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Seasons

Seasons

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Submitted by Ms. Melissa!

In the book Seasons, by Anne Crausaz, readers will indulge their senses as they imagine the smells, tastes, sounds, and sights of spring, summer, fall and winter. The vivid illustrations take the reader on a visual ride through the seasons, exploring the colors of spring time, summer nights, foggy fall days, and crisp winters. Children will begin observing these elements in their outdoor play, discovering the changes that occur in a year. It will also give them ideas on how to interact with nature, like jumping in a pile of leaves, or smelling verbena and tomatoes growing in a garden. Regardless the age of the reader, this book will stimulate the senses and transport you to the seasons. See this book listed in our catalog

Tap the Magic Tree

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Submitted by Ms. Carol!

Tap the Magic Tree by Christie Matheson is a story about seasons, trees and magic. The story starts with a bare brown tree. Then the author instructs the reader to tap the page to see what happens. As you tap and turn the page, leaves appear on the tree, until the tree is full of bright green leaves. The reader is then instructed to rub the tree and turn the page, and then pretty pink buds appear! As you touch each bud and shake the tree, turn the page and the buds fall off. The book continues with instructions to shake the tree, pat the leaves, blow a breeze, clap your hands, and count to ten. As the reader follows the instructions he or she sees the tree change with the seasons. This is a cute story that is very interactive and fun, and teaches children about the seasons. See this book listed in our catalog

Winter Is For Snow

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Submitted by Ms. Amy!

Winter Is For Snow by Robert Neubecker. Beginning in a New York City apartment, a big brother and his little sister argue about whether it is more fun to play outdoors in the winter snow, or stay inside where it’s warm, watching TV or playing video games. Big brother continues to try to prove to his reluctant little sister that being outdoors in winter is fun, by helping her get bundled up and taking her on a tour of all the great things to do outside in winter time. The pictures are engaging and funny, with a style that reminds me of a glossier version of some of my childhood favorite Sunday morning comic strips. Cozy up with your little one and read about all the fun things you can do in the winter. You may find yourselves inspired to go out and have some winter fun of your own! See this book listed in our catalog

Snow Angels, Snow Puppy, and My Little Polar Bear

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Submitted by Ms. Allana!
Three cute books for the winter/holiday season:

Snow Angels by Angel Randall, illustrated by Brandon Dorman. This story begins with one friend helping another. With the assistance of little helpers that only these two young girls can see, the two set out to help others in their neighborhood! At each location they are joined by a band of angels who help and encourage the girls to carry out all their good will. It feels so good to help other people at this festive time of year, so much so that they decide to continue their good work all year long! With a play on the words “snow angel” the author has taken the meaning to a higher level, and in this delightful picture book, shows how two friends can become like real angels, not only in winter, but during every season. See this book listed in our catalog

Snow Puppy by Marcus Pfister. Rascal is normally a contented happy pup, but today he is feeling a little out of sorts. His friend Sophie is off to town shopping with her parents, and Rascal is left behind. When he notices the white fluffy stuff floating around outside the window, his loneliness becomes excitement and intrigue. He remembers seeing white fluffy stuff once before, when he playfully tore open a pillow, but this stuff is somehow different. Once outside, he realizes how different, and how much fun it is to play in. When Rascal becomes lost after chasing a bunny through the woods, his joy and excitement turn to fear. A kind stranger is nearby however, and we soon discover how he saves the day! This is a sweet story about an adorable puppy who will steal the hearts of readers of every age. See this book listed in our catalog

My Little Polar Bear by Claudia Rueda. “Don’t worry little one, I will stay with you, and I will teach you what polar bears need to know.” A young cub is learning how to be a polar bear from his mother.  He has no confidence at first, and doesn’t believe he can swim well enough, or smell seals from a distance, or even walk on snow and melting ice. With the guidance, reassurance, and love of his mother, he begins to realize that he will be able to grow up and be an independent polar bear. The frosty white and pale blue illustrations in this book are created by digital media, and really represent and recreate an arctic world. Young readers and listeners will enjoy following the polar bear’s progress in this charming story. See this book listed in our catalog

Pick a Circle, Gather Squares

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Submitted by Ms. Carol!

Pick a Circle, Gather Squares: A Fall Harvest of Shapes by Felicia Sanzari Chernesky is a story about a wonderful visit to a pumpkin patch in the fall. Two children go with Daddy to the pumpkin patch. When they get there, they go on a hay ride. Along the way, they pick shapes, and try to match them with the objects they see. The bale of hay they are sitting on is a square. The pumpkins and apples are round and circular. They see many shapes including diamonds, stars, and hexagons. This book is beautifully illustrated with lots of shapes for the children to find on each page, and wonderful fall colors. See this book listed in our catalog

Farmer John’s Tractor

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Submitted by Ms. Janis!

Farmer John’s Tractor by Sally Sutton. The winter rains are so persistent that the river has swollen and is now starting to flood. A mother, father, and two children are caught by surprise and stranded in a car at the edge of the river. A few people try to help but find themselves stuck as well. Even the fire engine can’t free them from the muck. Farmer John sees all the trouble and goes to get his old tractor that has been locked up in the barn for years. The stranded family is worried that this rusty tractor can’t get the job done. The refrain “Farmer John’s tractor lies locked in the shed, rusty yet trusty and orangey red” is great for children to “help” read the story, and gives them a hint of what is going to happen next. The rhyming text flows nicely and is easy to read. The artwork tells the story beautifully and fills the pages with soft, delicate, watercolor paintings. This picture book is great as a read-alone or read-aloud story book. See this book listed in our catalog