tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7356787308818366722023-11-15T09:35:46.187-08:00Pika's PreschoolSharing dozens of wholesome children's books with mothers and educators who care . . .Kris Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07985460296527978465noreply@blogger.comBlogger120125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-735678730881836672.post-65653871925505853542012-10-03T20:04:00.000-07:002012-10-03T20:04:10.103-07:00Otis - By Loren LongA sweet story about a tractor named Otis who befriends a baby calf. One day, the farmer decides that Otis is no longer useful, but the little old tractor proves to the entire community that he is still something special! The illustrations are simple and lacking in color, but manage to captivate even the very young.Kris Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07985460296527978465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-735678730881836672.post-12379391163573017542012-09-26T17:54:00.001-07:002012-09-26T17:54:04.740-07:00Big Fat Hen - Illustrated By Keith BakerThis book provides numerous opportunities for counting practice, while delighting readers with hens, chicks, eggs, and bugs! A large and very colorful version of the timeless children's rhyme.Kris Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07985460296527978465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-735678730881836672.post-9314012987336587272012-09-23T07:57:00.002-07:002012-09-23T07:57:58.079-07:00I Like A Snack On An Iceberg - By Iris Hiskey ArnoA simple science introduction for toddlers! Taking readers from the barnyard to the jungle, this book introduces you to several animals, teaching you WHERE they eat and WHAT they eat. Complimented by beautiful, warm illustrations and large text. Kris Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07985460296527978465noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-735678730881836672.post-29018007016721281052012-09-14T19:26:00.001-07:002012-09-14T19:27:36.379-07:00Your Own Big Bed - By Rita M. BergsteinAs a mom with a baby who will soon be moving up to a "big bed", I LOVE this book!! The author explains in a precious manner how animal and human babies alike are born, are carried by their parents, learn to explore the world around them, and eventually have "beds" all their own! The soft, sweet illustrations are delightful! This is a "growing up" book that every little one needs in their library!Kris Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07985460296527978465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-735678730881836672.post-17898444742701819402012-07-27T14:01:00.000-07:002012-07-27T14:01:12.795-07:00Hooray For Spring! - By Kazuo IwamuraA cute story for an introduction to spring! Three little squirrels explore the new season around them, and happen upon a hungry baby bird. What do baby birds like to eat? These squirrels are about to find out! Complete with sweet springtime illustrations.Kris Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07985460296527978465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-735678730881836672.post-56730962731152716462012-07-20T19:43:00.000-07:002012-07-20T19:45:43.334-07:00Polar Opposites - By Erik BrooksWhat an ingenious idea for teaching children about opposites! "Alex the Polar Bear" and "Zina the Penguin" ARE complete opposites, living on opposite ends of the world, but even they can still be friends! Lots of black, white, and gray coloring through the majority of the illustrations, but the characters are definitely cute.Kris Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07985460296527978465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-735678730881836672.post-25171880660222539062012-07-12T16:58:00.000-07:002012-07-12T16:58:06.319-07:00Hello, Puppy! - By Jane Cowen-FletcherThis is the perfect toddler introduction to puppies! The soft, beautiful illustrations compliment the text, showing young children how puppies sleep, stretch, eat, play, and give "kisses". If you don't have a dog already, it won't be long before your little one is saying, "I want a puppy, Mommy!"Kris Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07985460296527978465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-735678730881836672.post-34811598755132380592012-06-12T06:51:00.001-07:002012-06-12T06:51:14.169-07:00Really Rabbits - By Virginia KrollWhen one lonely rabbit suddenly acquires a friend, the adventure is on! "Tulip" and "Snuggle" discover they can get out of their cage, at night, and do all sorts of secret things to clean house and help their owners! A simple but sweet story with pastel illustrations.Kris Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07985460296527978465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-735678730881836672.post-42427354825057661082012-06-01T12:06:00.000-07:002012-06-01T12:07:39.522-07:00Baby Badger's Wonderful Night - By Karen SaundersBaby Badger is afraid of the night - until his father shows him all the beautiful things that the nighttime has to offer! Very soft, sweet illustrations make twinkling stars and night colors come to life. A good book about not being afraid of bedtime!Kris Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07985460296527978465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-735678730881836672.post-28832299456199619232012-05-30T14:34:00.003-07:002012-05-30T14:34:33.498-07:00How About A Kiss For Me? - By Todd TarpleyDo you kiss a pig? A cactus? A flea? A mop? NOOO! A sweet and humorous book about showing love, that is just right for little ones! The warm and friendly illustrations are adorable.Kris Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07985460296527978465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-735678730881836672.post-59967563543752710902012-05-26T15:00:00.000-07:002012-05-26T15:00:33.619-07:00A Year Full Of Holidays - By Susan Middleton ElyaThis is a delightful book for teaching young children about holidays, seasons, and the months of the year! There's barbecue for Labor Day, turkey for Thanksgiving, colored confetti for New Year's, and so much more! The soft, family oriented illustrations are adorable. As is common with most secular holiday books, the text does make reference to Santa Claus, Halloween, and the Easter bunny.Kris Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07985460296527978465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-735678730881836672.post-27335530316408503252012-05-25T09:33:00.002-07:002012-05-25T09:35:57.276-07:00Joseph Had A Little Overcoat - By Simms TabackA Jewish man has an overcoat that he treasures . . . but, it is, unfortunately, getting quite old. As the days go by, Joseph turns his overcoat into many smaller things, with the remaining good material - a jacket, a vest, a scarf . . . When there is absolutely nothing left of the overcoat, Joseph finds that, even then, he can do something with it! The pictures reveal much about Jewish culture and tradition. These Caldecott Award winning illustrations are a colorful collage of drawings and photos, with unique cut-outs showing what garment Joseph has made next.Kris Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07985460296527978465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-735678730881836672.post-44302194327956234512012-05-21T20:04:00.004-07:002012-05-21T20:04:48.990-07:00Are You There, Baby Bear? - By Catherine WaltersSweet and cuddly little Alfie Bear is going to have a new baby brother or sister! But why is it taking so long for the new sibling to arrive? Did it get lost? Alfie searches the woods, meeting various animals, only to discover that his own special sibling surprise is at HOME! The illustrations for this book are just precious!Kris Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07985460296527978465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-735678730881836672.post-50924074287855270712012-05-19T11:05:00.004-07:002012-05-19T11:07:01.675-07:00Shiver Me Letters - A Pirate ABC - By June SobelThis a delightful alphabet book for any little boy who loves pirates! Hidden alphabet letters may be found in each colorful page! The adorable text and illustrations are definitely a winning combination! So cute!Kris Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07985460296527978465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-735678730881836672.post-86827082348244319372012-05-18T14:31:00.002-07:002012-05-18T14:31:57.745-07:00The LOUD Book - By Deborah UnderwoodAn adorable book for any preschool lesson on hearing, listening, or the five senses! To make the text more interactive, you could even ask your child, "What would a _____________ sound like?", after every page. This is a very creative narrative, complete with fun animal illustrations.Kris Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07985460296527978465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-735678730881836672.post-26944792683647208162012-05-14T06:42:00.001-07:002012-05-14T06:42:27.774-07:00Thank You For Me! By Marion Dane BauerA great book for teaching young children to be THANKFUL to God for the way we are made! Eyes, ears, mouth, nose . . . Every part of us is just right! This would be an excellent resource for an early study on the five senses or the human body! The cartoon style illustrations are made using pencils and watercolor.Kris Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07985460296527978465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-735678730881836672.post-69291696325718276672012-05-12T16:03:00.002-07:002012-05-12T16:03:34.732-07:00Blackberry Booties - By Tricia GardellaMikki Jo decides that a pair of baby booties would be just the right gift for her new cousin Samuel. She may not be able to shear, spin, or knit, herself, but she can trade blackberries with ladies who can! In the end, she even discovers a special way to give her gift a "Mikki Jo" touch! A very sweet story about working hard to give to those we love. The soft illustrations are done in watercolor.Kris Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07985460296527978465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-735678730881836672.post-11787936379709816932012-05-10T10:07:00.001-07:002012-05-10T10:07:03.606-07:00Super Snow Day - Seek and Find - By Michael GarlandAunt Jeanne turns Tommy's "snow day" into a real winter adventure! On each page, readers have an opportunity to look for hidden six-pointed snowflakes, animal footprints, notes from Aunt Jeanne, titles with the word "snow" in them, symbols for winter sports, and lots more! This is a highly creative book with fun, colorful illustrations.Kris Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07985460296527978465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-735678730881836672.post-79186608807061752452012-05-09T13:14:00.001-07:002012-05-09T13:14:27.774-07:00Moo, Moo, Brown Cow, Have You Any Milk? By Phillis GershatorFollowing the same pattern as nursery rhyme "Baa, Baa, Black Sheep", this story teaches children about different farm animals, the sounds they make, and some of the products we receive from them. Very educational for preschoolers. The soft, colorful illustrations are the perfect size for sharing with a class.Kris Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07985460296527978465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-735678730881836672.post-22198349624217617442012-05-04T12:30:00.000-07:002012-05-04T12:30:00.836-07:00The Cajun Cornbread Boy – By Dianne de Las Casas<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Dianne de Las Casas adds an
alligator, a bayou, and some cayenne pepper to her “spiced up” version of the
beloved “Gingerbread Boy” story! Children will find this book very humorous,
whether or not they are already familiar with the original. A helpful glossary, containing French
vocabulary, may be found at the end of the story, as well as a recipe for “Southern
Cornbread”! The illustrations are large
but not very eye-catching. </div>Kris Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07985460296527978465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-735678730881836672.post-54536201326793478842012-05-02T10:48:00.001-07:002012-05-02T10:48:38.786-07:00The Most Perfect Spot - By Diane GoodeA little boy wants to take his mother to the most perfect spot for a picnic. They try one location after another, but are met with disaster after disaster - ducks, mud, rain . . . They eventually head for home, where they discover the most perfect spot of all! Really adorable illustrations compliment this sweet story.Kris Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07985460296527978465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-735678730881836672.post-79424809500662722652012-04-28T17:45:00.002-07:002012-04-28T17:47:31.106-07:00Ladybug Girl & Bumblebee Boy - By David Soman and Jacky DavisWhat a delightful story for a unit on "friendship"! Sam and Lulu meet up at the playground and have to resolve their conflict of interests in order to get along with each other. In the end, they're terrific "imagination play" is involving other children at the playground, as well! These adorable but simple illustrations are perfect for trying to copy, as an art lesson!Kris Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07985460296527978465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-735678730881836672.post-43803649271586912172012-04-27T09:57:00.002-07:002012-04-27T09:57:20.243-07:00My Baby Blue Jays - By John BerendtThe story of a family of blue jays from nest, to eggs, to flight. Quite a delightful introduction to any unit involving backyard bird watching, nature walks, or a field trip to the park. This is a perfect science book for kindergarten through second grade. Best of all, the illustrations are actual photographs!!Kris Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07985460296527978465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-735678730881836672.post-52798094481085917602012-04-23T13:19:00.000-07:002012-04-23T13:19:20.409-07:00Saving Strawberry Farm - By Deborah HopkinsonA little boy uses just one penny to change the fate of a kind lady's strawberry farm. This is a good historical book for young listeners, describing what life was like during the Great Depression. Soft, colored pencil illustrations add to the warmth of this sweet story.Kris Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07985460296527978465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-735678730881836672.post-36186002444576953012012-04-21T15:36:00.001-07:002012-04-21T15:38:38.529-07:00Miss Dorothy And Her Bookmobile - By Gloria HoustonAuthor Gloria Houston recalls from her childhood a lady named Dorothy Thomas, who used a green van to bring books to people all over her little rural community. She was a librarian on wheels - loading books from her basement every day, and driving in all kinds of weather to all kinds of businesses and homes. This story is told to commemorate the great impact Dorothy had on every life she touched. Complete with warm, simple illustrations.Kris Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07985460296527978465noreply@blogger.com0