Submitted by Ms. Janis!
Ten Little Puppies/Diez perritos by Alma Flor Ada, F. Isabel Campoy and Ulises Wensell. This is one of the famous counting rhymes in Spanish folklore. Ten puppies start the story, and they decrease one by one with each turn of the page. One vanishes in the snow, at the fireworks, in a new home, and other places, until only one puppy stays with the little girl. The realistic images capture the spontaneous, playful, and affectionate nature of the puppies. The text can be sung or spoken in Spanish or English. The English translation is well done, and maintains the story’s authenticity while accurately reflecting the original poem. In the back of the book there is music for the song, and also guitar chords. The large illustrations will make this a favorite for story times, as well as an excellent source in helping children to develop pre-reading skills. It also introduces children to early math concepts such as addition and subtraction. See this book listed in our catalog
Music
If You’re Hoppy
Submitted by Ms. Brenda!
We all know to clap our hands if we’re happy and we know it, but did you know that if you’re hoppy and you know it you’re a frog? Or maybe a bunny or a cricket? And if you’re growly and you know it, you could be a dog, or a bear, or even a hungry tummy! And, oh my, if you’re sloppy and you know it, well, you’re definitely a hog! This fun rhyming book by April Pulley Sayre is full of the silliest things we can be. It’s a fun book that follows the beat of “If You’re Happy and You Know it” with a few surprise words to keep the silliness going. This book may have to be read a few times to get the rhythm just right, but there will be plenty of laughs along the way while you’re trying. If You’re Hoppy is a great book to read to a group. With colorful illustrations by Jackie Urbanovic, the pictures are bright and funny, and the silly story will have little listeners and readers clapping, flapping, growling, and hopping right along with the interesting characters that cover each page. See this book listed in our catalog
Pirate Pete’s Talk Like a Pirate and Roger the Jolly Pirate
In Pirate Pete’s Talk Like a Pirate by Kim Kennedy, with illustrations by Doug Kennedy, we meet the captain of a fine vessel in need of a crew. With his trusty pet parrot, he sails to Rascal Island, to recruit the most qualified scallywags available. In order to join his crew, there are several things you must be able to do, but the most important is talk like a pirate! Sadly, these scurvy dogs did not get the “pirate talk” memo, like the once-promising candidate who tells Pete his beard “is quite itchy, especially during the summer when the weather tends to be sultry,” when he clearly should have said “when the sun’s a blazin’ me beard gets the itches, worse than a bucket of sand down me britches” and therefore must walk the plank…Will Pete ever find a capable crew? You’ll have to read to find out! See this book listed in our catalog
The hero of Brett Helquist’s Roger the Jolly Pirate might also need some coaching in how to be a proper pirate. He has a terrible sense of direction, he’s always smiling instead of scowling, he has a pet chicken instead of a parrot, and he’s always ready to play a rollicking sea shanty on his concertina. In short, he’s “never struck fear into any sailor’s heart.” In fact, when there’s raiding to be done, he’s sent to the brig. On one such occasion, Roger decides to bake a cake. Perhaps the other pirates will like that, and include him more. You might not think that cake baking would lead to an overwhelming pirate victory… but you’d be surprised! In fact, Roger’s attempt at manufacturing culinary delights leads his pirate colleagues to make a flag in his honor! Perhaps you’ve seen “The Jolly Roger” gracing the mast of a fierce pirate ship. Find out its origin in this book, and learn a song about it! See this book listed in our catalog
Mendel’s Accordion
Submitted by Ms. Tess!
I recently acquired an accordion, and am learning to play it. In hopes of incorporating my new-found accordion skills into story time at the library, I searched for children’s books featuring accordions, and was lead to the gem that is Mendel’s Accordion by Heidi Smith Hyde, illustrated by Johanna Van Der Sterre. It’s a story about a brave Jewish musician, and his immigration from Europe to America, when times were not easy for Jewish people, or immigrants. It’s a story about the power of music to heal and unify. And it’s a story about the proud tradition of Klezmer, a style of music that was originated in eastern Europe by people who typically lacked formal music training, but could play songs that easily evoked happiness, or sadness, in their audiences. It’s a fabulous book for any child curious about history, or music, or accordions! See this book listed in our catalog
One Drowsy Dragon
Submitted by Ms. Janis!
One Drowsy Dragon by Ethan Long. As an adult dragon tries to sleep, a growing crowd of little dragons make all kinds of noise to keep the tired dragon awake. Each page shows a new scene with increased chaos, progressing from ONE marching dragon clanging on a cup, to NINE rockin’ dragons jamming in a loud band! Finally, TEN tuckered dragons think it’s time for bed, but the big dragon, with its deep snores, wakes up the little dragons! This is a fun counting book, that includes rhymes. This book is also a good story time choice, as it covers several popular picture book topics like counting, colors, dragons, and bedtime. The fun sound effects are also great for sharing with a group of children. See this book listed in our catalog
Tanka Tanka Skunk!
Submitted by Ms. Tess!
See this book listed in our catalog