Submitted by Jill from Leonardtown!
The Grouchy Ladybug by Eric Carle. The grouchy ladybug does not want to share his yummy aphids! What’s more, he’s out to pick a fight. But when another ladybug stands up to him, the grouchy ladybug declares, “you’re not big enough to fight!” He flies off in a huff to find somebody bigger to pick on. We follow the grouchy bug hour by hour through the day as he challenges bigger and bigger creatures, until at last an enormous blue whale causes the ladybug to reconsider his rude behavior. Will the grouchy ladybug ever learn to share? Along with its great story, The Grouchy Ladybug is beautifully designed. Eric Carle’s signature painting style is bright and bold. Smaller flaps and partial pages gradually increase in size as they reveal larger and larger animals, and the size of the print grows too. A small drawing of a clock face in each illustration lets advanced readers practice telling time as the ladybug’s day progresses. The Grouchy Ladybug is a fun read-aloud to share again and again. See this book listed in our catalog
Counting
Two at the Zoo
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
The Twelve Days of Christmas
Submitted by Sue from Leonardtown!
The Twelve Days of Christmas illustrated by Gennady Spirin. “The Twelve Days of Christmas” is best known as a folk song written between 1558 and 1829. It is sung or caroled during the Christmas season, usually taking turns with the different verses. In this version, illustrations are done in colored pencil and watercolor. They are beautiful renditions with soft detail, giving the reader a clear vision of each verse. For each of the twelve days of Christmas, lively gifts are presented to “my true love,” along with a partridge in a pear tree. Turtle doves, French hens, calling birds, golden rings, and laying geese provide the first six verses. The early period pictures give young readers a visual treat as they read along, providing thought provoking illustrations, and counting opportunities. The last six verses, containing swans, maids, ladies, lords, pipers, and drummers, will collectively have you singing along as you read! 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
Pouch!
Submitted by Catherine from Charlotte Hall!
In Pouch by David Ezra Stein, we meet little Joey–a brand new baby Kangaroo! Joey is so excited to explore his new world, but whenever something scares him, he goes running back to mom yelling “Pouch!” and dives into the safe warm pocket. But with every trip back, Joey becomes a bit more brave, until he realizes that maybe this world isn’t so scary after all. This would be a wonderful book to read aloud, especially to a child who is just starting to learn their numbers. Each time Joey ventures out he adds one more hop to his trip. Kids will also love yelling “Pouch!” along with Joey as he goes running home. This simple story about overcoming fears and making friends would be a wonderful addition to any story time with you and your child. See this book listed in our catalog
The Big Storm
Submitted by Tammy, driver of the WoW van!
The Big Storm: A Very Soggy Counting Book by Nancy Tafuri. Count along from 1 to 10 as Bird, Mouse, Rabbit, and their friends take shelter from a storm. This book describes a storm, from the dark black clouds gathering, to the wind blowing, leaves swirling, lightning cracking, rain falling, and the rumble of thunder. Children will enjoy counting the animals as they gather in the hill hollow to take cover from the fast approaching storm. The animals find they are all safe together for the night as they wait for the storm to past, but who else is hiding in the hill hollow with them? And what will the animals find when they come out of the hollow after the storm is over? See this book listed in our catalog