Picture Book Review: A Books of Maps for You

A map of the town filled with secrets.

I loved this book - it's clever and fun. Who doesn't love pouring over maps. I loved the twist at the end. This might be one of my favorite picture books of the year. 

Picture Book Wednesday: Plant Rescuer

Manny comes from a long line of gardeners. His dad is the best gardener he knows. Manny gets a plant of his own, determined to proof himself. But the plant fails. What will Manny do?

This was a such a great story about plants, but also about the power of research and libraries. I love the ending to this book.

I confess, I wish that I had a green thumb. I'm hoping to make some progress this year on learning more about gardening. I'll keep you posted. 

Picture Book Wednesday: Bunny Should Be Sleeping

Bunny should be sleeping but he's waiting for his father to check on him.  When his father doesn't come, bunny gathers up all the tools and goes to check on his father himself. His father is sleeping. Bunny goes through their bedtime rituals alone - until the final one where he needs his father's help.

A cute bedtime story about a bunny and his father and bedtime rituals. They need each other! The calm illustrations are soothing. 

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: Watercress

 

While driving in the car, a young girl's family spies Watercress. Immediately, they stop to pick some. The young girl is embarrassed and desperately hopes that no one she knows will see them picking this plant. Afterwards, she almost refuses to eat it. But a story from her parents change her mind.

A heart wrenching story about being embarrassed by your family but also coming to understand the past. The past starts to shape the present and before you know it, new memories are being made. I loved the gorgeous watercolor illustrations. 

Library Recommendation: A must have book for your school and public libraries.