Monthly Features by Carol Elbert
Selections for December 2007
Little Rat Makes Music by Monika Bang-Campbell, illustrated by Molly Bang. Harcourt, 2007.
Suggested for ages 6 – 9
Created by a mother-daughter team, this is the third book in a series for beginning readers starring a spunky little heroine. Rat dreams of making beautiful music on the violin but resists practicing. Her teacher pairs her with an older student tutor who helps her make progress. With exceptional illustrations, the story includes touches of humor and the satisfaction of working hard to accomplish something worthwhile.
Very Hairy Bear by Alice Schertle, illustrated by Matt Phelan. Harcourt, 2007.
Suggested for ages 3 – 7
"Deep in the green gorgeous wood lives a boulder-big bear with shaggy, raggy, brownbear hair everywhere…" We follow the bear through changing seasons as he catches silver salmon in the spring, eats licky sticky honey in the summer, finds acorns in the fall, and, when winter comes, settles in for a cozy sleep. The illustrations in pastel and pencil look soft and fuzzy, with gentle humor and action. Best of all is the wonderful language, perfect for reading aloud.
Do Rabbits Have Christmas? poems by Aileen Fisher, illustrated by Sarah Fox-Davies. Holt, 2007.
Suggested for ages 5 – 9
From fall to Christmas, these poems create word pictures of seasonal delights: "…on this bright cold morning when we go stomping out, footprints full of diamonds follow us about." Lovely soft-edged pencil and watercolor illustrations show children and pets playing in the snow, rural scenes with rabbits and mice, and cozy interiors.
Little Scholastic Colors Scholastic, 2007
Suggested for ages 0 – 2
Bright colors, high contrast, simple shapes, and touch-and-feel pages combine in a sturdy board book sure to please your baby. You can point to things in the pictures and talk to your baby about what you see while little fingers explore the textures.
Selections for November 2007
Rabbit's Gift: A Fable from China by George Shannon, illustrated by Laura Dronzek. Harcourt, 2007..
Suggested for ages 3 – 7
Snow is coming, and it's time to find food. Rabbit finds an extra turnip and takes it to Donkey, leaving it by the door. When Donkey finds it, she takes it to Goat and leaves it by his door. Goat takes it to Deer's house, and when Deer finds it, she takes it to Rabbit's house. Rabbit shares it with all his friends. This gentle folktale about the spirit of generosity is illustrated with folk art style paintings.
Baby Bear, Baby Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Martin, Jr., illustrated by Eric Carle. Henry Holt, 2007.
Suggested for ages 3 – 7
Years ago this team created Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?, a perennial favorite. Using the same pattern, this picture book introduces ten animals native to North America as Baby Bear looks for—and finds—his mother. Eric Carle's wonderful paper collage illustrations are big and bright.
A Box Full of Kittens by Sonia Manzano, illustrated by Matt Phelan. Atheneum, 2007.
Suggested for ages 3 – 7
Ruthie loves to imagine being a superhero. When she goes to help her very pregnant aunt, Ruthie hopes she might be the one to heroically get help if the baby arrives while she's visiting. On an errand, Ruthie gets so distracted by new kittens that she nearly misses the excitement, and she feels terrible. But meeting new baby Grace makes her feel super! This warmhearted story by "Maria" of Sesame Street is set in a Puerto Rican neighborhood and includes Spanish vocabulary.
Today I Will Fly! by Mo Willems. Hyperion, 2007. "An Elephant & Piggie Book"
Suggested for ages 4 – 8
Piggie tells her friend Elephant, "Today I will fly!" No, he says, she won't . But Piggie is determined, tries hard, gets help, and does fly—sort of. This delightful new series for beginning readers introduces two good friends, kindred spirits of Frog and Toad, George and Martha. Willems, author of the award-winning Pigeon books, is a master at using simple lines to show emotion and humor.
Selections for October 2007
Global Babies by the Global Fund for Children. Charlesbridge, 2007.
Suggested for ages 0 – 2
"Wherever they live, wherever they go, whatever they wear, whatever they feel, babies everywhere are beautiful, special, and loved." Wonderful photos of babies from around the world illustrate this simple text. Rich colors and textures of ethnic fabric add to the appeal of these pictures on colorful backgrounds, and the babies are, of course, beautiful.
The Busy Little Squirrel by Nancy Tafuri. Simon & Schuster, 2007.
Suggested for ages 2 – 5
"Leaves were falling. The air was getting cold. It was time for Squirrel to get ready for winter." The other animals ask him to play, but he can't spare the time. Your children can join in on the repeated line, "But Squirrel couldn't… he was so busy!" Clear, realistic illustrations in watercolor and ink show Squirrel collecting food. The large format makes this equally appealing for sharing with a group or a child on your lap.
Bear Feels Sick by Karma Wilson, illustrated by Jane Chapman. McElderry, 2007
Suggested for ages 3 – 7
"Alone in his cave as the autumn wind blows, Bear feels achy with a stuffed-up nose." But his friends gather round with comfort and kindness, and soon he's all better—just in time to take care of his friends who have started to wheeze and sneeze. This gentle story in rhyme may be just what the doctor ordered the next time your little one feels sick. A companion to Bear Snores On.
Beetle Bop by Denise Fleming. Harcourt, 2007.
Suggested for ages 3 – 7
You'll look at bugs in a new way after reading this celebration of beetles. A rhyming text lists characteristics of beetles: "Striped beetles, spotted beetles, all-over-dotted beetles." The artist has created big, bold illustrations in vibrant colors by pouring colored cotton fiber through hand-cut stencils. Consider checking out an insect field guide from the public library and seeing what bugs you and your child can find.
Selections for September 2007
The Apple Doll by Elisa Kleven. Farrar Straus and Giroux, 2007.
Suggested for ages 4 – 8
Lizzie loves her apple tree throughout the seasons. The day she starts school, she picks a favorite apple to be her friend and names it Susanna, worried that she won't have any friends in class. Later her family helps her make Susanna into a dried apple doll, and her teacher asks her to teach her classmates. Detailed instructions tell how to make your own apple doll. The imaginative collage illustrations may inspire a collage art activity as well.
A Seed Is Sleepy by Dianna Hutts Aston, illustrated by Sylvia Long. Chronicle, 2007.
Suggested for ages 5 – 10
Fall is a good time for a nature walk with your child. It's amazing how many ways seeds can be scattered. Just look at dandelions and cockleburs. In this elegant book, beautiful, detailed watercolors show seeds from all over the world. An award-winning team provides an introduction to a fascinating variety of seeds. You may want to make a trip to the library for more information.
Peek-a-Zoo Little Scholastic, 2007.
Suggested for infants – age 3
Sometimes when we read to a baby or toddler, we don't really need a story. We point to pictures and talk about what we see. This new board book is perfect for tasting, touching, looking, and listening. Eye-catching colors, cut-out shapes, textures to feel, sound effects to make, and sturdy flaps to peek under offer lots of possibilities for interactive fun with your little one.
The Apple Pie that Papa Baked by Lauren Thompson, illustrated by Jonathan Bean. Simon & Schuster, 2007.
Suggested for ages 5 and up
""These are the apples, juicy and red, that went in the pie, warm and sweet, that Papa baked." The old-fashioned charm of the illustrations recalls the art of Wanda Gag. (Remember Millions of Cats? An oldie but goodie.) As you and your child look at the pictures, you'll see a growing line of animals following Papa and daughter as they set out on an apple pie picnic. Encourage your child to say the repeated phrases with you.
Selections for August 2007
How Do Dinosaurs Go to School? by Jane Yolen, illustrated by Mark Teague. Blue Sky Press, 2007.
Suggested for ages 3 – 5
If you're getting ready to send a child to school, sharing a book may give you things to talk about as you offer reassurance. The newest entry in the "How Do Dinosaurs" series, this funny book will make you laugh as well. Large pictures of huge dinosaurs provide examples of naughty and nice behavior at school.
Wow! School! by Robert Neubecker. Hyperion, 2007.
Suggested for ages 3 – 6
A little girl goes to school where she is wowed by the variety of activities in the classroom, the playground, and new friends. Children will enjoy the oversize format, colorful images outlined in india ink, and plenty of things to look at.
Trucks Roll! by George Ella Lyon, illustrated by Craig Frazier. Richard Jackson/Atheneum, 2007.
Suggested for ages 4 – 7
"Trucks have trailers. Trucks have cabs. Some haul rabbits. Some haul labs. Trucks roll!" Bright pictures and a rhyming text describe all kinds of things that trucks can haul, including some silliness. Young would-be truckers will want to study the pictures.
Ten in the Bed by Penny Dale. Candlewick, 2007.
Suggested for ages 1 – 3
"There were ten in the bed, and the little one said, "Roll over, roll over!" Encourage your little one to say it too, and for a rambunctious bedtime frolic, act it out. Penny Dale's version of the traditional rhyme was published as a picture book several years ago, and now we have a board book edition, sturdy enough to be tossed out of bed along with the toy animals.
Selections for July 2007
Orange Pear Apple Bear by Emily Gravett. Simon & Schuster, 2007.
Suggested for ages 1 – 4
Word play, wonderful watercolors, and delightful simplicity make this a winner. The text consists of just five words, four of which are in the title. A bear observes, plays, changes color, juggles, and eats his way through the book. You and your child may want to play with pairs of rhyming words as a follow up.
Fish, Swish! Splash, Dash! Counting Round and Round by Suse MacDonald. Little Simon, 2007.
Suggested for ages 3 – 5
Vibrant colors, die-cut pages, and an unusual format invite you to count fish from one to ten and then back from ten to one as you rotate the book. Creative, clever, and colorful, with a simple rhyming text, this novelty book provides lots to look at.
The Boy on the Bus: a Sing-Along Storybook by Penny Dale. Candlewick, 2007.
Suggested for ages 2 – 5
The boy on the bus drives round and round, round and round… Who wants to ride on the bus? Ducks! Pigs! Cows! A whole bus load of farm animals add sound effects in this new take on a favorite song. Your child will want to point out all the different animals in these appealing watercolor and pencil illustrations. Try singing this on a car trip and make up new verses by adding more animals.
Summer Beat by Betsy Franco, illustrated by Charlotte Middleton. McElderry Books, 2007.
Suggested for ages 3 – 6
Two friends savor the sounds and activities of summer. From playing in the sprinkler, shhh shhh, shhh shhh, to spitting watermelon seeds, f w I t, f w I t, eating corn on the cob, chump, chump, and tossing water balloons, whoosh pumf, pop! spltt! Em and Joe have fun together in this upbeat celebration of summer. Cheerful mixed media illustrations combine drawing, collage, and computer design.
Bee Frog by Martin Waddell, illustrated by Barbara Firth. Candlewick, 2007.
Suggested for ages 3 – 7
A very small frog named Bee plays "I'm Not a Frog—I'm a DRAGON." When no one pays attention, she hops off in a huff, feeling fierce, until she starts to wonder if dragons get lonely. When Mom and Dad Frog come looking for her, she sits very still, then – CROAK! She ambushes her mommy and daddy! Hugs and kisses, and home for frog tea. Imaginative illustrations in watercolor and pencil show an affectionate family, even though they are frogs.
Has Anyone Seen My Emily Greene? by Norma Fox Mazer, illustrated by Christine Davenier. Candlewick, 2007.
Suggested for ages 3 – 6
Playing hide and seek, little Emily is under the table, behind the curtains, or right behind her good-natured father. "Has anyone seen my Emily Greene? She's not in the sink. She's not in the drawer. She's not in the pantry or behind the door." Her dad may not see her, but you and your child will have fun finding Emily and her cat at each turn on the page. Wonderful watercolor illustrations capture the loving playfulness of this gentle story.
Ruff! Ruff! Where's Scruff? A Lift-the-Flap Pop-up Adventure by David A. Carter, text by Sarah Weeks. Red Wagon Books/Harcourt, 2006.
Suggested for ages 2 – 5
Avoiding bath time, a muddy dog hides among the cows, pigs, sheep, ducks, and rabbits as we search for him in delightful pop-up pictures. This interactive book provides lots of opportunity for silly sound effects and plenty of things to look for. In addition to hunting for Scruff, see if you can find a little mouse and Scruff's yellow ball on every page.
Charlie Chick by Nick Denchfield, illustrated by Ant Parker. Red Wagon Books/Harcourt, 2007.
Suggested for ages Birth – 3
Charlie the chicken eats lots of barley, wheat, and corn, and he's growing. Pop-ups emphasize his big tummy, beak, and feet, with an even bigger surprise at the end. Oversize print and pictures make this a good choice for sharing with a group and equally fun for the child on your lap.
Wag a Tail by Lois Ehlert. Harcourt, 2007.
Suggested for ages 3 – 7
Vibrant colors and intriguing collage illustrations provide lots to look at in a simple story of dogs going with their owners to a farmers' market and then to the dog park. The back end pages show a gallery of the Bow Wow School graduates. You may be inspired to get out scraps of paper, fabric, and buttons and try making a collage of your own.
One Frog Sang by Shirley Parenteau, illustrated by Cynthia Jabar. Candlewick, 2007.
Suggested for ages 3 – 6
Get ready to make frog sounds! Spring rains are followed by a chorus of frogs, from one to ten, but when a car drives by, they all hush, counting back from ten to one, and then start singing again. Count frogs in splashy paintings and find the moon in most pictures.
Some Dog! by Mary Casanova, illustrated by Ard Hoyt. Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2007.
Suggested for ages 3 – 7
George is a good old dog, slow and steady, and he loves his peaceful home. Then a stray dog turns up, noisy and lively, and suddenly the man and the woman seem to give Zippity all the attention. But when Zippity gets lost in a thunderstorm, George proves that he is still some dog! A child feeling neglected with the arrival of a new sibling may find comfort in this appealing dog story with a happy ending.
Butterfly, Butterfly by Petr Horacek. Candlewick, 2007.
Suggested for ages 3 – 5
Playing in the yard, Lucy sees a beautiful butterfly and other tiny creatures: a pink earthworm, a brown spider, a green beetle, red ladybugs. Bright acrylic paintings show a girl discovering bugs through die-cut holes in the pages in this imaginative book of colors. At the end the butterfly leaps off the page in a surprise pop-up. You and your child will enjoy looking for bugs too, both on the page and outdoors.
Up, Down, and Around by Katherine Ayres, illustrated by Nadine Bernard Westcott. Candlewick, 2007.
Suggested for ages 2 – 5
"In the dirt we'll dig a row, drop some seeds, and watch them grow." Edible plants grow up, down, around and around in this rollicking, rhyming book. Cheery ink and watercolor illustrations are filled with action and humorous touches. Consider planting a garden with your child, or maybe just a bean in a pot. For another celebration of gardening, look for Growing Vegetable Soup by Lois Ehlert.
Hurry! Hurry! by Eve Bunting, illustrated by Jeff Mack. Harcourt, 2007.
Suggested for ages 2 – 6
The farm animals are excited as they spread the news. "Hurry! Hurry! Coming! Coming! Ready? Ready? Yes! Yes!" The simple text consists of repeated words, a pattern inviting your child's participation. After the first reading, encourage your child to repeat the word after you for a joint read-aloud. Add to the fun by making animal sound effects. The eagerly awaited event is the hatching of a chick, joyously welcomed by everyone in the barn.
Hickory Dickory Dock by Keith Baker. Harcourt, 2007.
Suggested for ages 3 - 7
We all know what the mouse did when the clock struck one. This happy book provides further adventures for the mouse as the clock strikes the hours from one to twelve and a series of animals join in. Your little one will want to find the mouse in every scene, and an older child may find this helpful in learning to tell time.
Mommy Hugs by Karen Katz. Little Simon, 2007. Also Daddy Hugs.
Suggested for infants to age 2
This bright board book counts from "one nuzzle-wuzzle wake-up hug" to ten "I love you good-night hugs." Throughout a baby's day, Mommy offers love and cuddles. The companion book features Daddy. In both books the child could be either a boy or a girl. You'll be giving hugs at every turn of the page.
Baby Shoes Dashka Slater, illustrated by Hiroe Nakata. Bloomsbury, 2006.
Suggested for ages 18 months – 3 years
Baby's got some brand-new shoes, white as light. Mama and Baby talk a walk, interacting with colored chalk, grass, puddles, plums under a tree, and freshly painted crosswalk lines. By bath time, Baby's got "speckled, spotted, polka-dotted, puddle-stomping rainbow-romping, go-go-going shoes." The rhyming, rhythmic text is great for reading aloud, and your toddler will love to chime in with the repeated line "Uh-oh!"
Domino by Claire Masurel, illustrated by David Walker. Candlewick, 2007.
Suggested for ages 1 – 3
Domino is the smallest of five puppies. He may not be able to run as fast or jump as high as the others, but when the ball rolls under a fence, he's the only one who can get it. Playful acrylic paintings celebrate the success of the underdog. Encourage your child to join you in adding "woofs!" and other sound effects. This "Super Sturdy Picture Book" has rounded corners and cardstock pages.
Here's a Little Poem: A Very First Book of Poetry collected by Jane Yolen and Andrew Fusek Peters, illustrated by Polly Dunbar. Candlewick, 2007.
Suggested for ages 1 – 6
Dip into this happy collection and you find poems about a child's day, from morning to night. This is a lovely introduction to fifty famous and less well known poets including Robert Louis Stevenson, Margaret Wise Brown, Langston Hughes, and Lilian Moore. Mixed media illustrations fill the pages with whimsy, action, and humor.
Flotsam by David Wiesner. Clarion, 2006
Suggested for ages 4 – 9
Winner of the prestigious Caldecott Medal, this imaginative picture book is wordless but filled with stories. A boy finds an antique underwater camera on the beach. When he has the film developed, he glimpses an amazing undersea world. Young readers will discover new details with each re-reading. Wiesner's creative watercolor illustrations have earned him the Caldecott Medal twice in the past.
Peek-a-Boo! A Lift-the-Flap Book by Moira Butterfield and Rachel O'Neill. Scholastic Cartwheel Books, 2007.
Suggested for ages 1 – 2
"Where is duck? Peek-a-boo! In the tub." Large sturdy flaps open to show where toys and animals are hiding. Simple and colorful, this book is easy enough for a just beginning-to-read sibling to read to the baby. This delightful interactive hide-and-seek book will be even more fun if you add sound effects.
Bear of My Heart by Joanne Ryder, illustrated by Margie Moore. Simon & Schuster, 2007.
Suggested for ages 3 – 6
A little bear's parent says, "There are so many bears in the world, dear, but there's no other one that will do. You are the bear of my heart, dear, and I am the one who loves you." The story in rhyme describes spending time together, exploring, playing, and snuggling. The dust jacket refers to Mama Bear, but there's nothing in the text or watercolor illustrations that would prevent this from being a Papa Bear.
So Sleepy Story by Uri Shulevitz.Farrar Straus Giroux, 2006.
Suggested for ages 3 – 6
In a sleepy sleepy house everything is sleepy sleepy, from the sleepy cat to the sleepy sleepy boy in a sleepy sleepy bed. Then music drifts in, and the house comes to life for a rollicking, dancing time. Then softly softly music drifts away, and everything is quiet again in the sleepy sleepy house. Wonderfully imaginative art is filled with details to enjoy in this dream of a bedtime book.
The Moon by Robert Louis Stevenson, illustrated by Tracey Campbell Pearson. Farrar Straus Giroux, 2006.
Suggested for ages 4 – 8
This classic poem from "A Child's Garden of Verses" is illustrated as a nightime outing for a father and child. The father wakes his child, and together they take a moonlit boat ride around the cove before returning home to mother. The charming watercolor-and-ink pictures show a peaceful rural scene with plenty of things to see. Look for the birds and animals, and encourage your child to point out the moon at every turn of the page.
Look at You! A Baby Body Book by Kathy Henderson, illustrated by Paul Howard. Candlewick, 2007.
Suggested for ages 1 – 3
A baby learns to do so many things! Here is a picture book celebration of wiggles, tickles, and giggles. Delightful large-scale pictures show a variety of babies and toddlers crawling, clapping, and walking as they discover what they can do. The rhymed text is filled with action and sound words. Try pointing to the pictures and saying, "Here's the baby's nose. Where is Daddy's nose? Where is your nose?"
Epossumondas Saves the Day by Coleen Salley, illustrated by Janet Stevens. Harcourt, 2006.
Suggested for ages 3 – 7
It's Epossumondas' birthday. Mama is making sweet biscuits for strawberry shortcake when she discovers that she's out of sody sallyratus (an old Southern term for baking soda.) Off to the store goes one guest after another, failing to return after encountering a huge snapping turtle, but our lovable possum hero saves the day. This variation of a traditional Southern folktale begs to be read aloud, and the mixed media illustrations are full of action and humor.
Where Is Baby's Valentine? A Lift-the-Flap Book by Karen Katz. Little Simon, 2007.
Suggested for ages 1 – 2
Baby has made a special valentine for Mommy, but where is it? The little girl searches through the house, and you look with her, lifting sturdy flaps to peek behind the chair or under a pillow. Finally, there it is, a sparkly foil heart. This bright board book is the newest title by the author of "Where Is Baby's Belly Button?" and other lift-the-flap books.
One Potato, Two Potato by Cynthia DeFelice, illustrated by Andrea U'Ren. Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2006.
Suggested for ages 5 – 9
Mr. and Mrs. O'Grady have little but share everything: one potato a day, one ragged coat, one gold coin for a rainy day. Then Mr. O'Grady finds a huge old pot, and it's magic! Anything in the pot will be duplicated. When Mrs. O'Grady accidentally falls in, Mr. O'Grady hops in too so that each of them has a friend as well as a spouse. Sharing and generosity are at the heart of this fresh version of an old folktale.
.jpg)
.gif){kind=spacer}
.gif){kind=small}
.gif){kind=spacer}
.gif)
.gif){kind=small}
.gif){kind=small}
.gif)
.gif){kind=small}
.gif){kind=small}
.gif){kind=small}
