GROOVY JOE

Such a fun picture book to share with young children and the illustrations by Tom Lichentenfeld will make readers want to get up and move too- adding to the simple message of including others so that the fun can be enjoyed by all.

Eric Litwin has done it again!  He’s written another awesome story. First, it was Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes and now it’s this rockin’ and rollin’ story called Groovy Joe: Dance Party Countdown. Groovy Joe, too, steps to the beat of his own ‘drum’ (actually to a guitar) and here he uses numbers and a catchy tune to entice the reader. Groovy Joe will show readers that when it comes to numbers and parties, there’s always room to add more.

For ages 3-8

DINOSAUR PARTY!

Imagine receiving an invitation to a dinosaur's party. How exciting, right? A young boy attends a dinosaur party and for the most part he has a great time, with the exception of one dinosaur who tries to grill him and a T-Rex who chases him. Luckily he makes it home safely only to find out he accidentally took the wrong party bag.  

The Dinosaurs Are Having a Party by Gareth P. Jones, illustrations by Garry Parsons, is a wonderfully written picture book.  With beautiful, bright illustrations and rhyming story, this would be a great read aloud for a preschool audience.

BEST FRIENDS FOREVER

From Children’s Librarian, Kristine Markosyan at the Adams Square & Pacific Park Branch Libraries


I Don’t Want to Be a Pea! by Ann Bonweill, with illustrations by Simon Rickerty, is a wonderful story about friendship and the importance of compromise.


After being invited to a Dress-up Party, Hugo the Hippo and Bella the Bird have a difficult time agreeing on their costumes. While Hugo suggests they dress up as the theme of the Princess and the Pea—Hugo being the princess and Bella as the pea—Bella does not “want to be a pea.” She would rather have a Cinderella costume theme. Bella would be the princess and Hugo would be the pumpkin. Hugo does not want to be a pumpkin. He would rather be something else. When one friend makes a suggestion, the other opposes and makes their own suggestions. They cannot seem to agree on their costumes, but with the party that evening, will they finally come to a compromise? Or will this be the end of their friendship?

Readers are able to distinguish between the two characters because the dialogue is written in two different fonts. The illustrator does a fantastic job at bringing the characters to life. This would be a wonderful read-aloud for ages two and up.

BIRTHDAY IN THE BARRIO/CUMPLEAÑOS EN EL BARRIO

This story is about a girl's “quinces”, which is her fifteenth birthday and it represents her entrance into womanhood.

Lazarita is turning 15 and she wants a special quinces party. Unfortunately her father is unemployed so she cannot have a big celebration. On the other hand, Chavi her friend in her Cuban-American community tries to find a way to throw a birthday party for her. Imagine her surprise when all her friends join in and with the help of the community members and the mayor in order to throw a block party in her honor.

Bright and humorous illustrations. This book illustrates the power of friendship and perseverance. Grades 1-2, Ages 6-7 Written by Mayra L. Dole, illustrations by Tonel.