Monthly Archives: October 2014
Their Name is Today – Johann Christoph Arnold
The Bumpy Little Pumpkin
The Bumpy Pumpkin is an extremely sweet tale about a little girl who thinks a small bumpy pumpkin would make the perfect jack-o-lantern. Her sisters do not agree and are quick to tell her that the pumpkin she wants is too small, too bumpy, and too ugly to be any good. Left alone and feeling sad, she is soon greeted by a number of animal friends who understand the beauty she sees in the small bumpy pumpkin. They help her transform the pumpkin into a darling jack-o-lantern. Ultimately, Little Nell and her sisters realize that jack-o-lanterns can come in all shapes and sizes.
Plant a Pocket of Prairie – Phyllis Root
Plant a Pocket of Prairie is a beautiful book that explains that prairie land is quickly disappearing and suggests what one might do to bring it back – planting a pocket of prairie on your own. It then takes the reader on a tour of the many plants and animals that live on prairie lands. The lovely illustrations bring the prairie to life on the page. The back portion of the book provides more information about each of the prairie plants and animals. Plant a Pocket of Prairie is a very well done nature book!
Trains Can Float – Laura Lyn DiSiena and Hannah Eliot
If you have a child who is interested in transportation, this book will delight. It features tons of interesting facts about specific vehicles as well as various modes of transportation. The fun, colorful illustrations which feature animals add a bit of whimsy to the book.
The Pandas and their Chopsticks – Demi
The Pandas and their Chopsticks includes sweet tales that feature animals. All the stories are adaptations of Asian folktales, and there are lots of great moral lessons shared throughout these tales. The colorful, engaging illustrations bring each story to life.
Ninja Red Riding Hood – Corey Rosen Schwartz
Ninja Red Riding Hood is a cute retelling of the original Little Red Riding Hood story featuring a martial arts twist. When huffing and puffing are not enough anymore, the Big Bad Wolf decides to take a martial arts class. Unfortunately for him, he is not the only one who has taken a class or two. It seems that Little Red and her grandmother have as well. This silly fractured fairy tale is a cute story featuring “girl power”.
A Mountain of Friends – Kerstin Schoene
A Mountain of Friends is a cute book that features an act of cooperation in order to help a friend. The illustrations are darling, and the way the reader is pulled into the story to help is a nifty element.
Flashlight – Lizi Boyd
Flashlight is one of the best books I have come across in quite some time. It is a wordless picture book that features a small child exploring the night in the forest with a flashlight. Additionally, each page has a cut out that features a preview of what is to come next in the story. This book is truly a delight. I cannot recommend it enough.
One Big Pair of Underwear – Laura Gehl & Tom Lichtenheld
One Big Pair of Underwear is a silly, sweet tale written in rhyme that features darling illustrations. Besides just being plain fun, it provides a great message about sharing and even includes some basic math. This one would make a great read-aloud.