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

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!

Little Books Boxed Set Featuring Little Pea, little Hoot, Little Oink

Amy Krouse Rosenthal (2005), 36 pages

Illustrated by Jen Corace

Audience: toddlers, pre-K

Format: board book

There is something for everyone is this boxed set whether you have a picky eater, a sleepless night-owl, or a mess maker … both parents and children will delight in Rosenthal’s trio of little characters (Little Pea, Little Hoot, and Little Oink) who each overcome certain family obligations. For example Little Pea liked to do lots of things, “but there was one thing that little pea did not like … candy.” When you’re a pea you have to eat candy everyday. His parents insist that he finish his dinner of candy before having dessert. He asks woefully, “How many pieces do I have to eat?” They reply five pieces. After he swallows each piece, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5. … He’s allowed dessert and to Little Pea’s delight dessert is a bowl full of green leafy spinach! “My favorite!” says Little Pea. Similarly, Little Hoot wants nothing more than to go to sleep like all his other friends get to do, but when you’re a young owl, you must stay up late and play. After Little Hoot plays for another hour – his parents reward him with a good night sleep. And finally, you would think that Little Oink is a parent’s dream – all he wants to do is tidy up and go play. But his parents remark, “if you want to grow up to be a respectable pig, you must learn to make a proper mess.” Reluctantly, Little Oink unfolds his clothes, unmakes the bed, and empties his toys on the floor sufficiently turning his room into a total pigsty. Winning his parents approval, Little Oink is allowed to play ... and what is Little Oinks favorite game? Playing house – where he can clean and scrub and tidy up. All three of these books are clever and a joy to read; one is sure to please your Little One.

Reviewed by: Katharine Quinn, SJSU MLIS Student

If you liked these books, you may like: LMNO Peas by Keith Baker, Pinkalicous by Elizabeth Kann, Owl Babies by Martin Waddell, Don't Let the Pigeon Stay Up Late! By Mo Williams, or Nice and Clean by Anne and Harlow Rockwell

Other books by this author: Spoon, One of Those Days, Duck! Rabbit! and Yes Day!

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