Picture Book Review

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.

Picture Book Review

 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!

Picture Book Review

 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.

Picture Book Review

 Something Old: Shy Little Kitten's Secret Place by Jim Lawrence; illustrated by Keenan Jones- Shy Little Kitten's Secret Place has a special way of entertaining readers, while at the same time being sensitive to the needs of children and showing them the courage they all have in finding a place where they can be themselves. It is a perfect Little Golden Book Land classic to share with the little ones in your life. 

Something New: This Is Our House by Hyewon Yum- This Is Our House is a beautiful story that celebrates family. In her words and art, Hyewon Yum captures the growth and changes of one family, sharing the wonderful memories that were made in one house. A house that became so much more--for it became a very special home. This is Our House is a great new read for all families.

 Something Borrowed: My Grandpa by Marta Altes- My Grandpa is a sweet story that illustrates what it is like to watch a grandparent grow old. It is a compassionate tale as seen through the eyes of a child which provides comfort to readers and shares how we should love and enjoy all stages of life.

Something Blue: Sleep Little Angel by Margaret Wise Brown; illustrated by Stephen Gulbis- Stephen Gulbis' illustrations bring to life one of the "hidden treasures" of Margaret Wise Brown. The pictures are a perfect companion to this sweet bedtime lullaby that celebrates the everlasting love for our Little Angels throughout all the seasons of the year. 

Picture Book Review

 Something Old: Just Go to Bed by Mercer Mayer- In this classic Little Critter tale, Mercer Mayer shares the witty and imaginative spirit of her beloved character, while showing the many adventures that can take place when it is time to Just Go to Bed.

 Something New: Elecopter by Michael Slack- With bright illustrations and rhyming text, Michael Slack's creation has great appeal to the youngest of listeners. Children will enjoy this story of one brave and truly unique helicopter elephant known as Elecopter.

Something Borrowed: Jo MacDonald Saw a Pond by Mary Quattlebaum; illustrated by Laura J. Bryant- Jo MacDonald Saw a Pond is a wonderful adaptation to a most beloved children's song. The story has educational value by introducing some of the many animals that can be found at a pond, and is also entertaining as the text is in tune to the classic "Old MacDonald." 

Something Blue: Pajama Pirates by Andrew Kramer; illustrated by Leslie Lammle- The sense of whimsy that Lammle delivers in her illustrations is perfect for a tale that follows a most fantastic adventure. A dreamlike adventure that includes a bitter fight, a sudden squall, and buried treasure--dreams that could belong to none other than the Pajama Pirates.

Picture Book Review

 Something Old: Corduroy by Don Freeman- Of all the bears that appear in picture books, there is no match for charming little Corduroy.There is also no match for Don Freeman's portrayal of the wonderful amusement that fills childhood, in which his words and art share the delight that one special toy can bring to a child's life.

Something New: The Nowhere Box by Sam Zuppardi- When one little boy needs to escape his even littler brothers, where is he to go? Well, in this story the perfect place to be is...Nowhere! The adventure that Sam Zuppardi has created wonderfully shows how Nowhere can be "amazing!...magnificent!...and stupendous!" But, after awhile, Nowhere can also be lonely. And that's when it is the perfect time to hop in The Nowhere Box and..."set a course for home."  

 Something Borrowed: Hilda Must Be Dancing by Karma Wilson; illustrated by Suzanne Watts- With vibrant illustrations and fun, rhythmic verses, Hilda Must Be Dancing is bursting with energy! It is an amusing tale that is sure to bring smiles and laughter to story time.

Something Blue: The Museum by Susan Verde; illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds- Susan Verde and Peter H. Reynolds' collaboration is a great introduction to famous works of art. And although the text is a bit uneven, Reynolds' art has wonderful fluidity throughout, in which he shows the many emotions that can arise while visiting The Museum. 

Picture Book Review

Something Old: The Best Nest by P.D. Eastman- In this classic tale, readers join Mr. and Mrs. Bird as they embark on an adventure in search of a new home. At the end of their searching, though, they discover that The Best Nest is actually right back where they started from--at their old home.

 Something New: The Black Rabbit by Philippa Leathers- Sometimes, it is the simplest things that create the greatest entertainment. Such is the case in Philippa Leathers' Black Rabbit, where one little rabbit's shadow leads to a most entertaining tale. It is a clever new story that shows the wonder there is in using your imagination.

 Something Borrowed: Red Wagon by Renata Liwska- The adorable woodland animals that Renata Liwska created for The Loud Book and The Quiet Book will once again capture the hearts of readers in her creative new story. And her illustrations are sure to excite the imaginations of young and old alike as Liwska shows the many, many adventures that can take place in one little Red Wagon. 

Something Blue: If You Give a Mouse a Cookie by Laura Numeroff; illustrated by Felicia Bond- The amount of detail that Felicia Bond puts into the If You Give A... books is remarkable, as is her ability to illustrate a series that not only maintains a certain similarity among all titles, but also demonstrates the uniqueness to each story's characters. She is a true talent who is able to create scenes that children want to revisit again and again, as is the case in the bestselling If You Give a Mouse a Cookie.

Picture Book Review

 Something Old: Put Me in the Zoo by Robert Lopshire- The easy-to-read rhyming text makes Put Me in the Zoo a great read-to-me or beginning-to-read book. And the bright artwork makes for a great story time read in which children can learn to understand their own talents and know that there is always a place where they can be themselves. 

 Something New: Three Bears in a Boat by David Soman- The stunning illustrations of this new book allows readers to be whisked away into the journey of the Three Bears in a Boat as they brave the wilds of the sea in search of a gift for their mama bear. It is a beautiful story throughout;  one that will be enjoyed by young and old alike. 

 Something Borrowed: Love Monster by Rachel Bright- This lovable little monster finds that life in a world filled with cute little things is quite rough for someone like himself--someone whom others most definitely do not consider cute. But, the story is just that...Cute! And adorable, and sweet, and uplifting, as the Love Monster's quest to find someone to love him concludes with a most heartwarming message: that "sometimes...love finds you."

Something Blue: Some Babies Sleep by Cynthia Cotten; illustrated by Paul Tong-From the trees, to the seas, Tong's illustrations show baby animals of all kinds sleepily snuggled in for a good rest. There is a softness to the artwork that is perfect for bedtime, and a sweetness to the images that is able to show the connection that all babies share: that "whether they walk, fly, swim, gallop, or creep, all babies--all babies--all babies sleep." 

Picture Book Review

 Something Old: Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambault; illustrated by Lois Ehlert- With vibrant illustrations and energetic text, Chicka Chicka Boom Boom is an exciting introduction to the alphabet, and whether read in the home, or the classroom, this is a story that is sure to make learning fun.

Something New:  Hooray Parade by Barbara Joosse; illustrated by Hyewon Yum- A visit from Gramma is always exciting, especially when she brings a...Hooray Parade! This fun-filled story inspires the imagination while sharing the joys of playtime in a way that will leave little ones finding ways to create their very own Hooray Parade.

 Something Borrowed: LMNO Peas by Keith Baker- Learning the alphabet does not get any more fun than in Keith Baker's LMNO Peas, where we get to meet the wonderful peas who work and play in the ABC's. From A to Z, this story is amusing, amazing, and totally Unique!

Something Blue: Little Bear's Little Boat by Eve Bunting; illustrated by Nancy Carpenter-The wonderful simplicity to the text and illustrations leaves plenty of room for readers to envision the most important part of the story--that of growing up. The beautiful artwork perfectly portrays this sweet story that is both encouraging and entertaining.

Picture Book Review

Something Old: Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak- Over fifty years ago, children began imagining a place where wild creatures roam and they can be king, thanks to Maurice Sendak's award-winning book. Now, Sendak's illustrations continue to inspire the imaginations of children around the world, taking readers on the unforgettable journey to the place Where the Wild Things Are.

Something New: Red Knit Cap Girl to the Rescue by Naoko Stoop- Naoko Stoop's illustrations in her latest book are imaginative and unique in portraying one young girl's journey to help someone in need. It is a sweet story with lovable characters that shows how one small child can make a big difference.

Something Borrowed: Starry Safari by Linda Ashman; illustrated by Jeff Mack- From a rhino chase, to an ostrich race, Starry Safari definitely explores the wild side of bedtime! It is an amusing story that provides readers with one final adventure before drifting off to sleep.

Something Blue: Light Up the Night by Jean Reidy; illustrated by Margaret Chodos-Irvine- In her illustrations, Margaret Chodos-Irvine is able to capture the clever and childlike imagination of the story's character, as she takes him traveling throughout the world in which he lives. Her illustrations are bright and exciting and have the ability to show that, though the world is large, we each have our "own little piece of the universe."  

Picture Book Review

 Something Old: It's Not Easy Being a Bunny by Marilyn Sadler; illustrated by Roger Bollen- It's Not Easy Being a Bunny is a classic tale of the main character questioning who they are and where they belong. In this story, that quest for belonging takes readers many interesting places: living with bears, beavers, birds, and even...skunks. But, P.J. Funnybunny discovers, as readers will as well, that where he really belongs is...at home, being himself. 

 Something New: Oliver and his Alligator by Paul Schmid- Starting school can be a little scary; so, if you're not feeling brave, what better idea than to bring an alligator to school! (You know, "just in case things get rough"). In Oliver and his Alligator, Paul Schmid has once again created a character readers will admire, and a story readers will adore.

 Something Borrowed: All the Seasons of the Year by Deborah Lee Rose; illustrated by Kay Chorao- From steamy summer days, to crisp autumn nights, this story illustrates the beauty of each season, and it provides a reminder as to how much our little ones change and grow throughout All the Seasons of the Year. 

Something Blue: Sky Color by Peter H. Reynolds- Sky Color is a story that celebrates thinking outside the box, and young Marisol is urged to do just that when she volunteers to paint the sky for her school mural but finds that the paint box is without the color blue. With no blue, how can she complete her project? Of course, for an artist like Marisol, her creativity shines through in the end as she begins to dream, see, and create what truly is Sky Color. 

Picture Book Review

Something Old: Seven Little Rabbits by John Becker; illustrated by Barbara Cooney- The repetition and rhyme in Seven Little Rabbits is great for the newest of readers and the youngest of listeners. It is a charming story with catchy verses that will stick with you long after you've finished reading.

Something New: Perfectly Percy by Paul Schmid- Balloon time is a happy time. That is, until a nice round balloon becomes... a popped balloon. And, for a small porcupine, a popped balloon seems inevitable. Luckily, Percy is a clever little porcupine who comes up with a "Perfectly Percy idea" to once again make balloon time a happy time.  

Something Borrowed: I Know a Wee Piggy by Kim Norman; illustrated by Henry Cole- Norman and Cole's story follows one wee piggy who "wallowed in brown...upside down, he wallowed in brown." But, of course that little piggy didn't stop there. Oh no, he wallowed in a whole lot of colors..."all over the fair!" I Know a Wee Piggy is an entertaining tale readers will want to enjoy again and again.  

Something Blue: Bear Snores On by Karma Wilson; illustrated by Jane Chapman- Jane Chapman's work stands out in that while it is recognizable from story to story, it is also a perfect match for the tale to be told. And the characters she portrays are absolutely lovable, as is the case in the bestselling Bear Snores On.

Picture Book Review

Something Old: Quick as a Cricket by Audrey Wood; illustrated by Don Wood- Quick as a Cricket identifies some of the countless personality traits that vary from child to child, and it is also understanding of the many moods that just one child can hold. From "loud as a lion," to "quiet as a clam;" and, "tough as a rhino," to "gentle as a lamb," this story is symbolic of the one thing that each child is--unique. 

Something New: On My Way to Bed by Sarah Maizes; illustrated by Michael Paraskevas- Combine Michael Kaplan's Betty Bunny with Mercer Mayer's Little Critter and you get... On My Way to Bed. Sarah Maizes' character, Livi, has the spirit and cunning that readers will love, much like Michael Kaplan's Betty Bunny books.  It should be noted, though, that this book is very, very similar to Mercer Mayer's Just Go to Bed, which is somewhat of a negative for the story as a whole. Sarah Maizes' take on it is cute, though; one which includes a fun conclusion. And the illustrations are wonderful from the start.   

 

 Something Borrowed: Barnyard Lullaby by Frank Asch- It's bedtime on the farm, and each mother has her own special lullaby ready for her little ones. Even though the restless farmer thinks of it as too much noise, the baby animals "hear the music and understand the words." To them, "it is a beautiful lullaby,"  much like it will be to your own little ones at bedtime.

Something Blue: You Are My I love You by Maryann Cusimano Love; illustrated by Satomi Ichikawa- There is a gentleness to Satomi Ichikawa's illustrations that are absolutely perfect for a bedtime tale. And the subtle playfulness and spirit of youth that is depicted throughout the story is perfect for the littlest of listeners.