Submitted by Ms. Jill!
Jack’s Garden by Henry Cole is one of my all-time favorite books to read in the springtime, and it always inspires me to get outside and plant something! The cumulative text builds up, page by page, like the traditional story of “The House that Jack Built.” And page by page, beautiful drawings show the progress of a young boy’s garden throughout the growing season. Beginning with the title page, on which Jack and his father are shown laying out the garden beds, richly detailed drawings depict each stage in the garden’s growth. We see the soil that makes up the garden, the seeds, the rain, and the first tiny seedlings. The seedlings grow into plants, which sprout buds, which blossom into glorious flowers. Insects come to sip nectar, in turn attracting birds and other wildlife. By the end of the book, a simple plot of dirt is transformed into an extravagant garden and backyard habitat. Young readers will especially enjoy the details in the borders of the illustrations: garden tools, insects, birds, and bird eggs are all carefully drawn and labeled. (Fun fact: Ms. Jill got to meet the author in person, and he signed her copy of this book! He’s a very nice man.) See this book listed in our catalog
Book Fiesta
Submitted by Ms. Janis!
Book Fiesta! by Pat Mora. April 30 is Children’s Day (El Día de Los Niños) and also Book Day (El Día de Los Libros) in many Spanish speaking countries, and everyone is excited! Libros (books) can be read in many different places. This book shows children reading in a car, a plane, and on trains. You can read to your animals. Ask your child where they like to read! A little girl has a wagon filled with books, and a little boy is running with a few books tucked under his arms. Another little girl is carrying a banner announcing the special day. Children can read in different languages, they can read by themselves, or read with un amigo (a friend). Many children read at the library! This bilingual book has bright Hispanic colors that make it very eye catching. There are also suggestions in the back of the book on how to celebrate Children’s Day. See this book listed in our catalog
Planting the Trees of Kenya
Submitted by special guest blogger Ms. Amy from the Lexington Park branch!
An inspirational true story about my favorite type of hero: one who sees a big problem and finds “small” ways to set things right, Planting the Trees of Kenya by Claire A. Nivola is a great way to start a conservation conversation with your children! Wangari Maathai grew up in the mountainous highlands of Kenya, where she learned love and respect for the natural world in all its “simple” beauty. When she returns after attending college in the U.S., she is shocked and saddened by the ecologically damaged landscape of her homeland. She begins teaching her neighbors how to preserve the few trees that are left by saving seeds and planting seedlings. With time, hope, and tireless persistence, her efforts eventually grew to include her entire country and all its people, motivating people around the world to follow her example. This heartwarming tale beautifully demonstrates the concept of “everyday” heroism. Using simple language and luminous watercolor illustrations, Nivola brilliantly showcases Wangari Maathai’s life-long message of environmental responsibility. See this book listed in our catalog
Brand New Baby Blues
Submitted by Ms. Sue!
Brand-New Baby Blues by Kathi Appelt, illustrated by Kelly Murphy. The arrival of a new baby brother has this sister remembering the past, when it was only her. She tells her story of days gone by, when she was the only one, the cat’s pajamas, the moon and the sun. Now everything is different, and her whole life is rearranged. “Not now” is all mama answers, when her baby brother takes up all mama’s time. With her brand-new baby brother, she has the brand-new baby blues! This story in rhyme is cute and familiar to anyone with siblings, and could be sung to your child in a bluesy tune for fun. The full page illustrations utilize soft shades, further enhancing the quality of this book. See this book listed in our catalog
Story of the Little Mole Who Went in Search of Whodunit
Submitted by Ms. Amanda!
The Story of the Little Mole Who went in Search of Whodunit by Werner Holzwarth and Wolf Erlbruch. One morning a little mole pokes his head out of his hole and PLOP! He has something on his head that is long brown, and looks a little bit like a hot dog. Little Mole is angry, and determined to find the animal “Whodunit!” Little Mole goes to all his neighbors and asks them if they did it, but each deny the mess and show Little Mole how they do it! After asking the pigeon, horse, rabbit, goat, cow, and pig but, never finding out more than how they leave their droppings, Little Mole decides to ask the Flies! The Flies examine the long brown something that looks a little bit like a hot dog on top of his head, and declare it had to be the dog, Henry. Little Mole sets out in search of Henry and finds him asleep and PLOP! Little Mole goes back to his hole happy and satisfied. This is a great mystery for young kids, and is sure to be a hit with reluctant readers! With each new animal’s droppings come a variety of onomatopoeia, hilarious, descriptive words. See this book listed in our catalog
Miss Brooks Loves Books (And I Don’t)
Submitted by Ms. Catherine!
Not every book is for every person. As a lover of princess books, I know that many people do not share my love for all things sparkly. But I do believe that there is a book for everyone. In Miss Brooks Loves Books! (and I don’t) written by Barbara Bottner, and illustrated by Michael Emberley, a little girl learns this important truth. While her school librarian, Miss Brooks, loves all books, to the point of routinely dressing up as a hungry caterpillar, or a wild thing, our heroine just doesn’t find books all that appealing. Puppy books are too furry, fairy books are too flowery, and cowboy books are too “yippity.” Now that Miss Brooks has told the class they must choose a favorite book to share, our young protagonist must find a book that fits her unique sense of style. Can a girl who thinks that warts are better than wands find a favorite book? This story will seem familiar to anyone who has ever felt like there aren’t any books written for them. Read it as a reminder of why libraries are amazing, or to find a truly appealing, yet appalling, book suggestion about a famous ogre who also thought warts are awesome… See this book listed in our catalog