4. Iggy Peck, Architect

Iggy Peck Architect
by Andrea Beaty and David Roberts
Publisher: Abrams
32 pages
$15.95

I've always had a weakness for children's books that rhyme. They're more fun to read aloud, especially by the 12th time in one sitting. This one's the classic oddball-makes-good story about a kid whose teacher does not recognize his enormous talent — he makes buildings out of anything at hand, including diapers, fruit and chalk — until it saves her life. Illustrated in a chic urban style, it's like a fun little playdate in magical designer-land.