"Fall smells purple: old leaves, crushed berries, squishy plums with worms in them. Purple: the smell of all things mixed together."
Showing posts with label T. Show all posts
Showing posts with label T. Show all posts
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Red Sings from Treetops
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
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
Monday, November 30, 2009
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
Kady MacDonald Denton on Amazon
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
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
Monday, November 23, 2009
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
Thursday, November 19, 2009
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
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
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
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
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
Sunday, November 15, 2009
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
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
One Little, Two Little, Three Little Pilgrims
One Little, Two Little, Three Little Pilgrims by B. G. Hennessy, illustrated by Lynne Cravath 2001This 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
Saturday, November 7, 2009
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
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Those Darn Squirrels!
Those Darn Squirrels! By Adam Rubin, illustrated by Daniel Salmieri 2008
An old man lives alone and finds pleasure in attracting birds to his yard so he can paint their pictures. He takes great pains to provide seeds and berries for his feathered friends. The neighborhood gang of squirrels and all their shenanigans interrupts his plans. The squirrels calmly construct clever ways to fill their bellies, and it looks as though they may prevail until they give Old Man Fookwire the biggest surprise of all.
The old man’s demeanor changes from one of frustration to unexpected happiness at the guests in his yard. There is a sweet respect between the creatures in this story that speaks volumes.
Appropriate for ages 4-8
Sunday, September 27, 2009
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
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Smash! Mash! Crash! There Goes the Trash!
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
Monday, September 14, 2009
The Tiptoe Guide to Tracking Fairies
The Tiptoe Guide to Tracking Fairies by Ammi-Joan Paquette, illustrated by Christa Unzner 2009
This magical guide reveals the hiding places of fairies in an adventuresome way. Gardens and parks all around us can hold evidence of fairies; such as dandelion fluff used as a pillow, or an abundance of acorn shells scattered about. The book mixes artwork and photography, showing the human children narrowly missing the fairies at each turn.
A celebration of nature takes place in the pages, and your child may never look at the garden the same way again.
Appropriate for ages 3-8
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Duck Tents
Duck Tents by Lynne Berry, illustrated by Hiroe Nakata 2009
Five ducks explore outdoor adventures while having a campout in their backyard. The daytime activities of fishing and hiking merge into marshmallow roasting under the starlight.
“Five ducks sigh, full of marshmallow goo. Five little ducks hear a whoo-whoo-whooooo. Ducks all dive for their tents in a row, zip up tight, and lie down low.”
The delicious thrill of being scared helps these campers to discover where they feel the most safe.
Appropriate for ages 3-8
Monday, September 7, 2009
Monkey With a Tool Belt
Monkey With a Tool Belt by Chris Monroe 2008What could a monkey with a tool belt possibly build? How about anything and everything?! With somewhat juvenile yet detailed illustrations, Chico Bon Bon demonstrates his clever skill at building things. His tool belt is a glorified fanny pack of sorts, and he uses it to build a clock, a roller coaster, and a skate board ramp for his totally awesome friends.
A tragic turn of events shows Chico Bon Bon being caught by an evil organ grinder. He is trapped, but his fully stocked tool belt helps save the day. What adventure will Chico Bon Bon have tomorrow? (Don’t you want to say Chico Bon Bon over and over, and do a little dance? Come on, don’t hold back).
Appropriate for ages 5-8
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Class Two at the Zoo
Class Two at the Zoo by Julia Jarman, illustrations by Lynne Chapman 2007
Joining class two at the zoo will make for some crazy adventures. The children are having a pleasant time, but unbeknownst to them, a hungry anaconda is slithering along behind. He slowly and silently gulps down the students until Molly finds a sure proof way to save her whole class. Illustrations by Chapman accurately depict the distraction that a day at the zoo can bring. The slimy post-rescue state of each child, and the humor injected on every page, will make this a reading do over.
Appropriate for ages 4-8
Monday, August 31, 2009
It's Picture Day Today!
It’s Picture Day Today! By Megan McDonald, illustrated by Katherine Tillotson 2009
“Sequins, Squiggles, Glittering Stars, Fuzzy Pom-Poms, Twisty Yarns. Couldn’t keep any of them away….Hey, it’s Picture Day today.”
One might assume that this story is about picture day for children at school, but this is not the case. Craft supplies of all shapes and sizes tumble across each page. It might seem like an unlikely mix of objects until glue makes an appearance and everything comes together. Opening up a four-page fold out reveals an arrangement of knickknacks that creatively resemble animals and tiny people. This unique take on picture day will encourage an endearing craft session of your own.
Appropriate for ages 3-5
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Where Does Thursday Go?
Where Does Thursday Go? By Janeen Brian, illustrated by Stephen Michael King 2001
Bruno the bear is sad to see his birthday end, and wishes he could say goodbye. He wonders what happens to the day when night comes, so he and his penguin friend Bert venture out into the night. They wander through watercolors drenched in blue, trying to bid the day farewell. Bruno describes what he thinks Thursday looks like, and once they see it, they fall into a peaceful sleep.
King’s cozy vision of nighttime paired with the gentle tone of Brian’s text makes this a sweet bedtime read. It also helps children to better understand the passage of time.
Appropriate for ages 3-6
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)