Tadpole's Promise

MD's Saturday book reviews, given in-between trips to settle mischief-making in the back of the youth section of the library.


Today isn't a Saturday, but I've had to settle mischief in the back of the library several times today. In any case, this book review comes a day early because Saturday will be another busy day in Youth Services.

Today's book is a picture book titled:

The story book begins with caterpillar meeting tadpole. Caterpillar is immediately enamored with tadpole and tells him she loves everything about him, and that he should never, ever change. 

"I love everything about you," said the caterpillar. "Promise you will never change."
"I promise," he said.

You may think you may know where this story is headed. The story revolves around a caterpillar and a butterfly, after all. But as the tadpole grows into a frog, and as the caterpillar transforms into a butterfly, what happens is perhaps a little more sinister, a little more true to real life. 

"Yes, but you are not my shiny black pearl. Goodbye."

Enveloping the dark humor of current, classic picture books, such as I Want My Hat Back, the story Tadpole's Promise is a good look into a world that we all know is not always quite fair, or quite just in its workings. Written by British author Jeanne Willis, and illustrated by the very talented Tony Ross, this is quite a funny, serious, and definitely memorable cautionary tale.

"Excuse me," she said. "Have you seen my shiny black..."

Have a great weekend, MD

Drum Dream Girl

MD's Saturday book reviews, given in-between trips to settle mischief-making in the back of the youth section of the library.

It's a quieter day at the library today, so let's see if I can squeeze in a review before closing. 
This week I found a great book thanks to Theresa, called Drum Dream Girl . Written by Cuban-American writer Margarita Engle, Drum Dream Girl  tells the true story of Millo Castro Zaldarriaga, the first well-known female drum player in Cuba.

The story begins in 1930's. Believe it or not, at the time it was taboo for girls to play the drums in Millo's home country, Cuba.This does not stop Millo, however. She dreams of one day playing the drums in a cafe band, but she is met by the scorn of her father and town.

With the aid of a teacher, Millo finally gains the instruction she needs. And that, as they say, is history. Now ready to perform, Millo creates an awesome, all-female band. 

Illustrated by Rafael Lopez, Drum Dream Girl is an unforgettable mix of cultural narrative, and the universal need to dream. I would recommend Drum Dream Girl for ages 6-106. It is especially wonderful for young women in their search---that remains to this day---for equality to live and dream.

MD

Picture Book Recommendations

As a part of the weekly, ongoing brochure list, here are some picture book recommendations. Now, picture books are for all ages, really. But, as I said before, these brochures are for educators, librarians, or for personal use. Seriously, pass it on! Print them out!

You can find the PDF of Picture Book Recommendations, by clicking HERE.

Be sure to hit the + magnifier to get better resolution!

Here is a preview of the brochure:

Questions, comments: obplblog@gmail.com

New Picture Books - November 2012

Here is a spotlight on some of the new picture books we have at the library for November 2012.

Pomelo Explores Color- By Ramona Badescu and Benjamin Chaud (JE BADESCU)
Pomelo looks about and discovers twelve colors in all their nuance. He encounters the infinite white of falling snow, the hypnotizing red of love, and the shadowy blue of the unknown. The colors describe our concrete world, but also reflect emotional states, as well as the curious, oddball sensibility of our dear Pomelo.


Kate and Nate Are Running Late - By Kate Egan and Illustrated by Dan Yaccarino (JE EGAN)
Being on time is an art—an art most of families have yet to master. From spilling coffee to misplacing keys, we’ve all dealt with the many things that can derail our morning routines. This humorous depiction of chaotic mornings is oh, so true.Kate and her two children, Nate, and his older sister, Maddie, have all overslept. How will they EVER make it to school and work on time dressed, fed, and organized?

The Ant and the Grasshopper - By Rebecca and Ed Emberley (JE EMBERLEY)

While hard at work on her chores, an ant hears the wonderful clickety click chirrup of music coming from the distance. Although she knows she should focus on the task at hand, she can't help but explore the joyful noise! Award-winning team Rebecca and Ed Emberley bring an entertaining new twist to the classic children's. The bright, bold graphics seem to dance and leap, as a bunch of boogying bugs start a celebration of their own.

Mice - Written By Rose Fyleman and Illustrated By Lois Ehlert (JE FYLEMAN) 
When mice run around at night, you will be surprised to find out who thinks they are nice!
Do you think mice are nice? Decide for yourself with this book filled with wonderful mixed-media illustrations from Lois Ehlert.

 

 

 

 

Archie - By Domenica More Gordon (JE GORDON)

Meet Archie: Designer. Fashionista. Dog. Archie leads a quiet life with his faithful pet. That is, until he gets a sewing machine and his creativity starts to run wild. It's not long before Archie's nimbleness with a needle catches the attention of his friends and fellow dog walkers. Soon, the entire city is straining at the leash for one of his couture concoctions... including a queen and her two very royal corgis. This enchanting, nearly wordless picture book about following your dreams wherever they may lead will inspire and delight readers of all ages.

This Is Not My Hat - By Jon Klassen (JE KLASSEN)
When a tiny fish shoots into view wearing a round blue topper (which happens to fit him perfectly), trouble could be following close behind. So it’s a good thing that enormous fish won’t wake up. And even if he does, it’s not like he’ll ever know what happened. . . .Great illustrations and cute story!

Find a Cow Now! - By Janet Stevens and Susan Stevens Crummel (JE STEVENS)

Dog is rounding up whatever he can find in his urban apartment, even chairs. He is also driving his bird companion crazy with the commotion. Bird sends him to the countryside to find something more appropriate to herd, such as a cow. But since dog has never seen a cow, he finds all the wrong animals. After being pecked by a chicken, spattered with mud by a pig, and walloped by a donkey, Dog needs a friend. By chance a mysterious and kindly animal helps lead him back to the city, only to cause chaos there, before revealing her identity--as a cow!

Waking Dragons - By Jane Yolen and Paintings by Derek Anderson (JE YOLEN)
Dragons wake up, dragons rise. Dragons open dragon eyes. Wake up with a pair of sleepy dragons and the knight who must get them ready for school! Bright and colorful illustartions will keep children interested. A must read for any fan of Yolen's How Do Dinosaurs Series.

These are only a small portion of the new pictures books we have currently. Make sure to check out the full selection in the library, located next to the concept books. 

Read all of them and let us know which one is your favorite! 

New Picture Books - October 2012

Here is a spotlight on some of the new picture books we have at the library for October 2012.

All the Awake Animals Are Almost Asleep - By Crescent Dragonwagon and David McPhail  (JE DRAGONWAGON)
In this lyrical animal ABC book, a mother tries to tuck her child in for the night by telling him about all the awake animals that are getting sleepy. From antlered Antelope to zzz-ing Zebra, this alphabet of animals becomes an exquisite celebration of language and nature, just right for lulling even the most wide-awake little ones into a cozy, soothing slumber.

Boot and Shoe - By Marla Frazee (JE FRAZEE) 
Boot is a back porch kind of dog. Shoe is a front porch kind of dog.What will happen when a squirrel stirs up some trouble and Boot ends up on the front porch and Shoe is at the back porch?
A cute story about two dogs who think they have lost each other with a very happy reunion at the end!


The Reader - By Amy Hest and Illustrated by  Lauren Castillo (JE HEST)
A new reader trudges through deep snow with a mysterious suitcase in tow. He has something important to share with his faithful companion, who bolts ahead to wait at the top of a tall hill. Our small hero climbs higher and higher, until finally, he is there, too. Then he opens his suitcase— click, click—and soon the only sound in the world is the sound of the reader reading their very favorite book to the very last page… the very last word.

The Sandman : The Story of Sanderson Mansnoozie - By William Joyce (JE JOYCE) 
 The man in the moon had a problem. Most nights, he beams down at the children of Earth, providing them with an inextinguishable nightlight that keeps nightmares at bay. But what happens when it's foggy or cloudy? When the moon is less than full and bright? Who will keep the children safe at night? He needs a helper! And he's spied just the fellow: a sleepy little guy named Sanderson Mansnoozie ( Sandy for short), who might be perfect...if only the man in the moon could wake him up.

Jangles a Big Fish Story - By David Shannon (JE SHANNON) 
Jangles is the biggest fish anyone has ever seen! Fishing alone at dusk, a boy feels a tug on his line and comes face-to-face with the gigantic trout--whose enormous jaw is covered with so many lures and fish hooks that he jingles and jangles when he swims. Terrified by the sight, the boy is shocked when Jangles befriends him and takes him on an adventure to the bottom of the lake. A surprise ending will leave readers laughing and shaking their heads.

What Time Is It? It's Duffy Time! - By Audrey and Don Wood (JE WOOD)
Like most pugs, Duffy loves to sleep, and from the time he wakes for breakfast to the time he prepares for bed, Duffy's day is punctuated by delicious naps: the Before Breakfast Nap; the After Breakfast Nap; the Late Morning Nap; and so on. When his best friend, a playful girl, comes home from school, Duffy helps her with her homework, follwed by his Early Evening Nap.




These are only a small portion of the new pictures books we have currently. Make sure to check out the full selection in the library, located next to the concept books.

New Picture Books - September 2012

Here is a spotlight on some of the new picture books we have at the library for September 2012.

1-2-3 Peas - Keith Baker (JE BAKER CONCEPT BK)

Busy little peas engage in their favorite activities as they introduce the numbers one to 100. Wonderful bright and detailed pictures! Children will love looking at the silly things these peas are doing on each page. 

I'm Bored by Michael Ian Black and Illustrated by Debbie Ridpath Ohi (JE BLACK)

There is nothing boring about being a kid...but try explaining that to a potato. A little girl who starts out being 'so bored' quickly becomes excited while trying to explain all the great things kids can do to a potato (who is not impressed). Silly story, would be great to read to a child who says "there's nothing to do". 

Olive and the Big Secret -Tor Freeman (JE FREEMAN)

Olive is told a secret. She wants to tell Jessie. She almost tells Ziggy. She does tell Joe! Now Joe has a secret...what will happen next! Find out in this wonderfully sweet and witty book!Cute story about a game of game of telephone with a secret. Want to know what the secret is? Read the book! 

Goldilocks and Just One Bear - Leigh Hodgkinson (JE HODGKINSON) 

Ever wonder what happened to Goldilocks and Little bear after she left his house? Well in this story Little Bear is all grown up and Goldilocks is a distant memory. One day, Little Bear wanders out of the wood and finds himself lost in the Big City. Will he find the city too noisy? Too quiet? Or just right? And what are the chances of him bumping into someone who remembers exactly how he likes his porridge? Be sure too look for all the other fun fairy tale references in the illustrations!

The Best Bike Ride Ever  by James Proimos and Johanna Wright (JE PROIMOS) 

Bonnie has a new bike, and she can't wait to ride it! She bikes over mountains, under a giraffe, up the Statue of Liberty, down the Grand Canyon, even into the land of the lost. There's just one thing Bonnie can't do on her bike...stop! Kids will relate to the excitement and freedom that comes with riding a bike (and having a little imagination).

Dragons Love Tacos by Adam Rubin and Illustrated by Daniel Salmieri (JE RUBIN) 

Explores the love dragons have for tacos, and the dangers of feeding them anything with spicy salsa. A great story for anyone who loves silly books, dragons, and tacos (which is everyone)! 

Guinea Pig Party - Holly Surplice (JE SURPLICE) 

Count to ten and back again with cute and cuddly, birthday-party-celebrating guinea pigs! Though that party starts out with ten guinea pigs, it winds down as the guest leave one by one. But- not to worry- with a perfectly timed birthday wish, they're all back to celebrate some more. Based on a familiar rhyme and combining counting with adorable little animals this is a perfect birthday - or any day- book!

Goldilocks and the Three Dinosaurs - As Retold by Mo Willems (JE WILLEMS) 

Once upon a time, there were three hungry Dinosaurs: Papa Dinosaur, Mama Dinosaur . . . and a Dinosaur who happened to be visiting from Norway. They decide to set a trap for an unsuspecting girl, named Goldilocks. Will she fall for it? Find out in this hilarious retelling of a famous fairy tale.  




These are only a small portion of the new pictures books we have currently. Make sure to check out the full selection in the library, located next to the concept books. 

Wee Read Books Bunch for Preschoolers Begins Fall 2012!

Does your little bookworm enjoy listening to stories read by you? If so, this would be the perfect opportunity to join our new Wee Read Books Bunch for preschoolers beginning this fall! Read the following description to learn more about this fundamental and educational pre-reading experience.

Wee Read Books Bunch for Preschoolers (3-5 yrs) 

Help your little ones catch the reading bug by joining our monthly parent/caregiver/child book club! This book club allows you and your child to read a pre-selected picture book which is developmentally- appropriate for their age range.

Once a month, Miss Jennifer will re-read the story, take the children on a picture walk of the book, talk about the book through a simple question and answer session, and encourage young readers by showcasing other picture books on the month's topic!

*Please note that parents/caregivers must be present during the discussion so that they can interact with their children during this early learning/communication experience. 

Limit 8 children with caregivers. 

Registration for this book club begins in the fall. 

Pretty As A Picture: An Illustrated Year: 2012 Picture Book Reading Challenge Hosted by An Abundance of Books

I’m taking this challenge partly because I’m  the lap-sit, toddler, and Preschool storytime lady, but also because of my slightly maniacal obsession with picture books. 

You will often find me behind a mile high stack of  these glorious and captivating volumes as I peruse their pages for the perfect stories for my storytime children as well as my own personal enjoyment. 

There is something so quaint and magical about a books filled with stories of talking animals, silly sayings, and whimsical drawings. They bring you back to the days when any dream was possible and all problems could be solved by an ice cream cone or your mother’s soothing voice. 

I have pledged to read 24 picture books (level 3) within the year in the an Illustrated Year 2012 Picture Book Challenge. 

Here are the rules for the challenge below: 

The Details

• Timeline: January 1, 2012- December 31, 2012
• Select your level:

                     Level 1 - Read 12 picture books

                     Level 2 - Read 16 picture books

                     Level 3 - Read 24 picture books

• You don't have to select your books ahead of time, you can just add them as you go.  If you do list your books in the beginning, you can always change them later on.
• Crossovers with other challenges count.
• Digital books count
• Re-reads count as long as you read them in 2012 and you post a new review for the book.
• You can join anytime

Source: http://anabundanceofbooks.blogspot.com/2011/12/sign-up-illustrated-year-2012-picture.html

Is Everyone Ready for Fun? by Jan Thomas 

 Picture Book

 JE Thomas (New Picture Books Shelf) 

 Publication Date: 2011 

Who isn't ready for fun? that's all I have to say. 

Little ones will squiggle and squirm reading this laugh out loud barnyard animal romp about three cows who are having quite a jolly time moving and  grooving on Chicken's sofa. 

Toddlers and preschoolers will enjoy mimicking the simple gross motor movements as you read the story such as jumping and dancing. Jan Thomas's graphic novel/comic book-style word balloons add a touch of whimsy to this funny and charming picture book. 




Hedgehug: A Sharp Lesson in Love by Benn Sutton 

 Picture Book 

 JE Sutton (New Picture Books Shelf) 

 Publication Date: 2011

This book's awww factor is cranked up to maximum capacity as readers meet Hedgehug, a prickly and too-cute-to be-believed hedgehog in search of love. 

Hedgehug is on a mission to find love as he toddles out of his burrow and marches through the forest toting his homemade valentine and listening to the bathump of his heart. 


Will Hedgehug find the love of his life or is he looking for love in all the wrong places?


Read Hedgehug: A Sharp Lesson in Love to learn that sometimes love can be quite prickly, but where there's a quill there has to be a way. 


I give this story 2 hearts up!

Blue Chicken by Deborah Freedman

Picture Book
JE Freedman (New Picture Books Shelf)

Publication Date: 2011

Blue, Blue, who's blue? It's chicken that's who! Blue Chicken is a quacky, wacky story about a snowy white chicken who magically jumps out of a painting to help paint the picture's barn blue.

A paint-tastrophy ensues as the well-meaning chicken knocks over a glass of sky blue paint turning all the animals on the farm blue!

Chicken quickly snaps into action and courageously saves the day with his ingenious plan.

What's the plan you say? Come on over and check out the book Blue Chicken by Deborah Freedman to find out!

Freedman's use of flamboyant colors and bold font will draw children to this sensational and delightful picture book.

The Friendship Wish by Elisa Kleven

Picture Book

JE Kleven (New Picture Books Shelf)

Publication Date: 2011

Who doesn't dream of the perfect friend, just maybe not one as shimmery and sparkly as The Friendship Fairy! In the story, you will meet Farley, who is looking for a dog-gone good friend. Unfortunately, as Farley searches for that special friendship all his neighbors seem way too busy with their own activities than having him join in.


One night, Farley dreams of a beautiful, magical "Friendship Fairy" who did all the wonderful things Farley enjoys doing with his friends including playing the guitar, singing, and being fed pancakes. Watch as magical events unfold in Farley's life after the visit from this majestic lady. 



Yuck! That's Not a Monster by Angela McAllister
Picture Book
JE McAllister
Publication Date: 2010

The story begins as Mr. and Mrs. Monster excitedly wait for their gruesome young as they hatch from their eggs. They glow with pride when they see that two of their children, aptly named Frightful and Horrid, live up to their full expectations of ugliness.

Unfortunately, their third little monster, who hatches from their bounty of eggs, is an  insanely adorable, sickeningly cute, little bundle of tufted pink fur, which they name Little Shock. He receives this moniker because it is such a shock that two very ugly monsters could create such cuteness.

Little Shock's sweet-natured ways and cutesy appearance just might pay off during a particularly scary event in the woods that will leave little ones gripping their seats at the sheer suspense of it all.

I loved this book and the glorious artwork which will captivate a very young and wiggly audience such as preschoolers. Illustrator Alison Edgson hits the mark with her sharp details and spot-on shadowing and shading which adds beauty as well as interest to the story. The rendering of Little Shock's sweet face will leave readers swooning. Well done!

Peanut Butter and Jellyfishes: A Very Silly Alphabet Book by Brian P. Cleary

ABC Concept Book

JE Cleary

Publication Date: 2007

This stunningly beautiful ABC picture book is a cheery feast for the eyes and wistful tongue-in-cheek delight to the ears. Children will surely become fascinated with the brilliant, soft and aw-inducing illustrations of flamingo hairstylists to kissing kangaroos that decorate it's pages.

The language in the book will introduce young readers to words such as Quail and Wallaby which will definitely induce fits of giggles to all-out laugh-out-loud snorts of glee. Kids will also enjoy a "letter hunt" as they search the pages for the hidden letters being read about on the book's pages.

I may be an adult, but after reading this book I know I certainly want a second helping of Peanut Butter and Jellyfishes!

Dog In Boots by Greg Gormley
Picture Book 

JE Gormley
Publication Date: 2011

Dog has quite a footwear dilemma ahead of him after he reads the classic children's storybook, Puss In Boots.

He must have a pair of beautiful, bodacious boots to parade around in during his daily doings.

So this passionate pooch sets off to the shoe store and tries on a brilliant pair of black, buckled boots which he immediately buys.

Unfortunately, he finds out that while these boots are perfectly polished they're not appropriate for rough and tumble bone digging, so he decides to ditch them and get himself a pair of boots that are up for the task.

The salesman suggests a rubbery pair of canary-yellow boots which will definitely suit dog's dirty mission.

Unfortunately, they don't do the job for another favorite pastime: swimming. So off again strides the pup to the shoe store to find just the right shoe to mend this irksome quandary.

Will our canine friend find that perfect shoe? Find out by reading this delightful story that grabs readers with its sweet storyline, light and fluffy illustrations, and a surprising ending, and  winsome spirit.




Jammy Dance by Rebecca Janni 
Picture Book (New Picture Book Shelf) 
JE Janni 
Publication Date: 2012 


It's time to cha-cha in your footie p.j.s and waltz in your nightgown over to your favorite reading spot to listen to this spirited bedtime story. 


It's off to bed for two boisterous p.j. clad siblings who bust-a-move during their nightly bedtime routine. 


This dance fest includes a bubbly bath, combing out some tangly tresses, brushing those pearly whites, and getting ready to listen to a magical fairy tale. 


Rebecca Janni expertly describes the daily "dance" with lively poetic print which preschoolers will adore. 


Illustrator Tracy Dockary's blissful illustrations illuminate the child-like quality of the text. 


Her painstakingly joyful renderings make the reader want to join in on the bedtime bash. 


Some other picture book faves that I have reviewed can be found by clicking on this link: 
http://oakbrookpubliclibraryblog.blogspot.com/2012/03/something-new-miss-jennifers-favorite.html 


These books include:

Dancing with the Dinosaurs by Jane Clarke


 Limelight Larry by Leigh Hodgkinson,


All Kinds of Kisses by Nancy Tafuri


Reaching by Judy Ann Sadler


Strega Nonna's Gift by Tomie DePaola


Miss Jennifer's Picture Book Parade Pick

Scary Mary by Paula Bowles                                
 Picture Book (New Picture Book Shelf) 
JE Bowles
Publication Date: 2012


Scary Mary is quite a curmudgeonly hen who "vants to be alone" at all times. There is no budging no matter how hard the other farm animals try to persuade this persnickety poultry to play with them. 


She rules the barnyard and makes it perfectly clear to all the animals that she is not a "chick" to be messed with. 


In order to cull the other animal's kindly actions, Scary Mary puts up all types of roadblocks including signs and a very foreboding-looking fort. 


To Scary Mary's chagrin, these precautionary measure arouse even more interest in the friendly livestock. Everyone wants to play!


Scary Mary gets her feathers in a twist and her explosive temper scares the other animals away. 


Will Scary Mary enjoy her "me" time or find out being alone isn't all it's cracked up to be? 


Read this charming tale which illustrates the importance of pro-social behavior and the true meaning of friendship. 


Children will enjoy the carefree renderings of sweet-faced farm animals and the bold use of primary colors which make this a true picture book gem. 


I give this story 2 eggs" up! 

Lola Reads to Leo by Anna McQuinn

Picture Book (New Picture Book Shelf)

JE McQuinn

Publication Date: 2012

Lola and her parents are getting ready for a bundle of joy. The family reads books, prepares the home for the little ones needs and finally the day arrives: Lola is a big sister. Lola loves being a big sis and decides she can help him stop crying whether it be for tiredness or a clean diaper.

This wholesome tale can be easily incorporated into a talk about becoming a big sister or brother for parents and simplifies the needs of infants to young children.

Simple words and pictures give the story a compelling aura into  the love of a family.