Easter book picks

Mrs. Nelson’s Toy and Book Shop, 1030 Bonita Ave., in La Verne, is another gem of a bookstore. Andrea Vuleta recommends the following: For infants through age 5: “Busy Bunnies” by John Schindel; “Little Hoot” by Amy Krouse Rosenthal; “Easter” by Brenda Haugen; and “The Little Rabbit Who Liked to Say Moo” by Jonathon Allen.

               Easter egg hunters ages 5-8 will enjoy picture books such as “ The Truth About Easter Rabbits” 
by Blue Lantern Studio; “My Friend the Starfinder” by George Ella Lyon; “Zen Ties” by Jon Muth; 
“Belinda Begins Ballet” by Amy Young; and “Grace for President” by Kelly DiPucchio.

               Readers ages 6-10 can delve into these chapter books: “Surprises According to Humphrey” 
by Betty Birney; “Diary of A Wimpy Kid 2: Roderick Rules” by Jeff Kinney; “Junie B. First Grader: Dumb Bunny”
by Barbara Park; “Clarice Bean, Don’t Look Now” by Lauren Child; and “The Penderwicks” by Jeanne Birdsall.

               Recommended for ages 12-14 are “The Penderwicks” by Jeanne Birdsall; “Tunnels” by Roderick Gordon;
and “Life and Crimes of Bernetta Wallflower” by Lisa Graff.

               As readers get older, finding Easter-themed books get harder, but Andrea tells me these titles are sure to 
be enjoyed by readers 14 and older: “Absolute Brightness” by James Lecesne and “Sorcerer King” by Frewin Jones.

               For more information, call (909) 599-4558 or visit www.mrsnelsons.com.

               Librarian Leila Hassen has prepared an Easter treat for us: books to complement the holiday. 
Drop by the library to share one or two (or three) with young readers or buy your own copy to include in 
Easter baskets.

               Leila has compiled 12 books with a wide range of preferences and also wrote a brief description of each. 
You are gold, Leila, thank you!

·        Michael Hague’s “Family Easter Treasury”: 
This comprehensive anthology contains Easter 
stories, poems, and biblical passages that range from Emily Dickinson to the King James Version of the 
gospels. Colorful illustrations of children, Easter Eggs, and springtime abound throughout the pages 
making it ideal for a family storytime or for a child to thumb through.

·        “Easter Bunny Are Your For Real?” by Harold Myra: This book explains the origins of the Easter holiday
for parents who want to impart the religious meaning of the holiday. It’s written mainly for young children 
in a storybook format with illustrations and dialogue between a family. 

·        “The Easter Story” by Reader’s Digest: In a sturdy board book format, and perfect for young readers or
for a storytime, this book takes readers from Palm Sunday to Easter morning. An ideal book about the origins
of the holiday.

·        “Easter” by David F. Marx: Written as a book for young readers (kindergarten through first-grade), “Easter” is 
filled with color photographs of parades, egg hunts, and families enjoying a holiday dinner together. The layout 
consisting of large type, simplified text, and vibrant photos makes it ideal for a beginning reader.

·        “The Easter Chick” by Geraldine Elschner: A beautifully illustrated book that depicts a young chick waiting 
anxiously for the Easter holiday. The farm setting and the dialogue between the baby chick and his mother 
are enough to keep any young reader or listener entertained. 

·        “The Bunny Who Found Easter” by Charlotte Zolotow: A beautiful tale about a bunny looking for a place
called Easter, only to be surprised by what he actually finds. A wonderful book about the seasons and 
the importance of family. 

·        “Easter Bugs” by David A. Carter: A book that can capture the attention of toddlers and the youngest 
readers, “Easter Bugs” is an amusing visual tale about springtime critters. The pop-up book format 
where various types of bugs are hiding behind Easter Eggs not only entertains, it also educates.

·        “Max and Ruby” series by Rosemary Wells: You can’t go wrong with any Max and Ruby books 
for young readers and storytime audiences. Rosemary Wells’ beloved bunny tales feature a brother 
-sister pair and their various adventures. Titles range from “Max’s Easter Surprise” to 
“Max’s Chocolate Chicken.”

·        “The Golden Egg” by A.J. Wood, illustrated by Maggie Kneen: A rhyming story and a game with 
hidden surprises, the Golden Egg follows a baby chick looking for the perfect Easter Egg. The 
beautiful illustrations alone make this a perfect Easter gift.

·        “Little Bunny Follows His Nose” by Katherine Howard and J.P. Miller: A story where a young bunny 
takes a walk in the countryside enjoying the various scents of Spring. The added bonus is that the reader 
can share the experience through the scratch and sniff format.

·        “My Easter Basket: Tote Along Soft Shapes” by Innovative Kids Staff: Board books will always be one 
of the most popular children’s books formats. Parents love their simplified text and toddlers love their 
colorful illustrations. This one comes in the unique shape of an Easter basket with handles.

·        “One Hundred Seventy-Five Easy-to-do Easter Crafts: Easy-to-do Easter Projects with Easy-to-find Things” 
by Sharon Dunn Umnik: Complicated name aside, this book is an excellent resource for families looking for 
Easter projects from puppets, jewelry, baskets, and the requisite Easter eggs. 

               I go to the San Marino Toy and Book Shoppe without fail for their annual sales, their Christmas in August is 
one I never miss. In their newsletter “Shoppe Talk,” they recommend the following books for Easter baskets:

               “Biscuit’s Pet and Play Easter” by Alyssa Satin Capucilli (ages 2 and older, $6.99); 
"What Kind of Rabbit are You?” by Liz Gouler Dubois (ages 2 and older, $7.99);
“Where are Baby’s Easter Eggs?” by Karen Katz (ages 2 and older, $6.99); and 
“Last One in Is a Rotten Egg!” by Diane DeGroat (ages 3 and older, $15.99).

               An Easter tradition at SMTB (33 years running!) are the Easter baskets and pails filled with 
carefully selected books and toys for all ages. You can buy the Easter baskets already assembled or 
choose your own goodies store staff can assemble for you. Just choose the basket, add cello and curly 
ribbons and you’re the toast of Easter brunch.

               San Marino Toy and Book Shoppe is at 2424 Huntington Drive in San Marino. 
For more information, call (626) 309-0222 or visit  www.toysandbooks.com