Submitted by Ms. Melissa!
In the second grade, my teacher had us make clipboards out of cardboard and paper clamps. When we were done, we all marched outside with our creations, a pencil tied to the cardboard with string, and scrap paper attached firmly under the clamp. She had us make a circle, and then instructed us to lie down on our backs in the grass. She asked that we close our eyes, and when we opened them to the big blue sky full of puffy white clouds, she said “draw what you see.” That’s what I remember at least, and that’s what I am reminded of when I read the classic It Looked Like Spilt Milk by Charles G. Shaw. Plain blue pages with a single image, and very few words make up this simple tale. The basic, concrete phrasing is perfect for teaching concepts such as “alike and different” or “image versus object.” Late spring is the perfect time to go cloud watching, so go exploring with your little one, and learn what their imagination is capable of! See this book listed in our catalog
Go Away, Big Green Monster!
Go Away Big Green Monster by Ed Emberly. “Big Green Monster has two big yellow eyes…” So begins this simple story that’s just right for sharing with toddlers. As you turn the bright, die-cut pages, more and more of the monster appears: his scraggly purple hair. His long bluish-greenish nose. His sharp white teeth! And finally, his BIG SCARY GREEN FACE!!! But not to fear! All the brave reader has to do is shout “Go Away!” and keep on turning the pages. One by one, the monster’s scary features disappear again, until he is gone away completely. Young readers will demand to read this not-so-scary book again, and again, and again! See this book listed in our catalog
Mendel’s Accordion
Submitted by Ms. Tess!
I recently acquired an accordion, and am learning to play it. In hopes of incorporating my new-found accordion skills into story time at the library, I searched for children’s books featuring accordions, and was lead to the gem that is Mendel’s Accordion by Heidi Smith Hyde, illustrated by Johanna Van Der Sterre. It’s a story about a brave Jewish musician, and his immigration from Europe to America, when times were not easy for Jewish people, or immigrants. It’s a story about the power of music to heal and unify. And it’s a story about the proud tradition of Klezmer, a style of music that was originated in eastern Europe by people who typically lacked formal music training, but could play songs that easily evoked happiness, or sadness, in their audiences. It’s a fabulous book for any child curious about history, or music, or accordions! See this book listed in our catalog
Owly & Wormy: Friends All Aflutter!
Submitted by Ms. Tess!
I was very excited (perhaps a little too excited) to discover that Andy Runton, creator of one of my absolute favorite graphic novel series, the Owly books, has a brilliant new picture book! Friends All Aflutter is in the same wordless style as Runton’s books for older kids, but in a new format, friendly for younger children. Much beloved characters Owly and Wormy are interested in butterflies. They figure they need to plant some flowers to attract butterflies, so they go to the nursery. But when their flowers bloom, there are caterpillars living in them instead! Owly and Wormy are mildly outraged by this turn of events, but grow extremely fond of the caterpillars over time. So fond, in fact, that they are terribly sad to learn their caterpillar friends must go away for the colder seasons! Owly and Wormy miss their new friends, but won’t they be surprised when they get the butterflies they originally wished for in the spring? Friends All Aflutter is charming in so many ways. I love how clearly Runton tells the story without any text. I love the message of friendship and devotion it delivers. I even love that when Owly has an idea it’s illustrated by the appearance of an energy efficient light bulb above his head! I’ve had the pleasure to meet Andy Runton, and have a book signed by him, and he was a super sweet guy, so I might be a little bias, but I assure you I am not the only person at this library that adores Owly. Every time I put an Owly book on display, it is checked out within 24 hours. Every single time. So I simply must implore you to do yourself and your little one a favor by checking out the sufficiently delightful Friends All Aflutter ASAP. I do not think you’ll be disappointed 🙂 See this book listed in our catalog
I Must Have Bobo
Submitted by Ms. Amanda!
I have two cats and they are always taking my things. They steal my socks, my pencils, and even my toys, just like Earl the cat keeps taking Bobo from Willy in I Must Have Bobo by Eileen Rosenthal. Bobo is a sock monkey who helps Willy with everything from fighting bugs to walking past scary dogs. One morning, Willy wakes up to find something is very WRONG! Bobo is missing! After looking for Bobo, Willy finds he has been stolen by Willy’s cat, Earl. Later that day, Earl steals Bobo while Willy is coloring, and then again when Willy is playing blocks. Willy can not find Bobo anywhere he looks: not in the dresser, nor under the rug, and not even in the washing machine. Finally, Willy finds Earl and Bobo on the chair, napping safe and sound… or so Willy thinks! This story made me laugh out loud because it is just like a cat to steal someone’s favorite toy. If you have a cat in your home (and if you don’t, you should) you will enjoy this book! See this book listed in our catalog
The Owl and the Pussycat
Submitted by Ms. Tess!
Artist Stéphane Jorisch offers a brilliant reinterpretation of Edward Lear’s classic poem in this beautifully illustrated edition of The Owl and the Pussycat. Jorisch takes Lear’s non-sensical interspecies romance one step further, portraying an affluent owl and a cat from (literally) the other side of the tracks who must hide their affection for one another from their close-minded neighbors. Seeking a place where they can love each other freely, they set out to sea. They sail to a land where their relationship is embraced and, after acquiring a ring from a friendly pig, the owl and pussycat are wed! Lear was an incredibly inventive poet (for instance, he coined the term “runcible spoon” for this poem) and Jorisch took the melancholy inferred from the poem (probably reflective of the repressive 19th century English society Lear was witness to) to inspire his fanciful, but thought-provoking illustrations. You can read The Owl and the Pussycat to the children in your life as a silly rhyming story, or as a celebration of true love and its ability to conquer all obstacles! See this book listed in our catalog