Red Sings from Treetops

Red Sings from Treetops by Joyce Sidman, illustrated by Pamela Zagarenski 2009

The richness of color is explored in this poetically whimsical book. The apparel of the lady on each page matches the colors of the seasonal display, and her hat-wearing dog many times rolls along beside her on wheels. The senses are made more magical during each season with the rustle of brown autumn leaves, the shout of yellow light, and the clink of white ice cubes. I am convinced that this book, with saturated scenes from Zagrenski and luscious text by Sidman, will satiate your reading needs.

"Fall smells purple: old leaves, crushed berries, squishy plums with worms in them. Purple: the smell of all things mixed together."

Appropriate for ages 4-8

Joyce Sidman on Amazon

Pamela Zagarenski on Amazon

Moon Rabbit

Moon Rabbit by Natalie Russell 2009

A petite White Rabbit loves her life in the city, but feels lonely, and wants to find a rabbit friend to share the wonders of the city with. She is drawn into the city park by the sound of beautiful music. A Brown Rabbit is playing a song on his guitar. The two bunnies cavort through the park and have a delightful time together. But soon White Rabbit is missing the bustle of the city. Her farewell is not a sad one, because another visit with Brown Rabbit is forthcoming, this time on her turf.

The joys of friendship, and the importance of being oneself is explored here in a sweet and subtle way. Perhaps even more memorable are the lush and dreamy illustrations by Russell.

Appropriate for ages 4-8

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

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

La La Rose

La La Rose by Satomi Ichikawa 2004

This story takes place in Paris’ Luxembourg Gardens. It is told from the viewpoint of Clementine’s stuffed rabbit, who gets separated from her little girl while visiting the gardens. La La Rose stays in one piece despite getting tossed about, wet, and dirty. An old man picks her up and dries her out on the infamous metal chairs of the Luxembourg Gardens. Luckily she ends up in the hands of a compassionate girl who reunites her with Clementine.

The importance of friendship and belonging are explored in the subtle, and dreamy watercolors by Ichikawa. Having visited the Luxembourg Gardens myself, it reminds me of the beauty and magic that exists there.

Appropriate for ages 3-6

Satomi Ichikawa on Amazon

Rosa's Room

Rosa’s Room by Barbara Bottner, illustrated by Beth Spiegel 2004

Rosa and her mom are moving to a new house, and her empty bedroom emphasizes the loneliness she feels. Each day of the week she contributes special items to her room, but there is something (or someone) missing. She then meets and invites a new friend to enjoy the space with her. The happiness they share together is obvious in their exuberant faces.

The uncertainties of moving can cause stress, but there is great joy in making a place your own, and sharing it with someone special. Spiegel's illustrations are soft and comforting as Rosa eases into her new surroundings and her loneliness recedes.

Appropriate for ages 4-8

Barbara Bottner on Amazon

Sir Ryan's Quest

Sir Ryan’s Quest by Jason Deeble 2009

Imagination and everyday objects come together and turn an ordinary day for Ryan into an amazing adventure. He is transformed into a brave knight by the 'king of pots', and then sent on an important mission. His parent's closet becomes a steamy jungle, and the basement is a dank cave. Ryan traverses through each challenge with bravery, and becomes fully equipped with the weapons of a warrior. His mother welcomes him back to reality with honor, and a royal bowl of soup.

Deeble artfully blends fantasy and the familiar, while encouraging the expansion of a child’s imagination.

Appropriate for ages 3-6

Muriel's Red Sweater

Muriel’s Red Sweater by Dara Dokas, illustrated by Bernadette Pons 2009

Muriel, the dim duck, is hand delivering her birthday invitations. She starts her walk by unknowingly getting her red sweater stuck on a nail. As she proceeds across each scene, her sweater begins to unravel. The red yarn is utilized in many ways, including a jump rope for Squirrel, a tie for Beaver’s twigs, and a leash for a pet frog.

Back at Muriel’s house we see her friends waiting to surprise her with a package tied up in red yarn. The gift from her friends is just what she needs to keep her warm and stylish.

The artwork is bright, and cheerful. Uncluttered pages beg to be examined in order to discover small details. Children will enjoy knowing what’s going on, especially because Muriel is clueless.

Appropriate for ages 3-8

Bernadette Pons on Amazon

Read Anything Good Lately?

Read Anything Good Lately? By Susan Allen & Jane Lindaman, illustrated by Vicky Enright 2003

A little girls is asked the question, “Read anything good lately?”, and she has an example to go with every letter of the alphabet. Each page gives ideas about what to read, and where to read it. Suggestions include, “Comic books around the campfire, history in a hammock, orders at Mom’s office, and science fiction on a swing.”

A loving family that reads voraciously also surrounds the young bookworm in the story. Balloon inserts on each page show a magnified glimpse of what is being read. The illustrations by Enright are full of detail that begs to be perused. This story is a great catalyst to encourage the many joys of reading.

Appropriate for ages 5-10

The Red Lemon

The Red Lemon by Bob Staake 2006

Farmer McPhee is ecstatic the lemon trees are ripe and ready for harvest.

"There's nothing like lemons.

This fruit isn't mellow.

They're tangy!

They're tasty!

They're tart-

and sooooooo

yellow!"

This chant by Farmer McPhee is followed by a list of delicacies all flavored by the yellow lemon. His pride turns to astonishment and then anger as he spots a red lemon among the yellow orbs. In a fit of disgust he grabs the red fruit and hurls it onto an island in the sea.

Little did he know that a bustling city would grow up around a grove of the red fruit that was "six times as sweet" as the yellow kind. The island had become a destination, and all because of Farmer McPhee and his good aim.

The world that Staake has created with his bold, dynamic illustrations is akin to that of Dr. Suess. His modern artwork has a graphic-arts feel, rendering objects and people as basic shapes.

Appropriate for ages 3-6

Bob Staake on Amazon

Coco All Year Round

Coco All Year Round by Sloane Tanen, photography by Stefan Hagen 2006

Four-line rhyme for each month of the year is not particularly clever, but the photo's of Coco and friends more than make up for that. The small objects and details on each page are humorous, and kids will likely want to explore over and over.

Coco is a cute pompom chick, and the miniature sets are whimsical. Join her as she experiences each month of the year in style.

Appropriate for ages 2-6

Sloane Tanen on Amazon

Polo: The Runaway Book

Polo: The Runaway Book (The Adventures of Polo) by Regis Faller 2007

The journey that Polo takes is fueled by his imagination after reading a book given to him. A small green alien snatches the book, and Polo is in hot pursuit. A series of amazing events ensues as Polo travels through a cotton candy cloud, a stormy ocean, and a mysterious jungle island. At each turn, he meets new friends, but he never lingers, because he must retrieve his book.

The nearly wordless story, and the bright illustrations have huge appeal to young children. The comic book type format reiterates the importance of following a story line from left to right, and top to bottom.

This is a great reminder of how reading can expand our imagination, and as Polo learns, it's important to share that joy with others.

Appropriate for ages 4-12

Big Red Barn

Big Red Barn by Margaret Wise Brown, illustrated by Felicia Bond 1991

The cycles of a day on the farm are gently depicted in the rhythmic language of this story.

"The sheep and the donkey,

The geese and the goats,

Were making funny noises

Down in their throats."

Children will enjoy how each adult barn animal has a baby following alongside. The animals play all day long, and then retire to the barn peacefully. They trade places with the nocturnal bats and mice, as the "moon sails high in the dark night sky."

Brown, also the author of Goodnight Moon, has a wonderful ability to see the world through the eyes of a child. A simple and gentle story that will appeal to young children.

Appropriate for ages Baby-Preschool

Margaret Wise Brown on Amazon