Editors Best of 2011: The coolest books for kids

We all have a certain fondness for our kids' books category . Finding wonderful books for kids is one of our favorite thing to do for all of you. Here, some of the very best books for kids that we reviewed in 2011. Shel Silverstein: Ever…

Editors Best of 2011: The coolest books for kids
We all have a certain fondness for our kids' books category. Finding wonderful books for kids is one of our favorite thing to do for all of you. Here, some of the very best books for kids that we reviewed in 2011. Shel Silverstein: Everything On It Liz: A posthumous book release from Shel Silverstein? Be still my Silverstein-loving heart. My kids love this one (at top) just about as much as Where the Sidewalk Ends, and that's truly saying something. Buy it for every kid you know. The Man in the Moon by William Joyce Kristen: In an age of digital kids books, I have to give a lot of credit to a book that can mesmerize kids as much, if not more, than an ebook. WIlliam Joyce's book is perfect for kids of all ages, even ones who might be a little big for story books, which speaks volumes about the artistry--graphics and words. Lemony Snicket 13 words Liz: Yes, it came out in the end of 2010 but I only discovered it this year. It's Ionesco-absurd, perfectly funny, illustrated wonderfully by Maira Kalman; and I have to love that my daughter surprised her first grade teacher by naming "despondent" as a synonym for sad thanks to the book. Still, it's more for parents who want their kids to enjoy silly books and imagination; not for a fast-track to Stanford. A Zeal of Zebras: An Alphabet of Collective Nouns by WOOP Studios Liz: Ever since I was a kid, I've always loved learning the proper names for groups of animals. This one takes on 26 of them beautifully. It's a spectacular alphabet book, both in look and in tone, and one your kids won't soon outgrow. McMullen's Book Bundle Kristen: As if I couldn't love McSweeney's any more than I already do, they've added a children's imprint, McMullen's, a including We Need a Horse, Symphony City, and a reissue of Here Comes the Cat. But maybe the best part is The Author-Illustrator Starter Kit of blank books to encourage kids to become their own authors. The perfect addition to any kid's library. More 2011 Editors' Picks: Editors' Picks 2011: Coolest Kids' Music Editors' Picks 2011: Coolest Kids' Room Decor and Art Editors' Picks 2011: Coolest Baby Clothes Editors' Picks 2011: Coolest Kids' Furniture Editors' Picks 2011: Coolest Baby Food, Kids' Snacks and Kids' Dishes Editors' Picks 2011: Coolest Boys' Clothes Editors' Picks 2011: Coolest Baby Gear Editors' Picks 2011: Coolest Kids' Toys Editors' Picks 2011: Coolest Kids' Books Editors' Picks 2011: Coolest Jewelry and Handbags

More in Gift GuidesView all picks →

Our pro-mom back-to-school tip each year: Mabel's Labels

Our pro-mom back-to-school tip each year: Mabel's Labels

Back-to-school shopping gets a lot of attention for backpacks, sneakers, and new clothes, but the unsung hero of a successful school year might be something much smaller: a good name label. Mabel's Labels makes it easy to put a name on a…

The kids' backpacks we're swooning over right now

The kids' backpacks we're swooning over right now

Back-to-school shopping has a way of turning into a marathon, but finding a backpack your child actually wants to carry shouldn't be the hardest part. That's why we're so excited about the brand-new collaboration between STATE and Magnet…

The best back-to-school tech for teens

The best back-to-school tech for teens

Back-to-school shopping isn't just about notebooks and sneakers anymore. For today's teens, the right tech can make studying easier, staying organized less stressful, and after-school activities a whole lot more enjoyable. The trick is c…