Showing posts with label Children's Picture Books. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Children's Picture Books. Show all posts

Thursday, December 28, 2023

TenMore Picture Books, Some of My Favorite Stories and Authors

 A few more picture books that I reviewed right after Christmas.  I purchased each of the picture books and the opinions expressed here are my own.



The Adventures of Scotty Claus by David Scott Fields II

This was probably my favorite read over the two days I tried to read down my picture books on my Kindle. This is the story of a young man whose dream is to meet Santa Claus. One night his wish comes true. He learns that Santa has known his parents for years. Santa asks for him to help him deliver presents that night. As the night goes on he learns there is more to Christmas than receiving gifts.  He meets a special young girl named Ruth who is very sick.  Santa takes Scotty back to his workshop and lets him make a gift. He decides to make a snow globe for Ruth. Then Santa comes out to tell him who and what Christmas is really about. He even gives Scotty his personal Bible. He explains that he hopes one day Scotty will come to know the true gift that was given.   The end  of the book tells the story of the author and how for years his father played Santa for real. This is one of the most heart -felt and touching stories I have ever read. I highly recommend this book.



Things My Way by Sarah Read

Dominic is a young boy who likes to do things his way, or as he says it, "to the beat of his own drum." He does this at school, in sports and at home. Things down always go the way he planned. Mom has a way to teach Dominic that there is a time and a place to follow the directions. Read this wonderful and simple book to see if Dominic learns that lesson.




My Body Bubble by Michael Gordon

I loved this story. Annie is playing with her best friend Max when he falls down. She hugs him and doesn't get the reaction she expected. Her hug made him feel uncomfortable. This story is learning about personal spaces, or as the book calls it personal bubbles. I think I like this book so much because I have had people step too close to me and I take a step back and then draw a square in front of me saying, "Sorry, this is my space." They usually apologize and take a step back.  Great lesson to be learned and explained in a manner that all children, and adults can understand.



I Get Angry Like a Tiger by Michael Gordon

Once again the author has created a book that helps children deal with very common situation. Most young children get angry. If there is no one there to teach them how to handle those different emotions they usually handle it incorrectly. This book is great at teaching a strategy to deal with anger. In addition there are several common situations that kids get angry in and these situations and solutions are addressed in the book.




Georgie’s Long Goodbye by Bri Kozlowski

This was a strange but good story. Georgie has lost his grandmother. However, before she passed she became a part of a holographic computer program. She was sent back to the family for a time. Georgie does everything  with her. Then one day he can't find her. His mother explains that he has to learn to say goodbye. Georgie doesn't want to. He and his mother come to an agreement. This is a strange yet wonderful book about grieving for those we've lost.





Stories for Children 10 by Francois Bissonnette

I have always loved this author's stories. This is the story of Emily and Arabella. Emily is a human child whose parents read to her about Fairyland every night. One day Emily can't find her book.  The wise fairy visits Arabella and sets her on a quest to find the Fairyland Book. Without it Emily begins to forget the stories of Fairyland and Fairyland is beginning to disappear. Arabella must find this book and return it to Emily. The world building is awesome and the characters are lovable.  I recommend this author's books to everyone.





A Colorful Beginning by Raven Howell

A wonderful book to read to a child before they begin their first day of school, or to read to a class on their first day of school.  It shows them that no matter what their differences they are all better together. Plus, you get the added bonus of teaching children about mixing colors. A win, win if you ask me.




Balloons Over Broadway by Melissa Sweet

I love learning something from a picture book. This is the story of how we got the Macy's Day Parade. It started with a young boy who loved puppets and making things move. Tony Sang worked with Marionettes for years. Mr. Macy wanted to create a window display and hired Tony. Then he decided to create a parade for his employees and Mr. Sang helped with that. You will need to read the book to see how a simple window display evolved into the Macy's Day Parade we have today. I loved this book.



Bigger Than Alexander by Christopher Francis

A fun story of a young boy who is bigger than all of his classmates. Unfortunately he grows so big he no longer fits in the classroom or school.  However, the teacher knows there is something different and special about Alexander. There is something about him that is bigger than his size. Read the book to find out what it is that makes Alexander so special. Read this book by one of my favorite authors.





The Best Gift For Bear by Jennifer A. Bell

Hedgehog bakes gifts for all of her friends, but she doesn't know what to bake for her best friend bear. She sees the snow on her house and decides to bake bear a gingerbread house. She gets it all decorated and heads to bear's house. As she gets near the wind tears up her gift to bear. What will she give bear now?  Read this wonderful book about friendship.

Wednesday, December 27, 2023

Nine Picture Books from Emily Hartmann


Continuing my review of children's picture books.  Here are several by author Emily Hartmann



Cuddle Up: Children's Book about Emotions and Feelings, Valentine's Day by Emily Hartmann

This is a wonderful book. Each animal parent in rhyme tells their child how they will protect them and how much they love them as they tuck them into bed for the night. This is a wonderful story to read at bedtime to your youngest child.




Grateful Hearts by Emily Hartmann

A cute book full of beautiful pictures that show animal families expressing their gratitude for what they have each and every day. Great for bedtime story.





I Feel Worried by Emily Hartmann

This book addresses worry that children feel so often. It addresses so many different things that children fear. They fear the dark. They fear the first time in a new place. They fear performing in front of others. They fear storms. The book also talks about ways to help deal with these fears to make yourself feel better. This is an opportunity for adults to talk with a young child and reassure them. It is also a time to share that adults have some of these fears as well and how they deal with them.



My Bad Mood by Emily Hartmann

This book addresses what children can do when they are in a bad mood. They can take a walk, draw, play music or love on a pet. Each of these activities are things that children love and can do to turn their mood around.





Make Good Choices by Emily Hartmann

This book is all about choosing the right things. Everyone adults and children need to make good choices. They need to choose to be friendly, to forgive, to be kind. We all need to beloving, calm, confident. We need to make good choices to  be healthy through food and exercise, and to be  generous, caring, brave. These are things we face every day, both young and old and it is up to us to teach the younger ones to make good choices.




Snuggle Up, Little Cub by Emily Hartmann

A cute bedtime story that shows different animals, parent and child telling them in a special way how much they love them and they snuggle together for the night.






How Animals Say I Love You by Emily Hartmann

A cute bedtime story where each animal tells their young one how much they love them, and what they will do together, or how they will protect them. The book showcases in rhyme; elephants, giraffes, tigers, hippos, rhinos, lions, zebras, flamingos and koalas.




The Feelings Animals by Emily Hartmann

A cute animal book that talks about emotions, how they make us feel and what we can do to help us with those emotions.






Good Night, Little Farm by Emily Hartmann

A simple and gentle story to read to your youngest at bedtime. The beautifully illustrated pictures along with the simple rhyming of a story well told will definitely lull your little one to sleep. The author has kept it simple using farm animals and their young to prepare them and your child for bedtime. Well done.


Tuesday, December 26, 2023

Five Wonderful Picture Books From Different Authors

 Trying to read down books on my Kindle. I decided I would start with several of the picture books I have purchased. Sit back and enjoy them.


Source:  I purchased all of these books   Genre:  Children's Picture Books


Tree Full of Wonder by Anna Smithers

I really loved this book. I grew up on a farm and outside my bedroom window was a giant maple tree. I loved the shade it provided, the colors that came in the fall. This book shows the connections we have with trees and all the things we need them for. The pictures are beautiful.  The end of the book has a section with pictures of different types of trees and asks you to find them in the book. Then there is a page that tells what we use trees for.




Over and Under the Pond by Kate Messner

This is a wonderful picture books that takes the reader on a journey to a pond. While a mother and her young son row across the top of the pond, the young boy learns about animals and insects that live both above and below the water. The reader learns the connections both have to the other. There is an author’s note at the back that tells more about these systems. There is also a page that tells the reader about four animals listed in the book.





Unspoken: Communicating Beyond Words by Cara Cusack

This book is beautiful in illustrations and in the message it conveys. We read the stories of children who do not speak verbally. Each one of them speak in their own manner, whether it is through music,  dance, artwork. They are able to communicate with the world in such a beautiful manner, showing us that we are all different and we can all communicate given what we have.





Inside the Pencil Box by Avni Saxena

I really loved this story. It is the story of how the pencil got an eraser on its end. ; This author's imagination is wonderful. She created a pencil box that had two kingdoms living in it. One was the kingdom of pencils the other was the kingdom of erasers. Each thought the other was better. It wasn't until they set out to prove it and ruined Emma's homework that they realized they were both wrong.  The solution to the problem was an imaginative genius.  I absolutely loved this book. I would definitely read more by this author.





Overcomers by Joy Ohagwu

What a wonderful book of faith. When Claudia is approached by a man who tells her if she is a woman he will kill her, she takes off running. Running away isn't enough. She prays for God to protect and hide her. She then races to warn everyone she sees. As she nears home she sees her sister running toward danger. Once she catches up to her sister she sees how much faith her younger sister has.  They both pray for the safety of their friends and family members while danger passes them by. This is a wonderful book complete with scripture that  tells us why we should not be afraid.  I will recommend this to everyone I see as well as check out any other books by this author.

Sunday, December 24, 2023

Four Wonderful Children's Christmas Books

 I should have gotten these reviews out earlier. However, I know that the weeks before Christmas break are full of testing at school so this year it didn't happen. However, these books would be a beautiful way to begin your holiday celebrating next Christmas with your little ones. Sit back and see what  can be in store for them.


The Nativity Story Advent Calendar for Toddlers and Kids by MamTalk

A wonderful book for children ages 3-5.  It not only tells the story of the birth of Jesus, but also is full of activities that children and families can do each day leading up to Christmas day. It teaches children about gratitude and the true gift of giving of themselves. As you read it also prepares children to put on a play about the meaning of Christmas and also has masks to cut out to help with the play. This is another wonderful book from MamTalk




Nativity Story Directly from the Bible: The Birth of Jesus Christmas Book for Toddlers, Kids, Preschoolers, Little Boys and Girls

Let me start by saying that the pictures are absolutely gorgeous. I love that it is not only a retelling of the birth of Christ, but done in scripture that kids can undestand. This is the kind of story that as a child would entice me as I got older to read the story from the Bible on my own. One of a few children's books I have seen that give the actual scripture reference to children.



The Nativity: A Bible Study Book for Young Scripture Explorers by Pure Lily Press

I enjoyed this book immensely. Growing up, Every Christmas Eve started with the reading of the story from the Bible. I remember being bored when I was only 5 or 6 because I didn't really understand the story read straight from the Bible. As I got older it made sense.  This book would have been perfect. You have the top of each page straight from the scripture for older children and then the bottom of the page is a condensed  version of it complete with scripture reference for the much younger child. Just a piece of personal info, I did carry that tradition on with my own children and have had the pleasure of watching my daughter carry this on with her children. Books like these are so important and this                                                 is one of the best I have seen.


The Nativity Book by Faithful Pages Press


Another beautiful retelling of the Christmas story. In this book for children 3-8 we have the beautiful retelling of the birth of Christ. At the bottom of the pages the scripture reference. I guess the reason I really like the picture books with the scripture reference is because we can sit with our youngest and show them where we find it in our Bible. This introduces them to one of the most important books around. The pictures are simple, yet beautiful. This is another wonderful book I will recommend to parents and grandparents everywhere.



Sunday, April 16, 2023

Spike: The Penguin With Rainbow Hair by Sarah Cullen, Carmen Ellis





Genre; Children’s Picture Book
Source: Purchased

I absolutely loved this book. I loved it so much I read it to my husband. He laughed and said I was being a teacher. However, he loved it as well. I am a sucker for stories that rhyme. They did a wonderful job with that. The story is of a young penguin born with a tuft of rainbow colored hair on top of his head. His parents are so proud of him and name him Spike. Spike is not fond of his hair and tries everything he can to make his rainbow colored hair go away. The lesson to be learned is that we are all different and we don’t need to be the same to fit in. This is a wonderful book to teach such a wonderful lesson geared for the youngest of children.

The Illustrator,  Zuzana Svobodova is a wonderful artist. The colors she chose are soft and colorful, except for his bright tuft of hair. The penguins are cute and cuddly. I kept thinking that I would love to have a stuffed penguin who looked just like Spike. I personally think it would be a beautiful addition to go with the book. I will still share this with my grandchildren. They love reading them even if they are older and read on their own. It is all in how you present it to them. Highly recommended to parents, grandparents and teachers.

Friday, March 17, 2023

Easter story About Jesus by MamTalk Publishing

 


Genre: Children's Picture Book, Christian

Source: I received a copy to facilitate my review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

I love these books by Mamtalk. This is the story about why we celebrate Easter. In a day and age where children focus on the "Easter Bunny" and candy, it is nice to see someone who wants to promote the true reason for the Holicay. The story is told in a simple manner so that the youngest child can understand. The pictures are simple, yet bright and colorful. What I love more than anything is that as the child grows older the reader can use the scripture text that accompanies the book. A great way to teach about Easter and a great way teach kids to love reading the Bible.

Tuesday, January 17, 2023

Henrietta Hedgehog's Prickly Problem by Carole P. Roman



Genre: Children's Picture Book
Source: I received a copy to facilitate my review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

 I have long been a fan of Carole P.  Roman's Books. I was excited to receive this one in the mail. Henrietta is a hedgehog who is teased at school about her looks. She tries to disguise herself. All this accomplishes is hurting another animal's feelings. Henrietta learns from other animals that they are all different for a reason and being different is okay. This is a lesson that so many children need to hear. Every day I hear kids complaining about what someone said about the way they look. As a teacher it breaks my heart to hear this from any student. Excellent book, a must read.


Sunday, November 20, 2022

The Nativity Story For Children

 


Genre:  Children's Picture Book
Source:  I received a copy to facilitate my review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

Growing up I remember my mother reading the story of Christ's birth straight from the Bible before we opened Christmas presents. As a teen I had the privilege of doing it. When my children came along my mother once again would read the story while the grandchildren sat on her lap. This beautiful picture book has two beautiful things in one. It is straight from the Bible, yet it has beautiful pictures to accompany it. As a younger child I didn't understand all of the words. Having this book would have helped me understand this. My grandchildren are much older, yet this is the book I will take to my daughter's house to read to them. They will get the benefit of both God's word and beautiful pictures to help them understand. This should be a must read in every house at Christmas time.

Wednesday, November 2, 2022

The Nativity Book For Toddlers by Kidsup Publishing




Genre: Children's Picture Book
Source: I received a copy to facilitate my review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

This is the perfect Christmas story to read to your young toddler. They have taken the Christmas story straight from the Bible and told it in a manner that your young toddler will understand. They have paired it will beautiful illustrations that your child will want to spend hours looking at. This would be a great story to read every year for young and old.

Tuesday, October 25, 2022

The Real Story of Christmas by Mam talk Publishing

 


Genre: Children's Pictue Book

Source: I received a copy to facilitate my review

I have to applaud Mam Talk for such a beautiful book.  The story is taken straight from the Bible. They give the scripture reference so parents can find it in the Bible. They have a shortened version for the youngest child and a longer version for the older child. The text is even divided. The first page is for the younger child and is written on a darker blue background. The version for older children is on the next page on a lighter background. The beautiful pictures are similar on both pages. For me the most important part is that they did not shy away from the Biblical story of Christmas. This company has quickly become one of my favorites for children's picture books. Every parent, grandparent who wants to make sure that their child learns the true story of Christmas should check out Mam Talk's books.

Sunday, July 10, 2022

Summertime With Snowman Paul by


 

Genre: Children's Picture Book

Source: I received a copy from BookBub to facilitate my review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

I have an affinity for snowman stories. This is absolutely delightful. The idea of a snowman wanting to hang around in the summer is wonderful. Paul loves Fall, Winter and Spring. However, as much as he wants to hangout in summer he just can't seem to fit in. Even an ape at the zoo laughs at him. His best friend Dan finds a way to help his snowman friend.

The rhyming in this book is wonderful. I loved the fact the author used words like "chagrin". It is always a plus when authors don't dumb down books. I want to provide books for my grandchildren that will challenge them.  This is an author I will definitely read again.

Saturday, July 9, 2022

Mr. Pancake Turkey by Christopher Francis

 




Genre: Children's Picture Book

Source: I received a copy from BookBub to facilitate my review. The opinions expressed here are my own.


A really cute picture book about a farmer who is concerned because his turkey won’t plump up. He takes him to the vet, a Zoo and other places. He feeds him extra, yet he still won’t plump up. What is a farmer to do?  After all Thanksgiving is coming and he needs a plump turkey. This was a fun book to read. It begs the question, which is more important, food or a friend?

Friday, June 24, 2022

Two Books by MamTalk Publishing

 


Scissor Skills Workbook  for 2 Year Old and Older Kids by MamTalk Publishing

Genre: Children, craft/skills book
Source: I received a copy to facilitate my review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

One thing I liked at the beginning is that we have a page that explains why this type of activity is important for kids. Right below that are rules for parents to share with their child about using scissors. They can read them, and demonstrate the rule. As a middle grades teacher I still have to go over these rules with my students at times. This book reminded me of papers I got the first time I took a sewing class. They are simple lines to teach kids the beginning cutting movements.  They begin to get more complicated. Finally they get to picture that use those basic movements to cut out the picture.  If you are an adult who has to cut something more than a straight line then this would be great practice for your as well. Great starter for using scissors.

 


Springtime Rhymes for Kids: Poetry about Spring by MamTalk Publishing

Genre: Children's Picture Book, Poetry
Source: I purchased a copy

I purchased this book to see what else this company had to offer. I was not disappointed. This is a book of discovery about spring. The words are lyrical in their rhyming.  Then there are the pages that have small pictures about individual items found. For example on the page where they show flowers that bloom you have them identified as “D” is for Daffodil, “T” is for Tulip. So we have a list of words to teach children to pronounce. Did I mention the beautiful and bright pictures? Since I teach in a K-8 school I think these books would be perfect for our pre-k or kindergarten classes.

Sunday, June 5, 2022

Teaching Children Responsibility

 Below are four children's picture books that are wonderful for Pre-k  and up. These cute stories have wonderful lessons to go with them.



It’s Not My Fault by Michael Gordon

Vigbert is an alien from outer space. He likes playing with his friend Austin. The problem is when Vigbert breaks or spills things he lies about it or argues about whose fault it is. This book is all about standing up and taking responsibility for your actions. A very cute way of teaching the youngest child how to do just that.

 


It’s the Rules by Michael Gordon

This cute book teaches children the importance of following rules. It shows how they keep them safe and keeps chaos out of the way. Michael Gordon has chosen rules that all children must follow and given the important reason for doing so.

 


When I Lie by Michael Gordon

Heidi has been telling lies to her parents. At first it seems harmless. As she goes along her stomach is upset and she doesn’t feel well. She fears she will get caught. Sure enough she does and her parents sit with her and explain why telling the truth is a big deal. Once again the author has put his characters in a position that most very young children will find themselves in at one point or another. A great source for teaching young kids about the importance of telling the truth.

 


I Didn’t Do It By Sarah Read

This is another example for young children about learning to take responsibility for their actions. Each time Sophia is caught doing something she should not be doing the adult in her life gently corrects her. A nice way of teaching this to kids.


Monday, March 28, 2022

Dayana, Dax, and the Dancing Dragon



Written by Ballerina Konora and Illustrated by Olha Tkachenko

Source: I received a copy to facilitate my review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
Genre: Children's picture book

                This was a mother-daughter collaboration.  The story is beautiful. Dayana  eagerly awaited the arrival of her new brother. She couldn’t wait to dance with him. When he arrived she was disappointed he couldn’t do anything. This didn’t prevent her from loving him and playing with him. One day while dancing for him he rolls onto his back and makes some baby sounds. Kadeena the dancing dragon appears and dances first  with her baby brother then with Dayana.

                Here is what made me love this story. First you have a story filled with love. There is the love of dance, the love shared between  a young girl and her brother, and the love of dance.  On each page you have Ballerina Konora showing the young child how to dance certain steps. Not only does she demonstrate a unique and fun way to do the different movements, but she also uses the dance terminology.  It is a fun interactive book. I know of no mother who has not picked up their child and danced with them. This is fun  to read.

                I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the illustrations. They are fun, bright and colorful. The drawing are realistic enough that older children and adults will love the pictures. They are bright and playful enough for the youngest child.  Overall this is a beautiful book. I look forward to reading the others in this series.

Sunday, January 30, 2022

A Boy's Best Friend by Janice Ford





Genre: Children's Picture Book
Source: I received a copy to facilitate my review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

This is a collection of five short stories. The first story is “Steven Meets Stuart”. Steven loves animals. He has done a lot of research. He wants a pet. He chooses what he believes is the perfect pet a puppy. He tries to persuade them to get him one for Christmas. He finds nothing under the tree that would be a puppy. Imagine his surprise when his dad brings in a surprise box.

The second story is “Adventure Time with Steven and Stuart”.

Steven loves his new dog.  What is even better is that he has learned his dog can talk to him. One day while exploring the woods behind his house he hears a noise in a bush. He finds a bunny who is stuck. Stuart tells Steven the problem and he is able to help the bunny.

The third story is “The Great Big Monster!”

Like a lot of children, Steven is scared of storms, especially when the wind sounds like a monster outside his window.  Stuart jumps in bed with Steven but is just as scared. But mothers always make things better. Steven and Stuart are allowed to sleep in their parent’s bed.

The fourth story is “Steven Makes a New Friend”.

Steven and Stuart are exploring their neighborhood when they come across a small girl with a stuffed elephant. She looks sad. Steven learns she wants to go into the forest to pick some flowers for her mom. However, the last time she went in she got lost.  Steven and Stuart are there to help this little girl.

The final story in this collection is “School is Fun”.

Steven loves his dog Stuart so much. He is excited to let his dog know that their teacher is allowing the students to bring their pet to school for a special project.  Steven can’t wait to show his dog to all of his classmates. It is one of his best days ever.

This collection was a joy to read. It was bubbly and showed how much love and friendship can come from having a pet. It also shows how we can be there for others.  Another great job from this author.





Saturday, January 22, 2022

Ten More Wonderful Picture Books

Here are the rest of the books my theatre class and I read. Maybe you will find one that you really like.


Rabbit Makes a Monkey out of Lion byVerna Aardema

Rabbit and Bush-rat have found some honey and begin eating it until lion comes along. He tells them it is his honey. They get away by fooling the lion. This is called “making a monkey” out of him. The next day rabbit goes back with turtle. Once again they get away by fooling the lion. The lion realizes that the rabbit is behind all of this and decides to hide in rabbit’s house and gobble him up when he returns home. The rabbit is smart and fools the lion once again.





Federico and the Wolf by Rebecca J. Gomez

This is a modern Spanish version of the Red Riding Hood story. It is full of Spanish words and rhymes. Federico must do some shopping for his mom and take it to his grandfather’s shop. He is met by the wolf. The wolf rushes off to the grandfather’s shop. Of course Federico get the best of the wolf and rescues his grandfather.








Cindy Ellen A Wild Western Cinderella by Susan Lowell

This is a western re-telling of the Cinderella story. This version takes place in the old west. Instead of a ball they have a rodeo and a square dance. Instead of a glass slipper, Cindy Ellen has diamond studded spurs. Instead of turning a pumpkin into a carriage she rides in a stage coach. This was a fun and refreshing twist on a common fairytale.






The Girl Who Wore Too Much by Margaret Read MacDonald

This a folktale from Thailand. This story tells about a young girl who has been spoiled by her parents. They have given her the best of everything. When the young girls of the village are invited to a party Aree can’t decide which of her finest dresses, or beautiful jewelry to wear. She puts one dress on over another. The she puts all of her jewelry on. She thinks she will be the most beautiful girl there. She meets her friends outside. The hold their laughter in. As they walk along Aree can’t keep up and is left behind. Her friends come back for her twice. Both times when they try to help her she stops them because she doesn’t want her dresses messed up. She never makes it to the dance. The next morning her friends find her where she had sat down. She has no strength to move. They get her parents who realize and help her realize how wrong they were for giving her everything.




Oh, Kojo! How Could You! By Verna Aardema

In this African tale an old man named Ananse is a trickster. One day Tutuola goes to the river and asks the spirit of the river for a son. He warns her that the son will not want to work but will one day repay her. She goes home and is given a son. One day the son tells his mom he needs some gold because he wants to go to the market. On the way he meets Ananse and buys a dog from him. The second time Ananse tricks him into buying a cat. The final time he tricks him into buying a dove. On the way back home the dove tells him she is the queen mother of the chief of her village. If he will return her then her son will reward him. He takes the dove home and the son gives him a magic ring. He wishes for a village and people. Then he wishes for food to feed the people. Ananse is mad and believes the ring should be his. He steals it back. Kojo send the cat and dog to get the ring back. He is warned that Ananse will try to poison the animals. The cat doesn’t follow directions, but the cat does and returns the ring to Kojo. That is why cats are honored to this day.



Imogene’s Last Stand by Candace Fleming
Imogene loves history. She is saddened that the old historical society building is falling apart. She and her dad fix it up and she is ready for people to tour this wonderful place. However, no one comes. No one seems interested, especially after they learn that a shoelace factory is going to be put there and will put them on the map. Imogene tries everything. She even writes to a famous historian. The day the bulldozers arrive she locks herself in stocks. When they ask her father what he is going to do about it he joins her. People come and hang out. The mayor shoes up and so does the historian along with the President. They declare the house a historical monument and save the building and all of its history. The book is full of historical quotes and tidbits of history. This book shows that one person can make a difference.






We Forgot Brock by Carter Goodrich

Phillip’s best friend is Brock. No one else can see him. They call him Phillip’s imaginary friend. One day they go to the fair and Brock rides on the rides with Phillip. When Phillip goes to get some cotton candy Brock rides other rides. Brock gets sleepy and falls asleep in his father’s arms. They leave the fair, leaving Brock behind. Brock realizes Phillip is gone and begins to cry. He gets on the Ferris Wheel to get a better look and can’t find him. A young girl and her imaginary friend Princess Sparkle-Dust invite him home with them. Eventually they run into Phillip. Now when Phillip and Brock play with Anne and Princess Sparkle-Dust everyone thinks they are talking to each other.




Chrysanthemum by Kevin Henkes


Chrysanthemum, a tiny mouse loves her name until she starts school. Some of the kids make fun of her name. It isn’t until their music teacher, whom they all love,  tells them she too is named after a flower, that they change their mind.







The One and Only Dylan St. Clair by Kamen Edwards

Dylan spent his summer at theater camp. He is excited for the school play. There are no auditions, instead the teacher hands out the parts. Dylan is given the part of a squirrel in space. He is not happy at all. A kid playing the part of Saturn doesn’t like his role. It is through telling Dylan how lucky he is that Dylan decides he really does have the best part.





The Tale of Rabbit and Coyote by Tony Johnston
This is a wonderful Mexican folktale. In this version the rabbit tricks the coyote many times. He then climbs a ladder to the moon. That is why coyotes howl at the moon. Instead of referring to the man in the moon, they refer to the rabbit in the moon.