A LESSON LEARNED

Chuck befriends Scooter the squirrel who is a great artist and baker who now outshines him as the best in the forest. Chuck is not so happy with his new friend or himself once he realizes how badly he's behaved.  With the help of his many forest friends, Chuck gets a reality check and they help him to see his talent and joy in making art.

A well written story for those almost ready to start reading a chapter book solo or a great family read aloud. What's Up, Chuck? by Leo Landry is a sweet tale of morality. 

For 1st through 3rd graders.

THE CASE OF SQUIRREL'S STOLEN NUTS

Frog is a detective who lives at the police station deep in the forest. He is wise and patient but Squirrel is the opposite right now because someone has stolen his nuts.  When Mouse is caught and admits to stealing just one nut because she was very hungry, Frog realizes there is still another nut thief still out there.  

The First Case by Ulf Nilsson is a very sweet and gentle detective story set in a wintery forest that's great for beginning chapter book readers. For readers in grades 2-4.  

ANOTHER FROG READER SERIES

Long time author, Eve Bunting's new beginning reader series about Frog and his friends is fun and bright.  In Frog Saves the Day, there's a new animal coming through the forest.  It's loud, big and it eats people.  You can see all the people inside that it has eaten, though frightened,  the forest animals feel very safe that it at least doesn't eat animals .  

During a fun day of picnicking, possum Baby Five falls in the river and who comes to the rescue, but Frog, the hero.

For beginning readers in K-2nd grades who want some fun adventurous reading. 

PERFECT GIFT

It is Valentine’s Day and Jasper does not have a gift for his lovely wife, Lily.  He visits his friends in hopes of finding the perfect gift.  Each of his friends has prepared a gift that is unique to their significant other.  His frog friend Miriam prepared chocolate-covered flies for her husband.  While Teagon wanted to prepare a rabbit stew for his vixen, which required an actual rabbit.  Will Jasper make it home safely to his Valentine with a special gift?  Or will he become an ingredient in fox’s Valentine’s day gift?

Snowy Valentine by David Petersen is a delightful story with beautiful illustrations.  It is a great read-a-loud for Valentine’s Day.  For grades kindergarten and up.

VALENTINE'S DAY

From Children's Librarian, Vivian at the Casa Verdugo Branch:

Snowy Valentine by David Petersen
 
Jasper is in search of the best Valentine’s Day gift for his wife.  He walks through the forest and stops to visit the other animal neighbors for ideas.  Although he encounters a near fatal situation, he goes home with the best gift of all.  A lovely picture book that shows that thoughts and actions are better than any object in hand.