This has been a great year for children's books! Not only have many of our best authors and illustrators published wonderful new books, but fantastic offerings from new people abound as well. This year, you can treat a child in your life to books that span the globe, dream big, think great thoughts, celebrate life, or simply offer unmitigated fun. To sum up the year of children's books of 2002: Imagination reigns!

BEST BOOKS TO HELP CHANGE THE WORLD

1. HARPERCOLLINS TREASURY OF PICTURE BOOK CLASSICS: A CHILD'S FIRST COLLECTION
Edited by Katherine Tegen
Harpercollins, $24.95, ISBN: 0060080949

Full-sized reproductions of 12 of the best picture books published over the last 55 years include old favorites like GOODNIGHT MOON and HAROLD AND THE PURPLE CRAYON, as well as newer classics such as IF YOU GIVE A MOUSE A COOKIE. All royalties will be donated to the national non-profit organization First Book, which helps put children's books in the hands of low-income families.

2. A LIFE LIKE MINE (DK W/UNICEF)
By Harry Belafonte
Illustrated by Jane Chapman
DK, $24.99, ISBN: 0789488590

A fascinating, captivating profile of children's lives all over the world, produced using 10 years of research that went into the making of the Convention of the Rights of the Child. Not only does a portion of the proceeds go directly to Unicef, but the stunning photographs and informative text will engage and enlighten all who crack the cover of this important new work. Don't let the reading level of ages 9-12 prevent offering this beautiful book to kids of all ages.

Shelley Butler and Deb Kratz are authors of the Parents' Choice Award-winning book THE FIELD GUIDE TO PARENTING, which is featured on FamilyFun's Raising Kids page. The authors are available for workshops, consulting, and writing. For more information or to contact the authors, visit their Web site.