Miss Brooks Loves Books (and I don't) by Barbara Bottner, illustrated by Michael Emberley

Miss Brooks loves books and wants her students to love them too!  But our narrator doesn't like books so much...they are too flowery, furry, or even yippety. 

But she has to bring a favorite book to class for Book Week.  Will our friend find a great book?

What I Thought:
I must have this book for my collection because Miss Brooks rocks!  I love her enthusiasm for books and her love for learning. 

And I hope to be just like her one day! 

I love that the little girl isn't such a fan of books...she's your typical reluctant reader.  But she FINALLY finds a book she adores and is excited about! 

Great illustrations and just a fun, relevant story.  There IS a book out there for everyone!

Recommended.

Want to see more?  Check it out on Amazon: Miss Brooks Loves Books (and I don't) by Barbara Bottner, illustrated by Michael Emberley.

Reviewed from a public library copy.  

Animal Crackers Fly the Coop by Kevin O'Malley

Who doesn't like a good joke?

Apparently some farmers.

All these animals want to do is share jokes with their farm friends, but their farmers don't see the funny, they only see the animals not doing their farm jobs!  So one by one, they run away from their farms and run into each other...telling some great jokes along the way and even saving the day!


What I Thought: 
Such a fun book, and I will be using this soon with some older grades in my new school job!  (I'm thinking we'll read this book, talk about joke/riddle books and then maybe have our own little comedy club.)

The jokes are so corny, they are funny and I know kids will appreciate that.  There is a lot of double meaning jokes too that are much appreciated. 

This is a book you'll want to check out!

Recommended.

Want to see more?  Check it out on Amazon: Animal Crackers Fly the Coop by Kevin O'Malley.

Reviewed from a public library copy.

The Boss Baby by Marla Frazee

When the baby arrived, it was apparent who was boss.


He set up shop right in the middle of the house, called endless meetings, had many demands while enjoying all the perks...and all without the ability to say a single word!

Until one day...

What I Thought:
Another new favorite!  This book is beyond adorable!  This book is the perfect gift for new parents or parents-to-be...it'll give them a tongue-in-cheek glimpse of what they have to experience! 

The illustrations give the story that extra boost...I love the facial expressions on the boss baby...he's so determined while his poor parents look overwhelmed and exhausted.

A fantastic book you won't want to miss!

Very highly recommended.

Want to see more?  Check it out on Amazon: The Boss Baby by Marla Frazee.

Reviewed from a library copy. 

A Bedtime for Bear by Bonny Becker, illustrated by Kady MacDonald Denton

It's a sleepover for Mouse and Bear, and that surely means an interesting night for this unlikely duo.


What I Thought: 
I'm a fan of Mouse and Bear and thought this book was another great installment about these characters. 

Bear requires complete silence when he sleeps and Mouse disturbs his sleep, Bear gets frustrated.  But in the middle of the night when Bear hears noises, it's Mouse who calms his fears.  A sweet, fun story!

Recommended.

Want to see more?  Check it out on Amazon: A Bedtime for Bear by Bonny Becker, illustrated by Kady MacDonald Denton.

Reviewed from a library copy.

Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes by Eric Litwin, illustrated by James Dean

Pete the Cat loves his white shoes.  So much...he sings a song!  But what happens when he steps in a pile of strawberries?  Will his day be ruined?  Goodness no!

What I Thought:
I was introduced to this book by Judy Freeman at a workshop I attended.  And SO FUN!  This just might be one of my new favorite picture books.  I cannot wait to read it to a group of kids very soon! 

Trust me...this will be a favorite of any kids in your life!

Very highly recommended.

Want to see more?  Check it out on Amazon: Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes by Eric Litwin, illustrated by James Dean.

Reviewed from a personal copy.

The Pirate of Kindergarten by George Ella Lyon, illustrated by Lynne Avril

Ginny loves reading and school.  But sometimes simple tasks for other kids like navigating the chairs at reading circle or cutting out paper rabbits prove to be a challenge for Ginny.  She has double vision, which makes things difficult for her.  When this is discovered at a school Vision Screening Day, Ginny goes to the eye doctor for glasses and an eye patch...making her Ginny the Kindergarten Pirate!


What I Thought:
This is an important book as it tackles a common problem for lots of young children.  Through the illustrations, readers get a sense of what Ginny sees.  The illustrations depicting what Ginny is viewing is drawn in doubles, just like her double vision.  We also get to experience visiting the eye doctor and how the problem is fixed.

This is a great story for kids who are experiencing vision problems, and for children who have friends with problems too!  It will help them understand what their friend is experiencing.

Recommended.

(Edited to Add...)  This book won a Schneider Award in 2011. 

Want to see more?  Check it out on Amazon: The Pirate of Kindergarten by George Ella Lyon, illustrated by Lynne Avril.

Reviewed from a library copy.

I Miss You Mouse by Greg Foley

When Bear receives a not from Bear saying that Bear misses Mouse, Mouse goes out to look for Bear to tell him something.  Will Mouse find Bear? 

What I Thought:
I love Greg Foley's books! The nice stories with the sweet illustrations are perfect for any toddler/preschooler in your life!

This particular title is a "lift the flap book" which makes the book interactive for its young readers as Mouse searches for Bear in a tree, behind a rock, and even in a strawberry patch as Mouse meets friends all along the way.

A fantastic book, but I will say that if I had realized it was a "lift the flap" book I probably would have passed on it for the public library because the flaps won't last very long in this setting!  However, it's one to definitely look into for personal collections.

Recommended.

Want to see more?  Check it out on Amazon:  I Miss You Mouse by Greg Foley. 

Reviewed from a library copy.

Let's Count Goats by Mem Fox, illustrated by Jan Thomas

It's time to count goats in this fun and unique counting books.  Can you count the little goats, the pilot goats or the rowdy goats?  I know you can!

What I Thought:
Wow, this unique counting book is sure to be a hit with the preschool crowd!  Which, honestly...anyone could have foreshadowed with Mem Fox's wonderful way with stories designed specifically for this group and Jan Thomas' fun and colorful illustrations.

We are introduced to goats doing human tasks (take notice to how the goats have taken bites out of all sorts of things...beach umbrellas, luggage, airplanes...), and then count from 1 to 10 in the process.  It's like they sneak it into the story!  Very well done. 

I can't wait to read this one at storytime soon!

Recommended.

Want to see more?  Check it out on Amazon:  Let's Count Goats by Mem Fox, illustrated by Jan Thomas.

Reviewed from a library copy.

Of Thee I Sing: A Letter to My Daughters by Barack Obama, illustrated by Loren Long

In this touching letter to his daughters, President Obama tell his girls about the traits they have and hopes they have, using examples from inspiring people from America's history: Helen Keller, Jackie Robinson, Jane Addams, Georgia O'Keefe, and many more.


What I Thought:
While President Obama's text is outstanding, the real winner of this book is Loren Long's illustrations.  These beautiful illustrations take the book to an entirely new, wonderful level.   I love how long included the President's daughters on each page, along with the inspirational person as a child.  With each page, the group grows. 

This is a wonderful book for any child in your life, and what a great introductory book for studying some of these important people in our nation's history.

I would not be surprised to see this book in the running for some literary awards.

Want to see more?  Check it out on Amazon: Of Thee I Sing: A Letter to My Daughters by Barack Obama, illustrated by Loren Long

Reviewed from a library copy.

Check out this video featuring Loren Long discussing the book. (Click here, it will take to the video posted on Amazon's website.)

Llama Llama Holiday Drama by Anna Dewdney

Our favorite llama is back with some holiday drama!  The countdown to Christmas is on...and there is lots of activity.  Will the little Llama handle it all in stride?

What I Thought:
You can never go wrong with Llama Llama!  I love all of the books about this adorable character, and this one is no exception.

What I like most about these books are the bright and colorful illustrations.  I enjoy exploring each one!

Give this one to a child for a holiday gift I'm sure they will enjoy all year long!   I'm looking forward to reading this during an upcoming holiday story time!

Highly recommended. 

Want to see more?  Check it out on Amazon: Llama Llama Holiday Drama by Anna Dewdney.

Reviewed from a library copy.

Interrupting Chicken by David Ezra Stein

It's bedtime, and Little Chicken is looking forward to his bedtime story!  Papa reminds Little Chicken not to interrupt his story...but will he remember?  It's hard for a little chicken when one gets involved in the story!

What I Thought:
TOO CUTE!  I tend to have the bad habit of finishing other people's sentences, so this book hit right at home plate for me!

As Papa is telling the stories...classic childrens' stories like Hansel and Gretel, Little Red Riding Hood and the like.  But then Papa gets frustrated as Little Chicken interrupts each story and finally requests that Little Chicken tell HIM a story!  (Which is quite entertaining!)

This is a super fun book, and I think will be a great read-aloud.  And an even better reader's theater story!

(Edited to add...) This book is a 2011 Caldecott Honor book.

Recommended. 

Want to see more?  Check it out at Amazon: Interrupting Chicken by David Ezra Stein.

Reviewed from a library copy.

Memoirs of a Goldfish by Devin Scillian, illustrated by Tim Bowers

Does a goldfish have an exciting life?  You would be surprised in this memoir of the daily life of a goldfish!


What I Thought:
Who would have thought that the memoirs of a goldfish could be so entertaining!  I do believe this is one of my favorite picture books of 2010.  This book is so entertaining, and quite funny with wonderful illustrations to accompany the text.

Don't miss this book...it's a gem!


Very highly recommended!

Want to see more?  Check it out on Amazon: Memoirs of a Goldfish by Devin Scillian, illustrated by Tim Bowers.

Reviewed from a library copy.

Shark vs. Train by Chris Barton and Tom Lichtenheld

Two boys race to the toy box where one pulls out a shark, the other a train.

Thus begins the competition...who will win?

It depends on the situation of course...are they in the ocean?  Roasting marshmallows?  Playing hide-and-seek?  Running lemonade stands?

It sure to to be a fierce battle.

What I Thought:
Oh my, what a ridiculously fun book!  This book will be a guaranteed hit and I can't wait to pass it along to some kids who I think will love it too!

As you can tell from the cover, the illustrations are super fun and extremely will done.   The story is so creative as the two characters battle out who would be better in a wide range of situations.  I can totally foresee kids everywhere creating their own contests on their own toys---and maybe even creating their own little stories and illustrations to accompany those contest!

Give this book to kids everywhere...they are bound to love it!

Very highly recommended.

Want to see more?  Check it out on Amazon: Shark vs. Train by Chris Barton and Tom Lichtenheld.

Reviewed from a library copy.

Alligtors and Crocodiles by Gail Gibbons

Learn all about alligators and crocodiles in this informational picture book.

What I Thought:
I am a fan of Gail Gibbons!  Anything she writes is great, and this is no exception!

In this book, Gibbons delves into the world of alligators and crocodiles.  Readers of the book will discover the differences of an alligator and a crocodile, learn where and how they live, what they eat, about alligator babies, and dangers they face.

The book is full of informational text, both through short paragraphs and illustration captions.  Illustrations are well done and well-detailed.

This book is perfect for anyone wanting to learn more about alligator & crocodiles.

Highly recommended.

Want to see more?  Check it out on Amazon: Alligators and Crocodiles by Gail Gibbons.

Reviewed from a library copy.

My Garden by Kevin Henkes

A little girl dreams about how she wants her garden to be like.

What I Thought:
What a sweet book!  As the little girl is helping her mom in their garden, she dreams of what her perfect garden would be like.  It would include a jellybean plant, morning glories that shine in the night, and invisible carrots (because she doesn't like carrots.)

It has lovely illustrations, something that has come to be expected with any Henkes book!  

What a great book showing imagination and encourages children to dream what their perfect garden would have.

Overall, a wonderful edition to any library and another home-run by Kevin Henkes.

Highly Recommended.

Want to see more?  Check it out on Amazon: My Garden by Kevin Henkes.

Reviewed from a library copy.

Chester's Masterpiece [not] by Melaine Watt

Chester the cat is back and is rotten as ever!  Melanie is ready to write a new story only to find out that Chester has hidden all her supplies!  That Chester!

Chester goes on to write his own story, with some assistance from Melanie.  He's on a ROLL, until...well, you'll just have discover that for yourself!

What I Thought:
I'm a HUGE Chester fan, and this third installment is does not disappoint!  Chester and his red marker cover just about every inch of this book and hijacks Melanie's book.  (Make sure you check out the end papers and title pages!  So creative!)

This story covers how a story is created, Chester style.  It would be a really fun story to include in lessons about writing stories.

Overall, this is a super cute book!

Recommended!

Want to see more?  Check it out on Amazon: Chester's Masterpiece by Melanie Watt.

Reviewed from a library copy.

The Flowering Cross by Beth Ryan, illustrated by Renee Graef

It is Easter Sunday and Katie is so excited!  This Easter will be especially special as a very special neighbor will join them!  One of Katie's favorite parts of Easter is placing flowers on the Easter cross. 

What I Thought:
This is a sweet story very much rooted in the Christian faith.  It's a story of kindness, compassion, sharing one's faith, and the meaning of Easter!

Just about each page has a "Faith Imprint" with a sentence about how the reader can participates in the book and are wonderful conversation starters for families!  For example, on page one when Katie realizes it is Easter, the faith imprint is "Share what the first Easter was like when Jesus overcame death.  Each of these imprints is also accompanied with a Bible verse.

 Recommended.

Want to see more? Check it out on Amazon: The Flowering Cross by Beth Ryan, illustrated by Renee Graef.

Reviewed from a copy provided by the Thomas Nelson Publisher Book Review Bloggers program. This book will be donated to my local public library. 

Love Your Heart by Tim McGraw & Tom Douglas, illustrated by Abigail Marble

Katie can't decide what her talent should be for her school's talent show.  Should she sing?  Dance?  Do cartwheels? 

Each one is a great talent, but when it comes time for the talent show, Katie demonstrates something more important than her talent, being a true friend.

What I Thought:
What a sweet book!  Katie is a spunky little girl who has a genuine heart.  It is so sweet to see the special relationship she and her father share in this second book about these characters.  (My Little Girl by Tim McGraw is the first book that features this duo.)

This is a wonderful inspiring book, perfect for little girls and their daddies to share. 

Recommended. 

Want to see more? Check it out on Amazon: Love Your Heart by Tim McGraw & Tom Douglas, illustrated by Abigail Marble.

Reviewed from a copy provided by the Thomas Nelson Publisher Book Review Bloggers program. This book will be donated to my local public library. 

Marley Goes to School by John Grogan, illustrated by Richard Cowdrey

It's Cassie's first day of school and Marley, Cassie's yellow lab, is ready to go with her. And why wouldn't he? Marley is Cassie's best friend and he goes everywhere with her.

But when Marley doesn't get to go with Cassie to school, he just doesn't understand.

Marley digs out of the backyard and heads to school where he has a lovely good time causing lots of chaos.

What I Thought:
A rowdy good time!

I'm a fan of Marley, especially right now that I'm begging hubby to let us get a dog! Marley is such a lovable puppy who simply loves life the fullest. To his family, he's definitely a handful!

I like the illustrations, they are quite realistic and remind me of books my grandmother had at her house. Something about them make me think "classic." The page where Cassie heads off to school with her family and Marley is left watching from the backyard is heartbreaking. I literally teared up looking into Marley's sad face. But flip a couple of pages and you'll be chuckling at Marley posed as a student in a classroom!

Kids will love Marley's adventure at school!

Recommended.

Want to see more? Check it out on Amazon: Marley Goes to School by John Grogan, illustrated by Richard Cowdrey.

Reviewed from a library copy.

Here Comes the Big Mean Dust Bunny by Jan Thomas

The rhyming dust bunnies are back! This time, they encounter a BIG MEAN dust bunny who is rather grouchy. Soon, the big mean dust bunny is rhyming right along with the rest of them. Well, all of them but Bob, who keeps saying "cat" instead of a word that rhymes.

He's weird.

Anyway, they are all having fun, when a cat comes along (maybe Bob isn't so weird) and squashes the big mean dust bunny! Being nice, the rhyming dust bunnies unsquash him and gives hugs all around.

What I Thought:
I wasn't such a fan of the first book, but I don't think I got it. Everyone else enjoyed so I went into this book with an open mind.

While its not one of my favorites out there, I can definitely see why everyone else does! The dust bunnies are super cute and kids will love rhyming along with them. And who can't related to the big, mean dust bunny? I appreciate how he was mean to the rhyming dust bunnies they still help him when he's in trouble and the big mean dust bunny has a change of heart.

I do adore the illustrations with the super bright colors and the text balloons.

A super fun book that I can't wait to read aloud to the preschoolers at the library.

Recommended.

Want to see more? Check it out on Amazon: Here Comes the Big Mean Dust Bunny by Jan Thomas.

Reviewed from a library copy.