Picture books you should read.So … these are the books I’m donating to the silent auction fund-raiser benefiting my youngest daughter’s school.

And, I’m happy to say all the books are by authors who are friends of mine — either face-to-face or online.

OK, I guess if I’m being totally honest, Kevin Henkes isn’t a friend of mine in any format. But he’s cool, he  lives in the same suburban area as I do and he once signed a book for my daughter, so that’s close enough, right? (Plus, I’m sure he’d like me if we ever met!)

If these books look so compelling you simply must get them for yourself or a child in your life, here’s the full list:

  • Hurry Down to Derry Fair by Dori Chaconas – A lovely, warm, rhyming look at a country fair.
  • I Am Tama, Lucky Cat by Wendy Henrichs — The legend behind the lucky cat statues you often see in Asian stores and homes.
  • Little White Rabbit by Kevin Henkes — As beautiful and inspiring as things by Kevin Henkes always are.
  • Star of the Sea by Janet Halfmann — Compelling nonfiction for the younger set with a few true-to-life details guaranteed to make you say, “Eww.”
  • Stars by Mary Lyn Ray — Quite possibly my favorite picture book of 2011.
  • Tom’s Tweet by Jill Esbaum — Funny and heartwarming and rhyming. A great read-aloud.
  • Too Princessy  by Jean Reidy — The latest and greatest in Jean’s picture book series. This one features a bored little girl.
  • Tutus Aren’t My Style by Linda Skeers – The story of a resourceful girl who makes the best of a present she wasn’t expecting.

So what are you waiting for? Visit a bookstore today!