A Pirate's Night Before Christmas

A Pirate’s Night Before Christmas by Philip Yates, illustrated by Sebastia Serra 2008

This is a familiar story transformed by the pirates that occupy it. The legend of Sir Peggedy is told in swashbuckling style. The book itself is a treasure; from a sled filled with sea-worthy gifts pulled by seahorses, to the toothless grins on the grimy faces of the pirates. The illustrations by Serra are wonderfully detailed, and throb with adventure.

Appropriate for ages 4-8

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

Sophie and the Next-Door Monsters

Sophie and the Next-Door Monsters by Chris Case 2008

Sophie enjoys playing on her own, but when her mom insists that they invite the new neighbors over she views the next-door monsters as an interruption. She puts on protective gear in case they decide to kidnap her. To her astonishment, the youngest monster Charlie makes her laugh and even has magical powers. Sophie’s cat follows them around with a perturbed look on its face, especially when Charlie turns him into a potato. Charlie’s expression as he tries on Sophie’s hats is silly, and endearing.

Case uses a subtle voice to remind children that meeting new people can bring very pleasant surprises.

Appropriate for ages 4-8

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

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

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

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

No Matter What

No Matter What by Debi Gliori 1999

The simple message that Small (and each child) needs to hear is that they are loved unconditionally by their parents. Small is expressing anxiety about the limits of a parent's love. Will Large still love Small despite times of grumpiness, and messiness? Large warmly convinces Small that love will remain "No matter what".

The familiar scenes, and apparent love between parent and child, make for a heart-warming read.

Appropriate for ages 3-8

Nothing to Do

Nothing to Do by Douglas Wood, illustrated by Wendy Halperin 2006

All parents have heard the phrase, "There's nothing to do", and Wood's story suggests antidotes to this dilemma. The enticing activities mentioned include building a toy ship, watching ants at work, or catching fireflies. The text encourages us to not be bothered by "white, empty spaces on the calendar."

The multitude of images presented in soft watercolors by Halperin cause us to pause and examine closely. There is magic in the small, childlike experiences of everyday, and this sweet story reminds us to slow down.

Appropriate for ages 3-8

Douglas Wood on Amazon

Never Babysit the Hippopotamuses!

Never Babysit the Hippopotamuses! by Doug Johnson, illustrated by Abby Carter 1993

Kids will giggle at this comic tale of a small boy baby-sitting two enormous pachyderms. Advice on the care of the sibling hippos is given, as well as the wacky details of the evening. Among the list of things not to allow are wrestling, and leap frog. Beware of bathtime, because "the Hippos love to do cannonballs into the tub."

Carter's watercolor illustrations represent the manic energy of the Hippos, and the exhausted determination of the babysitter. Watching these beasts is no easy task, but much easier than taking care of the next door neighbors.

Appropriate for ages 4-8

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