Submitted by Tammy, driver of the WoW van!
Two at the Zoo by Danna Smith, illustrated by Valeria Petrone, is a delightful rhyming counting book about a young boy who decides to take his grandpa to the zoo for the day. They start the day out by getting matching safari hats to block the sun. Children will love following along as they count their way through the zoo, encountering a variety of animals from lions to zebras, penguins to chameleons! This book is set up so each two page spread displays a loving relationship between the young boy and his grandpa in bright colors with friendly animals, while the short, rhymed text encourages little ones to join in as they too venture through the zoo. The story comes to an end with a tired boy taking his “tired” grandpa home, as they ride a choo-choo to the end of the zoo saying goodbye to all the animals. See this book listed in our catalog
Marco Flamingo Under the Sea
Submitted by Carol from Charlotte Hall!
The Adventures of Marco Flamingo Under The Sea by Sheila Jarkins is a comical story about a curious flamingo who tends to go on many adventures. His latest adventure is his quest to see what lies under the sea. Marco’s friends think he is a little crazy, but Marco doesn’t care. He takes a trip under the sea with his scuba gear and swims with dolphins, plays with sea turtles, and even races a shark! When he returns, he tells his friends all about it, and then wastes no time before he’s off on another adventure. See this book listed in our catalog
The Nest Where I Like to Rest
Submitted by county youth coordinator Janis!
The Nest Where I Like to Rest: Sign Language for Animals by Dawn Prochovnic. This book features a silly story. There is one related sign highlighted on each page. The text is lively, and the illustrations are colorful and cartoon like. The book uses a cumulative structure to introduce signs as a chicken’s nest receives many visitors. The book contains a glossary of signs, including illustrations and descriptions of how to produce the signs, as well as “Fun Facts about ASL.” It even includes “Signing Activities.” The structure of the story provides a great way to introduce and reinforce basic ASL vocabulary for hearing children. See this book listed in our catalog
All Kinds of Families
Submitted by Melissa from Lexington Park!
All Kinds of Families by Mary Ann Hoberman, illustrated by Marc Boutavant, features creative and fascinating pictures, that draw readers in, and add insight to the many aspects of family. One can be comforted by the words–anything can be part of a family: “Bottle caps, ginger snaps, buttons, or rings. You can make families from all sorts of things!” Family can be a difficult thing to explain in certain situations. This book simply describes and illustrates the basic concept, so it is easy for children to understand. From fingers to toes, make believe families to families from long, long ago–children and adults alike will enjoy the rhythmic language and the idea that we all play a very special role. See this book listed in our catalog
Guess How Much I Love You
Submitted by Jill from Leonardtown!
Guess How Much I Love You by Sam McBratney. Little Nutbrown Hare is getting ready for bed, and Big Nutbrown Hare is waiting to tuck him in. But before bedtime, Little Nutbrown Hare has something very important to say to Big Nutbrown Hare: “Guess how much I love you? …This much,” he says, with arms stretched wide. But Little Nutbrown Hare’s arms are small, and the gesture is not nearly grand enough to show how very much he loves his daddy. And Big Nutbrown Hare loves his little son even more. What could possibly express the size of their love for each other? Is it as high as they can hop? As far as they can see? Read this tender, comforting story with your little hare at bedtime and you’ll both go to sleep feeling very loved indeed. See this book listed in our catalog
Anna’s Wish
Submitted by Sue from Leonardtown!
Anna’s Wish, by Bruno Hachler and illustrated by Friederike Rave, is the story of a little girl who has never seen or felt snow. She can only imagine how it feels as she listens to her mother tell about how she played in the snow a very long time ago. Then one day, as Anna passes by a bakery window, she sees a little white horse standing on a cake. The horse is covered with crystals, sugar that sparkles. Did he wink at me she wonders? Suddenly Anna feels something very soft and cold touch her cheek. What was it? That night Anna wishes harder than anything she has ever wished for before. She wishes for snow. This is a sweet and wishful story describing every child’s desire to see, to feel, to play and to dream of the magic of snow. The illustrations are rich in detail and encompass most of the page with coloring book pictures. See this book listed in our catalog