Dave & Violet by Sarah Adams

The book has a dragon on the cover, which hooked a certain 4 year old at our house into reading it.  Violet wants her friends to meet her dragon Dave.  What Violet does not know is that Dave is very shy.  When he is nervous he gets red, redder and fire springs from his mouth.  Violet tries a few times to introduce Dave without much luck.  Finally Violet and her friends come up with a positive way to use Dave's "nervousness" in a positive way.

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Illustrations:  3 Buckeye leaves

Terrible, Awful, Horrible Manners! by Beth Bracken

Love this simple book.....about an important topic.  As a parent who pushed "please" and "thank you", almost to excess (at least in some people's eyes...not mine though) I love to see a book that is simple enough to read to young children that keeps it simple.  For older kids, a great review of what they SHOULD be doing.  Pete is a boy (though really a monkey) with horrible manners.  His parents are fed up with his terrible manners and decides to show HIM what he really looks like to others.  Pete quickly learns what he needs to do and seems to make a speedy change in his own manners....or has he?

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Elmer and Super EL by David McKee

So we are going through a "super hero" phase here at our house so when I saw this new Elmer book, I was very excited to share it with Adam.  Unfortunately it did not really hit the mark on the "superhero-ness" but was pretty cute anyways.  One morning Elmer is taking a walk when he sees Super El with a problem.  Super El's outfit is torn and Elmer knows exactly how to help him.  Elmer and Super El set out together headed to  Aunt Zelda's house.  The challenge is keeping Super El hidden from the other animals.  Aunt Zelda works carefully and quickly. And soon Super El is back in the sky.
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Illustrations:  4 Buckeye leaves

On My Way To The Bath by Sarah Maizes

Bathtime!!.....and thus begins the adventure to get the child into the bathtub and ready for bed.  But along the way the child turns into a snake, that scares a little brother, constructs a statue of blocks, and on and on.  Mom is at first patient.....and later, not so much.  Once in the bath and clean....the next challenge is getting the child OUT of the bathtub!  Cute book and so many parents can relate (I know I can) to the child who seems to find everything along the way to avoid getting into the bath but then decides not to get out of bath.

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Illustrations:  4 Buckeye leaves

Surfer Chick by Kristy Dempsey

This one has been a big hit at our house this summer!  Chick's dad is a legend in surfing BUT Chick just does not seem to be able to master the surf board.  Determined to learn, Chick and her dad get a new PINK surf board and hit the waves.  This proves to be a little more challenging than they had thought it would be.  Dad was very patient and with some practice Chick became....SURFER CHICK!  Hilariously funny book....prefect for summer reading!

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Illustrations:  5 Buckeye leaves


Click here for the book trailer.....it is fun!

For Just One Day by Laura Leuck

For just one day......all children imagine themselves as different animals and the specialty that various animals, from snake to whale, possess.

"But what if I could swim the Nile- and be a creeping...I'd have the sharpest, snapping smile, if I could be a crocodile."

Great springboard for activity where students explain the animals they would like to be and what the special "feature" of the animal is.

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Wumbers by Amy Krouse Rosenthal and Tom Litchenheld

"It's a book!"  

"It's a game!"

"It's words cre8ed with numbers!"

Always a fan of Rosenthal, I was very exited this summer to see this book was coming out.  I was not disappointed.  "Reading" this book requires some thinking and decoding, even for adults!  Each page 

provides students an opportunity to really use their thinking caps.  

"They are pre10ding."

"I think you'll sur 5"

Great fun that would scan the levels

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I Know a Wee Piggy by Kim Norman

"I know a wee piggy...who wallowed in brown upside down, he wallowed in brown."

And the piggy takes off on a wild trip through the fair with all its COLORS!  Repeating, rhyming text similar to The Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly.  A great introduction or review of colors in a fun manner that kids will enjoy.  I plan to use this one with the kindergarteners this fall.

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Illustrations:  5 Buckeye leaves - bright and colorful!

When No-one's Looking On the Farm by Zana Fraillon & Lucia Masciullo

Ever wonder what the ducks are doing when no one is watching?  What kind of "horsing around" do you think those horses are doing when you can not see them?  This funny, lift-flap book uncovers all the secrets of farm animals that you always wondered about.  Kids will crack up at some of the silliness these animals get into when no one is watching.  Great book to use with making predictions - which even most adults would guess wrong!  Looking forward to using this book with kindergarten at some point this year.  Great fun!

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Ladybugs by Gail Gibbons

Gail Gibbons is a master at creating nonfiction books for younger children.  True to her form, Gibbons has written shorter nonfiction captions and text to accompany illustrations that include identifying text to help extend the understanding of the text.  For example, did you know, ladybugs have a yellow fluid that oozes from their leg joints when they feel threatened?  Yum!  Ladybugs are also being used by many farmers as a way to help rid crops of other harmful insects.  Another great addition to the Gibbons library of nonfiction!

Mama For Mayor by Jan and Mike Berenstain

Mama is upset about the holes in the road and decides she is going to run for mayor in order to make some much needed changes.  She goes through the whole process:  declaring her intent to run to campaigning to debates to election night.  I am not usually a huge fan of Berenstein Bears however this book is a great book for fall to intoroduce in simple, simple. terms the election process.  K, 1 and possibly 2nd grades.

Corduroy Writes a Letter based on characters created by Don Freeman

Corduroy and Lisa are back and they are learning the benefit of writing letters to bring about change.  Lisa and Corduroy visit the bakery and come home with cookies which Lisa notices is lacking sprinkles.  Her mother encourages Lisa to write a letter.  When Lisa gives up writing a letter reasoning, "I am just a little girl," and the owner would not listen to her, Corduroy writes the letter.  The next week's visit to the library proves his efforts valuable when there are more sprinkles on the cookies.  The same thing happens when Lisa, her mother, and Corduroy visit the theater and notice lights are out in the letters T and H.  Again Corduroy writes a letter when Lisa decides against doing it which ends with positive results.  Corduroy and Lisa are listening to the radio when Lisa decides it is her turn to write a letter to the radio station to suggest they play her favorite song.  Will Lisa's letter have the same benefit as Corduroy's?

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The Night I Followed The Dog by Nina Laden

This book is a little older (1994) but has become a favorite of the 4 year old since we got it at the library!  One morning a boy decides to open the door just a little earlier to let the dog in, and discovers his dog jumping out of a limo wearing a tux.  The boy decides to follow his dog that night and finds a whole new world.  The doghouse he helped build has a living room, bathroom and huge closet.  He follows his dog to a part of town he has never seen before.  A place where dogs hang out without having to follow the orders of masters.

"See all the sofas?  We can sit on the sofas here.  We can get treats without having to lie down, roll over, or play dead."

The text is written large and some of the words actually looks like the word being described.  For example, the word "leashes" looks like a leash with the letters changed.   We are really enjoying this book.  Great fun!

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Duck Says Don't by Alison Ritchie

Goose is going on vacation and leaving Duck in charge of the pond.  Duck takes his responsibility very seriously....too seriously.  First Duck tells the dragonflies they may NOT race around the pond.  Dragonflies try to explain they are just flying but Duck will not listen and soon posts a sign that states:  No Racing.  Then he sees Kingfisher fishing.  He quickly informs him that he is NOT to fish and of course posts a sign.  Soon all the animals have left the pond and moved to the meadow to avoid the bossy duck.  Duck then realizes that he is lonely with all the other animals gone from the pond.  Will he be able to bring the other animals back to the pond?  A great book for teaching an important lesson about being too bossy, which many kids could benefit from.

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Louise the Big Cheese and the Ooh-la-la Charm School

Louise Cheese is back and of course, looking to somehow become a big VIP - very important person.  Louise was out riding her bike when she sees a girl walking with a book on her head.  Lousie learns that the girl, Claire Eclaire.  Claire is from "Paris" and is visiting her grand-mama.  Claire instructs Louise to come back the next day for the first day of the Ooh-la-la Charm School.  Over the next few days Claire puts Louise to the test through a series of challenges and training exercises.  Louise becomes so wrapped up in her charm school tasks, she forgets some of the important things, including her best friend Fern and embarrasses herself.  Louise learns very important lessons about friendship and the meaning of "true friendship" and the real meaning of being a VIP, great lessons for ALL kids to learn.

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There Was An Old Lady Who Swallowed Some Books! by Lucille Colandro

She is back!!  That old lady (the Lucille Colandro variety) is back and apparently hungrier than usual!  This time she is swallowing some books...pen, pencil case, ruler, folder,....see where this is going?  Kids LOVE these books!  A great book to use for the back to school time.  I have a feeling there will be LOTS of teachers reading this book this fall!  

......I have been waiting for Colandro to write a BIRTHDAY old lady book!  :)  

Bug and Bear by Ann Bonwill

All of us have been there.....one of those days.....you just want to be left alone!!!  Bear is feeling this way and his friend Bug won't leave him alone.  The more Bug bothers Bear, the more annoyed Bear becomes.  Bear says some mean things to his friend and suddenly Bug is gone.  Once Bear is alone he realizes that he was really not a good friend to Bug.  He decides to go find Bug and is not able to find him.  Where is Bug?  Is he ok?  A good book for explaining that everyone has bad days....and how to be on both sides of that situation:  the bug and the bear!


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My Snake Blake

A boy is very excited (his mother not so much) when his father brings him a special snake for an early birthday gift.  This is a very special snake because he can spell!  Ask him his name, he tells you, "Blake" by moving his body into the shape.  The boy's mom is not as taken with the family pet.  Of course Blake just spells (tells) her to, "Relax."  Eventually even mom has to admit that as far as snakes goes, Blake is pretty good since he has never bitten anyone, can cook, does dishes, and catches flies.


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The Girl Who Never Made Mistakes by Mark Pett and Gary Rubinstein

Beatrice Bottomwell has always done everything perfectly.  She NEVER makes mistakes. From getting dressed to making sandwiches to her juggling act she has done the last 3 years in the talent show, she does everything without any mistakes.  But this year is different.  The day of the talent show arrives and during a cooking lesson at school, Beatrice almost makes a mistake.  What could this mean?  When it is her turn to perform at the talent show she is nervous but the crowd is not because she is "the girl that never makes mistakes!"  It is too late in her juggling act when Beatrice realizes her salt shaker actually has specks falling out that are not salt.....and the hamster suddenly.....A great book for teaching kids about making mistakes and that everyone makes mistakes, even perfect Beatrice Bottomwell.  

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Bawk & Roll by Tammi Sauer

Tired of books that your kid finds hilarious and you are still shaking your head hours later trying to figure out what was so funny?  Look no more!!  In fact, you may find yourself laughing at this one more than the kid!  Marge and Lola are hitting the road with Elvis (at least the feathered version).  Unfortunately Lola and Marge are not ready to face....the BIG CROWDS!!!  Yikes!  They must overcome their fear of crowds....or their career might be over!  Hilarious.  Text and illustrations fit together to create a truly funny reading experience for both kids and adults.

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Too Much Noise in the Library by Susan Margaret Chapman

Mrs. Reade, a busy school librarian, is use to the noises in the library:  the books dropping, pages turning, teachers chattering, students giggling, etc.  One day the mayor decides to stop by the school library.  He does not like all the noise and sets out to eliminate all the extra noise, one noise at a time.  He is finally able to create a quiet, peaceful library....too quiet.  Mrs. Reade is in shock!  The mayor soon realizes the error of his ways and invites the children and teachers back to the library, allows the books to be checked out again, etc.  Cute book for beginning of the year (at least that is when I will probably be using it).

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I Know a Librarian Who Chewed on a Word by Laurie Lazzaro Knowlton

I will admit I love when authors come up with new words for popular books/songs - Mary Had A Little Lamb, Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly, etc.  So I found this one during our library visit today and it has made it to my list of "beginning of the year" books to share with the kids.  (Side note:  though I have been cautioned that I may not be seeing the kids in my 3 elementary schools this year...yes, you read that right...3 schools....don't get me started on THAT!).  So It is as you might expect a take off on the Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly.  It is pretty clever.  She starts off swallowing a word which in my opinion is better than swallowing a fly.  She then continues to "swallow" things such as:  a book, book cart (ouch), story-hour chair, and on and on.  I know the kids will get a kick out of the things she swallows and all of it leads up to finally revealing the word she swallowed......

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Little Bo Peep by the sheep as told to Priscilla Lamont

What ever really happened to Bo Peep's sheep?  According to the SHEEP, Little Bo Peep on that fateful day, was bored.  She suggested a game of hide-and-seek.  It took some practice but eventually the sheep eventually became quite good at hiding.  Pretty soon more people joined the fun:  the farmer, the farmer wife, the policeman, etc.  In the end Little Bo Peep was fired because she had "lost her sheep" and was never able to find them.  Cute take on the classic nursery rhyme.  Good book to use with a discussion on point of view/perspective.

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Oink-A-Doodle-Moo by Jef Czekaj

It starts with the pig.....then to the rooster, the cow, the frog, and on and on.  It is a game of telephone with an animal twist and with each animal the "message" changes a little bit.  Not a lot of story but children will delight in the animal sounds throughout.  The book lends itself to a great interactive experience with students.  Love the funny and colorful illustrations!

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Illustrations:  5 Buckeye leaves (Bright and colorful)

The Little Pea by Eric Battut

Peas generally look alike.  The tend to be the same size and color.  One little pea though does not like being the same as all the other peas.  When the little pea notices a peacock with a beautiful tail, it decides it will attach a feather with string and will be handsome as well.  Then the little pea notices the stripes on a tiger and the trunk on an elephant and wants to have these attributes as well.  The little pea is laughed at by the other peas but does not seem to care.  When the planting season arrives, little pea digs into the ground and waits.  When the new plant finally emerges, it is full of happy and different kinds of peas.  A good addition to any discussion about differences and celebrating being an individual.  Simple enough storyline that even the youngest child will understand but will extend itself to older students as well.

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Chico the Brave by Dave Horowitz

Chico is afraid of everything.  In an effort to make Chico feel better and more confident, Dad tells Chico the story of the Golden Chicken, a superbird.  Chico decides he must go look for the Golden Chicken to ask him what makes him so brave.  Chico packs a lunch and heads for the mountain.  Along the way he finds himself surrounded by llamas, the dreaded Llama Llama Gang.  The llamas are amused by Chico's story about the Golden Chicken.  Chico continues to search for the Golden Chicken when a mighty wind blows Chico off the mountain top.   As the wind sends Chico through the air the other chickens and the llamas see him flying and leaves them wondering if they just saw the Golden Chicken! I love this book, as I do Horowitz's book Humpty Climbs Again. Great picture book for older elementary kids.

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Stop Thief! by Adam J.B. Lane

Randall McCoy has decided he is "a big boy" now!  Since he is a "big boy" he has decided he no longer needs Mr. Pigglesworth, his stuffed pig.  Well his first night without Mr. Pigglesworth does not go so well and Randall decides to sneak down to get his trusty pig.  But when Randall creeps down the stairs he discovers a thief and the thief snatches Mr. Pigglesworth and takes off through a museum, chocolate factory, amusement park, and on and on.  A fun mixture of graphic novel and traditional picture book, this is a great book for both girls and boys (the 4 year old here loves this one).

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Illustrations:  5 Buckeye leaves

The Very Fairy Princess: Here Comes the Flower Girl!

Geraldine believes she is a fairy princess.  She knows this because she has a "sparkly feeling" inside.  Geraldine spends lots of time and energy spreading "sparkle".  Geraldine is very excited because she just found out her Aunt Sue is getting married and she is going to be a flower girl.  She begins working very hard to make everything as sparkly as possible.  When the big day arrives and Geraldine is somewhat disappointed when her flower girl dress is revealed.  Will she still be her sparkly self?

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*My favorite book in this series so far!!*

The Little Bully by Beth Bracken

Billy is a great kid.  He has lots of friends, is polite, smart, funny, and generally a great friends to everyone he meets.  Fred is the opposite.  Everything Billy does Fred makes fun of.  Billy does not want to go to school anymore.  He is tired of Fred's constant teasing.  One day Billy realizes something:  Fred has no friends.  Billy realizes he must stand up for himself.  A good introduction to bullying for younger children.  It is written in simple terms that allows younger children to understand bullying and how best to deal with a bully.

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Eggs 123 by Janet Halfmann

As if I was not behind already with my blogging, the 4 year old and I visited the downtown MAIN branch of the library.....oh boy....had to use daddy's card because mine are both maxed out (side note:  and it is not even during the school year).  Each page contains a riddle and a picture, some obvious and some not so obvious, of the egg and "mama" animal.  By opening the flap the animal in the egg is revealed.  From Penguins to caterpillars to ostriches, animals of all kinds are portrayed.  Great interactive book for classroom and library story time use.



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Horseplay! by Karma Wilson

Farmer is quickly becoming fed up with his horses.  Every day the horses are exhausted.  Farmer decides to investigate and discovers the horses are tired because....of course...HORSEPLAY!  Farmer is furious and plots ways to make those horses behave.  This book was a big hit our house.  And he made a connection - this book and Cick, Clack Moo - that's my boy :)  Kids will enjoy the silly actions of these animals, especially the horses!


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Suryia Swims! by Bhagavan "Doc" Antle with Thea Feldman

Suryia is back and this time he is learning to swim!  Unlike many orangutans, Suryia actually enjoys the water and especially with his friends Roscoe (dog), Bubbles (elephant), Tonks (tiger) and Ondar (bear).  Illustrated with photographs, audiences will again fall in love with the hilarious antics and fun of Suryia and friends.  Great companion to the first book, Suryia and Roscoe.

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Illustrations:  5 Buckeye leaves

Rosie Sprout's Time To Shine by Allison Wortche

Rosie and Violet are very different.  Violet is the BEST at everything and she has no problem letting everyone know it!  Rosie on the other hand is not the best at anything.  When their teacher Ms. Willis announces that each student will be planting pea seeds, Violet is quick to announce HERS will be the best.  Rosie takes great pride in her little plant and one day notices a tiny bit of green poking through the dirt.  But no sooner has she noticed and Violet announces her plant is growing!  The next morning Rosie goes inside to take care of her tiny pea plant and decides to cover Violet's plant with dirt.  Once school starts, Ms. Willis announces that Violet will not be at school because she has chicken pox.  Rosie's guilt begins to grow.  Rosie begins taking care of both plants and when Violet finally returns to school, she is in for a big surprise.  This is a great book for teaching kids about "being the bigger person" and how to best deal with individuals that are not always nice.  Sometimes it is hard to be a "good person" when you are not treated nicely by others.  Great character building book!!

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Zorro Gets An Outfit by Carter Goodrich

Zorro and Mr. Bud are back!  But now Zorro has an outfit!  Zorro does NOT like his outfit and is teased and laughed at by the other dogs.  Mister Bud tries very hard to cheer his buddy up but nothing works.....until they meet Dart another dog at the park, a dog in an outfit.  He is fast and stylish and suddenly Zorro does not think his outfit is so bad anymore.  In fact he feels kind of sorry for Mister bud for not having an outfit.  Simple book written about friendship self image and self confidence.  Kids will be amused by the fun pictures.  

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The Obstinate Pen by Frank W. Dormer

The pen Uncle Flood receives as a gift is not your average pen.  The minutes Uncle Flood begins to write the pen changes the words.  He tries again and the same happens again.  Uncle Flood is not happy and throws the pen out the window and into the hands of a cop trying to write a ticket.  As the officer tries to write the ticket, same thing happens to him.  Repeat - same.  The pen continues its journey in the same manner until he falls into the hands of Horace.  Horace sits down to draw and what do you suppose happened?!?  Funny book - 4 year old critic here thought it was hilarious.  He was literally rolling on the ground!  Beware of some "name calling" that you may want to properly prepare your audience about.  

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Illustrations:  4 Buckeye leaves

Chloe, Instead by Micah Player

Molly always wanted a little sister.  Molly wanted a little sister just like HER but instead got....Chloe.  Chloe is NOT like Molly at all.  Molly colors with crayons but Chloe eats them!  Molly loves books and so does Chloe.....to destroy them.  Molly certainly was not expecting a sister like Chloe.  But is Chloe so bad?  A simply written book for big sisters, as well as big brothers, dealing with the arrival of a younger sibling.

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Endpages:  5 Buckeye leaves (Shows Chloe up to no good...tee hee hee hee!)

My Dad! by Steve Smallman

There are many things dad do.  In this adorably illustrated book, My Dad!, the many things dads do is celebrated.

"Some dads join in when you jump in a puddle! Some dads will run up and down by your side, holding your bike till you learn how to ride."


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Happy Father's Day!!!

When Dads Don't Grow Up by Marjorie Blain Parker

We all know THESE dads.  These dads have never grown up!  These are the dads that "still read the comics and watch cartons".  These dads "understand that shopping carts are for racing" and "that clothes don't have to match,"  Kids with dads like this....should consider themselves lucky!  (And I can safely say....I live with one of those "dads"!

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Wolf Won't Bite! by Emily Gravett

Three pigs have done the unthinkable....caught a wolf.  From there the three pigs put the wolf through a series of activities.

"I can lift him off the ground!  I can make him dance a jig but...wold won't bite!"

Or will he?

Hilarious, short text, matched with funny pictures.  Kids will get  a kick out of this fun, short book....and they might recognize those 3 pigs!

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Dragons Love Tacos by Adam Rubin

"Hey, kid!  Did you know that dragons love tacos?"
They do!  But not SPICY tacos....why?  Because spicy tacos because dragons' ears smoke, snorts sparks, tummy aches, etc.  Are you wondering what else dragons love?  PARTIES!!  And they especially love...TACO PARTIES!  But you must remember:  nothing spicy!!

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*Love the tacos all over the endpages!

Augie to Zebra by Kate Endle & Caspar Babypants

I am always on the lookout for a good alphabet book and this new book is a nice one to add to the list.  Each page features a letter with a short phrase, including a name.  In addition each page has a few "extras" on the page that are not mentioned in the phrase but also starts with the same beginning letter.

Frederico follows frogs

Students may have difficulty with the pronunciation of some of the names.  The illustrations are fun and cheerful.  Great possibilities for stretching students understanding of beginning letter sounds.

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