Farmer Brown Shears His Sheep: A Yarn About Wool by Teri Sloat, illustrated by Nadine Bernard Westcott 2000
Follow Farmer Brown and his shivering sheep through the complete process of turning wool into yarn. The sheep are perturbed by the loss of their wool, and even a little embarrassed. They trail after Farmer Brown to see what will become of their lovely white wool. In the end, they are wearing their wool again, in a more fashionable and colorful way.
Appropriate for ages 3-6
Firefighters in the Dark by Dashka Slater, illustrated by Nicoletta Ceccoli 2006
Hearing the fire truck sirens at night causes a young girl to imagine the adventures of the firefighters. She imagines their rescue of fifteen little princesses in a huge castle, a girl in Mexico whose mouth is on fire, and a boy who bounces into the starlit sky. In between these daring feats she recalls the day-to-day activities of the firefighters as they wait for a call back at the fire station.
My child was enamored with the illustrations by Ceccoli. They are saturated with wonderful colors, and the almost angelic expression on the faces of the firefighters is serene.
Appropriate for ages 4-8
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
One Little, Two Little, Three Little Pilgrims by B. G. Hennessy, illustrated by Lynne Cravath 2001
Police Officers on Patrol by Kersten Hamilton, illustrated by R. W. Alley 2009
A day in the life of a police officer, from the mundane tasks to the drama, is cleverly depicted in this rollicking read. Hamilton helps us remember how important and brave police officers are. The artwork by Alley introduces us to engaging characters with life-like expressions, which are emphatically thankful for the help they receive from the police.
Kids will be chanting with the officers, “When people need help, we rock and roll!”
Appropriate for ages 3-8
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
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
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
A is for Africa by Ifeoma Onyefulu 1993