Go Green
The Night Walker
Submitted by Ms. Allana! The Night Walker by Richard Thompson. With mesmerizing illustrations by Martin Springett, this book captures the imagination and awakens the senses, as a young boy explores streams, hill, and forest. He finds “treasures” along the way, and encounters an owl, rabbits, and other wild creatures of the territory. However, as the sun begins to set, he realizes he is still a long way from home, and imagines that another more fearsome and sinister creature is following him. The creature, he fears, is the Night Walker. With its rhythmic prose and spellbinding art, this book will appeal to all young children, and readers of every level. See this book listed in our catalog
It Looked Like Spilt Milk
Submitted by Ms. Melissa!
In the second grade, my teacher had us make clipboards out of cardboard and paper clamps. When we were done, we all marched outside with our creations, a pencil tied to the cardboard with string, and scrap paper attached firmly under the clamp. She had us make a circle, and then instructed us to lie down on our backs in the grass. She asked that we close our eyes, and when we opened them to the big blue sky full of puffy white clouds, she said “draw what you see.” That’s what I remember at least, and that’s what I am reminded of when I read the classic It Looked Like Spilt Milk by Charles G. Shaw. Plain blue pages with a single image, and very few words make up this simple tale. The basic, concrete phrasing is perfect for teaching concepts such as “alike and different” or “image versus object.” Late spring is the perfect time to go cloud watching, so go exploring with your little one, and learn what their imagination is capable of! See this book listed in our catalog
Owly & Wormy: Friends All Aflutter!
Submitted by Ms. Tess!
I was very excited (perhaps a little too excited) to discover that Andy Runton, creator of one of my absolute favorite graphic novel series, the Owly books, has a brilliant new picture book! Friends All Aflutter is in the same wordless style as Runton’s books for older kids, but in a new format, friendly for younger children. Much beloved characters Owly and Wormy are interested in butterflies. They figure they need to plant some flowers to attract butterflies, so they go to the nursery. But when their flowers bloom, there are caterpillars living in them instead! Owly and Wormy are mildly outraged by this turn of events, but grow extremely fond of the caterpillars over time. So fond, in fact, that they are terribly sad to learn their caterpillar friends must go away for the colder seasons! Owly and Wormy miss their new friends, but won’t they be surprised when they get the butterflies they originally wished for in the spring? Friends All Aflutter is charming in so many ways. I love how clearly Runton tells the story without any text. I love the message of friendship and devotion it delivers. I even love that when Owly has an idea it’s illustrated by the appearance of an energy efficient light bulb above his head! I’ve had the pleasure to meet Andy Runton, and have a book signed by him, and he was a super sweet guy, so I might be a little bias, but I assure you I am not the only person at this library that adores Owly. Every time I put an Owly book on display, it is checked out within 24 hours. Every single time. So I simply must implore you to do yourself and your little one a favor by checking out the sufficiently delightful Friends All Aflutter ASAP. I do not think you’ll be disappointed 🙂 See this book listed in our catalog
Anybody Home? and In My Backyard
Submitted by Ms. Melissa!
Spring! It’s time to escape the house and go exploring. Here are some books to help you break free from winter captivity. Breathe in some fresh air and enjoy.
Anybody Home? by Aileen Fisher is a classic rhyme about animals and their homes. Use this as a bed time story under the stars, or before a walk in the woods. The detailed black and white illustrations by Susan Bonners are accurate depictions of animals in their habitats. If going on a nature walk, children can search for these same animal dwellings, and make up stories about who lives in them and what season or time of day an animal would use them. See this book listed in our catalog
In My Backyard by Valarie Giogas, with illustrations by Katherine Zecca, is a book about baby animals you may find in your very own backyard. There are many interactive read along activities suggested in the back of the book. Children will learn that baby skunks are named kits, and baby raccoons are called cubs! You can count along from 1 to10, play a memory game, or seek and find the baby animals. Tips on what to do if you find an injured animal, and caring for wildlife are also mentioned. See this book listed in our catalog
A Good Day
Submitted by Ms. Melissa!
It’s a bad day for Bird, Dog, Fox, and Squirrel. But then… things change, and they all find happiness! Kevin Henkes, author of A Good Day, tells a quick and simple tale with bright, animated images, and easy, flowing words. Henkes has a knack for writing in a style that is easy for children to understand. In this book, he uses repetitive words that teach emotion and express “happiness” and “sadness.” The images contain the same bright colors, while the font remains bold and dark. This contrast makes the words stand out, and easy to read. This book could serve as a platform to discussing nature with your child as well. You can create your own outdoor scavenger hunt, and find Bird’s lost feather, or Squirrel’s lost nut. See this book listed in our catalog