It's Picture Day Today!

It’s Picture Day Today! By Megan McDonald, illustrated by Katherine Tillotson 2009

“Sequins, Squiggles, Glittering Stars, Fuzzy Pom-Poms, Twisty Yarns. Couldn’t keep any of them away….Hey, it’s Picture Day today.”

One might assume that this story is about picture day for children at school, but this is not the case. Craft supplies of all shapes and sizes tumble across each page. It might seem like an unlikely mix of objects until glue makes an appearance and everything comes together. Opening up a four-page fold out reveals an arrangement of knickknacks that creatively resemble animals and tiny people. This unique take on picture day will encourage an endearing craft session of your own.

Appropriate for ages 3-5

Megan McDonald on Amazon

Building With Dad

Building With Dad by Carol Nevius, illustrated by Bill Thomson 2006

Explore the construction zone of a new school with a young boy and his contractor dad. This story is written from the voice of an excited little boy who dons his hard hat to be Dad’s helper. They observe, and sometimes assist with, the backhoe, the earthmover and the cement mixer. They are helping to build a school, and not just any school, but the one that the young boy will attend with pride because he was Dad’s helper.

“And when I’m grown-up, I hope I will be a builder like Dad with a helper like me!”

One highlight of this story is the way that the pictures and text spill down the page vertically instead of horizontally. The young narrator looks up at the huge machines, and this unique perspective gives the rhyming couplets even more energy.

Appropriate for ages 3-8

Where Does Thursday Go?

Where Does Thursday Go? By Janeen Brian, illustrated by Stephen Michael King 2001

Bruno the bear is sad to see his birthday end, and wishes he could say goodbye. He wonders what happens to the day when night comes, so he and his penguin friend Bert venture out into the night. They wander through watercolors drenched in blue, trying to bid the day farewell. Bruno describes what he thinks Thursday looks like, and once they see it, they fall into a peaceful sleep.

King’s cozy vision of nighttime paired with the gentle tone of Brian’s text makes this a sweet bedtime read. It also helps children to better understand the passage of time.

Appropriate for ages 3-6

Stephen Michael King on Amazon

What! Cried Granny

What! Cried Granny by Kate Lum, illustrated by Adrian Johnson 1999

Granny discovers that she is slightly unprepared for Patrick’s first sleepover at her house. Her efforts to provide everything Patrick needs for bed are valiant, and laugh inducing. She is armed with her toolbox, and determined to give her grandson everything he needs. She doesn’t break a sweat as she hones her woodworking skills and sewing prowess.

Obviously all this work takes some time, and when she finally equips Patrick to go to sleep, morning has arrived.

The illustrations are dramatically exaggerated, similar to the graphics of the 1950’s and 60’s.

Appropriate for ages 4-8

Chester

Chester by Melanie Watt 2007

A larger than life cat with loads of creative energy spars with his owner in this witty story. We assume that the author, Melanie Watt, will be telling the story, but Chester has a thing (or ten) that he wants to say. Melanie wants to tell a peaceful story about a mouse in his house, but Chester draws the line (literally), and the fun really begins. The end comes way too soon. But wait, there’s more…..

Appropriate for ages 4-8

Melanie Watt on Amazon

Adele & Simon

Adele & Simon by Barbara McClintock 2006

Simon is picked up at school by his big sister Adele, who urges Simon to “try not to lose anything today.” We soon learn that Simon has a knack for getting distracted and misplacing his things. Paris in the 20^th century holds many bustling scenes with distractions around each corner. The route that Adele & Simon take is leisurely, and includes a street market, gardens, and the grounds of Notre-Dame. As Simon looses his things (crayons, a glove, his knapsack), kind Parisians help him search, but he ends up sauntering to the next beautiful locale. These same Parisians follow through in a special way, preventing undue frustration from Simon’s mom when he arrives home empty handed.

Each pen-and-ink illustration by McClintock is full of details which make the visual game of hide-and-seek a delight. The journey the children take through the city is depicted on endpaper maps. Each neighborhood or landmark covered in the story is described in more detail at the back of the book. If you have never been to Paris, the astonishing artwork of this book will make you dream of visiting someday. If you have been to this enchanted city, memories will loom large as you immerse yourself in the pictures.

Appropriate for ages 4-8

Barbara McClintock on Amazon

Trout, Trout, Trout!: A Fish Chant

Trout, Trout, Trout!: A Fish Chant by April Pulley Sayre, illustrated by Trip Park 2004

This chant about fish is hilarious, and memorable. Bold illustrations introduce freshwater fish in a wacky, creative way. Digitally created caricatures of the fish will induce many giggles. The Bigmouth Buffalo fish sports a cowboy hat, while the Pupfish is wearing a leash and being walked underwater. A wonderful choice for story time, it also includes fact filled pages at the back that provide more detailed information about each fish.

Appropriate for ages 4-8

April Pulley Sayre on Amazon

Peanut

Peanut by Linas Alsenas 2007

Mildred is lonely, but then she gets a new pet. Although her pet Peanut is not a dog, she treats him as such. As she walks him in the park, she discovers that he is missing from the circus. She visits him there, and realizes he is happier at the circus, but she is alone again. Coming across another stray animal will certainly help her sadness subside, even if she is a little muddled about it’s true identification.

The fun contradictions of this story will delight young children. It will also remind them of the special companionship that having a pet can bring.

Appropriate for ages 2-6

Sir Ryan's Quest

Sir Ryan’s Quest by Jason Deeble 2009

Imagination and everyday objects come together and turn an ordinary day for Ryan into an amazing adventure. He is transformed into a brave knight by the 'king of pots', and then sent on an important mission. His parent's closet becomes a steamy jungle, and the basement is a dank cave. Ryan traverses through each challenge with bravery, and becomes fully equipped with the weapons of a warrior. His mother welcomes him back to reality with honor, and a royal bowl of soup.

Deeble artfully blends fantasy and the familiar, while encouraging the expansion of a child’s imagination.

Appropriate for ages 3-6

The Lemon Sisters

The Lemon Sisters by Andrea Cheng, illustrated by Tatjana Mai-Wyss 2006

The bond between sisters exists regardless of age or distance. The elderly narrator of this story watches three young girls (labeled Red Hat, Blue Hat, and Yellow Hat) as they play in the newly fallen snow. Seeing them reminds the woman of the fun she had in the snow making Lemon Ice with her two sisters. She decides to show the young girls how it’s done. They thank her, and proceed to have a magical party in the snow.

Nostalgia merges into reality as the elderly woman gets a surprise visit from some very special people. Red, Blue, and Yellow Hat join the celebration as well. The delight that is found in memories, childhood, and family are enhanced by the delicate watercolors of Mai-Wyss.

Appropriate for ages 4-8

Andrea Cheng on Amazon

Tatjana Mai-Wyss on Amazon

Muriel's Red Sweater

Muriel’s Red Sweater by Dara Dokas, illustrated by Bernadette Pons 2009

Muriel, the dim duck, is hand delivering her birthday invitations. She starts her walk by unknowingly getting her red sweater stuck on a nail. As she proceeds across each scene, her sweater begins to unravel. The red yarn is utilized in many ways, including a jump rope for Squirrel, a tie for Beaver’s twigs, and a leash for a pet frog.

Back at Muriel’s house we see her friends waiting to surprise her with a package tied up in red yarn. The gift from her friends is just what she needs to keep her warm and stylish.

The artwork is bright, and cheerful. Uncluttered pages beg to be examined in order to discover small details. Children will enjoy knowing what’s going on, especially because Muriel is clueless.

Appropriate for ages 3-8

Bernadette Pons on Amazon

Read Anything Good Lately?

Read Anything Good Lately? By Susan Allen & Jane Lindaman, illustrated by Vicky Enright 2003

A little girls is asked the question, “Read anything good lately?”, and she has an example to go with every letter of the alphabet. Each page gives ideas about what to read, and where to read it. Suggestions include, “Comic books around the campfire, history in a hammock, orders at Mom’s office, and science fiction on a swing.”

A loving family that reads voraciously also surrounds the young bookworm in the story. Balloon inserts on each page show a magnified glimpse of what is being read. The illustrations by Enright are full of detail that begs to be perused. This story is a great catalyst to encourage the many joys of reading.

Appropriate for ages 5-10

A Friend for Little Bear

A Friend for Little Bear by Harry Horse 1996

A lonely teddy bear is thrilled when a wooden horse floats by the desert island where he lives. They become great friends. Paraphernalia floating in the sea interrupts the lovely time they spend together. Bear begins to grab items out of the water saying, “I don’t know what these things are but I need them, all the same.”

As the pile of junk gets higher, wooden horse looks more and more sad, until he is crowded off the island and back into the sea. When Bear realizes his friend is missing he begins to cry and throw all the worthless things back into the ocean. When wooden horse floats by once more, they are reunited, and realize that silly treasures could never replace the happiness that a friend brings.

The moral to this story was a great reminder for my child, but also for me as well.

Appropriate for ages 4-8

Harry Horse on Amazon

Monkey and Me

Monkey and Me by Emily Gravett 2008

A young girl and her monkey cavort across each page, and utilize their imaginations to transform into a menagerie of different animals. Their actions introduce the next animal, and children will enjoy guessing what animal is being imitated.

“Monkey and me, Monkey and Me, Monkey and me, we went to see…”

The energy and repetitive text of this story would make it a great pick for story time with a group.

Appropriate for ages 3-5

Emily Gravett on Amazon

Larabee

Larabee by Kevin Luthardt 2009

Mr. Bowman, the mail carrier, is followed each day by his loyal dog Larabee. They work hard and walk far to deliver special letters to the townspeople. Larabee enjoys making others happy by delivering the mail, but he longs for a letter himself.

The day comes to an end, and Larabee is disappointed. “The mailbag is empty. All the mail has been delivered. But wait! There’s one more letter!” Maybe Larabee’s dreams will come true after all.

A day in the life of a mail carrier is shown in vibrant, whimsical artwork. A diverse community is depicted, and we experience how Larabee’s presence affects the people he encounters.

Appropriate for ages 3-8

Kevin Luthardt on Amazon

Bebe Goes Shopping

Bebe Goes Shopping by Susan Middleton Elya, illustrated by Steven Salerno 2006

We all know that combining a baby with a grocery store outing can be quite an adventure. In this story Mama is hoping for a quick trip, but Bebe has other ideas. The little ones agenda will make children giggle. Mama keeps her cool in style, with fun illustrations that look like a 1950’s cartoon. Spanish words are scattered throughout the rhyming text, and a glossary is included at the back of the book. The Spanish words are easily recognizable from the context or the pictures.

This fun read is relatable for young children, who can find everyday tasks mundane, and long to shake things up a little.

Appropriate for ages 3-6

Susan Middleton Elya on Amazon

Steven Salerno on Amazon

The Scrambled States of America

The Scrambled States of America by Laurie Keller 1998

“States all over the country were waking up, having their first cups of coffee, reading the morning paper, and enjoying the beautiful sunrise.” All the states except the one smack dab in the middle. Kansas whines to his neighbors about their permanence, and starts to stir things up. Nebraska quickly agrees that change is in the air, and they organize a party so all the states can be introduced. Amidst the chatting, and pleasant potluck dishes, the states decide to switch things up, literally.

After they settle into their new spots, they realize this scrambled situation they’ve gotten themselves into is a mess. Each travels back to where they belong, with a new appreciation for their state of affairs.

The quirky details and humor injected on each page make this a unique and memorable lesson in geography.

Appropriate for ages 4-8

Laurie Keller on Amazon

The Red Lemon

The Red Lemon by Bob Staake 2006

Farmer McPhee is ecstatic the lemon trees are ripe and ready for harvest.

"There's nothing like lemons.

This fruit isn't mellow.

They're tangy!

They're tasty!

They're tart-

and sooooooo

yellow!"

This chant by Farmer McPhee is followed by a list of delicacies all flavored by the yellow lemon. His pride turns to astonishment and then anger as he spots a red lemon among the yellow orbs. In a fit of disgust he grabs the red fruit and hurls it onto an island in the sea.

Little did he know that a bustling city would grow up around a grove of the red fruit that was "six times as sweet" as the yellow kind. The island had become a destination, and all because of Farmer McPhee and his good aim.

The world that Staake has created with his bold, dynamic illustrations is akin to that of Dr. Suess. His modern artwork has a graphic-arts feel, rendering objects and people as basic shapes.

Appropriate for ages 3-6

Bob Staake on Amazon

Goodnight, Sweet Pig

Goodnight, Sweet Pig by Linda Bailey, illustrated by Josee Masse 2007

Sleep is just a dream for pig number one as her room fills up with rollicking friends. Each pig has their own idea of what should be done at bedtime, and none of them includes sleeping. Finally pig number one speaks up, and the rambunctious crowd falls silent. They proceed to help her drift off to slumber land, and quietly make their exit.

Bailey combines counting and bedtime in a creative way. The illustrations by Masse are bright, and full of humor, as the previous chaos comes to a peaceful conclusion.

Appropriate for ages 3-8

Cowlick!

Cowlick! By Christin Ditchfield, illustrated by Rosalind Beardshaw 2007

Your child may suffer from bed head, and this hilarious story suggests how it may take place. The moon must be high, and little eyes shut tightly for the magic to work. The cow kisses are administered with a loud Slurp! Slurp!

“Her eyes a-twinkle, she’s had her fun. She slips away before the sun. Breakfast time! Get out of bed! What has happened to your head?"

The story of cow kisses is presented here in fun, simple rhymes that kids will want to read on a regular basis.

Appropriate for ages 2-6

Christin Ditchfield on Amazon

Rosalind Beardshaw on Amazon

The House Takes a Vacation

The House Takes a Vacation by Jacqueline Davies, illustrated by Lee White 2007

Why wouldn’t the house take a vacation at the same time as the Peterson family? The chimney grudgingly agrees they should travel to the sea after much prodding from the sunporch, the bedroom windows, and the roof. The basement stays behind because he “refused to rise to the occasion.”

The expressions of the different parts of the house are amusing, and there is a plethora of silly puns. The house experiences the Dance of the Sunlight on the ocean, and even passes dangerously close to the Peterson’s sunbathing on the beach. The Peterson’s arrive home right after the house, and find it looking quite bedraggled; decorated with seaweed, and an octopus. They thought they were the only ones who took a vacation, but we know better.

Appropriate for ages 4-8

Guido's Gondola

Guido’s Gondola by Renee Riva, illustrated by Steve Bjorkman 2005

Venice, tourists, and gondolas go hand in hand, and this story includes all of them plus a great moral to boot. Guido is a kindhearted rat who joyfully guides tourists through the waterways of Venice on his humble gondola. He enjoys the simplicity of life until the suggestion of purchasing a bigger, faster vessel is brought to his attention.

As he acquires more, his life becomes more complicated and less contented. In a freeing declaration Guido yells, "Enough is enough! It is not all about big boats and stuff!" Learn with Guido that life is not about acquiring, but about appreciating the small joys in life.

Appropriate for ages 4-8

Steve Bjorkman on Amazon

Imogene's Antlers

Imogene's Antlers by David Small 1985

Waking up with a full set of antlers on her head seems not to perturb Imogene at all. She takes the new decoration in stride, unlike her mother, who faints every time Imogene appears. The doctor declares that nothing is the matter, and the cook and kitchen maid use Imogene's antlers to great advantage.

"The cook, Mrs. Perkins, gave

Imogene a doughnut, then

decked her out with several more

and sent her into the garden

to feed the birds."

Small's illustrations demonstrate Imogene's contentment with the absurdity of the situation. Besides, she'll be back to normal by tomorrow. Or will she?

Appropriate for ages 2-8

David Small on Amazon

The Big Bug Ball

The Big Bug Ball by Dee Lillegard, illustrated by Rex Barron 1999

"Katydids and crickets,

come and get your tickets

to the Big Bug Ball.

Don't hang from the ceiling

Don't crawl up the wall.

Dance, dance, dance.

It's the Big Bug Ball."

A glamorous party of the bug kind is being prepared amongst the tulips of the city park. Garbage strewn about is transformed into a dance floor, and a variety of insects are in attendance. Each bug has a quirky personality, but the sow bug is the main character. She is unsure of how to dance, and yet longs to participate in the fun. Luckily another sow bug brings her out of her shell, and her shyness dissipates as she shimmies by the light of the fireflies.

The detailed illustrations by Barron are a great compliment to the rhyming text. It's also a good reminder that trying new things can be scary, but ultimately rewarding.

Appropriate for ages 3-6

Where's Wallace?

Where's Wallace? by Hilary Knight 1964

Wallace, the orangutan, has always longed to see the world. He is one of the most popular animals in the zoo, yet he feels unsatisfied. One day Mr. Frumbee, the zookeeper, accidently leaves Wallace's cage door open (or is it really an accident?). He grabs his piggy bank and makes a dash for it.

Follow Wallace, and the ever frantic Mr. Frumbee, through a department store, the museum, a baseball game and the beach (to name a few). It's tough to find Wallace, and six other recurring characters in the intricate panoramas, but this is what makes the books so enjoyable.

Knight's outstanding illustrations are full of hilarious detail, and make reading this story a delightful challenge. If Knight's artwork seems familiar, he is also the illustrator of the Eloise books.

Appropriate for ages 4-8

Hilary Knight on Amazon

Mighty Max

Mighty Max by Harriet Ziefert, illustrated by Elliot Kreloff 2008

Max's imagination is full of superheroes. He uses monkey bars, a pile of rocks and his bicycle to act out his dreams. He and his dad take a trip to the beach where Max is able to use his 'saving the day' powers with aplomb. His dad wants him to calm down, but Max wants to be the hero who saves the day. This tale of Mighty Max will ring true for many parents who have a child with an exuberant imagination.

Appropriate for ages 3-6

Harriet Ziefert on Amazon

Mouse Was Mad

Mouse Was Mad by Linda Urban, illustrated by Henry Cole 2009

Mouse is unsure how to express his anger, but his friends are willing to give him some valuable tips. Hare, Bear, Bobcat, and Hedgehog each demonstrate how they react. Try as he might, Mouse cannot imitate them without repercussion of the muddy sort. He tries his hand at the "standing-still mad" stance and this seems do marvels.

Find out how Mouse handles his anger through the playful language, and vivid watercolors of this book. This is a great reminder for children that it's okay to be mad, but there is an appropriate way to handle it, and it looks different for all of us.

Appropriate for ages 3-8

Henry Cole on Amazon

Don't Touch My Hat!

Don't Touch My Hat! by James Rumford 2007

In the western town of Sunshine, the job of keeping things under control and civilized goes to Sheriff John. He depends greatly on his ten-gallon hat to help keep the peace, and round up the rowdies.

In the middle of the night, Sheriff John gets the summons to help in an emergency. He unknowingly grabs his wife's fancy hat, instead of his own, and high tails it out the door. He takes care of the robbers and the rustlers, and restores peace to the town, all before sunup. On appearing at his doorstep he realizes the hat mixup. He also comes to terms with the fact that it's his heart, not his hat, that helps him succeed.

The text is written in Western dialect and includes some silly punch lines that would make this a wonderful read for a group.

Appropriate for ages 4-8

James Rumford on Amazon

I Need My Monster

I Need My Monster by Amanda Noll, illustrated by Howard McWilliam 2009

"Gone fishing. Back in a week. -Gabe"

Gabe is the name of Ethan's monster, and he is distraught that he will be without Gabe under his bed all week long. The absence of the pile of drool from under the bed, the silence in his room without Gabe's scratching claws; how can there be a substitute for Ethan's monster? He tentatively knocks on his floor to begin an interview process of the ghoulish kind. Try as they might, these monsters are no match for Gabe. Their claws aren't long enough. They make him giggle instead of shiver.

Ethan's monster finally makes his appearance saying, "Sorry I'm late, kid." In a creepy, yet comforting way, Gabe expresses that Ethan keeps him on his toes. After a little scaring, Ethan falls asleep with a contented smile on his face.

The sly humor of Noll partnered with McWilliam's dark, digitally colored art, helps defuse nighttime concerns and replace them with the realization that a child can overcome their fears.

Appropriate for ages 5-8

One Seal

One Seal by John Stadler 1999

A child's kite heads out to sea, and the crowd that appears to help him catch it is quite a hodgepodge of creatures. The seal is the first to crawl out of the sea, followed by many other animals that live far from the ocean. As they exit the water, they begin to stack on top of one another in a pyramid shape. Each turn of the page reveals that the animals have changed position in the line up, but they never falter. One very small hard shelled creature grabs the kite string.

A group photo is taken, and addresses are exchanged before each animal ambles away. The child retrieves his kite from the animal who began the procession. One seal.

Stadler's artwork introduces each animal as friendly and helpful, and this is done with a minimal use of words. An interesting, yet unusual book that your child is sure to enjoy.

Appropriate for ages 4-8

Sparrows

Sparrows by Hans Post & Kees Heij 2006

This detailed excursion takes us through the life cycle of a sparrow. How they meet and greet, build a nest, and raise a family are accurately depicted. Learning how the sparrows find food, and avoid the drama of danger, will help kids look more closely at the wildlife around them.

The story like text gives great factual information, with artwork that is charming and realistic. The placement of the text and artwork varies from page to page, grabbing the readers interest, and helping them better enjoy this visual feast.

Appropriate for ages 4-8

Alex and Lulu: Two of a Kind

Alex and Lulu: Two of a Kind by Lorena Siminovich 2008

Alex and Lulu are wondering if opposites can attract. There are some activities that they both enjoy, but a plethora of things that they do differently.

"Alex," says Lulu. "we are just SO different."

Alex begins to worry if this is in fact a bad thing. Could it even ruin their friendship? They soon discover that they are not opposites (such as big and small or open and closed), they are unique individuals that don't like being apart.

On the backdrop of Siminovich's retro artwork, Alex and Lulu learn that their differences have fashioned a very compatible friendship. They may be different, but they are "together", and that is what matters most.

Appropriate for Baby-Preschool

Monsoon Afternoon

Monsoon Afternoon by Kashmira Sheth, illustrated by Yoshiko Jaeggi 2008

During a monsoon rain storm what is a young boy to do? Boredom causes this young man to ask each of his family members to play, but they are too busy. Finally his Dadaji (grandfather) agrees to join him. They sail boats in the washtub, and wander through the damp village. After ending up at the old banyan tree the boy asks, "Dadaji, did you ever swing on this tree?" "Oh yes. Very often," he said. "Did monsoon come when you were little?" I asked. "Of course. Monsoon came every year when I was little. Just like it does now."

The rhythm of the monsoon season reflects the bigger themes of family lineage, and the passage of time. The powerful bond between grandfather and grandson takes place on the cultural backdrop of the Indian community.

Appropriate for ages 4-8

Kashmira Sheth on Amazon

Timothy and the Strong Pajamas

Timothy and the Strong Pajamas by Viviane Schwarz 2007

Timothy "wasn't big, and he wasn't strong. But he really, really wished he was." To make himself stronger Timothy exercises, drinks milk and thinks strong thoughts. But it's only after his mom mends his pajamas that he is endowed with super powers. He, along with his faithful stuffed monkey, become heroes to those in need of help. But when monkey needs Timothy's help, his strength is depleted because of the tear in his pajamas. Timothy feels uncertain and terrified. To his amazement he is assisted by those he helped, and he is so grateful. In this book, what goes around does come around, and everyone is brought closer because of it.

Appropriate for ages 4-8

Tough Chicks

Tough Chicks by Cece Meng, illustrated by Melissa Suber 2009

The tough chicks introduced in this story are Penny, Polly and Molly. They are busy and rambunctious from the day they hatch. To the dismay of the other barnyard animals they swing from the cow's tail, rope the rooster, and even inspect the nuts and bolts of the farmer's tractor. The familiar chorus heard on the farm is "Make them be good", but their Mama thinks they can do no wrong.

The chicks become much more acceptable when they save the day, and prevent great damage to the farmer's tractor and the residents of the farm.

The repetition in the text, and the bright acrylic illustrations will make this a popular book for story time.

Appropriate for ages 4-8

The Teddy Bear

The Teddy Bear by David McPhail 2002

This book touches on a very important topic in a gentle way. A young boy misplaces his favorite stuffed bear on a vacation with his family.

"By the time he was missed, and a search begun, it was too late-he was not to be found."

The bear is afraid and alone until he is found by a homeless man who tucks him in his pocket and carries him everywhere. Although this life of sleeping outside, and wandering aimlessly is strange for the bear, he "still felt loved." The boy soon forgets his bear. "He had new toys to occupy him and new friends to keep him busy." But one day he sees his old bear on a park bench, where the homeless man had temporarily placed him. He excitedly grabs the bear up, and begins to carry him home. When the homeless man notices the bears disappearance he begins to wail in despair. What happens next is a wonderful lesson in compassion, kindness, and generosity.

McPhail's pen-and-watercolor illustration is full of emotion, reminding us that we are blessed with so much. This is a story I recall to mind often when I see those less fortunate. It highlights the importance of genuine compassion towards others.

Appropriate for ages 4-8

David McPhail on Amazon

A is for Africa

A is for Africa by Ifeoma Onyefulu 1993

The beautiful photographs from Onyefulu represent the goings-on in a small African village, and are alphabetical by subject. Some letters introduce everyday tasks that we are familiar with;

"Ee is for the embrace we give our loved ones.

Gg is for Grandmother, telling wonderful stories."

Other customs are less familiar;

"Ff is for the Feather's a chief wears on his hat.

Hh is for mud Houses, just right for a hot climate."

Your child will learn about new customs and culture from these special families as they portray everyday life in their village.

Appropriate for ages 4-8

Frog Goes to Dinner

Frog Goes to Dinner by Mercer Mayer 1974

This story follows on the heels of Mayer's wonderfully popular title A Boy, A Dog, and a Frog. A young boy is accompanied to dinner (unbeknownst to him) by his trouble-making pet frog. The expression of the frog, and the dismayed diners, as he makes his presence known at the restaurant, is hilarious. The completely wordless format invites a child's imagination to hop, skip, and jump.

Appropriate for ages 4-8

Mercer Mayer on Amazon

Pretty Pru: A Tilly and Friends Book

Pretty Pru: A Tilly and Friends Book by Polly Dunbar 2009

"Tilly and her friends all live together in a little yellow house."

Tilly leads the pack of whimsical friends with quiet flair, but mischief is always lurking. Pru, the bird, is admiring her reflection in a mirror, when Tumpty the elephant asks to share some of her makeup. She immediately refuses, and disgruntled Tumpty grabs her bag of makeup while she is in the throes of her "pretty-prance".

The disappearance of her purse causes Pru to frantically ask Tilly for help. Although each animal feigns indifference when asked where the purse is, they sport enhanced lashes, glowing cheekbones, and freshly manicured nails. Even though Pru is dismayed to find that Tumpty took the purse, apologies are quickly exchanged, so the animals can get on with their fun.

Dunbar endows each character with a wonderful expressive tenderness.

Appropriate for ages 4-8

Polly Dunbar on Amazon

Good Night Sam

Good Night Sam by Marie-Louise Gay 2003

Sam shares a room with his sister Stella, and is having a hard time falling asleep. He seems to have misplaced his dog Fred, and declares he can't sleep without him. Stella sleepily, but patiently, tries to help Sam discover Fred's whereabouts. They trail through the dark house together, quietly searching. Sam voices his own fears, and the fears of many young children, about the unknown noises and shadows of the dark.

Keep a look out for Fred the dog, lurking in each watercolor illustration. Gay sheds a fresh light on a child's fear of the dark, and their need for reassurance and support, whether through a person or a special pet.

Appropriate for Baby-Preschool

Marie-Louise Gay on Amazon