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

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)

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

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 Boss Baby

Marla Frazee (2010), 40 pages

Audience: all ages

Format: picture book

Buckle your seat-belts … it’s time to meet the Boss. Two-time Caldecott honoree, Marla Frazee has readers laughing from page one … The Boss Baby is ready for business when he steps out from the taxicab suited up in a black onesie and tie … “From the moment the baby arrived, it was obvious that he was the boss.” Frazee's text is hilarious and witty, but her illustrations steal the show and manage to make this story even more rip-roaring fun. The boss baby keeps a tight schedule of around-the-clock meetings (feedings, diaper changes, etc.) and enjoys the baby bourgeois lifestyle by relaxing in the spa (baby bathtub), working out in the executive gym (baby activity center) and using the private jet (baby swing) ... he even sets up "his office right smack-dab in the middle of the house." Unmistakably, this baby is in charge! After exhausting his parents (ahem, I mean his workers) baby starts to wonder how he'll keep them on their toes? Well, just like other bosses, sometimes babies have to think outside the box ...

This book will make you laugh and smile at the wild-ride of parenting. Frazee’s narrative is brilliant and her pictures are bright and cheerful – although younger children may not get the irony of the story, they will enjoy the expressive quality and exuberance of the characters. This may be especially useful when welcoming a new sibling. A must-have for any new parent or expectant family!

Reviewed by: Katharine Quinn, SJSU MLIS Student

If you liked this book, you may like: Ma! There’s Nothing to Do Here! By Barbara Park or There’s Going to be a Baby by John Burningham

Other books by this author: Hush, Little Baby: A Folk Song with Pictures, Roller Coaster, and Walk On!

Dim Sum for Everyone

Grace Lin (2001), 28 pages

Audience: toddlers

Format: picture book

Who wants some dim sum? Everyone will after reading Lin’s book Dim Sum for Everyone. Join a family with three little girls as they go out for a tantalizing meal at a Chinese dim sum restaurant. A series of little dishes are served from carts straight to the table. Diners get to point and choose each dish; mouthwatering sweet pork buns, fried shrimp, turnip cakes, sweet tofu, and egg tarts are paraded before the reader. Ma-Ma, Ba-Ba, and all three daughters have their favorites. So everyone chooses a little dish to share “we eat a little bit of everything; everyone eats a little bit of everything.” Whether you eat out frequently or are going for the first time - it’s never too early to teach kids about new cuisines. In addition, Lin includes some historical background on dim sum’s evolution, translation, and customs. Lin’s illustrations are bold and patterned; primary colors dance across the page appealing to young children. Traditional Chinese ingredients (ginger, daikon, bok choy, taro, etc.) and other dim sum dishes (dumplings, stuffed eggplant, rice noodles) even decorate the endpapers … yummy! Parents might want to use this book in a preliminary discussion of food; for example go to the grocery store and point out new vegetables or ingredients. Expand your palette and your child’s vocabulary at the same time!

Reviewed by: Katharine Quinn, SJSU MLIS Student

If you liked this book, you may like: Bee-Bim Bop! By Linda Sue Park or Yum Yum Dim Sum by Amy Wilson Sanger

Other books by this author: Fortune Cookie Fortunes, Kite Flying, Thanking the Moon: Celebrating the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival, Lissy’s Friends, and Olvina Flies, and Robert’s Snowflakes

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

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

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

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

Mama, Do You Love Me?

Barbara Joosse (1991), 24 pages

Illustrated by Barbara Lavallee

Audience: babies, toddlers

Format: board book

An age-old tale of children testing parental limits and finding that a mother’s love is unconditional –even in the Arctic. Inuit mother and daughter charmingly demonstrate love, imagination, fear, and acceptance as the story unfolds. Native arctic animals, like the raven, whale, and puffin along with Inuit terminology such as “mukluks” give way to a culture-rich narrative. In addition, the back of the book includes historical/geographic information and a glossary of traditional terms.

Reviewed by: Katharine Quinn, SJSU MLIS Student

If you liked this book, you may like: I Love you the Purplest and Papa, Do You Love Me? by Barbara Joosse or Guess How Much I Love You by Sam McBratney

Other books by this author: In the Night Garden, Nikolai, The Only Bear