One Boy by Laura Vaccaro Seeger

Seeger, Laura Vaccaro. One Boy. Roaring Brook Press, 2008. 48 pages. Tr. $14.95. ISBN 978-1-59643-274-1.

Annotation: A young boy draws artwork in this clever counting book that plays with words within words.

Summary: Part counting book and part word concept book, Laura Vaccaro Seeger plays with words within words. Using die-cuts, new words are revealed or covered that relate to a word on the previous page. One young boy paints pictures using objects that increase by one with each painting. Numbers from one to ten appear on every other page. The paintings at first seem unrelated, but the end of the book reveals a connection when it shows that the pictures are all the artwork of the young boy.

Evaluation: With creative wordplay and precisely positioned die-cuts, this simple picture book is transformed into an artistic treat with the bright, eye-catching colors. Youngsters learning to count will benefit as will beginning readers who are learning new vocabulary words. Recommended for ages 2 to 7.

Genre / Subject: Juvenile Fiction, Counting, Imagination, Die-Cut, Art

Awards: 2009 Theodor Seuss Geisel Honor Award, 2009 ALA Notable Books for Children

Are You Ready to Play Outside? by Mo Willems

Willems, Mo. Are You Ready to Play Outside? Hyperion Press, 2008. 64 pages. Tr. $8.99. ISBN 978-1-4231-1347-8.

Annotation: Just when Piggie is excited to play outside all day, it starts to rain. Elephant saves the day by first sheltering Piggie from the raindrops and then suggesting that the two friends should go ahead and play in the rain anyway.

Summary: Part of the Elephant and Piggie Beginning Reader Book Series, Elephant and Piggie are once again together. Piggie is so excited to play outside for the day, but is quickly frustrated when raindrops start to fall. Gerald the Elephant uses his ear as an umbrella to shelter the sad Piggie. However, both notice two worms having a jolly time playing in the rain. Gerald suggests that they give it a try as well. Piggie and Gerald soon are having so much fun running, jumping, and skipping that they are saddened when it stops raining. Gerald uses his trunk to douse the delighted Piggie with more water.

Evaluation: With a soft color palette and uncomplicated, yet lively illustrations the adventures of Elephant and Piggie continue. The simple and repetitious text is appropriate for beginning readers. This is an excellent book about being a true friend. Recommended for ages 4 to 8.

Genre / Subject: Juvenile Fiction, Beginning Reader, Friendship, Animals, Elephant, Pigs, Weather

Awards: 2009 Theodor Seuss Geisel Award Winner, 2009 ALA Notable Books for Children

Close to You: How Animals Bond by Kimiko Kajikawa

Kajikawa, Kimiko. Close to You: How Animals Bond. Henry Holt & Company, 2008. 32 pages. Tr. $16.95. ISBN 978-0-8050-8123-7.

Annotation: Just like people, animals have unique ways of bonding. The parent-child relationship between different animals is explored.

Summary: The bond between parent and child is strong, even in the animal kingdom. Just like people, animals form strong attachments to each other. Crisp, charming photographs include an adult giraffe licking its baby and an adult alligator gently holding its baby in its mouth. The book ends with the special relationship between people. Additional descriptive and behavioral information on each animal is included in the end matter.

Evaluation: With large, colorful photographs the animal world is investigated. The sweet bonding that occurs between baby and adult animals is tenderly portrayed. The simple rhyming text complements the close-up photos of the animals in their natural habitats. Recommended for ages 3 to 8.

Genre / Subject: Juvenile Non-Fiction, Animals, Bonding, Family

Awards: 2009 Christopher Award – Preschool Books for Young People

Jazz by Walter Dean Myers

Myers, Walter Dean. Jazz. Illustrated by Christopher Myers. Holiday House, 2006. 44 pages. Tr. $18.95. ISBN 978-0-82-341545-8.

Myers, Walter Dean. Jazz. Narrated by James “D-Train” Williams and Vaneese Thomas. Live Oak Media, 2007. Cd with Hardback book, 43 minutes. $28.95. ISBN 978-1-43-010022-5.

Annotation: The history and feel of jazz music is presented beautifully in both poetry and picture.

Summary: An introduction to American jazz music is given through both pictures and words. Through varied poetic forms, the history, technical background, major musicians, styles, and influences are presented. The pulsating acrylic illustrations compliment the upbeat text. A jazz glossary and historical timeline add to the exploration of this important musical style.

Evaluation: Word and picture combine wonderfully to give the feeling and rhythm of American jazz music. The deeply rich and expressionistic illustrations flow like melodic music over the pages. The poems read like jazz music is played. Recommended for ages 4 to 9.

Genre / Subject: Juvenile Non-Fiction, Music, Jazz, Musicians, Stories in Verse, Poetry

Awards: 2007 ALA Notable Books for Children, 2007 Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor Award, 2007 Golden Kite Award Winner – Picture Book Text, 2008 Odyssey Award Winner for Excellence in Audiobook Production

Higher! Higher! by Leslie Patricelli

Patricelli, Leslie. Higher! Higher! Candlewick Press, 2009. 32 pages. Tr. $15.99. ISBN 978-0-76-363241-0.

Annotation: A little girl soars higher and higher into a world of fun as her father pushes her in a playground swing.

Summary: A little girl and her father are enjoying a day at the park on the swings. With each push, the girl tells her dad that she wants to go even higher. The girl swings past a giraffe, a high-rise building, a mountain climber, and an airplane. At her apex, she meets an alien child in outer space whom she high-fives. She safely descends back to her father and wishes to be pushed again.

Evaluation: The brightly colored acrylic paintings add cheerfulness and whimsy to the day at the playground. The repetitive and very simple text (only six words are used) will appeal to the youngest listeners. This is a good book to spur the imagination. Recommended for ages 2 to 5.

Genre / Subject: Juvenile Fiction, Imagination, Recreation, Family

Awards: 2010 ALA Notable Books for Children, 2009 Boston Globe-Horn Award- Honor Picture Book

I Stink! by Kate McMullan

McMullan, Kate. I Stink! Illustrated by Jim McMullan. HarperCollins Publishers, 2006. 40 pages. pap. $6.99. ISBN 978-0-06-443836-0.

Annotation: A garbage truck with personality galore and a really big appetite for refuse from A to Z collects trash at night while people are sleeping.

Summary: A garbage truck who loves his job collects trash at night in a big city. While most people are asleep, he ravenously devours people’s discard from A (apple cores) to Z (ziti with zucchini). His rounds are described complete with noises, smells, and operating instructions. He mentions that without a garbage truck’s essential services, people would be living on a pile of trash. In the early morning, he unloads his last haul onto a barge and heads back to the garage for some well–deserved rest.

Evaluation: This boldly illustrated book using exaggeration and dark colors to achieve its desired effect. The brazen garbage truck narrates the story with commanding, lively text. Sound effects and humor add to the brash tone. The story of a day in the life of sanitation truck is great for truck lovers. Recommended for ages 3 to 9.

Genre / Subject: Juvenile Fiction, Alphabet, Trucks, Trash, Refuse Disposal

Awards: 2003 Charlotte Zolotow Award - Highly Commended Titles, 2003 ALA Notable Books for Children, 2002 Boston Globe-Horn Award- Honor Picture Book

Just a Minute: A Trickster Tale and Counting Book by Yuyi Morales

Morales, Yuyi. Just a Minute: A Trickster Tale and Counting Book. Chronicle Books, 2003. 36 pages. Tr. $15.99. ISBN 978-0-8118-3758-3.

Annotation: A clever Grandma stalls Senor Calavera (Mr. Skull) from taking her away while she busily prepares for her own birthday party with her grandchildren. Part trickster tale/part counting book, readers will enjoy the glimpse into Mexican culture.

Summary: In this bilingual English-Spanish counting book, Grandma Beetle has an unwanted visitor, Senor Calavera (Mr. Skull), who wants to take her away permanently. Grandma cleverly stalls him by finding chore after chore to complete as she prepares for her own birthday party. Each task is linked to a number from one to ten. She politely asks Senor Calavera to wait just a minute during each chore. In the end, Grandma’s nine grandchildren join her at at the party and Senor Calavera is honored as a guest as well. Senor Calavera has such a good time that he leaves with a note explaining that he will be back in the future.

Evaluation: The textured acrylic and mixed-media illustrations create a warm and inviting palette as Grandma Beetle scurries about the house readying it for her birthday party celebration. The Spanish and English text is seamlessly written. Senor Calavera is not too scary as the skeleton. The vibrant illustrations show a glimpse of Mexican culture. Recommended for ages 4 to 9.

Genre / Subject: Juvenile Fiction, Counting, Folklore, Mexican Culture, Skeleton, Grandmothers, Family, Bilingual

Awards: 2004 Pura Belpre Award Winner – For Illustration, 2004 ALA Notable Books for Children, 2003 Golden Kite Honor Book – For Picture Book Illustration

Birds by Kevin Henkes

Henkes, Kevin. Birds. Illustrated by Laura Dronzek. HarperCollins Publishers, 2009. 32 pages. Tr. $17.99. ISBN 978-0-06136304-7.

Annotation: Birds are all around us; they come in all different shapes, sizes, and colors. A young girl wonders at the movement and mysteries of birds.

Summary: This book is a good introduction to birds for the younger set. Birds come in all different sizes, shapes, and colors. Their movements and singing are magical. A young girl is fascinated with bird watching and studying these beautiful winged creatures.

Evaluation: The vibrant acrylic paintings show the beauty of birds. The simple yet reflective text combines well with the bright colorful illustrations. Children will take a more active interest in observing our featured friends after reading this wonderful book. Recommended for ages 2 to 7.

Genre / Subject: Juvenile Fiction, Animals, Birds

Awards: 2010 Charlotte Zolotow Honor Award, 2010 ALA Notable Books for Children

A Visitor for Bear by Bonny Becker

Becker, Bonny. A Visitor for Bear. Illustrated by Kady MacDonald Denton. Candlewick Press, 2008. 56 pages. Tr. $16.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-2807-9.

Annotation: Bear is quite content being alone, so when persistent and friendly Mouse repeatedly pops up in Bear’s house wanting company, Bear gets frustrated. While Bear locks down his house against the menacing mouse, Bear slowly realizes that he would like a friend.

Summary: Bear does not want any friends; in fact, he has a “No Visitors” sign posted on his front door. So when friendly and persistent Mouse pesters Bear for a spot of tea and a seat by the fire, Bear becomes undone. Bear boards the windows, stops up the chimney and plugs the drain in a futile effort to stop Mouse from entering his home. Exasperated, Bear finally relents to Mouse’s requests. But after some conversation, Bears heart softens and he realizes that he does need a friend.

Evaluation: The energetic mouse and inhospitable bear are expressively portrayed in softly hued watercolors. The lively interaction between Bear and Mouse is comical. The slightly repetitive text and wonderful pacing allow for a storytelling treat. Recommended for ages 4 to 10.

Genre / Subject: Juvenile Fiction, Animals, Bears, Mice, Friendship, Persistence

Awards: 2009 Golden Kite Award Winner- Picture Book Text, 2009 ALA Notable Books for Children,

Louise, The Adventures of a Chicken by Kate DiCamillo

DiCamillo, Kate. Louise, the Adventures of a Chicken. Illustrated by Harry Bliss. HarperCollins Publishers, 2008. 56 pages. Tr. $17.99. ISBN 978-0-06-075554-6.

DiCamillo, Kate. Louise, the Adventures of a Chicken. Narrated by Barbara Rosenblat. Live Oak Media, 2009. CD with Hardback book, 19 minutes. $ 28.95. ISBN 978-1-430-10688-3.

Annotation: A daring hen tires of her henhouse and goes in search of adventure. She is captured by pirates, nearly eaten by a lion, and is kidnapped at a bazaar but successfully escapes each time. Although she loves adventure, she always returns to the comforts and friendship awaiting her at home.

Summary: Louise, the brave French chicken, longs for adventure. She sets off to discover the world and is not disappointed. She is captured by hungry pirates, joins a circus and is nearly eaten by a lion, and is kidnapped at a foreign bazaar but escapes. After each short bout of adventure, she always returns to her henhouse to enjoy the company and comforts of home. After her last adventure, she finally shares the tales of her adventures with her sister chickens who are mesmerized. Louise realizes her adventures can continue with the transporting power of storytelling.

Evaluation: In this picture book divided into four short chapters, the line and watercolor illustrations detail the action scenes as Louise goes in search of and finds real adventure. The slightly repetitive narrative and the excellent pacing deepen the interest in the story. The main message is not about seeking your own adventure, but instead about the fulfillment found in sharing stories with friends and family. Recommended for ages 4 to 10.

Genre / Subject: Juvenile Fiction, Adventure, Animals, Chickens, Storytellling

Awards: 2010 Odyssey Award Winner for Excellence in Audiobook Production

Kitten's First Full Moon by Kevin Henkes

Henkes, Kevin. Kitten’s First Full Moon. HarperCollins Publishers, 2004. 40 pages. Tr. $17.99. ISBN 978-0-06-058828-1.

Annotation: A hungry kitten spies what she thinks is a bowl of milk in the sky and in a moonlit pond. After several ill-fated attempts to lick up the milk, she returns home sad and tired but soon discovers a bowl of milk waiting for her.

Summary: In the evening, a little kitten spies what she thinks is a bowl of milk in the sky. As she closes her eyes and tries to lick the moon, she gets a mouthful of bugs. Repeated attempts at trying to drink the milk from the sky and a nearby moonlit pond, results in a wet and tired kitty. Upon the return from her adventures, the kitten is excited to have a precious bowl of milk waiting for her on the porch. Persistence pays off.

Evaluation: In gouache and colored pencil, the hues of black and white illustrate the poor kitten’s milk misadventures. The rhythmic text coupled with the charming, expressive artwork add to the warm and comical story. The message of determination will be enjoyed by children. Recommended for ages 3 to 8.

Genre / Subject: Juvenile Fiction, Animals, Cats, Moon, Milk, Persistence

Awards: 2005 Caldecott Award Winner, 2005 ALA Notable Books for Children, 2005 Charlotte Zolotow Award Winner, 2005 American Booksellers Award - Children's Illustrated Honor Book

Henrietta and the Golden Eggs by Hanna Johansen

Johansen, Hanna. Henrietta and the Golden Eggs. Illustrated by Kathi Bhend-Zaugg. Translated by John S. Barrett. David R. Godine Publisher, 2002. 64 pages. Tr. $16.95. ISBN 978-1-56792-210-3.

Annotation: In a hen house with 3,333 other chickens, Henrietta, an ambitious pullet, decides to pursue her dreams of laying golden eggs. As she does so, she betters life on the farm for all chickens.

Summary: Originally published in German, this tale of farm life in the hen house centers upon Henrietta, a little chicken with big dreams. Clever Henrietta escapes the confining hen house three times to learn to sing, swim, and fly. In the process she creates utter chaos on the farm but ultimately improves the living conditions for her 3,333 fellow chickens. As she escapes for a fourth time, there is the question of whether or not this brave and resourceful chicken can, indeed, lay golden eggs.

Evaluation: The lively pen-and-ink illustrations printed in black and white reveal the silly antics on the farm. The expressive artwork is superbly matched to the straightforward text. The details add a touch of humor to the hearty story of being brave enough to pursue one’s dreams despite obstacles. Recommended for ages 4 to 9.

Genre / Subject: Juvenile Fiction, Fable, Animals, Chickens, Farms, Aspirations

Awards: 2003 Mildred L. Batchelder Award Honor Book, 2003 ALA Notable Books for Children

Big Wolf & Little Wolf by Nadine Brun-Cosme

Brun-Cosme, Nadine. Big Wolf and Little Wolf. Illustrated by Olivier Tallec. Translated by Claudia Bedrick. Enchanted Lion Books. 2009. 32 pages. Tr. $16.95. ISBN 978-1-59270-084-4.

Annotation: Big Wolf, a solitary animal, slowly lets a stranger, Little Wolf, join him in his daily activities. All is well until Little Wolf unexpectedly leaves and there is a big hole in Big Wolf’s heart as he misses his new companion. Happily Little Wolf returns and both bask in the newly formed friendship.

Summary: Originally published in French, this children’s tale tells of Big Wolf who is large and black and lives alone under his tree in the forest. One day small, blue and adventurous Little Wolf decides to visit Big Wolf’s domain. Little by little, Big Wolf accepts Little Wolf as a friend and includes him in his daily activities. Then one day, Little Wolf disappears and Big Wolf is decidedly sad. The reunion is sweet as Little Wolf returns to stay permanently with his new-found friend.

Evaluation: The sensitive text and colorful illustrations emphasize the touching relationship between wary Big Wolf and adventurous Little Wolf. The character’s emotions are accurately portrayed as Big Wolf learns to open his heart to another. Recommended for ages 3 to 8.

Genre / Subject: Juvenile Fiction, Animals, Wolves, Friendship

Awards: 2010 Mildred L. Batchelder Award Honor Book, 2010 ALA Notable Books for Children

The Lion and the Mouse by Jerry Pinkney

Pinkney, Jerry. The Lion and the Mouse. Little, Brown Books for Young Readers. 2009. 40 pages. Tr. $16.99. ISBN 978-0-316-01356-7.

Annotation: In this wordless adaptation of Aesop’s classic fable of the lion and the mouse, the king of the beasts and a little mouse learn about the true meaning of friendship.

Summary: In this wordless picture book set in the African Serengeti, the classic fable of the lion and the mouse is beautifully portrayed in watercolor and colored pencil. A tiny mouse escapes from an attacking owl, only to find herself at the mercy of a lion. The lion ponders the situation and decides to free the mouse. Later the lion finds himself caught in a poacher’s snare and it is the little mouse that returns the favor and sets the lion free by gnawing the rope. Because of the acts of kindness, both animals are free to enjoy their respective families once more.

Evaluation: The detailed and expressive artwork conveys the classic fable so well that words are unnecessary. Through the telling expressions of the realistically drawn animals, all relevant emotions are convincingly communicated. Recommended for ages 3 to 8.

Genre / Subject: Juvenile Fiction, Fables, Folktale, Animals, Lions, Mice

Awards: 2010 Caldecott Medal Winner, 2010 ALA Notable Books for Children, 2010 American Booksellers Indies Choice Book Award - Best New Picture Book

Book Fiesta!: Celebrate Children's Day by Pat Mora

Mora, Pat. Book Fiesta! : Celebrate Children’s Day/ Book Day/ Celebremos El Dia de Los Ninos/ El Dia de Los Libros. Illustrated by Rafael Lopez. Harper Collins Publishers. 2009. 40 pages. Tr. $17.99. ISBN 978-0-06-128877-7.


Annotation: Joyful children invite other children from many cultures to join them in a book fiesta to celebrate the wonders and imagination of reading.

Summary: This bilingual book in English and Spanish has children excited about celebrating the joys of reading. Started in 1996, Children’s Day/Book Day is officially honored each April 30th but every day can be a book day. Multicultural children are seen reading their favorite books with friends and family in a variety of settings including in a hot air balloon and on a submarine. Kids are encouraged to think of ways they can enjoy reading.

Evaluation: The vibrantly colorful acrylic paintings complement the simple text. The positive message about the joy of reading and the multicultural nature of the children is inviting for all. Recommended for ages 3 to 10.

Genre / Subject: Juvenile Fiction, Holidays & Celebrations, Books & Libraries, Imagination

Awards: 2010 ALA Notable Books for Children, 2010 Pura Belpre Illustrator Award Winner

Bark, George by Jules Feiffer

Feiffer, Jules. Bark, George. Harper Collins Publishers, 1999. 32 pages. Tr. $17.99. ISBN 978-0-06-205185-1.

Annotation: A mother dog is distraught when her pup tries to bark correctly but all that comes out of his throat are other animals’ sounds. She takes her pup to the veterinarian who gets to the bottom of the hilarious problem.

Summary: A mother dog is distressed because her pup cannot bark normally. When the poor puppy tries, other animal’s sounds emerge like a “Moo” or a “Meow”. When the mother has a vet examine the pup, the vet with rubber gloves extracts a number of other animals from the pup’s stomach. The mother is momentarily relieved when the pup produces a satisfying bark. However, on the way back home from the vet, the mother encourages the pup to bark once more and it manages to say, “Hello.”

Evaluation: This plain but expressive picture book with witty text expertly captures the comedy of the puppy’s animal “extractions” by the vet. The simple line drawings set against a pastel background will entertain children and adults alike. Recommended for children aged 2 to 8.

Genre / Subject: Juvenile Fiction, Animals, Dogs, Humor

Awards: 2000 ALA Notable Books for Children, 2000 Charlotte Zolotow Award nominee