Moonshot: The Flight of Apollo 11

Brian Floca (2009), 48 pages

Audience: Pre-K

Format: picture book

“High above

there is the Moon,

cold and quiet,

no air, no life,

but glowing in the sky.”

Floca chronicles America’s historic launch of Apollo 11. Coupling simple prose with striking, bold images filled with astounding detail (see Figure 1). The author expertly describes and illustrates the space mission of Armstrong, Collins, and Aldrin as they orbit into space and land on the moon. As part of the book’s forward, Brian Floca provides an extensive list of research resources including bibliographic material, such as Chaikin’s A Man on the Moon, NASA diagrams and photographs, visits to the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C. and the Johnson Space Center in Houston to view actual “mission tools, suits, machinery.” Floca’s research is evident in his detail-rich, historically accurate watercolors; yet, somehow, this artist manages to simultaneously meld history with ingenuity creating truly remarkable illustrations that capture the excitement of discovery. For instance, the thrust of the rocket is palpable, with bold colors and an intense double-page frame, the rocket shoots off the page. His bold text choice further emphasizes the rocket’s energy (see Figure 2).

Figure 1: Mission Control











Figure 2:
Lift Off


Reviewed by: Katharine Quinn, SJSU MLIS Student

If you liked this book, you may like: One Giant Leap by Robert Burleigh or If You Decide to Go to the Moon by Faith McNulty

Other books by this author: Five Trucks, The Racecar Alphabet, and Lightship (Robert F. Sibert Honor Book)

On Earth

G. Brian Karas (2005), 32 pages

Audience: pre-K

Format: picture book

“On earth we go on a giant ride in space, spinning like a merry-go-round …” Although concepts such as earth rotation, gravity, and planet orbits may seem too advanced and complex for this age group … Karas teaches these concepts eloquently and effectively by combining simple, yet poetic text with large format kid-like illustrations (which alternate between a child’s personal perspective and a global one). In addition, Karas uses familiar concepts such as birthdays and seasonal changes making these concepts relatable and easier for children to understand and grasp. This book is an excellent introduction to Earth science. Also, included in back of the book is a glossary defining terms such as sphere, equator, orbit, axis, etc. Parents can use this book as precursor for other topics, such as planets, stars, moon, geography, even recycling. Include this book in your next storytime and foster a child’s love of science at an early age!

Reviewed by: Katharine Quinn, SJSU MLIS Student

If you liked this book, you may like: The Earth Book by Todd Parr, What Makes Day and Night by Franklyn M. Branley, I Love our Earth by Bill Martin Jr., Michael Sampson, Dan Lipow, or Our Big Home: An Earth Poem by Linda Glaser

Other books by this author: Atlantic, Bebe’s Bad Dream, Skidamarink: A Silly Love Song to Sing, The Windy Day, and Young Zeus

The Surprise

Sylvia van Ommen (2007), 22 pages

Audience: All ages

Format: picture book

Van Ommen’s The Surprise is just that – a wonderful surprise! The author manages to tell a unique story in this wordless picture with her charming illustrated characters. So what exactly is Sheep up to? And what is the big surprise? Well there’s a clue in the title written out in red yarn … this story begins with Sheep weighing, inspecting, and measuring her wool. Hopping on her trusty red scooter, Sheep heads over to the dye shop. After selecting red as her color preference, readers are treated to a series of hilarious steps as Sheep dyes, washes, dries, and shaves off her newly dyed crimson coat. Now naked, Sheep slips on a colorful sweater and heads over to Poodle who spins her roving into yarn. Once the yarn is formed, Sheep begins the process of knitting – her project is soon finished and wrapped up for gift giving. So who gets a custom-made hand-knit? Well, none other than Giraffe, who is oh, so handsome and happy with his new sweater! This book is filled with delightful details and charismatic characters. Van Ommen’s images are simple yet engaging making the wordless storyline obvious enough for any young child to follow along. Wordless books are great tools for developing a child’s narrative ability (an important pre-literacy skill). Have your child tell you what’s happening in the pictures; engage their imagination. Or if they are too young for narration, have them identify colors, objects, and actions. This book is one that can be enjoyed at any age!

Reviewed by: Katharine Quinn, SJSU MLIS Student

If you liked this book, you may like: Woolbur by Leslie Helakoski, Charlie Needs a Cloak by Tomie dePaola or Knitting Nell by Julie Jersild Roth

Other books by this author: Jellybeans and Sheep and Goat

Don’t Say that Word

Alan Katz (2007), 40 pages

Audience: pre-K

Format: picture book

Poor Michael had a big day at school but every time he tries to tell his mom what happened … she steps in to say DON’T SAY THAT WORD! Michael’s recollections all start out innocently enough “at recess we all saw a spider an a bird that went chittery-chirp. Doug snorted as he drank his cider, then let out a two-minute ….” But before he can say the best part … his mother intervenes and as the title exclaims, shouts “Don’t say that word!” However, as Michael gets sent on time-out and has his mouth washed out with soap, its finally his turn to shout “Don’t Say that word!” when his mother says “Well, Michael … today was a sea of great dramas. I hope there are calm days ahead. Run along –put on your pajamas, It’s late and you should be in …” This book is brimming with humor – a hilarious read!

Reviewed by: Katharine Quinn, SJSU MLIS Student

If you liked this book, you may like: Elbert’s Bad Word by Audrey and Don Wood or My Mouth is a Volcano by Julia Cook

Other books by this author: Stalling, Take Me Out of the Bathtub and Other Silly Dilly Songs

Me Hungry!

Jeremy Tankard (2008), 40 pages

Audience: toddlers

Format: Picture book

“Me hungry. Me hunt. Me eat rabbit!” blunt dialog keeps text to a minimum and the bright, bold illustrations with nominal background detail is a great combination toddlers will love. Tankard’s humorous narrative and lovable prehistoric family will entertain parents too. Follow along as cave-boy, Edwin hunts for food and finds friendship in a most unlikely character. The storyline is full of humor and silliness concluding with a great comedic punch line - this book is sure to become a big hit with your kids!

Reviewed by: Katharine Quinn, SJSU MLIS Student

If you liked this book, you may like: The Lion & the Mouse by Jerry Pinkney or Monkey and Me by Emily Gravett

Other books by this author: Boo Hoo Bird and Grumpy Bird

Thesaurus Rex

Laya Steinberg (2003), 24 pages

Illustrated by Debbie Harter

Audience: pre-K

Format: Board book

Thesaurus Rex is a playful, active bright-blue spotted dinosaur that finds synonyms for everything he does! For instance, when he plays … he frolics, rollicks, frisks, and romps. While eating he munches, crunches, nibbles, gnaws, and when he gets ready to sleep he doesn’t just leap - he bounces, jumps, springs, and flies into bed. Thesaurus Rex effectively combines educational elements with a kid-friendly character and storyline – making it a must-have book for preschoolers. Kids will have a great time building their vocabulary and discovering new words!

Reviewed by: Katharine Quinn, SJSU MLIS Student

If you liked this book, you may like: Hairy, Scary, Ordinary: What is an Adjective? by Brian P. Cleary, The Boy who Loved Words by Roni Schotter, or Slop Goes the Soup: A Noisy Warthog Word Book by Pamela Edwards

Other books by this author: All Around Me I See

Tip-Tap Pop

Sarah Lynn (2010), 32 pages

Illustrated by Valeria Docampo

Audience: pre-K

Format: picture book

Pop is Emma’s grandfather who taught her how to tap dance – they would perform together every year for Emma’s birthday … well, every year, until one year … when Pop forgot. But, after that he started to forget a lot of things … so, Emma tries to connect with him through dance, hoping that he’ll remember the steps … "shuffle-shuffle-rustle-slide" as they used to. Eventually, pop joins in – his feet moving from side to side … Emma explains softly to her grandmother “his feet remember” and Gram kindly similes sayings “they remember today … and maybe we can help them remember tomorrow.” A delightful paring of image and text; Docampo’s saturated and lively images are vivacious and play off Lynn’s tender yet sound evocative prose perfectly. This heart-warming story manages to approach common issues surrounding ageing grandparents and memory loss with dignity and subtlety, making it an appropriate read for young children.

Reviewed by: Katharine Quinn, SJSU MLIS Student

If you liked this book, you may like: Rap A Tap Tap: Here’s Bojangles Think of That! (Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor) by Leo Dillon or Little Mama Forgets by Robin Cruise

Other books by this illustrator: The Library’s Pages and Three Little Tamales

I’m All Ears: Sing into Reading

Fran Avni (1999), 46:39 minutes

Audience: All ages

Format: CD

Twenty-three songs feature rhythmic beats and lyrics that teach children early literacy skills. Each song helps children develop reading readiness skills. For example rhyming techniques are used in “Name Game” (rhyme recognition) and “Good for You” (rhyme completion). Alliteration is featured in numerous songs including “Chugga choo choo,” “Lily,” and “One Wet Windy Wednesday.” Phonemic awareness (sound deletion, isolation, and blending) is highlighted in several songs such as “Pineapple,” “Topsy Turvy” and “Fiddle Around with the Middle Sound.” This CD makes learning educational and fun at the same time!

Reviewed by: Katharine Quinn, SJSU MLIS Student

If you liked this CD, you may like: Singing Sounds: Songs for Learning Early Speech Sounds

Other CDs by this artist: Little Ears: 27 Songs for Reading Readiness and Tuning Into Nature-Songs and Activities about the Earth

Rhymes Round the World

Kay Chorao (2009), 40 pages

Audience: All ages

Format: picture book

From celebrated illustrator Chorao comes Rhymes Round the World, a global compilation of traditional rhymes and songs both familiar and obscure. Translations include rhymes from several cultures and countries such as France’s Are you Sleeping?, Italy’s Cincirenella, Korea’s Wind Last Night, Poland’s Lizzie, Iran’s Morning Song, Greece’s The Girl Wants to Dance, and many more. Chorao’s signature cheerful watercolors bring simple poems, songs, and rhymes alive in her detailed full-page designs. For instance, the traditional Australian song “Kookaburra” illustrates playful laughter as an indigenous eucalyptus tree grows heavy with climbing children and an array of native wildlife (koalas, kangaroos, and the kookaburra bird) ….

“Kookaburra sits in an old gum tree,

Merry, merry king of the bush is he.

Laugh Kookaburra! Laugh, Kookaburra!

Gay your life must be.”

Without a doubt this book is as fun to read as it is to look at! Filled with fun, diverse rhymes, and beautiful images this is a book young audiences will enjoy. Parents and educators can read these rhymes as a way to introduce culture and diversity to children.

Reviewed by: Katharine Quinn, SJSU MLIS Student

If you liked this book, you may like: This Same Sky: A Collection of Poems from Around the World by Naomi Shihab Nye

Other books by this author: The Baby’s Good Morning Book, The Baby’s Bedtime Book, Knock at the Door and Other Baby Action Rhymes

Corduroy

Don Freeman (1968), 28 pages

Audience: toddlers, pre-K

Format: picture book

Long before Pixar’s Woody and Buzz Lightyear became household names ... there was Corduroy, a plushy teddy bear, “who once lived in the toy department of a big store” and longed to be taken home by a loving child. Sadly, shoppers continually pass him by until one day, a little girl expresses interest. Unfortunately, her mother refuses pointing out a missing button claiming he “doesn’t look new.” Unaware that he’d lost a button Corduroy goes on an adventure in the department store to find his missing button and repair his overalls. Luckily, the little girl returns the next day and joyfully claims Corduroy as her very own. Freeman’s illustrations bring this adorable and endearing story to life making Corduroy impossible not to love!

Reviewed by: Katharine Quinn, SJSU MLIS Student

If you liked this book, you may like: A Pocket for Corduroy or Manuelo the Playing Mantis by Don Freeman

Other books by this author: Beady Bear, Mop Top, Dandelion, A Rainbow of My Own, and Pet of the Met

The Very Hungry Caterpillar

Eric Carle (1969), 13 pages

Audience: babies, toddlers

Format: Board book

Carle takes readers on a metamorphic journey from egg to butterfly in his timeless tale of The Very Hungry Caterpillar.

But, my goodness … this caterpillar isn’t just hungry he’s ravenous! Eating his way through pears, plums, strawberries, oranges, (and literally the pages of the book) he continues to eat a strange diet of salami, swiss cheese, cherry pie, etc, but smartly makes his way through “one nice green leaf” before settling into his cocoon and becoming a beautiful butterfly. This story has been published in many formats, including board books and has become a childhood favorite for many generations. Now a timeless, classic tale loved by young children ... Carle's colorful collages and cutouts continue to delight readers everywhere.

Brimming with educational elements, this book can be used to teach counting, the days of the week, nutrition, and insect life cycles. Activity suggestions range from making paper butterflies to acting out the four stages of metamorphosis (egg, larva, cocoon, and butterfly) or ask children what their favorite foods are and re-read the story using those items. The possibilities are endless!

Reviewed by: Katharine Quinn, SJSU MLIS Student

If you liked this book, you may like: Eating the Alphabet by Lois Ehlert

Other books by this author: The Mixed-Up Chameleon, The Very Quiet Cricket, The Very Busy Spider, Papa Please Get the Moon for Me, and Little Cloud

Ten, Nine, Eight

Molly Bang (1983), 24 pages

Audience: babies, toddlers

Format: picture book

Need a calming countdown to nighttime? Well, look no further! Bang's Caldecott honored book Ten, Nine, Eight is the answer. Follow a loving daughter and father in their cozy nighttime routine as they get ready for a good night’s sleep ... “ten … small toes all washed and warm; nine … soft friends in a quiet room; eight … square windowpanes with falling snow.” Molly Bang has created a classic bedtime book and a family favorite. Add this story to your nightly repertoire as you prepare your little one for bedtime; also available in Spanish.

Reviewed by: Katharine Quinn, SJSU MLIS Student

If you liked this book, you may like: Feast for 10 by Cathryn Falwell, Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown, or Counting Kisses by Karen Katz

Other books by this author: When Sophie Gets Angry—Really, Really Angry (Caldecott Honor Book), The Grey Lady and the Strawberry Snatcher (Caldecott Honor Book), and All of me!

Yellow Elephant: A Bright Bestiary

Julie Larios (2006), 32 pages

Illustrated by Julie Paschkis

Audience: pre-K

Format: picture book

Larios brings a colorful menagerie to life in her book of poems, Yellow Elephant: A Bright Bestiary. Using clever and imaginative language, the author wonderfully pairs an animal with a specific hue (examples include Green Frog, Gray Goose, Black Fish, and Red Donkey, etc) elevating color from everyday to extraordinary. This book reads like a dream (perfect read-aloud) as it is not only visually but lyrically stunning, a sure way to introduce poetry to young children while learning about animals and colors.

-Black Fish-

Now all silver quiver

Now all dark flash

She’s all water and wonder,

this black fish.

Reviewed by: Katharine Quinn, SJSU MLIS Student

If you liked this book, you may like: Red Sings from Treetops: A Year in Colors (Caldecott honor) by Joyce Sidman or Poetrees by Douglas Florian

Other books by this author: Imaginary Menagerie: A Book of Curious Creature, and Have You Ever Done That?

The Three Little Pigs An Architectural Tale

Steven Guarnaccia (2010), 32 pages

Audience: pre-K

Format: picture book

Adapting the traditional folktale Three Little Pigs, Guarnaccia plays homage to three famous architects Frank Gehry, Phillip Johnson, and Frank Lloyd Wright in a modern retelling of this story. The houses are stylized after each architect’s signature style and made from scraps, glass, and concrete. The Big Bad Wolf is tougher than ever in his sunglasses and black leather jacket as he chases the little piggies from one house to another. Using the classic narrative of “Little Pig, Little Pig, let me come in” …. But the little pig answers “not by the hair of my chinny-chin-chin” keeps this retelling true to the classic, fun to read, and appropriate for kids. Yet by updating certain elements (such as house architecture) Guarnaccia keeps this rendition fresh and innovative! This book is published in a large picture book format with colorful illustrations that are simple yet detailed, and are not too overwhelming for the storyline.

Reviewed by: Katharine Quinn, SJSU MLIS Student

If you liked this book, you may like: Roberto, The Insect Architect by Nina Laden

Other books by this author: Goldilocks and the Three Bears: A Tale Moderne

The Mitten

Jan Brett (1989), 32 pages

Audience: pre-K

Format: picture book

Cozy up with Brett’s adaption of a traditional Ukrainian folktale this winter. An endearing tale of a Grandmother who cautiously knits a pair of white mittens at her grandson’s request. Fearing that he may lose the snow-white mittens outdoors, Baba goes ahead and knits a pair for Nicki (her grandson). And the very next day, Nicki does lose one – but who finds it? A pack of forest animals seeking refuse from the cold winter wind and snow. As more animals climb inside the warm woolen mitten to avoid the cold “the mitten swelled and stretched. It was pulled and bulged to many times its size. But Baba’s good knitting held fast” that is, until the last animal makes her way inside!

Although this book is published both as a board book and a picture book, I prefer the traditional picture book form for this story … I find the illustrations translate so much better in the larger format since the main narrative is illustrated along with inset side panels. Brett’s decorative touches are beautiful especially the embroidery motifs, which flank the bordered pages (in my opinion these touches further echo the author’s handcrafted fiber-inspired storyline) along with Baba and Nick’s traditional garb. Brett seamlessly adapts this traditional Ukrainian folktale into a charming, fantastical tale for children – it is one of the best fairytale/folktales for children 0-4.

Reviewed by: Katharine Quinn, SJSU MLIS Student

If you liked this book, you may like: The Mitten Tree by Candace Christiansen

Other books by this author: Town Mouse, Country Mouse, The Three Snow Bears, Gingerbread Baby, and Hedgie’s Surprise

Life in the Boreal Forest

Brenda Z. Guiberson (2009), 40 pages

Illustrated by Gennady Spirin

Audience: Pre-K

Format: picture book

Life in the Boreal Forest by Brenda Guiberson, illustrated by Gennady Spirin is an exceptional piece of nonfiction. The narrative is clear and accurate; the author not only identifies the environmental region “a forest so huge it covers one third of the earth’s total forest area. It grows across Alaska, Canada, Scandinavia, and Russia” but she explains the origins of names and terms in a lyrical voice… “a swath of trees this big has many names, like taiga and boreal forest. Boreal means northern, from Boreas, the Greek God of the North Wind.”

Animals, like the snowshoe hare and lynx come to life in Spirin’s expansive forest landscape paintings. The book provides additional websites of information; organizations and agencies that are dedicated to forest preservation and acknowledges several experts who helped in the manuscript (including a boreal ecologist, wildlife biologist, and two research scientists).

Reviewed by: Katharine Quinn, SJSU MLIS Student

If you liked this book, you may like: Redwoods by Jason Chin or Rain Forest by Helen Cowcher

Other books by this author: The Emperor Lays an Egg, Into the Sea, and Ice Bears

Momma, Where Are You From?

Marie Bradby’s (2000), 32 pages

Illustrated by Chris K. Soentpiet

Audience: pre-K

Format: picture book

The story begins as a daughter asks her mother “Momma, where are you from? Where are you from, Momma?” and as her mother begins to recall her African-American rural roots she answers lyrically, “I’m from Monday mornings, washing loads of loads of clothes in the wringer washer ….” This book is so raw and sweet; it will touch and warm your heart. A perfect book for curious children and nostalgic parents … let this book evoke memories of your own and then share those stories with your child.

Reviewed by: Katharine Quinn, SJSU MLIS Student

If you liked this book, you may like: Something Beautiful by Sharon Dennis Wyeth, Shades of Black: A Celebration of Our Children by Sandra L. Pinkney, or Amazing Grace by Mary Hoffman

Other books by this author: More Than Anything Else, The Longest Wait, and Once Upon a Farm

Museum Trip

Barbara Lehman (2006), 32 pages

Audience: All ages

Format: picture book

Barbara Lehman's wordless storyline is endearing and creative with illustrations that really tell a complete narrative! Similar in style to her Caldecott honored The Red Book, Museum Trip is written in a wordless narrative with illustrations that tell the story of a child's museum visit and getting lost in its maze (literary by being separated from their class and figuratively as he gets "lost" or engrossed in the artifacts/exhibits on display at the museum). But wait … was finding his way through the maze just a daydream? Well, you’ll have to decide for yourself as he leaves the museum with a shiny souvenir there may be reason to think otherwise. A story that will delight children of all ages!

Reviewed by: Katharine Quinn, SJSU MLIS Student

If you liked this book you may like: Time Flies by Eric Rohmann, Wave by Suzy Lee, or Free Fall by David Wiesner

Other books by this author: The Red Book (Caldecott Honor), Trainstop, and Rainstorm

Black is Brown is Tan

Arnold Adoff (1973), 32 pages

Audience: pre-K

Format: picture book

Black is Brown is Tan was the first children’s book to depict an interracial family. Mommy is “milk chocolate cheeks and hands that darken in the summer sun” and daddy is “light with pinks and tiny tans.” Adoff’s book is pure poetry and a great read-aloud book. Even though this was written back in the 1970s the author's lyrically words are still just as relevant and moving today...

black is brown is tan
is girl is boy
is nose is
face
is all
the
colors
of the race …

this is the way it is for us

this is they way we are

Reviewed by: Katharine Quinn, SJSU MLIS Student

If you liked this book, you may like: Tan to Tamarind: Poems About the Color Brown by Malathi Michelle Iyengar and Black, White, Just Right! By Marguerite W. Davol

Other books by this author: Love Letters and Touch the Poem

The Skin You Live In

Michael Tyler (2005), 32 pages

Illustrated by David Lee Csicsko

Audience: pre-K

Format: picture book

The Skin You Live In by Michael Tyler not only talks about skin's different colors & tones it also talks about all the fun things you can do in your skin … such as "the skin that you have fun in; the skin that you run in; the skin that you hop, skip, and jump in the sun in..." Ending with the moral that what's most important is not the skin, but what's within.

Supplement this book with an activity of coloring. Using Coloring Pages, a free online resource that offers printable templates (sorted by subject) print the "children" series and offer an array of skin tone options with Crayola's Multicultural crayons.

Reviewed by: Katharine Quinn, SJSU MLIS Student

If you liked this book, you may like: Shades of People by Shelley Rotner, The Colors of Us by Karen Katz, and What I Like About Me! By Allia Zobel Nolan

Other books by this illustrator: Behind the Lions: A Family Guide to the Art Institute of Chicago

Peek-a-Who?

Nina Laden (2000), 10 pages

Audience: babies

Format: board book

Looking for a book to entertain your infant? Look no further. With bold graphic illustrations, creative cutouts, and rhythmic rhyme Laden's take on the classic peek-a-boo board book is the perfect read! Entertaining for both baby and adult; the short, quick rhymes are great for reading aloud, especially fun is the last line where the author writes …Peek-a-Who? … Peek-a-You ... appropriately ending with a foil mirror on the final page for the baby to look at! Published as a sturdy board book means it should hold up to the wear and tear of little hands. For additional reading, pair with In My Nest by Sara Gillingham or Owl Babies by Martin Waddell. Or try incorporating some games ... babies love playing the classic game of Peek-a-boo; play a round after reading to start teaching your baby basic motor skills.

Reviewed by: Katharine Quinn, SJSU MLIS Student

If you liked this book, you may like: In My Nest by Sara Gillingham

Other books by this author: Button Noses, Who Loves You Baby? and Ready, Set, Go!

I Love You

Remy Charlip (1995), 32 pages

Audience: babies, toddlers

Format: picture book

“I love you ... say it again" … so begins a clever dialog between mother and child. Equipped with fun wordplay and a wonderful sense of humor, Charlip creates an endearing and playful story of a mother getting her child ready for bedtime. Illustrated with simple drawings and a limited color scheme of black, white and red--at first glance this book is deceptively simple ... but, don't be fooled! This book's creative and clever narrative will leave a lasting impression and soon become one of your child’s favorites. This is the perfect bedtime book! This storyline finds an ideal song accompaniment in an all-time American classic "Skidamarink." So, before bedtime don't forget to sing a chorus or two:

Skidamarink a dink a dink,
Skidamarink a doo,
I love you.

I love you in the morning,
And in the afternoon,
I love you in the evening,
And underneath the moon,

Oh, Skidamarink a dink a dink,
Skidamarink a doo,
I Love You!

Reviewed by: Katharine Quinn, SJSU MLIS Student

If you liked this book, you may like: Someday by Alison McGhee and In a Blue Room by Jim Averbeck

Other books by this author: Baby Hearts and Baby Flowers, Fortunately, Sleepytime Rhyme, and Mother, Mother, I Feel Sick - Send for the Doctor, Quick, Quick, Quick

Baby’s Beginnings: Colors

So Smart (2009), 30 minutes

Audience: babies

Format: DVD

Instrumental music, soft narration, and colorful animation combined make learning colors fun for babies and parents! In short intervals (for a total playing time of 30 minutes), seven colors are featured in separate segments allowing babies to learn easily and at their own pace. All seven colors (green, purple, blue, yellow, orange, red, and pink) are brought to life using simple shapes and cute animated animals! This video is charming, sweet, and imaginative -a great teaching tool for parents and infants.

Reviewed by: Katharine Quinn, SJSU MLIS Student

If you liked this DVD, you may like: Crazy for Color produced by The BumbleBee Kids Studio

Other products by So Smart: Baby’s First-Word Stories: Pets, Beginning Shapes, Beginning Letters

Language Nursery

Baby Einstein (2002), 62 minutes

Audience: babies

Format: DVD

The Baby Einstein Language Nursery video presents babies with short, colorful vignettes in eight different languages: Japanese, Russian, English, Hebrew, German, Italian, French, and Spanish. The video features traditional rhymes, songs, numbers, alphabets, and lullabies by native speakers and uses very simple imagery (close-ups shots of dolls and toys along with minimal graphics), engages babies’ sense of sight and sound. The DVD contains additional footage of flashcards (29 different vocabulary words) and a video tutorial, which instructs the parents on how to watch the video while interacting with their baby. The Baby Einstein brand declares that the videos should be used in conjunction with parent interaction, citing “that parent-child interaction is one of the most critical elements to the development of a healthy and happy baby during the first three years of life” (Baby Einstein Company, 2007, ¶ 2). Additional videos concentrate on other subjects, such as music (Baby Mozart and Baby Bach), poetry (Baby Shakespeare), and colors (Baby Van Gogh). An excellent source for parents and babies will find the content appealing and fun!

Reviewed by: Katharine Quinn, SJSU MLIS Student

If you liked this DVD, you may like: Little Pim (Series) produced by The Little Pim Co.

Other products by Baby Einstein: Discovering Shapes, Baby Mozart, and Neighborhood Animals

There’s a Wocket in My Pocket!

Dr. Seuss (1974), 36 pages

Audience: toddlers, Pre-K

Format: picture book

Dr. Seuss is famous for his ridiculous and tongue-twisting rhymes and this book is no exception! There's a Wocket in My Pocket features an entire narration of clever and entertaining nonsense words! These words are an excellent tool for teaching phonemic awareness … have children practice making up words and sounds by replacing the first or last letter of a word (a technique is know as phonemic isolation and substitution) For instance, wocket=pocket, wasket=basket, woset=closet, nink=sink, or yottle=bottle. The possibilities are endless! A great read-aloud book, parents and children will have fun making up words and listening to the rhymes.

Reviewed by: Katharine Quinn, SJSU MLIS Student

If you liked this book, you may like: Jamberry by Bruce Degen

Other books by this author: Hop on Pop, Foxs in Socks, Yertle the Turtle and Other Stories

What Rhymes with Eel? A word-picture flap book

Harriet Ziefert (1996), 16 pages

Illustrated by Rick Brown

Audience: babies, toddlers

Format: picture book

Children and parents will love this interactive picture book! By removing one letter in the word and replacing it –new words are formed. For instance, remove the “C” in Carrot and replace with “P” … what do you get? Parrot; a perfect tool to teach phonemic-isolation and segmentation plus the rhymes are easy to sound out, allowing children to hear the blending between the sounds.

Use this book in addition to ReadWriteThinks' Construct-A-Word game to boost phonemic awareness; for instance, participants can try finding all the "ig" or "an" words. Parents and educators can practice this technique on their own (just remember to speak slowly and elongate sounds) by asking kids what certain sounds words make, such as b/at (bat), l/ate (late), or s/and (sand), a great way to learn onset rhymes!

Reviewed by: Katharine Quinn, SJSU MLIS Student

If you liked this book, you may like: Dear Zoo: A Lift the Flap Book by Rod Campbell

Other books by this author: Who said Moo? Lift the Flap Book and Where is My Friend? A Hide and Peek Book