Children's Book Saturday "I Like Old Clothes" By: Mary Ann Hoberman

"I Like Old Clothes"

By: Mary Ann Hoberman

Synopsis:

I like old clothes, / Hand-me-down clothes, / Worn outgrown clothes, / Not-my-own clothes. . . . Originally published by Knopf in 1976 (with illustrations by Jacqueline Chwast), this poem-an exuberant celebration of hand-me-down clothes-is just as relevant and accessible today as it was over 30 years ago. Children's Poet Laureate Mary Ann Hoberman offers a bouncy, fun-to-read-aloud text and a refreshingly agreeable, resourceful protagonist who likes old clothes for their "history" and "mystery." Illustrator Patrice Barton brings new, contemporary life to the poem, with an adorable little girl and her younger brother playing dress-up, making crafts, and happily treasuring their hand-me-downs.

My Thoughts: 

        An incredibly cute, whimsical story about a little girl loving clothing and the adventures they've had, "I Like Old Clothes" is a great story that I simply loved. With a simple verse that is easy to read, the reader takes an adventure entirely through clothes. Interesting and imaginative, you actually smile as you read about where the used clothes have been and what they've been doing.
      When I finished the story, I immediately thought of the book as an adventure book - you never knew where you would end up. Through the book she's a soldier, a fancy lady, and even a wild child with a dress and a party hat. Each trip is entirely told through imagination, which makes the story a little more magical. "When I wear them, Then I say, "Clothes, I wonder who wore you before you were mine? Was she light-haired or dark-haired, seven or nine? Did you make her look awful or make her look fine?" (I Like Old Clothes)
       The illustrations are done by Patrice Barton, who also has illustrated titles such as "Mine" by Shutta Crum, "The Looking Book" by P.K. Hallinan, and "Sweet Moon Baby" By: Karen H. Clark . Most of the colors are muted and calming. A sense of whimsy and fun are infused within each illustration. Time and care was taken in these paintings, you can feel the love in each brush stroke.
      "I Like Old Clothes" is a wonderful read aloud book for children. Groups or one-on-one, it doesn't matter. The story and the illustrations work wonderfully together to leave one feeling happy when finished. Probably not best for the pre-school crowd, I think I would share this one with Kindergarten and up. A wonderful combination of a great story and wonderful pictures, "I Like Old Clothes" is sure to be a favorite with many children.

Book Details

Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers

Date of Publication: August 14, 2012

# of Pages: 32

ISBN: 978-0375869518

Children's Book Saturday "Dog Loves Drawing" By: Louise Yates

"Dog Loves Drawing"

By: Louise Yates

Synopsis from Amazon:

Dog loves books, but one day he receives a strange one in the mail—it's blank! Soon, Dog realizes that this book is not for reading, but for drawing. Before long, Dog is doodling and drawing himself into a new world, full of friends and surprises.

My Thoughts:

      Who doesn't love a book about a dog who loves books? This adorable book shares the story of a dog who owns a book store. He's so surprised to find in the mail one day, a book...with no words! A whole book just filled with blank pages. Well, turns out this blank book is a drawing book just ready for Dog's imagination.

      The story and the drawings from this book are impressive. The story is cute, complete with drawing a ship to take you to an island where you meet a monster, but you quickly draw a door with a chain to keep that mean old monster out. The drawings are exquisite, honestly looking like the scribblings of a child, only done really well. They appeal to me as an adult and will easily appeal to children who love to draw. 

      All in all, "Dog Loves Drawing" is a really cute story. For Librarians, this book probably wouldn't be the best read aloud with a large group. I think much of the story relies on the pictures. This book will be great for parents reading with little ones who have the time to digest the illustrations. Great story that makes you look forward to seeing what else Louise Yates will come out with!

For more information or see what upcoming books she has up her sleeve, check out her website! 

I received this e-book in exchange for an honest opinion from Edelweiss.

Book Details

Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers

Date of Publication: August 14, 2012

# of Pages: 32

ISBN: 978-0375870675

Children's Book Saturday "Day By Day" By: Susan Gal

"Day By Day"

By: Susan Gal

Synopsis:

Susan Gal offers a heartwarming tale of old-fashioned goodness. The industrious pigs of Day by Day build a home, plant a garden, help their neighbors, and then gather in a harvest grown with hard work and kindness.  The language is sweet and simple: Day by day, the seasons turn. Shoulder to shoulder, pigs gather the harvest. Hand in hand, pigs give thanks, then cheek to cheek, they dance. The artwork is bright and full of the merry antics of a happy family and a tight-knit community.  And these pigs are flat out adorable! This delightful story celebrates family and community, caring and sharing.

My Thoughts:
     As you probably know by now, I'm a librarian of a small library in the middle of Missouri. I'm not a children's librarian, I'm actually the Teen/Adult Librarian, but I absolutely love to read the picture books as they come in. As with everything, some are better than others...but "Day by Day" is an amazing example of what is best in the genre of children's books.
     This lovely story revolves around a tale about pigs. It has a very 1920's feel to it, From the way the art is created and even in what the pigs are wearing. The text is very basic yet conveys a cute, folksy tale of pigs spending time together...dancing, partying, and then going home to sleep. Great for a read aloud, I think this book would be excellent for one on one readings as well. There is such detail in the illustrations, its truly amazing. I can't say enough nice things about this simple, lovely story that makes you think of summer days and lazy afternoons with friends. 

Check out Susan Gal's other books 

Book Details

Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers

Date of Publication: July 10, 2012

# of Pages: 40

ISBN: 978-0375869594

"Day by Day" was sent to me for the purpose of an honest review from Edelweiss.

Children's Book Saturday: "A Song for My Sister" By: Lesley Simpson

"A Song for My Sister"

By: Lesley Simpson

Illustrated by: Tatjana Mai-Wyss

Synopsis from Amazon:

WAAAAA!  When Mira's wish for a sister at long last comes true, she's thrilled—but the new baby isn't exactly what she expected. Who knew someone so little could make so much noise! No matter what Mira or her parents do to soothe or amuse her, the baby's reaction is . . . WAAAAA!

On the day of her simchat bat, her Jewish naming ceremony, the baby cries--as usual! That is, until Mira steps close to offer her own special gift and the inspiration for her parents' choice of the perfect name. 

My Thoughts:
      As I read this book, I enjoyed it. By the end, I had a tear in my eye, it's that sweet. So be prepared when you pick it up, it's a cute, lovely picture book that may make you shed a tear.
     Mira wishes for a little sister at the beginning of "A Song for My Sister," yet when the wish comes true, it doesn't seem to be everything she hoped for. All the little baby does is cry, cry, cry. Finally it comes time to name the baby and Mira's parents have no idea what to call her. It isn't until Mira begins to sing to the baby that she actually stops crying and so, they name the new baby Shira or "song."
     Isn't that the sweetest idea ever for a book? I loved this book on so many levels. First, the family in the story is Jewish. Very few picture books focus on Jewish families and so this is a nice addition. Lots of families add babies and there is always that hard adjustment period and this book highlights that adjustment. Great for new siblings and dealing with pesky new sisters. Even with all that going for it, its an adorable story with wonderful illustrations. Well done all around, I think this will appeal to a wide range of young readers over a wide range of cultures. Well done! 

Book Details

Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers

Date of Publication: June 26, 2012

# of Pages: 32

ISBN: 978-1582464275

For more information on titles by Lesley Simpson, check out her website at http://www.lesleysimpson.ca/

I received this picture book from Edelweiss and am making an honest review of the title from my own perspective.

Children's Book Saturday "Small Bunny's Blue Blanket" By: Tatyana Feeney

"Small Bunny's Blue Blanket"

By: Tatyana Feeney

Synopsis from Amazon:

Small Bunny does everything with Blue Blanket. Blue Blanket helps him paint the best pictures, go the highest on the swings, and read the hardest words. They need each other. But one day, Small Bunny's mother insists Blue Blanket needs to be washed.She says Blue Blanket will be as good as new after. But Bunny isn't sure he likes new. Will his friend ever be the same?

My Thoughts:
     With simple drawings, a simple story, and simple colors, Tatyana Feeney will bring a smile to your face as you read "Small Bunny's Blue Blanket." The entire book is done in blue and black tones, which is strangely appealing. The drawings are simple, yet there is a wealth of meaning in the simple lined drawings. I can't say enough nice things about this book, but the true gem is in the writing.
      The Bunny from the story is cute, sweet, and appeals to toddlers and younger children. Easy to read for a read-aloud, I loved the idea of having a favorite blanket. The bunny drags the blanket through life, taking it everywhere. You can't help but smile when Mom takes the blanket away from bunny to wash - he is definitely disgruntled. This is one of the cutest stories I've read in a long time; a great picture book for story times! 

To see examples of Tatyana Feeney's artwork and to find out more about the author,

 check out her website at www.tatyanafeeney.com

I received this as e-book in exchange for an honest review from Edelweiss.

Book Details

Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers

Date of Publication: June 12, 2012

# of Pages: 32

ISBN: 978-0375870873

Children's Book Saturday: "Farmyard Beat" By: Lindsey Craig

 

"Farmyard Beat"

Written by: Lindsey Craig

Illustrated by: Marc Brown

Synopsis from Amazon:

As soon as the sun goes down, the animals are up! ("Sheep can't sleep. Sheep can't sleep. Sheep can't sleep 'cause they got that beat!") Before long, there's a giant farmyard dance party, complete with funny animal sounds. But what happens when all the racket wakes up Farmer Sue? Here's a colorful bedtime story that begs to be read aloud. 

My Thoughts:
      A cute book that can read like a song, “Farmyard Beat” will definitely be used at my library for story time! The book tells the tale of different farmyard animals as they dance because they have that 'beat.' A simple story, yet the flow of the story makes you bob your head, smile, and groove. This book is a great read aloud that will easily encourage interaction with children as they make the noises the animals make and dance along. Beyond being a fun story to read, the illustrations are pieces of paper painted and cut. An excellent book that I can't wait to hold in my hands, “Farmyard Beat” is perfect for toddlers and pre-schoolers.

I received this book from Edelweiss in order to give a fair and honest review of the material.

Book Details

Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers

Date of Publication: June 14, 2012

# of Pages: 32

ISBN: 978-0375864551

Children's Book Saturday - "Do Super Heroes Have Teddy Bears?"

"Do Super Heroes Have Teddy Bears?"

By: Carmela LaVigna Coyle

Illustrated by: Mike Gordon

Synopsis from Amazon:

Follow along as two ragtag, everyday super heroes don capes to play in the mud, save their stuffed animals from certain peril, conquer the vegetables at dinner, and overcome darkness at night.Are super heroes always brave and daring?We’re brave and bold and kind and caring.After five successful books in the “Princesses” series, Carmela LaVigna Coyle now turns her attention to an all new childhood fantasy in this wonderful new story about imagination and play. Every little boy and girl has a super hero somewhere inside just waiting to come out. Tie on your cape (blankies recommended) and join the adventure.P.S. Do super heroes have teddy bears? Why, yes, they do!

My Thoughts:

     This is one of the most fabulous, be who you are because you are awesome, books I have ever read! That's a mouthful, but you know what I mean. This book encapsulates the meaning of being true to yourself, because yourself is pretty cool. The illustrations and the text are incredibly funny and I can see this book easily becoming a cult classic.
      The book follows two children throughout their day and asks the reader, what does a true hero do? From brushing their teeth to eating vegetables, true super heroes have no problems with these tasks because that's what brave kids do! The very last page is perhaps my favorite, because it tells the reader to Be Your Own Hero...an idea which I absolutely love.
       The illustrations are whimsical and fit the story well. The colors are bold and really appeal to the reader. I loved this book more than I can express and can see all sorts of children loving it. It will appeal to all age ranges but probably would be best for Kindergarten-2nd Grade, but that's just my opinion. I can also see this book being good for a read aloud as the pictures add to the story, but the words and the sentiments are the basis. Great book you should order immediately! You're going to love it!

Book Details

Publisher: Taylor Trade Publishing

Date of Publication: May 16, 2012

# of Pages: 32

ISBN: 978-1589796935

Check out other titles by Carmela L. Coyle

Children's Book Saturday "Mine" By: Shutta Crum

"Mine"

Story By: Shutta Crum

Illustrated by: Patrice Barton

Synopsis from Amazon:

Have you ever had a toy you really really liked?  Have you ever had a lot of toys you really really liked?

Have you ever said "MINE!"?

If so, this book is for you!

Enjoy this adorable, playful, picture-based book about two very young children and an adorable dog navigating the troubles and triumphs of sharing.

My Thoughts:
     For a book that only has two words, "Mine" is a delightful telling of two siblings, their dog, and an argument over their toys. Of the two words, I bet you can't figure out which one plays an important role in the story! (Insert grin here!)
      It's a tale as old as time. Sharing. It isn't easy, it isn't fun, but we all must do it. In this tale by Shutta Crum, two siblings have to learn this lesson the hard way. When the baby reaches for a toy, the toddler grabs it away and tells him, "Mine!" The scene is repeated throughout the story until, as all good stories do, the story ends with a happy ending...the knowledge that sometimes sharing can be fun.
       A simple story, yet stunningly crafted, "Mine" is a great story for toddlers. It relates to children in an easy to understand, truly elemental way. One of my favorite illustrators out there, Patrice Barton, who is an amazing artist, brings the story to life. I thought it was adorable and can't wait to share it with the kids this summer at my library.

Images Copyrighted by the wise, wonderful, and talented Illustrator: Patrice Barton

Book Details

Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers

Date of Publication: June 14, 2011

# of Pages: 32

ISBN: 978-0375867118

Children's book Saturday "How to Babysit a Grandpa" By: Jean Reagan Review

 

"How to Babysit a Grandpa"

Written By: Jean Reagan

Illustrated By: Lee Wildish

Synopsis from Amazon:

This is a hilarious and accessible picture book about a child spending time with his grandpa. Written in a how-to style, the narrator gives important tips for "babysitting" a grandpa, including what to eat for snack (anything dipped in ketchup, ice cream topped with cookies, cookies topped with ice cream) what to do on a walk (find lizards and dandelion puffs, be on the lookout for puddles and sprinklers), and how to play with a grandpa (build a pirate cave, put on a scary play). 

Filled with humor, energy, and warmth, this is a great gift for or from a grandparent, and perfect for lap reading when Grandpa comes to visit! 

My Thoughts:
     Easily one of the cutest books I've read in a long time, “How to Babysit a Grandpa” is an instruction manual for children in the care of their Grandpa's. It highlights ways to entertain them, nap time, and foods they may enjoy. The story also gives tips on the care of grandpa's and even tells how to walk your Grandpa.

    The story is extremely entertaining and keeps you smiling the entire time. With tips like “How to Entertain a Grandpa: Somersault across the room, Put on a Scary Play, and Show off your muscles” children will enjoy it as well. Beyond being an insanely cute story, the illustrations are beyond sublime. With a homey feeling, you instantly fall in love with the little boy and with Grandpa. A wonderful story that will hit a note of nostalgia with everyone, I highly recommend this one to parents and librarians. I sure hope they have tips on Grandma’s next!

I received this book from Edelweiss in order to give a fair and honest review of the material. 

Book Details

Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers

Date of Publication: April 10, 2012

# of Pages: 32

ISBN: 978-0375867132

Children's Book Saturday: "Tumford the Terrible" By: Nancy Tillman Review

 

"Tumford the Terrible"

Written & Illustrated By: Nancy Tillman

Synopsis from Amazon:

Tumford isn’t really a terrible cat. He just has a way of finding mischief—tracking dirt into the house, knocking over breakable things, and disrupting fancy parties. But even though he feels bad, he has a hard time saying, “I’m sorry.” Will the fact that his owners love him, no matter what, help Tummy say the magic words? 

My Thoughts:
      “Tumford the Terrible” is a story about a cat named Tumford Stoutt who doesn't like to say sorry. He has a really great human family that makes him pies and takes him on vacation, but the one thing he can't do is say sorry when he does something wrong. Instead, he hides, which doesn't help anyone.
     Written in a rhyming prose, Tumford is an incredibly cute story with wonderful illustrations. While teaching a great lesson to children, they will enjoy the creative artwork. A great read aloud for children, I would suggest this story for the preschool age group.

Illustration from "Tumford the Terrible" By: Nancy Tillman 

My favorite quote:

“And so, there you go, that's the end of the story

of how Tumford Stoutt finally said he was sorry.

There aren't always cheers when he knocks over platters,

but he's always loved,

and that's all that matters.”

Illustration by: Nancy Tillman

Book Details

Publisher: Feiwel & Friends

Date of Publication: May 24, 2011

# of Pages: 32

ISBN: 978-0312368401

Children's Book Saturday "A Color Game for Chester Raccoon" By: Audrey Penn

"A Color Game for Chester Raccoon"

By: Audrey Penn

Synopsis from Amazon:

In this new Kissing Hand board book, Audrey Penn brings us more maternal wisdom to solve another of early childhood’s little issues. Whether on a trip, in a restaurant or a store, children can become bored and fussy. Chester’s Favorite Game provides an activity that will entertain young children anywhere -- finding things in many colors: White, blue, yellow, red, orange, brown, and black.

My Thoughts:
     Definitely geared towards a very young age group, "A Color Game for Chester Raccoon" is a delightful story about Chester learning his colors. Written in verse, Chester goes throughout his world pointing out animals who have certain colors. It's a really sweet story that teaches colors through real world situations. 
     I enjoyed the verse, but I simply did not care for the illustrations. They didn't seem finished to me and I kept feeling like the pencil markings should have been smoothed out. I'm sure that was the intention, yet I didn't like it at all. The story is great for teaching though, so don't let the illustrations throw you off too much. This would be a great read aloud and I can see children having fun interacting with the book.
      Audrey Penn is a prolific children's author who has many titles under her belt. For more information on other titles and upcoming books, check out her website at http://www.audreypenn.com/

The book "A Color Game for Chester Raccoon" was sent to me in return for an honest review from Netgalley. 

Book Details

Publisher: Tanglewood Press

Date of Publication: March 20, 2012

# of Pages: 14

ISBN: 978-1933718583

Children's Book Saturday: "Chicken, Pig, Cow's First Fight" By: Ruth Ohi Review

"Chicken, Pig, Cow's First Fight"

By: Ruth Ohi

Synopsis from Amazon:

Even best friends can have a fight.

My Thoughts:
     This is the tale of a little chicken, a small cow, and a teeny pig and their great big fight. This is a most peculiar little story and its hard not to like it. The premise of the story is that these three animals have a fight when Pig knocks over the blocks during playtime. He goes off to pout and eventually returns apologetic and everyone is happy once more.
     While the story is simple and easy to follow, I was still confused. I wasn't sure if the animals were truly animals or were supposed to be toys come to life. The presence of the blocks and their size kind of confused me. But, I think I may just be overthinking it! 
     The illustrations are sweet and the colors are comforting. The animals are drawn in such a way that you just want to cuddle with them, which I adored. I'm not sure this book would be a great read aloud in a library setting, but I think this would be ideal for a family reading.   Great for children who have conflicts and need a good conflict resolution strategy.

Illustration by Ruth Ohi from "Chicken, Pig, Cow's First Fight"

Book Details

Publisher: Annick Press

Date of Publication: January 19, 2012

# of Pages: 32

ISBN: 978-1554513703

Children's Book Saturday - "For Just One Day"

"For Just One Day"

By: Laura Leuck

Synopsis from Amazon:

What child hasn't pretended to be a monkey, a bear, or a bumblebee? Each page of this enchanting book encourages young readers to let their imaginations run wild, while gently reminding them that in the end, the best person to be is themselves. This charming combination of endearing images and memorable and humourous rhymes will keep children entranced, again and again. Laura Leuck is the author of several popular books, including "Jeepers Creepers: A Monstrous ABC", "Santa Claws", and "My Monster Mama Loves Me So". She lives in Florida. Marc Boutavant is an illustrator, graphic artist, and author of many popular titles including "Around the World with Mouk". He lives in Paris.

My Thoughts:

     I love stories about children becoming  their dreams, so when I first heard about this book, I was excited. I love that children believe they can just become anything they want to be, even if it is a bumble bee or a lion. "For Just One Day" is a sweet book great for children uncertain about their places in the world or with wild imaginations.
     The book follows several different children who imagine, what if? I think my favorite child is a short little guy with big ol' glasses. His poem goes: "For just one day, if I could dare, I'd be a growling grizzly...bear! I'd give my brother quite a scare, if I could be a grizzly bear."
      A great story about becoming what you want to be, I know it gave me confidence to get through my day. A cute and excellently executed book, I'd recommend it to anyone! Check it out at your local library, it's a good one! 

If I was a...porcupine!
Illustrated by: Marc Boutavant

Product Details

Publisher: Tate Gallery Publishing

Date of Publication: February 1, 2010

# of Pages: 32

ISBN: 978-1854379269

Children's Book Saturday - "The Terrible Plop"

"The Terrible Plop"

By: Ursula Dubosarsky

Synopsis from Amazon:

     In this uproarious update of a favorite story, an unexplained noise leads to pandemonium among the animals. The fox, the elephant, even the big brown bear prove no match for the Terrible Plop. Only the littlest bunny learns not to panic when the sky—or something else up there—is falling.     Bright, energetic illustrations and a lively rhyming text combine to make this a perfect read-aloud story for little ones needing assurance that plops in the day or bumps in the night aren’t as scary as they might seem.

My Thoughts: 
    Another Saturday morning, another children's book for me! I am pretty guilty of being a cover lover and this book is no exception. How can you not pick it up with that grumpy old bear on the cover? Seriously! 
     "The Terrible Plop" tells the story of some forest animals and a terrible noise that seems to be worrying everyone. They try to drink and suddenly a huge scary monster makes all kinds of noise and scares everyone. In the end its not a scary monster at all, but apples falling in the pond but its an awfully cute premise of a book with adorable pictures.

Page from "The Terrible Plop"
Illustrated by: Andrew Joyner

          I really enjoyed this book and thought it was cleverly created. The pictures are relate-able and funny while the story is engaging. I'm hoping to use this book this summer with some of my summer school activities at the library I work at. Very cute and an awesome read for everyone!

The last page of "The Terrible Plop" I love that rabbit!
Illustrated by: Andrew Joyner

Product Details

Publisher: Farror, Straus, and Giroux

Date of Publication: August 18, 2009

# of Pages: 40

ISBN: 978-0374374280

Children's Book Saturday - "Mudkin"

"Mudkin"

By: Stephen Gammell

Synopsis from Amazon:

When a girl playing pretend in the mud looks into a puddle, she conjures up something fantastic and ends up a queen.

My Thoughts:
      I hate to say anything bad about a children's book, because 1) I'm not a child, so not the intended audience and 2) there is just sooo much work that goes into these books between the stories and the illustrations...BUT, this may be the weirdest little children's book I have ever read!
     There are perhaps only 30 words in the entire book, so much of the book is told through the illustrations. While eerily interesting, its hard to follow the flow of the story or understand much of what is going on. I think a little mud being comes out of the ground and makes the girl his queen...but I'm not real sure. I think mud people come out to serve the mud royalty, but again, I really didn't understand it. Not a book for me and definitely not a good read aloud to children.   

Illustration from Lerner Books - Copyrighted by Stephen Gammell



Children's Book Saturday - "The Princess and the Pig"

"The Princess and the Pig"

By: Jonathan Emmett

Synopsis from Amazon:

There's been a terrible mix-up in the royal nursery. Priscilla the princess has accidentally switched places with Pigmella, the farmer's new piglet. The kindly farmer and his wife believe it's the work of a good witch, while the ill-tempered king and queen blame the bad witch-after all, this happens in fairy tales all the time! While Priscilla grows up on the farm, poor yet very happy, things don't turn out quite so well for Pigmella. Kissing a frog has done wonders before, but will it work for a pig?

 My Thoughts:
     Wow! I'm not a huge fan of Princess stories, but I loved the tongue in cheek references to other fairy tales. In this story, a princess and a pig trade places through a series of mishaps. The royal couple decides their daughter has been turned into a pig, and the farmer's family decide the pig has been turned into a child. So each family raises the opposite of what they originally start out with, often hilariously. The little girl turns out to be wise, smart and kind...while the pig who has been raised by the royal family, enjoys eating, tearing up things and being messy.
      The book talks about all sorts of other fairy tales that directly relate to this story. Thumbelina, The Prince and the Pauper, Sleeping Beauty, Puss in Boots, and The Frog Prince are all mentioned and directly related to within these pages. A great way to segway into other stories through the use of this princess fairy tale.

All illustrations are the Copyright of Polly Bernatene

      I would be remiss not to mention the great illustrations. The story is funny, but the pictures truly make the story magical. Even I, who hardly ever laughs out loud in a story, giggled while reading this book. A great book for young and old, I highly recommend picking this one up!



All illustrations Copyrighted by Polly Bernatene

Children's Book Saturday - "Friends All Aflutter"

"Owly & Wormy: Friends All Aflutter"

By: Andy Runton

Synopsis from Amazon.com:

Owly & Wormy want butterflies! But when they come home from Mrs. Raccoon's nursery with a milkweed plant that's supposed to attract some fluttering friends, what they get instead are chubby, green bugs.

Green bugs are NOT butterflies! Will butterflies ever come to the forest? Only time will tell...

My Thoughts:

     An incredibly cute book...told entirely through pictures. I rarely pick up a title that has no words, I prefer the pictures to wok in conjunction with the story. However, I loved the cover and just had to check this one out!

     The photos tell this story beautifully. The two main characters, Owly and Wormy, are looking to make some butterfly friends, so they go to purchase a plant that will bring the butterflies near. Instead they get two bugs and they slowly become friends. Suddenly, their new friends disappear and on the last pages of the book, it is revealed the bug friends are actually butterflies. 

Image used from the Junior Library Guild Website

     Aren't the photos great? This is one of my favorite images - check out how happy that caterpillar in the hat is chomping down on the plant. Incredle artwork and a funny story. Great for children with reading problems and a simple story to follow.

2012 Picture Book Reading Challenge

2012 Picture Book Reading Challenge

Sponsored by: An Abundance of Books

The Details

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

                    Level 2 - Read 16 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

Books I've Read for the Challenge:

1. "Owly & Wormy: Friends All Aflutter" Written & Illustrated By: Andy Runton (Jan 2012)
2. "The Princess & The Pig" Written By: Jonathan Emmett & Illustrated by: Polly Bernatene (Jan 2012)
3. "Mudkin" Written & Illustrated By: Stephen Gammell (Jan 2012)
4. "I Didn't Do It" By: Patricia MacLachlan & Illustrated by: Emily Charest (Feb 2012)
5. "The Terrible Plop" By: Ursula Dubosarsky & Illustrated by: Andrew Joyner (Feb 2012)
6. "For Just One Day" By: Laura Leuck & Illustrated by: Marc Boutavant (Feb 2012)
7. "Small Bunny's Blue Blanet" Written & Illustrated By: Tatyana Feeney (March 2012)
8. "Dog Loves Drawing" Written & Illustrated By: Louise Yates (March 2012)
9. "Day by Day" Written & Illustrated By: Susan Gal (March 2012)
10. "Chicken, Pig, Cow's First Fight" Written & Illustrated By: Ruth Ohi (March 2012)
11. "A Color Game for Chester Raccoon" By: Audrey Penn Illustrated By: Barbara Gibson (March 2012)
12. "Tumford the Terrible" By: Nancy Tillman (March 2012)
13. "Farmyard Beat" By: Lindsey Craig (March 2012)
14. "How to Babysit a Grandpa" By: Jean Reagan (March 2012)
15. "I Like Old Clothes" By: Mary Ann Hoberman (April 2012)
16. "Mine" Story By: Shutta Crum & Illustrated By: Patrice Barton (April 2012)
17. "A Song for My Sister" By: Lesley Simpson and Illustrated By: Tatjana Mai-Wyss (Apr 2012)