Submitted by Ms. Janis!
Ten Little Puppies/Diez perritos by Alma Flor Ada, F. Isabel Campoy and Ulises Wensell. This is one of the famous counting rhymes in Spanish folklore. Ten puppies start the story, and they decrease one by one with each turn of the page. One vanishes in the snow, at the fireworks, in a new home, and other places, until only one puppy stays with the little girl. The realistic images capture the spontaneous, playful, and affectionate nature of the puppies. The text can be sung or spoken in Spanish or English. The English translation is well done, and maintains the story’s authenticity while accurately reflecting the original poem. In the back of the book there is music for the song, and also guitar chords. The large illustrations will make this a favorite for story times, as well as an excellent source in helping children to develop pre-reading skills. It also introduces children to early math concepts such as addition and subtraction. See this book listed in our catalog
Dream Big Little Pig
Submitted by Ms. Carol!
Dream Big Little Pig by Kristi Yamaguchi is a book about a pig named Poppy. Poppy was a pig who loved to dream and she dreamed big. She wanted to be a big star. Poppy tried everything. She thought she would try dancing. Maybe she could be a ballerina. But Poppy was very clumsy. Dancing was not for her. Poppy’s family told her to dream big, and always follow her dreams, so Poppy decided to try out singing. She always wanted to be a singer, but Poppy couldn’t carry a tune. Still her family and friends always believed in her, and continued to tell her to follow her dreams and dream big. She decided to keep trying. She had always wanted to be a supermodel. But Poppy wasn’t the model type. She even tripped on her gown. Modeling just wasn’t for her. She was about to give up when she remembered what her family said: “Just follow your heart and remember, we love you no matter what.” And so she decided to try ice skating. She slipped and fell, but she didn’t give up. She was a persistent pig. Poppy learned to do all kinds of tricks, and she finally felt like a star. This is a cute story with a message. It shows how you should always believe in yourself and follow your dreams. What will Poppy try next? Whatever she decides, she will never stop dreaming. See this book listed in our catalog
The View at the Zoo
Submitted by Ms. Tammy!
The View at the Zoo by Kathleen Long Bostrom, illustrated by Guy Francis. As opening time approaches, the zookeeper makes his rounds, seeing that the animals are ready for the day. He orders the monkeys from the trees, lion to comb his hair, giraffes to stand straight, elephant to wipe his nose, and flamingos on their toes. Once the animals are in place, he opens the gate for a day of fun. As you turn the pages you’ll discover many funny things taking place at the zoo. But who is talking about whom? If you look closely you may discover a clever monkey with a borrowed hat, and a bald zookeeper on each page. Sun is setting in the sky. Everybody, say goodbye! In the end you’ll find that the humans were putting on a show for the animals. On the last page the zookeeper finally gets his hat back from a now sleepy monkey. See this book listed in our catalog
Because I Am Your Daddy
Submitted by Ms. Sue!
Because I Am Your Daddy by Sherry North. This story in rhyme, illustrated by Marcellus Hall, shows us many ways a dad can show his love for his child. “If I were a pilot, I would fly you to school.” “If I were a carpenter, I would use my saw and drill.” Or “If I were a musher, we would glide the arctic snow.” These and other examples of a daddy’s love for his child are depicted in the full page, colorful illustrations, showing a dark haired little girl and her daddy doing all the things he is saying he would do if he were any of these occupations. Whether extreme, or far out, a Martian, or wizard, a daddy would do them, because he is your daddy, and a daddy would do anything for you. See this book listed in our catalog
My Life as a Chicken
Submitted by Ms. Tammy!
My Life as a Chicken by Ellen A. Kelley, with pictures by Michael Slack. Pauline Poulet, a clever chicken, decides to escape from her nest after hearing the farmer discussing “Chicken Pie.” She escapes out the gate into the woods, where she is confronted by a fox, and hides inside a log. The log rolls down a hill, spilling Pauline into the water, where she’s picked up by pirates! She soon finds the captain wants her for dinner, and escapes the ship by stealing the captain’s hat and making a raft. This doesn’t last long, as the waves toss her about, landing her in a hot air balloon basket! All along Pauline is wondering will she ever find a home, as she finds herself in one bad situation after another. Finally, Pauline finds a new home in a petting zoo, where she has new friends and feels safe. See this book listed in our catalog
Little By Little
Submitted by Ms. Allana!
Little By Little by Amber Stewart and Layn Marlow. “Otto was making a list. An I CAN DO list and an I CAN’T DO list.” There isn’t anything much cuter than a story about an otter learning to swim. Otto is very good at most things but, because he hasn’t learned to swim yet, he feels left out, and unable to keep up with his friends. This wonderfully told and illustrated story is fun, precious, and inspirational to both kids and parents. A story about starting small and finishing big, Little By Little will entertain children of pre-school and lower grade levels, and give that tingly, feel-good feeling to anyone who reads it. See this book listed in our catalog