Pumpkin Trouble by Jan Thomas

How do you know if a book is good? When you have a 3 year old that finds it in the basket of new books from the library, takes it in the other room, starts looking through it - commenting on what is happening on each page, despite never having the book read to him and being pretty darn close too, and CRACKING up hysterically!! It was a hoot!! So anyways, if it is Jan Thomas, you know it is going to be funny....and this one does not disappoint. Duck comes upon a pumpkin and decides to make a jack-o-lantern. Of course he ends up, head first, in the pumpkin. He decides to go look for his friends Pig and Mouse but they think he is the PUMPKIN MONSTER!! Ahhh!!! Of course when Duck hears the Pumpkin Monster is around he also becomes quite scared! Hilarious!! Soon to be a kid favorite!

Text: 5 Buckeye Leaves
Illustrations: 5 Buckeye Leaves
Endpages: 5 Buckeye leaves
*Yes, we will be buying this ASAP!!

The Runaway Wok: A Chinese New Year Tale by Ying Chang Compestine

On Chinese New Year's Eve, Ming is sent by his parents to the market to trade the last few eggs for some rice to share with the neighbors. Along the way an old man stops Ming and offers to trade the eggs for a wok. At first Ming declines but when the wok starts singing, he decides to complete the trade. When he arrives home his parents are not pleased but soon the wok starts talking again and giving directions so the family does as they are told. The wok takes off and heads to the Li house, the richest family in Beijing. He continues to return to the Li family, bring back toys, food, decorations, fireworks, etc. The Li family is not happy and wants to destroy the wok. But they have to CATCH it first....I really enjoyed this new Chinese New Year book. I think kids will enjoy the "magic" of the wok. Another book purchase for our home library....good thing we bought a new bookcase!

Text: 4 Buckeye Leaves
Illustrations: 4 Buckeye leaves
Endpages: 2 Buckeye Leaves

author website: www.yingc.com

My Dad, My Hero by Ethan Long

Since I was late with Mother's Day, thought I better try to be on time for Father's Day. This is a great book for Father's Day! The boy starts off stating that his father is NOT a super hero. Continuing on in this manner, the boy narrator explains all the reasons why his dad is not a superhero - cannot leap buildings in a single bound, does not have super strength, cannot fly, etc. In the end the boy admits what his dad "is". The illustrations are funny and add more humor to the story. Great book to share with the kids and dads!

Story: 4 Buckeye leaves - It is simple, to the point and the youngest sons/daughters will understand it!
Illustrations: 5 Buckeye leaves - I like the comic strip feel! It is something different!

A day late and dollar short....

....or I prefer, better late than never!! These two little gems are great for NEXT year's Mother's Day Celebration!!

Poor Douglass....he just wants a HUG! He tries a tree, a rock, a bush - that moves! Huh?, but nothing seems right. Then he comes upon a rabbit that helps him find his way to the biggest, warmest arms, his Mommy, of course! The book is funny, the 3 year old here thinks it is hilarious, especially the moving bush, and the illustrations adorable. We have also spent lots of time examining the last page with the rabbit and sheep demonstrating lots of different hugs: sandwich hug, upside-down hug, solo hug, etc. I am bummed that I missed this one in Scholastic book order earlier this year as it is a purchase item for sure.

Story: 5 Buckeye Leaves
Illustrations: 5 Buckeye leaves



Another Mother's Day book is Mother's Day Surprise by Stephen Krensky. Violet (the snake) is watching all her friends prepare something special for Mother's Day. She is sad that she an not as she has no arms or legs. Finally she comes up with a great gift for her special mom. She must practice, practice, practice. When the big day arrives, Violet is able to give her mom the special gift, and receives one in return. Sweet story to share in preparation for Mother's Day that reminds the reader about the true meaning of giving.

Story: 4 Buckeye Leaves
Illustrations: 5 Buckeye leaves

The Night Before Mother's Day by Natasha Wing

I am a sucker for holiday books. We read so many books at our house that when I have a chance to read something new, such as holiday books, I get a little excited. In Adam's closet there is a book case and the bottom shelf is all the holiday books that we pull out at the appropriate time of year. Yes, he is allowed to get them out any time of year, but I think even he likes the excitement of the "new" books as the holiday approaches. Natasha Wing has created a series that fits about every holiday or first experience there is, though I am still waiting for the Night Before My Birthday! This particular book, as with all in the series, follows the same pattern and rhyme as the Night Before Christmas. In this book, Dad and the kids are preparing for a special Mother's Day surprise for Mom. Mom will be treated like a queen, as she should, on Mother's Day. There are not many books about Mother's Day, so this is a nice addition to your collection. You might even try reading it to dear husband, just to drop hints, though I usually just mark the page and hand it to dh!

Author's Website: http://www.natashawing.com/
*Just remembered when I looked at her site, The Night Before Preschool is out now!!

Happy Mother's Day!!

My reason Mother's Day is so special...I am one VERY lucky mom.