Submitted by Ms. Tess!
Capitalizing on my admiration for children’s literary stalwart Kevin Henkes (last name pronounced HENK-us), and all things with wings, is Birds, written by Henkes, and illustrated by his lovely wife Laura Dronzek. This reads almost like a nonfiction book for very early readers. It’s informative, without being boring, educating us on the different colors and sizes birds can be, and the different things they can do, like fly, and sit in trees. It also shares charming anecdotes like: “Once I saw seven birds on the telephone wire. They didn’t move and they didn’t move and they didn’t move. I looked away for a second… and they were gone.” Birds are awesome creatures. If your child is as fascinated by our feathered friends as I am, you’ll definitely want to check out Birds. Today! See this book listed in our catalog
Birds
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
I’m Not Santa!
Submitted by Carol from Charlotte Hall!
I’m Not Santa! by Jonathan Allen is a really cute story about an owl and a bunny rabbit. One day Owl is out playing in the snow when he runs into Rabbit. Rabbit immediately thinks Owl is Santa. Owl does have a Santa hat on but he insists he is not Santa. Rabbit keeps on and on and even breaks down crying, so Owl finally tells rabbit that he is Santa. Rabbit now realizes that Owl really is not Santa, and by the end of the story both Owl and Rabbit are upset and crying. Who will save the day? Will it be the guy in the big red suit himself? A very cute Christmas story. See this book listed in our catalog
Henry and the Crazed Chicken Pirates
Submitted by Sue from Leonardtown!
Henry & the Crazed Chicken Pirates by Carolyn Crimi and illustrated by John Manders. The Buccaneer Bunnies are back with another adventure starring Henry and the crew of the Salty Carrot! Henry finds a message in a bottle. The message isn’t friendly at all, and Henry is worried. The rest of the crew is busy playing games, like coconut bowling, and sail swinging, when Henry tries to tell them about the note. “Stop worrying about that old note,” says Black Ear. Henry can’t, and starts reading everything he can about it. Soon he has enough information to start his own book, which he calls “Henry’s Plan for Impending Danger from Unknown Enemy Who Wrote the Scary Note.” When crazed chicken pirates finally arrive, Henry must warn everyone and save the day using his own advice from his book! Does Henry’s book help? Will the crew be saved? And what will happen to the crazed chicken pirates? If you like adventure and pirate stories, join Henry and the crew of the Salty Carrot for a swashbuckling good story. Arrrrr! See this book listed in our catalog
Chicken Dance
Submitted by Tess from Lexington Park!
You’re invited to a barnyard talent show in Chicken Dance by Tammi Sauer, illustrated by Dan Santat. The grand prize? Tickets to see Elvis Poultry in concert! Oh, the chickens want to win so badly! Unfortunately, the ducks win every year. But for Elvis they have to try! But what are they good at? They can’t bowl, or juggle, or walk on tight rope. They can’t even fly or swim like other birds! When it’s time to finally hit the stage, they’ve completely run out of ideas. They decide to “wing it,” and just be themselves! They “bawk and roll” all over the stage. Suddenly, Elvis is in the building! “You chicks rocked!” he says, “You had me all shook up.” Then he asks them tour with him as back up dancers! This book is delightful, and be sure to check out the hilarious author and illustrator bios in the back! See this book listed in our catalog
Wow Said the Owl
Submitted by county youth coordinator Janis!
Wow! Said the Owl by Tim Hopgood. This is a story of a little owl that is determined to see what the world looks like during the day. The little owl discovers beautiful colors—red butterflies, orange flowers, white clouds, and green leaves. This book is the perfect read-aloud to for curious little ones who are exploring the world of color for the first time. After reading this book, take a walk with your child. Discover all the different colors in your neighborhood. Talking to your child about these colors is a great pre-reading activity. See this book listed in our catalog