Picture Book Wednesday: New Board Books

New board books at the library:

Counting while we bake - and it includes a recipe. Lots of fun here.

Lots of explanations about animals and transportation in this farm read. Love the illustrations.

Very matter of fact about gender and equality! Excellent for library collections.

Lots of knowledge here about instruments. Love the idea of making music (and noise) all together. More fun illustrations. 

Picture Book Wednesday: Where is Our Library?

 

The lions are puzzled when during their nighttime visit to the library, they discover all the books are gone! They're on a mission to undercover the truth about the missing books.

Patience and Fortitude enjoy a romp all over New York City. I enjoyed how they sought out answers and even more when they traveled to other branches of the NYPL system. I love how they love reading and discover new favorites and love old favorites. I love the artwork. Another winner in this series - and this reader desperately hopes for more books about these lions.

Library Recommendation: Highly recommended for school and public libraries - what library doesn't want a book about library and book loving lions?

Picture Book Wednesday: Power of One

 

Words have the power to hurt, but even one person can make the smallest difference. One person can change someone's day. And one person can influence others to act the same.

This is a sweet story about words, kindness, and the power of one good deed. The illustrations are amazing. I loved the message at the end of the book - Planting Seeds of Kindness in your Community. Plus the recommended reading list and websites are a great addition to this book.

With the pandemic last year, I think Planting Seeds of Kindness in your Community is a great way to start off the new year. What can you do this year to spread kindness? I know I will be thinking of ways to help others.

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

Picture Book Wednesday: Best Books of 2020

 I've read so many picture books this year. And so many great ones. There have been some that made me smile, some that tugged at my heartstrings, and some that inspired me. 

I read picture books for two reason:

1. Because they're great reads and I love looking at the illustrations
2. Because of my job. 

Here are some of my favorite reads this year!

It's hard picking just 10 out of almost 700, but I'll try

I am One

Jabari Tries

I Promise

We Will Rock Our Classmates

The Power of Her Pen

Ways to Welcome

The Paper Kingdom

Goodnight Sleepyville

The Only Woman in the Photo

Lizzie Demands a Seat

Picture Book Wednesday: Love Sophia on the Moon

Sophia is mad! She runs away to the moon to escape all the rules. But she does leave a note for her mother. Her mother writes her back. They begin to send each other letters until finally Sophia comes home.

A sweet funny story about imagination, space, and feelings. The mother sends back clever messages to her daughter, but there's always love in her letters. 

Picture Book Review: Back to School Books (part 3)

I've read a few back to school books this year - some sent for review from publishers and some purchased for the library.  Some old books and some new books. This is the final and third part. Check out parts one and two. 

Princess Power:

A young girl is inspired by several Disney Princesses to rule her first day at a new school. I enjoyed this clever book - using the guidance of Princesses throughout the day. 

I Got the School Spirit:

This book is part of a really great series. A young girl looks forward to the first day of school, but realizes that not everyone is excited. She shares some of her spirit and makes a new friend. Of course I loved the spread about listening to the story. And I loved the message about how important it is to learn.

Bears Make the Best Writing Buddies

Theo does not love writing - but with some help from his friends, he starts to write all the things. His bear friend stays by his side helping solve his writing problems. Good story about friendship and writing. This is also the third book in a series.

When My Brother Gets Home:

A young girl and her dog wait for her brother to get home from school so they can play together. She has so many ideas on what they can do. A sweet sibling story that's perfect to share when older kids go off to school. I loved the illustrations in the story.

Picture Book Wednesday: Back to School Books (part 2)

I've read a few back to school books this year - some sent for review from publishers and some purchased for the library.  Some old books and some new books. This is part two. If you missed the first one, click here.

Lola Goes to School:

It's Lola's first day at school and it goes really well. It's over before she knows it. Another great addition to the Lola books.

Harlem Grown:

Right across the street from a school, there's an empty lot filled with trash. It would make the perfect garden. That's exactly what happens in this story about learning about gardening and making the world a little brighter.

Max and Mo's Science Fair Surprise:

The classroom children are getting ready for the science fair. The two hamsters want to take part too. So they sneak out of their cage to discover a science project for themselves. A fun addition to this series.

Rescuing Mrs. Birdley:

Miranda sees her teacher in the grocery store, but she knows that all the teachers live at the school. Plus Miranda's an expert at watching nature programs. She decides to take matters into her own hands and return the teacher back where she belongs. A funny story about seeing teachers outside of school. 

Butterflies on the First Day of School:

Rosie can't wait for school to start. But the night before she gets nervous - really nervous. Her mom tries to help her, saying her nerves are just butterflies. But when Rosie opens her mouth on the bus, a butter flies out! A great story about kindness, friendship, and being nervous. 

Best Seat in Kindergarten:

It's Sam's first day of school! He's excited when the class goes outside on a nature walk. At the end of the walk, there will be a show and tell. Sam's too busy helping his classmates find what they're looking for to search for himself. But what he found was better. A sweet story about friendship and starting school off on the right foot.

Pirates Don't Go to Kindergarten:

Emma doesn't want to start Kindergarten, she wants to rule Pre-K still. Everything feels wrong in Kindergarten, plus change is scary. But she gets where she needs to be in the end - without walking the plank. This is a fun story about change, accepting new things, and lots of imagination. 

Grown-ups (and the dog) decide they want to go to school instead of going to work. They want to have fun too; of course the kids are not thrilled at the idea. There's a compromise. This silly fun book is a great way to ease into going to school.

Picture Book Review: Back to School Books (part 1)

I've read a few back to school books this year - some sent for review from publishers and some purchased for the library.  Some old books and some new books. This will be in two parts.

Take Your Pet to School:

The pets are lonely when the kids go to school; they want to go too. The snaky pets get their wish and of course, it's a disaster.  This book was funny with cute illustrations.

Click Clack Quack for School: 

The animals are invited to school. but are surprised when they're told to behave. Rules are rules (and are made to be broken). A fun addition to this series.

Clothesline Clues to the First Day of School:

Who will the students meet on the first day of school? A fun introduction to people at the schools. The range is great and the cast is diverse. I'm a little sad there's no school librarian though. 

Come Sit with Me:

Students in this book can't decide how to paint the new buddy bench for the playground. I love how they used everyone's idea.  This diverse story shares a great message about being kind and using everyone's idea. I loved the bright colors and art ideas shared. I also loved that it included a history of the buddy bench.

I'm Feeling School Bus Yellow:

A bus shaped board book that shares colors and feelings about school. Of course I loved the library scene the best. A great story to use to talk about emotions and the love for school with fun illustrations. 

Style Rules:

Destiny recently moved and is starting a new school. But it's bigger than she imagined and the uniforms are so plain. She's worried that she'll get lost in the crowd until she has a brilliant idea and starts a revolution. I love the book's message about being yourself and being creative and thinking outside the book. Great illustration makes this book stand out. 

(This is the second book in this series)

Amelia Bedelia Gets the Picture:

Picture day is ruined when the photographer is sick and cancels. But Amelia Bedelia has an idea to save everything. This quirky girl is one of my favorite characters; I'm always happy to read a new book featuring her.

Picture Book Review: Naughty Ninja Takes a Bath

It's time for the ninja to take a bath and get cleaned up from his adventures outside. But he notices trouble inside and tries to save his father from harm. Things do NOT go as expected.

A funny picture book about not wanting to take a bath, ninja moves, one unhappy dad, and one huge mess. But the ending is sweet. A fun story to share.

Picture Book Wednesday: Valentine Books

Here are some Valentine Books - many of them are with favorite book characters

One More Hug:

A sweet story about growing up, love and family, and how you're never too hold for a hug. 

* Book sent for review

Llama Llama Be My Valentine

A story about making gifts using your creativeness and your unique talents. A sweet story for fans of the series.

Splat the Cat: Funny Valentine (A lift the flap book)

The class wants to create a valentine for their teacher - they work together to create something special for her.

Duck and Hippo: The Secret Valentine

Someone is gifting out secret valentines and asking people to meet at the park at an appointed time. Everyone wonders who their secret valentine might be. A sweet story about friendship and making people happy. 

I Heart You (Board Book)

Baby animals playing with their parents - a very sweet story.

* book sent for review

I Yoga You (Board Book)

A cute diverse story with parents and children saying I love you throughout the day. Parents share yoga moves throughout the day, but they are also compiled at the end of the book.

* book sent for review

Picture Book Review: Parker Looks Up

Parker, her sister, and her best friend are visiting the National Portrait Gallery. Together they respond to the paintings and how they make them feel. At the end of the day, Parker looks up and spies the portrait of First Lady Michelle Obama. And she's stunned!

I loved this picture book and the true story behind it. I loved the wonder of the girls looking at the paintings - especially the moment in the front of the ballerinas. I love that Parker saw Michelle Obama as a Queen and that she saw all the possibilities for herself in that moment. I love the hopes and dreams this painting inspires. A fantastic children's picture book with great art and a great message.

Source: Book sent for review

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

* this book is great to showcase during Black History Month, but it's also an amazing story to share throughout the year.

Picture Book Wednesday: Christmas Book Roundup (2)

If you missed the first round-up, here it is.

Taking a Pirate to meet Santa is a Very Bad Idea.

But also really funny!

I adore this series and this book lives up to my expectations of it. Plus the illustrations are great.

A little girl makes up a new family with two Kings.

I loved this sweet story and the message is charming. Plum is kind hearted after everything that happened to her. I wanted to visit the Land of Sweets. I loved the illustrations. 

Frog shows up at Bear's house expecting it to be the Christmas Extravaganza Hotel - but it's clearly not. Still he and Bear manage to have fun doing all sorts of Christmas things together. 

I love the fun activities they do together - even if it's not what Frog expected. I loved the illustrations and the message of Friendship. 

The cat has been super good all year long - except for a few instances that were Not His Fault. SO he writes several letters to Santa explaining how things went down.

I really enjoyed this funny book. I love books with letters. Another great message about friendship.

Bruce Is Not Santa Claus, but he's forced into the roll after a case of mistaken identity. And nothing he says can stop it from happening.

I love the Bruce books - they're so funny. Bruce is such a grump, but he has a good heart. Eventually he always comes around. Plus the illustrations are great too. 

If you've been visited by the Ninjas - then you have a special mission during Christmas and hall year round.

I love this message of kindness - not just during the holidays but all year round.