Submitted by Ms. Melissa!
Is someone having a bad day? If so, here’s the book for them! It’s called The Pout-Pout Fish by Deborah Diesen, with pictures by Dan Hanna. Mr. Fish swims through the ocean with a “pout-pout face” and spreads his “dreary-wearies all over the place” with a “blub, bluub, bluuuub.” In short, he’s not the most delightful fella’. His sea creature friends relentlessly try to improve his mood, and help him shift to a more positive ‘tude, but aren’t successful. A stranger comes to their corner of the sea, and changes things for Mr. Fish and friends. It is then that Mr. Fish realizes he is not destined to be the “pout-pout fish” he was so inclined to being. This could be quite a giggly tale to share with a child, and the recurrent “blubbing” allows for audience participation. With delightful images, and an easy rhythm, it will surely turn a frown up side down! See this book listed in our catalog
One Drowsy Dragon
Submitted by Ms. Janis!
One Drowsy Dragon by Ethan Long. As an adult dragon tries to sleep, a growing crowd of little dragons make all kinds of noise to keep the tired dragon awake. Each page shows a new scene with increased chaos, progressing from ONE marching dragon clanging on a cup, to NINE rockin’ dragons jamming in a loud band! Finally, TEN tuckered dragons think it’s time for bed, but the big dragon, with its deep snores, wakes up the little dragons! This is a fun counting book, that includes rhymes. This book is also a good story time choice, as it covers several popular picture book topics like counting, colors, dragons, and bedtime. The fun sound effects are also great for sharing with a group of children. See this book listed in our catalog
Ruth and the Green Book
Submitted by Ms. Sue!
Ruth and the Green Book by Calvin Alexander, illustrated by Floyd Cooper. Ruth and her parents are taking Ruth’s first road trip, in their first car, from Chicago to Alabama. During the 1950’s, most African Americans couldn’t afford to own a car, so this will be an adventure for Ruth and her parents! It feels funny to Ruth, to see her neighborhood disappear as they drive out of Chicago. Unfortunately, Ruth and her family find out that black travelers are not welcome in many service stations, hotels, or towns, and that they can be turned away due to the “Jim Crow” laws. They have a few bad experiences in places where they are not welcome, and have to spend the night sleeping in their car. Eventually, Ruth and her family are lucky enough to meet a friendly attendant at an Esso station, who shows them a book called “The Negro Motorist Green Book.” It provides a list of places that black travelers can go that will welcome them, and their business. Ruth and her parents are very relieved to have a guide book to help them make a safe journey to Grandma’s house. This story contains factual information about “The Green Book” and how it helped African Americans travel more safely. See this book listed in our catalog
Nico & Lola
I Remember Miss Perry
Submitted by Ms. Jill!
I Remember Miss Perry by Pat Brisson. Miss Perry is a wonderful teacher. When Stevie was new in school, and so nervous that he had a stomachache, Miss Perry made him feel better by telling him that her “fondest wish” was that he join her for lunch. In fact, Miss Perry has a different “fondest wish” every day – that the class quiet down quickly so that they can read aloud together; that they serenade the principal on her birthday; that they plant flowers to beautify the school. Miss Perry’s entire class adores their teacher, and looks forward each day to hearing her “fondest wish.” Then, one awful day, Miss Perry is not at school. The principal teaches their class in the morning, and after lunch the children find their parents waiting in the classroom. The principal has very sad news to share, and she wants the children to have their parents nearby when they hear it: Miss Perry has died in an accident. The principal and the school counselor help everyone to deal with their grief by talking about their favorite memories of Miss Perry, and they each share a story about a different “fondest wish.” This sensitive book about loss and grief is exceptionally well done, and just right for elementary-aged kids who have lost someone special to them. Sad without being melodramatic, I Remember Miss Perry shows readers that “it’s okay to cry when someone you like very much has died,” and that sharing memories is a good way to find comfort when mourning. See this book listed in our catalog
Pink!
Submitted by Ms. Tess!
I am completely charmed by Pink! a story by Lynne Rickards, with pictures by Margaret Chamberlain. It’s the tale of Patrick, a penguin, who wakes up one morning to discover he’s turned pink. Of course, he’s quite alarmed by this. Whoever heard of a pink penguin? His mother sends him to the doctor, but the doctor can’t explain why Patrick is pink. You could be green if you were feeling sick. Or blue if you were very cold. But pink? He’ll just have to get used to it. But “boys can’t be pink” Patrick insists. Patrick’s dad shows him a book of birds including flamingos, and informs him boys can be pink! Patrick is slightly re-assured, but when he goes to school the next day he is mercilessly teased for being pink! He decides to pack it up and move to Africa to be with the flamingos. He swims all the way there! When he arrives, the flamingos are friendly enough, but Patrick still doesn’t quite fit it in. He realizes he belongs with the other penguins at the south pole, so he swims all the way home. When he gets there, his parents and schoolmates are so happy to see him! They ask him about his travels and rejoice in his homecoming. Eventually everyone gets used to Patrick being pink, and no one teases him anymore. This is a wonderful book to teach children that being different is OK, and to not be ashamed of anything that makes them stand out in a crowd. See this book listed in our catalog