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.