1. Evie Finds Her Family Tree by Ashley B. Ransburg (Indiana Historical Society Press). Written for grade school children, Evie Finds Her Family Tree is a delightful story that puts a new spin on teaching children about family history. The book doesn't concentrate on names, dates and places; instead, we follow Evie on her quest to find her family tree in her yard. The holly reminds Evie of her dad, the magnolia smells like her mother's perfume, the oak sparks memories of her grandpa, and the maple reminds her of her sister. In this uncomplicated introduction to genealogy, Evie discovers unique individuals in her family tree. And although the message is simplistic, it's powerful, and will surely trigger questions from and conversations with youngsters about their family tree. The book also includes a family tree wall chart you can fill out with your child.

2. My Great-Great-Great-Great-Great-Grandfather Was a Warrior! by Riccardo Francaviglia and Margherita Sgarlata (Lobster Press). Geared toward children ages 3 to 8, this book tells the tale of Mark, a young boy who's visited one morning by his fifth-great-grandfather, a Viking warrior. This Viking ancestor accompanies Mark to school, and Mark learns that his own brains and his brawn — even his talent for drawing — are much like his relative's. The colorful illustrations, as well as the cleverly woven story, are sure to capture youngsters' attention.