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

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!

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)

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

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

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

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!

Starfall.com
Starfall Education (2002-present)

Audience: toddlers, pre-K

Format: website

Starfall Education offers ABC games for children, “when learning to read, students who understand the basic sounds of the language can apply letter-sound relations with greater ease” (2011). The ABCs Let's Get Ready to Read is an introduction to letter sounds. This free tutorial full of interactive and audio-visual elements is a resource designed to help children gain letter knowledge and phonemic awareness in a playful manner. For instance, children can hear the variant sounds of letter “S” online or try learning letters using sign language. This ABCs Let's Get Ready to Read program is also available as a free iPhone or iPod app. Companies such as Starfall provide entertaining and educational electronic tools for this age group, but parents can also practice alphabet recognition in other ways using simple activities such as tracing letters in sand, identifying letters on signs, or playing “I spy” with children.

Reviewed by: Katharine Quinn, SJSU MLIS Student

If you like this resource you may like: Mr. Wee and Boo by WeeTeachIt

Other programs by Starfall Education: Learn to Read (early beginning reader), It's Fun to Read, and I'm Reading

Counting with Wayne Thiebaud

Susan Goldman Rubin (2007), 26 pages

Audience: babies, toddlers

Format: board book

Foster art appreciation at an early age whilst teaching your baby or toddler how to count. The artwork of contemporary artist, Wayne Thiebaud (famous for delicious renditions of candies, pastries, and cakes) makes counting a delight! Rubin reproduces a sampling of Thiebaud’s works, including Pie Slice (1991), Jolly Cones (2002), Sugar Sticks (1964) and many more to create a decadent counting book from 1-10. With minimal text and a carefully crafted sequence, “One piece of pie, two ice-cream clowns, three sandwich slices, three pickle rounds,” … Rubin creates a clever and simple counting book featuring Thiebaud’s beautiful artwork. With each turn of the page, readers are treated to Thiebaud’s painterly pastels, oils, and watercolors – each one striking and luscious; a sweet treat for readers everywhere! In addition, the book includes a complete catalog of the works used along with collection locations. Published in a board book format with rounded edges and in a compact size makes this ideal for little hands. Rubin has used other artists such as Warhol and Matisse as inspiration for children’s books. Her books are a great introduction to modern art and before long you’ll be visiting some museums to these works in person!

Reviewed by: Katharine Quinn, SJSU MLIS Student

If you liked this book, you may like: Touch the Art: Make Van Gogh’s Bed by Julie Appel or My First ABC by The New York Metropolitan Museum of Art, or A is for Art: An Abstract Alphabet by Stephen T. Johnson

Other books by this author: Delicious: Wham! The Art and Life of Roy Lichtenstein, Matisse Dance with Joy, and Andy Warhol’s Colors

Where’s Spot? The Original Lift-the-Flap Book

Eric Hill (1980), 24 pages

Audience: toddlers

Format: board book

A popular book for over thirty years … this book has become one of the classic mainstays of a child’s library. Hill combines large text, bright illustrations, and picture flaps making this story very interactive and engaging –an appealing storybook for pre-readers! As the title suggests Spot (the puppy) has gone missing. Children are encouraged to find Spot in a variety of locations (in the piano, under the stairs, under the bed, etc) by lifting up embedded picture flaps. This exploratory motion is great for kids as it helps keep them engaged in the story and follow along as the adult reads. This book is especially useful for toddlers who are developing motor skills; parents should welcome their child’s participation and ask them to lift the flaps. Hill has created an entire Spot series, which follows the pup through several adventures – examples include Spot Goes to the Farm or Spot’s First Easter. This original book is a great one to start with and one that young children will enjoy!

Reviewed by: Katharine Quinn, SJSU MLIS Student

If you liked this book, you may like: Tails by Matthew Van Fleet, Peek-a-Moo! or Peek-a-Boooo! by Marie Torres Cimarusti

Other books by this author: Spot Goes to the Farm, Spot’s First Easter, Spot Loves His Daddy, Spot Loves His Mommy, Spot Goes to the Beach, Who’s There, Spot?

Round is a Mooncake: A Book of Shapes

Roseanne Thong (2000), 34 pages

Illustrated by Grace Lin

Audience: toddlers

Format: picture book

In Thong’s book, Round is a Mooncake, everyday objects, food, and environment construct lessons in shapes and Chinese-American culture. A premise, which creates an interesting and rich backdrop of circle, square, and rectangle shapes as described by one little girl discovering them among her surroundings. The author’s use of simple language, repetition, and rhyming text is engaging and descriptive. For instance, “round is a mooncake, round is the moon; round are the lanterns outside my room.” Thong uses equal parts Chinese and American references to discuss common shapes. For example “square is the box that pizza comes in; and dim sum made by Mrs. Chin” an illustration shows the family eating a meal of pizza slices and Chinese dim sum. In addition, prompting techniques are used throughout the narrative asking the reader to participate: “what other round things to do see?” or “I can name more square things, can you?” – a great way to involve children in the storytelling process. Concept books (literature featuring fundamental shapes, numbers, or letters) are essential to a child’s development. This book is unique serving as a foundation for gaining shape awareness whilst learning Chinese customs and traditions. Pairs nicely with Thong’s picture book, Red is a Dragon: A Book of Colors for a comprehensive look at colors and textures.

Reviewed by: Katharine Quinn, SJSU MLIS Student

If you liked this book, you may like: The Shape of Me and Other Stuff by Dr. Seuss, When a Line Bends … A Shape Begins by Rhonda Gowler Greene, or Brown Rabbit’s Shape Book by Alan Baker

Other books by this author: Red is a Dragon: A Book of Colors, Wish: Wishing Traditions Around the World, Gai See: What You See in Chinatown, and Fly Free!

TumbleBooks: eBooks for kids

300 + titles, 160 games

Audience: toddlers, pre-K

Format: website

TumbleBooks a library collection of eBooks for kids, “created by adding animation, sound, music, and narration to existing picture books in order to produce an electronic picture book which you can read, or have read to you” (TumbleBooks, Inc., 2011). This collection is impressive, easily navigated, sorted by author, title, and reading level (displays include a book’s cover, synopsis, basic bibliographic information, and reviews). One of the nicest features is that users can personalize their account by selecting favorites and adding items to playlists. These eBooks are engaging and entertaining to watch and will appeal to a young audience. The web site offers other interactive elements such as quizzes, games, and language learning (books in Spanish and French), but the books are available offline as well, users can install TumblePad 2.0 software for Macs or PC to access the books.

Reviewed by: Katharine Quinn, SJSU MLIS Student

If you liked this resource, you may like: NOOKbooks for kids produced by Barnes&Noble or iPad eBooks and apps for kids

Moo, Baa, La La La!
Sandra Boynton (1982), 8 pages

Audience: babies, toddlers

Format: board book

“Moo, Baa, La, la, la” – sounds like a cow, a sheep, and three singing pigs? Hold on a minute, somehow that doesn’t seem right … I thought pigs said: “Oink?”

Boynton’s unique brand of humor is infectious and pure joy for both children and adults! Her cartoon illustrations are extensions of her witty storylines – this artwork provides personality and character to her books. Hilarious and clever, Boynton has landed a winning combination, entertaining both reader and child. This book will definitely appeal to young children with its rhyming cadence and simple concept (animal sounds). An ideal book for young children who are learning about animals - they can participate by naming the animals and saying the sounds aloud. This best selling book is also available in Spanish titled Muu, Beee, ¡Asi Fue! Try pairing this book with a boisterous round of "Old MacDonald Had a Farm" during storytime.

Old MacDonald had a farm, E-I-E-I-O
And on his farm he had a cow, E-I-E-I-O
With a "moo-moo" here and a "moo-moo" there
Here a "moo" there a "moo"
Everywhere a "moo-moo"
Old MacDonald had a farm, E-I-E-I-O

Old MacDonald had a farm, E-I-E-I-O
And on his farm he had a pig, E-I-E-I-O
With a (snort) here and a (snort) there
Here a (snort) there a (snort)
Everywhere a (snort-snort)
With a "moo-moo" here and a "moo-moo" there
Here a "moo" there a "moo"
Everywhere a "moo-moo"
Old MacDonald had a farm, E-I-E-I-O

Old MacDonald had a farm, E-I-E-I-O
And on his farm he had a horse, E-I-E-I-O
With a "neigh, neigh" here and a "neigh, neigh" there
Here a "neigh" there a "neigh"
Everywhere a "neigh-neigh"
With a (snort) here and a (snort) there
Here a (snort) there a (snort)
Everywhere a (snort-snort)
With a "moo-moo" here and a "moo-moo" there
Here a "moo" there a "moo"
Everywhere a "moo-moo"
Old MacDonald had a farm, E-I-E-I-O

Reviewed by: Katharine Quinn, SJSU MLIS Student

If you liked this book, you may like: The Cow that Went Oink by Bernard Most, The Noisy Book by Margaret Wise Brow, or Bark, George by Jules Feiffer

Other books by this author: A to Z, Belly Button Book, Blue, Hat, Green Hat, Hippos Go Berserk, Doggies, The Going to Bed Book, Opposites, & many more

Whose Toes are Those?

Jabari Asim (2006), 12 pages

Illustrated by LeUyen Pham

Audience: babies, toddlers

Format: board book

“Who do you suppose has such fine toes?” I wonder … who could it be? Without ruining the surprise you’ll know for sure at the book’s end! Poet, playwright, and author Jabari Asim creates a wonderfully joyous book filled with fun-loving rhymes. He explores feet in a whole new way by taking a creative spin on the traditional rhyme “This Little Piggy Went to Market” where children are encouraged to explore and discover their toes – a popular subject for babies. As babies grow they explore the world around them; some of the first few things they discover are hands and feet. Pham’s original illustrations were drawn graphite sketches digitally painted with computer tools, resulting in vibrant and bubbly pictures. Her images are bright and cheerful complimenting Asim’s poetry perfectly. Author and illustrator pair up again in Asim’s Whose Knees are These? For more reading fun combine these storybooks with a rowdy song of “Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes.” Babies and toddlers will love this combination!

Reviewed by: Katharine Quinn, SJSU MLIS Student

If you liked this book, you may like: Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes by Annie Kubler, Where is Baby’s Belly Button? by Karen Katz or Guess How Much I Love You by Sam McBratney

Other books by this author: Boy of Mine, Girl of Mine, and Whose Knees are These?

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

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