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
Wolf’s Coming! By Joe Kulka 2007
The dark, almost menacing, cover of this book may be off-putting, but don’t pass it by. Animal’s hurry and scurry through the forest as a wolf garbed in a suit menacingly lurks in the dark woods. The terrified expressions of the forest creatures assists in the mounting suspense felt throughout the story. The surprise that waits at the end will very likely shock the reader, and wolf as well.
Appropriate for ages 3-7
Sometimes You Get What You Want by Meredith Gary, illustrated by Lisa Brown 2008
Children will relate to the text by Gary that focuses on day to day activities and the emotions that arise when we get what we want, and when we don’t. No doubt, a great conversation will ensue after reading this book with your child.
“Sometimes you can make as much noise as you want. Sometimes you have to be quiet. Sometimes you can do it yourself. Sometimes you need a little help. Sometimes you have to go right to sleep, but sometimes you don’t.”
Appropriate for ages 2-6
How to Heal a Broken Wing by Bob Graham 2008
At times, the pace of life leaves no time to slow down, and yet the young boy in this urban story does just that. He sees an injured pigeon lying on the busy sidewalk and asks his Mom if they can take it home. We then see the compassionate process that his family takes as they care for and nourish the bird back to health. The text is wonderfully spare as we watch the bird heal, and long to be where he really belongs. Will learns a lesson about kindness that he, and you, will not soon forget.
Appropriate for ages 4-8
Oliver Finds His Way by Phyllis Root, illustrated by Christopher Denise 2002
Oliver’s world is cozy and safe until he decides to chase a yellow leaf floating by. The illustrations become darker as Oliver wanders away from his parents and deeper into the woods. His distracted thoughts turn into downright fear. He begins to cry, but decides that a bear “Roar” would be much more effective. The voice, and love, of his parents guides him back home.
The endpapers cradle artwork from Denise that is so warm and inviting I want to be transported immediately. This story deals with safety and fear in a sweet, and memorable way.
Appropriate for ages 4-8
Anna’s Wish by Bruno Hachler, illustrated by Friederike Rave 2008
Anna lives in a village that has not had snow in years, yet many of the villagers still have sleds and snow shovels. When Anna and her mom walk past the local bakery she feels a soft coldness touch her cheek as she stares at a little white horse standing on a cake. Her mom tries hard to describe what snow is like, so Anna searches for and finds a red, wooden sled in the basement. She cleans the sled up and dreams of frolicking in the snow. Her wish comes true, and the entire village celebrates.
The variation in the colors of the village scenes belie the longing and joy that Anna experiences with the coming magic of snow.
Appropriate for ages 4-8
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
Before You Were Mine by Maribeth Boelts, illustrated by David Walker 2007
This story about adopting a new dog after loss is full of emotion. The young narrator imagines what life was like for his new puppy before his family rescued it from the shelter. Did the previous owner “talk about you at recess? Or laugh when you licked his chin?” The boy even worries that the dog may have been treated in a mean way, or experienced loneliness. But after all the speculation this compassionate child realizes that what really matters is the love his family can offer, and the joy of a new friend.
The artwork from Walker is full of warmth, and emotion. I especially appreciate the hopeful look exchanged between the boy and the dog when they see each other for the first time. A short essay from Boelts in the back of the book talks about the joy that a successful animal adoption can bring to all parties involved.
Appropriate for ages 4-8
The Wonderful Thing About Hiccups by Cece Meng, illustrations by Janet Pedersen 2007
A young boy attempts to explain the rules of the library while battling hiccups, riding a hippo, and keeping his little sister in one piece. If all goes well (books returned and in good condition) a library card will be given, and this is a wonderful gift indeed.
The unpredictability of the story, and the unkempt young boy, will induce many giggles. The joy of reading is highlighted with great effect.
Appropriate for ages 3-8
Who Made This Cake? By Chihiro Nakagawa, illustrated by Junji Koyose 2008
A crew of miniature construction workers begins building. The tools they use may seem familiar, such as a dump truck and a crane, but the material they are working with is curious. Sweet ingredients are deftly mixed together, and their creation is precariously placed in the oven. During the baking time, the crew rests and enjoys a snack, until the whipped cream is expertly applied. The teamwork and creativity involved in the process is inspiring.
Koyose’s black ink drawings, filled in with bright colors, are fantastic. Your child will smile with the young boy in the story as he receives his birthday cake, under the watchful eyes of the miniature bakers.
Appropriate for ages 3-6
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
What! Cried Granny by Kate Lum, illustrated by Adrian Johnson 1999
Granny discovers that she is slightly unprepared for Patrick’s first sleepover at her house. Her efforts to provide everything Patrick needs for bed are valiant, and laugh inducing. She is armed with her toolbox, and determined to give her grandson everything he needs. She doesn’t break a sweat as she hones her woodworking skills and sewing prowess.
Obviously all this work takes some time, and when she finally equips Patrick to go to sleep, morning has arrived.
The illustrations are dramatically exaggerated, similar to the graphics of the 1950’s and 60’s.
Appropriate for ages 4-8
Where's Wallace? by Hilary Knight 1964
No Matter What by Debi Gliori 1999
Wow! America! by Robert Neubecker 2006
I Knew Two Who Said Moo: A Counting and Rhyming Book by Judi Barrett, illustrated by Daniel Moreton 2000
Where Is the Cake? by The Tjong-Khing 2007
