Picture Book Review: The Case of Old MacDonald and His Farm

Funny things are happening on the farm. They are so strange that Farmer MacDonald calls the police for help. 

Readers will enjoy this silly story and that ending. Mark Teague is an auto-read for me.  I so enjoy his books. 

Picture Book Review: I Hate Everything

One little ghost hates everything - but his friend convinces him otherwise.

I have this sentiment too sometimes. And this is a sweet story about friendship and helping to look at the world a little differently. It's a great way to start talking about mental health and kids. 

Picture Book Wednesday: You are Not Sleepy

After the story is over, the pig is not sleepy. But how will the pig get to sleep?

I'm a fan of Mark Teague. This is in a similar vein of If You Give a Mouse....

With not many words, this is a great book for storytime. 

Highly recommended for your school and public library

* book sent for review

Picture Book Wednesday: Dazzling Zelda

Zelda Wynn Valdes was a pioneer in fashion - this book shares her story.

I was not aware of this fashion designer before reading this book and I'm impressed. I love how she dressed women of all shapes and sizes. The list of women she dressed is amazing. I admire how she inspired and supported young talent. I love how she created fancy dresses and dance costumes (especially love how she dyed the tights for dancers of color). 

I did a little more research:

The fashion designer Zelda Wynn Valdes, who could fit a dress to a body of any size. Dance Theater of Harlem

*book sent for review

Picture Book Review: A Mind of Her Own

 

Agatha Christie, the world-famous mystery writer, didn't always like writing. But she always liked mysteries and she always made-up stories. She struggled getting those ideas on paper. Years later, she tries her hand at writing a mystery novel. It's not easy but she persists. 

This picture book biography is great for older elementary school readers - but I wonder if any of them have ever heard of Agatha Christie. I really enjoyed this book. I didn't know much about this author here. The illustrations are lovely. This would be a good picture book to share about creating mystery stories. 

* books sent for review

Picture Book Review: Adventure Begins at Your Library

 

Just a couple picture books that are perfect for summer reading.

A little girl travels to the bottom of the Grand Canyon on the Bright Angel trail. You see all kinds of nature and geological formations. 

This is a beautiful picture book with a big ending.

A boy and his family spend the day climbing a volcano. Several haiku poems appear on each page describing the journey, the nature, and his feelings. 

Describes a long hike perfectly - the awe at the top, the quick moment down, and the long strenuous hike up to the top.  I like the haikus - it's a different way to read and it's a fresh way to talk about poetry. 

Picture Book Review: Problem Solves

Rabbit has a problem - his room is so messy. But there's a problem-solving porcupine that's here to save the day. Only the porcupine has different ideas on how to solve the problems. His ideas make rabbit clean his room, but not in the way anyone expected!

My Thoughts: A funny story that will be fan favorite. This will be a fun storytime read and I can't wait to read it with my group. The problem solved refrain is going to be a hit - as will all the silly ideas from porcupine. The ending is hilarious! 

Source: Book sent for review

Picture Book Review: King Kong's Cousin

King Kong is magnificent, but his cousin feels inferior. But he does save the day!

I really enjoyed this book. I liked the message of how it's hard to compare yourself to others. It's easy to feel inferior. But there are moments when it's easy to be brave - especially if you're helping someone you care about. This one also has some laugh out loud moments that kids are sure to love!

 

Picture Book Wednesday: Hurry Up!

One boy is so busy that he forgets all the awesome things happening around him - until he takes a deep breath and slows down.

Great message about not hurrying through the day, to slow down, to notice the little things happening around us, and be mindful taking it all in. I loved the artwork in this book. 

Library Recommendation: Must have picture book for your library's collection!

Picture Book Review: Mice

All about mice and who really likes them - with a twist.
This picture book is several years old, but I'm just discovering it thanks to story time ( I used it for a mouse storytime just this week).

A simple text perfect for story time and sharing.  Fun illustrations from a favorite artists. I love her method of labeling items and using her paper art creations. While the illustrations are cute adorable mice, they work really well with the text. 

Picture Book Review: Raindrops Roll

A nature nonfiction picture book on rain and the water cycle.

I loved this book - great photography that matches the text. The perfect book to uses in beginning to understand rain and water  - especially with the added information in the back of the book. I poured over these photographs, savoring them.

I found this book after reading Best in Snow and I hope more nature books are in the works. 

Get this one for both your public and school libraries!

Picture Book Review: Best in Snow

Celebrate the wonders of snow in the forest while explaining the water cycle.

My Thoughts: Gorgeous illustrations make this book a delight for readers as they learn about the science of snow. Not a lot of text, but it this book is perfect for sharing.

Cover Thoughts: Beautiful
Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: Highly recommended for ALL libraries