A MATTER OF PERSPECTIVE

"The cat walked through the world, with its whiskers, ears, and paws..." So begins author-illustrator Brendan Wenzel's newly-awarded Caldecott Honor Book, They All Saw a Cat. While most readers can conjure up a pretty standard image of a black cat, this thought-provoking and innovative picture book makes clear that even something as uniform as that image is still in the eye of its beholder. 

Though the book features simple, streamlined language, it is in the clever and inventive art (which even uses different materials and techniques depending on the page) where the true heart of the story lies. As the cat strolls from page to page, a child, a dog, a mouse, a snake, a bat, and many other animals along the way, each see him very differently, and the fluctuating representation of the black cat--on one page a fierce predator and on another as plump and docile prey, for example--allows the reader a glimpse of the subject from another animal's perspective. 

Even with the concise text, the ideas examined are complex, making this title a good pick for sharing on different levels with preschoolers through second graders. Furthermore, this book would make an engaging introduction to point-of-view and seeing the world through one another's eyes. 

A TREAT FOR ANY SEASON

When Green Becomes Tomatoes: Poems for All Seasons, by Julie Fogliano and illustrated by Julie Morstad, is nothing but a pure delight. The poems, grouped by season from spring to winter, focus on small moments of the day in perfectly childlike yet lyrically evocative language. Be it getting rain boots soggy, eating peanut butter sandwiches at the beach, watching the last leaf fall from a tree, or sitting by the fire on a cozy snow day, Fogliano finds innovative new ways to relate these universal experiences through the lens of childhood wonder with a striking economy of language. 

Meanwhile, Morstad's lovely goache-and-pencil-crayon illustrations perfectly compliment the simple yet charming words, showcasing a diverse cast of children experiencing all the earthly pleasures each season has to offer. 

This makes a perfect book to share with preschoolers through second graders, no matter the date on the calendar. 

TOYS' DAY OUT... IN THE SNOW!

The delightful characters of Emily Jenkins's beloved Toys Go Out chapter book series are back in a wintertime picture book adventure for a younger new audience. Lumphy the stuffed buffalo, StingRay the plush sting ray, and Plastic the rubber ball encounter all the wonder of a snowy day for the first time in Toys Meet Snow when their little girl has left them at home during her winter vacation. They try to get to the bottom of what snow is exactly--is it frozen water? or a "blanket of peace over the world"?--by catching snowflakes, building snowmen, and making angels in the snow. 

Paul O. Zelinsky's  captivating illustrations shine in this bold color format, and Jenkins's poetic and gently humorous text makes a seamless transition from chapter book to picture book. This sweet and whimsical story will warm the hearts of readers of all ages, but particularly the preschool to second grade set. 

NIGHT ANIMALS ON THE PROWL

Shhhhh! Look out for the Night Animals! All the creatures of the night come out to play in this fun and clever book from talented author-illustrator Gianna Marino. Skunk, possum, wolf, and bear are all seeking refuge from the creepy night animals they fear are lurking and chasing after them in the darkness. But what could be bigger than a bear or scarier than a wolf? These animals, along with their captivated readers, are in for a humorous surprise when they discover just who the titular night animals really are. 

The engaging text and boisterous artwork make this an amusing picture book introduction to nocturnal animals, perfect to share with preschoolers to second graders. 

CLANK, BLUB, BUZZ, SPLASH

“The Wimbledons were sleeping. It was very, very late, when Wilma heard a spooky sound, which made her sit up straight.”


If you’ve ever had a dog (or lived next door to one) you might not be surprised to hear late-night barking. For the sleeping Wimbledon family, however, their pet’s soulful howling is only the first of a series of increasingly bizarre circumstances that continue to disrupt their sleep. As clanking, blubbing, buzzing, and splashy noises echo through the night, the Wimbledon children file into their parents’ bedroom one by one. Little Wendy is followed by Willie, who is even later followed by Wanda and Wylie in turn. 
As the book title suggests, Mr. Wimbledon dismisses his family’s escalating concerns after each investigation with a blithe “It’s only Stanley…” Meanwhile, Stanley is revealed to be a dog of many talents as he switches from allegedly “fixing the oil tank” to “making catfish stew.” Walter’s interpretations predictably miss the mark. As for Stanley’s true intent, let’s say it rhymes with “KABOOM.”
In It’s Only Stanley, Jon Agee has created a humorous, noisy picture book mystery. With even rhythm and rhyming, it’s a lovely book to share with a group or one-on-one. Best appreciated by preschoolers and older.

THE FARMER'S AWAY!

When the farmer is away, the farm animals are set to have some fun!  From enjoying a casual ride down the river to having picnics and dances, the animals are elated to roam about and be free.  But when the farmer heads back to the barn at sunset, the animals must act quickly and get back to doing the things farm animals usually do. 

In her colored pencil and acrylic ink, Anne Vittur Kennedy masterfully paints rollicking scenes.  One can't miss the sheer joy the animals feel.  Although the text is sparse and colored with animals sounds, the story conveys joy, and the illustrations quickly fill this book with the kind of fun readers will want to enjoy over and over again and find new things to laugh about.

GOODNIGHT ALREADY!

Bear is exhausted and he's ready to cuddle up in his cozy bed and hug his stuffed bunny until he falls into a peaceful slumber. (Bear is so adorable I just want to tuck him into bed myself!)  Duck, Bear's neighbor, on the other hand, is wide awake and wants to STAY awake.  He thinks up a number of activities that they can do together.  Bear kindly refuses, but, as he grows more tired, his impatience grows.  Eventually he chooses words that get Duck to listen.  Will Bear now enjoy a long slumber or will he actually try out some of Duck's ideas?  

Along with Jory John's humorous dialog, Benji Davies' illustrations adds the right touch to this bedtime story. From the start, readers will just want to tuck Bear into bed.  For adults and children, Pre-K to 2nd, to enjoy together.

CLICK, CLACK, PEEP!

The animals on Farmer Brown's farm eagerly wait for the new addition to the family.  After all, it's been much too quiet on the farm lately.  With an egg cracking here and an egg cracking there, a new baby duck finally arrives!  The animals are elated to have such a cute duckling on the farm.  But they quickly learn how energetic and vivacious a little duck can be, especially when they try to help it settle down for some quiet time. The cows and sheep think of ways to lull this baby duck to sleep, but their efforts fall short.  The one and only Duck thinks of a plan that will leave Farmer Brown speechless and many readers of this feathery tale wanting more.

Doreen Cronin & Betsy Lewin team up again for another humorous adventure that will leave readers wanted more of their stories.  Click, Clack, Peep! will surely be a fun read for children K-2nd grade.

MR. FRANK'S CRAFT

Mr. Frank is a tailor whose career spans over sixty years.  People have worn his pieces during war torn years. Others have enjoyed his craftsmanship during the most exciting eras, when fashion trends were bright and eccentric.  He certainly has made the most exciting pieces!  When Mr. Frank is about to close his shop permanently, he receives a request and is determined to make this last piece the best one ever.

Mr. Frank by author/illustrator Irene Luxbacher is portrayed with such sweetness and shows that he is a master of his craft.  Mr. Frank is a piece of work that resonates with love.  

For families and teachers to enjoy with children ages 5 and up.

TROUBLEMAKERS

A young boy loves to imagine that he and his stuffed animal are pirates.  One day, he runs out of props for his adventures and decides to sneak off with his sister's toy.  She is not pleased, and a cat and mouse chase soon follows.  He eventually gets disciplined for his actions, but he quickly notices that something is amiss.  Different toys start to disappear, including HIS favorite stuffed toy.  If it is not the young boy who is taking the toys then who can the troublemaker be?

Lauren Castillo's The Troublemaker is a simple story about a boy who learns the value of sharing and compassion.  Ms. Castillo's pen and ink are well matched with this story, which promises to delight young children.  

For Pre-K-2nd grade.

DIXIE WANTS AN ALLERGY

While getting to know her classmates on the first day of school, Dixie discovers that many of the students in class have allergies to a variety of things- peanuts, wheat, or eggs.  When Dixie hears of the special things that are offered to her classmates because of their allergies, she wishes that she was allergic to something too.  She eagerly seeks things that might cause her to have an allergic reaction, but nothing seems to work!  When she finally comes across something that does cause a reaction, she quickly becomes ill and regrets that she wished for an allergy to begin with.

Tori Corn wonderfully addresses the subject of children's allergies in this story.  Although some children are treated differently due to their allergies, others can quickly learn that it is for a very good reason- not just for special attention.  A fun book for adults and children to share together.  

For PreK-2nd grade.

WHEN ELEPHANT MET GIRAFFE

When Elephant visits the water hole, he is excited to hang out and have a conversation with Giraffe.  But Giraffe never responds. Uncertain of his behavior, Elephant decides to read a book about giraffes.  As a result of his patience and curiosity, Elephant comes to understand why Giraffe doesn't say a word. 

In a series of episodes, Paul Gude's lovely picture book vibrantly illustrates how friends can still be friends even though there may be distinct differences between them.  

For all ages.

JACOB'S NEW DRESS

Jacob loves to swing on the monkey bars, race toy cars, and play with dinosaurs. One of his favorite areas in the room is the dress-up corner, where he tries on different outfits.  He enjoys it so much that he requests to wear a similar outfit the next day. Although he is teased and bullied, his parents and teacher offer much support, love, and honor his curiosity and creativity. 

Sarah and Ian Hoffman offer a gentle story about a boy who wants to wear clothes outside the norm.  By doing so they thoughtfully address the topic of gender non-conformity in this picture book story. 

For families and educators to share with children Pre-K to 2nd grade.

Books About Bullying- BULLY BY LAURA VACCARO SEEGER

 Bully the Bull's feelings are hurt when he is asked to GO AWAY!  Not realizing he might have pent up feelings from being yelled at, he begins to mistreat others by yelling at them, name calling, and glaring. When one of the animals stands up to Bully, Bully is shocked and dismayed.  What will Bully the Bull do next?  A simple, yet powerful message about  bullying and how  hurtful it can be to others. 

Best for Pre-K and up, and for adults and children to read and discuss together.