Submitted by county youth coordinator Janis!
Put It on the List by Kristen Darbyshire. Have you ever wished that Mom would buy that special something from the grocery store? Consider putting it on her grocery list. This book is an upbeat look at what happens when a graphic chicken family forgets to put things on their shopping list. When they realize the consequences of forgetting to write things on the grocery list, they do better at keeping the list up-to-date. Imagine peanut butter with no jelly, or milk with no cookies! The results are eye opening for the kids!
Family
Mom Has Cancer
Submitted by Amanda from Lexington Park!
Mom Has Cancer by Jennifer Moore-Mallinos is a simple way to talk to kids about what cancer, chemotherapy, and life with cancer is. In the beginning, the little boy notices that something is wrong with his mother, and he thinks it might be his fault, since he did not do well on a test at school. He notices that his parents are often sad, and going to the doctor. Then one day they tell him about his mom’s cancer, and how things will change. She might rest more, and the medicine she will take will make her lose her hair. He knows that he must be quiet when she is resting, and helps around the house to keep it neat. In the end, the chemotherapy is over, and mom finds out the cancer is gone. The little boy appreciates his mom at his soccer games more, and spends more time with her. This is a simple story with great illustrations to help children deal with a difficult issue.
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.
Mommy’s High Heel Shoes
Submitted by Sue from Leonardtown!
Mommy’s High Heel Shoes by Kristie Finnan and illustrated by Pat Achilles. This story highlights the relationship of a working Mom and her children. Her daughter, nicknamed “Cakes” for her love of cupcakes, realizes that when Mommy puts on her high heel shoes she is usually going to work. While she is gone she tries on all of Mommy’s high heel shoes. Then Cakes remembers what shoes Mommy wears, and where she wears them to. Like the ones she wore to walk the dog, or water the garden. The ones she wore to the pumpkin patch trip, and of course the ones she wore eating cupcakes with friends. When Mommy comes home Cakes asks her why she likes high heel shoes and tells her that they’re hard to walk in. This charming story highlights a working Mom, and her heartwarming relationship with her family. Along the way, enjoy finding the heart, ladybug, and cupcake hiding in each page.
My Parents Are Divorced, My Elbows Have Nicknames, and Other Facts About Me
Submitted by Tess from Lexington Park!
My Parents Are Divorced, My Elbows Have Nicknames, and Other Facts About Me by Bill Cochran, with illustrations by Steve Bjorkman, is about a boy named Ted. Ted’s parents have split up, but what you really want to know about him, is that he goes to sleep every night with one sock on! His parents live on opposite ends of town now, but did you know he calls one of his elbows Carl, and the other one Clyde? Sure, his dad might have a new wife now, but Ted enjoys wearing a cape, and not just on Halloween. You might think Ted is a weird kid, not because his parents are divorced. A lot of kids have divorced parents, but that’s not who they are. It’s just part of what makes them unique, like Ted.
Little Bear’s Big Sweater
Submitted by Tess from Lexington Park!
Little Bear’s Big Sweater by David Bedford and Caroline Pedler is a great book about brotherhood, and favorite articles of clothing. Big Bear has grown out of his favorite green striped sweater, and must pass it on to his younger brother, Little Bear. “You better take good care of it,” he says, “It’s my favorite sweater – EVER.” Then the brothers run off to play, Little Bear striving to do everything his big brother can (with mixed results). When the brothers get seperated, a worried Big Bear follows a long green thread into woods, and finds Little Bear, with their unraveled sweater. Little Bear expects quite a lashing, but gets a hug instead. “It’s only a sweater,” Big Bear explains, and in the end Mom makes them both new green striped sweaters!