Golden Domes and Silver Lanterns: A Muslin Book of Colors (by Hena Khan, illustrated by Mehrdokht Amini)

A great introduction to common Muslim items by use of what colour they are. Narrated by a child and beautifully illustrated as well.

E-mergency! (by Tom Lichtenheld & Ezra Fields-Meyer)

If you love word play as much as I do, you’ll love this book. What would happen if letter E had to take some time off? Pay attention to all the chatter by the letters – lots of fun.

Heart and Soul: The Story of America and African Americans (by Kadir Nelson)

A simply and beautifully written history told by a woman who’s grandfather was taken from Africa in 1850 as a child to America by a slaver. It covers slavery to the civil rights movement to the election of Barack Obama, by telling one family’s life experiences. It is gripping and the illustrations are amazing.

Fly With Poetry: An ABC of Poetry (by Avis Harley)

Here’s a fantastic yet simple introduction to over 26 different kinds of poems with an example of each type. I thought the Xcogito was the coolest.

Leap Into Poetry: More ABCs of Poetry (by Avis Harley)

Another brilliant introduction to different forms of poems, this time with the twist that each poem is about some type of insect.