Submitted by Tess from Lexington Park!
You’re invited to a barnyard talent show in Chicken Dance by Tammi Sauer, illustrated by Dan Santat. The grand prize? Tickets to see Elvis Poultry in concert! Oh, the chickens want to win so badly! Unfortunately, the ducks win every year. But for Elvis they have to try! But what are they good at? They can’t bowl, or juggle, or walk on tight rope. They can’t even fly or swim like other birds! When it’s time to finally hit the stage, they’ve completely run out of ideas. They decide to “wing it,” and just be themselves! They “bawk and roll” all over the stage. Suddenly, Elvis is in the building! “You chicks rocked!” he says, “You had me all shook up.” Then he asks them tour with him as back up dancers! This book is delightful, and be sure to check out the hilarious author and illustrator bios in the back! See this book listed in our catalog
Humour
Big Chickens Fly the Coop
Submitted by Carol from Charlotte Hall!
Big Chickens Fly the Coop is written by Leslie Helakoski and illustrated by Henry Cole. The story is about four chickens whose dream in life is to see the farmhouse, but they are afraid of what may be outside of their nice, safe chicken coop. One day they decide they are going to take the chance, and try to fulfill their dream. They find themselves being chased by a dog, almost ran over by a tractor, and stampeded by horses. Will they give up and return to the safety of their coop, or be brave and continue the search for the farmhouse? You have to read this hilarious book to find out . You never know! What you’re looking for may be right in your own backyard…
Sue MacDonald Had a Book
Submitted by Catherine from Charlotte Hall!
Can you read without vowels? Of course not! Sue MacDonald Had a Book, by Jim Tobin and illustrated by Dave Coverly, tells the story of a little girl who loses all the vowels in her book. Set to the tune of “Old MacDonald,” Sue must go on a quest to return these important letters to her book. The words of the book fit pretty much perfectly with the song, making this a fun and easy book to sing or read aloud. Bright colors, and silly pictures make this an engaging and funny book to share with children who are starting to recognize and understand their letters. So remember, you cn’t rd wtht vwls* so always keep A E I O and U nearby! And sometimes Y.
*can’t read without vowels
Put It on the List!
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!
The Monster at the End of this Book
Submitted by Jill from Leonardtown!
The Monster at the End of this Book by Jon Stone. Grover, the blue Sesame Street monster, is eager to read this classic Little Golden Book with you, until he reads the title page–and realizes that there will be a MONSTER at the end of this book! And Grover is so SCARED of monsters! Our furry blue friend will spend the next 18 pages trying to prevent you from turning any more pages, and therefore bringing us closer to the end of the book (and the MONSTER)! He tries securing the pages with tape, string, and strong brick walls, but when you reach the next-to-last page, poor Grover is reduced to begging and pleading. Will you turn the final page and face the MONSTER at the end of this book?
How to Potty Train Your Monster
Submitted by Tess from Lexington Park!
Is your monster too big for diapers? Then you need How to Potty Train Your Monster by Kelly DiPucchio, illustrated by Mike Moon, which offers this 10-step regiment: 1. Make sure your monster’s ready (300 is a good age), 2. Get him a potty chair (most monsters need a giant one), 3. Dress comfortably (no tutus please), 4. Make frequent bathroom trips, 5. Give lots of praise (perhaps throw a monster potty party), 6. Make sure he washes his paws, 7. Don’t let him drink before bedtime, 8. Be patient, 9. Remember accidents will happen, and 10. Reward your monster (they enjoy stinky socks). And what’s the best part of about potty training your monster? Great big monster underwear (but don’t let him wear them on his head)!