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."