Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Jack And The Beanstalk - Retold By John Cech

This is the best rendition of Jack's story that I have ever read!  Jack does steal the giant's most prized possessions, in order to provide for he and his mother, but neither the golden eggs nor the gold coins lasts forever.  In this unique version of the tale, the giant's wife decides to leave her husband, following Jack down the beanstalk and later becoming one of his mother's dearest friends. Very soft and delightful illustrations accompany the narrative.

Monday, November 28, 2011

Night Ride To Nanna's - By Jenny Koralek

A book describing the observations of a little girl, as she travels in the middle of the night to visit her grandparents. What does she see, and hear, and think? This is a unique story that teaches children that a long trip can be quite rewarding, in the end.  The illustrations portray family in a very warm and genuine light.

Friday, November 18, 2011

Dragon Scales And Willow Leaves - By Terryl Givens

A cute story that shows how brothers and sisters view things differently.  When twins Jonathan and Rachel take a walk through the woods, Jonathan imagines medieval battle scenes, while Rachel sees the beauty of nature all around her.  The illustrations and the story line are charming. 

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Hero Dad - By Melinda Hardin

A short but effective book, teaching children that United States soldiers are true superheroes. This would be an excellent story to share during "Community Helpers" week, or in conjunction with "Veterans' Day"! The large illustrations of our military in action will appeal to even very young readers, especially boys.

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Alison's Zinnia - By Anita Lobel

A simply gorgeous way to introduce children to various flowers, while teaching them the alphabet! Readers also find through this book, what a special thing it is to give a flower to a friend.  These illustrations are fantastic!

Saturday, November 12, 2011

The Frog With The Big Mouth - Retold By Teresa Bateman

A bragging little frog visits lots of cool animals in the rainforest, trying to prove that he has a bigger mouth than all of them. After nearly being eaten, he decides he had better brag about something else.  You could use this book for a character lesson on "pride", following it up with the question, "Did the frog learn his lesson?"  This is also a great book for teaching children about South American animals and what they like to eat!  The bold illustrations are very beautiful.

Friday, November 11, 2011

Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs - By Judi Barrett

This funny story about the land of "Chewandswallow" is a tall-tale told by Grandpa, just before bedtime. Children are sure to laugh when hearing about a land with juice rain, mashed potato snow, and tomato tornadoes! The picture sketches are lacking in vibrant color, but are quite detailed.

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Sally And The Purple Socks - By Lisze Bechtold

Sally's purple socks start out the right size, but they stretch and stretch until they become all sorts of things!  When the socks become so large that Sally is having to use them as a circus tent, it begins to rain, and the socks . . . Well, you'll just have to read to find out!  The illustrations in this book are really nothing fabulous, but the storyline is quite cute.

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Sara's City - By Sue Alexander

This is a look at life in the city for a little girl growing up in the 1940s.  The writing is very simple, as if the author was jotting down different memories from her childhood.  Soft, pastel illustrations show large radios, women's hats, and school girl dresses from a different era in our nation's history.  This would be a good book for asking, "Do we still do this today?" after each page.

Thursday, November 3, 2011

Mama's Day - By Linda Ashman

A truly precious book about the love that mamas have for their little ones.  This is a delightful read for a preschool unit about "The Family" or for a cuddle-up time with Mom.  The illustrations include one nursing mother and a few bare baby bottoms, but nothing inappropriate is shown.  Loving mothers are portrayed from cover to cover of this sweet story, giving a very warm and secure feeling to the reader.