Good News Bad News by Jeff Mack

I love this seemingly simple book because it opens up the possibility for class interaction.  Rabbit and Mouse are two friends are headed out to enjoy a picnic when the rain starts.  Rabbit is determined to find the "silver lining" and rat is determined to, well NOT!  Back and forth, the text is the same words over and over.  This book provides a great springboard for discussion about illustrations and allow students to tell the story beyond the text provided.


To check out the book trailer click HERE!

Overall:  5 Buckeye leaves

Pete the Cat Saves Christmas by Eric Litwin and James Dean

Pete the Cat is back and ready to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year, Christmas.  I will admit I was a little skeptical about another Pete the Cat book.  And I will also admit that it is probably my most FAVORITE Pete the Cat book!  I love it!  I can't wait to see my kids bopping and grooving to this one!  How does Pete end up standing in for Santa?  Santa is sick and  calls upon Pete to take over for him.  Using the reindeer to help pull his mini bus, Pete takes off on this very important adventure to make sure all the kiddos will be surprised with gifts Christmas morning.  A great fun book for all ages.  This one will be a new holiday favorite for many families!

To see the book trailer (and groove with Pete) click HERE!

Text:  5 Buckeye Leaves
Illustrations:  4 Buckeye leaves

The Princess and the Packet of Frozen of Peas by Tony Wilson

Prince Henrick desperately needs to find his princess to marry.  Henrick has certain criteria for his princess:  outdoorsy type that likes hockey and camping.  His brother Hans gives him some advice in finding a true princess.  According to Hans, a real princess is "very beautiful and very sensitive" just like his wife Eva.  Henrick decides that he does not want to marry a princess like Eva but rather the complete opposite.  Henrick finds one thin camping mattress, one old sleeping bag, and a whole packet of frozen peas.  Henrick's friend Pippa came over one day, and together they enjoyed riding horses, playing hockey, and spying on Princess Eva as she complained.  That night Henrick tried out his frozen peas.  The next morning Pippa woke up, well rested, having used the frozen peas to ice her sore shin.  Another great twist on a common story that kids can look for differences and similarities with the common story.

Text:  5 Buckeye leaves
Illustrations:  4 Buckeye leaves

There Was an Old Pirate Who Swallowed A Fish by Jennifer Ward

I have mentioned before that I am a big fan of the books like this that take a common story and alter the words with a new topic/subject.  I realize I may be alone in this thought but kids love these books!  It is familiar to them and they can look for the changes.  We HAD to have this book because of the topics - Pirates!  As you may have guessed from the title that this pirate did indeed swallow a fish....and a bird....and a map.....and a chest.....etc.   Sure to be a winner with the kids - especially those reluctant boy readers!

Check out the link for the video here!

Let's Sign A Lullaby with the Brave Cowboy by Jan Thomas

Another favorite at our house, Jan Thomas, is back and funny as ever. Cowboy is trying to sing the cows a lullaby.  Yet every time he tries to sing the lullaby he thinks he sees something.  The cows are able to convince him that what he thinks he sees is not the what it really is.  This plan works until he thinks he sees something, convinces himself it is not that but this time it really is a WOLF!  EEEEEEKKK!!!  Funny book which will keep your audience laughing and joying the time aa

To see the book trailer click HERE!

Text:  4 Buckeye leaves
Illustrations:  5 Buckeye leaves

Let's Go For A Drive! by Mo Willems

Elepant and Piggie are back!  Piggie and Elephant decide they want to go for a drive.  What do they need?  Map.  Sunglasses.  Umbrellas.  But wait.  What else do they need?  A car!!  Silly as always....sure to be a hit, like always!  The illustrations are a little more detailed than a lot of the Piggie and Elephant books.  Great fun!

How Do Dinosaurs Say Merry Christmas? Jane Yolen and Mark Teague

Never too early to start thinking about the most wonderful time of the year....

The team of Jane Yolen and Mark Teague have been working again with the dinosaurs!  This time the dinosaurs are learning how to "act" at Christmas!  As with the other books, the dinosaurs are seen doing all the things they should NOT do....and then correct their behavior!

"Does he pick out the best gifts so he will have more?

No...a dinosaur doesn't.  He carols with care."

Kids will love the newest dinosaur book(s) and is a great springboard for discussing appropriate behavior with kids!

Also look for the other new book from this team (our library did not have it in):  How Do Dinosaurs Say Happy Chanukah?