Birthday Rules by Laurie Friedman

Do you know how to PROPERLY celebrate your birthday?  Do you follow the rules?  Percy Isaac Gifford is ready to explain how to celebrate your birthday so you won't forget!  From the birthday cheer to being sure to watch your wish list, Percy has all the necessary guidelines to enjoy your day.  Funny text matches the fun illustration for a perfect balance of fun.  Obviously a great gift for your favorite birthday "kid" coming birthday!


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Illustration:  5 Buckeye leaves

I Hate Picture Books by Timothy Young

In our house the word HATE, DUMB and STUPID are BAD words...so much so that a certain 6 1/2 year old came crying into the room one night because he accidentally read the word "stupid" while reading to dad ...he was apparently afraid we would kick him out of the house.  We did not.  We did have a rather lengthy discussion about why we do not use those words but why authors sometimes have to use them.  He bought it - for now.   That being said....I loved this book!   Max, the main character, hates picture books.  Yes, I had a hard time even checking this out of the library.  He points out just how ridiculous some of these picture books are.  He quickly realizes though it is not that he HATES them (thank goodness) but rather loves them.

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Illustrations:  4 Buckeye leaves  (Awesome endpages!)

The Angry Little Puffin by Timothy Young

Puffin is angry.  Puffin is REALLY angry!  Everyone that comes to visit can't seem to understand that he is a PUFFIN not a PENGUIN!  It is quite obvious to Puffin that he is not a penguin and makes him incredibly annoyed that others can't see that.  Sprinkled within his rant, Puffin is able to provide the reader some of things that makes him a puffin, NOT a penguin.  Maybe, just maybe, he will finally be known as a puffin and not an "odd looking penguin"....or maybe not.  Cute book with facts that even the youngest reader can pull out to learn more about a puffin.


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Illustrations:  4 Buckeye leaves

Violet and Victor Write the Best-Ever Bookworm Book by Bethanie Deeney Murguia

Victor and Violet are twins.  Violet loves to write and is a great speller.  Victor is would rather count his worms then write a book with Violet.  Together they will write a story, one that Violet hopes will be a best-seller.  Through a series of conversations, the two create an adventure story about a terrible book-eating monster that turns out to be a bookworm.  The illustrations are incredible with a great mix of mediums, lettering and coloring combined using Adobe Photoshop (information in back of book).

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Illustrations:  5 Buckeye leaves

Maddi's Fridge by Lois Brandt

Sofia and Maddie love to go to the park and race and climb until "the taxis stop honking."  But one day after playing Sofia runs to Maddie's house hoping for a snack and instead gets big surprise when she finds nothing but milk in the fridge.  Maddie explains that they do not have enough money to buy more food.  Sophie being a good friend decides she will try to help Maddie and her family.  She does not want to break her promise to her friend and decides she will not tell her mom.  But when Sofia's attempts to help Maddie's family ends badly, she must make a big decision and hope her friend understands her decision.  A great introduction for students to learn about hunger and the world around them in a gentle story told very appropriately for younger audience.

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Illustrations:  5 Buckeye leaves - I LOVE the illustrations in this book!!  AND the endpages are amazing!!!  I am anxious to see other books from this illustrator.

The Story Starts Here! by Caroline Merola

Little Wolf is changing things a little today.  He begins by having his story start at the end of the book.  Why?  Because he wants to!  Next he has decided he will eat standing up AND begin with desert.  Little Wolf's actions continue much the same way until his parents send him to his room.  There he decides he is not sticking around and sneaks out the window.  However Little Wolf gets more than he bargained for when a scary "monster" begins chasing him.  The topsy-turvy day may be more than Little Wolf bargained for.  The unusual way this book is read will be enjoyable for older students, and hopefully not confusing for the younger students.  The text told through speech bubbles also opens up the possibility for a fun buddy reading activity.

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Illustrations:  4 Buckeye leaves

Olive and the Embarrassing Gift by Tor Freeman

Olive's good friend Joe has given him a gift, a hat that says "best friends" on it.  Olive does not like the hat.  He thinks it looks silly.  Apparently many others think the hat looks ridiculous also as they laugh when they see him wearing it.  Olive is so tired of being laughed at that he takes the hat and throws it in the trash can.  Unfortunately Joe sees him do it.  Olive realizes he has not been a good friend but how can he make it better?  How can he get his friend Joe to forgive him?  Another great Olive book that teaches valuable life skills.  Great starting point for discussions.

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Illustrations:  4 Buckeye leaves

Betty Goes Bananas by Steve Antony

Betty loves bananas.  When she sees a delicious looking banana she can't wait to eat it up.  But there is a problem.  Betty can not get the banana opened.  She is very frustrated.  A toucan comes along and offers to help with the banana and proceeds to show Betty how to open a banana.  But Betty is still not happy and the worst is yet to come.  Will Betty ever be able to enjoy her lovely banana?  Great read aloud for preschool kiddos that touches on problem solving.

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Illustrations:  4 Buckeye leaves

Dangerous by Tim Warnes

Mole loved labeling things.  One day he comes across something unusual.  He decides to label this unusual thing in his path.  When that big thing yawns Mole realizes that this unusual thing may just eat him!  This unusual thing is dangerous and soon eats all of Mole's labels!  Mole soon realizes that the words he made might not be the best choices for this unusual creature.  Great use of words - fun describing words.

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Illustrations:  4 Buckeye leaves

Goodnight Already! by Jory John

Bear is very tired and ready to sleep for a LONG time.  Bear is settling in for a long nap when he hears a knock at the door.  Duck has come over and he is NOT tired.  Duck has lots of ideas of things they could do:  play cards, start a band, make a smoothie, read books, etc.  Bear does NOT want to do anything except sleep.  Duck is not willing to give up so easily.  Will Bear every get to sleep?  Hilarious, funny book perfect for bedtime.

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Illustrations:  4 Buckeye leaves

Red: A Crayon's Story by Michael Hall

Something is just not right with Red the crayon.  Everyone tries to help but no matter how hard they try, Red just does not end looking so Red.  In fact Red looks rather blue.  It is not until he meets a new friend, Berry, that he is finally able to see that he is really quite good at making water, blue jeans, blue whales, blueberries, blue birds, etc.  Creatively told with a bit of humor and underlying lesson….you can't always judge a crayon by its paper.  

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Illustrations:  5 Buckeye Leaves

I Don't Want to Be a Frog by Dev Petty

Little frog does not want to be a slimy, wet frog.  Little frog would like to be a cat or rabbit or a pig or an owl.  When little frog tells the bigger frog his feelings, the bigger frog has a counter argument for each of little frog's choices.  The big frog, with the help of a badger, is finally able to come up with an argument to convince the little frog that being a frog may be a better choice.  Similar to Piggie and Elephant, kids will love the speech bubbles.

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Illustrations:  5 Buckeye leaves

Nana in the City by Lauren Castillo

A boy has gone to the city to visit his nana.  He loves his nana but he does NOT love the city.  The city is busy, loud, and filled with scary things.  He does not think his nana should live in the city.  But nana gives him a red cape and shows the boy HER city.  Yes, the city is busy and loud but that does not have to be a bad thing.  And there are also some NOT so scary things in the city.  A great book for discussion on perspective and looking at things differently.  Simple text makes it easier to find the "lesson" to be learned from the boy's experience in the city.  The illustrations most certainly support the text and without the illustrations, especially since they repeat in the second half of the book, the message would be lost.

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Illustrations:  4 Buckeye leaves

Earmuffs for Everyone by Meghan McCarthy

I will admit I am a big fan of Meghan McCarthy's nonfiction books.  I love "tricking" kids into reading nonfiction and LEARNING something and them not even knowing it!  Awesome!  Her nonfiction books read like a picture book story so the kids that are reluctant to reading nonfiction will actually read them!!  Furthermore I love the topics she picks:  Balto, Seabiscuit, Walter Diemer, etc.  That being said, her newest books is about Chester Greenwood, inventor, or the "improver" of Earmuffs.  The book also has a nice introduction to the process of inventing and patents.  It also discuses other inventors, such as Edison, and Greenwood's other inventions.  A great fun introduction to someone few may be familiar with.

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Illustrations:  4 Buckeye leaves

How To Bake a Book by Ella Burfoot

Bake a book?  One little girl learns the recipe for "baking" the perfect book. Characters, some big words, some little words, some pictures, good and bad - all mixed together for a perfect book.  Great introduction to writing for elementary students - or reminder of the important elements that must be combined to make a perfect book.  Illustrations are fun and perfectly suited to the content of the book.

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Illustrations:  5 Buckeye leaves

Memoirs of an Elf by Devin Scillian

Spark Elf provides a first hand account of Santa's big night through his journal.  Trying to keep Santa on schedule, especially when there are cookies and dogs involved, is not easy.  When they finally arrive back home after all the deliveries, they discover they have brought along a stowaway, a dog named Tugboat. Together a plan must be put into action to get Tugboat home with his family.  In order to carry out the plan they must break some rules before Tugboat's family has a very unhappy Christmas.  

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Illustrations:  5 Buckeye leaves

*Same author and illustrator team of Memoirs of a Goldfish (one of my favorites) and Memoirs of a Hamster.  

Elizabeth, Queen of the Sea by Lynne Cox

Elizabeth is a elephant seal.  But unlike other elephant seals that live in the salt water oceans, Elizabeth has chosen to live in the shallow waters of the Avon River in the city of Christchurch, New Zealand.  One day Elizabeth came out of the water and ended up in the street.  Cars had to swerve to miss her.  A group decided to tow Elizabeth out to a seal colony out at sea to protect her, as well as the drivers, from a possible accident in the future.  Elizabeth had other plans.  Elizabeth headed "home" and was soon back on the warm streets near the Avon River.  Quickly Elizabeth was taken to another seal colony even farther away and again she returned home.  The next time she was towed hundreds of miles away.  The people of Christchurch felt certain they would never see her again.  They waited to see if she would show up again.  When she once again appeared in the city, it was time to take a new approach.  A fascinating true story about an amazing animal and her devotion to her home.

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Illustrations:  4 Buckeye leaves

Tuesday Tucks Me In by

Told from the perspective of Tuesday, a service dog for a veteran of the U.S.Army, this book offers the readers a unique glimpse into the life of two very special friends.  Short text and photographs makes this book a unique read for elementary and middle school students.  Students will enjoy "spending the day" with Tuesday and Luis as they narrate their daily encounters and challenges.  See how Tuesday makes a great friend and support for Luis.  Would be excellent to be used in conjunction with a lesson on Veteran's Day.

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Illustrations:  5 Buckeye leaves

*As with any book, preread before sharing with students and know your audience!  Some students may have relatives in the military and have a unique perspective to add.

Snowman's Story by Will Hillenbrand

It is a cold, wintry day when a hat lands on a snowman's head.  Hidden inside that hat is a little rabbit.  The snowman reads a story to his new friends.  Soon the snowman falls asleep and the rabbit takes off with the book.  The chase is on to get that book back.  A magnificently illustrated wordless book perfect for a wintry day that can be enjoyed by kids of all ages.  Love this one!

Illustrations:  5 Buckeye leaves

Enjoy the book trailer here!

A Perfectly Messed-up Story by Patrick McDonnell

Louie has a story to tell.  Louie has a perfect story to tell.  BUT things keep happening to ruin his perfect story.  From peanut butter and jelly blobs, to finger prints to GASP orange juice, his story keeps getting messed up.  What can he do?  His story is ruined!  Sure to be a laugh out loud read aloud with kids as well as adults.

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Illustrations:  4 Buckeye leaves

Take Your Mama to Work Today by Amy Reichert

Violet's babysitter is sick today so she is headed to work with Mama.  Violet is a BIG (sarcasm) help at Mama's work!  She makes sure everyone know she is there!  She gives pointers to the boss for his presentation.  She helps answer the phone in her own "special" way.  And she is able to make shredding paper very festive!  How does Mama's office survive on days when Violet is not there?  Funny text along with hilarious illustrations makes for a great read aloud for both kids and adults.  (Adults may actually find it more enjoyable.....)

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Illustrations:  5 Buckeye leaves

Sam & Dave Dig A Hole by Mac Barnett

Sam and Dave are on a mission.  They are going to dig a hole.  They will keep digging until they find something spectacular.  They split up and take cookies and chocolate milk breaks but are still searching for something spectacular.  Do they find that something spectacular?  That part of the story is left up to the reader, which will frustrate some readers. The ending as well as the conclusions that need to be drawn by the reader makes this book a better fit for older elementary kids (above pre-k/kindergarten).

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Illustrations:  4 Buckeye leaves

Ode to a Commode: Concrete Poems by Brian P. Cleary

From forks to commodes to pretzels, these concrete poems (poems that are shaped like their subjects) will have kids laughing and begging to write their own (well, maybe).  And explanation at the front will help students come up with their own ideas to create their own concrete poems.  

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Illustrations:  4 Buckeye leaves

Santa Clauses: Short Poems from the North Pole by Bob Raczka

December has arrived and the activity level at the North Pole is picking up.  Each day Santa himself writes a short poem about his day and activities, offering outsiders a small glimpse into life at the North Pole during his busiest time of year.  Short, simple, and some quite amusing, can be enjoyed by children and adults alike. Students could be challenged to write a poem themselves as someone else, perhaps even Santa.

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Illustrations:  4 Buckeye leaves

A Chick n Pug Christmas by Jennifer Sattler

Let me begin by saying, I have been known to sit alone cracking up at these books....these two crack me up!  Chick has learned about the holiday season and wants to share JOY with everyone around him.  Sometimes in his quest to share joy, it does not always work out how he intends.  Fun holiday book to share with all ages.

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Illustrations:  5 Buckeye leaves

Barnyard Fun by Maureen Wright

It is April 1st and the sheep, also known as the prankster, is ready to go.  Sheep plays lots of "fun" tricks on his friends, which they are not too happy about.  Then sheep saw horse.  Horse suggested to sheep that his trim might need a trim.  Sheep thinks this is a good idea.  When horse is done with sheep, sheep has quite a surprise waiting for him, much to the delight of the other animals.  Hilarious book which resulted in out loud laughs from the 6 year old at our house.  There are very few books for April Fools Day so this will be a great addition to any collection.

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Illustrations:  5 Buckeye leaves

I'm Going to Catch My Tail by Jimbo Matison

Cat wakes up ready for a mission:  to catch his tail.  As cat works hard to catch his tail, tail works hard to avoid being caught.  Simple, fun, silly text and illustrations, which somewhat reminded me of Jan Thomas books, will probably leave little ones with giggles.  Funny ending even left me with a chuckle.

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Illustrations:  4 Buckeye leaves

Ivan the Remarkable True Story of the Shopping Mall Gorilla by Katherine Applegate

Conversation tonight before reading this book with the 6 year old….

" A gorilla in a shopping mall?  Why would there be a gorilla in a mall?  That is mean!"

Written by the Newbery winning author of The One and Only Ivan (chapter book), comes the picture book version.   Ivan, a silverback gorilla, is taken from his home along with Burma, another baby gorilla, to Washington state.  Once there Burma dies and Ivan lives in a home until he grows too big and is moved to a mall to live.  A great companion to the chapter book or a stand alone book for younger children.  An incredible story which lends itself to many discussions about the treatment of animals in captivity.

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Illustrations:  5 Buckeye leaves

I Wanna Go Home by Karen Kaufman Orloff

From the team that created I Wanna Iguana and I Wanna New Room comes the newest trial of Alex.  This time Alex has been sent to his grandparents' house at the Happy Hills Retirement Community.  Alex can't believe while his parents are off on a wonderful vacation in  Bora Bora, he is stuck with grandpa's dentures, no video games, and square dancing.  Alex begs his parents to come get him, fast.  Will Alex parents make it in time?  What if he accidentally starts liking it.


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Illustrations:  5 Buckeye leaves (David Catrow never disappoints)

If you were a dog by Jamie A. Swenson

"If you were a dog, would you be a speedy-quick, lickety-sloppidy, scavenge-the-garbage, frisebee-catching, hot-dog-stealing, pillow hogging, best-friend-ever sort of dog?"

What if you were a cat?  A fish?  A bird?  What if you were a dinosaur?  With fun, unusual language explore the possibilities of being animals of all kinds.  Complimenting the text are illustrations from Caldecott Medal–winning illustrator Chris Raschka.  

And the 3 1/2 year old…..cracked up through the whole thing…..

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Illustrations:  4 Buckeye leaves

Mix it up! by Harve Tullet

From the creator of Press Here, comes another interactive books that kids, and adults though they may not admit it, will love.  Mixing colors and creating new colors while following the directions will have kids rolling just as they were in Press Here.  Kids will return to this book again and again, and despite knowing that they really don't have control of the changes, does not deter them from picking this book up.  

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Illustrations:  5 Buckeye leaves

Ladybug Girl and the Dress-up Dilemma by David Soman

It is Halloween and Lulu has a MAJOR problem, she doesn't know what to dress up as.  She assumes she will dress up as Ladybug Girl but her brother thinks she has uses that costume one to many times.  She must decide tonight so she goes through a list of possibilities.  Robot?  Nope, too big to fit through the door.  Silent movie star?  How would she ask for candy?  Octopus?  Alien?  Wallaby?  Nothing seems to be the right choice.  Then she decides to be a vampire panda!  Her brother is not very supportive of this idea!  Will Lulu find the right costume before it is too late?  A great story just in time for Halloween costume picking season.  Any Ladybug Girl fan will want to add this one to their collection.

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Illustrations:  4 Buckeye leaves

Aw, Nuts! by Rob McClurkan

Squirrel LOVES acorns!!  He is not picky about how he eats them, he just wants them.  When he finds the best acorn and attempts to add it to his pile the unthinkable occurs.  KABOOM!!  There goes all his acorns, including his prized acorn.  He chases the acorn all over trying to get it back.  Will he get his acorn back?  Hilarious book.   Kids that will  be on the ground rolling as squirrel goes on an adventure to get back his prized acorn.

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Illustration:  5 Buckeye leaves

If It Rains Pancakes by Brian P. Cleary

If It Rains Pancakes is a collection of fun haiku and lantern poems, including explanations of these two types of poetry.

My pet pig, Betty,
In her full karate stance,
performs the "pork chop".

A great addition to poetry collection.  Kids will enjoy the simple, funny poems with equally amusing illustrations.

Text:  5 Buckeye Leaves
Illustrations:  4 Buckeye leaves

The Cat, the Dog, Little Red, the Exploding Eggs, the Wolf, and Grandma by Diane and Christyan Fox

Cat begins reading a very inquisitive Dog about Little Red Riding Hood.  Dog is full of questions.  Is Little Red a superhero?  She wears a cape so she must be a superhero, right?  Does she zap the wolf with a kindness ray?  Is Grandma still in the closet?  Hilarious twist on a familiar fairy tale that even older elementary students will enjoy, and probably "get the humor" better than the younger students.  Great addition to fairy tale study.

To view the trailer of this book click HERE!

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Illustrations:  5 Buckeye leaves

Ralph Tells A Story by Abby Hanlon

Ralph has writer's block.  It is not his fault though because nothing exciting ever happens in his life!  Ralph tries everything to come up with an idea for a story.  He even asks a classmate to help.  He in convinced he will NEVER have a story to write.  Before he knows it Ralph is standing in the front of his class, everyone waiting for HIM to read his story and he has.........NOTHING!  Luckily his friend Daisy helps him out by asking him questions and that is just what he needs to get going on his amazing story. Great book for writing workshop for those kids that just can't come up with an idea to write about.

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Illustrations:  4 Buckeye leaves

Fly Guy's Amazing Tricks by Tedd Arnold

The Amazing Fly Guy Circus has arrived and Fly Guy and Buzz have prepared tricks to wow the crowd.  The Backstroke, the Dizzie Doozie, and the Big Booger are all performed for the crowd of friends.  Unfortunately Buzz's parents are not so impressed with Fly Guy performs the tricks at dinner and Buzz must impose a new rule on "when" Fly Guy can perform the tricks.  When a mean kid comes along and begins making fun of Buzz, Fly Guy steps in and helps Buzz out, without even knowing it.  Fly Guy fans will enjoy the newest Fly Guy and Buzz adventure.

The Most Magnificent Thing by Ashley Spires

If you set out to make something MAGNIFICENT…..it may take time!  A little girl decides that today is the day she will make something magnificent with the help of her assistant, her dog.  But it is just not working out right.  So she tries again.  And still it is not working out.  Frustration sets in and her assistant steps in and convinces her to take time to take a walk and relax.  When the pair returns…..

Great message for kiddos as well as adults!!  Love a simple book with a great message!!  

View book trailer here!  

Illustrations:  5 Buckeye leaves - LOVE!
Text:  5 Buckeye leaves

Brief Thief by Michael Escoffier

Leon is out and about when he needs to go….well,….POO!  Of course he has no "paper" - hate that!  Leon has to be resourceful, looking for something to help him get out of this most uncomfortable situation.  Leon is relieved when he sees a pair of underwear in the tree.  Problem solved!  He is quite pleased until……wait.  He discovers there are HOLES in them!  Darn!  He throws them only to hear a voice reprimanding him for his choice in using something that is not his!  Hilariously funny book with great surprise ending.  Kids will get a kick out of the mere fact it is well…..potty humor!

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Illustrations:  4 Buckeye leaves

Duck to the Rescue by John Himmelman

Pigs…..chickens…..cows…..and now…..DUCK to the RESCUE!  In John Himmelman's latest book from the Greenstalk farm duck will be the animal to save the day!  From fear of the dark to filling the need for a sitter, Duck swoops in and saves the day - sort of.  Funny illustrations keep kids entertaining and with each page the guess of how Duck will help out, or not, will engage children preschool to early elementary.  As with his other books, this will be a great read aloud for some giggles and fun!

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Illustrations:   5 Buckeye leaves

Ninja Red Riding Hood by Corey Rosen Schwartz

A ninja trained wolf, craving meat....a little girl headed to Granny's house, with a secret...Gran with special talent.....Little Red Riding Hood, ninja style!  Another fairy tale to add to the fractured fairy tale unit which will probably be a bigger hit with the kids, especially boys, than with the adults.  Find the twists and turns that make this Red Riding Hood story unique!

Text:  4 Buckeye leaves
Illustrations:  5 Buckeye leaves (Check endpages!!)


You tube preview click here!

Dog vs. Cat by Chris Gall

Mr. and Mrs. Button have decided to buy a pet....unfortunately neither of them knows that OTHER one is doing so.  Mr. Button comes home with a dog and the same day Mrs. Button comes home with a cat.  Since the Button's only have one room for the new pets, they must share.  Each animal arranges their side of the room.  It is quickly apparent that these two pets are quite opposite.  Dog and Cat spend lots of time trying to make the other one leave.  There is no compromise and getting along with these two pets....UNTIL a new arrival appears at the Button house.  Funny book with a surprise ending.  A closer look at the illustrations, including the end pages, will provide kids and adults with lots of laughs!

Illustrations:  5 Buckeye leaves (Spend time on the endpages too!!)
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Peanut Butter & Cupcake! by Terry Border

Peanut Butter and his family has just moved to town and he is looking for someone to play with him.  His mom encourages him to go outside in search of some new friends.  Peanut Butter meets Hamburger, out walking the dogs.  Hamburger can't play so Peanut Butter continues on his way.  Peanut Butter then meets Cupcake but Cupcake is building a sprinkle-castle and declines as well.  Peanut Butter's search for a playmate continues in this way until he meets Jelly.  Maybe Jelly is just what Peanut Butter needs!  Interesting illustrations to go along with the simple text to create a story that many kids can relate to, trying to find a friend. 

Text:  3 Buckeye leaves
Illustrations:  4 Buckeye leaves

PS I have read the book a couple of times....and I am still not "getting" why the title is Peanut Butter & Cupcake......I just "don't get it" so assuming I am missing something......

Boa's Bad Birthday by Jeanne Willis

It is Boa's birthday and he super excited to celebrate with his friends AND of course, see the great gifts they bring him.  Orangutan brings him an ENORMOUS gift....what could it be?  A piano!?!?!  Ummmm, but snake has no fingers!  Boa guesses the NEXT gift he receives will be better.  Monkey brings him a much smaller gift, sunglasses.  Wait.  How can Boa wear these?  He does not have a nose OR ears!  This birthday is NOT turning out how Boa had hoped....and it is not over yet.  Boa's gifts are all "rubbish" until dung beetle arrives.  What could this gift be?  Will this gift be better than the others?  Kids will be amused by Boa's books, and how impractical the gifts are that Boa receives from his friends. 

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Illustrations:  5 Buckeye leaves 

A Perfect Place for Ted by Leila Rudge

Poor Ted!  He has been at the pet store, well, FOREVER!  No one ever notices him.  Ted decides it is time to head out on his own to find a "job" that is perfect for him.  He tries the circus but that does not work out for him.  He tries a pet pageant but that does not work either.  Nothing Ted tries seems to be a good fit.  Then one day he sees a young girl placing posters up.  She is looking for a "furry friend" to be her friend.  Finally a perfect fit for Ted and his new friend, Dot.  A very sweet, simple story about fitting in and finding the perfect place for you.  I absolutely LOVE the illustrations.  A definite purchase book! 

Text:  4 Buckeye leaves
Illustrations:  5 Buckeye leaves

Fly Guy Presents: Firefighters by Tedd Arnold

Fly Guy and Buzz are off on another exciting field trip!  This time the duo are visitng the fire station.  In the latest in the NONFICTION Fly Guy books, readers will learn about the day to day activity in the fire station and when the fire fighters are on a call.  Photographs and diagrams accompany the text to make for an fact packed early nonfiction book.  A great introduction to nonfiction. 

Text:  4 Buckeye Leaves
Illustrations:  4 Buckeye Leaves

Hooray for Hat! by Brian Won

Elephant is grumpy.  He finds a box on his doorstep and in this box is a hat.  He can't be grumpy now and is off to show Zebra.  Zebra is grumpy too until Elephant shares part of his hat.  It continue along this way until Turtle, Owl, Lion and Giraffe also enjoy part of the hat and with each sharing of the hat, each animal is no longer grumpy.  A story of friendship for younger students with simple text.  Happy, un-grumpy illustrations to support the text.

Text:  3 Buckeye leaves
Illustrations:  4 Buckeye leaves