Piggies

Audrey Wood (2004), 32 pages

Illustrated by Don Wood

Audience: toddlers, pre-K

Format: picture book

Looking for a fun counting, bedtime, or storytime book? Well, look no further – this very clever book by husband and wife, Audrey and Don Wood covers all those bases and more.

Read along as little fingers i.e. “piggies” scramble across the pages making bedtime countdown quite a bit of fun!

From one to 10, these little piggies run, jump, and dance across the pages making children squeal with delight. Although the premise is fairly simple, the story reveals a very clever ending and the accompanied images are so bold, bright, and pure - they make the story a blast to share and read, lending itself well as a storytime book. Each page is visually interesting yet strikingly simple, so children even in the back of the circle will easily follow along. I’ve used this book several times, and it’s always a bit hit. The kids love the silliness of the piggies as they balance, cheer, and create havoc among ten little fingers and toes. In addition, this book not only teaches counting, numbers, but opposites as well … as the authors illustrate hot, sweaty palms beside cold mitten-clad hands, or clean hands freshly soaped in a flurry of bath-time bubbles as opposed to dirty, mud splattered palms. One fun activity is to read the book and have the kids hold up their “piggies” matching the gestures in the book when counting (1-10), hiding piggies (closed fists), giving piggie kisses (folding fingers together), etc. – which teaches kids dexterity and important motor skills.

Reviewed by: Katharine Conn, MLIS

If you liked this book, you may like: The Game of Finger Worms by Hervé Tullet, Peekaboo Bedtime by Rachel Isadora, or Piggy Pie Po by Audrey Wood

Other books by this author: Alphabet Adventure, Alphabet Mystery, Ten Little Fish, Piggy Pie Po, The Napping House, Heckedy Peg, and Scaredy Cats

DwellStudio Board Books

DwellStudio (2009), 8 pages

Audience: babies, toddlers

Format: board book

Stylish, modern, and educational … designer DwellStudio has created great starter books for babies and toddlers. Simplified, minimal, outlined objects and animals such as a bear, house, whale, etc. (inspired by their design product line) are perfect subject matter for infants and young children. The glossy black and white images are not only appealing to young audiences; they are especially effective for babies whose vision is still developing in the first few months. However, the black and white images are sparingly paired with bright pops of color to add interest and whimsy; for instance the whale depicted in black and white pops with a turquoise splash of water. Published as board books, this series is both sturdy and durable-perfect for babies and toddlers. Although on the small size (7x7) they are just the right size for lap reading. However, since the images are bright and graphic they may translate well for baby storytime … if concerned about size enlarge the pictures, create felt board cutouts, and display them for everyone to see. Introducing babies to books is important; while being read to, they make connections to words and sounds making reading out loud not only a sensory experience, but also instrumental to early literacy.

In addition, the Dwell Studio has developed baby books devoted to learning colors, textures, and more. For instance, What Colors? was produced as an accordion-style (see bottom image) book which folds out to illustrate a rainbow of color. This unusual format would be great for baby storytimes since the “pages” are unfolded to reveal a large, colorful panel. Have parents create their own accordion-style book with folded construction paper and stamp or outline images. Dwell Studio’s most tactile books for children are their Touch & Feel series; using different textures and patterns not only help engage children – they are a great sensory experience, another way to make reading fun!

Reviewed by: Katharine Conn, MLIS

If you liked this book, you may like: White on Black by Tana Hoban or Charley Harper’s 123s or ABC Books, Sara Anderson’s Vegetables or Fruit

Other books by this company: Eat, Go, Count, Touch & Feel Zoo, Touch & Feel Town, Goodnight Owl, and Good Morning Toucan

My First Chinese New Year

Karen Katz (2004), 32 pages

Audience: toddlers, pre-K

Format: picture book

Let's celebrate Chinese New Year 2012! A lunar holiday, this is typically celebrated anywhere from late January to early February and lasts 15 days. This year happens to be the Year of the Dragon – symbolizing a very lucky year!

Read along as one little girl joins her whole family for several fun-filled days in celebrating the lunar New Year. Katz's describes the traditional preparations (such as getting a new haircut and a new red dress, to hanging decorations, and cleaning the house) and customs (giving lucky red envelopes with money and honoring ancestors are also mentioned). Grandparents, Aunts, cousins, sit down together to enjoy a New Years feast including special foods such as a “precious sticky rice puddings” – yum, yum! And at the end, the family goes out to see a Chinese New Year’s parade where lions and dragons dance for all to see exclaiming “Gung Hay Fat Choy, Happy New Year”.

Author and illustrator Karen Katz is known for her bright, cheerful pictures; this style works well here – with bright reds and yellows a festive tone is set right from the beginning. Her narrative is simple but informative making this a great introductory book. Chinese New Year will be coming up soon, so be prepared and have this little book on hand – it’s a great read for preschoolers who are learning about this event for the first time.

Take time to integrate a few surprise props into your story-time by bringing some red envelopes for kids to pass around (one of my teacher’s had some for me to use and they were a big hit!) or make some fun craft projects like paper lanterns or dragons for the kids to play with.

Reviewed by: Katharine Conn, MLIS

If you liked this book, you may like: Red is a Dragon by Roseanne Thong, Bringing in the New Year by Grace Lin or This Next New Year by Janet S. Wong

Other books by this author: The Color of Us, Counting Kisses, Daddy Hugs, Excuse Me! A Book of Manners, Mommy Hugs, My First Kwanzaa, My First Ramadan, and Over the Moon: An Adoption Tale

All the Colors of the Earth

Sheila Hamanaka (1994), 32 pages

Audience: pre-K

Format: picture book

Children come in all the colors of the earth – such as roaring browns, whispering golds, tinkling pinks just to name a few!

Inspired by her own children’s multi-ethnic heritage, Hamanaka has created a lasting and beautiful view of diversity. Descriptive and expressive, Hamanaka does double duty as both author and illustrator showcasing she can captivate equally a young audience’s eyes and ears … making this book a delightful story-time read! Her sweeping, painterly illustrations filled with warm sun-kissed yellows, rich browns, and crisp blues energize the story; the author’s language and images work in unison to share a life affirming quality.

The narrative is inclusive all of different of skin tones “cinnamon, walnut, and wheat” to “amber and ivory” and hair types too from bouncy curls to flowing locks. While celebrating individuality, Hamanaka reveals there is sameness; noting that while all children are different they are similar – the common denominator being love.

This book truly honors all children of color and is a great story-time read especially during January as Martin Luther King Jr. Day approaches – children can be proud of their differences and appreciate their unique attributes; a gentle and very approachable book on race/ethnicity for preschoolers.

Reviewed by: Katharine Conn, MLIS

If you liked this book, you may like: Whoever You Are by Mem Fox, The Skin You Live In by Michael Tyler, Shades of People by Shelley Rotner or A Rainbow of Friends by P. K. Hallinan

Other books by this author: Bebop-a-do-walk, I Look Like a Girl, Grandparents Song, Peace Crane, and Screen of Frogs: An Old Tale

The Wide-Mouthed Frog

Keith Faulkner (19965), 16 pages

Illustrated by Jonathan Lambert

Audience: toddlers, pre-K

Format: picture book

Follow along as a curious wide-mouthed frog asks what others eat while he enjoys his meal of choice -flies. Crunchy seeds, juicy berries, and slugs may suit others … but what do you suppose big green alligators eat? Well, they eat wide-mouthed frogs of course! Gulp, can do you guess what happens next?

This age-old tale is a child’s favorite and this particular edition has been produced as a pop-up book –making it a perfect choice for story-time! Children love both the hilarious narrative and the striking illustrations. What I like most is that this book features dynamic three-dimensional characters (the pop-outs are viewed vertically making the book easy to hold and ideal for sharing in a group … genius). Illustrator Jonathon Lambert has created a feast for the eyes, the colors are vibrant and the images sit against a nice amount of white space – so they are easy to see and work especially well with larger story-time groups. The final fold out makes quite an impression – making this book seem almost more like a performance.

Faulkner and Lambert team up again with a number of other publications including The Giraffe Who Cock-a-doodle-doo’d. Try this title too - you should have lots of fun reading and laughing out loud or pair The Wide-Mouthed Frog with a simple fingerplay and felt board of “Five Speckled Frogs”

Five green and speckled frogs sat on a hollow log,

Eating some most delicious bugs ... yum, yum! (rub belly)

One frog jumped in the pool where it was nice and cool,

Then there were four green and speckled frogs.

Continue with four, three, two, and one green and speckled frogs.

Reviewed by: Katharine Conn, MLIS

If you liked this book, you may like: The Giraffe Who Cock-a-doodle-doo’d by Keith Kaulkner, The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle, Hungry Monsters: A Pop-Up Book of Colors or I’m going to Eat You, A Spooky Pop-up Book by Matt Mitter

Other books by this author: Big Bugs, The long-nosed pig: A pop-up book, Where’s my Quack? A book of animal sounds, The Puzzled Penguin, The Monster Who Loved Books, The Big Yawn, and Tap! Tap! Tap!

Other books by this illustrator: Dotty the Ladybug Plays Hide-and-seek, Snuffle and the Egg, Hoppy the Cricket Jumps High and Low, and Phewee!

Manfish: A Story of Jacques Cousteau

Jennifer Berne (2008), 32 pages

Illustrated by Eric Puybaret

Audience: pre-K

Format: picture book

From the onset, readers will be captivated not only by the author’s poetic words but by the illustrations which seem to seep off the page onto your hands and into your lap. Text sways and waves as though rippled in the water … “Bubbles rising through the silence of the sea, silvery beads of breath from a man deep, deep down in a strange and shimmering ocean land of swaying plants and fantastic creatures, a manfish swimming, diving into the unknown, exploring underwater worlds no one has ever seen and no one could ever have imagined.” So begins the amazing life story of Jacques Cousteau who was an inventor, diving pioneer, naval officer, moviemaker, author, photographer, and advocate for marine life and ecology.

This story begins when Jacques is a boy – he discovered a love of water at an early age as he swam and played at the ocean’s edge. By nature, he was very curious and inquisitive; he wondered about the world around him; “He wondered why ships floated. Why he floated. And why rocks sank.” Fascinated by the sea, boats, and with building things, along with an appetite for mechanics, he read blueprints, invented, experimented, and built models. As a child, Cousteau was also interested in film and how movies were made; buying a camera he filmed himself and his family constantly. As Cousteau interests grew so did his desire to explore, he dreamed to one day “swim through the sea as free as a fish … to become a manfish.”

Cousteau’s love of the ocean, innovative spirit, and ability to photograph and film oceanic creatures took him on many wonderful adventures. Berne’s book takes the readers on a tour of some of these highlights from his naval service to boating expeditions where he filmed and photographer rarely seen marine life. “They discovered plants that you could feed you. Plants that could poison you. Plants that looked like fish … and fish that looked like plants.” Important inventions are mentioned too, including the aqua-lung, a device, which allowed divers to breath underwater and dive deeper for longer periods of time.

As Cousteau further explored the ocean he shared his findings with the world, releasing many films, writing books, and documenting his discoveries. His research was groundbreaking. But, as the years passed, he began to notice that marine life suffering from pollution and chemicals; precious marine life was dying. Cousteau’s next objective was to protect the ocean and its inhabitants. He made more movies to warn people of the dangers of pollution and asked people to save the oceans in hopes that future generations could experience them in all their glory.

Using carefully chosen text and simple sentences, the author takes a complex biography such as Jacques Cousteau and underwater discovery and makes it both relatable and interesting for a young audience. Berne’s words are appropriate and descriptive without being over-done ... in effect, speaking directly to young listeners. Fellow Frenchman, Puybaret’s illustrations are truly beautiful and almost echo the ocean … some are dark and ominous while others are bright and lively.

Find time to share this book with your little one and teach them to love the ocean as much as Cousteau did! This book would work well for story-times that discuss French, science, or the ocean. For a story-time companion try singing a round of “Frère Jacques” or “Baby Beluga” depending on your theme.

Frère Jacques, Frère Jacques
Dormez-vous? Dormez-vous?
Sonnez les matines. Sonnez les matines.
Ding Dang Dong. Ding Dang Dong.

Or

Baby Beluga in the deep blue sea,
Swim so wild and you swim so free.
Heaven above, and the sea below,
And a little white whale on the go.

Baby beluga, baby Beluga, is the water warm?
Is your mama home with you, so happy.

Way down yonder where the dolphins play,
Where they dive and splash all day,
The waves roll in and the waves roll out,
See the water squirting out of your spout.

Baby beluga, baby Beluga, sing your little song,
Sing for all your friends, we like to hear you.

When it's dark, you're home and fed,
Curl up snug in your water bed.

Moon is shining and the stars are out,
Good night, little whale, goodnight.

Baby beluga, baby Beluga, with tomorrow's sun,
Another day's begun, you'll soon be waking.

Baby Beluga in the deep blue sea,
Swim so wild and you swim so free.
Heaven above and the sea below,
And a little white whale on the go.
You're just a little white whale on the go.

-by Raffi and Debi Pike

Reviewed by: Katharine Conn, MLIS

If you liked this book, you may like: Down, Down, Down: A Journey to the Bottom of the Sea by Steve Jenkins, The Fantastic Undersea Life of Jacques Cousteau by Dan Yaccarino, or Way Down Deep in the Deep Blue Sea by Jan Peck

Other books by this author: Calvin Can’t Fly: The Story of a Bookworm Birdie

Other books by this illustrator: Puff, the Magic Dragon, Over the Rainbow, Cache-Luna, When You Wish Upon a Star, The Nutcracker, and The Night Before Christmas

A Walk in London

Salvatore Rubbino (2011), 40 pages

Audience: pre-K

Format: picture book

Planning a trip abroad? Feeling nostalgic about your British roots? Moving across the Atlantic?

The latter is my inspiration today … as earlier this month my cousins and their three year old made the big move from San Francisco to Windsor. Whatever the case may be, this book is a wonderful taste of London, one of the world’s most visited cities!

Join author/illustrator Rubbino as he celebrates London, and takes readers on a delightful walking tour of this great city; included are its finest buildings, landmarks, and cultural history. Brimming with interesting trivia facts and a whimsical narrative … a mother and child tour St. James’s Park, Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, among others. Along the way, readers experience the city’s temporal wet weather, acrobatic and musical street performers, and vast Thames River! Learn about London’s Whispering Gallery inside St. Paul’s Cathedral or visit Britain’s oldest bank, the Bank of England. Make sure to get tickets to see a real castle, the Tower of London in the middle of the city and don’t forget to stopover at the Jewel House where the Royal Crown Jewels sparkle for all to see. Both children and parents will enjoy this story and relish the author’s attention to detail, informative facts, and thrill of city exploration.

A great read for those traveling abroad or interested in discovering new cities. Get inspired and go on an excursion of your own … a walking tour of your favorite city ... whether close or far … kids will love learning about new surroundings!

Reviewed by: Katharine Conn, MLIS

If you liked this book, you may like: This is London by Miroslav Sasek, Katie in London by James Mayhew, City Walks with Kids: London: 50 Adventures on Foot by Emily Laurence Baker

Other books by this author: A Walk in New York

Mitchell’s License

Hallie Durand (2011), 40 pages

Illustrated by Tony Fucile

Audience: toddlers, pre-K

Format: picture book

Bedtime doesn’t have to involve tantrums, tears, or whimpers … In fact, bedtime can be fun. Well, get ready to steer your not-ready-for-bedtime kids into bed in a very creative way …Meet Mitchell.

At three years, nine months, and five days old Mitchell got his license. To drive … his dad. That’s right Mitchell’s first car isn’t a 1968 Mustang or 1995 Volkswagen ... it was his father. Although young, Mitchell is a thorough and safe driver. He maintains his vehicle; before driving he inspects the tires (dad’s feet), the engine (dad’s tummy), and always makes sure the windshield (dad’s glasses) isn’t dirty before taking the driver’s seat (dad’s shoulders). Mitchell steers flawlessly (almost!) driving fast, slow, in reverse, even coasting into neutral. He can turn right, turn left, etc. Soon after a few nights of maneuvering speed bumps (toys in the hallway) and traffic jams Mitchell starts to handle his new car like a seasoned pro. Now, Mitchell loves his new commute! Mitchell’s License truly puts bedtime into 4-wheel drive and will get your kids excited about going to bed!

Read along further as Mitchell takes detours, tops off the oil, and visits the gas station … But of course, parents don’t worry Mitchell’s car still has a mind of its own and can make a u-turn beelining for Mitchell’s room if need be. Durand and Fucile are great storytellers and resourceful to the end, resulting in a book, which is both fun and funny to read!

This book takes play-pretend and reading to a whole new level making bedtime a wonderful bonding experience between father and son. Let’s face it, the years fly bye … before you know it your little one will be behind the wheel … until then, let them practice on you!

Reviewed by: Katharine Conn, MLIS

If you liked this book, you may like: Sputter, Sputter, Sput! by Babs Bell, Driving Daddy by Hope Vestergaard, or Night Driving by John Coy

Other books by this author: Dessert First!

Other books by this illustrator: Let’s Do Nothing!

Little White Rabbit

Kevin Henkes (2011), 32 pages

Audience: toddlers, pre-K

Format: picture book

Just in time for spring … decorated children’s author and illustrator, Kevin Henkes once again has created a classic storybook that children and parents will love. Following on the heels of his tremendously successful 2010 work Kitten’s First Full Moon – is Henkes 2011 release of Little White Rabbit. Follow along as one curious little bunny explores his world with gusto. As little white rabbit ventures out to discover the fresh, spring landscape he is filled with wonderment. As the bunny’s imagination grows so does Henkes illustrations. For instance when the little white rabbit hops “through the high grass, he wondered what it would be like to be green” and voila with a turn of the page our little white rabbit is now eying his green reflection in a pond. As he hops “over a rock, he wondered what it would be like not to move” and the following page shows little rabbit as a stone-still statue. He wonders all kinds of things, such as what it might be like to be tall as a fir tree or flutter in the air like a butterfly. But when he returns home … he never wonders who loves him because he knows his family does. My favorite part is the last page, an image of little white rabbit snuggling up to his sleeping family, but his curiosity is once again sparked as a bee flies overhead. The illustrations are lighthearted and cheery. Color pencil and acrylic paint in colors like mint and chartreuse, sky blue, and pink capture the renewal of a new spring day. Henkes’s narrative is both sweet and satisfying – a great book for preschoolers!

Reviewed by: Katharine Quinn, SJSU MLIS Student

If you liked this book, you may like: The Runaway Bunny by Margaret Wise Brown

Other books by this author: Lily’s Purple Plastic Purse, Kitten’s First Full Moon (Caldecott Medalist), My Garden, Wemberly Worried, and Owen (Caldecott Honor), Old Bear, and Olive’s Ocean (Newberry Honor)

Beautiful Oops!

Barney Saltzberg (2010), 28 pages

Audience: all ages

Format: board book

Can you take a crumbled piece of paper and make it into a sheep’s coat? Can you turn a scrap piece of paper into something interesting? Why, yes you can! This book reminds everyone that mistakes are okay. In fact, making mistakes is a part of life – so why not celebrate them! Author and illustrator, Saltzberg delivers this message in a very creative and innovative way. Using a series of flaps, pop ups, and die cuts he produced a fun, interactive, and imaginative book that people (at any age) will appreciate. With some ingenuity, “Oops! A torn piece of paper” becomes a wide-smiling crocodile or watch as a little paint spill morphs into … a collection of purple puppies, a family of birds, even an elephant. Satlzberg proves that no matter the mistake, whether torn paper, a drip of paint, a stain, a hole, etc … it’s just a chance to make something unique and interesting. This board book is constructed well with durable, glossy pages … so that even young children can enjoy moving the pages and gain motor skills. Each interactive element is surprising and delightful for more details check out the publisher’s promotional video. It may just inspire you to get crafty and go make some mistakes of your own! With it’s movable parts, bright colors, and creative design-this book is both fun and functional and the authors message is timeless … mistakes provide an opportunity to be creative and imaginative and more importantly they are an opportunity to create something new … something beautiful!

Reviewed by: Katharine Quinn, SJSU MLIS Student

If you liked this book, you may like: Lines that Wiggle by Candace Whitman, or The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds

Other books by this author: Kisses, Peekaboo Kisses, Crazy Hair Day, Star of the Week, Baby Animal Kisses, The Flying Garbanzos, and Cornelius P. Mud, Are You Ready for Bed?

Perfect Square

Michael Hall (2011), 40 pages

Audience: toddlers, pre-K

Format: picture book

There once was a red square who was perfectly happy with his “four matching corners and four equal sides.” However, during the week this perfect square is altered and transformed. Each day something new has happened to him. On Monday is was punched with holes, on Tuesday torn into scraps, Wednesday shredded, Thursday shattered, Friday snipped, Saturday crumpled and ripped … yet each time he transforms into something new and picturesque. This unexpected journey is so much fun … and full of surprises. Graphic designer, Michael Hall makes minimalism sing; combining simple shapes and a few choice words Hall’s pictures brings form and color to life. His storyline is clever and sharp and the cumulative text is almost Eric Carle-esc. Children are treated to an array of shapes, a rainbow of colors, and an imaginative premise … by the book’s end they’ll be both entertained and inspired! A great read-aloud book for parents and educators. Take advantage of this book's creative premise and offer preschoolers a fun follow up craft where they can make their own square designs (learn motor skills) and narrate its transformation (practice narrative ability); integrating these types of early development skills is essential for building pre-reading skills in children 0-4.

Reviewed by: Katharine Quinn, SJSU MLIS Student

If you liked this book, you may like: Press Here by Hervé Tullet, Shadow by Suzy Lee, or It Looked Like Spilt Milk by Charles G. Shaw

Other books by this author: My Heart is Like a Zoo

Iggy Peck Architect

Andrea Beaty (2007), 32 pages

Illustrated by David Roberts

Audience: pre-K

Format: picture book

Ignacious Peck is a born architect. At the age of two he was building towers out of “nappies and glue.” By age three he could build churches with steeples, temples, and more! He could build anything really using materials of all kinds from backyard dirt to apples, and pancakes … Iggy was a self-made architect. However, his success comes to a screeching halt when he meets Miss Lila Greer a second grade teacher (frightened by heights and tall buildings). She forbids any talk about architecture and upon such news Iggy’s “heart sank to floor … now second grade was a bore.” Luckily though while out on a class hike and picnic … Iggy saves the day. How may you ask? Why with shoestrings and skill … a bridge appears saving his classmates and Miss Lila Greer! With new appreciation for building ingenuity, Miss Greer happily welcomes Iggy Peck and talks of building from Rome to Quebec back in her classroom again. Full of quirky rhymes and creative verse, Beaty’s book is a gem and a great read-aloud book for adults and kids. Roberts’s illustrations are outstanding. His attention to detail, use of pattern and texture is hypnotic – long after reading you’ll pour over these pages again and again picking out new details each time. This is a book kids will go nuts for ... with just one read you’re guaranteed to fall in love with Iggy Peck, Architect!

Reviewed by: Katharine Quinn, SJSU MLIS Student

If you liked this book, you may like: Art by Patrick McDonnell, The Pencil by Allan Ahlberg, or Into the Sky by Ryan Ann Hunter

Other books by this author: When Giants Come to Play, Doctor Ted, Firefighter Ted, Hide and Sheep, and Cicada Summer

Little Blue and Little Yellow

Leo Lionni (1959), 40 pages

Audience: pre-K

Format: picture book

Written as a tribute to his two young grandchildren, Lionni’s first book Little Blue and Little Yellow is truly a satisfying read. Little blue loves playing with his friends, especially little yellow who lives across the street. One day, little blue goes looking for his best friend. After looking everywhere, little blue finally stumbles upon little yellow and they are so happy to see each other they hug and hug until they turn green! The two friends, now as little green have an adventurous day out playing in the park, running through tunnels, climbing mountains … exhausted they return home. But to their parents’ dismay, little blue and little yellow are gone – only little green remains. Saddened little blue and yellow cry themselves to pieces (little blue and yellow pieces) until “they finally pull themselves together” and return home to their parents. Mama blue and papa blue are so thrilled to see little blue – they hug and kiss him and hug little yellow too … but in doing so, they become green. Realizing what had happened, they go over to their neighbors to share the news with mama yellow and papa yellow and both families rejoice! Lionni’s use of simple language and minimal graphics make this a book young children can enjoy. At first glance, Little Blue and Little Yellow is a clever personification of color theory, but beneath that it illustrates the bond of friendship, acceptance of oneself, and racial unity.

Reviewed by: Katharine Quinn, SJSU MLIS Student

If you liked this book, you may like: Press Here by Hervé Tullet or Perfect Square by Michael Hall

Other books by this author: Geraldine, the Music Mouse, A Flea Story, In the Rabbitgarden, Let’s Play, and Matthew’s Dream

A Very Special House

Ruth Krauss (1953), 32 pages

Audience: toddlers, pre-K

Format: picture book

This a story of a very special house,

“I know a house –

it’s not a squirrel house

it’s not a donkey house

– it’s not a house you’d see –

and it’s not in any street

and it’s not in any road –

oh it’s just a house for me Me ME.”

Step inside a little boy’s day dreamy world … and what will you find? A turtle, a rabbit, a lion eating chairs, some monkeys, some snunkeys, and more! Children’s books are unique; they are sometime silly, strange, even absurd – a total departure from ordinary adult literature. Here in lies the beauty, literature written for children is imaginative and fantastical. These books give readers a chance to get into character, act out, create noise, stay creative, and be ridiculous. A Very Special House takes full advantage of all those aforementioned aspects of storytelling resulting in a charismatic story from start to finish. Krauss’s text begs to be read a-loud with its funky poetic cadence, nonsensical words, run-on sentences, and rhymes. Exuding charm throughout, both author and illustrator produced a story full of whimsical details. Sendak’s illustrations are captivating and sweet; almost as through drawn straight from one’s own imagination ... delicate black line drawings dance around the page while only the little boy is blocked in color. Using his limited palette and creative genius Sendak captures a child’s jubilant and imaginative nature. Reissued in 2001 by HarperCollins, this 1954 Caldecott honoree is now readily available making it possible for more children to curl up with this classic storybook!

Reviewed by: Katharine Quinn, SJSU MLIS Student

If you liked this book, you may like: The House in the Night by Susan Marie Swanson or I Want to Paint My Bathroom Blue by Ruth Krauss and Maurice Sendak

Other books by this author: Goodnight Goodnight Sleepyhead, The Happy Egg, And I Love You, Big & Little, and Open House for Butterflies

Bella and Stella Come Home

Anika Denise (2010), 40 pages

Illustrated by Christopher Denise

Audience: pre-K

Format: picture book

Husband and wife team, Anika and Christopher Denise work in unison to create a gorgeous and thoughtful picture book. It’s moving day for a young girl named Bella. Holding Stella, her yellow stuffed elephant, Bella makes her way to the new house. As the duo check out their new home, they compare it to the old one … “Stella and I walk into the kitchen. It’s yellow. Our old kitchen was blue. Stella thinks kitchens should be blue. I do to.” The narrative reads like a true conversation and reflects a child’s mindset of uncertainty, doubt, and fear when moving. Stella the elephant alternates between being a small stuffed animal and a giant life-size elephant … a testament to the way a child might imagine her friend. Christopher Denise’s illustrations capture a range of emotion from a child’s worry (as Bella rides away in the car), fear (of sleeping in a new place), curiosity (touring the new house), and joy (meeting new friends) beautifully. There is a soft sensibility to the illustrations (almost comfort) especially as the soft pastel palette moves from day to night, –the images are luminous. Perhaps color and style were conscientious choices, as the subject of moving to a new neighborhood is often scary – this book feels like a warm pink-yellow hug. The author’s simple and poignant language keeps this a story even young preschoolers can understand. I also find her inclusion of Stella (the elephant) quite amusing; perhaps a characterization of the popular idiomatic expression “elephant in the room.” A wonderful story from start to end – and perfect choice for kids making new transitions and new friends.

Reviewed by: Katharine Quinn, SJSU MLIS Student

If you liked this book, you may like: Zuxu’s Wishing Cake by Linda Michelin, Rosa’s Room by Barbara Bottner, or We’re Moving (First-Time Stories) by Heather Maisner

Other books by this author: Pigs Love Potatoes

Other books by this author: Jonathan and the Big Blue Boat

Olivia

Ian Falconer (2000), 32 pages

Audience: toddlers, pre-K

Format: picture book and television show

Falconer first introduced Olivia, a spunky confident, and precocious little piglet in 2000 and it was love at first read! Through a very limited palette of charcoal grays and splashes of red, Falconer invites us into Olivia’s world; a world where she imagines all kinds of things (like singing at the opera, painting masterpieces, building sandcastles, etc). From the onset, Olivia is lively, self-assured, and “good at a lot of things” --her personality and charm materialize page after page. She has so much energy sometimes, she wears her mother out, but her mother loves her anyway and Olivia replies: “I love you anyway too.” She also has a passion for books often negotiating with her parents how many bedtime stories she’ll get (print motivation) … a great read for a spirited youngster! Winning a Caldecott Honor in 2001 launched this fun-loving character into popularity and now ten years later has become a bestselling series. Falconer has authored several other Olivia-themes books which have since inspired a television show, products, a website (recipes, games, activities), even a fan club.

Olivia, the television show (based on Falconer’s picture books) produced by Chorion began airing episodes in 2009. The animated series focuses primarily on Olivia and her family. Characters include Mom, Dad, brother Ian, baby brother William, cat Edwin and dog Perry, and others, such as school classmates, teacher, grandmother, etc). Plots focus on typical family life, Olivia’s daydreaming adventures, talents, and behavior. This show captures Olivia’s independent spirit, affinity for red clothing, active imagination, and ingenuity well –and yes, she still manages to be full of opinions too! Frequently Olivia quotes her life lessons or “rules of life.” For instance, in episode Olivia and the Crystal Ball she tries to hid baby William unsuccessfully … resulting in “Rule #4: If you really want to hide your baby brother, change his diaper first.” Released in 15-30 minute segments, this program is easy viewing for preschoolers. In addition, each episode includes two shorts (usually small clips of amusing or funny vignettes). Olivia’s outgoing nature and exuberance is infectious. Whether read as a storybook or viewed online, Olivia is a character young children everywhere will enjoy!

Reviewed by: Katharine Quinn, SJSU MLIS Student

If you liked this book, you may like: Madeline by Ludwig Bemelmans, Angelina Ballerina by Katharine Holabird, Eloise by Kay Thompson, or Fancy Nancy by Jane O’Connor

Other books by this author: Olivia Saves the Circus, Olivia … and the Missing Toy, Olivia Forms a Band, Olivia Counts, Olivia’s Opposites, Olivia Helps with Christmas, and Olivia Goes to Venice

If you liked this television show, you may like: Max and Ruby, The Backyardigans, or Ni Hao Kai-Lan

The Grouchy Ladybug

Eric Carle (1977), 40 pages

Audience: toddlers, pre-K

Format: picture book

Early one morning, two ladybugs happen to meet on a leaf full of aphids. One is friendly and one is grouchy. Although friendly ladybug suggests sharing, grouchy ladybug will not hear of it! She screams ”No, they’re all mine, all mine, or do you want to fight me for them?” Friendly ladybug concedes saying: “If you insist.” But grouchy decides that is a waste of time; she’s not big enough to fight and goes out to pick on somebody bigger. Grouchy ladybug ventures out all day from 6am to 6pm looking for a suitable opponent … and even after facing a wild range varying in size from a yellow jacket, a stag beetle, a praying mantis, a sparrow, hyena, gorilla, elephant, and finally a whale – the grouchy ladybug rejects all saying “oh, you’re not big enough.” However, the whale is SO large that ladybug flies over to its flipper and fin asking if they want to fight … eliciting no response …she reaches its tail, and with one great SLAP! Grouchy finds herself right back where she started. Now grouchy is wet and hungry. Luckily the friendly ladybug had saved her some aphids for dinner. Tired and grateful grouchy ladybug finally relinquishes her tough bravado and says: “Oh, thank you.” Carle’s illustrations are bright and colorful. Each image is carefully crafted and full of texture and detail giving personality to all of his characters, even teeny-tiny ladybugs. This book isn’t just a lesson in manners ... It’s a lesson in telling time (small clocks show each hour past as the sun rises and sets across each panel) and size comparison (flying along the small ladybug is shown in comparison to other insects and animals). A great book for storytime; pair with Carle’s other stories The Very Lonely Firefly or The Very Clumsy Click Beetle for a trio of reading fun or sing “Five Little Ladybugs.”

Five little ladybugs climbing on the door

One flew away then there were four
Four little ladybugs sitting on a tree
One flew away then there were three
Three Little ladybugs landed on a shoe
One flew away then there were two
Two little ladybugs looking for some fun
One flew away and then there was one
One little ladybug sitting in the sun
She flew away and then there were none

Reviewed by: Katharine Quinn, SJSU MLIS Student

If you liked this book, you may like: Ladybug Girl by Jacky Davis or Ten Little Ladybugs by Melanie Gerth

Other books by this author: A House for a Hermit Crab, “Slowly, Slowly, Slowly” Said the Sloth, The Very Lonely Firefly, Opposites, Mister Seahorse, The Very Clumsy Click Beetle and 10 Little Rubber Ducks

Zin! Zin! Zin! A Violin

Lloyd Moss (1995), 28 pages

Illustrated by Marjorie Priceman

Audience: all ages

Format: picture book

Music is the inspiration behind Moss and Priceman’s Zin! Zin! Zin! A Violin. Using an orchestra of instruments the story progresses from a lone trombone to a chamber group of ten, which makes for an energetic and eclectic countdown. With each turn of the page, readers amass more instruments, sounds, and musical terms along the way; each additional instrument is added until at last, readers are treated to a full symphony orchestra. This book is both educational and fun. Moss’s text is filled with rhyme and rhythm … words even sways back and forth as if they were dancing to a musical beat. Priceman’s illustrations are lively. Her bold color choices and whimsical drawings are full of movement. This 1996 Caldecott Honoree is a wonderful addition to your picture book collection. It teaches counting, numerals, names and types of instruments, etc. and will appeal to a range of ages, from babies, toddlers, and beyond. A great book if attending the orchestra, a concert, or theatre for the first time. Or play-pretend and make a duo, trio, or quartet of your own at home!

Reviewed by: Katharine Quinn, SJSU MLIS Student

If you liked this book, you may like: The Maestro Plays by Bill Martin Jr. or The Jazz Fly by Matthew Gollub

Other books by this author: Our Marching Band and Music Is

Other books by this illustrator: How to Make an Apple Pie and See the World, One of Each, Paris in the Spring with Picasso, Emeline at the Circus, and Hot Air: The (Mostly) True Story of the First Hot-Air Balloon Ride (Caldecott Honor)

The Incredible Book Eating Boy

Oliver Jeffers (2006), 32 pages

Audience: pre-K

Format: picture book

Have you ever heard the expression “a voracious reader?” Well, meet Henry, a boy who loves books … actually he loves EATING books. His habitat started out innocently enough by just eating a word, a sentence, then a page … but eventually, Henry eats entire books often swallowing them whole. Devouring book after book, he gets smarter and smarter and his knowledge supersedes even his parents and teachers. After awhile, Henry’s diet of books has adverse effects and he begins to feel ill. Eating so quickly, he doesn’t have enough time to digest (comprehend) all the information and facts start to get jumbled. As Henry’s intelligence wanes he looses confidence. Finally, Henry realizes he can’t continue eating this way so he gives up eating books. One day, rather than chomping down on the cover he opens the book and discovers that he loves to read … and reading books is a whole lot easier on the stomach then eating them! Henry knows that even though it may take a little longer he can still learn about everything by reading … although every now and then he may sneak a nibble or two.

A talented illustrator, Jeffers uses a variety of paper (graph, lined, discarded scraps of recycled dictionaries, maps, etc.) to create layered background textures so each page has depth and personality. The text is smart and snappy – making it a great read-aloud book for parents. Jeffers’ s clever spin on book consumption is rather creative and charming … children will love this fun-loving story and hopefully develop an appetite for reading as well.

Reviewed by: Katharine Quinn, SJSU MLIS Student

If you liked this book, you may like: My Crayons Talk by Patricia Hubbard

Other books by this author: The Way Back Home, Lost and Found, Up and Down, How to Catch a Star, and The Heart and the Bottle

Here Come the 123s

They Might Be Giants (2008), 44: 33 minutes

Audience: toddlers, pre-K

Format: CD/DVD

Jon Flansburgh and John Linnel have worked together since 1982 releasing both adult alternative rock albums and children’s music. They Might Be Giants won a Grammy Award for “Best Musical Album for Children” in 2009 for Here Comes the 123s, the group’s thirteenth album. This two-disc audio-video CD/DVD combination highlights a series of number and counting songs; a sequel to their 2005 release Here Comes the ABCs. Songs feature numerals from 1 to infinity; titles include … “One Everything,” “Number Two,” “High Five,” “Figure Eight,” “Pirate Girls Nine,” “One Dozen Monkeys,” and “Eight Hundred and Thirteen Mile Car Trip” along with other numerical inspirations such as “I Can Add” and “Even Numbers.” With twenty-seven tracks and twenty-four videos this disc set is filled with fun, lively entertainment for both parents and kids. The video content is ingenious – funky stop animation, puppets, and simple cutouts make a high visual impact. As with their adult albums, these songs are well crafted. Showcasing quick witty lyrics and an upbeat rhythm – they are both educational and entertaining; a win-win for everyone. Round out your listening experience and pair with companion albums Here Come the ABCs, which feature great songs such as “QU” and “LMNO” or Here Comes Science’s “Meet the Elements” and “Why Does the Sun Shine?” some of my personal favorites!

Reviewed by: Katharine Quinn, SJSU MLIS Student

If you liked this CD, you may like: Catch the Moon by Lisa Loeb, You Are My Little Bird by Elizabeth Mitchell or Jazz for Kids: Sing Clap Wiggle & Shake by various artists

Other albums by They Might Be Giants: Bed, Bed, Bed, Here Come the ABCs, Here Comes Science, and No!