Submitted by Tess from Lexington Park!
I will freely admit the first thing that drew me to Tess’s Tree by Jess M. Brallier, with illustrations by Peter H. Reynolds, is that my name is in the title. Besides my name, it also features trees, which I like, and a little girl with dark hair and bangs, just like me! But I’m not blogging about it for those reasons. I wanted to feature Tess’s Tree here because it has the potential to be a very important book in your child’s life. The book is about a little girl named Tess, and a tree that she loves very much, but more importantly the story is about coping with loss. See, Tess’s tree needs to be chopped down, and to help her mourn, a funeral is held for the tree. When Tess sees how many people cared for her tree, and that her tree lived a long, happy life, she feels better, and is able to let go of sad feelings, and say a proper goodbye. See this book listed in our catalog
So Many Days
Submitted by Melissa from Lexington Park!
So Many Days by Alison McGhee, with illustrations by Taeeun Yoo, is the perfect cure for a “bad day.” Regardless of your age, it speaks the words we all long to hear when things just don’t feel right. Written in verse, and having a very “zen like” style, So Many Days is calming to read and hear. This simple story, with clear illustrations, can be shared with group or an individual, for celebration, or as a bed time story, to lift a sad spirit, or rejoice in a great accomplishment. A true “feel good” book, with a very personal message: that no obstacle is too tall, no storm too rough. That mistakes may happen, but in the end, regardless the trial, you are stronger, braver, and loved, more than you know. See this book listed in our catalog
Whatever
Submitted by Melissa from Lexington Park!
Ungrateful. That’s one word to summarize Billy, a character from the book Whatever by William Bee. No matter what is done for Billy, “whatever” is his only expression of thanks. His father, aiming to please, shows him extraordinary things: a very tall giraffe, the world’s curliest trumpet. He even flies him to the edge of outer space! But, unfortunately all Billy can say is, “whatever.” *Sigh* Then, one day, the world’s hungriest tiger comes along, and things change for Billy. This is a snarky tale of a boy who doesn’t appreciate the effort of others and in doing so, learns a valuable lesson… the hard way. The words and pictures are simple, but the message is loud and clear. This is a book for parents looking for a platform in which to explore the values of appreciation and gratefulness, told in true fairy tale fashion. See this book listed in our catalog
The Grouchy Ladybug
Submitted by Jill from Leonardtown!
The Grouchy Ladybug by Eric Carle. The grouchy ladybug does not want to share his yummy aphids! What’s more, he’s out to pick a fight. But when another ladybug stands up to him, the grouchy ladybug declares, “you’re not big enough to fight!” He flies off in a huff to find somebody bigger to pick on. We follow the grouchy bug hour by hour through the day as he challenges bigger and bigger creatures, until at last an enormous blue whale causes the ladybug to reconsider his rude behavior. Will the grouchy ladybug ever learn to share? Along with its great story, The Grouchy Ladybug is beautifully designed. Eric Carle’s signature painting style is bright and bold. Smaller flaps and partial pages gradually increase in size as they reveal larger and larger animals, and the size of the print grows too. A small drawing of a clock face in each illustration lets advanced readers practice telling time as the ladybug’s day progresses. The Grouchy Ladybug is a fun read-aloud to share again and again. See this book listed in our catalog
Henry in Love
Submitted by Catherine from Charlotte Hall!
The Steel Pan Man of Harlem
Submitted by Catherine from Charlotte Hall!
“The Pied Piper of Hamlin” is a story that is familiar to most. The gloomy tale teaches a lesson of honesty and the importance of keeping one’s word. However, its dark theme and plot makes it one that many children will find scary. The Steel Pan Man of Harlem by Colin Bootman teaches the same lessons with a much lighter touch. Set in Harlem, rather than the German countryside, the mysterious man, gifted with the ability to drive away the rats, hails from the Caribbean, and it’s a steel drum rather than a pipe that makes the magical music. With beautiful water color illustrations that are as much a part of the story as the text, Bootman updates this tale with a new twist: the ending, so dark and frightening in the original, is made funny instead. Rather than every child in town being led to their doom, only the cruel mayor is made to dance away from the town. If you are looking for a lesson on honesty, or simply an updated version of this classic tale, The Steel Pan Man of Harlem will be a great choice. See this book listed in our catalog