Wish Change Friend
Wish Change Friend
Reading his books under a big oak tree--Little Pig couldn't ask for anything more... until the day he comes across three new words: wish, change, and friend. Suddenly, his peaceful existence shifts, and he discovers that new words (and experiences) aren't so tough to adjust to after all.
In this quirky little story by Ian Whybrow and illustrator Tiphanie Beeke an introverted pig ventures beyond his bookish safety zone and finds new friends. The fact that he can set out from his oak tree home and wind up in a cozy igloo with a penguin tells us just how far we can go when we wish for change. The lovely hazy pastels of Beeke's illustrations wash over the pages, revealing pleasing details, such as the goldfish bowl in the penguin's igloo and the dish of acorns at Little Pig's elbow as he reads in bed.
Ages 4 to 8
In a nutshell- Very sweetly written and illustrated. Great conversation starter with children about the meaning of words.
Book Review- Zomo: A Cautionary Tale
ZOMO:
This very clever African story retold by Caldecott Award winning illustrator Gerald McDermott struck my attention for his brilliant use of color and pattern. His clever writing skills, which held my attention from start to finish, were the icing on the cake.
The story takes place in West Africa, where Zomo the trickster rabbit seeks out the Sky God and asks for wisdom. He is given 3 impossible tasks: he must bring back "the scales of Big Fish in the sea . . . the milk of Wild Cow and the tooth of Leopard." The clever rabbit tricks the three creatures into giving up these prizes, but returns to discover that the joke's on him. His newfound wisdom? To be smart enough to run like mad from the three very angry animals.
In a nutshell: Love the colors, and the clever lesson.
Ages 4-8.
Book Review- Knuffle Bunny
Knuffle Bunny
Trixie steps lively as she goes on an errand with her daddy, down the block, through the park, past the school, to the Laundromat. For the toddler, loading and putting money into the machine invoke wide-eyed pleasure. But, on the return home, she realizes something. Readers will know immediately that her stuffed bunny has been left behind but try as she might, (in hilarious gibberish), she cannot get her father to understand her problem. Despite his plea of "please don't get fussy," she gives it her all, bawling and going "boneless." They both arrive home unhappy. Mom immediately sees that "Knuffle Bunny" is missing and so it's back to the Laundromat they go. After several tries, dad finds the toy among the wet laundry and reclaims hero status. Yet, this is not simply a lost-and-found tale. The toddler exuberantly exclaims, "Knuffle Bunny!!!" "And those were the first words Trixie ever said.
In a nutshell- Who can’t relate to a moment like this? And, I love the Brooklyn backdrop (And I’m kind of partial to writer, Mo Willems)
Ages 3 -6
Book review- Wonder Bear
Wonder Bear
PreSchool-Grade 1—A dream fantasy in which a boy and a girl plant a "hat seed." Overnight, the seed bears magical fruit: a large white bear with a blue hat. From this hat, the bear proceeds to extract monkeys and porpoises as well as sea and firmament into which he carries the drowsing children. Finally cuddling them and tucking them in once again, the dream bear and monkeys drift back into the night. The slight, wordless story is a showcase for Nyeu's art. Executed in silkscreen with water-based ink, the bold palette of warm golden oranges and cool blues, assertive line, and handsome design are strikingly confident.
In a nutshell: Wordless books are worth a nod- I’ve spent a lot of time pouring over the illustrations, dreaming of this magical place, who the characters are, what’s happening on each page. Great open ended exploration for the kids!!
Book Review: Mouk
Mouk
In this French import, Mouk is a busy bear with a large head and tiny body, whose world feels like a Richard Scarry/manga mashup. He joins his animal friends at a chic Parisian restaurant just before leaving on a world tour (So basically, you are dumping us, one catlike friend comments), visiting places like Finland, the Sahara, Japan, and New York. Every page is an explosion of activity, as assorted animals converse in speech balloons and mini-dramas unfold. For extra eye candy, the book comes with a spread of reusable stickers that can be placed onto the smooth, shiny pages. Dynamic and lots of fun.
In a nutshell: I love this book! Why didn’t I think of this before? Only suggestion, keep a dictionary handy for a number of exotic animal look ups. Oh, and the window stickers? Tons of fun.
