Monthly Feature by Carol ElbertCarol Elbert is a freelance reviewer, retired after 25 years as Youth Services Coordinator at the Ames Public Library in Ames, Iowa. She has been involved with Raising Readers since 2000.
Dinosaur vs. Bedtime by Bob Shea. Hyperion, 2008.
Suggested for ages 2-6
If you know a child who is fascinated by dinosaurs, here's a must-read bedtime story with a repeated refrain. A little red dinosaur roars his way through a day's activities, and nothing can stop him! But when he faces his biggest challenge, bedtime, his eyelids droop, his roars get quieter, and bedtime wins. Bright childlike drawings are combined with photographic collage elements and varied sizes of type. You'll find lots of opportunity for participatory roaring.
Holly's Red Boots by Francesca Chessa. Holiday House, 2008.
Suggested for ages 3-6
Holly is eager to go outside and play in the snow, but Mom says she must wear her red boots. With the help of her cat, Holly looks high and low, finding plenty of interesting things. By the time she finally finds her boots, the snow has melted, but the boots are perfect for splashing in puddles. Large pictures in vivid colors make this ideal for sharing with a group or with a child on your lap.
Knitty Kitty by David Elliott, illustrated by Christopher Denise. Candlewick, 2008.
Suggested for ages 4-8
"Clickety-click. Tickety-tick. Knitty Kitty sits and knits." She's making things to keep three lively kittens warm. The language is a pleasure to read aloud, and the cozy illustrations capture the playfulness of the kittens. David Elliott is the author of And Here's to You and On the Farm. If you'd like to knit as well, you can find the patterns for scarf and hat on the publisher's website.
Little Monkey by Kimberly Ainsworth and illustrated by Michelle Berg. Little Simon, 2008. (Little Green Books)
Suggested for babies
Little Monkey plays with his friend who stars in a companion book, Little Panda. Introducing a new series intended to be eco-friendly, this cloth book is machine washable and just right for the baby who is chewing on everything.
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