The Antlered Ship

by Dashka Slater

Illustrated by the Fan Brothers

This book is gorgeous!!  Every page is an exquisite masterpiece. The Fan Brothers are endlessly talented.  Enjoy the journey with Marco, a fox with many questions about life and  the world.  The other foxes were only concerned with eating and couldn't be bothered to help Marco find his answers.  So, Marco sets off on a life changing adventure aboard the antlered ship. He joins some deer and pigeons as they journey to wonderful island.  He may not find all his answers, but Marco learns another valuable lesson, friendship and adventure are a great start.  

Climb aboard the Antlered Ship and lets have an adventure!!

When's My Birthday?

by Julie Fogliano 

illustrated by Christian Robinson

Birthday's are so much fun, kids can't wait to celebrate and open presents.  But what will my day be like?  I want to know.    This is an exciting story about the anticipation of when, what day of the week, what season,  and how my birthday will be celebrated!  It's so hard to wait, what will we do for my birthday?  Will we sing, dance, eat, jump around!  I must have a cake for my birthday, will it be big with lots of candles?  Children will absolutely relate and love to hear this story, birthdays are so special.   Enjoy this with some birthday cake!

John Lennon 

Imagine

with foreword from Yoko Ono Lennon

This is one of my favorite John Lennon songs, when I hear this song I always get goosebumps.  It really is so powerful and important!  This book is a great addition to any collection.  As a parent I want my children to live in a world of love and peace.  It really means a lot to me to teach them tolerance and kindness.  I love the message within these pages.  A pigeon with an olive branch journeys to spread  peace and tolerance.  Share this with your children, we can all use a little more love.  Enjoy!!

Still Stuck by Shinsuke Yoshitake

Adorable!! It's bath time, and time to get undressed.  Easier said then done, especially when you want to be independent but may still need mom's help.  This is a silly story about what might happen if your shirt just won't come off!  What if you need a drink or want to play with a friend?  How can you do those things with a shirt on your head?  Well, our cute little character  just might figure it all out.

The illustrations are spot on!!  I laughed out loud, this book is funny!! It's important to keep trying even if it's hard, because it can also be fun.  I'm sure all preschoolers will be able to relate and will feel like it's not just me.  I give this story a two thumbs up!  Great Job Mr. Yoshitake!  Thank you for a great picture book.

  

Nothing Rhymes with Orange

by Adam Rex

ages 4-7

What child doesn't love to try and rhyme?  Especially with funny face fruit!  Poor orange, he is feeling so left out.  All the other fruit are having fun rhyming, even quince, kumquat and currant have a rhyme in the book.  It seems hopeless, until the others are "feeling rotten, 'cause there's someone they've forgotten."  Then it happens, his fruit friends make up a special rhyme just for him!!  "Smorange!"  Totally awesome in every way.  It's no rumor, this book has a bit of humor! (I had to try, rhyming is such fun)

The Little Red Cat Who Ran Away and Learned his 

A-B-C's (the Hard Way)

by Patrick McDonnell

This is my new favorite ABC book!!  Such a great original!  I am already a big fan of Patrick McDonnell's picture books.  I love his simple, fun illustrations.   Dragons and bears and Alligators are all as lovable as cat.  This book is a gem, I am sure it will be a kid favorite.  What fun it was to read.  Little ones will enjoy figuring out what part of the illustration goes with the letter of the alphabet.  Two thumbs up!  Have a fun read! 

Pop!  The Invention of Bubble Gum

by Meghan McCarthy

Ages 4-6

A great first non-fiction title, about every kids favorite thing...Bubble Gum.  Can you blow the biggest bubble?  Did you know, gum has been around for a very, very, very long time.   But, bubble gum is a newer invention!  In this engaging title we learn about the Fleer company and a young accountant turned inventor, named Walter Diemer.  He was determined to create a very special invention and save the beloved Fleer company.  Thank you, Mr. Diemer for your awesome invention.  WARNING...this book may make you go out and buy some bubble gum!!  

BE QUIET! 

by Ryan T. Higgins

Rupert the mouse is trying to write a book.  A wordless picture book.  Unfortunately for Rupert he has two very talkative friends who are ruining his book!  They are also making it very funny.

This is another great picture book by the author of Mother Bruce and Hotel Bruce.  Mr. Higgins detailed and expressive illustrations are on point!  This is a fantastic story to share and is guaranteed to bring the laughs.  Poor Rupert is so serious about his book and so looking forward to having it all to himself.  Then, Thistle and Nibbs show up and can't stop talking!  They have a lot of ideas, but Rupert just wants them to BE QUIET!  Lots of silly and fun are included in this terrific book.  Enjoy!

Princess Cora and the Crocodile

by Laura Amy Schlitz

Illustrated by Brian Floca

Ages 5-Up

One of my new favorites!  This is a longer chapter/picture book, so I recommend this for older preschool and young elementary age children. 

Princess Cora's parents are overjoyed when she is born, she is their "perfect little snowflake." 

Then the reality of Cora's future as Queen overwhelms them and they can think of nothing else except to prepare for her future.  This means, hard work for Cora, all day everyday.  She never has a break or has any fun.  Until, Cora sends a letter to her fairy  godmother.  She needs help, and it comes in the form of a very funny crocodile.  When Cora and the crocodile trade places for the day, lots of silly is sure to follow.   Will Cora's life change?  Will the crocodile eat anyone?  This is a must read and find out!  

Selections from NEW Picture books

by Emily Gravett

It is very important to Badger that the forest he lives in is kept in order.  Even the other animals of the forest are kept neat and tidy.  Badger helps bathe, brush and clip everything in sight!  What will he do when the leaves begin to fall?  Perhaps not everything is meant to always be perfectly tidy all the time.  Badger soon learns a lesson about his desire for perfection.  Emily Gravett delivers a fantastic, fun picture book with delightful silly illustrations.

 by Amy Young

Sparkle is back!!  Our favorite goat, I mean Unicorn is back for more fun.  Lucy and Sparkle are having a play date.  Lucy's friend Cole has never met a unicorn before, will they have fun?  It would be pretty hard not to have a good time with a unicorn, especially Sparkle!  Lots of fun and dancing are a part of this superb sequel.  

  by Kenneth Kraegel

This is my favorite of these selections!  Jameson does everything in green pants, they just seem to be right.  His basketball game is better, his diving is better and even his dance moves can't be beat.  Trying to convince Jameson to wear any other color is hopeless.  When he is asked to be in his cousins wedding things get challenging.  Jameson really wants to participate, but... he will have to wear black tuxedo pants!! Oh boy, how will he decide what to do?  This is an uplifting book that will make you laugh and smile.  (Always a good thing)   You will definitely route for Jameson all the way!  Enjoy!

Author Spotlight

 

Dan Yaccarino

A fun, off beat author who delivers thought provoking books that make you go hmmm!!  The bright and colorful illustration have a happy inviting vibe.  In The Birthday Fish, Cynthia thinks she has always wanted a pony, but changes her mind when she receives a magical goldfish. (Surprises are a wonderful thing!)  In Yaccarino's book Oswald, Oswald and his dog Weenie are on an adventure, moving to Big City!  Oswald is worried he has no friends, but soon finds out just how friendly and helpful everyone is in Big City.  This story does a great job spreading the power of positive and helping your neighbor!  Love it!  Unlovable, is the story of Alfred the pug.  He is convinced by cat, parrot and goldfish that he's good for nothing. But, when the new neighbors move in and Alfred meets Rex things start to look up.  Sometimes it isn't easy finding a good friend but you never know when that friend will come along.  They usually do!  This is just a small selection of the great books written and illustrated by Dan Yaccarino.

   

Dad and the Dinosaur by Gennifer Cholendenko 

Illustrated by Dan Santat

This picture book is a treasure for any young boy.  The illustrations are superb!  (Not surprising this is a Caldecott Honor illustrator)  Dad and the Dinosaur is a very relate able story about needing just that extra bit of courage and bravery. Sometimes, that may be a toy dinosaur in your pocket. But, what happens when said dinosaur goes missing?  Dad to the rescue! This story is much more than just a dinosaur book.  The dinosaur just adds even more appeal. This book will also remind youngsters  they can always talk to Dad about any troubles.  

A Tribute to Amy Krouse Rosenthal

Beautiful stories with sweet messages of love and kindness. 

 A true gem of a storyteller, R.I.P Mrs. Rosenthal!

  Valentine's Day

Here Comes Valentine Cat

by Deborah Underwood 

Pictures by Claudia Rueda 

         Cat can do without all the mushy gushy stuff on            Valentine's Day.  Maybe, he just doesn't have a    valentine?  What about the new neighbor?  Oh  no, it's a dog!  A dog

 who has been throwing bones and balls over the fence and hitting Cat on the head!  Cat doesn't  want to give Dog a valentine,

 he would rather send him away in a rocket!

Here comes Valentine Cat is a lovely addition to any Valentine's Day collection.  Kids will enjoy the simple, expressive illustrations.  Even though cat is a bit naughty, he redeems himself and might just find out Dog isn't so bad after all!

Mother Bruce by Ryan T. Higgins

Ages 3-6

Bruce is a grumpy bear!  He doesn't like anything except eggs, all kinds of eggs!  He collects them from the birds in the forest.  Bruce is very particular about his eggs, they must be cooked to perfection.  One day Bruce gets a big surprise, the four goose eggs he collected, hatch!   Well, Bruce becomes a very reluctant gosling mama.  He tries everything he can to send the goslings on their way!  Ultimately, all of Bruce's plans fail, including sending them south in remote controlled airplanes.  So Bruce gives in and takes the geese to Miami for the winter.  

This is a must read!  Higgins illustrations are fantastic and this story is full of humor.  Bruce's scowl never leaves him, even as the geese stick around, grow up and completely wear him out.  The entire way through the story there are hysterical antics.  Bruce tries to return the geese, teach them about migration, send them south with a sling-shot, but nothing works.  They will not leave Bruce.  So, what else is there to do?  Take them on a bus to Miami!  

Don't miss the sequel by Ryan T. Higgins