Each Living Thing

Each Living Thing by Joanne Ryder, illustrated by Ashley Wolff 2000

The spare text in this story follows different children across pages brimming with the wonders of nature. The appreciation and joy that the natural world can evoke is on each beautifully illustrated page. Different environments and seasons are explored as Ryder reminds us of the delicacy, and power, of our surroundings.

“Be wary of bears who linger in the dusk, of owls hooting, hunting in the night, of bats who flitter, whirling overhead, and cougars pausing, prowling out of sight. Be aware of them. Take care of them.”

Appropriate for ages 4-8

Joanne Ryder on Amazon

Ashley Wolff 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

A Couple of Boys Have the Best Week Ever

A Couple of Boys Have the Best Week Ever by Marla Frazee 2008

Two boys visit their grandparents to enjoy the beauty of Nature Camp. The text says that James was sad to see his mother leave, but his expression as he waves goodbye is anything but worried. Contradictions abound in the story line, and this makes for many laughs. The boy’s grandparents have their own ideas about how the boys should while away the week, but the boys spend their free time in a completely different way. They bond while jumping on an air mattress, vegging in front of the TV, and eating stacks of banana waffles. The discovery that things can work out magnificently even when they don’t go exactly as planned is the theme of this story.

The artwork by Frazee captures the essence of summer in the waves, the sunset, and the hilarious representation of childhood friendships.

Appropriate for ages 4-8

Marla Frazee 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

Ella Takes The Cake

Ella Takes The Cake by Carmela D'Amico & Steven D'Amico 2005

Ella loves to help, yet her mother tells her she is too small to assist in the family bakery. When the delivery man leaves an important cake behind, resourceful Ella comes up with a great idea.

As she wheels through town she encounters many obstacles. She takes on a stack of precarious books, and her friend Belinda. Despite these interruptions she is determined to make her delivery, and her success is right on time. Her mother can't deny that Ella is growing up, and that she is a very dependable little helper.

The delightful artwork of D'Amico is reminiscent of the French seaside, and the portrayal of small town life is very inviting.

Appropriate for ages 4-8

Carmela D'Amico on Amazon

Everything to Spend the Night From A to Z

Everything to Spend the Night From A to Z by Ann Whitford Paul, illustrated by Maggie Smith 1999

Trying to decide what to pack for a sleep-over at Grandpa's house is quite a job. This young girl doesn't hold back, and her bag is overflowing with an item from each letter in the alphabet. As the story proceeds, Grandpa looks more and more exhausted, but his granddaughter's excitement heightens as she introduces each treat from her bag.

"And now a hairbrush for your hair.

Oops! Sorry, Grandpa-nothing's there."

Smith's illustrations are full of humor and detail, down to the bewildered cat who follows the main character across each scene. Grandpa's sweet girl has just enough energy to find a substitute for her lost pajamas before getting some shut eye.

This fun read may create some reassurance as your child goes to his or her first sleep-over.

Appropriate for ages 4-8

Ann Whitford Paul on Amazon

Maggie Smith on Amazon