Submitted by Catherine from Charlotte Hall!
“The Pied Piper of Hamlin” is a story that is familiar to most. The gloomy tale teaches a lesson of honesty and the importance of keeping one’s word. However, its dark theme and plot makes it one that many children will find scary. The Steel Pan Man of Harlem by Colin Bootman teaches the same lessons with a much lighter touch. Set in Harlem, rather than the German countryside, the mysterious man, gifted with the ability to drive away the rats, hails from the Caribbean, and it’s a steel drum rather than a pipe that makes the magical music. With beautiful water color illustrations that are as much a part of the story as the text, Bootman updates this tale with a new twist: the ending, so dark and frightening in the original, is made funny instead. Rather than every child in town being led to their doom, only the cruel mayor is made to dance away from the town. If you are looking for a lesson on honesty, or simply an updated version of this classic tale, The Steel Pan Man of Harlem will be a great choice. See this book listed in our catalog
Music
The Scarecrow’s Dance
Submitted by Sue from Leonardtown!
The Scarecrow’s Dance by Jane Yolen and illustrated by Bagram Ibatoulline. This sweet rhyming story about a scarecrow’s place on the farm, and the magical night he becomes free from his post, will enchant young readers and inspire them to rhyme. The full page, beautiful illustrations are done in acryl gouache and watercolor. Scarecrow finds himself free from his post one early autumn night. He skips through the fields and farm, and dances under the moon. As he passes by the farm house, he hears a young boy’s prayer for the farm and for him. Scarecrow is touched, and understands where he belongs, and his importance for the first time. He dances back towards his pole back in his field, and kneels to pray of rain, and sod, and faith, and beauty. “For anyone can dance,” thought he, “But only I can keep fields free.” See this book listed in our catalog
Jazz Baby
Submitted by Tammy, driver of the WoW van!
Jazz Baby by Lisa Wheeler is a rhythmic, short story about a baby and his extended family making jazzy music. In this amazing book you’ll find all the sounds you would hear in a jazz song: rat-tat-tat, snazzy jazzy, doo wop doo, etc. Readers will find themselves getting involved in the story as they start to clap and tap along to the rhythmic nature of the book. The beautiful illustrations cover the pages with long shots of buildings swaying to the beat, and music notes that dance around “Baby.” As the story winds to an end, the family members start to disappear, until a sleepy baby is left with his parents, and soon falls fast asleep. See this book listed in our catalog
Bedtime in the Jungle
Submitted by Tammy, driver of the WoW van!
Bedtime in the Jungle by John Butler. The sun is starting to set in the jungle as bedtime approaches for the baby animals. The daylight in the background gradually disappears on each page as the moon gently rises and the stars appear in the night sky. Children will be delighted as the animal mothers gather their babies close to settle them for the night. Using soft words of comfort inspired by the song “Over in the Meadow” each mother encourages her little one(s) to go to sleep. All of the animals are depicted in their natural settings, in soothing shades that are sure to calm young children and encourage them to sleep. 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
Do Unto Otters
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