Picture Book - AlphaOops!

AlphaOops!: The Day Z Went First by Alethea Kontis and illustrated by Bob Kolar

Although published in 2006, this is a delightful and humorous take on how the letter "Z" is tired of being last. He takes it upon himself to rearrange the alphabet. The letters then begin a bit of chaos in taking turns. All this fun yet filled with lots of new words, which themselves will bring out more laughter. The illustrator has provided on the bottom of each page the correct alphabet position in outline format. The kids can then see how the order the letters are following do not match up with the traditional flow. This is great for kids that know the alphabet and great for shared reading, especially when the reader adds the attitude and emotions the letters are expressing. Probably good for ages 4 to about 8 or so. Also, a great gift for the alphabet enthusiast out there of any age.

Picture Books - Easy Street

Typically in our area road construction runs from about March to November, but there are always those “quick” patches that are done year round. Previously, when I have been slowed or stalled from road construction I have usually tried to make light of it to our wee one by pointing out the various pieces of equipment. However, I really haven’t ever gone into to the “why’s” other than explaining the road needs fixing.

In Easy Street (2006) the author Rita Gray has gone the extra mile to explain the road building process in simple terms with the use of rhyming text. Surprisingly, the details behind constructing a road are there in the words and the unique artwork depicted by illustrator Mary Bono yet it isn't overwhelming to the reader. This is definitely a book to read with the coming construction season for those looking to be sitting in traffic. Also, this does have the familiar Bob the Builder look, but it is a bit more than that. Good for both boys and girls and probably a good reminder to us driving that road building is a process that is good, but tedious. My recommendation for ages would be newborn to 5.

Hiatus

Sorry to say, but carpal tunnel and cubital tunnel have forced me on a hiatus for a while. So, in the meantime enjoy the holidays, read lots and lots of books, and give lots and lots of books to everyone. Oh, and one of many books I would recommend giving is the recent release of Andrew Clements, Dogku. Excellent use of the hiaku style of poetry with a found stray dog as its lead character.

Picture Books - Big Smelly Bear

Big Smelly Bear by Britta Teckentrup 2007 has the smell of a delightful book. If you have a small one that just hates to take a bath or just a little one with a funny bone this is a book that will bring lots of smiles. Our little one really loves to take baths on most days. Luckily for us she is a bit on the dainty side and so far doesn’t play with too much mud.

What we have here is a case of Big Smelly Bear who has an itch. Could be due to not ever taking a bath or could be his fur hasn’t been groomed or something else all together. But, whatever it is the itch needs some tending to, but he can’t find the solution. About this time Big Fluffy Bear speaks up and offers to assist only after Big Smelly Bear takes a bath. Well, you can probably see where this is heading.

Both boys and girls I’m sure will enjoy the situation, but I have a feeling boys could probably relate more to Big Smelly Bear’s situation. Recommend for ages preschool to about 2nd grade.

Picture Books - Library Mouse

Library Mouse by Daniel Kirk 2007 was such a treat to find. Back in September my husband surprised me with a mini-date night to celebrate my birthday. With no idea of what to do in the spare hour or so we had, we headed off like most booklovers or those married to one to a bookstore. There we perused my favorite section, children’s of course. We found many wonderful selections and came home with a few. However, my favorite of that night was Library Mouse. Of course, I love to find books featuring a library as the setting and this one fit perfectly. Yet, the story isn’t so much about the wonders of a library, but rather the possibilities that can come from knowledge learned through reading. Sam the library mouse loves to read and enjoys all the books of the library when the doors close and lights go off. Then one night he gets an idea, how about writing his own story, then another and another. He begins to leave his works around (in the correct subject area of course) where others can enjoy them. Soon the librarians get the idea to have the mysterious Sam to a “ meet the author” event. However, Sam would rather encourage others to explore the stories within themselves and sets up a different type of event. This story is charming and would really be of use in encouraging young children to write. But, it is also a good story just for pleasure reading. I would suggest to kindergarten to 4th grade.

Picture Books - Babar's Little Girl

There are so many books I want to share with you, but we have been busying regrouping from last week’s vacation and this week's odd happenings. Right now the wee one is battling a mean case of the croup. Unfortunately, for me she woke up this morning after an extremely difficult night without her voice. Although she is only 2 1/2 she really has an amazing vocabulary that I have come to rely on for communication. Now she is a bit frustrated with me because she is trying so hard to tell me things and I truly have no idea what she is saying. So, I’m having to revert back to what I did before she had this marvelous way of expressing herself.

In the meantime we are reading a wide variety of books and watching some of those great educational videos. One of the books she is really enjoying is from the Babar series. Ah, you can’t go wrong with a classic Babar book in my opinion. We picked up Babar's Little Girl by Laurent De Brunhoff a few weeks ago at the library. I am amazed at how well she sits for an extend length picture book. The story is a fairly straightforward tale of how Babar’s little five-year-old wonders off without telling anyone and worries everyone. Although she is safe, the story explains without drama how wondering off is not a good idea. With so many unfortunately incidents of today’s world this would make a good introduction to the topic of staying safe and letting others know where you will be. The wee one is a bit too young to understand this from the book, but a seed planted here and there at this age can never go wrong. Most sites recommend this for ages 9 and up, but I think preschool and up would work if the audience is one with patience or sits well for longer stories.

Harvest time - Pumpkin Books

Oh, what a beautiful day for a stroll in a pumpkin patch. The family is taking some time off this week to treat our wee one to her first pumpkin patch/hayride experience. What a treat she had (we all had).
These beauties are just a few we selected. The place we went to was great in that they had already “picked” the pumpkins and just left them around the patch making it so much easier than trying to cut our own off the vine. Prior to the visit we have been reading the typical fall books with many including pumpkins as the theme. As I have mentioned in the past we are not Halloween people, but we sure love the harvest season.

This weekend I had a delightful trip with the wee one traveling just about an hours drive north of us to visit with a longtime dear friend. Along the way we had the pleasure of seeing field after field being harvested. There were trucks loaded or being loaded with grain while other fields that were complete were being tilled under for the winter. The drive and scenery made this wonderful harvest time so real and makes me so thankful we are able to have a table of plenty.

I won’t go into too much about the following books, but we found them entertaining and informative also they are varied in content when it comes to the text. Hope you find an opportunity to check one or two out from the library. They range in age interest from about one to eight years or so.

Pumpkins: A Story for a Field by Mary Lyn Ray illustrated by Barry Root 1996 - A man harvests and sells a bountiful crop of pumpkins so that he will be able to preserve a field from developers.

Biscuit Visits the Pumpkin Patch by Alyssa Satin Capucilli and illustrated Pat Schories 2004 (available in board book as well) - Biscuit visits the pumpkin patch where he not only finds the perfect pumpkin, but a new friend as well.



From Seed to Pumpkin (Let's-Read-and-Find-Out Science 1) by Wendy Pfeffer and illustrated by James Graham Hale 2004 - Pumpkins can be baked in a pie. Pumpkins can be carved into jack-o'-lanterns. Pumpkin seeds can be roasted for a healthy snack. But how does a tiny seed turn into a big pumpkin? Read and find out what a pumpkin seed needs to help it grow!

Plumply, Dumply Pumpkin by Mary Serfozo and illustrated by Valeria Petrone (board book) 2004 - Peter finds the perfect pumpkin so that he and his Dad can make a jack-o-lantern.



Patty's Pumpkin Patch by Teri Sloat 1999 - Rhyming text and illustrations featuring the letters from A to Z follow Patty as she plants pumpkins and watches them grow.

Picture Books - All Afloat on Noah's Boat!

It has been almost two weeks of illness chaos for us here, but mostly me. Fortunately for us the last visit we made to the library provided some really good reads. The wee one is having such a good time with the treasure trove of books we borrowed. One of my favorites has to be All Afloat on Noah's Boat! by Tony Mitton and illustrated by Guy Parker-Rees 2007. We’ve all heard the tale of Noah and his ark, but did you ever wonder how all the animals got along while hold up together for a really, really long time in an ark? Well, Mitton does a great job in putting an imaginative spin on how Noah kept the animals from getting too restless. From the building until dry land Mitton keeps the text flowing with humor and rhyme and keeps the listener engaged. The illustrations are comical and colorful. It’s wonderful book for preschool and up.

Picture Books - Millie Waits for the Mail

Millie Waits for the Mail by Alexander Steffensmeier 2007.

What a hysterically funny book or at least I thought so and so does the wee one. Nothing like having a stealth like cow conducting covert operations against the mailman. Millie is a cow on a mission and that is to spend everyday scaring and chasing the mailman. The artwork depicting Millie’s hiding places are very humorous. Originally published in German the translation and appeal to an American audience makes a pretty good transition. An explanation about the differences between the appearances in postal dress and delivery methods may be needed for some little ones. This makes for a good pre-school and up read.

Picture Books - Over in the Meadow at the Big Ballet

Ah, with all the too many to remember toy recalls of late it really makes you wonder. Unfortunately, again this year like previous years there has also been a recall of toys given out at the end of summer reading programs. Makes me question whether the incentives are worth the risk for reading? Anyway...

Need a book to encourage someone who has to perform in front of a crowd? Or, maybe you have a little one that loves ballet? Either way Over in the Meadow at the Big Ballet by Lisa Shulman and illustrated by Sarah Massini is a must read book. It fills the reader with encouragement and inspiration. Swan’s ballet coach has a way of bringing out the best in her while pushing her in the right way. Miss Faye is a great example of how you hope most coaches or leaders in a child’s life are firm yet faithful in the commitment. Swan’s had the strength all along, but needs that extra push to find it to perform in the meadow ballet recital.

Picture Books - My Life as a Chicken and Papa, please get the moon for me

What better way to beat the 98-degree temperature than to pop into the library for a story and books. We went yesterday, but it wouldn’t be a bad idea to do it again today. With the wee one being a very, very active girl we are fortunate to have a home with a few unused rooms (i.e. dining room). So, between reading, coloring, and other stationary activities we have set up a portable soccer goal in one of the rooms for her to kick the balls in. Being that she is only 2 1/2 years there isn’t too much danger (knock on wood) of breaking things so far. Boy, I sure can’t wait until the weather is much cooler and her indoor soccer class starts. We miss hanging out in the backyard (which has no shade) and going for walks in the neighborhood and I miss a calmer wee one.

However, we are finding some fun books to read and re-read from the library of late. Two of the recent entertaining ones are My Life as a Chicken by Ellen A. Kelley and illustrated by Michael Slack 2007 and Papa, please get the moon for me by Eric Carle 1986. My Life as a Chicken would be a so fun to read aloud in a dramatic voice to a group of 2nd and 3rd graders. It is the story of a chicken that is on the run (after hearing the farmer read a recipe for chicken pie) and the adventures and perils she encounters. The story is told in a “chicken” biography style with opportunities for some hilarious sound effects. (I pictured Anne of Green Gables reading it in the dramatic voice she uses while reciting the Highwayman, but with a clucky accent.)

The other book Papa, please get the moon for me is an oldie, but goodie. As Monica looks upon a beautiful full moon one night the desire to play with it over takes her, but alas she can’t reach it. So, of course like all little girls she asks her Papa for the moon. Like most fathers he does his best to get it for her. With large and some unusual size pages for illustrating the task Papa undertakes, the reader gets a feel for how the moon goes through its phases and goes from big to small to big again. Only caution here is with letting the little ones turn the unusual pages they tend to rip. Nice book for preschool on up.

Picture Books: Ant, Ant, Ant & Two Sticks

Know a wee one that is into bugs? If so, then run to the library and get Ant, ant, ant!: an insect chant by April Pulley Sayre and illustrated by Trip Park. This fun chant is so simple and it teaches the names of a number of different types of insects like slugs, brush-footed butterflies, and various other wiggly and flying critters. It makes for a really good read aloud. The illustrations are nice, but do caricaturize the insects some in funny ways others in a bit more grotesque manner. A definite must for those who have bug interested wee ones in the house.


Another off beat humor book that we found this week was Two Sticks by Orel Protopopescu and illustrated by Anne Wilsdorf. It is about a girl named Maybelle who desperately wants to play the drums. She finds a number of things to “bang” on with her two “drum” sticks. Unfortunately, she is unsuccessful in persuading her parents to get her drums until she happens to bring home some crocodiles she is currently using as a drums.

Picture Books - Time to Say Goodnight

We have been into lots of various bedtime books of late and one of the many favorites is the delightfully illustrated book Time to Say Goodnight by Sally Lloyd-Jones and illustrated by Jane Chapman (2006). I would be the first to admit that I would probably pick up anything with Jane Chapman as the illustrator. This particular picture book takes a wonderful rhyming looking at how the woodland animals are told to go to bed by their own parents with the exception of the owl who is waking up the little ones. After reading how each of the animals are tucked in for the night with reassuring words of comfort and security, the animal parents then address the reader in reminding them it is also time for them to say goodnight. My wee one gets a kick out of the parent animals “talking” to her. Of course, you need to add that little subtle message in how you read it. Makes for a great selection for toddlers through probably 2nd grade.

Picture Books - Little Quack's New Friend

Everyone needs a reminder now and then about friendship. The great thing about Little Quack’s New Friend (2006) is that Little Quack ignores his siblings and plays with a new friend even though the new friend is a frog. Ribbit too helps provide a little insight on how it is best to forget a slight and invite those that originally snubbed him to join in the fun. Of course, I doubt seriously if my wee one took away the same thoughts from reading this book as I did, but I hope it lays a foundation of acceptance that all kids should have as they grow. Luckily for us most kids do not see the differences adults see. Too bad us adults aren’t as accepting of others different then ourselves like Little Quack and as forgiving as Ribbit. I don’t know what author Lauren Thompson’s intent was, but this is a really good picture book to share with toddlers on up. In addition, illustrator Derek Anderson created a unique family for Little Quack that also can be used in a meaningful way as well. Each of Little Quack’s siblings is very different in features from each other, which may be useful for families dealing with something similar. If the subtle meanings don’t do anything for you, the text is just plain fun. Give it a look-see. There are several other Little Quack stories, but we have yet to test drive any of those. Happy quacking.

Picture Books - When Sheep Sleep

Ah, with the previous said now I can return to the regularly scheduled program about books. We are having a great time as usual with reading books. Fortunately, we have a wide variety to select from. One of many favorites we are reading at nighttime is from Laura Numeroff and illustrated by David McPhail. When Sheep Sleep (2006) is a unique take on what to do if you can’t sleep and the sheep you try to count are already asleep. The illustrations are so wonderful the story almost tells itself. Suggested (by me) for toddlers on up. Sweet dreams.

Picture Books - Emma Kate

Well, it is going to be hard to top the fact that an author has visited this site and included a kind message (Thank you Vivian French you made my day). But, I will move forward and see what else the book world has in store of me. So, let’s start with a shout out for the picture book Emma Kate by Patricia Polacco 2005. We just picked this one up in the paperback form a few weeks back. This is a story about a little “girl” and her imaginary friend Emma Kate. The artwork is very interesting in that it is almost completely done in pencil with just a splash of color. Spoiler - At the end of the story you find the splash of color is our little “girl’s” imaginary friend. For some reason my wee one has taken an extraordinary liking to it. It is a good book, but I just didn’t picture the wee one head over heels for it. She usually reserves the extra love for a different style of book. But, hey the fact that at 27 months she can name the titles of all her books and requests particular ones throughout the day is amazing to me. Emma Kate would be a great gift to a preschooler up through 8 years or so girl. Young boys may like it as well, but it tends to lean heavily toward girlie situations.

Picture Books (& Mother's Day Books) - A Present for Mom

Ah, did I ever tell you that my husband is the one that feeds my book habit? Probably, and on a number of occasions. Well, for Mother's Day my husband surprised me with a copy of A Present for Mom by Vivian French and illustrated by Dana Kubick 2002. What a delightful book about the youngest child's dilemma in finding the right gift for his mom. The illustrations are very sweet and captures kids (kitten) expressions so well. This would be a great story to read with kids around a parent's birthday as well. It helps the little ones understand that some of the best presents of all to give are from our heart and imagination. Also, this would be a good book for those single parent households out there as well. What's even better is it doesn't come across as a single family home. I didn't even notice at first until I read my previous notes on it from years ago when I put together my Mother's Day book list. Good for ages preschool and up.

Picture Books - Dr. Duck

Is there a doctor in the house? A reading doctor perhaps? Well, if there is I’m wondering is it normal for a wee one of just 25 months to want so many books read before nap and bedtime? Don’t get me wrong, I love the fact she wants to hear and look at so many books, but it is hard to cut it off. However, I have been successful in reducing the books to four at naptime and six at bedtime. Of course, this doesn’t include the numerous ones throughout the day. Occasionally, I have even suggested she watch a show, yes, I said show on television even to take a break from reading. (PBS here in town have some really good shows that are great for wee ones.)

One of her many favorite books lately is that of Dr. Duck by H. M. Ehrlich and illustrated by Laura Rader 2000 - This is a must read every night for the wee one. We meet Dr. Duck as he starts his morning neighborhood rounds in his big red van. Through Dr. Duck we meet all kinds of animals and what is ailing them. As Dr. Duck wraps up his day, it is soon him that falls ill. The animals rally round and help nurse Dr. Duck to health again. Unfortunately, our wee one gets upset when one of the animal cries out, “don’t die Dr. Duck”. I have learned to skip that sentence and it doesn’t interfere at all with the rhythmic text.

Picture Books - Going to the Zoo

Ah, don’t you just love spring weather, we are taking walks, visiting local sites, and trying to take it all in. With usually having mild winters these past few years, the late nastiness of this past February made for a bit cranky cooped up feeling in many around the area. I think it gave us a bit more appreciation for the newly greening grass, daffodils blooming, and fresh spring air.

Today, we dropped by our local zoo and visited with a number of animals. The wee one even got to pick up a few new books (as if we needed anymore). One of the books we found I couldn’t pass up as it was based on the “Going to the zoo” song. It was overpriced and a tad beat up, but it was so worth it to see her face when we “sang” the book. It is great to find books to connect with a memory.

If you like the song or just want to recreate a fun zoo memory try this book out. Going to the Zoo by Tom Paxton and illustrated by Karen Lee Schmidt 1996. The illustrations do great justice to the song/text and the ending is so cute.

The elephants say Hi and come visit!

Picture Books - Variety to Choose from

A little over a week ago we had a celebration for my wee one's 2nd birthday. Being from a family of avid readers and fans of books she received a number of them from just about everyone. She was delighted and enjoys them all (and so do I). The interesting thing about receiving books for gifts is that sometimes there will be duplicates. However, we still after all this time have not received one duplicate, which in itself is amazing. The wee one received over a dozen books so I'm only going to list a few here. (Did I mention we are looking to add a few more book shelves for the house?)

Anyway, the books ranged from old classics to new award winners and each with their own unique appeal. The first is the recent Not a Box by Antoinette Portis 2006, which was a 2007 honor Theodor Seuss Geisel Award winner, and inspires the mind with the many fun things an imagination can find to do with a box. And, our wee one definitely loves boxes.


Another recent one Little Pea by Amy Krouse Rosenthal and illustrated by Jen Corace 2005 takes on the love of vegetables and the ick of eating candy a little pea has to deal with. Then there are also the tales that highlight cultural myths like Two Bear Cubs: A Miwok Legend from California's Yosemite Valley by Robert D. San Souci and illustrated by Daniel San Souci 1997 and Coyote in Love by Mindy Dwyer 1997. In some libraries these would be found in the folktale section.

Then there were some older classics like the Caldecott winner Song of the Swallows by Leo Politi 1948 and the good old Golden Books Scuffy the Tugboat by Gertrude Crampton and illustrated by Tibor Gergely 1946.