|
|
Picture Book Reviews |
Picture books are great short stories with pictures that make the story even better. These books are not just for the very young. Adults just might find themselves crying, laughing, sighing, and looking for another book by that author or illustator. The location designation for the picture books are used at My Favorite Children's Room: (E-P - Preschool, E- 1 - 1st Grade, E-2 - Second Grade, E-3 -Third Grade, E-4 - Fourth Grade) * indicates my Library does not have the book. You can interlibrary borrow books, a great Library service that is easy, quick and free. |
Stick by Steve Breen (E-P) Stick is a great story of few words. The reader must pay attention to the illustrations because they make the story. Stick is young frog who doesn't always listen to his Mom like the time he decides to have a dragonfly for lunch. However, he has a great adventure and the ending will make you laugh.(2007) [5/07] |
Coming Home by Max Lucado, illustrated by Justin Gerard (E-3) This author has written another great story, an allegorical tale about the second coming of Christ. The Captain and two brothers are shipwrecked, living on an island when the Captain announces he must leave to prepare for them another place which is their true home. The boys are faced with making decisions during the long wait for the Captain to return for them. (1992, 2007) [5/07] |
I Saw an Ant in a Parking Lot written by Joshua Princ, illustrated by Macky Pamintuan (E-1) You will fall in love with the little ant who is oblivious while taking a walk in. Dorothy, the parking lot ticket lady, becomes a hero with the toss of a donut, saving the ant from a dastardly end. (2006) [5/07] |
Pirates Don't Change Diapers written by Melinda Long, illustrated by David Shannon (E-1) Jeremy and his buddies discover that minding the baby when she's woke from her nap can be more terrifying that walking the plank! Even though baby Bonney Anne eats the treasure map, all ends well. You will enjoy the illustrations. This title is a companion to How I Became a Pirate. (2007) [5/07] |
Our Tree Named Steve written by Alan Zweibel, illustrated by David Catrow (E-1) A sentimental story is found in as a dad recalls in a letter to his children how a tree in their front yard has been such a part of lives. He also tells them the tree is gone but that memories will keep the tree in their hearts forever. The illustrations are great. (2005) [4/07] |
A Big Treasury of Little Animals by Phoebe Dunn as the photographer and Judy Dunn Spangenberg as the author (E-1) This could become my most favorite picture book! The stories are"biographies" of a baby lamb, a puppy, a kitten, a rabbit, a duckling, and a piglet. I think the best story is about the kitten, Pickles, so named because he is always "getting getting in a pickle". All the stories are fun and photographs are great. (2007) [9/07] |
Peanut by Linas Alsenas (E-P) Oh, how I relate to Mildred. She is lonely and she can't see real good. One day she finds a puppy but he isn't like other puppies. He doesn't roll over. He doesn't fetch. He doesn't bark. His nose is v-e-r-r-y big. But Mildred doesn't care--she loves him anyway. And then one day she finds a kitten. Here's a cute story with great illustrations by the author. (2007) [9/07] |
Stop Kissing Me! by Ethan Long (E-P) A pink (yes, I said "pink") poodl is just hangin' out when a duck gives her big smoochy kisses to show how much he loves her and he will not stop...until she gives him some of his own medicine. And the best thing is that the reader can help make those kissy sounds that so add to the story.(2007) [9/07] |
One Thousand Tracings byLita Judge (E-1) World War II is an event in America's history that most young readers aren't familiar with. Lita Judge tells a story of how she found tracings of feet in her grandparents' attic. She had never heard the story of their history but she was intrigued. After the War, many European families were suffering. After contacting friends in Germany the author's grandmother found a way to help hundreds of these families. (2007) [10/07] |
The Trouble with Cauliflower (E-1) Written by Jane Sutton, illustrated by Jim Harris (E-1) Did you know cauliflower and bad luck go hand-in-hand? Well, that's what Mortimer thought until he learns that what you don't know won't hurt you. Mortimer's friend Sadie tricks Mortimer just a little. (2006) [10/07] |
Chester by Melanie Watt (E-P) Chester is a very pushy cat and wants to write this book about himself rather than Melanie with her dumb idea of a story about a mouse. Never, never give a cat a red marking pen. Chester almost gets his story told until Melanie fixes him good but he does get the last word. Cute story and funny illustrations. (2007) [11/07] |
Very Hairy Bear written by Alice Schertle; illustrated by Matt Phelan (E-P) A bear can be very happy doing all the thing bears do in their favorite woods. On the other hand, a bear can become very unhappy when his nose keeps him from his winter nap. (2007 [11/07] |
Five Little Monkeys Go Shopping by Eileen Christelow (E-P) Hurrah, another Five Little Monkeys adventure! This time Mama takes her little group shopping for school clothes. Things get really complicated, especially for Mama. She'll lose one and then others appear. She relaxes on the way home but not for long! (2007) [11/07] |
Llama Llama Mad at Mama by Anna Dewdney (E-P) Oh, how this story hits home! Llama Llama wants to play but his Mama says he has to go shopping with her at the local Shop-O-Rama. Her list is long and shopping takes forever. When Llama Llama becomes tired and unhappy, he does something very naughty...but, in the end, he still loves his Mama. (2007) [11/07] |
Maisy Big, Maisy Small by Lucy Cousins (E-P) Here comes Maisy again! The author says she met Maisy seventeen years ago and this book of opposites was a whole new idea for Maisy. (2007) [11/07] |
You'll be Sorry by Josh Schneider (E-P) Yes, your parents can give good advice. Samantha's parents tell her not to hit her brother but she likes to do it, has to do it.Then he cries and the carpet gets wet. Then there are buckets of tears and then the house fills up with tears and then the town is flooded with tears! However, over soggy soda crackers, Samantha makes things right. (2007) [11/07] |
Out Came the Sun by Heather Collins (J398.8) Here is a book full of nursery rhymes that we all know and love. The illustrations are great and you must spend time looking at the details. (2007) [11/07] |
When Dinosaurs Came with Everything written by Elise Broach, illustrated by David Small (E-1) Have you gone to the drive-thru window at the bank and there's suckers for the kids and doggie treats. But what if you go to town with your mom and you get a dinosaur at every place you go. Mom could have a problem with a bunch of dinosaurs in the backyard...until she gets to know them. This is a great story. (2007) [11/07] |
Bear Feels Sick written by Karma Wilson; illustrated by Jane Chapman (E-1) Bear's friends want him to come out and play but he feels poorly. His friends watch over him, trying to cure his ailment and make him comfy. When Bear recovers and wants to play, can you guess what happens? This is another great story about Bear and his friends. (2007) [11/07] |
The Mine-O-Saur written by Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen; illustrated by David Clark (E-1) Mine-O-Saur, a little dinosaur, does not like to share with anyone else, ever! He is always saying, "Mine!, Mine!, Mine!" and all the other dinos are sick of him and his selfishness and they decide to not play with him any more. Mine-O-Saur doesn't care because he finally has all of the "stuff" he wanted and took from his friends. But what is it that he does not have? (2007) [11/07] |
The Lonely Moose written and illustrated by John Segal (E-1) Moose is alone and he likes it that way, but then he rescues Bird who cannot fly. Although this is something new, Moose begins to like having Bird around, regardless of the constant singing and chatter. And then, the worst happens...a forest fire and Moose and Bird are separated and they don't find each other again. But then spring comes, the forest turns green and Moose hears a familiar sound. Could it be...? (2007) [11/07] |
Diary of a Fly written by Doreen Cronin; illustrated by Harry Bliss (E-1) You will laugh as you read this diary that Fly keeps, beginning on the first day of school. I really giggled when Fly shares the time she learns about the food chain and her entry about her 327 brothers and sisters. There are also other interesting facts about flies. Did you know a fly has 4,000 lenses in each eye? This story joins Diary of a Worm and Diary of a Spider. (11/07) [11/07] |
Jolly Roger's Pirate Ship written and illustrated by Rohm Padilla (E-P) This a fun shaped storybook about a happpy crew of pirate mice sailing the seas in their pirate ship...that is, until they discover a stowaway on board. There is much going on, especailly below the deck, and you must take the time to look around. (2007) [11/07] |
Mrs. Biddlebox written by Linda Smith; illustrated by Marla Frazee (E-1) Mrs. Biddlebox does an very interesting thing when she wakes up on "the wrong side of the bed" one morning. After giving it a great deal of thought about how to deal with her grumblies, Mrs. Biddlebox decides to bake a cake but you'll never guess what ingredients she uses...unless you read the story. See the Book Activities page for an fun idea. (2002, 2007) [11/07] |
Charlie at the Zoo written and illustrated by Marcus Pfister (E-1) Charlie, a duckling, is curious. When he hears there is a zoo nearby, he decides to explore. The reader will peek with Charlie to find animals and they will learn facts about each one. (2007) [11/07] |
Knuffle Bunny Too: A Case of Mistaken Identity written and illustrated by Mo Willems (E-1) Based on a true happening, Trixie takes her Knuffle Bunny to school to show everyone and then she discovers the worst! Sonja has the very same bunny. But that's not worst. Trixie discovers in the middle of the night that her bunny is not her bunny and Sonja discovers the same. But the story has a happy ending and Trixie finds her first new friend. The author's first Knuffle story, Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Tale was awarded the Caldecott Medal in 2005. The stories mix illustrations and photographs of real places that are part of the stories. This title was awarded an Caldecott Honor for 2008. (2007) [11/07] |
You're a Good Dog by Alexander Day (E-P) If you love Carl, the Rottweiler, who takes care of Madeleine, here is the book with all six of the stories in one place. Madeleine's mother just knows Carl takes real good care of her baby, but she never knows what adventures dog and baby find while Mother is gone. (2007) [11/07] |
Aunt Nancy and the Bothersome Visitors wrirtten by Phyllis Root; illustrated by David Parkins (E-3) After you've read this book, you'll wish you had an Aunt Nancy! She has four visitors that could be nighmare relatives of our own. Aunt Nancy is so clever, so crafty, so cunning, so sly, so devious, so slick,so wily, so...I can't find enough words to describe her! This is such a fun story of Aunt Nancy getting rid of her unwelcomed guests. The illustrations are fun, too. (2007) [11/07] |
The Lamb Who Came for Dinner written by Steve Smallman, illustrated by Joelle Dreidemy (E-1) Old wolf is fixing vegtable stew for dinner but the stew is lacking his favorite ingredient--a little lamb. And then there is a knock at the door and the old wolf can't believe his good luck as he invites a little lamb in for dinner. Things don't go the way the old wolf thought they would, especially when the little lamb falls asleep in his arms and then, to top it all off, gives him a kiss. The story then takes a different direction than its beginning. (2006) [1/08] This author has writtern two other fun books, Bumbletum and The Very Greedy Bee, illustrated by Tim Warnes and Jack Tickle, respectively. |
Probuditi by Chris Van Allsburg * This book is a hoot! It's going to be a great day for Calvin on his birthday. He and his friend get to attend a show featuring a magician and hypnotist, Lomax the Magnificent, and his mom is going to make his favorite dinner. The boys love the show and decide to experiment with what they learned--that's when Calvin's little sister comes into picture (...or the story) and becomes their star performer. But things go wrong and Calvin knows he's headed for trouble if his mom finds out what they did to Trudy. And trouble it is when Calvin is banished to his room and he gets only a whiff of his birthday dinner. And then the reader will learn that Trudy had her own trick up her sleeve. (2006) (1/08) A 2007-2008 Wyoming Buckaroo Book Award Nominee The author received Caldecott Medals for The Polar Express in 1986 and Jumanji in 1982 and a Caledcott Honor Award for The Garden of Abdul Gasazi, his very first picture book published in 1979. |
Chicks and Salsa written by Aaron Reynolds, illustrated by Paulette Bogan (E-1) Ever get tired of the same old thing for dinner? Well, it happened at the Nuthatcher Farm until a very enterprising rooster finds a way to spice things up and, "Ole!", it's fiesta time! And what's next? Perhaps a French cuisine, "Ooh la la!"? There are recipes included in the book for the yummy dishes the animals make. The theme of this book makes for a great book activity...see my Book Activities page. (2005) [1/08] A 2007-2008 Wyoming Buckaroo Book Award Nominee |
Edwina: The Dinosaur Who Didn't Know She was Extinct by Mo Willems (E-1) Everyone loves Edwina, a dinosaur who plays with the kids, does favors and bakes chocolate chip cookies. However, Reginold doesn't like Edwina at all and we can't imagine why. When Reginold does a report for school about dinosaurs to prove that they, including Edwina, are extinct (and you know what that means), no one listens. Well, that's not quite true, someone does listen and Reginold ends up with a new friend. (2006) [1/08] A 2007-2008 Wyoming Buckaroo Book Award Nominee Willems has received Caldecott Honor Awards for Knuffle Bunny, Too in 2008, Knuffle Bunny in 2005, and Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus in 2004. |
Sunny Boy! The Life and Times of a Tortoise written by Candace Fleming; illustrated by Anne Wildorf * This story is based on a true story about a tortoise. Everyone savors peace and quiet, especially a tortoise named Sunny Boy. Life is good until he meets Biff who rides a motorcycle and is a daredevil. Sunny Boy may wish for the good old days but he does have an adventure of a lifetime when they get to the Niagara Falls. (2005) [1/08] A 2007-2008 Wyoming Buckaroo Book Award Nominee |
Pancakes for Supper! written by Anne Isaacs; illustrated by Mark Teague * This story is based on a story, The Story of Little Black Sambo, published in 1899. Toby is a happy girl, dressed up in her new clothes traveling to town when the wagon hits a bump and Toby is thrown into the forest. There she meets, one by one, fearsome animals who accept her clever offer to make each "the grandest animal in the forest" in exchange for her safety. In the end, Toby reunites with her parents and they have the grandest feast, thanks to those very same animals. A recipe for Toby's Animal Pancakes is in included which would make a great book activity...see the Book Activities page. (2006) [1/08] A 2007-2008 Wyoming Buckaroo Book Award Nominee The author and illustrator, Paul O. Zelinsky, received a Caldecott Honor Award in 1995 for Swamp Angel. |
Too Many Frogs written by Sandy Asher; illustrated by Keith Graves * Rabbit lives alone and is very organized and he likes it that way. At the end of the day he enjoys reading himself a story...until Froggie knocks at his door, invites himself in and makes himself right at home. Then Froggie brings his whole family to hear a story and Rabbit decides enough is enough and send them all away. At last, things are the way they should be--it's quiet, no fuss, no clutter. But Rabbit finds he is missing something. What could it be? Great pictures. (2005) [1/08] A 2007-2008 Wyoming Buckaroo Book Award Nominee |
A Girl and Her Gator written by Sean Bryan; illustrated by Tom Murphy * So what would you do if you woke up one morning and found an alligator on your head? When it happens to Claire, she thinks she can't have such a thing on her head. However, the gator convinces her that she can go anywhere, do anything, have anything, wear anything with him up there. To top it off, Claire's friends think she and her gator are cool. If you would to know what happened to Claire's brother, read A Boy and His Bunny.( 2006) [1/08] A 2007-2008 Wyoming Buckaroo Book Award Nominee |
Bad Kitty by Nick Bruel (E-P) Here is a true helping of the ABCs! Kitty is not pleased when the family runs out of food and offers her healthy stuff (in alphabetical order) which, you know, Kitty takes exception to. Then the reader finds out all the bad things (in alphabetical order) Kitty can do when she is unhappy and what funny kind of food (in alphabetical order) Kitty finally gets and really, really likes. So now Kitty must apologize to everyone had she terrorized (of course, in alphabetical order). Oh, Oh, the family has brought something else home that just might turn Kitty back into a very bad kitty. Look for the next story, Poor Puppy. (2007) [2/08) A 2007-2008 Wyoming Buckaroo Book Award Nominee |
I Lost My Kisses writtenby Trudie Trewin; illustrated by Nick Bland (E-P) Alas, Matilda Rose has lost her kisses. Her daddy is coming home and he always asks for a big smoocheroo and she must find her kisses. Even though she doesn't know what her kisses look like, she spends a long, long time searching for them. She looks everywhere but cannot find a one. Matilda Rose is so sad and the reader will know just how much when you see the tear she sheds. What to do? Great illustrations. While not a Valentine's Day story, it does involve kissing; therefore, I added this book to the Valentine's Day Stories page, as well as the Family Stories page. (2007) [2/08] |
A Pal for Pugwug witten by Susie Jenkin-Pearce; illustrated by Tina Macnaughton (E-P) A cute little penguin, Pugwug, discovers he's to get a brother or sister soon. Pugwug wants to play with his sibling right now, however, his dad has to remind Pugwug often that he must very gentle with the egg. In the absence of his dad, Pugwug babysits the egg and, yes, he takes very good care of it. Great illustrations. (2006) [2/08] |
There Comes a Soldier written by Peggy Mercer; illustrated Ron Mazellan (E-2) This story is based on an experience of the author's father as a soldier during World War II. This patriotic and brave young man steps up over and over during his training and in battle. The influence of his family and friends during his growing-up years is also told and shows how that influence sustains him during his service. (2007) [2/08] |
A Mama for Owen written by Marion Dane Bauer; illustrated by John Butler (E-P) Hooray, another story about Owen, a baby hippo, and his friend, Mzee, an over-100-year-old tortoise! Based on a factual event, Owen is orphaned during a tsunami in Africa in 2004. When Owen is rescued and taken to a santuary, he picks Mzee as his new mom and they are inseparable (well, unless Mzee is taking a nap inside his shell and Owen can't find his friend). Still a great story. Great illustrations. (2007) [2/08] Also check out Owen & Mzee: The True Story of a Remarkable Friendship told by Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff and Dr. Paula Kahumbu; photographs by Peter Greste (J599.635) |
Velma Gratch and the Way Cool Butterfly written by Alan Madison; illustrated by Kevin Hawkes (E-1) This book caught my eye because I love butterflies (and bears)! Unlike her two older sisters who everyone at school remembers, Velma feels like she doesn't measure up to them--there's nothing special about her. Then she discovers butterflies during her science class and learns all she can about them. To make it even better, her sisters don't know a thing about butterflies But the best part is when a monarch rests on Velma's finger during a class field trip to a butterfly conservatory and goes everywhere with her. But Verlma knows what she must do...because it's time. (2007) [2/08] |
Wee Little Chick written by Lauren Thompson; illustrated by John Butler (E-P) What's it like to be littlest? Well, this wee little chick finds he must prove himself in many ways to all the other barnyard animals and he does a good job of it. It takes some thinking for the chick to prove he is taller than everyone else. What counts is that his mom is proud of him and his family loves him. Great illustrations. (2008) [2/08] |
Cock-a-doodle-hooooooo! written by Mick Manning; illustrated by Brita Granstrom (E-P) Sometimes all you want to do is get out of the rain and you don't think how your decision can be a life changing event. It happens to Owl. He does get out of the rain but in the morning he wakes up to find himself surrounded by hens. They want a rooster but decide Owl can stay if he can pass their test. He doesn't and another hen takes him under her wing and teaches him what he needs to know. He still doesn't make the grade, of course, especially in the the cock-a-doodle-do part, but he does become a hero and lives happily ever after. (2007) [2/08] |
Maybe a Bear Ate it! written by Robie H. Harris; illustrated by Michel Emberly (E-P) You know what's like to lose a treasure. This little guy loses his most favorite book and when he can't find it, he imagines all kinds of critters and what they might have done to his book. Now, if the reader is very observant, you will know from the very beginning where that book is--if you could tell him. (2008) [2/08] (an activity story) |
Bye-bye, Big Bad Bullybug! by Ed Emberley (E-P) We know there are big, mean bullies and monsters out there! They are everywhere. Even teeny tiny baby bugs are visited by such a creature and, believe me, he is scary. But the teeny tiny baby bugs are saved. You will love how this story ends--just desserts are the order of the day. I love this author and illustrator. (2007) [2/08] |
Brave Charlotte written by Anu Stohner; illustrated by Henrike Wilson (E-1) Charlotte is different than the rest--she is a lamb unto herself. No one understands her. She takes chances, she explores, she is smart. When the shepherd breaks his leg, he needs help. The sheep are too afraid to go to the farmer's house because they don't know the way, but Charlotte volunteers, even though everyone thinks she can't make it, either. But remember how Charlotte takes chances, explores and is smart? She is the hero of the day! You'll love it. (2005) [2/08] |
What a Party! written by Sandy Asher; illustrated by Keith Graves (E-1) I read Too Many Frogs! by these artists and so, I had to read What a Party!, too. It's Grandpa's birthday and there is going to a big celebration. Everyone has their jobs to do to make the party a success. Froggie is going to sing his favorite song and besides that, he also makes his costume, the stag and the program. Froggie has had so much fun that he doesn't want the day or party to be over. Back home, Froggie's memories of the day are the best. (2007) (2/08) |
I Love You More Than Rainbows written by Susan E. Crites, illustrated by Mark and Rosemary Jarman (E-P) Told in rhyme, this is a story of most things in our lives such as ice cream, summer, balloons that are wonderful but they don't compare to a parent's love for a child. (2007) [2/08] |
Buffalo Wings written by Aaron Reynolds; illustrated by Paulette Bogan (E-1) I reviewed Chicks and Salsa by these artists and loved it. Here is another story from Nuthatcher Farm. Rooster thinks buffalo wings would make a great snack during the big game. However, he does not have the one important ingredient for this dish--the buffalo wings. He decides to travel west to find them and he has many adventures along the way. Rooster does meet some buffalo but does he find the buffalo wings? There are recipes included. (2007)[2/08] |
Tuesday in Arizona written by Marian Harris; illustrated by Jim Harris* You'll love the pictures! Some days are better than others for a old gold miner in Arizona. And then, there's a pack rat who seems to contributes to whatever happens. As the miner decides he's had enough and it's time to move on, he discovers that the pack rat has done what he does best. Yes, it is a good day (or night). (1998) [2/08] |
The Old House written by Pamela Duncan Edwards; illustrated by Henry Cole (E-1) An old house, lonely and sad, has been neglected for a long time. When things can get no worse, a family looking for a house, stop by. While they have feelings about the house, the family decide it would take too much work to spruce it up. But, hooray, the old house and his friends get excited when the family comes back for a second look. However, they leave again and the old house knows it is now the end as a bulldozer is heard coming down the road. But that's not the ending...you must read this story to find out what happens. (2007) [2/08] |
Chickerella written by Mary Jane Auch; illustrated by the author and Herm Auch (E-1) This is a Cinderella story with a twist that you'll love! The illustrations make the story the most fun! A sweet stepmother and her two edaughters move in but when the father leaves the household, the stepmother shows her true colors. Saddened Chickerella becomes a servant to the wicked trio. Does Chickerella get the prince, yes, but the ending is still a surprise. This book is also included on the Holiday/Theme Book Lists page under Spoof Tales. (2005) [2/08] A 2007-2008 Wyoming Buckaroo Book Award Nominee |
Pretty Salma by Niki Daly (E-2) A fun West African version of the story, Little Red Riding Hood. Salma is sent to the market by her Granny but, alas, Salma does not heed Granny's warning to not talk to strangers. Salma has a good time until she meets Mr. Dog who even talks the girl out of not only her filled basket but her clothes, as well, and will not give her anything back. But Granny is the one in danger until Ka Ka Motobi the Bogeyman shows up.This book is also included on the Holiday/Theme Book Lists page under Spoof Tales. (2007) [2/08] |
Ten-Gallon Bart written Susan Stevens Crummel; illustrated by Dorothy Donohue (E-1) Ten-Gallon Bart has been the sheriff of Dog City for a long time and he has been a good one. He's decided it's time to retire and wouldn't you know that the mean and bad Billy the Kid is headed to Dog City on Ten-Gallon Bart's very last day on the job. He says he's done with the job but all his friends know Bart is the only one who can save the town and they promise to back him up. Billy the Kid is shown the error of his ways and Dog City is peaceful again. Ten-Gallon Bart does retire and you'll never guess who the new sheriff is. (2006) [3/08] This book is included on the WesternStories page. A 2007-2008 Wyoming Indian Buckaroo Book Award Nominee |
Poor Puppy by Nick Bruel (E-P) I loved Bad Kitty by this author and this book is fun, too! Puppy's best friend is Kitty but she doesn't always reciprocate. So Puppy plays with toys all by himself (alphabetically, of course) while Kittykeeps an eye on him from the sideline. Poor Puppy is so tired out that he takes a nap and guess what he does? He dreams about playing with Kitty (alphabetically again) When Kitty can't stand the quiet any longer, do you know what she does? Read the book to find out! (2007) [3/08] |
Bear's Day Out written by Michael Rosen; illustrated by Adrian Reynolds (E-P) Bear lives alone in his cave by the sea and one day he decides to visit the city. It's fun and exciting at first but then it all becomes too much and Bear runs away. When some children find him sitting on a bench, they know just what must happen to make Bear happy again. (2007) [3/08] |
Duck Soup by Jackie Urbanovic (E-P) A duck named Max has finally created a soup that's just right...well, almost. It needs just one more thing and then it will be perfect. The cook is so excited as he runs out to the garden. His friends come in, smell the good soup but, oh, no, they find a feather floating on top of it. Did Max fall in? The friends frantically try to save Max from the soup and I guarantee you will laugh. For Max it's a good thing that there's always another day for cooking up a good soup. (2008) [3/08] |
Duck at the Door by Jackie Urbanovic (E-P) It's the middle of a cold winter night when there is a knock at the door. Irene and her friends find a duck standing in snow who is cold and lonely. Inside, Max explains he thought he would enjoy winter as much he had summer and he had decided not to go south his friends and family. But he discovered he had not made a good decision and he doesn't know what to do now. Well, Irene and her friends kindly invite him to spend the rest of the winter with them and it's a good thing. However, everyone grows a little weary of their guest and they're happy to say goodbye to Max when his flock returns in the spring. Things return to normal and it's quiet...until there's another knock at the door. (2007) [3/08] |
Henry's Freedom Box written by Ellen Levine; illustrated by Kadir Nelson (E-2) Henry Brown was a slave, living in the South, not knowing the date of his birth and living under the constant threat of losing his family. Henry is separated from his mother as a child but he works hards and finally meets a woman who makes him want to sing but he can only hum. They are allowed to marry and have children but the day comes when he loses them as well. Henry has an ingenius idea to gain his freedom that helps him decide what the date of his birth is. This is an inspiring story with beautiful artwork , recieving a Caldecott Honor Award in 2008. (2007) [4/08] |
Stuck in the Mud written by Jane Clarke; illustrated by Garry Parsons (E-P) If you love mud, you'll love this story that resonates of another tale entitled The Enormous Turnip in which everyone in the family has to help pull a big turnip out of the ground. In this story, a mother hen finds her chick stuck in some mud and everyone in the farmyard tries to help pull him out with no success. There is a surprise ending that will make the reader giggle. (2007) [4/08] This book is included on the Spoof Tales and the Book Activities pages. |