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.