Something Old: Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon by Patty Lovell; illustrated by David Catrow- Readers will instantly fall in love with Molly Lou Melon--a tiny girl who finds the best way to stand out in a crowd-- by just being herself. It is a beautiful story throughout, and one which leaves children with a very important message to always believe in themselves, smile big; and, of course, stand tall.
Something New: You Are My Heart by Marianne Richmond- Marianne Richmond's latest creation captures the wonder and joy children bring to our lives even before they are born. Because each child has been a gift from the start. They are our blessings, our joy, they are our... heart.
Something Borrowed: Do Super Heroes Have Teddy Bears? by Carmela LaVigna Coyle; illustrated by Mike Gordon- From being bold and daring, to kind and caring, Do Super Heroes Have Teddy Bears? is a cute tale that gives readers ample opportunity to explore their own imaginations as they wonder what it takes to truly be a super hero.
Something Blue: Plant a Kiss by Amy Krouse Rosenthal; illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds- Scarce text is all that is required in this charming book, as Reynolds' art tells the story perfectly of the sweet little miss... who planted a kiss... that led to endless bliss!
Something Old: My Many Colored Days by Dr. Seuss; illustrated by Steve Johnson and Lou Fancher- My Many Colored Days is a pleasantly simple exploration of the many feelings that fill our days. It is a story that can speak to the youngest of listeners; and, like countless other works by Dr. Seuss, will continue to be enjoyed by children for years to come.
Something New: Rodeo Red by Maripat Perkins; illustrated by Molly Idle- Perkins' playful text and Idle's fabulous art perfectly capture the imagination of Rodeo Red, taking readers into this cowgirl's world that has been turned upside down by the biggest scallywag to ever cross her path--her baby brother.
Something Borrowed: To the Beach by Linda Ashman; illustrated by Nadine Bernard Westcott- To the Beach is a great family time read. With rhyming text and humorous illustrations, this story will be equally enjoyed by children and their parents, and it is sure to bring smiles to all.
Something Blue: Little Boat by Thomas Docherty- Thomas Docherty's watercolor artwork captures the vastness and uncertainty of Little Boat's ocean home, while at the same time creating a world that, large as it is, is never too big for a little boat who has... friends.
Something Old: I Went Walking by Sue Williams; illustrated by Julie Vivas- There's no mistaking the similarities between Sue Williams' I Went Walking and the ever-popular Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Martin Jr. Like Brown Bear, Brown Bear..., I Went Walking delivers the same repetition and simple text which is perfect for young listeners and beginning readers, making it a great small or large group story time read.
Something New: Sweet Child of Mine by Caroline Jayne Church- Bestselling author and illustrator Caroline Jayne Church delivers another adorably sweet creation in her latest picture book, Sweet Child of Mine. It's a perfect bedtime or anytime story for the sweet little ones in your life.
Something Borrowed: My Mommy Hung the Moon: A Love Story by Jamie Lee Curtis; illustrated by Laura Cornell- "My mommy hung the moon. She tied it with string. My mommy's good at everything." These few sentences make for both an intriguing introduction, as well as a satisfying conclusion in this sweet love story. Though the story at times offers forced rhyme and poor transition, the faults do not overshadow the overall message, which shares how children often view the role models in their livese as people who are truly "good at everything."
Something Blue: Tumble Bumble by Felicia Bond- Like her illustrations in the bestselling If You Give...books, and the timeless, Big Red Barn, the characters Felicia Bond created for Tumble Bumble are instantly loveable, creating a connection with the reader that the text alone could not do.
Something Old: One, Two, Three! by Sandra Boynton- Sandra Boynton's work is much more than the bright illustrations and simple texts that have been enjoyed by the youngest of listeners for years. For her books also include an element of humor that, like in One, Two, Three! transforms what could easily have become an ordinary board book into something far more extraordinary.
Something New: Day Dreamers: A Journey of Imagination by Emily Winfield Martin- In this delightful new story, the idea of day dreams focuses not only on children exploring their own imaginations; but also, on the figments of their imaginations that are just waiting to be discovered. And Emily Winfield Martin highlights both of these concepts through her illustrations that contain the whimsy and excitement of the most fantastic day dreams, leaving readers anxious to embark on their very own Journey of Imagination.
Something Borrowed: Ten on the Sled by Kim Norman; illustrated by Liza Woodruff- Kim Norman's I Know a Wee Piggy was an amusing adaptation to the well-known, "I Know an Old Lady;" and, Ten on the Sled is an equally entertaining adaption, set to the tune of the popular children's song, "Ten on the Bed." Norman's rhythmic text, combined with Woodruff's amusing illustrations, makes for an energetic and interactive read-aloud.
Something Blue: Goodnight Little One by Margaret Wise Brown; illustrated by Rebecca Elliott- The gentleness and tranquility of Elliott's art in Goodnight Little One is amazingly similar to Felicia Bond's illustrations in Big Red Barn-- also a treasure of the beloved Margaret Wise Brown. And, like Big Red Barn, this beautifully illustrated bedtime story is bound to bring sleepy-time images to your sleepy head.
Something Old: Pig Pig Gets a Job by David McPhail- Pig Pig's story shares with readers the excitement and new-found responsibility that comes with growing up, all the while showcasing the beloved Pig Pig's active imagination and creative thinking as he sets out to get his very first...JOB!
Something New: Little Green Peas by Keith Baker- Little Green Peas is an intriguing and imaginative introduction to colors for your toddler or preschooler. From BLUE seas, to RED trees, to YELLOW bees, and baby GREEN peas, this book is sure to delight your own sweet pea!
Something Borrowed: Not All Princesses Dress In Pink by Jane Yolen & Heidi E. Y. Stemple; illustrated by Anne-Sophie Lanquetin- Forget the slippers and ballgowns and get out your cleats and overalls! These unique princesses share their countless abilities and prove that it's always best to be yourself and show your individuality any way you choose; because, really, Not All Princesses Dress In Pink.
Something Blue: Wherever You Are My Love Will Find You by Nancy Tillman- In her words and art, Nancy Tillman shares the adventurous spirit of childhood and shows our loved ones that wherever their journeys take them, they are never alone. Because, no matter what, our love will find them...wherever they are.
Something Old: The Monster at the End of This Book by Jon Stone; illustrated by Mike Smollin- The most loveable Sesame Street monster Grover engages readers in his humorous tale of The Monster at the End of This Book. It's a classic tale that transforms an ordinary story time into a more interactive story time.
Something New: This is a Moose by Richard T. Morris; illustrated by Tom Lichtenheld- Lichtenheld's humorous illustrations will delight readers as they follow the story of the Mighty Moose and a very unique filmaking crew who help share why it isn't who you are supposed to be that is most important, but rather, who you want to be!
Something Borrowed: I'll Be There by Ann Stott; illustrated by Matt Phelan- I'll Be There is a great read for parents and children to enjoy together. It is a story that celebrates growth and independence, while at the same time sharing how a parent's job is never done; because, "Even when you're big, I'll be there."
Something Blue: Wild Child by Lynn Plourde; illustrated by Greg Couch- From snacks of pulpy pumpkins and crimsony cranberries, to dressing for bed in orangish slippers and a goldish nightcap, Greg Couch's artwork perfectly portrays Pourde's unique story of the days of Mother Earth and her wild child, Autumn...until it is time for Autumn to rest and new child to wake--Winter!
Something Old: Guess How Much I Love You by Sam McBratney; illustrated by Anita Jeram- For twenty years, Big Nutbrown Hare and Little Nutbrown Hare have been lulling little ones to sleep with their sweet tale of showing how much they love one another. Guess How Much I Love You also contains one the most oft-repeated children's books verses--for we love all of our little ones "to the moon--and back."
Something New: Going Places by Peter and Paul Reynolds- The talented duo of Peter and Paul Reynolds have ventured into the minds of children and created a story that shows the endless possibilities that can take place when you dare to 'think outside the box.' Going Places is a story that is sure to let creativity soar; providing readers the courage to give new ideas a chance.
Something Borrowed: The Invisible Boy by Trudy Ludwig; illustrated by Patrice Barton- In this compassionate new story, Barton's illustrations transform young Brian from The Invisible Boy, to a boy who's "not so invisible after all." It is a sweet story that readers can relate to, and one which can provide comfort to those who at times feel a little invisible themselves.
Something Blue: Flora and the Flamingo by Molly Idle- Idle's illustrations in Flora and the Flamingo are truly marvelous; having the ability to inspire imaginations to run free and unique stories to take form. This award-winning book shows the incredible power there is in visual storytelling; making it a perfect book for the young storyteller in your life.
