Some random books from the shelves this week. Hope you find something that you and your children will enjoy!
Shark in the Dark, written by Peter Bently and illustrated by Ben Cort is adorable, literally, from cover to cover. The front cover features a cut-out that appears a shark is going to come right through, out at the reader and the text inside is filled with cute rhymes about how this shark scares all the little fish. When the shark meets someone even bigger than he is, a fish that wants to eat HIM, the shark begins to think a little differently about how he treats fish smaller than he is.
Cute, rhyming text, bright, bold illustrations, and a cute plot make for a great read aloud. Not too scary for the little ones, I promise!
Shark in the Dark
Peter Bently
32 pages
Picture Book
Walker Books
9780802798411
May 2009
The Frogs and Toads All Sang is a brand new collection of short little stories by the infamous Arnold Lobel, with color by Adrienne Lobel. The stories, discovered by his daughter, are as lovely and sweet as anything else you've ever read by Lobel, accompanied by familiar, soft illustrations, perfect for bedtime reading.
I felt comfort while reading this book, as it definitely reminded me of my childhood reading of Lobel's work. Frog and Toad will always be hits!
The Frogs and Toads All Sang
Arnold Lobel
32 pages
Picture Book
HarperCollins
9780061800221
May 2009
Maggie's Monkeys, written by Linda Sanders-Wells and illustrated by Abby Carter, is my laugh-out-loud pick of the week. Your kids will be giggle throughout each reading of this adorable book, filled with realistic characters (that I'm sure you're children can relate to!).
When little Maggie declares there are pink monkeys living in the refridgerator, everyone in her family, except for her older brother, is very kind to the "monkeys." Dad puts a "do not disturb" sign on the door, older sister helps Maggie make clothes for the imaginary monkeys, but her older brother is insistant that everyone is just crazy!!
A very cute read, perfect for storytimes, with bright illustrations and an adorable plot!
Maggie's Monkeys
Linda Sanders-Wells
32 pages
Picture Book
Candlewick
9780763633264
April 2009
Finally, Ballyhoo Bay, written by Judy Sierra and illustrated by Derek Anderson, is my do-good choice of the week! It's a sweet story of kids and animals teaming up together to save their beloved beach when highrise apartment buildings are said to be in the works.
Though maybe a bit of a complex plot topic for the younger kiddos, the older ones will certainly understand, and the illustrations are so bold and bright, they'll easily hold the younger ones' attention. Plus it's by Judy Sierra! Ya gotta read it!
Recommended for storytimes and for library shelves.
Ballyhoo Bay
Judy Sierra
40 pages
Picture Book
Simon & Schuster
9781416958888
February 2009
