Picture Book Review

 Something Old: The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg- The Polar Express continues to be adored by young and old alike, due in large part to the story's reminder of the dreams and imagination that fill childhood--qualities that shouldn't be forgotten even after you've grown. It is a magical story throughout, and one which concludes with a message that will stick with you long after you've finished reading.

Something New: How to Train a Train by Jason Carter Eaton; illustrated by John Rocco- Bringing home a new pet is an incredible experience, and the originality of How to Train a Train shows that there is no limit to what that pet may be! But, how do you know if you've found the right one? "Don't worry. You'll know." How to Train a Train is a fun new read for your train enthusiast!

 Something Borrowed: Animal Masquerade by Marianne Dubuc- With simple sentence structure and fun illustrations, Animal Masquerade is a great book for beginning readers. It is a story that will leave children amused and intrigued and envisioning their own masquerade!

Something Blue: Steam Train, Dream Train by Sherri Duskey Rinker; illustrated by Tom Lichtenheld- The artwork in Steam Train, Dream Train is a wonderful portrayal of the magic and excitement that exists in our dreams. It is a perfect bedtime story for your young child before he or she journeys into dreamland.



Picture Book Review

 

Something Old: Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day by Judith Viorst; illustrated by Ray Cruz- Few books rival this classic tale in the ability to truly capture the voice of the target audience, and to further portray that voice in a story that is hailed as both amusing and as a literary classic for children. It is a

charming and timeless tale that continues to delight.

Something New: Betty Bunny Didn't Do It by Michael Kaplan; illustrated by Stephane Jorisch- In this humorous tale, readers are shown the value of the honest truth over an "honest lie," as Betty Bunny learns that blaming someone else for something she's done really isn’t the best idea. And in true Betty Bunny fashion, this lesson is full of amusement, thanks to playful dialogue, humorous illustrations, and plenty of Betty Bunny wit!

Something Borrowed: I Ain't Gonna Paint No More! by Karen Beaumont; illustrated by David Catrow- One little child, plus a whole lot of paint, equals one creative story! From top to bottom, from cover to cover, I Ain’t Gonna Paint No More! illustrates the beauty of creative expression (even if that creativity sometimes covers the ceiling and the floor!).

 

 Something Blue: Mama, Why? by Karma Wilson; illustrated by Simon Mendez- Mama Why? is full of magical scenes. From arctic wildlife, to twinkling stars and stardust, this sweet bedtime story will lull little ones to sleep with visions of an arctic wonderland that is so wondrous and peaceful.  

Picture Book Review

Something Old: Jamberry by Bruce Degen- The young and young-at-heart will be eager to go berry-picking after reading this delightful tale. With playful verses and vibrant illustrations, it is easy to see why readers have been savoring this story for many years.

Something New: How Do Dinosaurs Say I’m Mad? by Jane Yolen; illustrated by Mark Teague- Never have dinosaurs been as relatable as in Jane Yolen and Mark Teague’s How Do Dinosaurs…? books, and their latest collaboration does not disappoint. How Do Dinosaurs Say I’m Mad? continues the tradition of speaking, not preaching, to children in an entertaining story that readers will want to enjoy again and again.  

 

Something Borrowed: Snowmen All Year by Caralyn Buehner; illustrated by Mark Buehner- With the excitement and fulfillment that goes into building a snowman, why wouldn’t we want our snowmen to stick around long after the snows have melted?! The creators of Snowmen at Night continue the tale of the always captivating snowmen, and in doing so have created a story that can be enjoyed all year long.

Something Blue: Blue Sky by Audrey Wood- Few words are needed in this book, as Audrey Wood’s illustrations tell the story perfectly. From Blue Sky to Storm Sky, and Wish Sky to Dream Sky, this is a perfect book for a beginning reader, and one in which children can use their own imagination to add to the story. 

Picture Book Review







 Something Old: Chrysanthemum by Kevin Henkes-For over twenty years Chrysanthemum has been reaching out to young readers, reminding them that they are perfect just the way they are (even if their names "scarcely fit on a nametag"). This sweet story will continue to delight children for years to come.

 Something New: The Wee Hours by Stephanie Watson; illustrated by Mary GrandPre- Beautiful artwork, along with the clever tale of the very busy Wee Hours, make dreams come to life right before your eyes. It is a story that is full of wonder, and one that is sure to lead to sweet dreams

 Something Borrowed: Betty Bunny Wants Everything by Michael B. Kaplan; illustrated by Sephane Jorisch- Betty Bunny really, REALLY wants everything! And why shouldn't she?!
Children will love to read on as Betty's family tries to teach her a very important life lesson: she can't have everything she wants. But, will they succeed?! This laugh-out-loud story is a must-read for anyone who has ever really, REALLYwanted everything (young, or old!).

Something Blue: I'd Know You Anywhere, My Love by Nancy Tillman- If you've yet to experience the beauty that Nancy Tillman creates, check out I'd Know You Anywhere, My Love. Like On the Night You Were Born and Wherever You Are, My Love Will Find You, Nancy Tillman's story speaks right from the heart, as do her illustrations. It's a perfect bedtime, or anytime, story for the ones you love in your life.