Jazzy Miz Mozetta

Jazzy Miz Mozetta by Brenda Roberts, illustrated by Frank Morrison 2004

Miz Mozetta takes a stroll on a moonlit evening in her firecracker red dress, and “pizzazzy” hat. She encounters her friends who want her to sit tight with them, but she is drawn to the young boys dancing across the street. She excitedly invites her friends to move to the beat, but they decline with weak excuses. The young kids don’t seem to think she can keep up with them, so she exits the scene and heads inside.

As she listens to the Fat Cat Band on the radio she recalls a time where she and her friends filled a ballroom with jazz music and the jitterbug. Just as her feet begin to itch for a dance, her friends appear. What happens next bridges the gap between young and old, and makes for a music-filled, bebopping good time.

Appropriate for ages 4-8

Frank Morrison on Amazon

Jumpy Jack & Googily

Jumpy Jack & Googily by Meg Rosoff, illustrated by Sophie Blackall 2008

Jumpy Jack is a nervous snail, who is very scared of monsters. Lucky for him, his blue goblin shaped friend Googily has a kind heart, and tries to calm his fears. Jumpy Jack is positive that a monster lurks around every corner, and Googily checks just to make sure. Both friends fail to see that a monster is indeed in their midst in the form of Googily. Rosoff addresses fear in a light hearted manner. This story could pave the way for a wonderful conversation about the irrational fears that children sometimes experience.

Blackall’s whimsical artwork portrays Googily, in his dapper attire, as a timid and beloved monster friend.

Appropriate for ages 4-8

Meg Rosoff on Amazon

Sophie Blackall on Amazon