Boo-Hoo Moo by Margie Palatini, illustrated by Keith Graves

Hilda Mae Heifer was very sad. Even her moo was sad, she had a blue moo. The other animals thought she sounded miserable and she made their ears hurt!

So they got together and decided that accompany Hilda, but when they can't decide on who, they hold auditions for a chorus!

Will they cheer up lonely Hilda?

What I Thought:
So cute!! I loved when the animals held the auditions, it reminded me of American Idol!

The illustrations are bright and colorful and a perfect accompaniment for the story.

And a bonus! Click here to listen to Margie Palatini read this story. It is hilarious, and I just adore the voices she has for each character! I think instead of me botching this story during storytime, I'll play the recording and let the kids hear how it was meant to be read!

Super fun book, recommended.

Want to see more? Check it out on Amazon: Boo-Hoo Moo by Margie Palatini, illustrated by Keith Graves

Willoughby and the Lion by Greg Foley

Willoughby is a young boy who has just moved into a new house, which he hated. One day he sees a golden lion perched on a rock in his backyard.

Intrigued, Willoughby asks the lion what he is doing there. The lion responds that he has the power to grant Willoughby ten wishes, but unless he wishes for the "most wonderful thing of all," the lion will be stuck on the rock forever.

Willoughby begins asking for his wishes, and has a grand time. But when approaching wish ten, the lion is very sad. Will Willoughby wish for the wish that can free the lion?

What I Thought:
This book is absolutely amazing. It truely touched my heart, it's a beautiful story.

I loved the illustrations in this story. They are black and white, but the lion and anything the lion provides through the wishes are presented in a shiny gold foil. Make sure you pay special attention to the lion's facial expressions, it will draw a tear to your eye.

A simply wonderful story that shows what is truly important, even when one has the chance for anything.

Very highly recommended.

Want to see more? Check it out on Amazon: Willoughby and the Lion by Greg Foley.

Big Bad Bunny by Franny Billingsley, illustrated by G. Brian Karas

Big Bad Bunny is off on an adventure, tearing through bushes and stomping through streams while Mama Mouse kisses each of her children good night. When she realizes that Baby Boo Boo is missing, she goes searches for her.

Will she find her?

What I Thought:
Oh my! This is such a fun book, and such a fun read aloud. I've already read it to anyone who would listen, and you can be assured that this book will be featured in an upcoming storytime.

The illustrations are distinct depending on who's story is being told, and both fit the story perfectly. In addition, the text style is different for each character, Mama Mouse's is dainity while Big Bad Bunny is harsh and crude.

Children everywhere are bound to enjoy this book!

Highly Recommended.

Want to see more? Check it out on Amazon: Big Bad Bunny by Franny Billingsley, illustrated by G. Brian Karas.

Roscoe Riley Rules #4: Never Swim in Applesauce by Katherine Applegate, illustrated by Brian Biggs

What has Roscoe done now to land him in time-out?

Well, it all began when his teacher told his class they were going on a field trip to an apple farm! He was so excited, and managed to borrow his sister's crazy eight ball, which he often consulted to make sure the trip would be fun.

And it was, until the class went on a tour of how applesauce is made...

You'll have to read it to find out what happens...but I'll just say it is very messy!

What I Thought:
I love this series! I think Roscoe is just adorable and his books are simply delightful. They are funny, packed with action (well, first grade action!), a little innocent mischief and a good lesson.

A great book, a wonderful series, perfect for the beginning independent reader or a read aloud.

Highly recommended.

Want to see more? Check it out on Amazon: Roscoe Riley Rules #4: Never Swim in Applesauce by Katherine Applegate, illustrated by Brian Biggs

You know I love a series when I reviewed every book in the series thus far, and anticipate the next release! Check out other reviews for Roscoe Riley Rules here: Number 1, Number Two, and Number Three.

How to Raise Mom & Dad by Josh Lerman, illustrated by Greg Clarke

A big sister teachers her little brother the ins and outs of raising parents from making sure they get up early enough to be awake for work to making sure they eat enough vegetables. It's a big responsibility!


What I Thought:
This is such an adorable book. The illustrations are hilarious, as the sister is talking with the brother about how to "raise" their parents and "make" their job easier, the parents look more exhausted with each page turn!

A super fun book that both parents and children can enjoy together!

Recommended.

Want to see more? Check it out on Amazon: How to Raise Mom & Dad: Instructions from Someone Who Figured It Out by Josh Lerman, illustrated by Greg Clarke.