Submitted by special guest blogger Ms. Julie, the county library’s summer intern!
Have you ever seen a red elephant? Pick up I Dream of an Elephant by Ami Rubinger and you will read about all kinds of different colored elephants, doing all kinds of different things. Whether reading to your child or to a group of children, this book is excellent at getting them involved. It is engaging not only because of the bright colors and exciting pictures, but also because of the rhyming. When you flip to a page, the last word (a color) isn’t written, so you have to ask the child what color the elephant is, to complete the rhyme. (“I dream of an elephant whose color is…?” “White!” “Playing in piles of snow, what a sight!”) I Dream of an Elephant is an exciting book for any occasion. See this book listed in our catalog or read an article about Julie’s successful summer internship
City Dog, Country Frog
Submitted by Ms. Tess!
Mo Willems is one of our FAVORITE authors here at the Kid’s Book Blog, and we were all not-so-patiently awaiting the arrival of his latest book at the library. We were NOT disappointed by its awesomeness. City Dog, Country Frog by Mr. Willems, illustrated by Jon J. Muth, is the heartwarming story of a rambunctious city dog, who meets a wise country frog in the spring. Country Frog teaches City Dog some excellent froggy games. In the summer, City Dog returns to teach Country Frog some excellent doggy games. But in the fall, Country Frog is tired, and suggests they play “remember-ing” games. In the winter, City Dog searches for Country Frog, but his friend is gone. And when it’s spring again, City Dog is sad, but meets a new friend, and life continues on. This book may serve as a gentle way to introduce your little one to the circle of life, and the idea that some animals live longer than others, and how that’s natural and ought to be accepted, even if it is a little sad. See this book listed in our catalog or watch a delightful video of Mo talking about this book
The Ugly Duckling and Thumbelina
Submitted by Ms. Allana!
“The Ugly Duckling” and “Thumbelina” are both stories originally by Hans Christian Andersen. The following are adaptations:
The Ugly Duckling by Sebastien Braun is a timeless classic retold for a new generation. Braun has captured the essence of this fairy tale using simple language and graphic but bold illustrations. The author of classics such as I Love My Mommy and I Love My Daddy tells the story of the outcast “duckling” whose egg accidentally lands in the wrong nest setting the tale in motion and sending the “duckling” on a journey of discovery. Revisit this ageless story with a young child–it’s worth it. See this book listed in our catalog
Thumbelina by Brian Alderson, illustrated by Bagram Ibatoulline, is a beautiful version of a fairy tale classic. This book portrays the story of a tiny girl who is thrown into a life of adventure and peril as she seeks out her destiny. Through powerful, eye-catching illustrations, we travel with Thumbelina every step, and flight, from her appearance in the flower petals, to her trip with Mrs. Toad (spectacular on the page!), her scary encounter with the Maybug, and on through her treacherous and sometimes solemn path. Prepare to be surprised and thoroughly entertained with this classic gem. See this book listed in our catalog
The Bicklebys’ Birdbath
Submitted by Ms. Janis!
The Bicklebys’ Birdbath by Andrea Perry. Told in a cumulative house-that-Jack-built format, this great read-aloud tells a topsy-turvy story of cause and effect, and it’s sure to cause a few giggles along the way. The author creates a rhythmic text with many unexpected twists and turns, and rather than moving the story forward, it moves backward. The Bicklebys’ mailman fell right into the Bicklebys’ birdbath. The mailman fell into the birdbath because of a small little leak in a garden hose. A moose, a goose, a flock of crows, a bee, a lawnmower, and some other things are also involved in this unpredictable adventure. This story may even inspire young writers to try to write a similar story of their own. See this book listed in our catalog
Cupcake
Cupcake by Charise Mericle Harper is a great story about how everyone is different. Vanilla Cupcake was creamy, white, and perfectly plain, but most certainly delicious. His brother and sister cupcakes were all decorated and different. There was Chocolaty Chocolate Cupcake, Pink Princess Cupcake, and even Fancy Flower-Top Cupcake, and they were all part of a very special cupcake family on a plate together. Until no one picked Vanilla Cupcake because he was too plain. Then a candle came by and he told Vanilla Cupcake that he was too plain too! The candle told Vanilla Cupcake all about his fancy candle family: there was a number candle, colored candle, twisty candle, and much more. Cupcake and Candle were feeling sad so they tried to make Cupcake special by putting pickles, cheese, and even spaghetti on him, but nothing worked to make him feel special, not even a squirrel. Then Candle and Cupcake got together to make a very special vanilla cupcake with a plain candle, and they were both happy. What a cute story to teach kids that everyone is different and everyone is special! The only problem is… now I really want a cupcake! Good news! There is a recipe in the back for Vanilla Cupcakes that are creamy, white, and perfectly plain, but most certainly delicious, and Plain Butter Cream Icing. See this book listed in our catalog
When Jack Goes Out
Ever wonder what happens when you put your dog outside? Well, in this story, he gets abducted by aliens! Well, the aliens try, but this faithful pup decides to stay. When Jack Goes Out is a wordless picture book by Pat Schories. The pictures tell the story of a dog, his boy, and their devotion to one another. Sadly, it’s time for bed, and Jack must go out, so his boy ties him to the dog house to rest for the night. Jack mopes, as any good dog would, at his boy’s departure. Suddenly, a car full of aliens flies down, lands on Jack’s dog house, unties him, and tries to fly off with him! While amused by the little aliens’ shenanigans, Jack does not wish to leave his boy, and sits firmly on the ground. The aliens’ space car flies off, taking only Jack’s collar with them. When the boy returns to check on his furry friend, he finds him unleashed, and by his dog house, right where he left him. This book has vivid illustrations that clearly depict the scene and characters, and will suit beginning readers as it allows for much discussion and imaginative thinking. See this book listed in our catolog