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

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

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)

A Sick Day for Amos McGee

Philip C. Stead (2010), 32 pages

Illustrated by Erin E. Stead

Audience: pre-K

Format: picture book

Zookeeper, Amos McGee’s daily routine starts out early with a breakfast of oatmeal and tea followed by a prompt bus ride to work. He heads out everyday like clockwork to his job at the city zoo making special effort to visit his friends, the elephant, tortoise, penguin, rhinoceros, and owl. His usual habits include playing chess with the elephant “who thought and thought before making a move,” running races with the tortoise “who never ever lost,” and sitting quietly with the penguin “who was very shy.” Amos is dependable and a faithful friend; the animals look forward to his daily visits. But one day, Amos wakes up feeling ill and misses his day at the zoo. The animals begin to worry … “where is Amos?” Later that day, the eclectic troupe decide to visit their sick friend and arrive ready to cheer him up. Beautifully written and illustrated, the Steads were awarded the coveted Caldecott medal in 2010 for A Sick Day for Amos McGee. Philip’s sweet storyline is truly enhanced by Erin’s illustrations. Mixing soft pastel colors, muted tones with finely drawn pencil and woodblock prints—her pictures are delicate and quiet further emphasizing Mr. McGee’s gentle nature and fragility. The illustrations perfectly capture each animal’s emotive quality and quirky personality. For instance, the thoughtful elephant looks rather pensive and contemplative while playing chess and the shy penguin has a bashful-adorableness as he sits quietly alongside Mr. McGee. Stories of friendship and love are classic themes children gravitate to – this book has both!

Reviewed by: Katharine Quinn, SJSU MLIS Student

If you liked this book, you may like: Good Night, Gorilla by Peggy Rathman, If I Ran the Zoo (Caldecott honor) by Dr. Seuss, I Know a Rhino by Charles Fuge, or My Heart is Like a Zoo by Michael Hall

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

Where the Wild Things Are

Maurice Sendak (1963), 40 pages

Audience: pre-K

Format: picture book

Winning the Caldecott Medal in 1964, Where the Wild Things Are is a story that has been charming children and their parents for decades. Transcending generations, this best selling children’s book (and motion picture) is a nostalgic favorite of many! At root this story is a timeless classic, Sendak dually celebrates adventure and the comforts of home. Sendak's artwork is filled with personality and originality as are the characters and plot. Main character, Max's mischievous nature is both lovable and unruly. In his wildness he gets sent to bed without supper, but later discovers his bedroom has sprouted into a forest within a dreamlike world inhabited by wild monsters. When Max ventures out, he soon becomes king of the wild things. As they explore, play, and dance the night away – Max longs to be back somewhere familiar wanting “to be where someone loved him best of all.” A master storyteller, Sendak’s tale is exquisite; the illustrations are expressive and imaginative evoking the adventurous and fun spirit of childhood. Share this book with your own “wild things” as they get tucked in a night!

In 2009, this award-winning book was adapted to the silver screen. Serving as a producer Sendak’s characters were bought to life in this fantasy-drama film. Looking for even more ways to enjoy this story? Listen to the Maurice Sendak‘s own narration as he reads Where the Wild Things Are on Barnes & Noble’s online storyline.

Reviewed by: Katharine Quinn, SJSU MLIS Student

If you liked this book, you may like: The Perfect Little Monster by Judy Hindley, Jeremy Draws a Monster by Peter McCarty or Jumangi by Chris Van Allsburg

Other books by this author: In the Night Kitchen (Caldecott Honor), Seven Little Monsters, and Alligators All Around

Zen Shorts

Jon J. Muth (2005), 36 pages

Audience: pre-K

Format: picture book

This 2006 Caldecott Honoree introduces three siblings, Michael, Karl, and Addy to Stillwater a gentle giant panda who arrives unexpectedly in their backyard after being carried away by his umbrella; Stillwater’s Mary Poppins-esc arrival only adds to the character’s mysticism. With a friendly demeanor Stillwater addresses each child in a congenial way and builds special friendships by imparting knowledge and guidance through a series of Zen inspired tales. According to Muth “Zen shorts are short meditations … they have no goal, but they often challenge us to reexamine our habits, desires, concepts, and fears.” Using Stillwater’s character of tranquility and serenity Muth effectively translates traditional Zen Buddhist literature in a thought-provoking and accessible ways. Muth’s text and watercolor-ink illustrations are endearing and capture Stillwater’s message of patience, contemplation, and humility perfectly. Zen Shorts is an excellent read; it functions both as a storybook of friendship and meditation. The lovable and enchanting character Stillwater reappears in the author’s similarly inspired books, Zen Ties and Zen Ghosts … where once again, Muth approaches challenging and provocative subject matter with ease and benevolence.

Reviewed by: Katharine Quinn, SJSU MLIS Student

If you liked this book, you may like: Zen Tales: Up and Down by Peter Whitfield, Peaceful Piggy Meditation by Kerry Lee Maclean, or The Value of Honesty: The Story of Confucius by Spencer Johnson

Other books by this author: The Three Questions (Based on a story by Leo Tolstoy), Old Turtle and the Broken Truth, Stone Soup, Zen Ghosts, and Zen Ties

Alphabet City

Stephen T. Johnson (1995), 32 pages

Audience: toddlers, pre-K

Format: picture book

Find letters all around the city, in signs, on buildings … everywhere! Can you spot the “A” shape in the slide of a sawhorse? Or spy a “D” in outlined park planters? Does the profile of a stoplight form an “E”? Maybe a wrought iron curlicue reminds you of a “G”? Perhaps you see the letter “S” in the concrete scrollwork on the side of a building? Well, you can! Johnson has created an entire alphabet hidden in the architecture of the city. Using pastels, watercolors, gouache, and charcoal on hot pressed watercolor paper, Johnson produces a series of unbelievably photo-realistic paintings that mimic real landscape and cityscape. This Caldecott honored book is brilliant in its imagery and content! Parents and educators can use this book as an introduction to letter knowledge (alphabet recognition). Simply trace the letters with your fingers while saying the name of the letter – or use this book as inspiration and go on your own tour; walk your own neighborhood locating all kinds of shapes and letters found in the environment around you!

Reviewed by Katharine Quinn, SJSU MLIS Student

If you liked this book, you may like: Q is for Duck: An Alphabet Guessing Game by Mary Elting or Alphabet Adventure by Audrey Wood

Other books by this author: City by Numbers, A is for Art: An Abstract Alphabet, My Little Red Fire Truck, My Little Pink Princess Purse, and My Little Yellow Taxi

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!

All The World

Liz Garton Scanlon (2009), 40 pages

Illustrated by Marla Frazee

Audience: All ages

Format: picture book

A recent 2009 release and Caldecott honoree, Scanlon’s All the World reflects multiculturalism in a subtle, but effective way. Scanlon's repetitive prose “all the world ...has got its sky ... all the world ... goes round this way ... all the world ... is you and me" and Frazee’s watercolors echo the book’s universal message of family with charm and personality. Children will enjoy the detailed illustrations and the juxtaposition of simple portraits against sweeping, panoramic landscapes. A feel-good book that will appeal to children and families of all backgrounds! The traditional folksong "We've Got the Whole World in Our Hands" works well as a precursor or addendum to storytime:

We've got the whole world in our hands.
We've got the whole world in our hands.
We've got the whole world in our hands.
We've got the whole world in our hands.

We've got our mamas and our papas in our hands.
We've got our mamas and our papas in our hands.
We've got our mamas and our papas in our hands.
We've got the whole world in our hands.

We've got our brothers and our sisters in our hands.
We've got our brothers and our sisters in our hands.
We've got our brothers and our sisters in our hands.
We've got the whole world in our hands.

We've got the little bitty baby in our hands
We've got the little bitty baby in our hands
We've got the little bitty baby in our hands
We've got the whole world in our hands.

We've got our aunts and our uncles in our hands.
We've got our aunts and our uncles in our hands.
We've got our aunts and our uncles in our hands.
We've got the whole world in our hands.

We've got our grandmas and our grandpas in our hands.
We've got our grandmas and our grandpas in our hands.
We've got our grandmas and our grandpas in our hands.
We've got the whole world in our hands.

We've got the earth and the water in our hands.
We've got the mountains and the valleys in our hands.
We've got the oceans and the rivers in our hands.
We've got the whole world in our hands.

We've got the whole world in our hands.
We've got the whole world in our hands.
We've got the whole world in our hands.
We've got the whole world in our hands.

Reviewed by: Katharine Quinn, SJSU MLIS Student

If you liked this book, you may like: Whoever You Are by Mem Fox

Other books by this author: A Sock is a Pocket for Your Toes and Noodle & Lou