Submitted by Ms. Tess!
The time has come. For me to announce my favorite children’s picture book of 2010. I know. It’s kind of a big deal. My favorite book last year won the Caldecott. This year my favorite book has this and this to contend with, among many, other, fabulous books, so I won’t get my hopes up. But this book has already won my heart, and that’s all that really matters 🙂 My favorite children’s picture book of 2010 is A Sick Day for Amos McGee by Philip C. Stead, illustrated by Erin E. Stead. Every morning, Amos McGee gets up, has his oatmeal and tea, and heads to the zoo, where he plays chess with the elephant, runs races with the tortoise (the tortoise always wins), sits quietly with a very shy penguin, has a hankie ready for the rhino with a runny nose, and reads stories to the owl, who is actually afraid of the dark! But one morning Amos wakes up not feeling well at all. He must stay home from work. But his friends at the zoo miss him too much! And so, the elephant, tortoise, penguin, rhino, and owl hop a bus and visit Amos at home! I would argue this endearing tale of cross-species friendship and devotion is impossible not to love, so do you and your little one a favor and check it out today! See this book listed in our catalog
Bedtime
I Need My Monster
Submitted by Ms. Catherine!
When I was little, I was terrified of monsters living under my bed. So, I made a monster trap, so that I could catch the monsters and keep an eye on them. That’s the thing about monsters in bedrooms. As long as you and your monster come to an understanding, everything will be okay. In I Need My Monster, written by Amanda Noll, and illustrated by Howard McWillams, the monster who lives under Ethan’s bed, Gabe, takes a vacation. Poor Ethan is left dealing with substitute monsters, who simply do not live up to the greatness of Gabe. One after another, the monsters show up. But monsters with painted fingernails, slurpy long tongues, and bows on their tails are just not scary enough to keep Ethan in bed! If the monsters can’t keep Ethan in bed, how will he ever get to sleep? Don’t worry–Gabe and Ethan are reunited in the end. Ethan is finally able to get some sleep, and Gabe is happily growling and drooling green goo the whole night through. If your child is worried about the monster under his or her bed, this book is a great to help them not feel afraid. And if they’re still afraid, a well placed monster trap (a shoe box with a hole cut in the side) set by their bed will capture any scary monsters that might be lurking underneath. See this book listed in our catalog
When I was little, I was terrified of monsters living under my bed. So, I made a monster trap, so that I could catch the monsters and keep an eye on them. That’s the thing about monsters in bedrooms. As long as you and your monster come to an understanding, everything will be okay. In I Need My Monster, written by Amanda Noll, and illustrated by Howard McWillams, the monster who lives under Ethan’s bed, Gabe, takes a vacation. Poor Ethan is left dealing with substitute monsters, who simply do not live up to the greatness of Gabe. One after another, the monsters show up. But monsters with painted fingernails, slurpy long tongues, and bows on their tails are just not scary enough to keep Ethan in bed! If the monsters can’t keep Ethan in bed, how will he ever get to sleep? Don’t worry–Gabe and Ethan are reunited in the end. Ethan is finally able to get some sleep, and Gabe is happily growling and drooling green goo the whole night through. If your child is worried about the monster under his or her bed, this book is a great to help them not feel afraid. And if they’re still afraid, a well placed monster trap (a shoe box with a hole cut in the side) set by their bed will capture any scary monsters that might be lurking underneath. See this book listed in our catalog
Only a Witch Can Fly
Only a Witch Can Fly by Alison McGhee, illustrated by Taeeun Yoo, is an enchanting tale of a girl’s longing to fly. Written in rhyme, using an ancient method called “sestina,” the book flows with a relaxing, lullaby-like quality. The images are created using linoleum cut print, which result in detailed images with few colors. The greens, browns, and black reflect the “Halloween” theme, and help to set the mood: a chilly night with a full moon. This is not a scary read, nor is it something too “childish” to read to an older child. This book has a point, reminiscent of the many “I think I can” books, that uplift and inspire children to try, try again if ever they should fail. Throughout the book you will find words in italics. These words are usually an action and could be read in various ways. You could whisper them, or create a motion to go along with them to add diversity to your story telling. See this book listed in our catalog
While the World Is Sleeping and McGillycuddy Could
Submitted by Ms. Allana!
The following are two books by prolific children’s author (and one of St. Mary’s County librarians’ favorites) Pamela Duncan Edwards:
I don’t know how many times I said “WOW!” while looking through the gorgeous While The World Is Sleeping, illustrated by Daniel Kirk. I probably said “wow” at least once for every page before I even read it. What child wouldn’t love this book? It is spectacular! While the poetry is rhythmic and meaningful, the artwork places the book in a superior class. This is the type of book a child will experience, not just be entertained by, or appeased with. Since it is a perfect bedtime story anyway, the child who reads it, or has it read to her or him, will be guaranteed sweet dreams filled with beautiful creatures and wondrous landscapes. See this book listed in our catalog
McGillycuddy Could, illustrated by Sue Porter, is a clever, humorous tale about a creature who comes to a farmyard and simply does not fit in. He can’t lay eggs, and he can’t give wool or milk, but before he limps off defeated, rejected and alone, an opportunity arises, and affords him the chance to show what he CAN do! You can read this aloud to smaller children, and really become animated, acting out the various traits of each animal as they taunt and try McGillycuddy. See this book listed in our catalog
Bear Snores On
Submitted by Ms. Jill!
Bear Snores On by Karma Wilson, illustrated by Jane Chapman. “In a cave in the woods, in his deep, dark lair, through the long, cold winter sleeps a great brown bear.” Bear is fast asleep, hibernating through the bitter cold of a winter storm, as first one and then more animals take refuge from the snow in his cave. First comes Mouse, then Hare, Badger, Gopher, Mole, Wren, & Raven. They light a fire, brew some tea, pop popcorn, and finally throw a party! All the while, Bear snores on. But what will happen when the great brown bear wakes up and finds he’s missed out on all the fun? Bear Snores On is a fun and gentle story told in bouncy rhyme. Jane Chapman’s sweet pictures capture each creature’s expressions perfectly. If Bear Snores On leaves you wanting more of Bear and his friends, then look for: Bear Wants More, Bear’s New Friend, Bear Feels Sick, Bear Feels Scared, and Bear Stays Up for Christmas. 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