Mouse’s First Halloween – Lauren Thompson –

Lauren Thompson is a great author. Her Mouse series highlights the many firsts encountered by a little mouse. Mouse’s First Halloween follows inquisitive little mouse through all sorts of Halloween experiences which in the end all prove not to be so scary after all. This is a gentle Halloween tale that would make a great read aloud.

Have Fun, Molly Lou Melon – Patty Lovell

We have been anxiously awaiting the publication of this book!  We attended a book talk about a year ago at our local library where illustrator David Catrow was a guest.  He spoke about illustrating the Molly Melon sequel and shared a draft with us.

Our family loves Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon, and the sequel is as good if not better.  Have Fun, Molly Lou Melon focuses on having fun and playing, and for Molly Lou Melon fun doesn’t come from the latest and greatest items found at the toy store.  She delights in using her imagination and sharing the power that can be found thru imaginative play with her new neighbor.  This book is a real winner.  It has been part of our bedtime story line up every night since it arrived in our home!

Practicing the Presence of Jesus – Wally Armstrong

Practicing the Presence of Jesus is a little book with a powerful message.  Wally Armstrong shares personal insights about how he went from living his life in constant pursuit of trying to please God to living a life in which he shares a close friendship with God.  Armstrong’s text is highly accessible and provides inspiration and encouragement.

While this complimentary book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity Group, no other compensation was given.  All remarks are my personal and honest opinions.

Otto the Book Bear – Katie Cleminson

We just discovered Katie Cleminson books last week when visiting the library.  After reading the Magic Box, we hoped that she had written more.  We found Otto the Book Bear, and it is a winner!  Otto is a happy little bear who lives in a book and loves to have his story read.  He also comes to life when no one is looking.  Unfortunately, his book is moved one day when he has gone exploring.  He soon discovers that the world is far too big for such a small bear and searches for a safe spot which he ultimately finds.

Magic Box – Katie Cleminson

The power of imagination is celebrated in Magic Box.  Eva delights in her very special birthday gift – a magic box that transforms an ordinary day into one of adventure and excitement.  I particularly enjoyed the illustrations that went from black and white at the beginning of the book to a full spectrum of color as her imagination takes flight.  The Magic Box is a fun read!

A Day With No Crayons – Elizabeth Rusch

After running out of paper, Liza makes a very unfortunate choice opting to draw and color on a wall in her room with her crayons.  As a result, Liza’s crayons are taken away from her.  Without her crayons, Liza is forced to explore and ultimately see things differently as a result of her creativity being fully awakened.   Great text coupled with outstanding illustrations made this a quick new favorite!

It Looked Like Spilt Milk – Charles G. Shaw

It Looked Like Spilt Milk is a nifty little book that features the different things we might see in the clouds.  It makes for a great read aloud for little ones learning shapes and working on expanding their vocabularies.  I particularly like all of the opportunities it presents for students to participate in guessing what they think each image might be.  I also like the fact that this book could be used with older learners as well.