Valerie & Walter's Best Books for Children: A Lively, Opinionated Guide by Valerie V. Lewis and Walter M. Mayes was a bestseller for more than five months when it was published in 1998. Now the pair has revised the book, with more than a third of the guide including new titles.

The updated version features 545 pages, with more than 2,000 book titles suitable for young readers, from babies to 12-year-olds. The writing duo decided to update their popular book because of the abundance of new books that have been published in the past six years.

Lewis said that she and Mayes don't always agree on book titles, so they put Lewis' or Mayes' face next to each title to show book preferences.

The book is divided into reading and listening levels and helps families choose books that are suitable for each child. There is also a thematic index that is useful for finding books that deal with issues like a death in the family or bullying.

"We want people to realize that there is no such thing as an 8-year-old's book," Lewis said, describing why the book is divided into reading and listening levels.

The revised book also features sections recommended for family reading, one that chronicles how children's books are made, and an out-of-print-books publishers' hall of shame—books that the two authors believe should have remained in print even though they weren't moneymakers. Some examples include Owl Eyes by Frieda Gates and Eeny, Meeny, Miney Mole by Jane Yolen.

Lewis talked about her new book on CBS's The Early Show on March 29, continuing to wear many hats—book reviewer, children's book author and children's bookshop owner. She's reviewed books for The Early Show for 14 years, usually flying out to New York City to present her children's books reviews on the air.

For more information about "Valerie & Walter's Best Books for Children: A Lively, Opinionated Guide," 2nd Ed., visit http://www.hicklebees.com/.