Unicorn Thinks he's Pretty Great by Bob Shea

Before Unicorn came along Goat thought he was pretty cool.  Goat's super cool biking skills are nothing compared to Unicorn flying to school.  Goat's magic tricks seem so boring compared to Unicorn's trick of turning things to gold.  But Goat quickly learns that some of what makes Unicorn so special, may actually not be so special.  Will these two ever get along?


Text:  4 Buckeye leaves
Illustrations:  4 Buckeye leaves

Snowzilla by Janet Lawler

It's July....perfect time to read about SNOW!  Cami Lou has watched the snow for weeks and weeks.  She is now ready to construct a giant of snow.  But not everyone is as excited about her project and soon it is decided that Snowzilla will have to come down.  It is not the end of the Snowzilla though.  A group of Snowzilla supporters devise a plan to save Snowzilla.

Text:  4 Buckeye leaves
Illustrations:  4 Buckeye leaves

Bully by Laura Vaccaro Seeger

A perfect example of simple text presenting a huge message.  Bully (the bull) does not have any kind words for his friends.  His mean words send the other animals running except the goat.  Goat calls him a "Bully" and Bully is left thinking about his actions.  He knows he must change his ways and decides to talk to his friends.  A great book for younger elementary kids as the simple text and simple illustrations will help kids focus on the message.  As always, preview before sharing with your kids/students as Bully tell the goat to "Butt out" and that may not be appropriate for your audience.

Text:  5 Buckeye leaves
Illustrations:  4 Buckeye leaves

The World is Waiting for You by Barbara Kerley

In the tradition of great, inspiring graduation/farewell books comes a new book intended for maybe a little older individual.  Illustrated with incredible photographs, the short text leaves the reader with a message to take on the world.  An added bonus is the additional information about the photos, including location of the photos.

Text:  5 Buckeye leaves
Illustrations:  5 Buckeye leaves

The Story of Fish and Snail by Deborah Freedman

I think I might have screamed, loudly, when I saw this little treasure on the shelf of the cutest bookstore in Michigan while on vacation last week.  Luckily, no one but my husband and 2 kids were close enough to hear this outburst, and they are use to my giddiness when it comes to books.  Why was I so excited?  Because the author/illustrator of this little gem is the same as one of my most favorite books of all time, Blue Chicken (2011).  And this newest book from Freedman has now earned its spot on my most loved picture books of all time....how could it not....look at these illustrations!!!

Snail is waiting for Fish to come share new stories.  This time though Fish wants to SHOW Snail another story.  Snail is not a fan of this and the two friends begin to argue.  Fish swims off in anger....right out of the book.  Snail is now faced with the decision as to whether to take the chance and follow FIsh or to stay in the book.  Terribly creative, inventive illustrations, with a fun story containing a great message.  

Text:  5 Buckeye leaves
Illustrations:  5 Buckeye leaves

The Watermelon Seed by Greg Pizzoli

What happens if you swallow a watermelon seed??  Crocodile LOVES watermelon.  He can't wait to CHOMP CHOMP CHOMP on some watermelon.  BUT crocodile swallows a watermelon seed.  Oh no!  What will happen?!?!  Hilariously funny.  Kids will loves the fear of the crocodile....as they too have probably experienced.  Simple text supported by the illustrations which kids must "read".

Text:  4 Buckeye leaves
Illustrations:  4 Buckeye leaves