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.

Text:  5 Buckeye leaves
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.....)

Text:  4 Buckeye leaves
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).

Text:  4 Buckeye leaves
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.  

Text:  5 Buckeye leaves
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.

Text:  5 Buckeye leaves
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.

Text:  4 Buckeye leaves
Illustrations:  5 Buckeye leaves