Babar’s USA by Laurent De Brunhoff ($17.95).  Come along with Babar, Celeste and family, including Zephir as photographer, as they visit many places all over the country, including Chicago, observing the customs of Americans. Zephir’s photographs record all the sights in a very artistic way, helping to bring Babar and his family to life once again.  Ages 4 and up

Madame President by Lane Smith ($16.99).  A young girl imagines what her life would be like as Madame President of the United States—executive orders to give, babies to kiss, and disasters to contain (even cleaning one’s room). Madame President’s work is never done as you will see in this humorous, delightful book.        Ages 4 and up

School Fever by Brod Bagert, illustrated by Robert Neubecker ($16.99).  A great book of poems for the new school year. If you are feeling talkative, wiggly, or just plain grumpy, there’s a poem for you—accompanied by delightful illustrations.     Ages 5 and up

Bats at the Library by Brain Lies ($16).  The bats are back—this time at the public library for a night filled with fun and frolic! The bats are pulled into the voices of the books and travel far and wide—upside down or right-side up. The illustrations are whimsical and, believe it or not, endearing. (Ages 4-7)

Adèle & Simon in America by Barbara McClintock ($16.95).  Adèle and Simon arrive in New York from Paris to visit Aunt Cecile, who will take them on a train trip across America. The sights are enchanting, as rendered by Barbara McClintock’s pen and ink illustrations. Simon manages once again to lose an item in every city, which we are able to pinpoint on the map. A treasure of a journey to enjoy again and again.       Ages 5 and up