Winter Favorites

Axel Annie by Robin Pulver

Ages 4-8

Annie is the best school bus driver in all of Burskyville!  There's never a snow day in town.  This leaves Annie pretty unpopular with the laziest bus driver in town.  He tries to keep Annie off the road, but Annie won't be defeated!  A fun and silly snow story.  

Thomas' Snowsuit by Robert Munsch

Ages 3-6

I am a huge fan of Robert Munsch, I love his humor.  This book is laugh out loud funny!  Thomas has his own ideas about the snowsuit, but mom just wants him to wear it.  The battles that ensue are very silly and fun.  Will Thomas wear that snowsuit?  

Brave Irene by William Steig
Ages 4-6
Mother is sick and can't deliver the beautiful gown she has just sewn for the Duchess.  Now, her daughter Irene has a job to do, make sure the Duchess gets her special gown for the ball.  Irene is a determined character.  She does not want to disappoint her mother or the Duchess.  So off she goes,  Irene is not going to let a snowstorm stop her.  Even if that means,  wind that is trying to rip the dress from her hands, snow up to her knees and eventually over her head. Who will win, Irene or this bully of a storm? 

A very enjoyable read, you can feel the wind and cold as if you're braving the snow right along side Irene.   I love the bit of suspense you feel when reading this book.  It's always great to have a happy ending, but this story keeps you guessing!

TEK The Modern Cave Boy 

by Patrick McDonnell   Ages 4-6

For starters the book looks like a Tablet!  How genius is that?!  Type in your password to get started.  Tek is a cave boy who doesn't leave his cave very often.  He is a bit obsessed with his gadgets, like his phone, tablet and game box.  Needless to say, mom and dad are not to happy Tek is missing out on the evolving real world.  Well, no one can convince Tek to go outside, nothing worked, he would not leave the cave.  Until, a volcano erupts and blasts him out of the cave and into the sky!  After his crash,  Tek wakes up in the fresh air and warm sunshine and realizes there is a big beautiful world!  From that time on he enjoys all the out doors have to offer, playing with friends, picking apples and watching the glorious stars in the sky.

This book has lots of appeal and our modern day cave boys and girls will get the message!  Technology is great but it's important not to forget some old fashioned outdoor fun with family and friends. 

Samson in the Snow

by Philip Stead  Ages 3-6

Samson is a gentle giant.  A woolly mammoth to be exact.  He is lonely and needs a friend.  Samson loves yellow and he tends his very own dandelion patch.  One day a little red bird appears and asks for some flowers, to cheer up a friend.  Samson is more then happy to share his flowers.  As the bird flies away Samson longs for a friend.  While Samson is fast asleep dreaming, of his favorite color yellow, a snowstorm moves in and Samson awakes to a world of white.  The only thing he can think about is red birds safety.  He embarks on a journey to find her, along the way Samson meets mouse.  Mouse is also looking for a friend.  Little do they know they are both looking for red bird.  Happily, bird is found, very cold but so happy to see his friends.  Our lovable Samson now has two terrific friends to share his dandelions with.  

A very sweet story about going the extra mile for a friend.  A great read-aloud  to share with friends.

I'll Wait,  Mr. Panda by Steve Antony

Ages 2-5 

  "Wait and see" says Mr. Panda.  He is making a yummy surprise, but who will wait?  Llama, anteater, rabbit or penguin, will anyone have patience.  Some things are definitely worth the wait!  

A simple story with a big lesson,  patience pays off.  Penguin has it and receives a giant reward in the end.  I love the Steve Antony panda books.  Please, Mr. Panda is another excellent re-aloud for a manners story time. The illustrations are simple but expressive.  Panda will make the children laugh while keeping them engaged.  Everyone wants to know what Panda is making!

Goodnight, Goodnight Construction Site
by Sherri Duskey Rinker Ages  2-5

Even heavy machinery need their rest.  This is a fantastic addition to any home library.  Any child who likes construction equipment will love this creative bedtime story.   As the site closes for the night all the machines find their cozy places and say goodnight.
Since I am the mom of a construction and vehicle loving boy, this book was very well received.  It did not sit on the shelf.  We read this one over and over and over again!  It's a great book to share before bedtime, the pace is perfect for relaxing.  Also, a great book to give as a gift.  

LMNO Peas by Keith Baker

A unique alphabet story with lots to look at on each page.  Including a hidden ladybug which adds to the appeal.  The peas are absolutely adorable!  Their adventures go along with each letter of the alphabet.  S is for scientist, T is for teacher each page has a letter, and each letter shows the peas in action! 
A great story that's fun to share with little ones who are learning their letters.  The peas ride bicycles, drive buses, become painters, carpenters and all sorts of other adorable  professions.  There's a hidden ladybug on every page, this adds to the fun of this creative and cute picture book.  

My Friend Maggie by Hannah E. Harrison

Ages 4-6

Paula and Maggie have been friends forever!  Maggie is great at so many things, like picking the reddest apples and splashing in mud puddles.  Paula and Maggie, Maggie and Paula like peas and carrots, until Veronica has something to say.  Will Paula turn her back on Maggie because someone else has a different opinion?

This is a great book that lets the beautiful illustrations do much of the work.  The plot is simple, but serious. Can one classmate turn another against her friend? It is unfortunate what peer pressure can do.   The feeling and emotion conveyed by the colorful realistic illustrations is grand! Your heart will sink and be lifted up again.  Forgiveness and loyalty are at the conclusion of this truly heartwarming story.  You will cheer for Maggie and hope for a happy ending.  

The Snurtch words by Sean Ferrell 

 pictures by Charles Santoso 

Ages 4-8

School can present lots of challenges, especially if your imaginary friend is a Snurtch.  Ruthie has a Snurtch and sitting still, paying attention, playing nice and keeping her hands to herself are impossible.  Will anyone understand or are there many time-outs in her future? 

The pencil and digital illustrations are fantastic.  Children will laugh out loud at the funny situations Ruthie and her classmates get into.  Of course her Snurtch is to blame for all the mischief.  Just when Ruthie thinks she must go it alone and no one will understand, she finds out all the children have their own unique Snurtch.   A cute read that many children will be able to relate to.  

Crafty Chloe by Kelly DiPuccio  Ages 4-6

Chloe has a crafty solution to every problem. But when she needs the perfect birthday present for her best friend Emma, she starts to feel a little insecure. How can a handmade gift ever make the cut? Even if it is very purple!

Chloe is lots of fun. She has a great imagination and will inspire youngsters along the way. Your little crafter will be ready to pick up the glue stick and construction paper as soon as the story is over. I happen to love crafts and the ideas will flow from Chloe and your youngster. Friendship and self confidence are also woven into this story. Will Chloe's homemade gift be a winner with Emma? Not without a little drama along the way! Chloe is a cute lovable character sure to delight.