Confused by the different meanings of words that sound alike, a little girl imagines such unusual sights as “a king who rained” and “the foot prince in the snow.”

Rating: *****

A really cute concept, but I’m not sure many children will understand the puns.

In this retelling, Andy meets a lion and wins his friendship by removing a thorn from his paw.

Rating: *****

A great book about imagination, but a little antiquated.

Tim has the sort of adventures that every child needs, unshakably rooted in the real world, but unhampered by interference from anxious adults. His stirring but comforting maritime experiences are those a child might dream of – full of storms, shipwrecks and fascinating knots. He deals doggedly with dangers, never stints on chores below deck and always gets home after the voyage.

Rating: ****

You can tell when stories are dated, especially with this one. A little boys goes off on his own to be a sea captain after his parents laugh at him. When he finally returns the parents ship him off again. I think somewhere along the way this book lost its relevance.

Nursery magic is very strange and wonderful, and only those playthings that are old and wise and experienced like the Skin Horse understand all about it. Like the Skin Horse, Margery Williams understood how toys–and people–become real through the wisdom and experience of love.

Rating: *****

This is a wonderful book encapturing the story of how much a child can love a stuffed animal.

Three soldiers came marching down the road towards a French village. The peasants seeing them coming, suddenly became very busy, for soldiers are often hungry. So all the food was hidden under mattresses or in barns. There followed a battle of wits, with the soldiers equal to the occasion.

Rating: *****

A nice and very cleaver lesson on the benefits of sharing.

Each story begins with “Not so long ago,” & the under-five audience will be quick to recognize & embrace the boy who wants to be a honey bear, the girl who longs to chew bubble gum, the little boy who wishes he were as big as his sister, & many more.

Rating: *****

My son loves this book. His favorite was the chewing gum story and for days wanted to be a bear eating honey.

Caitlin and her parents rescue a hen from a lake, name her, and take her home with them, but even after they return her to the farm where she lives, her presence is still felt in Caitlin’s family.

Rating: ****

A month later my preschooler is still talking about Queenie. She definitely made an impact.

Tommy is afraid of absolutely everything, from the rain to the paper crown he must wear at his birthday party. His mother gives him a puppy as a present and tells Tommy he must teach it not to be scared. Together, the two overcome their fears.

Rating: ****

This book will let you discuss everyday fears with your preschooler and ways to overcome them. It also has a surprise ending.

Mike Mulligan and his Steam Shovel

After working together for many years, Mike Mulligan and his steam shovel, Mary Anne, are told that their services are no longer needed.

Rating: *****

This is classic children’s tale about perseverance and hard work. It’s a great way to discuss technology and how things change but values remain the same.