Submitted by Tess from Lexington Park!
Sort It Out! by Barbara Mariconda, with illustrations by Sherry Rogers, is a children’s picture book that works on many levels. On one level, it’s a cute story about a Packy the Pack-rat (an awesome name for a character in general), who’s mother insists he put all his things away. On another level, it’s a mystery (his things keep going missing! Wonder if his sneaky kid sister has anything to do with it). On another level it suggests several different ways kids can organize things (by color, shape, material, etc.). And on yet another level it’s an interactive rhyming book: “The turtle, the clover, the skinny string bean, he placed in a pile made of things that are… [say it with me] green!” All in all a fun book for multiple reasons.
A Book
Submitted by Catherine from Lexington Park!
What happens in a book when the pages are closed? In A Book by Mordicai Gerstein, we meet a little girl who lives in a book. Everyone in her family knows their story, but she has yet to figure out what her story is. She travels through each page, meeting famous story book characters who try to convince the little girl that her story is a mystery, historical fiction, a fairy tale and many other genres. But at the end, the little girl decides for herself what her story will be. The illustrations are a unique take on the story. The reader observes the story from overhead, watching what is happening down below. This will be a great story for kids and parents to read together, with lots of bright fun pictures for kids, and funny reminders of childhood books for parents.
I Already Know I Love You
Submitted by Catherine from Lexington Park!
I Already Know I Love You, by Billy Crystal, is a simple and touching poem set to beautifully soft illustrations. It tells the story of a man who is so looking forward to the birth of his granddaughter that he can hardly contain his excitement. He tells the little girl that when she’s born, they will go to the zoo, read stories, and root for the Yankees (even though her Daddy loves the Sox). The simplicity of the words and the gentle colors of the pictures help to create a tender and appealing story that grandfathers and granddaughters, or just families in general, will be able to share and enjoy.
The Magic Pillow
Submitted by Chad from Charlotte Hall!
The Magic Pillow written & illustrated by Demi. “Once upon a time in China” begins this adaptation of a Shen Jiji’s short story by award winning children’s book author Demi. Ping, who comes from a poor family, is the central character. He is forced to find shelter at an inn during a snowstorm. At the inn, he meets a wonderful magician who can conjure up dragons and trees of diamonds. Ping tells the magician he is not satisfied with his life and his family’s poverty. The magician gives Ping a magic pillow and tells him, “Go to sleep on this pillow and all your wishes will come true!” Will Ping’s wishes for a better life come true? Colorful illustrations of ancient Chinese culture make for a beautiful presentation of Shen Jiji’s 8th century story.
Chicken and Cat Clean Up
Sumitted by Tess from Lexington Park!
It is obvious from the beginning of the adorable wordless story Chicken and Cat Clean Up by Sara Varon, that Chicken and Cat our two title characters are very different. Chicken is up early making breakfast, when Cat is just rolling out of bed. Cat is daydreaming about getting the perfect pet. Chicken is reminding Cat it’s time to go to work. Chicken and Cat have a house-cleaning business, however Cat seems to lack focus. Cat would rather dance or eat than clean. And Cat’s kind of clumsy. But Cat is good at something, something that might help save the day!
The Clouds Above
Submitted by Tess from Lexington Park!
I love The Clouds Above by Jordan Crane. It could be Where the Wild Things Are for a new generation. Simon, and his cat Jack, while trying to avoid their despicable teacher “Missus Poe,” find a mysterious staircase leading to seemingly no where from the roof of their school. Of course, they decide to climb it, and at the top they find a cloud named Perch (the birds named him). Perch decides to fly them somewhere warmer, and so begins their adventure. This is a really fun story for any fans of weather, cats, and running away from school!