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. 

Text:  5 Buckeye leaves

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

Bedtime at the Nut House By Eric Litwin

It is bedtime….parent's favorite part of the day, after it is over!  Mama Nut is trying to get Hazel and Wally to bed.  Wally and Hazel are not ready for bed and would rather do anything BUT go to sleep.  Eric Litwin, one of the original Pete the Cat duo, is sure to sing his way into the hearts of kids everywhere with his catch too.  Be sure to go to www.TheNutFamily.com

Text:  4 Buckeye leaves
Illustrations:  5 Buckeye leaves

Moonbear's Sunrise by Frank Asch

Friends Bear and Little bear are back in a new adventure.  This time the two friends are discussing the beauty of the sunrise.  Bear wishes he could see a sunrise.  He sees the moonrise every day, enjoying every second of it.  Bear determined to see the sunrise, he searches for a way to see both.  After numerous failed attempts, Bear finally is able to enjoy the sunrise.  Fans of Asch and Bear books will enjoy this latest installment.

Text:  4 Buckeye leaves
Illustrations:  4 Buckeye leaves

Goatilocks and the Three Bears by Erica S. Perl

"Once upon a time there was a kid named Goatilocks."  Sound familiar?  Not Golidlocks but rather Goatilocks.  But when Goatilocks arrives at the Bears' cottage he does not just eat the porridge, he eats the spoon too.  Then Goatilocks moves on to the chairs, again eating it up, as well as the beds, another delicious meal.  When the bear family arrives home, Goatilocks takes off running.  Later feeling guilty about what had happened at the Bears' house, she brings a gift to the family.  Kids will get a kick out of Goatilocks eating everything up.  Good for preschool/kindergarten age though older kids may not find the storyline quite as funny or filled with as many creative changes as expected.

Text:  3 Buckeye Leaves
Illustrations:  4 Buckeye leaves

It's Okay to Make Mistakes by Todd Parr

Todd Parr is back with another lesson teaching book.  With each "mistake" - a resolution is given.  Children will quickly learn that even mistakes that seem huge can be resolved quickly and easily.  Simple text makes the book appropriate for younger audiences but can span to older kids with springboard to more advanced discussions.

Text:  4 Buckeye leaves
Illustrations:  4 Buckeye leaves

Dog Days of School by Kelly DiPucchio

Charlie is NOT a fan of school.  He is just tired of it all - practicing letters, drawing pictures, just tired.  One night Charlie wishes on a star that he could be a dog and the next morning, Charlie is a dog and Norman is a boy.  For the next week Norman goes to school and Charlie lives the life of a dog.  Charlie    gets to live the life of a dog - with NO SCHOOL!  He should be ecstatic.  But is he?  Is this what he wants?  Freaky Friday meets dog and boy….

Text:  4 Buckeye leaves
Illustrations:  4 Buckeye leaves

A Library Book for Bear by Bonny Becker

Bear and Mouse are back and this time Mouse is trying to convince Bear to go to the library with him.  Bear does not see any reason why he should go to the library.  Bear has seven very nice books at his house:  three about kings and queens, three about honeybees, and one about pickles.  He does NOT need to go to the library.  Bear is quite overwhelmed when they arrive at the library.  Mouse tries to show Bear some possible books, all of which Bear declines.  But Bear overhears the librarian reading a book during story time and something very unexpected happens.  A new -  MUST BUY - for every library.  Great introduction to the library and all it has to offer for anyone, even those that like pickles.

Text:  5 Buckeye leaves
Illustrations:  5 Buckeye leaves

Down by the barn by WIll Hillendbrand

Both our kids are fans of Down by the Station so it was only natural for them to love this one too!  Cute illustrations with fun farm theme will delight preschool/kindergarten kiddos and fit nicely with a farm unit.  Familiar rhythm will allow students to quickly learn the new words and enjoy making the animals sounds throughout the book.

Text:  5 Buckeye leaves
Illustrations:  4 Buckeye leaves

If I had a raptor by George O'Connor

Having a raptor would be the BEST thing ever….or at least this particular little girl thinks so.  This little girl is prepared for raptor ownership and all that comes with it.  Would a raptor really act like this?  I am very curious as to how kids might react to this book - I admittedly had higher hopes based on the cover.  The illustrations are funny and add the the humor of the book.


Illustrations:  4 Buckeye leaves
Text:  3 Buckeye leaves

Churchill's Tale of Tails by Anca Sandu

Churchill's most prized possession is his tail.  He is very proud of his simple, small tail.  Then one day the unimaginable happened, his tail was gone.  He must find his tail.  But no matter what he tried, nothing seemed to be the "just right" tail for him.  WIll he ever find the tail that is meant to be his?  

Text: 4Buckeye leaves
Illustrations:  4 Buckeye leaves

Naughty Kitty! by Adam Stower

Lily has a problem with her pet.  Every time she leaves Kitty alone, catastrophe arrives.  Lily can not seem to figure out how this sweet little kitty could cause so many problems.  Lily knows mom is not going to be happy but what can she do?  Then a bad doggy arrives from next door.  Kitty is able to save the day and Lily realizes just *maybe* Kitty is not as bad as she thought…..

Hilarious follow up to Silly Doggy by Stower.  Lots of drawing conclusions that younger children may not be able to make without some help.

Text:  5 Buckeye leaves
Illustrations:  4 Buckeye leaves

Clothesline Clues to Jobs People Do by Kathryn Heling and Deborah Hembrook

Check out the clothesline to see what types of jobs each individual does.  Can you guess which job the individual does before turning the page?  Told in rhyme each description allows young children (preschool age most likely) to guess the job based on the clothes as well as other "props" each has with them.  A great book for drawing conclusions as well as discussion on jobs/occupations.

Text:  5 Buckeye leaves
Illustrations:  4 Buckeye leaves

My Dad Thinks He's Funny by Katrina Germein

"I'm hungry."
"Hello, Hungry.  Pleased to meet you."

We have all heard this one before….maybe even (gasp) been the one to say it someone.  And this is just one of MANY that "dad" may have said to us before.  The boy in the story explains many of the "sayings" that he has heard from his father.  Adults will probably enjoy this book even more than kids as they realize the many they themselves have used on their own kids.  Younger kids may not understand dad's "humor" as it s a little higher level.

Text:  4 Buckeye leaves
Illustrations:  4 Buckeye leaves

Ninja! by Arree Chung

This one had the 6 year old at our house from the title alone……A young child (boy though you don't know this at the beginning and could easily be a girl) is ready for a "day" in the life as a ninja.  Silently moving, ready for sneak attacks at any moment.  Illustrations/texts arranged similar to a graphic novel lends itself to more dramatic build up as the ninja moves around on the mission.  Great fun - can see it would be especially attractive to kids that are more reluctant readers as the text is limited and multiple illustrations allows for the reader to "read" through the illustrations with a more complete understanding of the storyline.

Text:  4 Buckeye leaves
Illustrations:  5 Buckeye leaves

If You Happen To Have A Dinosaur by Linda Bailey

What would you do if you had a dinosaur?  How could you use a dinosaur to make your life easier?  A dinosaur could open cans, mash potatoes, or scare off burglars.  There are many things that maybe you had not thought of that a dinosaur could be used to do.  But not all dinosaurs will be helpful in all situations.  A funny look at an impossible, absurd, but hilarious situation.  A fun books that older elementary kids would enjoy as much as younger kids.


Text:  5 Buckeye leaves
Illustrators:  5 Buckeye leaves

This Is A Moose by Richard T. Morris

Lights….Camera……Uh Oh!  A director is ready to shoot the movie about the life of a moose but the moose has other ideas!  Moose has his sights set on outer space.  After numerous takes, with no cooperation from the moose and being helped by the other animals.  The other animals build a slingshot and send moose into space and the director must face the reality of the situation.  Funny book to enjoy with kids of varying ages.

Text:  4 Buckeye leaves
Illustrations:  4 Buckeye leaves

Planet Kindergarten by Sue Ganz-Schmitt

Prepare for take off……3…..2….1……BLAST OFF!...right into kindergarten.  The preparation have been made, supplies purchased, it is time to head to the new planet of kindergarten.  The other "aliens" (students) arrive from many "galaxies" and soon learn some differences between this new planet and home.  Very cleverly written with a space theme carried throughout will leave kids ready to blast off into kindergarten.

Text:  5 Buckeye leaves
Illustrations:  5 Buckeye leaves

Going Place by Peter and Paul Reynolds

He has waited ALL year and now the day has arrived!  Rafael will FINALLY get his go-cat kit so he can begin building for the big race!  Rafael is very careful as he follows the directions.  He is quite proud to finally finish his go-cart and see that it looks EXACTLY like it should according to the instructions.  He decides to check on his neighbor's progress.  He find Maya sitting watching a bird.  When he checks on her the next morning he finds she has created a rather unusual "go-cart" and attempts to explain to Maya that she did NOT follow the directions.  Maya has an interesting, a different way of looking at the "go-cart" instructions.  The two team up together to create a "go-cart" like no other.  This is an wonderful story about looking at things from a different point of view, seeing things differently and breaking away from the "expected" course of action.  The imagination of Maya and Rafael challenges us all to see things a little differently.  Love it!!

…AND not that I am in ANY way trying to wish away the summer, this would be a great beginning of the school year book for kids!

Text:  5 Buckeye leaves
Illustrations:  5 Buckeye leaves

Part-time Princess by Deborah Underwood

During the day she does regular girl stuff but at night she becomes a princess.  With the princess crown on her head she gets right to work doing, sliding down fire poles to save the kingdom, lassoing dragons, and going to school.  Not your typical princess, there are lots of fun and activity for this young princess before dancing in a sparkly dress at the ball!  Young princess loving girls will enjoy this fun twist on the ever popular princess tale.

Text:  4 Buckeye leaves
Illustrations:  4 Buckeye leaves

Don't Play With Your Food by Bob Shea

Buddy the monster is excited when he comes upon some bunnies.  He plans to gobble them up!  What Buddy does NOT know is he is dealing with some pretty smart bunnies.  The smart bunnies are able to convince Buddy NOT to eat them by agreeing to make them cupcakes.  Of course after indulging in the delicious cupcakes Buddy does not have ANY room left to eat up any bunnies so he decides to come back the next day.  When he comes back the next day planning to gobble up the bunnies, the bunnies convince him to instead go swimming.  After being reminded he should not eat BEFORE he swims, he decides to wait until after swimming to eat the bunnies but falls asleep instead.  On and on the bunnies are able to trick the monster into NOT eat them.  In the end  Buddy has an important decision to make regarding his tummy and the bunnies.  Children will enjoy watching the not-so-scary-but-a-little-silly-monster be tricked and outfoxed by the bunnies.  Sure to be a hit with kids of all ages. 

Text:  5 Buckeye leaves

Illustrations:  5 Buckeye leaves (fits the text perfectly)

Lola Goes to Work: A Nine-to-Five Therapy Dog by Marcia Goldman

Meet Lola, an adorable little dog that works hard every day as a therapy dog.   In order to be a therapy dog, Lola had to learn certain skills.  After all her training she had to take a test to prove she could be a good therapy dog.  Each day while she is working Lola visits friends in their homes or schools and tries to cheer them up.  Younger children will enjoy this simple book with amazing (and sometimes funny) photographs to compliment the text.  Great introduction for kids that have never heard/seen therapy dogs. 

Text:  3 Buckeye leaves
Illustrations:  4 Buckeye leaves

Fraidy Zoo by Thyra Heder

It is zoo day and everyone is excited to go...well, almost everyone!  But why is Little T afraid to go to the zoo?  The family sets out to uncover why she is afraid.  Starting with the letter A the family acts out the different animals that could be the source of her fear.  A great book for interactive read aloud as the reader must determine what animal the family is trying to illustrate. 

Text:  5 Buckeye leaves

Illustrations:  5 Buckeye leaves



Snow Dog, Go Dog by Deborah Heiligman

Tinka is back for the third installment.  In true Tinka fashion, he is on the move and this time that means snow fun!  However this time Tinka takes off and can not his way back.  Will Tinka learn his lesson this time?  

Text:  4 Buckeye leaves

Illustrations:  5 Buckeye leaves (Love the illustrations!  Tinka is adorable!!) 

On a Beam of Light: A Story of Albert Einstein by Jennifer Berne

When Albert turned 3 and he still was not talking his parents became concerned and then he started talking, he had lots of questions.  Some of his teacher told him he was a disruption to the class.  But Albert had lots of questions.  Questions about Gravity.  Questions about light.  Questions about sound.  Questions about magnestism.  Through his whole life Albert had questions and seeked for answers to these questions, which often led to more questions.  Written is story form, kids will love this biographical look at Einstein's life and the life full of questions he lived.  Great addition to any library. 

Text:  5 Buckeye leaves
Illustrations:  5 Buckeye leaves

How to Train a Train by Jason Carter Eaton

Want a pet?  Trying to get facts on how to train your new pet?  There is lots of advice available.  But what if your pet is a train?  There are many steps involved in training your train.  First you have to decide what kind of train you want.  You must select a name for your train.  You must be sure your train gets plenty of sleep which may mean you have to lull the train to sleep.  Taking care of a train is not easy, so be prepared.  Cute take on having a "pet".


For a book trailer click here!
Text:  4 Buckeye Leaves
Illustrations:  5 Buckeye leaves

Goldy Luck and the Three Pandas

It is Chinese New Year and Goldy's mother has woken Goldy up early to go visit their neighbors the Chan family.  Goldy is not happy about this.  Noone answers when Goldy arrives at the Chan's house but the door opens and Goldy goes in.  Goldy finds 3 bowls of congee, no porridge, which she decides to try.  She then goes on to try out the chairs and the beds before the Chan family returns home.  Readers will be able to find similarities and differences throughout the book.  A great book to use in conjunction with Chinese New Year and/or fairy tale/Goldilocks study.

Text:  5 Buckeye leaves
Illustrations:  5 Buckeye leaves

And the reason we already own this book (with her favorite big brother....)

Turkey Claus by Wendi Silvano

 Thanksgiving has come and gone and Turkey has lived to tell about it.  Just when Turkey thinks he can relax he overhears dinner plans for Christmas.  How can Turkey escape becoming Christmas dinner?  Turkey decides that the only person that can help him is Santa Claus.  Turkey heads to the North Pole to meet with Santa and quickly learns that the elves will not let him see Santa.  He tries various disguises to get into see Santa, none of which tricks the elves.  Will Turkey ever get in to see Santa?  Will Santa be able to help?  Hilarious Christmas book that kids of all ages will enjoy!

Text:  5 Buckeye leaves
Illustrations:  5 Buckeye leaves

Fossil by Bill Thomson

Bill Thomson is back with another brilliant wordless picture book.  In Fossil a boy and his dog are near a lake where they discover a rock.  This rock is not just any rock but rather a fossil of an ancient plant that comes to life.  The boy breaks open two more rocks and two more come to life.  Things change from amazement to fear when one of those fossils takes the boy's dog for a ride.The boy must figure out a way to save his dog. A great wordless picture book (like his other book Chalk) for older students to enjoy.

Illustrations:  5 Buckeye leaves

I Can See Just Fine by Eric Barclay

Adorable!  Found this little gem at the library today at lunch and had to grab it!  Simple text, cute pictures, and some humor thrown in for good measure!  Perfect combo!  Paige does NOT want glasses.  Paige does not think she needs glasses.  Her parents and teachers thing differently.  Paige gets to select just the perfect frame and quickly realizes that the very thing she did NOT want, makes her see the world a whole lot better! 

Text:  5 Buckeye leaves
Illustrations:  5 Buckeye leaves

This will be a purchase for our home library because this weekend....someone at our house started seeing things a whole lot clearer....and she is pretty darn cute IMHO! 

Outfoxed by Mike Twohy

A fox breaks in the henhouse.  The fox grabs a chicken.  The fox runs for home to enjoy his tasty meal.  OR does he?  Instead of a tasty chicken he finds a DUCK in his pocket.  He is NOT happy about this.  The smart duck, being quick on his webbed feet, works to convince the fox that he is in fact a dog.  Well, the fox does NOT want a dog near him and soon takes him back to the farm.  All is well.....or is it?  Clever book which older kids will enjoy as an example of "being outfoxed"! 

Text:  5 Buckeye leaves

Illustrations:  4 Buckeye leaves 

Dot. by Randi Zuckerberg



Dot is very tech savvy.  She can swipe, tape, and share.  But while Dot is doing all that, what is she missing out on?  Obviously technology is a huge part of the world kids are growing up in today but the value in playing and being outside should not be discounted....own personal soapbox....  Adults would appreciate the message in this book. 

Text:  4 Buckeye leaves (simple)

Illustrations:  4 Buckeye leaves

And note....the last name :)  

Winter is for Snow by Robert Neubecker

Winter has arrive and two siblings are quite different on their opinion of the season of cold, snow, and ice.  Told in two voices, great for buddy reading, the two siblings "discuss" the pros and the cons.  Beautifully illustrated and provides a great book to read to kids about winter that is NOT related to Christmas. 

Text:  5 Buckeye leaves (clever format)
Illustrations:  5 Buckeye leaves

Deck the Walls: A Wacky Christmas Carol by Erin Dealey

A new twist to the widely known Christmas carol, Deck the Halls.  When cousins are together to celebrate the Christmas holiday, all things can happen.  The kids provide a new spin on the celebration from mashed pototoes flying, snowmen made from tomatoes, sneaking cookies, and fun in the snow.  Kids will enjoy, but hopefully not attempt themselves, this new twist on the classic.  Can't wait to share this with thing 1 and 2 at home....thought I am hoping they do not get any ideas!!

Text:  5 Buckeye leaves
Illustrations:  5 Buckeye leaves (adroable!)
 

On My Way To Bed by Sarah Maizes

"BEDTIME!!"  The time of day that *some* parents rejoice and *most* kids dread but not if you are Livi!  For Livi that word is the beginning of an adventure.  From teetering on a high wire, the crowd holding its breath, to checking a hippo for cavities, her time as a magician, and a swim across the ocean floor, Livi's journey to bed is full of excitement and danger.  But how will Livi be in the morning?  Adorable book which MANY children can relate to, and many parents could write their own verision. 

Text:  4 Buckeye leaves
Illustrations:  5 Buckeye leaves

*Same author/illustrator team also wrote On My Way to the Bath! 

If It's Snowy and You Know It, Clap Your Paws by Kim Norman

From the team that created Ten On the Sled, another fun winter time picture book, comes a new winter book as we near winter.  Using If You're Happy and You Know it as a guide, animals friends enjoy winter by throwing snowballs, skiing, skating and making snow angels.  Once the outside coldness is too much for the winter friends, they move inside (sounds good to me) and enjoy some cocoa, an art project and of course, a book!  Very cute addition to your winter time collection!  (I also like that it is not "Christmas" so my students that do not celebrate Christmas can enjoy a seasonal book!)    

Text:  4 Buckeye leaves (some of the rhymes and rythms seems a bit forced)

Illustrations:  5 Buckeye leaves (adorable friends)  

Monster Needs A Costume by Paul Czajak

I am so bummed....that I did not find this book until AFTER Halloween because my kiddos would have LOVED it!  (Yes, next year!)  It is Monster's favorite time of year and of course he does not have the perfect costume to wear!  He tries various costumes out, including cowboy from the West, ballet dancer with a tutu, and ninja.  Nothing seems to be the perfect choice for Monster.  Will he find the perfect costume in time for Halooween night?!  Kids will love this fun, rhyming story about monster's quest to find the PERFECT costume.  Great fun and wonderful addition to any Halloween collection. 

Text:  4 Buckeye leaves

Illustrations:  5 Buckeye leaves (Monster is the perfect SILLY monster....not scary at all!)

The Three Bears ABC: An Alphabet Book

I will admit I was skeptical when I saw this book thinking that it might be forced and that the ABC aspect would alter the story of the three bears.  I was pleasantly surprised.   The flow of the story was not in any way strained and I found myself wondering how the author would tie the next letter into the story. 

"C is for cool.  The bears waited for the hot porridge to cool. So Papa put on his cap, Mama her cape, and Baby his coat."

"O is for open.  The bears found their front door open.  How odd!" 

A wonderful addition to any study of the Three Bears.  Older/advanced students could be challenged to anticipate how the next letter will be added to the story. 

Text:  5 Buckeye Leaves
Illustrations:  5 Buckeye leaves

Prairie Chicken Little by Jackie Mims Hopkins

Mary McBlicken the prairie chicken is on a mission to warn all the prairie animals about the "rumbling and a grumbling and a tumbling" that he heard.  It can only mean one thing: that there is a stampede coming.  She is headed to tell Cowboy Stan and Red Dog Dan when she comes across Jeffrey Snog the prairie dog and Beau Grabbit the jack rabbit, and on and on.  Soon a line of animals are headed to see Cowboy Stan and Red Dog Dan when a sly coyote with his own plan shows up on the scene to "help" the animals escape the danger of the stampede.  How will they surivive?  Will they survive?  

Text:  4 Buckeye leaves

Illustrations:  4 Buckeye leaves