Young readers weigh in on children's books

Say's book follows an impoverished young artist and his boss as they paint a series of mysterious billboards in the desert. As he performs his work, the young artist learns the difference between safe choices and following dreams. Say is the author and illustrator of "Grandfather's Journey," which won the 1994 Caldecott Medal for best illustrated children's book of the year.

"There is a lot of imaginative stuff in this story. If you ask me, the guy in the story has so much talent as an artist. Read this book and you will want to paint all the time." -- Kieran S., 7

"Do you like painting? If you do, then read Allen Say's book 'The Sign Painter.' Children ages 5 to 10 will enjoy the book. If you like painting, then read this book." -- Max C., 9

Authored by the Emmy-winning and Oscar-nominated actor, this rhyming tale is the story of Farkle McBride, a musical prodigy who just can't settle on an instrument. Eventually, he realizes that the most beautiful music is made with cooperation and teamwork.

" 'The Remarkable Farkle McBride' is the best book ever." -- Dylan C., 8

"The pictures are great because they are funny." -- Kayla B., 7

A gift edition, this book combines the six Babar stories written and illustrated by Jean de Brunhoff: "The Story of Babar," "The Travels of Babar," "Babar the King," "Babar and Zephir," "Babar and His Children" and "Babar and Father Christmas." The royal elephant has been a favorite of children for almost 70 years.

"My favorite story was 'Babar and his Children' because it had cute little baby elephants. Children will relate to Babar's feelings. If you read this book, your head will fill with memories." -- Cara B., 7

This Caldecott medal-winning book follows the journey of a little boy who, on Christmas Eve, is picked up by Santa and taken to the North Pole. Full of fabulism and fabulous pictures, "The Polar Express" has become a Christmas favorite by capturing the wonder of childhood.

"The pictures are the very best part. If you like Christmas tales, this is the book for you." -- James A., 7

"I liked this book because it is about a boy who rides on a train to the North Pole. This is a good book for children because it is a fantastic book." -- Joseph T., 8

Jackson tells us about the book "A Cat of a Different Color" WAV sound

Ulwazzer is a cat distinguished by fur that is sometimes one color, sometimes another. He's also an adventurous feline but he always comes back home. On one trip, though, home has become a gloomy place, thanks to a greedy new mayor. In this witty tale, Ulwazzer shows the importance of thinking for oneself as he saves the town with his cleverness.

"You'll be cheering for Ulwazzer! The book will take you in and you can be a part of it!" -- Caroline S., 7

Miss Slade is a quirky outcast, thought to be a witch, when she is befriended by two neighbor children as her birthday approaches. But she still has a secret - one which the children can't even figure out. King-Smith is the author of "Babe: The Gallant Pig," the basis for the movie of the same name.

"This book is adventurous, exciting and mysterious. Miss Slade is very ugly. She wears bag-like clothes and a man's work hat. Miss Slade has a secret and she's not telling! If you want to know her secret, you'll have to read the book." -- Jackson H., 8

Roxy says her book, "Joan of Arc," had beautiful illustrations WAV sound

"Joan of Arc" follows the legend of the young French woman-warrior who fought for what she believed was right, but paid the ultimate price. The book doesn't skip over the tragic details of her life and death, so it is recommended for older and more mature children, but it is beautifully illustrated and well told.

"It's scary because Joan gets burnt and her ashes are thrown into a river," says reviewser Roxy J., 7. But, she adds, "The beautiful illustrations take you to France."

When Whiteblack runs out of stories to tell listeners of radio station WONS, he decides to travel the world and gather more. And what a traveler: Whiteblack goes from icebergs to desert sands, from airplanes to the ocean. Margret and H.A. Rey are the creators of "Curious George."

"People should read this book because it is interesting and fun to read." -- Sasha M., 7

"Your whole family will enjoy it." -- David B., 8

Moore, better known for her award-winning (grown-up) short stories, spins a tale of a disgrunted elf employee of Santa who gets left behind one Christmas at one of Santa's stops. There he meets a grouchy girl who didn't receive any presents. In order to make Santa come back, the elf must help her become a good person.

"It has pictures that go well with the story." -- Katie L., 8

A Dominican legend holds that there is a tribe of creatures called the ciguapas, who live in underwater caves and whose feet are backwards. "The Secret Footprints" follows a female member of the tribe that is discovered -- along with the tribe's secret -- by humans. Among Alvarez's adult works are "How the Garcia Girls Lost Their Accents" and "In the Time of the Butterflies."

"I like the remarkable illustrations of the underwater scenes. Read this superb book." -- Jana W., 7

"Do you like fun stories? If you do, 'The Secret Footprints' is for you." -- Shelby G., 8

A young soccer player must deal with his excitable mother, who cheers his team, the Atomic Pickles, while wearing a giant pickle costume. Is she really from outer space? Or is she simply overly enthusiastic? This book offers a subtle message to young readers - that parents aren't always as weird as they seem to be.

"It's an exciting, funny book. All ages would like it. Read it and turn into an alien!" -- Elliott A., 7

"It has great, humorous pictures. The story is very funny because the soccer mom dresses like a pickle and cheers silly cheers." -- Colby W., 7