A boy and his grandfather head out on the frozen lake to go fishing. They drill through four inches of ice and set up their canvas ice shack. Inside t...moreA boy and his grandfather head out on the frozen lake to go fishing. They drill through four inches of ice and set up their canvas ice shack. Inside they open their tackle box and have four watery holes to fish through. Other join them out on the ice and cocoa is shared, but after seven hours they haven’t seen a single fish. They play cards together and wait until night falls then, a fish! A ten incher and a keeper! But the boy has different ideas than a fish dinner. This picture book captures the quiet times spent fishing out on the ice with a loved one. It’s sure to appeal to children who have headed out themselves and waiting those long hours for just one bite.
Larson nicely weaves numbers and counting into her words in this book. One frozen lake, two friends, three bundles of gear, four inches of ice, five hours to wait. Then she starts again from one, building her poetic story upon the foundation of counting. But this is not a counting book, instead it is a celebration of Minnesota winters and family.
The art here is exceptional. The story above the ice is shown in realistic paintings that show with accuracy the relationship between grandfather and grandson. The tones are bright, sun-filled but also cold as a northern winter should be. Below the ice is a completely different world. There the images are done as collages with whimsical old-fashioned touches taken from signs and flyers. The result is a pairing that shows the stark difference between surface and depths.
Growing up on a Wisconsin lake, this picture book brought back many memories of walking the frozen lake and seeing the shanties. It’s sure to do the same for many grandparents and grandchildren. This is definitely a keeper! Appropriate for ages 4-6.(less)
Brian Biggs has several new books out which is great news for youngsters who love cars, trucks and airplanes. Everything Goes in the Air takes Henry a...moreBrian Biggs has several new books out which is great news for youngsters who love cars, trucks and airplanes. Everything Goes in the Air takes Henry and his family on an airplane ride. Readers get to visit a bustling airport, where they can search for lost babies. From vintage airplanes to modern ones, we learn about the different parts of a place and the various types they come in. Modern airport security is explained, then the book turns to helicopters and hot air balloons. Just before takeoff, children get to see inside the cockpit and marvel at the crowded airspace. Then it’s up, up and away!
Biggs’ crowded pages show the hustle and hurry of an airport. His friendly art and seek-and-find activities will keep children busy exploring the pages. Information is given in small bits, mostly through conversations that are shown in cartoon bubbles. This is a marvelously fun and exciting way to explore airplanes and airports.
A great pick for a plane ride, or to help prepare children for an upcoming flight, this book has such detailed illustrations that it is best shared with just one child at a time. Appropriate for ages 3-5. (less)
The creators of The Gruffalo return for an uproarious version of a beloved poem. Beware, for the Highway Rat is coming and he’s out to steal everyone’...moreThe creators of The Gruffalo return for an uproarious version of a beloved poem. Beware, for the Highway Rat is coming and he’s out to steal everyone’s snacks. He rides along with food dropping out of his saddlebags, accosting poor travelers at sword point, demanding their goodies. He steals clover from a rabbit who has nothing else, a leaf from some ants, even hay from his own horse. Eventually though, the Highway Rat meets his match in a juicy-looking duck who directs him into a cave where the echo seems to promise food. Then the Highway Rat rides no more.
I love a good riff on a traditional poem, and this one is very clever. Those familiar with The Highwayman by Alfred Noyes will particularly enjoy the play Donaldson makes with its form. She incorporates familiar phrasing like “And the Highway Rat went riding – riding –riding – riding along the highway.” Somehow her other words which are quite different from the poem have a similar rhythm and evoke the poem effortlessly.
Scheffler’s illustrations have a wonderful bold quality to them. The Highway Rat is truly a bad guy and his naughtiness is clearly shown in his actions and his aspect. His googly-eyed horse is a pleasure, almost always making eye-contact with the reader and sharing the joke of this evil rat riding on his back. The rich colors of the landscape add a depth to the illustrations that is very welcome.
The tale of an evil highwayman (or rat) makes for a great read. Add in strong illustrations and the play on a well-known poem, and you have picture book magic. Appropriate for ages 4-6.(less)
So many children’s books about strong emotions come off as mini-lectures about proper behavior. This one has a stirring call for people to not react w...moreSo many children’s books about strong emotions come off as mini-lectures about proper behavior. This one has a stirring call for people to not react with violence or anger, but instead with peace and understanding while continuing to be understanding about those negative emotions that can overwhelm. The rhyme helps make the book fun and jaunty while offering the idea of just saying “Peace, Baby!” when you get upset. This is the most basic of conflict resolution, yet it is also the start of something bigger, taking responsibility for your own reactions and controlling them. This cheery book invites others to be happy and peaceful.
Ashman’s rhyme is at the heart of this book, carrying the entire idea of being peaceful and calm forward with a jolly rhyme. Thanks to the playful nature of the rhymes and the “Peace, Baby!” the book does not lecture but instead recommends hugs, conversations and compromise.
Lew-Vriethoff’s illustrations add a lovely softness to the book. With their pastel shades, the book continues to feel playful but also has a lightness to it that keeps the message from feeling heavy handed at all.
A strong addition to library collections, this will be a great way to talk about emotions as a group and also the proper responses to when you feel angry. Peace out! Appropriate for ages 3-5. (less)
A great-grandfather shares his life’s story with his great-granddaughter who picks out a cigar box filled with matchboxes to find out more about. He h...moreA great-grandfather shares his life’s story with his great-granddaughter who picks out a cigar box filled with matchboxes to find out more about. He has been collecting matchboxes that are filled with small items documenting his life, a diary of objects. They tell of his poor childhood in Italy where he’d be given an olive pit to suck on to make him less hungry. There is a picture of his father who went to work in America and sent money home. His story then turns into one of an immigrant with a trip to the port and then aboard a large ship. He tells of arriving at Ellis Island, of the terror of possibly being denied entrance, and the eventual reunion with his father. The entire family, including the children, worked to earn enough money to survive. Life became better and he learned to read until he started in the printing industry and opened a bookstore.
Fleischman writes of the tentative relationship of a young child and her great-grandfather who are just getting to know one another for the first time. This is a story filled with small gems, treasures of stories that the two of them explore side by side. The small matchboxes are a wonderful device to add surprise and delight to the story. Fleischman has created an entire picture book told only in dialogue, making it a pleasure but challenge to read aloud.
Ibatoulline’s illustrations are precise and detailed. The matchboxes are shown up close and just opened, as if the reader had been the one exploring them. The stories are shown in sepia tones with modern day in full color. They are filled with a beautiful warmth in both cases.
A distinguished picture book, this is a brilliant combination of historical story and vivid illustrations. Appropriate for ages 6-9. (less)
Papa Rabbit had traveled north to find work when the rains didn’t come one year. Finally, after two years, he was returning home to his family. A part...morePapa Rabbit had traveled north to find work when the rains didn’t come one year. Finally, after two years, he was returning home to his family. A party was planned with food and music, but Papa Rabbit didn’t come back. When the other rabbits went to sleep, Pancho Rabbit set out to find his father. He took with him his father’s favorite meal of mole, rice and beans, tortillas, and a jug of aguamiel. As he traveled, Pancho met a coyote, who offered to help him reach his father. The coyote demanded payment of the mole up front, then taking Pancho to the train tracks where they jumped a train. As the journey continued, the coyote demanded food after each part of the journey until Pancho was out of food. Then Pancho himself was the only food for the coyote to demand. This allegorical tale of migrant workers coming to the United States is a powerful look at the dangers they face and the love that drives them.
Tonatiuh writes with a strength here, each word seemingly chosen for its impact and power. The importance of this sort of story for young children cannot be ignored. This book carefully dresses the horrors of the story in folktales, but the purpose is still clear. Those folktale devices are particularly effective in a story such as this, allowing the reader to see the dangers but not be overwhelmed by them. The use of the different pieces of food as payment is particularly clever as is the character of the coyote being that animal.
The illustrations convey the folktale structure as well. Done in a flattened style, they have strong lines and shapes. Tonatiuh makes clever use of textures like jean material, tires, fur and textured paper. This added touch ensures that readers recognize the modern nature of the tale.
This book belongs in every library since it deals with a current issue that affects many in our communities directly. Teachers will find this book especially useful when discussion immigration as well. Appropriate for ages 6-9. (less)
Verde captures the energizing nature of a visit to an art museum. Told in first-person verse, the young female protagonist dances and spins through th...moreVerde captures the energizing nature of a visit to an art museum. Told in first-person verse, the young female protagonist dances and spins through the gallery, drawing inspiration and emotion from the art around her. As she moves to a new piece of art, it evokes a new reaction that is entirely in keeping with the art in front of her. Finally, faced with a blank white canvas, she discovers that her own mind starts to fill in the art on its own. As she leaves the museum at the end of the day, her world is transformed by the art she has seen that she now carries along with her. This is an engaging story of a museum visit that is sure to inspire young readers to want to try it for themselves.
Verde’s verse is filled with motion and zing. While some may see visiting a museum as a more sedentary and intellectual activity, Verde fills it with motion and emotion alike. She conveys through the young girl’s physical reaction what is happening to her mentally. It is a very successful take on the transformational quality of art and how it can speak on many levels to viewers.
Reynolds’ art adds to the feel of motion and engagement in the book. His young figure is constantly in motion, even when she takes a short break, she is inspired by art. Reynolds’ illustrations are done in his signature fluid style, yet he is able to capture different art periods very effectively.
Ideal to use with a class before a museum exhibit or with children before a family visit to a museum, this is also a book that will inspire reflection about art during a regular day. Appropriate for ages 4-6.(less)
Small Kitten follows the lead of Big Cat as they go through their day in this very simple picture book. With just one word per page, the story is told...moreSmall Kitten follows the lead of Big Cat as they go through their day in this very simple picture book. With just one word per page, the story is told more in the images than in the words. The little kitten practices how to clean himself, how to hunt bugs and butterflies, and how to listen. As the two of them explore the house and garden, the book shows a day filled with exploration and learning.
Told through dynamic cut-paper art, this simple book has a powerful sense of style. The images are black and white, cut from a single piece of paper with just a touch of blue at times. Thanks to this, the images pop and would work well for sharing with groups of children.
Ideal for toddlers, this is a clear and beautiful look at feline fun. Appropriate for ages 1-3.(less)
High in the mountains of Pakistan, two week-old snow leopard cubs snooze in a den waiting for their mother to return. It’s May and the pair are only a...moreHigh in the mountains of Pakistan, two week-old snow leopard cubs snooze in a den waiting for their mother to return. It’s May and the pair are only a week old. When the male cub goes outside, he is attacked by a golden eagle and only saved by his mother rescuing him. As the cubs grow, the practice pouncing one another and then start to eat directly from the game their mother kills. Their mother teaches them skills they must have to survive in the harsh climate. They learn to mark their territory, to silently hunt, to be quick, to guard their food, to find shelter when snow comes, and when to retreat. It is a story of how small cubs grow into strong hunters and how these great and beautiful cats manage to survive in their mountainous and cold habitat.
Markle is the author of over 200 books for children. In this one she takes on one of the most elusive creatures on earth and shows the strong family bonds and the huge amount of learning these young cats must accomplish to live. She writes her nonfiction in verse, making it more easily read. Nicely, as the mother is teaching her cubs, Markle makes sure readers understand the lesson by repeating it neatly at the end of the stanza.
Marks’ illustrations capture the snow leopards and their beauty and grace. There are moments of such daring leaps and heart pounding danger that Marks captures with flawless accuracy. His use of soft watercolors adds to the mystique of these cats and also captures the speed and motion as they hunt.
Beautiful illustrations and strong text result in a book that will teach children much about the snow leopards and their lives. Appropriate for ages 7-9.(less)
Mama Cecile taught Yoyo to make bitterleaf stew, the same stew they sold at the market. But Yoyo thought that the entire process took too long, so she...moreMama Cecile taught Yoyo to make bitterleaf stew, the same stew they sold at the market. But Yoyo thought that the entire process took too long, so she took some shortcuts herself. Then she snuck her batch of stew along with them to the market. Mama Cecile warned Yoyo that they must always accept a fair price for their stew, otherwise Brother Coin, the Great Spirit of the Market, would remove his blessing from their bowl. After selling all of Mama Cecile’s stew, there was still one customer left, so Yoyo pulled out her own stew and tried to sell that. But she rejected his small offer for her stew. Thunder rolled and through the next days, no one came to their staff at the market. Now it was up to Yoyo to fix what she had done. That would take traveling to see Brother Coin in person.
Set in modern-day Cameroon, this story skillfully blends folk elements as it talks about the culture as well. The book will make a great read aloud thanks to the ease of the language used and the natural rhythm of the storytelling. It would also be a great candidate for storytelling for those reasons too.
Averbeck’s art has a strong modern edge to it. He shows the gorgeous textiles that people wear. Additionally, he uses textures and patterns to create other objects as well, such as the shanty houses and details of interior scenes.
A modern-day folk tale, this is a rich glimpse into Cameroon. The book ends with a recipe for bitterleaf stew too! Appropriate for ages 4-6. (less)
Explore shapes with two young members of a Mexican-American family. The book begins with circles as they are seen in nests, bells, and food. Readers w...moreExplore shapes with two young members of a Mexican-American family. The book begins with circles as they are seen in nests, bells, and food. Readers will also get to find squares, rectangles, triangles, ovals, and stars. Spanish words are sprinkled throughout the book and engagingly explained within the context. There is also a glossary at the end of the book to help. This is an engaging look at shapes with a charming Mexican vibe.
Done in rhyming couplets, the book has a strong lilting rhythm and reads aloud easily. The writing is strong and never suffers from the structure of the rhymes. Thong invites us into their home where we are made to feel welcome throughout the book. It is a warmly written book about shapes that has an additional dimension with the Spanish words.
Parra’s illustrations have a wonderful texture to them, often looking like traditional art and aging painted walls. They add even more warmth and character to this already rich book.
This is an enjoyable and simple look at shapes and Spanish that invites the reader to learn and to try new words. Appropriate for ages 2-4. (less)
There are oh so many ballet books out there for little ballerinas who look for tulle and pointe shoes. So it was with that bias and perhaps a cringe o...moreThere are oh so many ballet books out there for little ballerinas who look for tulle and pointe shoes. So it was with that bias and perhaps a cringe or two that I opened this book. Inside it’s very pink cover is a very pink world that is pure pink fabulousness! In this wordless book, Flora meets the flamingo and immediately imitates its stance and attitude. Then the flamingo launches into a dance that Flora struggles to match in her swimcap and flippers. It all goes well until Flora loses her footing and flops into the water. What happens next speaks to what friends should do when they see someone take a flop. Start again with plenty of support. All this with no words!
Idle has a stunning simplicity in this book. It has the draw of flaps to open, but that is all about the dance and the movement. There is a pleasure in lengthening the dance by having the two of them dance movements again and again by opening and closing the flaps. It turns readers into storytellers in a way that is engaging and free, just as this entire book is throughout.
I love Flora and her lack of tulle and ballet outfit. Instead wearing her swim gear, she is able to mimic the flamingo all the better. It takes the emphasis off of the clothes of ballet and back to the dance itself. Now all children need is a friendly flamingo. Appropriate for ages 3-5. (less)
This lovely wordless book explores the changing seasons in a subtle and engaging way. The book starts on the inside of a house with a young boy and a...moreThis lovely wordless book explores the changing seasons in a subtle and engaging way. The book starts on the inside of a house with a young boy and a little black dog. The boy is planting seeds in pots while the dog watches and two white mice play. Through the die cut windows, you can see the snowmen in the yard. Turn the page and you are outside with those snowmen, the birds eating the seeds. Turn again and you are inside once more, this time able to glimpse flowering trees out the window. The plants in the pots are green and growing too. The boy is hanging pictures on the walls about birds and snowmen melting. Keep turning and the seasons change, marked by activities, the pictures on the walls, and what you can see through the windows.
There is a wonderful organic feel to this book, partly thanks to the textured brown paper that serves as the background for all of the images. That feel is also helped by the color scheme of greens, blues and terra cotta. The die cuts are used very skillfully throughout, offering glimpses from inside to outside and back again. The wordless nature of the book makes it a universal story, ideal for being shared with families who may use another language at home.
Filled with small details that will have children looking back at previous pages when they discover something new, this book is perfect for lingering over on long trips or snuggled in someone’s lap. Appropriate for ages 2-4. (less)
The author/illustrator team that brought you the bestselling Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site returns with another gorgeous transportation-them...moreThe author/illustrator team that brought you the bestselling Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site returns with another gorgeous transportation-themed bedtime book. The cheerful rhyme invites children to explore the different types of train cars and what sorts of items are stowed in each one. This is done by a monkey crew who move monkey bars into the boxcars with tumbling moves and lots of bananas. The hopper car is filled with bouncy balls by kangaroos and a helpful giraffe. Elephants squirt paints into tankers with their trunks, each train car a different color. The cold reefer car holds ice cream treats as well as polar bears and penguins. Gondolas are filled with sand, beach balls and toys. The autorack has lots of fast racecars. The well cars have dinosaurs and their lunches. Finally there are the flatbeds made into beds and the red caboose, the train heads off to a new day.
First let me comment on the endpages which are done in train engineer cloth pattern and really invite young train enthusiasts to read on. The book has that wonderful rhyme that is playful and youthful, dancing along merrily to the beat. That sense of play is evident throughout the book, as the different animals load the train with things that will interest very young readers. All of it has a silly tone that makes it great fun to read.
Lichtenheld’s illustrations add to that silliness with small touches that are such fun to discover. Done in a soft yet rich style, the illustrations invite you to dream along with the book. Their deep color captures the nighttime setting while the softness will have little heads snuggling in close.
A worthy companion to the first book, get this into the hands of little engineers and fans of Thomas the Tank Engine. Appropriate for ages 3-5. (less)
Duck has lost his new blue socks. He searches in his box, but they aren’t there. He asks his friend Fox who hasn’t seen them either. Perhaps Ox knows...moreDuck has lost his new blue socks. He searches in his box, but they aren’t there. He asks his friend Fox who hasn’t seen them either. Perhaps Ox knows where his socks are? Ox remembers seeing some socks down by the rocks. But those socks are purple, not blue socks, and they aren’t new either. Finally, Duck asks a group of peacocks about his socks. And they do know where his socks are! It turns out they are in a most surprising place!
Bunting has written a picture book in rhyme that dances along to a jaunty beat. The rhymes are merrily done, done in a humorous way. She makes it all look so easy and effortless, but rhyming picture books are some of the most difficult to do well. Kudos to Bunting for maintaining the joy in simple rhymes. Her words read aloud well and are also simple enough for beginning readers to tackle.
Ruzzier’s illustrations are the key to young readers spotting the blue socks which are slowly revealed as the book progresses. Expect eagle-eyed children to figure out the answer even before the adults. Ruzzier fills Duck’s world with lots of clutter from starfish to soccer balls to underwear. Done in ink and watercolor, the colors are bright and add to the surreal nature of the story itself.
Socks lost and then found, rhymes and rhythms, and a delight of a read aloud to share, this book has it all! Appropriate for ages 3-5. (less)
The perfect book to lift your spirits on a soggy spring day! When an older man wakes up and sees the rain, he is not happy. But when a little boy look...moreThe perfect book to lift your spirits on a soggy spring day! When an older man wakes up and sees the rain, he is not happy. But when a little boy looks out at the same rain, he’s delighted. The older man grumbles through his preparations to go outside, while the little boy puts on his green boots, green coat and frog hat still happy with the gloomy weather. The old man grumbles about puddles, while you can see the joy of the child. They end up in the same café, the old man still grumpy with his day and the young boy happy with cocoa and cookies. When the two bump into each other, it seems like the grumpiness rubs off on the little boy. But then he notices that the older man left his hat behind, and with a little joke and a shared cookie, a day is brightened.
Ashman has written this book very simply, just in snatches of dialogue. Despite the simplicity, the mood of each character is clear in their words. It is made even more clear by the cut-paper illustrations that display each person’s mood with just a few lines. Readers will notice that the pages with the older man have others with grumpy faces while the pages with the the child have others with smiles.
A book that is sure to have readers jumping merrily in puddles and dancing in the rain, this is an inspiration to look on the bright side of things and share your happiness. Appropriate for ages 3-5. (less)
In a way that only Kadir Nelson could capture, this book tells the story of Nelson Mandela’s life, imprisonment and how he became the inspiration he i...moreIn a way that only Kadir Nelson could capture, this book tells the story of Nelson Mandela’s life, imprisonment and how he became the inspiration he is. This is a very humanizing tale of Mendela, showing his childhood before his father’s death and then his move across South Africa to study under a powerful chief. Mandela attended school and then got involved in fighting apartheid. The book follows him as he is jailed the first time and as he rises to be a threat to those in power and goes into hiding. Mandela returned to South Africa to continue the fight and is then jailed again, doing heavy labor. After being in prison for over 27 years, Mandela was freed. His passion for righting the wrongs of apartheid and speaking for equality of all people shines from every page.
Nelson tells the story of Mandela in verse that is factual but also compelling. He captures the long time spent in prison in a way that children will be able to understand. Cold meals, thin blankets and beating rocks into dust. It shows the futility and the harshness with such clarity. Nelson’s verse also has a great sense of awe for this man and what he has accomplished, that too makes it a very special, honest book.
As always, Nelson’s images are simply wondrous. Here they seem to shine from within whenever Mandela is part of the image. As you can see from the cover illustration, there is all of the human inside his art; it radiates from his work. Shown with detail, interesting perspectives, and ending with a sense of celebration, Nelson’s art is a standout.
This is the story of Nelson Mandela captured fully in a picture book that celebrates all of his accomplishments and what he stands for as a human being. Beautiful. Appropriate for ages 6-9.(less)
Laszlo is scared of the dark. You know, that darkness that is always there, hiding in corners and behind the shower curtain, and especially the dark t...moreLaszlo is scared of the dark. You know, that darkness that is always there, hiding in corners and behind the shower curtain, and especially the dark that lives down in the basement. At night the dark would spread around the entire old creaky house and all of its staircases, but in the day it retreated to the basement. Laszlo would visit the dark every morning, from the top of the steps into the black basement. He would say hi, thinking that maybe then the dark wouldn’t feel the need to visit him in his room at night anymore. But that didn’t work, the dark still came at night. Luckily Laszlo slept with a flashlight on his pillow and a nightlight on the wall, so the dark stayed away. That is until one night when his nightlight burned out and the dark started talking to Laszlo.
I can’t think of a stronger author and illustrator match than this one. Snicket turns on the creep factor in this book in a way that will have children leaning in closer, cuddling tighter, and listening to every single word. There are the noises of the house, the scary basement, and the series of staircases. But mostly there is the darkness itself, a second character in the book and written about with almost poetic phrasing. This is one beautifully written book.
Klassen plays so much with light and shadow here. He uses the darkness beautifully as both a frame for his images but also as the thick lines of objects. Then there are the pictures of the cool daylight and the fierce warmth of the nightlight that burns almost like a flame. This is one beautifully illustrated book.
One of my favorite picture books of the year, this book reads aloud perfectly, the tension growing and growing until it’s almost explosive. One can almost hear the dark chuckling along. Appropriate for ages 4-6. (less)
One morning, the frogs in the pond woke up to discover a very pink visitor among them: a little pink pig. They tried to ask the piglet why he was ther...moreOne morning, the frogs in the pond woke up to discover a very pink visitor among them: a little pink pig. They tried to ask the piglet why he was there, but all he would say was “Ribbit!” The other animals soon heard about the unusual pig and hurried to the pond to see him. All of the animals except the frogs found the entire situation hilarious, but the frogs were getting more and more angry. The animals went in search of the wise old beetle to ask his advice, but when they returned the pig was gone. All of the animals began to wonder what the pig had wanted all along and it wasn’t too late to find out!
Folgueira has created a book with the feel of a traditional folktale but one that also has the humor and feel of a modern story. Told in a clear voice, the book invites readers to wonder about what is actually happening in the book. Happily, the ending ends the questions, but until then there is plenty to think about.
Bernatene’s illustrations have bright tones and fine lines. The watercolor texture of the pages and the pictures add a welcome rustic warmth to the story that suits it well. She has also created one of the most engaging little pigs, with a merry grin and closed eyes formed out of just a few curved lines. Pink perfection.
This is a look at friendship and also at cultures and what happens when someone steps out of their own comfort zone and begins to explore new things. In the end though, it’s a delight of a read aloud that children will enjoy for just the story alone. Appropriate for ages 3-5. (less)
The two-time Caldecott Medalist returns with another exceptional picture book. In this book, a little girl learns to ride a bike. She first picks out...moreThe two-time Caldecott Medalist returns with another exceptional picture book. In this book, a little girl learns to ride a bike. She first picks out the bike she wants to try, then watches other people ride their bikes. The training wheels are very helpful, keeping her upright and they steadily are moved upward so that she can start to balance on her own. Training wheels off, she tries riding in the grass but when she heads down a small hill, she tips over. It takes a lot of courage to get back on again and again and again after tumbling off. But then, suddenly and incredibly, she learns to ride a bicycle on her own!
Written in second-person, the book really allows readers to see themselves as the one riding the bicycle. Raschka’s text is simple and effective, encouraging readers to give it a try. When the tumbling begins, Raschka starts talking about courage, sure to inspire young readers to see that quality in themselves both in learning to ride a bicycle and in other endeavors too. As always, the art is the key with Raschka’s picture books. His style is loose and flowing, capturing movement and wobbles with easy watercolor strokes.
A great pick for spring when children are sure to be longing to be out playing in the warmer weather, this book is a quietly inspiring read. Appropriate for ages 3-5. (less)
This picture book is a companion to Red Sled. It features that same red hat that was in the first book, but here it is no longer winter and the hat is...moreThis picture book is a companion to Red Sled. It features that same red hat that was in the first book, but here it is no longer winter and the hat is washed and hung up to dry on the line. That’s when it is spotted by an eager bear, who snatches it off the line and runs off with it. But he is not alone, as he dashes, other animals pull and tug, freeing the white pompom and unraveling the bright red yarn as they play. They leave the mass of yarn hung on the line in place of the hat! But don’t worry, a happy ending can be knit from the most tangled yarn.
Told almost entirely in sounds rather than words, this book is filled with a wonderful silliness that makes it hard not to giggle from the first longing glance of the bear to the final pages where the animals are pretending innocence at what happened. The center of the book is a wild chase scene as the hat unravels, adding a great rush of fast pacing into the story.
A great book, even better when read with the first one too. Appropriate for ages 2-4. (less)
Celebrate gardening with this cheery picture book that features Old MacDonald’s granddaughter, Jo MacDonald. The verses here are set to the same music...moreCelebrate gardening with this cheery picture book that features Old MacDonald’s granddaughter, Jo MacDonald. The verses here are set to the same music as the original, except this time it’s all about planting a garden rather than the animals on a farm. In the garden there is some sun, some soil, a worm, seeds, water, animals, plants, and then food! Watching the illustrations, children will see the garden take shape and then watch the plants grow until they are ready to be harvested.
Quattlebaum has cleverly written verses that can be acted out by preschoolers as the book is shared. At times, the children in the illustrations show the movements that could be done, and at other times they would be easily figured out by a savvy teacher or librarian. I can see lots of children this spring enjoying planting imaginary gardens all together.
Bryant’s illustrations have a wonderful sense of detail to them. Each page has animals to glimpse in the garden, including a cardinal and a butterfly that are on almost every page. This is a book that children will enjoy looking at and exploring.
Get your voice warmed up and be ready to wiggle like a worm with this new version of Old MacDonald! Appropriate for ages 2-4.(less)
I’m a Betty Bunny fan, since I enjoy protagonists in children’s books who have a feel of being a real kid. Betty Bunny in this third book in the serie...moreI’m a Betty Bunny fan, since I enjoy protagonists in children’s books who have a feel of being a real kid. Betty Bunny in this third book in the series breaks a lamp when her siblings refuse to play with her. When she is asked about it, she blames it on the Tooth Fairy. Betty Bunny thinks this works so very well that she’s surprised it hadn’t occurred to her to try it before. But things quickly unravel when her mother asks if she’s telling the truth. Betty admits to telling an “honest lie” and is sent to her room. Later, when a vase is broken, everyone in the family automatically blames Betty Bunny, but she really didn’t do it this time!
Betty Bunny is precocious for a four year old. I enjoy the way that Kaplan explains what Betty is thinking about her new ideas. Also, the family dynamics ring very honest with older siblings unwilling to play but all too willing to offer witty advice.
Jorisch’s illustrations have a great modern vibe to them. The bunny family is active and they dynamic lives appear clearly on the page. This has the trademark style of the earlier books with zingy writing and a naughty but quite charming little bunny at the center.
Fans of the earlier books in the series will find more to love here. This series is not for every reader or family as some will find the naughtiness less funny and more problematic. Appropriate for ages 4-6. (less)
Stein’s latest picture book is an uproarious read aloud and will be a welcome addition to any storytime. Mama Squirrel knows that all sorts of creatur...moreStein’s latest picture book is an uproarious read aloud and will be a welcome addition to any storytime. Mama Squirrel knows that all sorts of creatures want to eat her baby squirrels, but she won’t let that happen. She scolds all sorts of creatures away with her fierce “Chook, chook, chook!” Cats, dogs, owls, even humans scatter at her determination to protect her babies. Until one day when a bear comes to her tree. Mama Squirrel tries scolding, she tries throwing nuts, but the bear stays and then says that he will eat her entire tree! Mama Squirrel has one last trick though, and it’s an amazing one!
This book is one amazing read aloud. It is designed specifically to be shared aloud and I think will shine with a good sized group in particular. The scolding noise of the mother squirrel will have everyone “chook, chook chooking” along with her. The result will be one of my favorite sorts of story times: loud shared love of a story.
Stein’s art will work well with a group too. Her fierce defense of her babies projects straight from the page from her lowered brows and the set of her entire body. The illustrations have a rough edge to them that adds to their appeal.
Get this into your pile of books to share at your next story time, or keep it stored like fall nuts for the next time you need a great read aloud. Appropriate for ages 3-5. (less)
Moods are matched with colors in this jazzy picture book. Jamie is having a really great day, feeling purple and just being. But when his brothers kic...moreMoods are matched with colors in this jazzy picture book. Jamie is having a really great day, feeling purple and just being. But when his brothers kick him off the couch, his mood turns stormy gray. As he draws, his mood turns green and easy. Then his older brothers make fun of his drawing and Jamie’s mood turns black. Basketball gives him a swishing orange mood and running home almost late has him racing red. Family dinner is lemon pie yellow and washing up brings on tides of bluesy feelings. The day ends with that same cold plum purple mood as it began with. What color is your mood?
Brown’s poetry has a jazz beat and lots of metaphors that make it dance in your mind. Children will immediately recognize the moods and easily relate the colors to them. From the teasing of older brothers to the pleasure of making art, Jamie’s moods are universal. Brown’s writing begs to be read aloud, written so that it tumbles off the tongue.
Evan’s illustrations have a jaunty vibe that matches that of the poem. The art is digital collage created with oil paints and graphite. The illustrations have a great depth of color, something that makes this book all the more vibrant. They also have a wonderful texture from the paint and from swirls in the color.
This is a positive way to look at complex emotions and would make a great book to start a discussion about feelings and moods. Appropriate for ages 4-6. (less)
A simple poem is at the heart of this picture book about peace. Each line of the poem forms the basis of a page of the book and is also accompanied by...moreA simple poem is at the heart of this picture book about peace. Each line of the poem forms the basis of a page of the book and is also accompanied by other quotes about peace that bring a wonderful depth to the entire read. As one reads, it almost becomes a chant about peace, a reverberation of the power of peace, and when one finishes that peace lingers for a long time. When I finished the book, I immediately wanted to do two things: start all over again and also research some of the quotes and people I had never heard of before. There are quotes from all of the big names like the Dalai Lama and Martin Luther King, Jr. but wonderfully, there are also quotes from others whose messages are just as powerful.
Halperin’s illustrations are detailed and wonderful. The images are bright and speak directly to the sorts of peace being discussed. In those images and in the surrounding quotes, children will see ways that they can personally work for peace on small and large levels. There is a delicacy to the illustrations that works so well with the subject matter. They are inclusive, warm and joyful.
As I was reading, I noticed a quote from Peace Pilgrim, a woman I was lucky enough to meet when she was alive. My family hosted her for a night and she spoke at a small park in rural Wisconsin on the shore of a lake. It was that sort of person being included in this book that meant so very much to me. I also think about others searching for the new people they have found in this book and discovering her.
A lovely and powerful book about peace, this belongs in every library. Appropriate for ages 7-10. (less)
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