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

Such a Silly Baby!

Steffanie and Richard Lorig (2007), 30 pages

Illustrated by Amanda Shepherd

Audience: toddlers, pre-K

Format: picture book

“But, there was a hitch … my baby got switched” … no matter where they seem to go (whether the zoo, the circus, or a farm) mother and baby always seem to wind up in the same silly situation! Go on this wild adventure as baby gets swapped numerous times with a chimpanzee, a dancing bear, a lazy sow, etc. Yet, baby manages to adjust just fine to his new surroundings. In fact, when mother comes back for him … he’s full of funny surprises (like swinging from vines and tight-rope walking) … proving that life is never dull when you’re a silly baby! Brimming with humor and energy – the author and illustrator personify “silly” on multiple levels (with a silly storyline, pictures, sounds, etc.) managing to make everything in this book outrageously funny! The text’s rhymes and repetition make this a great read a-loud book for parents; children will squeal with delight when they hear this story alongside Shepherd’s brightly colored whimsical illustrations.

Reviewed by: Katharine Quinn, SJSU MLIS Student

If you liked this book, you may like: Hello Baby! by Mem Fox, Silly Sally by Audrey Wood, or Just One Day by Laura Leuck

Other books by this illustrator: Fiona Loves the Night, Who Loves Me? and Rules of the Wild: An Unruly Book of Manners

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

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

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

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