Picture Book Friday

 

Peek-A-Boo Haiku: A Lift-the-Flap Book Board Book written by Danna Smith and illustrated by Teagan White

 

“in white winter coats/long-eared friends play hide-and-seek/moon says, ‘I see you’”

 Delightful riddles invite young readers to identify the hidden animals before lifting the flap to confirm their guess. The engaging text and adorable creatures in their woodland setting makes this book a real charmer that youngsters are sure to adore.

 The illustrations guide the reader through the seasonal changes in weather, environment, and the associated colors—pastels in spring, warm oranges and browns in fall. The satisfying result provides a variety of visual details to attract the eye and offer points of discussion about the natural world.

 Recommended for the very young readers in your life.

 

HOLIDAY SHOWCASE OF BOOKS

 GIFT IDEAS FOR YOUNG READERS

Books are always a happy surprise!

Here are some fun children’s picture books by some of my favorite authors

(and a few by yours truly) for you to consider.

Click on the titles to go to Amazon to learn more or buy books.

Click on the author's name to visit their website.

The Father Goose Treasury of Poetry

Charles Ghigna, known to his fans as Father Goose®, is a master at creating poetry for children. Lively, thoughtful, nurturing—his language speaks directly to young readers. This anthology collects 101 of his most delightful works in a fabulous collection of poems celebrating the natural world.  (Ages 5-9)

 

The Gingerbread Cowboy by Janet Squires  

He can run from the rancher's wife, he can dash past the javalinas and he can giddy-up right by the cattle grazing on the mesa.  But what happens when he meets a coyote sleeping in the sun? A lively Western version of the classic read-aloud tale. Named the Arizona Governor's 2007 First Grade Book with a special edition of 100,000 copies distributed to every first grader in the state. (Ages 4-8)

 

Ten Cuddly Pandas by Paula D. Golden 

This is an engaging countdown quest built around subtraction. Ten pandas go on a playful journey through the mountains of China where curiosity lures each into an adventure until only one remains. Written in rhyme, this story introduces young readers to simple subtraction word problems with matching numerical equations. (Ages 3-5)

 

Hot Dog by Doug Salati 

This 2023 Caldecott Medal Winner is an energetic romp with a little dog who’s had enough of city crowds, sizzling sidewalks, and blistering skies. When he decides enough is enough and refuses to take another step, his owner comes to his rescue with a fabulous trip to the beach. Vividly colored illustrations filled with and bold movement are paired with a clever narrative. (Ages 2-7)

Gracie Jane has a heart as big as the Western sky, and she's always ready to lend a helping hand. So, she doesn't think twice about rescuing Fifi La Rue and taking the lost pup home. After all, how much trouble could one little dog be on a great big ranch? It's nonstop fun and excitement when one good deed turns this cowgirl's life upside down! Here's some wild West fun from award-winning author, Janet Squires (Ages 4-8)

Bear SaysThanks by Karma Wilson and Jane Chapman. 

Bear is bored!!! Until…his woodland friends arrive one-by-one with tasty treats. But Bear’s cupboard is bare and he has nothing to share. That’s when his friends remind him that the gathering isn’t just about the food. It’s about their friendship and the delightful stories Bear can tell. Chapman's charming illustrations fill each page with warmth and movement.

 

Just Like Gulliver by Janet Squires 

Dive into the adventures of a young groundhog who is frightened of his shadow until a fun-filled journey through the woods and farms surrounding his burrow allows him to discover his courage on Groundhog Day. An author's note provides factual information about Groundhogs. (Ages 4-8)

 

I Am NOT A Scaredy-Cat by Paula D. Golden 

Here is a playful look at the way in which children boldly confront common fears — darkness, creatures, or sounds — and an acknowledgement that no matter how brave we are — we each have fears to face. An Author's Note at the end provides thoughtful questions for opening conversations about fears. (Ages 4-8)

 

Gray Fox in the Moonlight

Isaac Peterson takes readers on a nighttime trek as Gray Fox leads the audience through her world of forest and stream and makes note of the beauty around her. The gentle fall of autumn leaves, the starry sky, the moonlit branches, and her reflection in the river are all worthy of her notice. But she cannot remain long in thought. A powerful call draws her home to care for her hidden kits as the sun rises. (Ages 2-8)

Picture Book Friday

 

“The world is full of little hearts. Each one a sign of love. Some are found upon the ground. Some are up above.”

This opening stanza from LITTLE HEARTS by Charles Ghigna sets forth the gentle tone and thoughtful mood for the delightful story that follows four adorable animal friends in their exploration of nature. A map on the end paper at the back of the book conveniently maps their day-long trek through varied environments from Sand Bay to Clover Corner.

The rhyming stanzas invite readers to join the young adventurers as they attempt to find and identify as many hearts as possible. And the opportunities are many—from Redbud Hill to Emma’s orchard, Blue Hills to Swan Lake and a myriad of localities in between. 

The pastel water color illustrations by Jacqueline East are an inspired reflection of the text. Some of the hearts are clearly evident like the seashells or clouds—perfect for very young observers to find. Others are subtle—a heart created out the paired images of a rock and its reflection in a puddle or the tiny wings of bees—to encourage readers to take their time and truly see all the varied elements on the page. East’s imaginative eye for shapes found in the variety of nature’s offerings will have readers discovering new depths with each reading.

The lilting rhythm and melodic voice of LITTLE HEARTS makes for easy listening and enhances its appeal as a read aloud story for youngsters from 3-6.

I can easily imagine a story time followed by a nature walk where the listeners are encouraged to indulge their curiosity, discover their own “little hearts” and learn to marvel at the amazing natural world that surrounds us.

As an educator, I can envision a simple map that we follow and then mark with our various “discoveries” at the end of our journey.

Highly Recommended for home and school libraries.

HOLIDAY SHOWCASE OF BOOKS FOR GIVING

         SEARCHING  FOR  GIFT  IDEAS  FOR  YOUNG  FRIENDS  AND  FAMILY?

Books are always a happy surprise!

Here are some entertaining children’s books by some of my favorite authors

(and a few by yours truly) for you to consider.

There are board books, picture books, and a marvelous anthology of Yiddish stories to explore.

Click on the titles to go to Amazon to learn more about your selections.

 

BOARD BOOKS

HORNS TO TOES AND IN BETWEEN – Sandra Boynton

Adorable monsters teach the names of body parts in this silly dance that is fun and very readable throughout. (Ages 1-5)  

   

THE GOING TO BED BOOK  – by Boynton is a delightful way to end a busy day. Join her adorable animal friends as they parade through their bedtime routine. (Ages 2-5)

DINOSNORES – also by Boynton

is just pure fun as a colorful collection of dinosaurs prepare for sleep and then… Oh no! The dino-sized snoring begins! Boynton at her entertaining best! (Ages 0-4)

A PET JUST FOR ME – Paula D. Golden 

This playful journey anticipates the excitement of a first pet. Will it be a furry companion, a chirping bird or crawling critter?  Share the fun of guessing what pet is coming home. Available in English, Spanish, Dutch, French, Armenian (Ages 2-7)

THE BEAR SNORES ON – Karma Wilson

This rhyming story is an excellent read-aloud experience. Wonderfully executed, smart, imaginative, and with a delightful twist at the end! A story parents will enjoy reading again and again. (Ages 1-4)

PICTURE BOOKS

LOVE IS EVERYTHING – Charles Ghigna       

From a starry sky, to a mountain forest, Ghigna invites readers to believe in the beauty of nature. His joyful refrain “I believe,” applies not just to the observable world.  He suggests it is felt inside each of us in wanting to do what’s right. The characters' buoyant enthusiasm for life encourages us to remember – Love surrounds us, if only we have the eyes to see and the heart to believe in each other and ourselves. 

(Ages 5-8)

A POEM IS A FIREFLY – Charles Ghigna

What a charming way to introduce young readers to the world of poetry.  “A poem is a whisper. Whooooooo.  A poem is a shout. Hoooowllllllll. A Poem is a thought.” and so much more! Follow along as a bear, owl, wolf and other woodland animals explore the question of what is poetry only to discover it can be different things to different creatures… But always a marvelous source of enchantment. (Ages 5-8)

THE GINGERBREAD COWBOY – Janet Squires

The Gingerbread Cowboy can run from the rancher's wife, he can dash past the javalinas and he can giddy-up right by the cattle grazing on the mesa.  But what happens when he meets a coyote sleeping in the sun? A lively Western version of the classic read-aloud tale. (Ages 4-8)

JUST LIKE GULLIVER – Janet Squires

The adventure of a young groundhog who is frightened of his shadow until a fun-filled journey through the woods and farms surrounding his burrow allows him to discover his courage on Groundhog Day. An author's note provides factual information about Groundhogs. 

(Ages 4-8)

GRACIE JANE – Janet Squires

Gracie Jane has a heart as big as the Western sky, and she's always ready to lend a helping hand. So, she doesn't think twice about rescuing Fifi La Rue and taking the lost pup home. After all, how much trouble could one little dog be on a great big ranch? It's nonstop fun and excitement when one good deed turns this cowgirl's life upside down! (Ages 4-8)

TEN CUDDLY PANDAS…  – Paula D. Golden

This is a delightful countdown quest built around subtraction. Ten pandas go on a playful journey through the mountains of China where curiosity lures each into an adventure until only one remains. Written in rhyme, this story introduces young readers to simple subtraction word problems with matching numerical equations. (Ages 3-5)

THERE’S ONLY ONE YOU – Kathryn Heling

The charming rhyming text speaks directly to the reader as it explores the many ways in which YOU are unique and assures the audience that being you is wonderful! The text acknowledges the obvious, but gives equal consideration to other more subtle qualities: interests, abilities, manner of speaking, even the various ways in which learning takes place.  A joyful and uplifting story. (Ages 3-7)

FOR READERS OF ALL AGES

HONEY ON THE PAGE: A Treasury of Yiddish Children’s Literature – Miriam Udel

 Udel  offer readers the pleasure of storytelling paired with a glimpse into Jewish history and culture. The stories and poems are charming and engaging. The tone is delightfully conversational. The text is complimented by imaginative illustrations. Young readers will enjoy read-aloud stories. Independent readers will find an immediate connection to some stories and grow into appreciation for others.  Adults looking to widen their cultural experience or seeking to deepen their understanding of the rich tradition of Yiddish literature will find a well-researched resource here.

Poetry Friday

I’m delighted to share Poetry for Kids: Emily Dickinson by Susan Snively, PhD.

Snively, who regularly leads discussions at the Emily Dickinson Museum,has collected 35 of Dickinson’s loveliest poems to introduce the poet’s artful work to a new generation of upper grade readers. The verses are organized by season and point up Dickinson’s interest in nature. Many of her works are inspired by the large garden where she preferred to spend time caring for the plants and observing the creatures who made a home there. Subjects range from butterfly and bee to death and eternity in this sweeping tribute to her remarkable talent.

The text is enriched by brief definitions that are strategically tucked beside or below the illustrations. A section titled, “What Emily Was Thinking,” provides a discussion of the works. A brief biography introduces the poet and creates a frame for her work.

The lovely pen and watercolor illustrations capture the varied subjects, reflect the shifting tones that range from playful to thoughtful, and provide hints to some of the subtler meanings embodied in Dickinson’s choice of words. 

Poetry Friday

Poetry Friday is hosted today by Random Noodling.

My selection is "Animal Poems" by Valerie Worth with pictures by Steve Jenkins.  

This collection of twenty-three poems about a variety of animals was published following Worth's death in 1994 and is a fitting tribute to her remarkable talent for using ordinary words to create an extraordinary experience.  Worth's perceptive free verse observations invite her readers to see the familiar -- from snails to whales -- with new eyes.  At first glance, the book appears to target a young audience, and many of the poems suit a youthful demographic.  However, there are also works that require a more sophisticated vocabulary and world view that will appeal to teens and adults as well.

Each spread highlights an individual poem and features the inventive cut-paper artwork for which Steven Jenkins is famous.  Textured, multi-dimensional collages are a visual treat in harmony with Worth's word pictures.

Poetry Friday

Poetry Friday is hosted today by Beyond Literacy Link.

Summer is a time for travel and exploration so let me share with you "Come With Me: poems for a journey" written by Naomi Shihab Nye and illustrated by Dan Yaccarino.

 

Nye invites readers to join her in a journey through worlds both concrete and fanciful in this collection of 16 free-verse poems. Each turn of the page produces a new opportunity to be surprised, soothed, startled or delighted. The Observer offers the quiet contemplation to be found in the simple study of an inching caterpillar, a drifting cloud, or the glint of sunlight on a blue glass. In contrast, Where Are We Going is an energetic exploration of glittering cityscapes filled with the hustle of crowds.

 

Yaccarino's bright collage illustrations are a rich addition that produce their own sense of wonder and imagination while capturing the flavor of the text.

Poetry Friday

Poetry Friday is hosted today by Poetry For Children.

My selection is The Tree That Time Built: a celebration of nature, science and imagination.

This anthology of nature-inspired poems is collected by Mary Ann Hoberman, U.S. Children's Poet Laureate and Linda Winston, anthropologist and teacher. The book includes more that 100 poems and a CD of 44 poems with some of the poets reading their own work. 

The poetry is loosely sorted into thematic groups with a brief, thoughtful introduction to each collection. There is a wealth of talent here from early poets such as Blake and Emerson to Langston Hughes and Sylvia Plath along with contemporary writers Douglas Florian and Joyce Sidman.

The book concludes with a glossary and suggestions for further reading and research.

I recommend taking a moment to read the  introduction to the book as it offers readers important insights into Hoberman's and Winston's inspiration for this work, their thoughts on the selection process, and the interconnections between science and poetry.

Poetry Friday is hosted today by Buffy's Blog.

My selection is Winter Song by William Shakespeare. This song from Shakespeare's comedy "Love's Labour's Lost" is beautifully illustrated by Melanie Hall.

Here is a lovely way to introduce Shakespeare to young readers. The joys and trials of an Elizabethan winter find expression in Shakespeare's lively phrases and Hall's colorful double page spreads.Alice Provensen provides an introduction and glossary for the less obvious words and phrases.

Poetry Friday

Poetry Friday is hosted today by The Poem Farm.

My selection is "Canyon" by Eileen Cameron with illustrations by Michael Collier.  

 

The power of water, the relentless mechanism of erosion, and the grandeur that can be created by the forces of change are depicted in lyrical free verse and stunning photography. Cameron leads readers on a poetic adventure following the first tentative wisps of falling snow on mountain tops, down swift running streams, and on to the thundering power of the Colorado River as it sculpts canyons that become stunning geological wonders.

 

Collier's gorgeous color photography compliments the text and features differing perspectives that invite the reader to contemplate the extraordinary beauty of our natural world.

 

The book concludes with a map that illustrates the location of the various scenes.

Poetry Friday

Poetry Friday is hosted today by My Juicy Little Universe. 

My selection is "In the Wild" by David Elliott with illustrations by Holly Meade.

 

Wildlife and poetry -- what an enticing combination for children. Elliott takes readers on a quest across continents and through a variety of habitats to discover some of our favorite animals. Panda,  zebra, polar bear, sloth, and kangaroo are just a few of animals celebrated in this colorful collection.

Short poems offer thoughtful insights into details, invite readers to observe wildlife with a thoughtful eye or simply enjoy how unique each creature is in form and behavior. The simple-appearing verses are reader friendly, but possess an underlying sophistication in their use of vocabulary and imagery  -- the glisten of sunset in a lion's eye or likening an elephant to a cloud: Powerful, yet delicate/as lace.../When peaceful, silent;/when angry loud. 

Meade's bold use of color and line fill the pages with images that draw the reader's attention to the subject of each verse and make the illustrations every bit as commanding as the words.

Poetry Friday

Poetry Friday is hosted today by Robyn Hood Black. 

My selection is "The Arrow Finds Its Mark: a book of found poems" edited by Georgia Heard and illustrated by Antoine Guilloppe.     

 

Heard has collected the works of many of the best known names in children's poetry for this collection of "Found" poems. An introduction explains this form of poetry is created using words and/or phrases that are found in ads, signs, lists, letters, or other random sources such as tweets. The found material is then shaped into a poem.

 

J. Patrick Lewis delights sports fans with "Nicknames in the NBA" from a basketball encyclopedia.  Joyce Sidman, Marilyn Singer, Bob Raczka, Jane Yolen, Laura Purdie Salas, and Lee Bennett Hopkins are just a few of the talented contributors who share their work. Each poem is accompanied by a note describing where the source material was found.

This entertaining book offers inspiration to young writers as it invites them to find poetry in unlikely places.