Two Homes

Two Homes by Claire Masurel, illustrated by Kady MacDonald Denton 2003

A young boy named Alex describes what life is like with his divorced parents. He does so in a simple and straightforward manner. He has two rooms, two sets of friends, and two toothbrushes. One can only imagine the depth of emotion that dwells inside this young person as he is transported back and forth, but Masurel speaks of the adjustments in an immensely sensitive way. No matter where Alex is, he is completely loved, and this truth makes an enormous impact as he copes with the magnitude of divorce.

Whether you have struggled through a divorce yourself, or have sidestepped the wounds it can inflict, this is a must read with your child. It makes one very grateful for the love of a parent, whether together or apart.

Appropriate for ages 3-6

Claire Masurel on Amazon

Kady MacDonald Denton on Amazon

A Camping Spree with Mr. Magee

A Camping Spree With Mr. Magee by Chris Van Dusen 2003

Mr. Magee and his dog Dee are ecstatic about hitting the road and encountering the adventures that await them in the mountains. Little do they know that a famished bear and a gawking raccoon will visit their campsite. The chain of events that take place will have them heading home in a dash.

“And on the way home Magee said to Dee, “That trip wasn’t quite like I thought it would be.” So when they got home, with the sky turning red, they decided to camp in the backyard instead.”

The artwork by Van Dusen deftly showcases the joys of camping, whether in the wilderness or at home. The images of the Maine landscape are crisp, and endearing.

Appropriate for ages 4-8

Chris Van Dusen on Amazon

The Beeman

The Beeman by Laurie Krebs, illustrated by Melissa Iwai 2002

“Here is my Grandpa, who’s known in our town as the Beeman.”

So begins a heart-warming story about the pride a little girl has for her wonderful Grandpa and his important job. In a singsong text modeled after “The House That Jack Built”, we learn the important steps taken in the bee-making process. The tools used during each season are introduced, and the appreciation for the bees is apparent throughout. Enjoy the honey of their labor after reading this delightful story.

Appropriate for ages 4-8

Laurie Krebs on Amazon

Melissa Iwai on Amazon

Too Big!

Too Big! By Claire Masurel, illustrated by Hanako Wakiyama 1999

Charlie wins a game at the carnival and chooses the biggest prize; a blue and white dinosaur. He wants to take his stuffed dinosaur Tex everywhere, but Tex doesn’t quite fit in the car, the shopping cart, or the stands at the circus. Charlie regrettably has to substitute him with one of his smaller animals.

“He is TOO BIG to come with us!” said Charlie’s mom. “Take Bunny instead.”

Finally Tex gets to accompany Charlie on a very special trip, and they help each other be brave. Tex’s size wonderfully represents the place he takes up in Charlie’s heart. Wakiyama’s artwork is soft and meaningful in the same way that a special toy is to many a child.

Appropriate for ages 2-6

Claire Masurel on Amazon

Hanako Wakiyama on Amazon

Raccoon Tune

Raccoon Tune by Nancy Shaw, illustrated by Howard Fine 2003

The yawn of a lethargic raccoon on the first page of this story can’t prepare you for the ruckus that is about to take place. This family of raccoons traipses about their neighborhood in an upright manner, and with a mischievous look in their glowing eyes. They are on the hunt for a tasty leftover meal.

“Oh, my whiskers! How delish! The can is full of flopping fish. A super-duper supper dish! We’ll have a feast of trout.”

They end the evening satiated, bloated from their feasting, and ready for a daytime nap.

This story reminded me of a family camping trip where we observed the crafty antics of a passel of raccoons. We couldn’t help but giggle at their cleverness, even as they helped themselves to our stash of snacks.

Appropriate for 4-8

Nancy Shaw on Amazon

Howard Fine on Amazon

Me I Am!

Me I Am! By Jack Prelutsky, illustrated by Christine Davenier 2007

Your child is individual and special, and Prelutsky’s book is a celebration of that fact. The poem “Me I Am” is woven throughout the book, and introduces three very unique children doing the things that they like best. We follow a little girl who loves to dress up, a boy who is enamored with the natural world, and a young ballerina in all her glory. The three children come together at the end and continue to celebrate the special traits that make them different, and the joy that it brings.

The jovial illustrations by Davenier showcase the imaginative world of young people in a way that is completely fresh and relatable.

Appropriate for ages 3-7

Jack Prelutsky on Amazon

Christine Davenier on Amazon

Wolf's Coming!

Wolf’s Coming! By Joe Kulka 2007

The dark, almost menacing, cover of this book may be off-putting, but don’t pass it by. Animal’s hurry and scurry through the forest as a wolf garbed in a suit menacingly lurks in the dark woods. The terrified expressions of the forest creatures assists in the mounting suspense felt throughout the story. The surprise that waits at the end will very likely shock the reader, and wolf as well.

Appropriate for ages 3-7

Thanksgiving Is Here!

Thanksgiving Is Here! By Diane Goode 2005

Grandma and Grandpa’s house is the place to be on turkey day. The family tumbles in from the cold and everyone contributes to the preparations. Somebody is reading, somebody is eating, and other people are greeting the family as they enter in.

“At Grandma’s house the chairs don’t match…but we don’t mind. We all have a place at the table.”

Goode’s illustrations accurately chronicle the comforting chaos and ridiculous ruckus of a family who loves each other, and has an abundance of things to be thankful for. The story ends sweetly with the silence and satiation of a day wrapped up in joy.

Appropriate for ages 3-8

Diane Goode on Amazon

The King's Taster

The King’s Taster by Kenneth Oppel, illustrated by Lou Fancher & Steve Johnson 2009

The cook of the castle makes the most delectable meals for the king, but the king refuses to eat. Max is the king’s taster, and he loves his job.The chef is justifiably frustrated, and he takes Max with him to foreign lands with the goal of finding the most delicious recipes to coax the king to eat. Their efforts are futile, until Max discovers the real reason behind the king’s spoiled appetite.

The artwork is clever, and mysterious, with collage used throughout. Those who are picky eaters, and those who aren’t, will get a tasty kick out of this story.

Appropriate for ages 4-8

Lou Fancher on Amazon

The Old Blue Pickup Truck

The Old Blue Pickup Truck by Candice F. Ransom, illustrated by Jenny Mattheson 2009

A little girl and her Daddy spend a special day together running errands. Their reliable blue pickup truck holds all the items they’ve purchased. When a storm threatens, the little girl creatively saves the day. The joy that the young girl and her Daddy experience by just being together is apparent in the simple, cheerful, and bright illustrations.

Appropriate for ages 4-8

If

If by Sarah Perry 1995

From a distance the cover of this book looks like leaves on a tree. Closer examination shows us that the leaves are in fact green fish. Inside the cover many more wonders are revealed. Some of the illustrations by Perry will make your skin crawl, but you will certainly never forget the vivid imagination exposed in the simple text and creative artwork.

Appropriate for ages 4-8

Bubble Trouble

Bubble Trouble by Margaret Mahy, illustrated by Polly Dunbar 2009

Bubble blowing by little Mabel makes for a dramatic day. Her baby brother gets swallowed up by a bubble and floats away. He seems to be having a delightful ride, but the townspeople make a hilarious fuss as they decide how to save him. Each group of people that Baby "bibble-bobbles" over is astonished, and joins the chase. Canon Dapple has the best suggestion as to how to catch Baby.

“Now, let Mabel stand on Abel, who could stand in turn on Tybal, who could stand on Greville Gribble, who could stand upon the wall, while the people from the shop’ll stand to catch them if they topple, then perhaps they’ll reach the bubble, saving Baby from a fall.”

If you thought that was fun to read, just wait to read the rest. I have not had this much fun reading a picture book in a long time. My child giggled as I forged my way through the tongue twisters, and a repeat performance was requested.

Dunbar’s exuberant illustrations keep up with the text, capturing the giddiness of the chase.

Appropriate for ages 4-8

Margaret Mahy on Amazon

Polly Dunbar on Amazon

Sometimes You Get What You Want

Sometimes You Get What You Want by Meredith Gary, illustrated by Lisa Brown 2008

Children will relate to the text by Gary that focuses on day to day activities and the emotions that arise when we get what we want, and when we don’t. No doubt, a great conversation will ensue after reading this book with your child.

“Sometimes you can make as much noise as you want. Sometimes you have to be quiet. Sometimes you can do it yourself. Sometimes you need a little help. Sometimes you have to go right to sleep, but sometimes you don’t.”

Appropriate for ages 2-6

Dino Pets

Dino Pets by Lynn Plourde, illustrated by Gideon Kendall 2007

Pets of the dino sort are a young boys dream. There just happens to be a Dino Pet store in the narrator’s town, and he takes the biggest dino home for a try. His new pet doesn’t quite fit in, and so he attempts to bring five other dino friends home. The creative illustrations are full of great expression and humor. In the end, dinosaurs may be extinct, but they don’t have to be absent from this young boy’s home.

Appropriate for ages 3-8

Lynn Plourde on Amazon

The Day the Babies Crawled Away

The Day the Babies Crawled Away by Peggy Rathmann 2003

In the fading evening light people traipse outside to enjoy a neighborhood festival. The parents are distracted during a pie-eating contest, and their babies crawl after a bunch of butterflies. Luckily a toddler in a fireman’s hat follows after them, and just barely saves them from many dangers. He leads them back to their parents and is the celebrated hero of the day.

The entire story is cleverly illustrated in silhouette, so we can only imagine the expressions of each character. This brings a joyful anticipation to the reading of the story. Children will revel at the fact that the hero of the day is a child.

Appropriate for ages 2-6

Peggy Rathmann on Amazon

How to Heal a Broken Wing

How to Heal a Broken Wing by Bob Graham 2008

At times, the pace of life leaves no time to slow down, and yet the young boy in this urban story does just that. He sees an injured pigeon lying on the busy sidewalk and asks his Mom if they can take it home. We then see the compassionate process that his family takes as they care for and nourish the bird back to health. The text is wonderfully spare as we watch the bird heal, and long to be where he really belongs. Will learns a lesson about kindness that he, and you, will not soon forget.

Appropriate for ages 4-8

Bob Graham on Amazon

One Little, Two Little, Three Little Pilgrims

One Little, Two Little, Three Little Pilgrims by B. G. Hennessy, illustrated by Lynne Cravath 2001

This delightful book about the first Thanksgiving is a great introduction to the history of the holiday. A familiar rhyme is used to showcase the everyday lives of the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag. As autumn draws closer they reap the benefits of their hard work all year, and enjoy a shared celebration. Everyone unites to prepare the feast, and then enjoy the bounty at a celebratory picnic.

"Turkey, cornbread, cranberry stuffing. Pumpkin, cider, Indian pudding. Clams and oysters-tummies growling. Let's give thanks and then we'll eat!"

Hennessey includes informative endnotes to expand on the foods and activities mentioned in the story. The artwork by Cravath is full of warmth, and joy.

Appropriate for ages 3-8

B. G. Hennessey on Amazon

Lynne Cravath on Amazon

Blueberry Mouse

Blueberry Mouse by Alice Low, illustrated by David Michael Friend 2004

A petite, blue mouse dwells in her blueberry house, and turns up her nose at cheese even if it’s blue. She speaks highly to us, and her mouse friends, about the benefits of dwelling in a blueberry pie. It gives her shelter, as well as a plethora of delicious snacks. As her belly fills, her house dissipates, and so she starts all over again.

“Blueberry, blueberry, blueberry cake is the best kind of house that a small mouse can make.”

The colors of Friend’s illustrations are rich and inviting. Watch out, you may be smacking your lips and heading to the market after devouring this book.

Appropriate for ages 4-8

Art

Art by Patrick McDonnell 2006

The play on words makes this book about Art and his art pulsate with creativity. Art is so intent when he paints, and the joy he experiences while doing so is obvious. He does not hold back, and his imagination is let loose. The culmination comes as the various doodles of art mesh together to illustrate a story about Art’s dream. His mom proudly displays his art on the refrigerator for all to enjoy.

After reading this story, you and your little ones will feel greatly inspired to get out the crafts and make a masterpiece.

Appropriate for ages 4-8

Patrick McDonnell on Amazon

Tillie Lays An Egg

Tillie Lays An Egg by Terry Golson 2009

Tillie the hen doesn’t want to be cooped up like all her friends to lay her eggs, and so she gallivants into the barnyard and leaves little surprises in her path. We are urged to find Tillie’s semi-hidden egg in each full-color photograph.

This book teaches about the egg laying process, and also reviews days of the week and counting. Enjoy the whimsy and fun of a day with feathered friends at Little Pond Farm.

Appropriate for ages 3-6

Terry Golson on Amazon

Say Hello

Say Hello by Jack Foreman, illustrated by Michael Foreman 2008

A dog and a little boy are experiencing what it feels like to be lonely and left out. A group of kids having a great time can be very intimidating, but it only takes the kindness of one to begin the process of friendship and belonging.

The spare text and illustrations leave ample room to observe the moral of kindness towards others, and the powerful life change it can render.

Appropriate for ages 3-6

Michael Foreman on Amazon

Being a Pig Is Nice: A Child's-Eye View of Manners

Being a Pig Is Nice: A Child’s-Eye View of Manners by Sally Lloyd-Jones, illustrated by Dan Krall 2009

Animals don’t have to worry about being polite. They are practically encouraged to misbehave. The young girl in this story guides us through animal habitats so we can see how young creatures are encouraged to behave by their parents. The differences between us and them is comical and endearing.

“When you are an elephant it is polite to splash. Not splashing is Atrocious, Disgraceful Conduct. But flies and all their relations come to live on you when you’re an elephant and that’s not nice.”

This young girl realizes the negatives of being an animal, and the positives of appropriate manners, while using her imagination and making us laugh in the process. The illustrations are bright and dramatic and perfectly match the humor of the text.

Appropriate for ages 4-8

Sally Lloyd-Jones on Amazon

Roller Coaster

Roller Coaster by Marla Frazee 2006

A common scene at an amusement park sets up this story. The line of people is long, and pulsing with anticipation. As they draw nearer to the daunting roller coaster, some opt out. But a brave little girl and her Dad stand their ground and go on an adventure they will never forget, and might possibly repeat.

The emotion that oozes out of each person in Frazee’s artwork is astounding. You will want to laugh when the big burly men get scared on the roller coaster, and bite your nails in trepidation for those who are obviously petrified. The humor and suspense depicted here are unforgettable.

Appropriate for ages 3-6

Marla Frazee on Amazon

Oliver Finds His Way

Oliver Finds His Way by Phyllis Root, illustrated by Christopher Denise 2002

Oliver’s world is cozy and safe until he decides to chase a yellow leaf floating by. The illustrations become darker as Oliver wanders away from his parents and deeper into the woods. His distracted thoughts turn into downright fear. He begins to cry, but decides that a bear “Roar” would be much more effective. The voice, and love, of his parents guides him back home.

The endpapers cradle artwork from Denise that is so warm and inviting I want to be transported immediately. This story deals with safety and fear in a sweet, and memorable way.

Appropriate for ages 4-8

Phyllis Root on Amazon

Christopher Denise on Amazon

And Here's to You!

And Here’s to You! By David Elliott, illustrated by Randy Cecil 2009

Infectious read-aloud poems celebrate the animals around us, from the “Bubble People” to the ”Giving People”. But let’s not forget the “People People” who, after reading this delightful story, are even more thankful for the creature world around them and the fact that they are a vital part of it.

Cecil’s oil illustrations are full of whimsy and warmth, complimenting the text perfectly.

Appropriate for ages 4-8

David Elliott on Amazon

Randy Cecil on Amazon

Listen, Listen!

Listen, Listen! By Phillis Gershator, illustrated by Alison Jay 2007

The music in the changing seasons is beautifully displayed in the rhyming text of this story. The transformation from Spring back to Spring again takes place in a small village. There is an urgency to turn each page, to see what beautiful images will be discovered next.

“Listen, listen….summer’s gone. Good-bye insects, autumn’s come. Pumpkins ripen, quick, quick. Apples, corn-pick, pick.”

The illustrations by Jay are reminiscent of antique folk-art, and have a feeling of mystery and melancholy. Four pages at the back of the book feature an image of each season, and a game to pick out items in the changing landscapes.

Appropriate for ages 4-8

Phillis Gershator on Amazon

Alison Jay on Amazon