Buckeye Bookworm

My Heart Will Not Sit Down by Mara Rockcliff

2012-02-12T14:12:00.000-08:00

When Kedi learns about the Great Depression in her teacher's "village" in the United States, she knows she wants to help feed the starving children. She asks everyone in her village to help feed the starving children but no one can help given their own needs. Kedi is pleasantly surprised later when her village is able to send $3.77 to New York City to help buy food for the starving people. Inspired by actual events of a village in Cameroon helping by sending money to people whose faces we have never seen. Beautifully written, great language, and a reminder of what we all should be doing - helping each other.

Text: 5 Buckeye leaves

Illustrations: 4 Buckeye leaves

Jim Henson: The Guy Who Played With Puppets by Kathleen Krull

2012-02-12T13:34:00.000-08:00

Jim Henson, creator of Muppets, began entertaining before he ever had a television set. As a child he enjoyed creating shows for his friends and family and wanted nothing more than to have the audience laugh. Despite his father's desire for Jim to study science, he graduated from college with a degree in home economics and left to paint in Europe where puppets more widely accepted as a form of entertainment. He continued his dream of entertaining until his death at the age of 53. A great book to use to introduce students to "biographies" as most children will know the Muppets or characters from Sesame Street.

Text: 4 Buckeye leaves

Illustrations: 4 Buckeye leaves

An Awesome Book of Thanks by Dallas Clayton

2012-02-11T15:30:00.000-08:00

From friends to trains to boxes to pretend with, so much to be thankful at all ages. Simple text accompanied by simple illustrations reminds readers of the many, many things to be thankful for. Great springboard for discussion about being thankful and grateful. Good for all ages.

To visit Dallas Clayton's website click HERE!

The Game of Mixed-Up Art by Herve Tullet

2012-02-11T15:04:00.000-08:00

Being a fan of Tullet's book, Press Here, I was excited to see this book. In a nut shell, FUN! A "board book" in material, but definitely appropriate for "kids" age 1 - 101! Each "page" is divided in 3 parts which can be turned to create new "art" using the different squiggles, lines, and shapes of bright colors.

Help Me Learn Numbers 0-20 by Jean Marzollo

2012-02-09T16:51:00.000-08:00

I would argue that every preschool, kindergarten, and 1st grade classroom (as well as special needs classrooms and ESL classrooms) should have this book. Clear, photographs on each page with a corresponding rhyme for each number. Great fun for kids to practice their counting AND rhyming! Two for the price of one!

Gingerbread faces

all in a line

How many are there?

I count _________ (nine)

I read it with Adam and he really "got it" though I think he was understanding the rhyming part more so than some of the higher numbers....still working on those.

Text: 4 Buckeye leaves

Illustrations: 4 Buckeye leaves

Snowed Under and Other Christmas Confusions by Serge Bloch

2012-01-31T10:47:00.000-08:00

It is the day before Christmas and the preparations for the big day are in full swing. Everyone is showing their Christmas spirit, or are they? As in his other books (which I love for older elementary kids), Bloch creates a story using common sayings and idioms to describe the confusion for the big day. Great fun and opportunity for discussion. Wonderful springboard for challenging older students to write a similar story.

Text: 5 Buckeye leaves

Illustrations: 4 Buckeye leaves

Bear In Long Underwear by Todd H. Doodler

2012-01-29T13:44:00.001-08:00

Bear and his friends head outside to enjoy the new snow but BBBRRRR it is CHILLY! The animals enjoy snow angels, sledding, snow ball fights, and building snowmen. But the snowman looks COLD and the animals decide to "warm" him up with some of Bear's clothes, right down to his red long underwear. Of course the other animals want some long underwear of their own. A hilarious, fun book young children will enjoy. Doodler is definitely an author that knows how to make kids (ok, fine, and adults too :) laugh! Great fun!

A New Year's Reunion by Yu Li-Qiong

2012-01-29T13:11:00.001-08:00

It is time to celebrate the new year and Maomao is waiting for her father, who builds houses in faraway places, to arrive home to join in the celebration. When he finally arrives home Maomao does not recognize him. Papa gets a haircut and Maomao begins to see the papa she remembers. Soon the family is making sticky rice balls, visiting family, cleaning and fixing the house, and watching the dragon dance down Main Street. All too quickly it is time for Papa to return to work. A great glimpse into the Chinese New Year celebration of a family in China as well as the life migrant workers throughout China.

Text: 3 Buckeye leaves

Illustrations: 4 Buckeye leaves

Blackout by John Rocco

2012-01-28T19:56:00.000-08:00

One hot summer day in the city, the lights go out. Now what? Seems everyone has more time now that there are no distractions. A family climbs to the roof to discover the light - stars - up above. Then down to the street where a party has developed. Family fun with no distractions. But the electric is back on life returns to "normal" but not for long. Very important story given all the distractions in our lives today. Incredible illustrations (yup, Caldecott Comm. I agree with this one - they will be relieved) which truly extends the story, providing a better understanding. Love this one more after my initial reading some months ago.

Text: 4 Buckeye leaves (Perfect amount as not to distract from the illustrations)

Illustrations: 5 Buckeye Leaves

Ride Fly Guy, Ride! by Tedd Arnold

2012-01-25T17:14:00.000-08:00

We have ALL the Fly Guy books....and go through phases that we read one after another, after another....after another :) So we are now the proud owners of the NEWEST Fly Guy book and this one is PERFECT for Adam...all about different types of transportation. One day Dad, Buzz, and Fly Guy take off for a ride in the car. All of a sudden Fly Guy got sucked out the window and the great chase begins as Fly Guy bounces from a truck to boat to circus train, etc. Will Buzz ever be reunited with his friend Fly Guy? Fly Guy fans will be delighted with this latest adventure.

A Ball For Daisy by Chris Raschka

2012-01-24T10:45:00.000-08:00

Yesterday AM I hit refresh MANY times on the computer.....big day for us book addicts.....the announcing of the ALA awards at the midwinter meeting. This years Caldecott went to Chris Raschka's a Ball For Daisy. In this wordless picture book the dog Daisy has a red ball that she appears to like very much. However the ball is damaged and thrown away. Daisy is noticeably upset when the ball is gone. Only on thing can cheer her up. A great book to get kids thinking and writing (or verbalizing) their own words to go with the pictures. Kids will love Daisy and be able to identify with the SAD Daisy when the ball is thrown away!

Click here for an article about his book!

A Friend For Einstein: The Smallest Stallion by Charlie Cantrell and Dr. Rachel Wagner

2012-01-22T11:12:00.000-08:00

Einstein is a mini miniature horse. He is so small that he has a hard time finding friends to play with. Einstein tries befriending all the animals at the farm. He was just not big enough to play with the others. Einstein is lonely. Finally he finds a friend, Lilly. Together the two gallop, play tag, and roll on the grass. Sure to be an instant favorite, as many "real" animal books are, with amazing photographs.

Text: 4 Buckeye leaves

Illustrations: 5 Buckeye leaves

Hugs from Pearl by Paul Schmid

2012-01-22T11:00:00.000-08:00

Pearl is a porcupine. Pearl LOVES to give hugs. This is a problem. Pearl does not like all her friends saying, "Ouch!" when she hugs them. Pearl decides she must come up with a plan. She tries soaking in the tub to make her quills softer. That does not work. She asks her mom for a quillcut. Her mom explains the quills will only grow back. What is a hugging porcupine to do? Finally Pearl comes up with a plan....A sweet book with equally adorable illustrations. Perfect for upcoming Valentine's Day!

Text: 4 Buckeye leaves

Illustrations: 5 Buckeye leaves

Endpages: 5 Buckeye leaves

Balloons Over Broadway by Melissa Sweet

2012-01-12T16:59:00.000-08:00

I will admit, this book has been in our house for a while (from public library).....at one point I was going to read it to Adam but I thought it was much longer and skipped over it. WELL I was a rebel tonight and sat down - ALONE - when Daddy was giving Adam a bath and read it to myself. FASCINATING! Yes, I will admit I am a history buff, but I think this nonfiction book would grab kids because 99.9% of all kids LOVE the BIG BALLOONS in the parades! Ever hear of TONY SARG? Without Tony Sarg the Macy's Day Parade would not have the big, popular balloons each year. Tony was a puppeteer that never grew up. He performed with his marionettes on the streets of New York City. He was soon contacted by R. H. Macy's department store to create a "puppet parade" for the store's holiday display. Macy had another job for Sarg. He wanted to help the many immigrants that worked for his company celebrate their home cultures, thus the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade was born. Next Sarg worked on balloons, using his puppet background as a basis, that would be big enough for the many people to see. A great book for elementary students. Full of interesting information/facts and unique fun illustrations!

Text: 5 Buckeye Leaves

Illustrations: 5 Buckeye Leaves

Endpages: 5 Buckeye leaves (with the ad from the New York Times, 1933)

A ++++!!!!

The Best Pet Of All by David LaRochelle

2012-01-08T18:50:00.000-08:00

Found this one while browsing yesterday at the library. A little boy wants a dog and asks his mother every day for a dog. Every day his mother says, "No!" Finally when he asks his mom for a dragon. Mom tells the boy if he can find one, he can have one as a pet. The boy sets out looking for one. He finally is able to find a dragon who agrees to come home with the boy after being offered toys to play with. Soon the boy, and his mother, discover that a dragon is not easy to have as a pet. He is quite messy but the dragon will not leave. The boy points out that if they had a dog the dragon WOULD leave because dragons are scared of dogs. And as you would guess, a dog soon arrives! A fun, easy read that kids will enjoy.

Text: 4 Buckeye leaves

Illustrations: 3 Buckeye leaves

Bun Bun Button by Patricia Polacco

2012-01-07T13:42:00.000-08:00

I feel as if I have been out of the loop lately (spent half of winter break van shopping so did not get to library as I had planned) and was quite happy to see a new Polacco book on the new book shelf today (although it has been out for a few months...I am slipping!)! Bun Bun Button is a cute story about Paige Elizabeth loves spending time with her Gramma: baking cookies, snuggling in the blue chair, and reading. Sitting in the blue chair becomes even more enjoyable when Gramma makes Paige a cuddly bunny with a button nose to cuddle in the blue chair. Paige and Bun Bun Button go everywhere together until the day that a balloon carries Bun Bun off on an adventure, leaving Paige behind. Will Bun Bun return? An adorable story from one of the greatest storytellers. One thing I really like about this book is the length....it is not too long so I hope Adam will sit through it all (heck I had to read 19 books after lunch...YES 19....so I think he will be quite happy to sit through this one!!). Another great treat from Polacco focused on family and the relationships shared within.

Text: 5 Buckeye leaves

Illustrations: 5 Buckeye leaves

Endpages: 5 Buckeye leaves (Bun Bun Button in action!)

Doodleday by Ross Collins

2012-01-04T19:42:00.000-08:00

He WAS warned....but Harvey did NOT listen. His mom told him NOT to draw on Doodleday but did he listen? NOOOOOO! And everything Harvey draws comes to life and the outcome is NOT good. He starts with a fly which is soon destroying the kitchen. In order to get rid of the fly, he draws a spider. The spider though decides he likes Harvey's dad more than the fly. It continues in this manner throughout the book. Finally mom arrives home and of course, like moms often do, makes everything right again! Good job, Mom!! Funny, unrealistic book. Kid's will love the wild adventure the fun illustrations. I am anxious to share it with my students...1st or 2nd grade....still deciding! Adam enjoyed it!

Text: 4 Buckeye leaves

Illustrations: 5 Buckeye leaves

Endpages 5 Buckeye leaves

Do Not Open This Book! by Michaela Muntean

2012-01-01T15:51:00.000-08:00

This book is a little older....but grade school kids will find it hilarious! If you need a fun book - just for FUN (oh there are people in DC going crazy that I just said that)....this is a great choice. The little pig is trying to write a book....and YOU the reader keep messing him up!! He tries over and over to get you to stop but nothing works. Now as funny as I think this book is, I will admit Adam did not quite get the humor. He laughed, smiled, but probably more because of my reaction (or maybe it was the time of day, day of the week, position of the moon, WHO KNOWS he is 3 1/2 yrs old!!). Funny pictures as well!

Text: 5 Buckeye leaves

Illustrations: 4 Buckeye leaves

The Construction Crew by Lynn Meltzer

2011-12-25T10:22:00.000-08:00

We read every truck book we can find at our house and this was a recent find on the new book shelf at the library!! Short text, mostly rhyming though some was forced.

Tons if dirt

And Lots of muck

What do we need?

Dump truck!

A great, simple introduction to the world of trucks for kids, and adults like me still learning all the names and functions!!

Text: 4 Buckeye leaves

Illustrations: 4 Buckeye leaves (Bright, colorful, kid friendly)

Endpages: 5 Buckeye leaves (We spent lots of time studying this page and discussing our favorite trucks!!)

It's a small world by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman

2011-12-22T12:18:00.000-08:00

The very popular song is illustrated in this adorable book with illustrations by Joey Chou. Each page features words from the song with corresponding illustrations. Many cultures are illustrated throughout the book. A cd comes with the book allowing readers to listen and read.

Illustrations: 5 Buckeye leaves - adorable!! Very colorful!!

Is everyone ready for FUN? by Jan Thomas

2011-12-22T11:43:00.001-08:00

Yahoo!! Was so excited to see this on the NEW BOOK SHELF this morning at the library! Jan Thomas' books are always fun and this is no exception. I can't wait to share this with my kinders when I get back in January (so hands off Kinder teachers if you are reading this :) The three cows decide they want to have fun on chicken's sofa. Chicken does not agree. Each "fun" activity is something safe that a classroom of kids could do without trips to the clinic. Love it...get those kiddos up and moving!!

Text: 5 Buckeye leaves

Illustrations: 5 Buckeye leaves

The Grizzly Bear with the Frizzly Hair by Sean Taylor

2011-12-19T19:23:00.000-08:00

The grizzly bear with the frizzly hair is hungry and there is nothing left because he has eaten it all. He comes upon a itzy-bitzy rabbit which he has decided will be his dinner. The rabbit may be small but what he is lacking in size, he makes up for in smarts. He convinces the bear to come look in the river for a much bigger dinner. Bear arrives at the river and is not the least bit disappointed and sees dinner. The bear decides to jump in after the mocking creature and quickly learns that it is not quite what he hoped for. Clever story. Readers will slowly unravel rabbit's plan. Fun!!

Text: 4 Buckeye leaves

Illustrations: 4 Buckeye leaves

Home For Christmas by Jan Brett

2011-12-18T19:06:00.000-08:00

Rollo a little troll, who still has his tail since he has not performed good deeds required for it to fall off, decides he will run away rather than help his parents and sister. Rollo lives with an owl family, family of bears, some otters, a lynx and finally a family of moose before he decides he misses his family and needs to return home. On Christmas Eve, the family gathers to enjoy the holiday and realize Rollo has finally lost his tail. Another enjoyable story with incredible illustrations, that you really must look at more than once. Great story that falls in the categories of family and responsibility.

Text: 4 Buckeye leaves

Illustrations: 5 Buckeye leaves

Jeanette Claus Saves Christmas by Douglas Rees

2011-12-14T19:12:00.000-08:00

Apparently Santa has a daughter named Jeanette....who knew!?!? But thank goodness he does because on Christmas Eve Santa comes down with a nasty cold and Jeanette must step in to drive the sleigh and deliver toys. Of course Santa is very worried, especially since those reindeer of his can some times be a little difficult to deal with, especially Dasher. Jeanette is up to the challenge and takes off with the reluctant reindeer. Jeanette is feeling pretty good and thinking her job may be finished early when the pin connecting the harness to the sleigh fell out and the reindeer take off, leaving Jeanette stranded. Jeanette does not know what to do. Luckily she soon makes some new friends, animal friends, and is able to return to the North Pole. Santa is quite happy with her performance as well as the new friends she brought home. A new spin on Christmas. Not sure how some reindeer fans may take the reindeer not being so easy to get along with. The illustrations are very cute, bright and cheery. Warning: There is a word on my list of words not approved to be spoken by the younger crowd in our house used in the book - "stupid" - so be forewarned.

Text: 3 Buckeye leaves

Illustrations: 4 Buckeye leaves

Good Little Wolf by Nadia Shireen

2011-12-13T19:01:00.000-08:00

I found this book to be quite funny....and when you hear what happens, you might wonder about me :) Mrs. Boggins has a "good little wolf" named Rolf. He does everything you would not expect a wolf to do: eats vegetables, nice to friends, etc. Rolf does not know anything about those "other" wolves - the kind that are NOT nice. One day Rolf meets one of those wolves. The Big bad wolf tries to get Rolf to be more like him. Rolf snaps. He realizes he can not be that way - and ties up the big bad wolf until he agrees to be "bad". And then......

well I can't give away the ending....check public library!!

Just a Little Luck by Mercer Mayer

2011-12-11T18:20:00.001-08:00

We have a BIG FAN of Little Critters books at our house so when I saw this at the library, I knew we have to check it out. Little Critter finds a penny on the ground but can not remember whether it was heads up or tails up. Little Critter thinks it must be tails up as he has a sting of bad luck: dropping ice cream, flat tire, falling off bike, school project ruined, etc. Little critter starts feeling pretty sorry for himself. On Saturday Grandpa takes him to the fair, and things improve and the string of bad luck has ended. I think there is a message that adults could benefit from as well. A good book to start a classroom discussion.

Pip & Squeak by Ian Schoenherr

2011-12-10T22:08:00.000-08:00

Pip and Squeak (2 mice) are headed to celebrate Gus's birthday day! Of course it is snowing so they will need a "sled", also known as an envelope. They are well on their way when they realize they forgot the "gift", also known as cheese! Rather than going home they decide to look along the way. Finally they come upon a snowman with an orange nose....cheese? They finally arrive at Gus's party but will he like the "cheese"? First look at this book may lead one to think this is a book for the very young - the text is short and simple. However the shortness of the text requires lots of "filling in" by the reader. Adam and I had a great laugh at the end of the story as well - Gus very much likes his "cheese".....because he is a rabbit!! Illustrations are super cute!!

Text: 4 Buckeye leaves

Illustrations: 5 Buckeye leaves (Adorable)

The Christmas Song:Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire

2011-12-10T21:18:00.000-08:00

Mel Torme and Robert Wells famous Christmas Song is adorably illustrated in this book published in 2007. We enjoy "reading" song books at our house...mainly because I rarely know the REAL words. I will admit that I have been told to "stop" singing....and apparently the 3 1/2 year old has some high standards!! I love the pictures - very cute and compliment the words perfectly. Great book to follow along while listening to one of the most popular Christmas songs!

Illustrations: 5 Buckeye Leaves

Sana's Stuck by Rhonda Gowler Greene

2011-12-09T22:52:00.000-08:00

I had great intentions BUT a 3 1/2 year old that continues to fight going to sleep and a little thing call Pinterest has gotten in the way of my good intentions to blog more this week. BUT this book I actually found off a website that I came across thanks to Pinterest. Unfortunately now I can't find the link to the activity for this book. As you might guess from the title, Santa is out doing this job one Christmas Eve, doing as he always does, when he gets stuck in the chimney. The family dog comes to help him but he is not successful. Next the cat and her kittens try to help out. Soon the mouse joins the task and of course POP out comes Santa. The book is older but I think kids will enjoy it for the rhyming as well as the funny content with matching illustrations!

Illustrations: 3 Buckeye leaves

Text: 4 Buckeye leaves

The Great Reindeer Rebellion by Lisa Trumbauer

2011-12-04T12:07:00.000-08:00

Found this one on the bargain table at Barnes and Noble today! 'Twas the Night Before Christmas with a new spin! Santa's reindeer have decided they have some demands that need to be met.

They said, "We are finished!

We've had quite enough

of pulling your sleigh with

such big, heavy stuff!"

Being under a time crunch, Santa decides to interview other animals for the job. The dogs did a great job until they started sniffing and smelling. The cats were on a roll until a sneaky mouse runs in front of the team of cats and the felines shake out of the harness. Seems no animals can replace the reindeer. In an effort to bring the reindeer back Santa agrees to

"A whirlpool and sauna

would make us quite able.

And real beds, not grass, AND

a heater - and cable."

Santa agrees, the contract is signed, and Santa heads off with his trusty eight. A great addition to any Christmas collection of books. Fun pictures and fun text = enjoyable reading for Christmas time!

Text: 4 Buckeye leaves

Illustrations: 5 Buckeye leaves

When Santa Lost His Ho! Ho! Ho! by Laura Rader

2011-12-03T21:17:00.000-08:00

Christmas is just a few days away and the North Pole is a busy place with final preparations being made for the big day. Oh no...there is a problem!! Santa has lost his HO HO HO!!! Everyone is eager to help but even the funniest jokes, pies in the face, reindeer kick line, and cocoa do not work to bring back Santa's HO HO HO!! Soon news spreads throughout the world (as is often the case with the media) and ever one is quite concerned. Letters start pouring in from people all over the globe trying to bring back Santa's HO HO HO. Mrs. Claus and the elves find one that they all agree will do the trick....will it work? I thought this was a cute, fun book. Adam and I really enjoyed it BUT....on the back end page there is a picture of the drawing that apparently brought back Santa's HO HO HO.....and the first thing Adam said was, "That is scary not funny." And honestly, I agree with him. I really wish the picture was funny....it is not. WHY?? I would love to hear other kid's reaction to "Holly's picture" because my kid does not honestly scare real easily.....BUT other than that....ADORABLE and FUN book!!

Text: 5 Buckeye leaves

Illustrations: 5 Buckeye Leaves

Front Endpages: 5 Buckeye Leaves - LOVE!!.....

Back endpages: 1 Buckeye leaves

December 1st.....

2011-12-03T21:03:00.001-08:00

December 1st brings....

...the 25 days of books. I saw this idea in a magazine years ago - pre-Adam - probably 6 or 7 years ago and was determined that some day I would start this tradition with my child. Adam's first Christmas we brought him home on December 14th, with some jet lag, remains of food poisoning, and an 8 month old that had just gone through over 32 hours of travel and a 12 hour time change, so I did not do it that first year. Each year a bag of 25 holiday/Christmas books arrive at our house, wrapped, and numbered. Each day Adam unwraps one. Where do the books come from? Same ones each year but for the other 11 months of the year the books are hidden away in a crate in the basement. So far, he has not caught on that they are his books and we read them the year before and when he does, that is ok. The excitement of unwrapping a "new" book each day is fun for both of us! I even wrapped them this year and it is always exciting to see which book is unwrapped each day! There are a few new ones sprinkled in each year. His reaction to some of the books are hysterical. Surely worth the 3 packages of Dollar Store tissue paper I used to wrap the books each year!!

Merry Christmas, Mr. Snowman! by Wolfram Hanel

2011-12-03T20:36:00.000-08:00

Pip and Squeak (how cute are those names?) are anxiously waiting for the time when they can open their gifts. Since neither can sit still, they decide to go outside and build a snowman. When Mommy Mouse calls them inside, neither feel right leaving Mr. Snowman outside.

"We can't leave Mr. Snowman out here all alone. He'll be sad if he doesn't have anyone to celebrate Christmas with."

"He might catch cold, too." said Pip.

Pip and Squeak then devise a plan so that Mr. Snowman does not have to stay outside alone. After much work Pip and Squeak have moved Mr. Snowman into the house. Before long Mommy and Daddy have discovered a puddle of water by the tree. Mr. Snowman is moved outside where he can still see in to the house through the window. Pip and Squeak still do not feel right excluding Mr. Snowman and devise a NEW plan to include Mr. Snowman in their Christmas celebration. A super sweet story about the spirit of Christmas and the different meaning of "Christmas".

Text: 4 Buckeye Leaves

Illustrations: 5 Buckeye leaves (ADORABLE!!)

Merry Christmas, Curious George

2011-12-03T19:57:00.000-08:00

George and the man with the yellow hat are at a Christmas tree farm picking out a Christmas tree. George can not seem to decide which tree he likes the best and swings from one tree to the next. He decides to climb the tallest one and before he knows it, the tree is being cut down and taken away in a big truck. George soon realizes he is at a children's hospital. In true Curious George fashion, George goes "exploring" and leaves no part of the hospital untouched. When George comes upon "his" tree, he decides to decorate it. A nurse discovers George's "creativity" and is not too pleased with the final product. The children in the hospital are able to convince the nurse to allow George to stay, and decorate the tree again, with real Christmas tree decorations. Fans of Curious George will enjoy this fun Christmas adventure with George.

Paul Thurlby's Alphabet by Paul Thurlby

2011-12-03T16:25:00.000-08:00

Said it before but....I love ABC books....and this may just have topped the list!! This one is - hate to say it as it sounds pretty weak - very creative. Each letter is incorporated into the letter (as seen above). But beyond that, all the text used seems to somehow fit with letter/word choice. At the end of the book Paul Thurlby explains that this book began as individual illustrations and received such publicity thanks to the Internet/bloggers that he decided to create a book.

For more information about this author/illustrator click HERE!

Overall: 5 Buckeye Leaves - LOVE this one....!!! Do you hear me Santa??

The Twelve Days of Christmas Dogs by Carolyn Conahan

2011-12-02T03:56:00.000-08:00

I will admit I am not an animal person....dogs are cute - from afar BUT for the dog lovers this is a cute and fun book! I also love when authors take a popular song/story and change it for a new theme - yes, I have mentioned this before too! As you can probably guess, this book is a new Twelve Days of Christmas. With each new "day" new dogs appear.

"On the fourth day of Christmas my best friend gave to me...

four collie dogs,

three French dogs,

two turtle dogs,

and a pug puppy under the tree."

I think my favorite is on the tenth day of Christmas, "ten Labs a-leaping".

If you or someone you know is a dog lover, this would make a great book to have on the shelf!

Text: 4 Buckeye leaves

Illustrations: 4 Buckeye leaves (some really funny pictures)

Perfect Soup by Lisa Moser

2011-11-27T19:27:00.001-08:00

Love this one!! PERFECT (yes, I had to do it) in every way.....any time of year!

Murray the mouse likes everything to be PERFECT including his perfect soup. Unfortunately as he sets out to make it one day, he realizes he is missing a carrot. How can he possibly make perfect soup without all the ingredients? With an ingredient missing it won't be, well, perfect. Murray goes to see farmer in hopes he will return with a carrot. The farmer needs help hauling logs and agrees to giving Murray a carrot if the mouse will help with that. Murray agrees to get the wood moved and heads out to ask Horse for help hauling the wood. Horse agrees if Murray can get him a jingle bell. This pattern continues throughout the book, while a snowman keeps showing up, trying to get Murray's attention. Finally Murray must find a way to cool down hot cocoa for Mrs. Wooley. Murray is so frustrated and about to give up hope when snowman offers to help cool down the hot cocoa. When asked what he wants in return....well, not going to tell you as that is the best part of the book (besides the ending) so you need to check it out!! Truly a PERFECT book to teach children the true meaning of Christmas or any holiday and the art of giving.

Text: 5 Buckeye leaves

Illustrations: 4 Buckeye leaves

To visit the author's site, click HERE!

Hocus Pocus by Sylvie Desrosiers & Remy Simard

2011-11-26T20:22:00.000-08:00

"Mister Magic" and his dog return from a trip to the grocery store and soon are both napping just as the "rabbit in the top hat" jumps out. The rabbit is ready for a snack - the carrots sitting on the kitchen counter. After repeated failed attempts, usually caused by the dog, the rabbit finally enjoys the carrot, while the dog is put outside. A great wordless picture book for middle elementary students. The book provides a great opportunity for students to laugh while using thinking skills to unlock the storyline. Hilarious and somewhat reminiscent of Tom and Jerry....

Illustrations: 4 Buckeye leaves

Mortimer's Christmas Manger by Karma Wilson & Jane Chapman

2011-11-20T16:08:00.000-08:00

Not too early for Christmas books is it? I figured I would start with a BANG....my favorite Christmas book which I discovered last Christmas and since none of our stores here had it, I had to order a used copy (and then ordered another copy for a special little girl that I felt HAD to have a copy). Why do I love this book? Because it is a perfect combination of sweet animals that kids will be able to relate to but yet has the TRUE meaning of Christmas - without going overboard. Mortimer lives in a dark hole in the wall and is not happy about it. One day he goes out looking for a new home. He find a new place near the Christmas tree but it appears to be inhabited by a crowd of people. After attempting to talk to the people, with no response, he realizes the people are actually statues. He soon sets to work moving them out of the area. The next night he returns to find all the statues back in the places he had moved them from. He again drags the statues out of his new house. This continues day after day until one day he overhears the people reading the Christmas story about Jesus and being born in a stable. He soon realizes that the baby statue he has been moving is the statue of Jesus. Mortimer then decides to drag all the statues back to their places. Before he leaves the wood stable, he makes one plea to Jesus, to bring him a house of his own..... Truly a delightful book that kids off all ages will enjoy. The illustrations are adorable and provides a different way of looking at the story of Christmas.

Illustrations: 5 Buckeye leaves

Text: 5 Buckeye leaves

Red Sled by Lita Judge

2011-11-20T14:43:00.000-08:00

Red Sled by Lita Judge is an adorable adventure on a red sled. A child returns to a cabin surrounded by snow, leaving a red sled outside. Soon a bear sees the red sled an the adventure begins. The bear is soon joined by other animals on this downhill adventure. Using limited words, which I personally love as it requires the reader to fill in the blanks and decide what is happening on their own, the adventure is filled with excitement and fun! Red Sled slightly reminds me of Ten on the Sled by Kim Norman, another fun filled animal adventure which students love. Lovely pictures with great, at times funny, animal expressions!

Overall: 5 Buckeye leaves

Author/illustrator website click HERE!

Twelve Haunted Rooms of Halloween

2011-11-11T20:00:00.000-08:00

Yes, I know, a little late BUT I had to check this one out this week from the library. It is so cute. I LOVE Halloween books that are not scary or yucky, especially when you are reading them to some of your 1000 students, or your own 3 1/2 year old!!! You might guess from the "twelve" in the title, that the text is patterned after the 12 Days of Christmas.

"Through the fifth haunted doorway I peeked right in to see...
five jack-o-lanterns!
Four skeletons,
Three black cats,
Two wicked witches,
And a bat hanging from a bare tree."

As in the song, this book continues, adding a "new" item in each room. The illustrations are cute, kid-oriented. I will be tucking this book away in my memory until next year.

Text: 4 Buckeye leaves
illustrations: 4 Buckeye leaves

Easy Food Nonfiction! by Catherine Ipcizade

2011-11-10T15:13:00.000-08:00

Been slacking a little this week....big election this week....that did not go entirely our way. Very discouraging BUT back to the books....
Found a nonfiction series that I can see kids really liking...ice cream? Pizza? Hot dogs? We got them all! (There is also a mac and cheese one but have not been able to get that from library!) Great illustrations, large print, lower reading level. I am always looking for good nonfiction to share with the 3.5 kid here and the younger kids at school!

"Each American eats enough ice cream to fill 96 cones a year." That is alot of ice cream!
Filled with easy to read and understand facts about ice cream: when it first arrive in the US, when a sundae was introduced, etc.

"Enough hot dogs are sold each year to feed each American 60 of them!" Everything you want to know about hot dogs and more!

Great informational nonfiction book about....PIZZA! Yum!

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever

2011-11-06T14:43:00.000-08:00

The Herdmans are back!....In picture book format! How does a family of 6 kids, the worst kids in town, that have never even heard the Christmas story, get cast as the leads in the pageant? Same way they get everything else....everyone else is too afraid to stop them. The three wise men will bring pizza. The baby Jesus may have to be stolen from the grocery store? And the Angel of the Lord is from outer space? Is there any hope for this pageant? WIll it be a disaster? Adapted from the chapter book, younger children will enjoy a shorter version of this funny Christmas story.

Text: 4 Buckeye leaves
Illustrations: 3 Buckeye leaves

No Two Alike by Keith Baker

2011-11-05T10:48:00.000-07:00

Beautifully illustrated this book looks at of the many things in nature that are similar but not exactly the same. A pair of birds serve as a tour guides in the tour through the wilderness.

Text: 4 Buckeye leaves
Illustrations: 5 Buckeye leaves
Endpages: 5 Buckeye leaves

Mouse & Lion by Rand Burkert

2011-11-03T04:00:00.000-07:00

In Rand Burkert's new version of Aesop's once again the mouse promises to save the lion some day. The lion of course scoffs at that idea. Of course it is the mouse in the end that is able to save the lion. Great text that could be used to compare and contrast other versions.

Text: 4 Buckeye leaves
Illustrations: 5 Buckeye leaves

My Rhinoceros by Jon Agee

2011-11-01T18:50:00.000-07:00

A boy goes to the pet store looking for a new pet. He quickly learns that his new pet is not really very exciting: no frisbee or fetching a stick. HIs new pet would not roll of over or do anything really. He learns that his pet is good at popping balloons and poking holes in kites. What? The boy is very disappointed. However just like many special gifts and talents in humans, his rhino's special gifts and talents come in handy, and saves the day.

Text: 4 Buckeye leaves
Illustrations: 4 Buckeye leaves

School for Bandits by Hannah Shaw

2011-11-01T18:35:00.000-07:00

Ralph is not like the other raccoons. Ralph says please and thank you, is clean and tidy, and brushes his teeth. His parents are so upset that they decide to send him to Bandit School in hopes he will become more like the other raccoons. Ralph hates it - he just can't be mean, messy, and sneaky like the others. As the first term ends, each raccoon is is given a bag to gather "loot" from others. Ralph still can't be unkind. How will he ever be able to fill his bag? A fun book about raccoons. Will be a perfect beginning of the year, how to treat each other, book.

Text: 4 Buckeye leaves
Illustrations: 5 Buckeye leaves

The Princess and the Pig by Jonathan Emmett

2011-10-30T19:17:00.000-07:00

A poor farmer is on his way home from the market with a small piglet in the back of his cart, a piglet noone wanted at market so the farmer took pity on. The farmer stops to take a break and unbeknownst to him, the new baby princess, Priscilla, and the piglet in an unimaginable series of events, switch places. The farmer arrives home and he and his wife discover the baby girl, and assume that a good fairy has done "this" just like in the story Thumbelina. At the same time, the royal family has discovered their baby girl looks very much like a pig and also assumes this is not unlike what happened in the story, Sleeping Beauty, and decide to raise their daughter as the royalty she is. As you can imagine these two "children" grow up to be much different. References to various fairy tales are made throughout the story with a surprise ending, especially for an unsuspecting princess. Another cleverly crafted story that takes a well-known story, Princess and the Pea, and makes some changes which results in a very funny story. Students may need some background information on some of the stories referenced throughout the story.

Text: 5 Buckeye leaves
Illustrations: 5 Buckeye leaves

Whole-y Cow! Fractions Are Fun by Taryn Souders

2011-10-30T18:31:00.000-07:00

This is a fun farmyard introduction to fraction told in rhyme. Starting with a plain cow whose friends decide to paint one half BLUE! Each time a new fraction is introduced, questions prompt readers to think about the fraction as it relates.

"One whole cow patriotic through and through, worse a swimsuit that was red, white, and blue."

The text is accompanied by an illustration which can help readers decide which fraction is the appropriate answer. Extensions, with more complicated fraction related questions, could be developed to accompany this book. Great addition to any school library and/or younger elementary classroom.

Text: 5 Buckeye leaves
Illustrations: 4 Buckeye leaves

I Want My Hat Back by Jon Klassen

2011-10-30T17:39:00.000-07:00

Ready for a good laugh? Here it is! BUT I will warn you, you have to wait until the end....and even then it may be a bit of a "delayed reaction"!! Bear loves his red hat. Bear's red hat is missing so he sets off to look for it. He asks every animal along the way: fox, frog, rabbit, turtle, etc. Noone has seen the hat. (My personal favorite response was: "What is a hat?" tee hee hee hee!) Bear is so sad that noone has seen it....BUT WAIT!!! He has seen it....ON AN ANIMAL! He must go find it....and he does.....but what happens to THAT ANIMAL?? Tee hee hee hee! Just gotta read it to find out for yourself! Mid to older elementary kids will enjoy this one. This book lends itself to a great reader's theater - which I think will make the book that much funnier.

Book trailer click HERE!

text: 5 Buckeye leaves
Illustrations: 4 Buckeye leaves
Endpages: 5 Buckeye leaves

How Do You Hug A Porcupine? by Laurie Isop

2011-10-30T16:37:00.001-07:00

Simple, cute, and funny. A young boy watches as other kids hug all sorts of animals: pigs, horses, cats, dogs, etc. BUT is left to wonder, "How do you hug a porcupine?"

"Can you hug some billy goats? Entice them with a bag of oats!
And surely you can hug a pig; just spread your arms out EXTRA big."

As each animal is hugged, readers will be left to wonder just how this boy will tackle the prickly job of hugging a porcupine. With a surprise ending, which will leave readers chuckling, this cute book is soon to be a read aloud favorite - as it has become at our house!

Text: 4 Buckeye leaves
Illustrations: 4 Buckeye leaves

E-Mergency! by Tom Lichtenheld

2011-10-29T19:37:00.001-07:00

This book is extremely....well, CLEVER!!! Adults will love it....sharp kids will enjoy it....

E has fallen down the stairs and the other letters jump into action to take care of their friend. E is whisked off to the ER by the EMTs with an IV. The other letters soon realize without their friend E there are many words that are not quite right. (After all E is the most used letter in the English language - 12.702%!) O tries to help out but it is soon very obvious that O is just not....E! What are the letters going to do and why is E taking so long to hoal, or rather heal! This book is truly laugh out funny....BUT you may find it difficult to read aloud. Adam and I read it last night and I read the man story to him. I went back and read the conversations going on among the letters and that was even funnier than the main story. If you need a good laugh, check this one out - CLEVER! Very CLEVER!

Text: 5 Buckeye leaves
Illustrations: 5 Buckeye leaves
Endpages: 5 Buckeye leaves

The Gingerbread Girl Goes Animal Crackers by Lisa Campbell Ernst

2011-10-29T18:45:00.001-07:00

Birthday time!! Gingerbread Girl is celebrating her birthday and the old man and woman have a gift for her. She can hear the grunts and growls from the package tied with a licorice-whip ribbon. The Gingerbread GIrl carefully begins to lift the top and, as expected, out comes the rush of animal crackers and off they go. Very much like the chase involving the famous Gingerbread Boy and Gingerbread Girl, the animal crackers take off on a race with the Gingerbread Girl following behind, trying to warn the crackers about the danger in their future. Adorable follow up to the Gingerbread Girl story with a cute twist at the end. Clever, fun rhymes throughout.

Text: 5 Buckeye leaves
Illustrations: 5 Buckeye leaves

Marshall Armstrong Is New to Our School by David Mackintosh

2011-10-29T18:33:00.001-07:00

Marshall Armstrong in new at school. His supplies are different, his hair is different, his shoelaces are different...everything about Marshall Armstrong in different. But Marshall invites the kids over to his house to play and soon the students are not so concerned about Marshall being different. And when Elizabeth Bell arrives at their school, the kids seem more concerned about helping her adjust to her new school. Good book for discussion about differences and acceptance.

Text: 4 Buckeye leaves
illustrations: 3 Buckeye leaves

One Love based on the song by Bob Marley

2011-10-29T13:51:00.000-07:00

Illustrated version of the popular Bob Marley song of the same name. Adapted by Bob Marley's oldest daughter Cedella Marley, the words of his song are set to happy, joyful pictures in this book.

To see book trailer click HERE!
Illustrations: 4 Buckeye Leaves

Nursery Rhyme Comics by 50 Celebrated Cartoonists

2011-10-25T19:22:00.000-07:00

Fifty cartoonist come together in this collection of 50 nursery rhymes. From Old Mother Hubbard to The Itsy Bitsy Spider each nursery rhyme is retold with a new twist in comic strip style. Truly a book you must see to enjoy. Kids and adults, and quite possibly more so adults, will enjoy this clever twist on old favorites.

Text: 4 Buckeye leaves
Illustrations: 5 Buckeye leaves

Seriously, Cinderella Is So Annoying by Trisha Speed Shaskan

2011-10-25T16:09:00.000-07:00

Poor, poor little Cinderella. She had that WICKED stepmother and those MEAN stepsisters. She had to clean all day long and was stuck at home while the others went to the ball. Poor, little Cinderella....OR was she? According to her stepmother, the narrator of this book, Cindy was quite a storyteller. She liked to make up stories about everything. According to her, she and her daughters were the victims. Soon after marrying Cindy's father, he left on business and she was left with Cindy and a dirty house. Well, they could not live like THAT so they all started to work together but cindy was so fast and always finished chores much faster than the others, even with all her storytelling that she did, all the time. And the king's ball was another of Cindy's stories. As soon as she invitation arrived, Cindy lost her voice! Being a good caring stepmother, she made Cindy stay home. The ball was not all it was cracked up to be when a strange girl showed up and stole all the prince's attention. When the prince showed up a few days later with a shoe to try on the girls, Cindy begged to try it on and strangely it fit her. hmmm. Strange. Kids will love this new twist on Cinderella, even some of the boys! Great book for point of view discussion and excellent spring board for persepective writing of their own.

Text: 4 Buckeye leaves
Illustrations: 4 Buckeye leaves

Fall Mixed Up by Bob Raczka

2011-10-23T18:52:00.000-07:00

This is a great FUN book! I don't recall seeing anything like this before. This would be one you might want to hold for 1st - 2nd graders. I read it with Adam (3 1/2) but I had to explain alot as I was afraid he might really believe some of what we were reading....though I was surprised that he picked up on alot! (He is gifted - tee - hee-hee! Teachers are allowed to say that about their own kids! It is in the handbook! :)

"Apples turn orange
Pumpkins turn red
Leaves float up into
blue skies overhead."

Hmmm....scratching your head wondering....yup! Go back to the title! Throughout the entire book you will encounter words and illustrations of the different "mix ups" in fall. It is really quite funny!

"Touchdowns are hit.
Home runs are kicked."

That one Adam got really quick :) Though some of the mix ups are not as obvious so they lend to some great discussions and research. A wonderful, interactive book for fall.

Illustrations: 5 Buckeye leaves
Text: 5 Buckeye leaves

Love, Mouserella by David Ezra Stein

2011-10-23T16:05:00.000-07:00

From the creator of the Caldecott Honor Book, Interrupting Chickens, comes a new, creatively designed, picture book Love, Mouserella. When Grandmouse is gone, little Mouserella misses her and decides to write a letter to her, complete with pictures! At first she can not think of anything to write but that soon changes and she can't stop. From her exciting news about Willy, her former caterpillar and now a chrysalis, to her trip to the air conditioned museum, with corresponding photo, Mouserella fills in Grandmouse with everything she has missed since leaving. A sweet book, with unique format which will hook children from the beginning to the end. Classroom possibilities for this one is endless.

Text: 5 Buckeye leaves
Illustrations: 5 Buckeye leaves
Endpages: 5 Buckeye leaves

Underground by Shane W. Evans

2011-10-23T12:45:00.001-07:00

Using limited yet carefully chosen words and simple pictures, Shane W. Evans creates a great introduction to the Underground Railroad as well as an extension for older students to ponder the steps along the way to freedom for many African American slaves during the 1800s. A family of slaves begins their journey, in the dark, quiet. As the journey continues they learn first hand that fear and endurance join together to bring them to the desired end, freedom. Well written with a powerful message about this time period in American history.

Text: 5 Buckeye leaves
Illustrations: 4 Buckeye leaves

George Flies South by Simon James

2011-10-23T12:36:00.000-07:00

Fall has arrived and George still can't fly. Mom works to try to teach George to fly. Then a gust of wind takes George, in his nest, through the air and on a wild adventure. Mom returns to find George and the nest gone. Meanwhile George has landed on the top of a car, which is now moving! The adventure continues with George and the next flying all over and mom following behind. When the nest is lost, George must finally learn to fly on his own, before he hits the ground below. A sweet story about a mother's encouragement and determination to help her baby finally fly, literally. With a little bit of humor this book is sure to have kids of all ages cheering for George as he finally learns to fly!

Text: 4 Buckeye leaves
Illustrations: 5 Buckeye leaves
Endpages: 5 Buckeye leaves

Too Many Dinosaurs by Mercer Mayer

2011-10-23T06:09:00.000-07:00

"This all started when I asked me mom if I could have a puppy."
When a boy asks his mom for a puppy, and she says no, a chain of events is set in motion that ends with "too many dinosaurs"! The boy gets a dinosaur egg from Mr. Jerry's tag sale and later that night he has a baby triceratops in his room. The next morning the dino is in motion and taking off through the neighborhood. The boy returns to Mr. Jerry's tag sale and is sold a dinosaur horn. The boy blows the horn and he is soon surrounded by dinosaurs, too many dinosaurs. Dinosaur lovers will enjoy this latest dinosaur book from the creator of Little Critters. The story and illustrations will have kids of all ages laughing from the beginning until the surprise ending.

Text: 4 Buckeye leaves
Illustrations: 4 Buckeye leaves

Dizzy Dinosaurs Silly Dino Poems by Lee Bennett Hopkins

2011-10-23T05:48:00.000-07:00

Poetry for the dinosaur lover! The poems are short and simple (Level 2 in the I Can Read series).

"Shirts with room for spikes.
Pants with holes for tails.
Torosaurus turtlenecks.
They're all on sale!"

Poetry should be used throughout the year - not just in April - and getting kids hooked on poetry starts early. Find something a child is interested in, match a poetry book, and you show a child that poetry comes in many forms and topics.
Illustrations: 4 Buckeye leaves
Text: 4 Buckeye leaves

Blue Chicken by Deborah Freedman

2011-10-22T05:36:00.000-07:00

I LOVE this book! Love!!!! Yes, I know I say that alot....and I mean it - this book is cute, funny, mischievous, and really PUSHES the reader to THINK and draw conclusions!! An adorable little chicken, that is part of a farm painting, springs to life and goes exploring. Unfortunately she spills the blue paint, which goes all over the painting, turning everything a new, bluer shade. In an effort to make it better, she makes the other animals even more upset. She is finally able to find some water, to "clean" everything up...at least for a little bit. The limited text pushes the reader to draw conclusion about each illustration and the story. The story begins the minute you open the book, on the first endpage and extends through the back endpages so be prepared to jump in.

Text: 5 Buckeye Leaves
Illustrations: 5 Buckeye Leaves
Endpages: 5 Buckeye leaves

Otis and the Tornado by Loren Long

2011-10-21T21:23:00.000-07:00

Otis the tractor and his friends on the farm are back again! Life on the farm is peaceful with the exception of the mean bull. None of the other animals want to go near the bull because he is so mean and scary. One day a storm blows in. The sky is dark. The wind starts howling. But Otis knows there is something different about this storm. Suddenly the storm stops and all is quiet....too quiet. Otis hears the farmer yell, "It's coming fast, get down in the cellar!" And that is when Otis realizes what is approaching....a tornado. He quickly springs into action to save his friends and leads them to a safe place to wait out the storm. But once there Otis hears a cry.....the bull is still locked in his pen. Otis must hurry to save the bull, the animal that was always so mean to him and his friends. Great story that some students may be able to relate to if they have ever been in a severe storm. We read ALOT of books at our house (and that is an understatement) BUT this is the FIRST - ONLY book that the 3 1/2 year old has actually tried to sneak in for TWO readings during the same "session"....and then requested to take it to bed with him! I think that means he likes it! I really enjoyed this one too as it is a children's picture book - that has suspense and excitement in it. I am anxious to read it to my kiddos at school to get their reaction.

Text: 5 Buckeye leaves
Illustrations: 5 Buckeye leaves

Check out Loren Long's explanation for creating his Otis illustrations in his first Otis book by clicking HERE!

Cows to the Rescue by John Himmelman

2011-10-20T19:54:00.000-07:00

First came the chickens....then the pigs.....and now.....COWS TO THE RESCUE!!!! The Greenstalks are so fortunate to have such loyal animals! The Greenstalks are visiting the county fair and with the loyal cows they have nothing to worry about! Three-legged race with no partner? Problem solved!! Muddy duck? No problem! Ferris wheel fear? Nothing to worry about! Chickens, pigs, or cows, these books always rate high with the 3 1/2 year old critic here! I can see great possibilities for a shared writing activity in the classroom!

Text: 4 Buckeye Leaves
Illustrations: 5 Buckeye leaves

I Believe In You by Marianne Richmond

2011-10-20T19:22:00.000-07:00

Looking for a good tear jerker, gift book....Marianne Richmond books usually deliver! Her newest one is no exception. I barely made it through the first page before the lump formed in my throat...

"You came into our family with a big, BIG job to do, the one of growing up into the one and only you!"

If you can manage to get past this page, each page you encounter new words of wisdom, words often uttered by parents who have been there themselves, to their children. Words from those who know that some days are good, some are challenging, but regardless you must continue to believe.

"When the day dips up and down like a roller coaster ride, I believe in your quick laugh to love the lows and highs."

A great gift book - graduation, parent/grandparent/special friend to child, etc. Love all Marianne Richmond's books.

Text: 5 Buckeye leaves
Illustrations: 5 Buckeye leaves

I selected this book today, October 20, 2011.....in honor of an event that took place 3 years ago today, in Karaganda, Kazakhstan.....when a baby boy, dressed in pink, was carried into a room, one of nine babies in that room that morning, yet there was no doubt in my mind then, or now, that he belonged in our family. Even 3 years later, I remember many details of that day.....about the day I held my son for the first time.

October 20, 2008 - Karaganda, Kazakhstan

October 20-ish, 2011 - Columbus, Ohio

Happy Pig Day! by Mo Willems

2011-10-19T19:32:00.000-07:00

FINALLY! This book has been out 2 weeks and only TODAY have I got my hands on it. For some reason our BIG chain bookstore did not have it....hmmmm.....

Piggie and Gerald are back! This time they are celebrating a special day....it is HAPPY PIG DAY! Everyone is prepared to celebrate the big day, except Gerald. Gerald is feeling a little left out since he is not a pig. Being a good friend, Piggie tries to talk to his friend sensing that his friend is upset. Gerald explains that he can not celebrate because he has a trunk, big ears, is gray, and has no snout. Piggie then explains that they can still celebrate Happy Pig Day together. As a big Mo Willems fan, I was very excited to get my hands on this newest Piggie and Elephant book. I was a little surprised to finally read it though. I enjoyed it - as expected, not my favorite though - but I was impressed that there was a "deeper" meaning to this book. Piggie and Gerald are friends even though one is a pig and one is an elephant. In this book Gerald even lists the differences between himself and Piggie. Piggie then points out, that it is ok to be different. Not sure if this was really Willems' point or if I am reading into it, but was nice just the same. Regardless fans of Willems will be pleased to see Piggie and Elephant back!

Nothing Like A Puffin by Sue Soltis

2011-10-19T17:10:00.000-07:00

UNIQUE! That is in a nutshell a perfect definition for this book! It is one of a kind that I fear may not make much sense as I try to explain it, you have to read it to truly "get it"!.....but here goes...
"Look, a puffin! What a marvelous creature, one of a kind and amazing. Indeed, there is nothing like a puffin."
A puffin is one-of-a-kind. Take a ladder. A ladder is nothing like a puffin. Not even close! What about a house? Is a house like a puffin? No way! And of course a newspaper is not like a puffin. That is just silly.....or is it? What does a puffin and newspaper have in common? What about a puffin and jeans? A puffin and a goldfish? A great compare/contrast activity which pushes students/kids to look at things differently. I read this book with 2nd graders today and they really enjoyed it. However for kids in central Ohio, more background knowledge about puffins is needed to full understand the text and the Students still really enjoyed the book and caught on quickly. Great book with UNIQUE concept!

Text: 5 Buckeye leaves
Illustrations: 5 Buckeye leaves
Endpages: 5 Buckeye leaves

What If Everything Had Legs? by Scott Menchin

2011-10-19T16:40:00.001-07:00

Ready for pure fun? Here it IS! Seriously I have read this about 8 times since Saturday (someone is a little obsessed with "the leg book") and every time I find something different laugh at! A very tired little girl is too tired to walk home...(You have to check out the picture of the over dramatic child that is soooo tired and can't walk....HILARIOUS!!) Mom reminds the girl that she made cupcakes this morning and the faster they get home, the sooner she gets one. Even THAT does not work!

"Mom, why can't that house have legs and walk to us?"

This, of course, sets off a whole imaginative world where items have LEGS! Cupcakes, apples, leaves, cars, etc. And before they know it, they are home enjoying a cupcake.

And guess what??!!??? THERE'S AN APP FOR THAT!!! Seriously!! Watching the 3 1/2 year old play on the iPad right now with the app!!!

Text: 4 Buckeye leaves
Illustrations: 5 Buckeye leaves

I Am Small by Emma Dodd

2011-10-19T03:59:00.001-07:00

I am a fan of Emma Dodd. I like her simple, sweet books and adorable illustrations. This book follows that trend. Told from the perspective of a baby penguin, every thing is so big, deep, high, strong but the little penguin in his/her words is "small". However this little penguin to his/her mother is not small but oh so much more! Here it comes....grab a tissue...

"I may be small, but I can see the biggest thing to you is......ME"

This would make a great baby gift for someone OR for your own child....

Text: 5 Buckeye leaves
Illustrations: 5 Buckeye leaves - Amazing with foil used throughout.
Endpages: 5 Buckeye leaves - LOVE them!!!

My NOT small (at least not anymore) baby....

Biblioburro by Jeanette Winters AND Waiting for the Biblioburro by Monica Brown

2011-10-18T18:56:00.000-07:00

Not sure how I came to have these two books on my reserve list at the same time but both books are based on the true story of Louis Soriana, who lives in northern Colombia. The first version, Biblioburro, could be used with any grade level, best suited for primary. The second book Waiting for the Biblioburro, also tells the true life story of Louis/Luis Soriana with more details and Spanish words.

Using simple text, Jeanette Winters tells the story of "Luis", the book lover. One day his wife decided she could not take ONE MORE BOOK in their house (Oh no! I hope this does not happen at our house!!) Luis decides to take one burro and pack it with books. The second burro he will ride. He then heads out to the countryside to bring books to the children that do not have any and have no "library" to use.

A more advanced version of the story of Luis bringing books to the countryside. Focusing on a little girl, Ana, this version builds up the anticipation of this special man bringing books to her village. Ana waits with mounting excitement for the day when new books will arrive. She reads, and rereads her book and she waits. Finally the day has arrived and before getting newbook. (The back of the book includes the translations of the Spanish words used in the book! Good thing!)

Both are excellent books, illustrations to text, and a great addition to a classroom library.

The House That Witchy Built by Dianne de Las Casas

2011-10-18T18:25:00.000-07:00

Here it comes....the PICK of the day.....prepare for me to GUSH!
Just in time for Halloween, The House that Witchy Built is a cumulative tale, inspired by the Mother Goose rhyme "The House That Jack Built", with a Halloween, spooky twist which encourages audience participation!

"This is the skeleton (rattle, rattle)
That chased the ghost (boo! boo!)
That spooked the bat (flap, flap)
That landed on the cat (meow, meow)..."

Dianne de Las Casa (author of other books I have mentioned here such as Cajun Cornbread and Gigantic Sweet Potato) is another author that is "a friend to teachers/librarians" with her website packed with ideas and printables for teachers! Yeah DIanne! Kids are going to LOVE this book and the interaction makes it a great book to read out loud in the next few weeks!

UPDATE: I went back to this site today looking for some pics to use with my kids this week....I was apparently in a fog before as I found a TON of this to go with the book as well as a reader's theater! SCORE!!! Thanks Dianne!

Text: 5 Buckeye leaves
Illustrations: 5 Buckeye leaves - Amazing! Look closely!
Endpages: 5 Buckeye leaves - Adorable! We were not expecting that when we opened the cover! And different at the end!
To see the book trailer click HERE!

I See Winter/I See Summer by Charles Chigna

2011-10-18T18:17:00.000-07:00

These are ADORABLE!!! I LOVE the illustrations - so darn cute! AND the endpages! Wow! If you are looking for a basic book about season, here it is! Told in rhyme, each fully illustrated page lists one more "aspect" about that season.

"I see sunshine when I wake. I see families at the lake.
I see sailboats passing by. I see seagulls in the sky."

Text: 5 Buckeye leaves
Illustrations: 5 Buckeye leaves

Shaggy Dogs, Waggy Dogs by Patricia Hubbell

2011-10-18T17:22:00.000-07:00

I am NOT a dog person....never have had one, never plan to have one, allergic to them, gets scared when they start barking at me as I am running, you get the idea....I LOVE THIS BOOK! Great words! Great illustrations! Told in rhyme, with adorable pictures of the dogs to match, Hubbell creates a world of dogs of all shapes, sizes, personalities, etc.

Shy dogs.
Bod Dogs.
Won't-do-as-they're-told dogs.
Dogs in packs and dogs alone.
Puppy dogs and dogs full grown.

A great addition to any library that would be enjoyed by dog lovers and not-so-much-dog lovers.

Text: 5 Buckeye leaves
Illustrations: 5 Buckeye leaves (Adorable! The details are amazing!)

Ten Little Caterpillars by Bill Martin Jr.

2011-10-18T16:39:00.000-07:00

At first glance, this book appears to be a simple counting book. However this book is PACKED with great information. Each page another caterpillar appears but none of the caterpillars are the same KIND! Along the way the different wildlife is identified. Once you get to the end you will find all 10 caterpillars, identified with their name, what they eat, and what they look like as a butterfly. Definitely a book that will be added to our butterfly book collection at school (3rd grade does a butterfly unit at the beginning of the year). Great book for young children working on numbers and counting, as well as older students learning about the life cycle of a caterpillar/butterfly.

Text: 5 Buckeye leaves
Illustrations: 5 Buckeye leaves

Animals Home Alone by Loes Riphagen

2011-10-17T19:15:00.000-07:00

The "story" begins on the front endpages with the identification of the characters. Turn the page to the title page and you see a girl and her father, with bag, walking through a gate while in the front window of the house there is a cat watching them leave. After that the party begins! The animals, even the bear in the picture on the wall, come to life and start having some fun. Go through the book a few times and you will quickly realize how many different "stories" are going on. Did you notice how much the pig ate? Or where did the goldfish in the flower vase come from? What did happen to the dog's shoe? Bet you did not notice the snail....took me about 5 times before I saw him moving....and he moves slow!! Endless possibilities in this book which could span the grade levels - writing activities, sequencing, memory recall. Lots of fun, fun stuff!!

Illustrations: 5 Buckeye leaves - Hilarious!
Endpages: 5 Buckeye leaves

Library Lily by Gillian Shields

2011-10-17T18:41:00.000-07:00

This one is destined.....to make its way into every library!! Lily LOVES to read....and that may be an understatement! She reads all the time...."at night under the blankets" and "in the morning when she was brushing her teeth." She reads through all the seasons and even has earned herself the nickname "Library Lily." One day Lily's mom took her to the park. After some encouragement Lily finally put her book down and (I love this) went to read some signs! Then she encounters an "upside down voice" hanging from a tree. The voice belongs to Milly. Milly thinks reading is boring! GASP! Milly much prefers playing, climbing, and exploring. Together the Milly and Lily learn what they have been missing. Lily learns to explore the great world OUT there and Milly learns that books are not boring! Great book for the Millys and the Lilys in our world! A great book about differences among children - likes and dislikes - and still be able to learn from one another.

Text: 5 Buckeye leaves
Illustrations: 4 Buckeye leaves
Endpages: 5 Buckeye leaves - Not only do I love when the endpages are used....I like it even MORE when the illustrator creates two DIFFERENT endpages - one set for the front and one set for the back!! Yeah!!!

Pumpkin Cat by Anne Mortimer

2011-10-16T15:57:00.000-07:00

Cat and Mouse are working together in the garden. Together the two friends go thru each step together as they try to grow a perfect pumpkin. From planting to watering, the two friends take good care of their plant and wait anxiously for the pumpkin.
Very cute and informative! Early readers will enjoy reading this book on their own.

Text: 4 Buckeye leaves
Illustrations: 4 Buckeye leaves

Same, Same But Different by Jenny Sue Kostecki-Shaw

2011-10-16T10:57:00.000-07:00

The southeast Asia saying "Same, same but different" is often used when describing two different cultures. Two boys, Elliot in America and Kailash in India, discover through a series of letters and drawings how their worlds are the SAME and how they are DIFFERENT but still SIMILAR! From the types of trees they climb to the large amount of traffic to the school bus they take to school (my personal favorite). And at the end, both boys sleep, with the pictures from their "pen pal" hanging on their walls! A FABULOUS look at how our world parallel's others even on the other side of the world. Inspired by her own experiences of a friend living in Nepal, the author/illustrators travels in India and Thailand, and her father's travels around the world.

Text: 5 Buckeye Leaves
Illustrations: 5 Buckeye leaves
Endpages: 5 Buckeye leaves

Visit Jenny Sue Kostecki-Shaw's website (with link to her blog) by clicking HERE!!!

Where's My T-R-U-C-K? by Karen Beaumonr

2011-10-16T10:07:00.001-07:00

Tommy has lost his truck. Tommy is very upset about loosing his truck and searches high and low for his truck.
"And underneath the bed...And chair. Behind the curtain...OOPS! Not there! I CANNOT FIDN IT ANYWHERE!"
Karen Beaumont is back in a rhyming story about a boy that has lost his truck. As in most of Beaumont's books, the text is simple and rhyming. David Catrow in his usual style, shades of green and blue with silly characters, creates the illustrations for this book.

Text: 4 Buckeye Leaves
Illustrations: 4 Buckeye leaves

Ten For Me by Barbara Mariconda

2011-10-16T04:58:00.000-07:00

Yahoo for math picture books!!!!kids need to see more connections between literature and math but that is for another day....

Two friends, Rose and Ed, head out to see who can catch the most butterflies. Ed takes an early lead with 10 butterflies on the first day. And Rose? Zero. Things are looking up, slightly, on day 2 when Rose catches 1 and Ed, 8. At first glance, this is an addition book. BUT there is so much more...patterns, predicting, subtraction. Every school should have this book available for teachers to use. AND there is a whole section at the end for ideas of how to use the book in the classroom! LOVE IT!!! Authors/illustrators understanding the busy lives of teachers!!

Text: 5 Buckeye Leaves
Illustrations: 5 Buckeye leaves

The Big Test by Julie Danneberg

2011-10-15T18:58:00.000-07:00

It is the week before.....THE BIG TEST!!!!!!! Mrs. Hartwell and her students have been studying hard all year in preparation for this BIG TEST!! Now the final week of test preparation brings practicing which none of the students are prepared finally for sitting still for long periods of time, bubbling in answers, and reading questions completely. With each of new skill, Mrs. Hartwell sees her students are more and more stressed. Mrs, Hartwell must find something to perk her students up, show them she believe in them. Every teacher (at least in Ohio) can relate to this book. I am quite certain it will have a large following as the frustration of BIG TESTS!

Text: 4 Buckeye leaves
Illustrations: 4 Buckeye leaves

Roscoe and the Pelican Rescue by Lynn Rowe Reed

2011-10-15T16:49:00.000-07:00

Tony is headed to the Gulf Coast to spend vacation with his cousin Addison and his aunt and uncle. Once he arrived, Tony and Addison put together a to-do list. Of course most of their list centers on the water. When they hit the beach the quickly discover a disturbing sight. The water looks funny and smells funny. Soon Roscoe, Addison's dog, bring an animal to them, covered in what looks like peanut butter. Uncle Willie rushes the animals to wildlife rescue place for help. Soon Addison and Tony are devoting time and energy to collect as many animals that they can and take them for help. Once the animals are cleaned, the car is packed and they head toTexas to release them back into the wild.

I really enjoyed this book. I love the fact that authors/illustrators are introducing younger children to big events. I read this to Adam this afternoon. This book then spurred a discussion, based on his questions, about what happened and what happened to the animals. Does he really understand? No. BUT my hope is when he hears about it at some point in his life he will remember something about this book. Just let me have my dream....

See Me Run by Paul Meisel

2011-10-15T13:16:00.000-07:00

Simple book. Dog lovers will love this one. A great beginning reader book with a surprise ending. I love the illustrations with the different types of dogs.

A is for Autumn by Robert Maass

2011-10-15T12:56:00.001-07:00

I have said before (I think) that I really love ABC books! I saw this books, from afar, at a conference I was at Thursday and Friday. The photographs in this book are pretty amazing. And for the most part, I enjoyed the choices the author made for each letter (A is for autumn and apples; L for leaves; P for pumpkins). However some of them would probably be a stretch for younger kids.

"I is for ice cream, which is delicious in any season."
"N is for neighborhood. It's where we live."

Despite this I will probably share it with my younger students as I feel ABC books reinforce that initial letter recognition so well.

Text: 4 Buckeye leaves
Illustrations: 4 Buckeye leaves

It's Snowing! by Gail Gibbons

2011-10-15T12:40:00.000-07:00

Gail Gibbons is back!! This time she is tackling the cold, blustery, white world of WINTER! Written in her usual style, Gibbons looks at the many scientific parts of winter as well as some of the fun! Gibbons explains the water cycle which contributes to the snowfall in easy to understand terms for the youngest readers. She goes on to explain what goes into the "making" of a snowflake and where snow is most common. My favorite part was the 2 page spread where she shows area around the world that has snow, including Chile's volcano Villarica and Mount Kilimanjaro, which is within sight of the equator. A great nonfiction book for young kids. I plan to use this as intro to nonfiction for my younger grades!

Text: 5 Buckeye leaves
Illustrations: 4 Buckeye leaves

To see an interview with Gail Gibbons click HERE!

Finn Throws A Fit by David Elliott

2011-10-15T11:03:00.000-07:00

Not sure what I think about this one...maybe it will encourage kids to throw fits...ha ha! This one I would dedicate to parents that have kids....or have had toddlers (or teenagers) that have THROWN A FIT! Finn, the fit thrower, usually likes peaches BUT not today! Watch out! And Finn proceeds to throw a GIGANTIC fit (you better not be getting any ideas Adam James Alibek - my 3 1/2 year old). His fit goes to the nursery, the kitchen, and on and on. The tears flood the house. The screams cause an avalanche! This is NOT your average FIT. And then, like a horrendous storm....it stops. "It lasts until it doesn't." And then all calms down, dries up, stops shaking, and.....he likes peaches again. Hilarious but not really sure how I could use it educationally other than to say, DON'T DO THIS! The descriptions are very vivid and older children can probably relate because younger brothers or sisters have done the same...NOT them though....NOOOOO!!!

Book trailer click here!

Uh-Oh by Mary Newell DePalma

2011-10-14T03:49:00.000-07:00

Move over Alexander (as in Alexander and the Terrible, No Good Very Bad Day) here comes a little dinosaur who seems to encounter trouble every way he goes. From knocking over block tower his siblings constructed to a knocked over plant to a dishwasher with bubbles everywhere, this little dinosaur is having a rough day! The basically wordless book, other than "uh-oh", pushes students to think and figure out what is happening on each page. The 3 1/2 year old here loved it. A great exercise for kids of all ages!

Overall: 5 Buckeye leaves

Check out the trailer by clicking HERE!

AND while visiting Mary Newell DePalma's site....check out the GREAT puppets and coloring sheets to go with the book! LOVE LOVE LOVE when authors/illustrators help us out like that!!!! The kids love to have something that goes "with" the book!

Count 1 to 10 by Kees Moerbeek

2011-10-13T18:51:00.000-07:00

Super cool number pop-up book! Each page has the word, the standard form of the number and the number of ladybugs. Kids will love this one....I have a 3 1/2 year old sitting next to me going through it over and over....of course it is 10 pm and he should be in bed BUT.....

Illustrations/text: 5 Buckeye leaves

Check out the youtube video by clicking HERE!

Ray Kroc: McDonald's Restaurant Builder by Joanne Matten

2011-10-13T15:48:00.000-07:00

In 1955 America, and probably the world, was changed forever. On April 15th of that year Ray Kroc opened his first McDonald's restaurant in Des Plaines, Illinois. The menu was small....and CHEAP! For a dime you could enjoy an order of French fries or a soda. Want a hamburger? 15 cents! Packed with interesting facts about the fast food giant, this biography includes photographs, timelines, and a "menu milestone" section for additional information about changes specific to the menu. I am loving this series. This particular one focuses on Ray Kroc the founder of McDonald's. Great informational book about a topic all kids are familiar with.

Text: 5 Buckeye Leaves
Illustrations: 5 Buckeye Leaves

Others in the Abdo "Food Dudes" series:
Ben and Jerry: Ice Cream Manufactures
Clarence Birdseye: Frozen Food Inventors
Robert Cade: Gatorade Inventor
Milton Hershey: Hershey's Chocolate Creator
The Kellogg Family: Breakfast Cereal Pioneers
The Mars Family: M & M Candy Makers
William Wrigley Jr.: Wrigley Chewing Gum Founder

Postcards from Camp by Simms Taback

2011-10-11T18:41:00.000-07:00

It is summer and off to sleep away camp for Michael. Is Michael excited? No way! And he reminds his dad of this over and over again as he writes postcards home. First he claims his counselor is an alien. Then he is convinced his bunk mates dislike him and even sends his dad a letter from his bunk mates requesting he come get Michael from camp. Oh and it has rained non stop! Eek! Thru the correspondence between dad and son, you begin to see Michael start to enjoy camp and the activities. You also see the relationship between father and son and the role dad is playing in helping his son keep an open mind about camp. This a great book for reluctant readers and the main character being a boy will help hook the reluctant boy students especially. Loved this book!! Great fun!

Text: 5 Buckeye leaves
Illustrations: 5 Buckeye leaves

Superhero Joe by Jaqueline Preiss Weitzman

2011-10-10T18:46:00.000-07:00

Joe use to be afraid of everything: monsters in his closet, the dark, new things, getting hurt, getting left behind, everything. Then he discovered he had the Cape of Confidence (towel), Torch of Radiance (flashlight), Shield of Invincibility (garbage can lid), etc. Now with the proper attire he is ready to take on any challenge presented at him. Illustrated similar to Cloud With A Chance of Meatballs (same illustrator) with a more "graphic novel" flare, this book is sure to be a winner with reluctant readers (especially boys due to the boy main character and topic).

Text: 4 Buckeye Leaves
Illustrations: 4 Buckeye leaves

I'm Sure I Saw A Dinosaur by Jeanne Willis

2011-10-09T20:02:00.000-07:00

It was a foggy morning but a young boy is CONVINCED he saw a dinosaur AND the dinosaur saw him! Insert SCREAMS!! Word travels fast through the town and soon everyone is scared about this dinosaur. The people of the town gather near the bay to wait in hopes of seeing the dinosaur or willing to help capture him. But the dinosaur does not appear as soon as many hoped and it was soon very dark. Luckily there is an ice cream store near by. Surprise ending,,,,,,,
Text:
Illustrations: $ Buckeye leaves
Endpages: 4 Buckeye leaves

Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star by Jerry Pinkney

2011-10-09T19:50:00.000-07:00

In Jerry Pinkney's illustrated version of the popular Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star, a small chipmunk (inspired by chipmunks that he has observed through the windows of his studios for years) takes a journey as twilight approaches. Along his journey the chipmunk encounters nature of all kinds from birds and their nest to spider webs of dew to lily pads in a pond. Told with pictures, and few words, this picture book is truly that - a book of pictures. A book where the pictures tell the story and words are secondary.

Illustrations: 5 Buckeye leaves (Would you expect anything less of this master of children's picture books?)

Time To Eat by Steve Jenkins and Robin Page

2011-10-08T20:09:00.000-07:00

(So if you were here earlier and wondered why there was no words....I kind of fell asleep and rather than "saving" I "published". oops!)

As the title suggests, this book is all about animals and about their favorite meals! Did you know a giant panda chews on bamboo shoots for 12 hours a day? A tick may wait years to eat but when it does decide to feast, it can consume in blood as much as 6000 milk shakes? I will take the milk shakes thank you very much! And the dung beetle...well, you can probably guess about that one and if not, you can read it for yourself! It seems that the team selected the animals very carefully as most of the animals are not animals that kids would knot much about. Additional information about each animal is located at the back of the book. Great nonfiction book for younger kids!

Text: 5 Buckeye leaves - interesting and short and simple
Illustrations: 4 Buckeye leaves

M.O.M. (Mom Operating Manual) by Doreen Cronin

2011-10-08T14:08:00.000-07:00

This one is dedicated to al the MOMS!! Written for children to read to help them understand their moms, though I do not think children (or DADS) can truly appreciate this book. Complete with a table of contents, diagrams, and safety alert symbols, this book is a guide to understanding MOM! Topics covered in this "manual" include: daily care and maintenance, grooming, and troubleshooting. So Moms....go to the library, check it out, take it home....wait till kids are in bed and send Dad to the store for milk.....and cozy up with this book! Enjoy a good laugh. THEN you can try it with your kids the next day!

Text: 4 Buckeye leaves - again very funny to me, as a Mom of 3 years, but not sure kids will truly get the humor!....at least not yet! Cranky Pants song is quite catchy....complete with warning for Dad's NOT to try singing it to Mom...only Kids!!
Illustrations: 5 Buckeye leaves - some are quite funny. Those I think anyone can appreciate! Hard to decide on my favorite - the 4 series illustrations of Mom trying to get something from the backseat (mainly this is because my constant trying to make Mr. 3 1/2 year old here understand I do not have super long arms to reach in the back seat on the OTHER side of his carseat...) OR the Cranky Pants song illustrations...

The Three Billy Goats Fluff by Rachel Mortimer

2011-10-08T13:52:00.000-07:00

Guess what!?!?! Another one from Tiger Tales.......and of course, LOVE IT!! This one is a super cute take on the Three Billy Goats Gruff. Of course there is the MEAN troll under the bridge (He is also quite the poet!). There are the LOUD billy goats. But this time there is a trouble shooting MOM - of course - that solves everyone's problem! Go Mom Goat! Using her knitting talent, Mom comes up with a way to keep everyone happy. Each of her "kids" will wear booties over the bridge AND she also gives Mr. Troll some earmuffs and cozy blanket. Adorable take on the original story! Love everything with this book....Tiger Tales does it again!

Text: 5 Buckeye leaves
Illustrations: 5 Buckeye leaves

WHAT! Cried Granny: An Almost Bedtime Story by Kate Lum

2011-10-07T20:14:00.000-07:00

This one wins the prize (I think) for the oldest copyright on my blog thus far: 1998 (in Great Britain). Gasp! But I found it to be hilarious....and I am not sure KIDS would find it nearly as funny as ADULTS! Patrick is spending the weekend at his Granny's house. As bedtime neared Patrick points out to Granny that he does not have a BED! Uh oh! So Granny, being obviously SUPER GRANNY, heads outside to cut down trees and then heads to workroom to construct a bed. Life is good until Patrick points out he also does not have a PILLOW! Granny heads to the henhouse to collect feathers before heading to her sewing room to make a pillowcase. Things continue in the same manner for quite some time until all is perfect for Patrick to go to bed BUT.....it is MORNING! Pretty funny to those of us that have tried to convince a child to go bed....Kids may also find the whole exaggerations involved in Super Granny's many talents, from sewing to woodshop, quite a amusing.

Text: 4 Buckeye leaves
Illustrations: 4 Buckeye leaves
Endpages: 4 Buckeye leaves (decorated....but I am not sure what the connection between the book and the design is....)

Home by Alex T. Smith

2011-10-07T12:51:00.000-07:00

One, Two, Three, and Four are four best friends that have lived happily together in their HOME until each decides it is time to try something new - something different. Each wants to take a part of their HOME with them. It does not take long for the four former friends to realize that they miss their HOME, as having a part of their former HOME is not the same, and they miss their friends. This story is ADORABLE! Love it! I have said it before but...I LOVE TIGER TALE books. Each Tiger Tale we have come across has a great story, with a lesson, and super cute illustrations. This is no exception. This is a great story about friendship and what makes a HOME a HOME!

Text: 5 Buckeye leaves
Illustration: 5+++ Buckeye Leaves
Endpages: 5++++ Buckeye leaves LOVE LOVE LOVE THESE!!!