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.

Thanksgiving Picture Book Round Up

Here are some Thanksgiving reads - some for review and some for updating our collection. We don't have a lot of Thanksgiving picture books and the ones we have are a little bit older.

 I'm on the hunt for more, so if you have a favorite, please, leave me a comment!

Five Little Thank-Yous

A sweet board book about 5 things that make us Thankful for - perfect for sharing with little ones.

You can count your happy thoughts on one hand.

The artwork is charming.

Gobble Up Snoopy

Snoopy is thankful for - his food dish being filled up. So he pens a thank you note to his food dish. It's funny and sweet and all about food and friendship. 

Turkey for Thanksgiving

This one is a much older story, which my boss urged me to read, about a group of friends getting together to share Thanksgiving dinner. But the hostess desperately wants a turkey for the table and her husband promises to track one down - which he does with a little help from his friends. 

While the premise seems a bit scary, this is a lovely book about friendship, food, and being together. 

How to Catch a Turkey

When a turkey hears about a show, he get stage fright. He leads the entire school on a chase - from the coach to the principle. He goes from science class to the library to the recess yard - all before he mistakenly makes he way back to the stage where he'll have to face his fear. 

A cute story about facing your fears with fun illustrations.

Fangsgiving

The members of the Fright Club are back and gathering for their Thanksgiving feast. They have their own way of doing things, but when Vladimir's family shows up, they take over the meal preparation. And it goes badly. Thanksgiving is ruined. 

A great story about expectations, family, and working together to make a memorable day.

Duck and Hippo Give Thanks

Duck and Hippo decide to host an old fashioned Thanksgiving Feast. Hippo can't wait to have all the trimmings! He works hard baking, but his friends are late. When they show up, they all have a dish to add to the table. But it's not the dishes at a typical Thanksgiving Feast...

A sweet story about friendship, being different, and sharing.