New picture books will foster children's love of reading

School is back in session, but that doesn't mean all time has to be dedicated to school reading. Below are a number of picture books that will help foster children's love of reading outside of school curriculum.

"IT'S A BOOK," by Lane Smith, Roaring Brook Press, $12.99 (ages 4-8)

With the advent of the Internet and other digital technology, everything from television to journalism has changed. But the love of reading still remains.

"It's a Book," by Caldecott Honor Medalist Lane Smith ("The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales") celebrates books with a comical look at the information age through the eyes of a mouse, a monkey and a donkey.

One of the most highly anticipated picture books of the year, "It's a Book" is witty and charming and will have adults and children giggling.

This is one of the best picture books released this year. A note to parents, though. The donkey is referred to by his Biblical name twice. The wording is not inappropriate, but concerned parents should read it first to decide if the book is a good fit for their families.

"CHILDREN MAKE TERRIBLE PETS," by Peter Brown, Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, $16.99 (ages 4-8)

From the author of "The Curious Garden" comes the story of a bear and her best friend, and the downfalls of owning a pet — a pet human, that is.

When Lucy discovers a boy in the woods, she falls in love. He makes such a cute squeaking noise that she names him squeaker. Lucy's mom gives her permission to keep Squeaker but warns, "children make terrible pets."

At first, everything is fine. The two spend all their time together playing and having fun. But Squeaker is impossible to potty train and causes problems wherever he goes. It's not until he goes missing that Lucy discovers for herself that Squeaker was never meant to be a pet.

Engaging illustrations paired with clever text make this surprising and entertaining twist on pet ownership a fun romp for young readers.

"ELSIE'S BIRD," by Jane Yolen and David Small, Philomel Books, $17.99 (ages 5-8)

Elsie is a Boston girl. She knows everything about the city and loves it there. But when Elsie's mother dies, her father seeks solace in the faraway prairies of Nebraska.