The Snail House

The Snail House by Allan Ahlberg, illustrated by Gillian Tyler 2001

This story begins in the lap of a Grandma, which reassures us that it will be riveting. Add to it children who shrink to miniature size, and a traveling shell house on a snail’s back, and we know the story will be even more engaging. The snail covers a very short distance through the garden and yet adventure is prevalent in the form of an earthquake, a disappearing baby, and a brush with death.

The visual feast presented to us by Tyler, in pen-and-ink and watercolor, coincides beautifully with the conversational narrative by Ahlberg. The garden scenes passing outside the whimsical windows of the snail house are stunning.

Appropriate for ages 4-8

Allan Ahlberg on Amazon

Nobody Notices Minerva

Nobody Notices Minerva by Wednesday Kirwan 2007

Being ignored has made Minerva’s day begin horribly. She makes it her goal to get attention, even if it means being naughty. Her siblings always seem to get the time that she craves with her parents. Minerva’s response includes peeling wallpaper off the wall, making a mess of her lunch, and using force with her brother’s toys. Her angry pout turns into tears of loneliness. After being reminded of her families love, she makes a mature decision and gets everyone’s attention in a positive way.

Kirwan has written a story that young people can easily relate to. Our lives are so filled with busyness, yet it behooves us to have love as a permanent resident in our homes. Giving attention for a job well done gives Minerva, and our kids, the desire to keep doing better.

Appropriate for ages 4-8

Halfway Hank

Halfway Hank by Joe Fallon & Ken Scarborough, illustrated by Jack E. Davis 2005

Hank does everything halfway. Part of his room is clean, and he skates with only one skate. He seems quite content with his lot, until the County Barbecue, where he competes in an important race. His way of doing things just doesn’t seem to work, until Hank turns the tables on everyone and wins despite, and because of, his differences. The artwork vividly shows Hank's determination, and the disgruntled reactions of others.

We all want our children to follow through on a task, and this story does a great job of highlighting that importance. Even though Hank does things differently, he is not a quitter, and this is an area that we could all improve in.

Appropriate for ages 4-8

Jack E. Davis on Amazon

Emma's Turtle

Emma’s Turtle by Eve Bunting, illustrated by Marsha Winborn 2007

Emma reads to her turtle about adventures in other parts of the world, and this makes his backyard pen feel very small and plain. He decides to dig his way out and explore the world. He encounters an elephant’s leg (a tree stump), a kangaroo (a frog), and even a tiger (the neighbors cat). He is feeling a little apprehensive as he plods along, and wonders how long it will take him to get back to the United States. Luckily a concerned Emma finds him and returns him to his pen for a snack.

Even though Emma’s turtle never leaves the yard, he is unperturbed and thankful for the adventure he did have. This story reminds me that it is wonderful to have a home to come back to, and people that miss you when you are away.

Appropriate for ages 4-8

Eve Bunting on Amazon

G is for One Gzonk!: An Alpha-number-bet Book

G is for Gzonk!: An Alpha-number-bet Book by Tony DiTerlizzi 2006

This book combines numbers and letters of the alphabet with zany creatures that deserve a second and third glance. A young boy introduces us to each strange, but not too scary looking beast while adding finishing touches with his paintbrush. The nonsense that erupts off each page is quite memorable and full of silliness.

Appropriate for ages 4-8

Tony DiTerlizzi on Amazon

I Dreamt I Was a Dinosaur

I Dreamt I Was A Dinosaur by Stella Blackstone, illustrated by Clare Beaton 2005

A small blue Diplodocus dinosaur cavorts across each page of this creatively illustrated story. He meets dinosaurs of every size and color. Some are foraging on button flowers, watching their babies hatch out of felt eggs, or running past a sequined volcano spewing lava. The simple text moves at a good pace, and still manages to introduce many kinds of dinosaurs. Don’t forget to find the snail hidden on each double-page spread.

The back of the book provides a reminder of each dinosaur friend in the story with a pronunciation guide, and brief facts included.

Appropriate for ages 3-6

Stella Blackstone on Amazon

Clare Beaton on Amazon

City Lullaby

City Lullaby by Marilyn Singer, illustrated by Carll Cneut 2007

The sounds and colors of the city are deftly woven into this counting book. A bright pink stroller calmly glides across each chaotic scene from the city.

“Ice cream truck jing-a-linging. Nine annoying cell phones ringing. Nine phones ringing, ten horns beeping. In the stroller, Baby’s sleeping.”

Despite the over-stimulating sounds of the city, Baby snoozes on. There is an abundance of things to find and count on each page. This would make a great choice for storytimes.

Appropriate for ages 3-8

Bradley McGogg, the Very Fine Frog

Bradley McGogg, the Very Fine Frog by Tim Beiser, illustrated by Rachel Berman 2009

Bradley awakens one morning, in his home in the bog, to find that his cupboards are bare. He decides to ask his neighbors for a bite to eat, and sets out gleefully. He soon discovers that all animals do not eat alike. Why would any creature want to eat something as disgusting as cheese, or as sticky as honey? He politely refuses, and arrives home to find his favorite food creeping and crawling all over the place.

This book illustrates, in a fun and whimsical way, that not all creatures (or humans for that matter) have the same customs or habits. Differences aren’t bad, and they certainly make the world around us a more interesting place.

Appropriate for ages 2-6

Being Friends

Being Friends by Karen Beaumont, illustrated by Joy Allen 2002

The rewards of friendship are joyfully shown in this simple story. Two girls discover that their friendship is special despite, and because of, their differences.

“You are you and I am me. You’re a princess sipping tea. I’m a swinging chimpanzee.”

Both girls realize that the ‘being friends’ part is the only thing they need to concern themselves with.

Appropriate for ages 4-8

Karen Beaumont on Amazon

Joy Allen on Amazon

The Baby Shower

The Baby Shower by Eve Bunting, illustrated by Judy Love 2007

Ms. Brindle Cow’s friends want to celebrate the birth of her calf. They romp through the countryside carrying their special gifts with them. They sing a sweet song as they go:

“We love you, Brindle. Yes, we do. We’ll love your darling baby, too. Mr. Bull congratulations! We’ve come to join the celebrations.”

The happy ending has a surprise that is doubly fun. Each animal lays out their gift to welcome the babies, and the excitement on their faces is infectious.

This is a cute way of describing what a baby shower is to curious young children. The love and support of family and friends is of utmost importance, and this fact is illustrated in a charming way.

Appropriate for ages 3-6

Eve Bunting on Amazon

Before You Were Mine

Before You Were Mine by Maribeth Boelts, illustrated by David Walker 2007

This story about adopting a new dog after loss is full of emotion. The young narrator imagines what life was like for his new puppy before his family rescued it from the shelter. Did the previous owner “talk about you at recess? Or laugh when you licked his chin?” The boy even worries that the dog may have been treated in a mean way, or experienced loneliness. But after all the speculation this compassionate child realizes that what really matters is the love his family can offer, and the joy of a new friend.

The artwork from Walker is full of warmth, and emotion. I especially appreciate the hopeful look exchanged between the boy and the dog when they see each other for the first time. A short essay from Boelts in the back of the book talks about the joy that a successful animal adoption can bring to all parties involved.

Appropriate for ages 4-8

Maribeth Boelts on Amazon

David Walker on Amazon

SuperHero ABC

Superhero ABC by Bob McLeod 2008

Combining the popularity of superheroes with an alphabet book makes for an effective learning tool. The superheroes powers are introduced one letter at a time. There is the female Firefly who “fights felons in the forest”, and has “fat feet". The Odor Officer appears when “offensive odors” fill the air. The alliterations for each word add even more humor.

The cartoon illustrations by McLeod look very much like a comic book in an oversize format. The bold colors, and word balloons attest to the action that prevails throughout the book.

Appropriate for ages 4-8

The Wonderful Thing About Hiccups

The Wonderful Thing About Hiccups by Cece Meng, illustrations by Janet Pedersen 2007

A young boy attempts to explain the rules of the library while battling hiccups, riding a hippo, and keeping his little sister in one piece. If all goes well (books returned and in good condition) a library card will be given, and this is a wonderful gift indeed.

The unpredictability of the story, and the unkempt young boy, will induce many giggles. The joy of reading is highlighted with great effect.

Appropriate for ages 3-8

Janet Pedersen on Amazon

Song of Night

Song of Night by Katherine Riley Nakamura, illustrated by Linnea Riley 2002

This story warmly introduces animal families getting ready for bed. The illustrations by Riley (Mouse Mess) are beautifully soft, as if you could reach out and rub the rabbit’s fur. The rituals of sleep-time readiness, from teeth brushing to a bedtime story, are full of humor and love. The connection between each family is shown as they all gaze up at a mellow moon.

“The moon is big and round and low. Cloud boats sail, with stars in tow.”

Appropriate for ages 3-6

Who Made This Cake?

Who Made This Cake? By Chihiro Nakagawa, illustrated by Junji Koyose 2008

A crew of miniature construction workers begins building. The tools they use may seem familiar, such as a dump truck and a crane, but the material they are working with is curious. Sweet ingredients are deftly mixed together, and their creation is precariously placed in the oven. During the baking time, the crew rests and enjoys a snack, until the whipped cream is expertly applied. The teamwork and creativity involved in the process is inspiring.

Koyose’s black ink drawings, filled in with bright colors, are fantastic. Your child will smile with the young boy in the story as he receives his birthday cake, under the watchful eyes of the miniature bakers.

Appropriate for ages 3-6

Smash! Mash! Crash! There Goes the Trash!

Smash! Mash! Crash! There Goes the Trash! By Barbara Odanaka, illustrated by Will Hillenbrand 2006

“Here comes the trash truck!” is a common cry heard in many households. In this story two young swine’s wake up to the loud belching of a garbage truck. Their canine friends run outside and follow the truck as it makes it’s stinky rounds. Kids will be delighted by the expressions on the trucks, and the slimy grossness that is devoured by each one. The two pigs continue to reenact the munching machines long after they growl away.

The text is energetic and combines perfectly with the vividly stained illustrations.

“Melon rinds, moldy bread, toss ‘em in and forge ahead!”

Appropriate for ages 3-8

Will Hillenbrand on Amazon

The Tiptoe Guide to Tracking Fairies

The Tiptoe Guide to Tracking Fairies by Ammi-Joan Paquette, illustrated by Christa Unzner 2009

This magical guide reveals the hiding places of fairies in an adventuresome way. Gardens and parks all around us can hold evidence of fairies; such as dandelion fluff used as a pillow, or an abundance of acorn shells scattered about. The book mixes artwork and photography, showing the human children narrowly missing the fairies at each turn.

A celebration of nature takes place in the pages, and your child may never look at the garden the same way again.

Appropriate for ages 3-8

Christa Unzner on Amazon

Mr. Beast

Mr. Beast by James Sage, illustrated by Russell Ayto 2005

Charlie borrows a big frying pan from a mysterious Mr. Beast so his mom can make him sugar doughnuts. He promises to bring Mr. Beast the pan back filled to the brim with doughnuts. But his craving is too strong and the pan is returned empty. Mr. Beast declares that he will eat Charlie up that very night. The suspense grows as Charlie secures doors and windows, hoping to keep Mr. Beast out. As we hear Mr. Beast approach Charlie’s room, we see a tiny smile wipe all fear off of Charlie’s face. He knows Mr. Beast quite well, and this is a game they play often, even though Mom tries to bring order to the house.

The illustrations by Ayto include menacing shadows to heighten the drama at each turn of the page. The love between father and son is obvious in this humorous twist on nighttime monsters.

Appropriate for ages 4-8

Russell Ayto on Amazon

Long Night Moon

Long Night Moon by Cynthia Rylant, illustrated by Mark Siegel 2004

A poem introduces us to the name of the full moon during each month of the year. The seasonal change and the animals present in each beautiful picture are highlighted by the moons glow. From the Snow Moon glowing in February, to the Strawberry Moon shimmering in June, you will be drawn into the mystery of the night. Siegel’s poignant, and exquisite artwork captures the magic in each phase of the moon.

Appropriate for ages 4-8

Cynthia Rylant on Amazon

Duck Tents

Duck Tents by Lynne Berry, illustrated by Hiroe Nakata 2009

Five ducks explore outdoor adventures while having a campout in their backyard. The daytime activities of fishing and hiking merge into marshmallow roasting under the starlight.

“Five ducks sigh, full of marshmallow goo. Five little ducks hear a whoo-whoo-whooooo. Ducks all dive for their tents in a row, zip up tight, and lie down low.”

The delicious thrill of being scared helps these campers to discover where they feel the most safe.

Appropriate for ages 3-8

Lynne Berry on Amazon

Hiroe Nakata on Amazon

Hat

Hat by Paul Hoppe 2009

Henry finds a lone red hat in the park, and decides it should be his. He could use the hat to keep him dry in a rainstorm, sled down a snowy hill, or protect him from being eaten by a crocodile. But what if someone else needs the hat even more than Henry? In the end, this smart young man makes a very wise choice.

Appropriate for ages 4-8

Monkey With a Tool Belt

Monkey With a Tool Belt by Chris Monroe 2008

What could a monkey with a tool belt possibly build? How about anything and everything?! With somewhat juvenile yet detailed illustrations, Chico Bon Bon demonstrates his clever skill at building things. His tool belt is a glorified fanny pack of sorts, and he uses it to build a clock, a roller coaster, and a skate board ramp for his totally awesome friends.

A tragic turn of events shows Chico Bon Bon being caught by an evil organ grinder. He is trapped, but his fully stocked tool belt helps save the day. What adventure will Chico Bon Bon have tomorrow? (Don’t you want to say Chico Bon Bon over and over, and do a little dance? Come on, don’t hold back).

Appropriate for ages 5-8

Let's Go Home: The Wonderful Things About a House

Let’s Go Home: The Wonderful Things About a House by Cynthia Rylant, illustrated by Wendy Anderson Halperin 2002

This is a book that celebrates the place we call home.

“But no matter the kind of house, it is the living inside that makes it wonderful, what happens in each room that makes it marvelous.”

A tour of each room in a house is lovingly explained on every page, from the front porch to the attic. The living room is “friendly”, the kitchen is “delicious”, and the bathroom is where you “find out what people like to read or how they like to smell or whether or not their teeth are real.” The warmth from Halperin’s illustrations will draw the reader in, and the exquisite detail is conducive to one-on-one sharing.

This story almost made me cry, as I have always been fascinated by houses, and the living that takes place inside the walls.

Appropriate for ages 4-8

Cynthia Rylant on Amazon

Wendy Halperin on Amazon

Jazzy Miz Mozetta

Jazzy Miz Mozetta by Brenda Roberts, illustrated by Frank Morrison 2004

Miz Mozetta takes a stroll on a moonlit evening in her firecracker red dress, and “pizzazzy” hat. She encounters her friends who want her to sit tight with them, but she is drawn to the young boys dancing across the street. She excitedly invites her friends to move to the beat, but they decline with weak excuses. The young kids don’t seem to think she can keep up with them, so she exits the scene and heads inside.

As she listens to the Fat Cat Band on the radio she recalls a time where she and her friends filled a ballroom with jazz music and the jitterbug. Just as her feet begin to itch for a dance, her friends appear. What happens next bridges the gap between young and old, and makes for a music-filled, bebopping good time.

Appropriate for ages 4-8

Frank Morrison on Amazon

Jumpy Jack & Googily

Jumpy Jack & Googily by Meg Rosoff, illustrated by Sophie Blackall 2008

Jumpy Jack is a nervous snail, who is very scared of monsters. Lucky for him, his blue goblin shaped friend Googily has a kind heart, and tries to calm his fears. Jumpy Jack is positive that a monster lurks around every corner, and Googily checks just to make sure. Both friends fail to see that a monster is indeed in their midst in the form of Googily. Rosoff addresses fear in a light hearted manner. This story could pave the way for a wonderful conversation about the irrational fears that children sometimes experience.

Blackall’s whimsical artwork portrays Googily, in his dapper attire, as a timid and beloved monster friend.

Appropriate for ages 4-8

Meg Rosoff on Amazon

Sophie Blackall on Amazon

Danny's Drawing Book

Danny’s Drawing Book by Sue Heap 2008

Danny and his friend Ettie are exploring the zoo on a winter’s day. They spot a red scarf near where the elephants reside, and begin to draw a story in Danny’s notebook. They escape from the cold into the Nocturnal Animal House, and learn more about an aardvark. The children use their imagination by drawing an encounter between the elephant and the aardvark. The story moves back and forth between the imagined world and the real one. Soon enough Danny draws he and Ettie into the story and the adventure expands.

The childlike drawings from Heap are welcoming, and blur the line between fantasy and reality. As children know, these two worlds can mix quite pleasantly. Reading this story may also encourage children to draw their own adventure.

Appropriate for ages 3-8

Sue Heap on Amazon

Stick

Stick by Steve Breen 2007

Stick the frog has a taste for adventure, and he wants to explore on his own. While attempting to devour lunch one day, his long tongue gets stuck on a dragonfly. He gets lifted off of his lily pad, and sets out for the ride of his life. He avoids near death, lands on many kinds of animals, and surprises passersby in the jazzy city of New Orleans. During his wild ride, he looks slightly dazed, but strangely amused. When he lands on the marina and sees the sun beginning to set, he realizes that he misses home more than he thought he would. A feathered friend gladly returns him home to his mom. But the long journey has made this young frog hungry, which causes Stick to ingest another interesting snack.

Breen’s artwork is a mixture of close-ups, larger action shots, and aerial views. The fun suspense and silliness is rendered in beautiful details. The swamps of New Orleans are wonderfully displayed, and a map of Stick’s journey is on the endpapers.

Appropriate for ages 4-8

Class Two at the Zoo

Class Two at the Zoo by Julia Jarman, illustrations by Lynne Chapman 2007

Joining class two at the zoo will make for some crazy adventures. The children are having a pleasant time, but unbeknownst to them, a hungry anaconda is slithering along behind. He slowly and silently gulps down the students until Molly finds a sure proof way to save her whole class. Illustrations by Chapman accurately depict the distraction that a day at the zoo can bring. The slimy post-rescue state of each child, and the humor injected on every page, will make this a reading do over.

Appropriate for ages 4-8

Julia Jarman on Amazon

Lynne Chapman on Amazon