Clothes
The Truly Terribly Horrible Sweater That Grandma Knit
Little Mouse Gets Ready
Submitted by Ms. Tess!
Little Mouse Gets Ready by Jeff Smith (of Bone and RASL fame) is a great introduction to the comic book format for your child. Little Mouse has just been informed he’s going to the barn and needs to “get ready,” so he decides to put his clothes on. We’re taken through the step-by-step process of putting on one’s clothes, including the universal struggle with buttons, punctuated by speculation of the fun things to be done in the barn. Finally, Little Mouse is fully dressed and ready to go, when Mama Mouse reminds him that mice don’t wear clothes. What a twist! The art is sweet, filled with friendly autumn pastels, and the whole book is infused with humour and charm. It’s a truly memorable story about a routine that your child can relate to. See this book listed in our catalog
The Mitten
Submitted by Melissa from Lexington Park!
The Mitten, adapted and illustrated by Jan Brett, features beautiful pictures of a boy and his mittens. These mittens, made by his grandmother, are white, and blend in perfectly with the snow when he drops one of them to the ground. Once there, many woodland creatures happen upon it, and take refuge in its warmth. Meanwhile, the boy retraces his steps in search of his mitten. He finally finds it floating in the air. With every turn of the page, young readers are introduced to three scenes: two explain what is happening in the present, and the one on the right predicts what is to come next. Who would have ever thought that eight animals could fit in one small mitten? Children can count the mole, rabbit, hedgehog, owl, badger, fox, bear, and mouse, as they climb into the cozy mitten. You can explore this book in our Side by Side collection, where you will find more suggestions and activities you can do with your child while you read. See this book listed in our catalog
Snow
Submitted by Allana from Leonardtown!
Snow by Cynthia Rylant. Before you open this book, you may want to put on a jacket, and maybe a hat and some gloves, because as you read this lovely book, you’ll feel like diving into a pile of snow. You may also feel the urge to make snow angels, or engage in a snowball fight! Using simple but flowing language, Cynthia Rylant has created a wonderful wintry scene, and the illustrations, although chilly and icy in appearance, will warm your heart. “The best snow is the snow that comes softly in the night like a shy friend… this is the snow that brings you peace.” One of my favorite illustrations is the one with all the children’s faces at the window, with snowflakes billowing around creating a frosty frame. Gorgeous! I love the contrasting images of the cozy inside with the glittering landscape of snow covered hills and trees outside. This is a wonderful book for any season! See this book listed in our catalog
Just What Mama Needs
Submitted by Carol from Charlotte Hall!
Just What Mama Needs by Sharlee Glenn and illustrated by Amiko Hirao. The story is about a dog named Abby. Abby loves to play dress-up. She has a great imagination. Abby imagines she is lots of things. Abby may be a pirate one day, happily busy swabbing the deck, or a detective in search of a mysterious clue! Abby could even be a witch mixing up a delicious brew, but no matter who Abby pretends to be she is always just what Mama needs. This is a cute story about a mother and her love for her child.