Tucked away in a corner of the children’s non-fiction shelves is our collection of wonderful oversize books. The collection includes picture books, fiction, and books about a variety of non-fiction topics. I love to show the oversize books to kids and see their eyes go wide with excitement. Yes, these books can be checked out like regular size books! Take a look at the oversize books for treasures like this:

Life-Size Dinosaurs by David Bergen gives you a sense of the incredible scale of the dinosaur world. A four page wide fold-out of a Dilophosaurus head (complete with dripping fangs) makes these creatures come alive. For kids who love cars, trucks, and trains, there are DK Big Books, like the Big Book of Transportation. Huge pictures of cars, planes, trucks, and trains are perfect to pore over for hours. Miss Jessica recommends Art Up Close From Ancient to Modern by Claire d’Harcourt. It’s a nice alternative to the Where’s Waldo books. Kids can try to find fascinating details in famous paintings from all ages, and learn a little about art as they seek.

Look for picture books too, like Big Plans by Bob Shea. A little boy sits in the classroom, hatching Big Plans with the help of his lucky hat and a mynah bird. “I got big plans! Big plans, I say!” yells the boy, as he plots to become the mayor, the president, then finally fly to the moon! Double Trouble In Walla Walla by Andrew Clements, is Miss Laura’s fave. Clements tells the hilarious story of the “word warp” that makes everyone in Walla Walla talk in nonsense words.

The children’s librarians will be happy to help you find your own favorites in the oversize collection.

reviewed by Victoria