Submitted by Allana from Leonardtown!
Do Unto Otters: A Book About Manners by Laurie Keller. A great way for preschoolers to learn about manners, being friendly, and a good neighbor, is by reading this really fun book. Mr. Rabbit comes skipping along, minding his own business, and singing his “Doo de doo” song. Suddenly he is FACE TO FACE with his new neighbors, three otters, and the look on his face is priceless. DONK! Mr. Rabbit certainly seems worried about the new neighbors, but when his wise friend explains about treating “otters” the way you would want them to treat you, he begins to understand how being a good neighbor works. In a very amusing way, we learn how Mr. Rabbit would like to be treated, for example, politeness, co-operation, (or co-otteration) and kindness. “Everyone appreciates a kind act, no matter how bad it smells,” (the otters may present him with some stinky fish). Mr. Rabbit can say “please,” “thank-you,” and “excuse me,” in 5 different languages! He talks about sharing, forgiveness, and teasing. We get the impression that the Otters and Mr. Rabbit will get along well, and Mr. Rabbit can sing his “doo de doo” song with no complaints, and the Otters won’t laugh at his bad “hare” days, or his extra large swim fins. See this book listed in our catalog
Emotions
Flying High
Submitted by county youth coordinator Janis!
Flying High by Jorgen Stamp. Walter is a giraffe who wishes he could fly. He gets a book, and begins to build an airplane for himself. Sonny, the turtle, is his friend. He asks if he can also go flying. Walter tells his friend he’s too slow and cowardly, and hurts his feelings. The big day finally arrives, and Walter takes off in his airplane. He loves swooping and sweeping up in the sky with the birds. He ignores repeated warnings that a storm is approaching, and suddenly finds himself in the middle of a thunderstorm! His plane is hit by lightning and crashes into the lake. Sonny swims out and rescues him. The next day he builds another plane, only this time it has two seats, one for him and one for his best friend, Sonny. A good story about true friendship! 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
Raf
Submitted by Amanda from Lexington Park!
Raf by Anke de Vries and Charlotte Dematons. Raf is a stuffed giraffe, and he and Ben are best friends. They are always together. One day Raf is missing, and Ben has to go to bed all alone. Then Ben starts getting post cards from Raf, who has been found all the way in Africa! Raf sends Ben post cards all along his trip home. His final post card tells Ben that he will be home in time for Ben’s birthday! When Raf arrives home, Ben finds him very different from when he left. This book has great illustrations, and leaves a lot to the imagination. There is very little text, therefore much of the story is told through the illustrations. This is a great story for a kid who has a favorite stuff animal, or other comfort object. I know it warmed my heart! 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
Mousie Love
Submitted by Tess from Lexington Park!
Mousie Love by Dori Chaconas, illustrated by Josee Masse, relates the epic romance of Tully and Frill, two house mice. For Tully, it’s love at first sight when he first sets eyes on Frill. In fact, the first words he says to her are “Will you marry me?” Frill doesn’t say no. She doesn’t say yes. She actually doesn’t have time to say anything before Tully interjects “Of course! You must be wondering where we’ll live.” and dashes off to find them a house. Tully proposes multiple times, but before Frill can answer he remembers something else he needs to provide: breakfast (in the form of a fresh muffin), something shiney (a star will suffice nicely) all while escaping the attention of the house cat, of course. Finally Frill gives Tully an answer. What do you think it will be? You’ll have to check out Mousie Love to find out! See this book listed in our catalog