hilarious first-person voice of the unlikely hero, Derek, “My Life as a Stuntboy” will appeal to readers.<b>“Sally's Bones”</b> by MacKenzie Cadenhead, illustrated by T.S. Spookytooth, Sourcebooks Jabberwocky, 2011, 163 pages, $6.99 paperback. Sally Simplesmith is a lonely girl. Eight years ago, Sally's mother died. At the same time, her best (and only) friend Viola moved away. Sally's father is very absorbed in his work and Sally just doesn't have anyone she can count on.When Viola moves back to town, Sally is elated. But her joy is short-lived; Viola has morphed into a nasty girl who doesn't want anything to do with Sally. Visiting her mother's grave, Sally desperately wishes for something to ease her sorrow. Her wish comes true in the form of a loving dog (who had come back from the dead and is literally a skeleton). Sally names her new friend Bones, and although he is odd to look at, he is pure delight. But when Bones is wrongfully accused of being a thief, it's up to Sally to set the record straight.At once tender and hilarious, this mysterious who-done-it story will have readers cheering.<b>“Waiting for the Magic”</b> by Patricia MacLachlan, illustrated by Amy June Bates, Atheneum, 2011, 143 pages, $15.99 hardcover. The day William's papa left “for awhile,” life took a different turn. Mama marched out of the house with William and his 4-old sister, Elinor, and promptly brought home four dogs and a cat from the animal shelter. Elinor had been able to hear what their animals said from the moment they walked into their house, but suddenly William — the one who didn't believe in magic — began to hear the animals and the wise words they offered. Slowly but surely, magic started to weave its way into everyone's life and turned everything around for the good.Heart wrenching and funny, “Waiting for the Magic” is everything a novel should be, and more.<b>“Make a Mummy, Shrink a Head and Other Useful Skills”</b> by Pat Murphy and the Scientists of Klutz Labs, Klutz, 2011, 56 pages, $19.99 hardcover. Explorers and want-to-be explorers —this is the book for you. Learn important skills such as decoding hieroglyphics, read a treasure map, making a mummy (out of a hot dog!), build a sarcophagus from the easy-to-make colorful sarcophagus (included) for your mummy, make a shrunken head (out of an apple), and much, much more.Everything you need to be the explorer you've always wanted begins with this book. Why wait? You never know when such skills might be needed!

<b>“The fingertips of Duncan Dorfman” </b>by Meg Wolitzer, Dutton, 2011, 294 pages, $16.99 hardcover. Three very different middle-school students — Duncan Dorfman, April Blunt, and Nate Saviano — don't seem to have much in common except for their connection to the game of Scrabble®. Meeting for the first time at the national Youth Scrabble Tournament, their lives begin to intersect, both on and off the competition floor.Duncan has a unique power to feel letters and words beneath his fingertips without looking, and once he reveals this to the school bully (and star Scrabble® player) Carl, Duncan is dragged into prepping for the national Tournament. Carl wants Duncan to use his powers to make certain they win, but Duncan isn't sure he wants to cheat his way into anything. Duncan is desperately trying to help his single mom adjust to life in their new small town while trying to survive being the new boy at school. Maybe being pals with Carl and an “ace” Scrabble® player will be his answer, or will it?Nate struggles to measure-up to his father's high expectations, and April wants her family of avid sports people to recognize her sport of Scrabble® as equally valid (while hoping to somehow reconnect with a mysterious boy from her past). Will Duncan succumb to cheating? Who will be the victor? Does it really matter?Perfectly wrought from start to finish, this awesome novel brims with humor, insight, and superb storytelling throughout all 294 pages.<b>“Icefall”</b> by Matthew Kirby, Scholastic, 2011, 321 pages, $17.99 hardcover. In ancient Scandinavia, Princess Sloveig and her siblings have been sent to a remote fortress between mountains and the sea during a time of war. Soldiers and other workers have been sent with them, charged with the duty to protect the children from harm. Winter has the group all but cutoff from the outside world, and supplies to sustain life are dwindling.Suffering from claustrophobia and hunger, a destructive malevolence threatens the once harmonious atmosphere. Then, the very men sent to protect the children are poisoned. It is up to Sloveig and her siblings to uncover the traitor before he succeeds in destroying everything in his path, including the kingdom itself.“Icefall” is a superb mystery enriched with powerful, believable characters, plot, and setting, and guarantees that readers will be thoroughly engaged to the final word.<b>“Breaking Stalin's Nose”</b> by Eugene Yelchin, Henry Holt, 2011, 160 pages, $15.99 hardcover. “My dad is a hero and a Communist and, more than anything, I want to be like him. I can never be like Comrade Stalin, of course. He's our great Leader and Teacher.” So begins this dramatic, moving and disturbing novel of 10-year-old Sasha Zaichik. Since the age of 6, Sasha has know the laws of the Soviet Young Pioneers and has yearned for the day he can join what he thinks is the most prestigious group any young person could be a part of.Just before that great day is to happen for Sasha, things unravel that leave Sasha questioning his beliefs. His father is arrested and accused of being a traitor, he accidentally damages a bust of Stalin in school, and his relatives, classmates and teachers turn on Sasha. Could it be that everything he has come to know, trust, and believe in is a lie?“Breaking Stalin's Nose” isn't just about Communism but also acts as an important warning to the people of today.<b>“City of Orphans”</b> by Avi, illustrated by Greg Ruth, Atheneum, 2011, 350 pages, $16.99 hardcover. The year is 1893, and the tenements in the Lower East Side of New York City are full of poor families trying to make ends meet. Thirteen-year-old Maks Geless is one such resident, and like many boys, Maks works as a newsboy selling newspapers to help his family survive.Avi paints a vivid and historically accurate picture of 19th-century New York City where powerful forces threaten new immigrants on a constant basis. “City of Orphans” delivers in every regard.<B><I>Nationally syndicated, Kendal Rautzhan writes and lectures on children’s literature. She can be reached at her website: www.greatestbooksforkids.com. </I></B>