Review and GIVEAWAY! - Hissy Fitz by Patrick Jennings

Hello my lovelies, and welcome to 2015! We've had a wonderful winter break (until today that is, when Hubs succumbed to one of the bugs that's been floating around - luckily Sprout & I are as yet in the clear!). I hope you were able to enjoy some relaxation time around the holidays, whether or not you celebrate. It's really nice to just take a breath and recharge before the new year.

We're starting 2015 off with a bang here at the Bookshelf, with a review and GIVEAWAY of the new book Hissy Fitz by Patrick Jennings. This is a signed copy friends - you won't want to miss adding this hilarious chapter book to your collection!

Hissy Fitz couldn't have come along at a better time for us. Sprout's been in full learning-to-read mode, so we are gobbling up the easy readers, and our chapter book read-aloud time has been seriously extended. It's so exciting to see him really loving books in a whole new way, and nearly every night he tells me how he can't wait to read chapter books on his own. Because of that, I've been making it a point to choose books that he'll really love, which usually means funny books with vivid characters. Check and double check for Hissy Fitz.

This is the story of Hissy, a cat who just wants a decent days' sleep. Not so much to ask, right? Well it is in a household that includes one chatty grade-schooler, twin three-year-olds (one of whom just does not understand cats *at all*), and a carpenter dad. Add in barking dogs, a neighbor who fixes cars and all the noise that comes when the family is together, and you have one cranky, sleep-deprived Hissy. And he's going to do whatever it takes to get some peace and quiet - no matter what that might be. 'Cause this cat is ex-haus-ted!

We received an advance copy of Hissy Fitz to review, but even if we hadn't gotten a complimentary book, this still would have been a big hit in our household. Hissy's high jinks are seriously hilarious, as is his cranky demeanor. Jenkins clearly knows his audience -- he keeps the story moving at a perfect pace, and ratchets up the humor at just the right points throughout the plot. Sprout seriously cannot stop laughing every time we read a chapter, and in fact he was just begging me to finish the book before bedtime tonight. "I can't wait, Mom! I have to find out what happens!" were his exact words. Coming from a kid, you know that's high praise.

Hissy Fitz is perfect for kiddos just beginning to enjoy chapter books on their own. The language is simple but the action keeps them turning pages - definitely not a boring early chapter title! Hissy is the first book we've read by Patrick Jennings but I'm sure it won't be the last - Sprout's already begging me to get a copy of Guinea Dog, Jennings' award-winning title for middle graders, to read aloud soon. Can't wait!

Hissy Fitz by Patrick Jennings, published by Egmont Publishing
Ages 7-9
Source: review copy received from publisher
Sample: "I hiss at dogs. Swat at cats. Scream at children. Growl at old people. They call me crazy. Mad. Insane. Wild. And they're right. I'm everybody's worst nightmare, and I will continue to be until everybody gets quiet and lets me sleep."

If you'd like to have Hissy Fitz on your kiddo's reading list this year, maybe you'd like your very own copy?? You can win a signed copy!

(Prize provided by Egmont Publishing. Review is our honest opinion, 'cause we can't be bought, haha!)

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Check out these other great blogs, for more chances to win!

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Tuesday, January 06, 2015

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Wednesday, January 07, 2015

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Thursday, January 30, 2014

Rockin’ Book Reviews

To Be Announced

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30 Days of Diverse Picture Books - Little Humans by Brandon Stanton

Put down that leftover Halloween candy and get ready for something even sweeter! It's November, and you know what that means!

Woot woot! It's one of my favorite things that happens all year long - Picture Book Month, a 30 day celebration of the books that speak to all ages. If you need convincing as to why picture books are important, you'll find a new reason each day on the official Picture Book Month website. But I know you're all believers, just as we are, of the power of picture books to change lives young and old!

AND this year, with all the attention swirling around the call for diversity in children's literature, I decided this year would be 30 Days of Diverse Picture Books. That means books that celebrate difference in all its forms - because, after all, there is nothing so beautiful as literature that includes everyone.

On to our first pick!

For Day 1, I'm choosing a brand-new title that's written by blogger Brandon Stanton, best known for his blog Humans of New York. It's an incredible site, full of humanity and laughter and heartache. Stanton includes kids on his blog quite a bit, and has compiled a cross-section of fantastic photographs into his new picture book, Little Humans.

If you've followed Stanton's blog, you'll recognize many of the photos, but it's really fun to see them in an entirely new context. Stanton's added some text to tie the images together, though that seems unnecessary - honestly, I think he could just have had his incredibly winning photography stand on its own, and young readers would have been equally charmed. But it is loads of fun, and a great way to include diversity in a collection, demonstrating all the ways in which humans are both alike and different.

It's a brave new diverse world out there - and we love the way Little Humans celebrates it!

Little Humans by Brandon Stanton, published by Farrar Straus Giroux

Picture Book Review - The Baby Tree by Sophie Blackall

Quick: name for me one book about where babies come from that is equal parts informative and funny. Can't do it, can you? That's because most of those books fall into one category or another: seriously dry yet factual, or silly and completely untrue. And no matter which camp they fall into, none of these books are the kind you really want to put on the regular bedtime reading rotation.

So let me first say that Sprout has not yet asked us THE question, but I know it's just a matter of time. And once he does, I finally, finally know how we're going to respond -- by reaching over to the bookshelf and grabbing Sophie Blackall's excellent picture book The Baby Tree, which is top of my list for books on the subject of babies and all that jazz. It's not just helpful, it's also a fun one to read (whew!).

With Blackall's trademark whimsical illustrations, The Baby Tree starts out to be a crowdpleaser right from the first page. Our hero gets up one morning and discovers that his parents have some news for him. You can guess what it is, of course, but our guy's more interested at first in having more cocopops. Soon, though, he gets to thinking about this baby's arrival and just where the kid is coming from. And he begins asking all the significant grownups, each of whom have an answer that ends up to be part of the truth (except Grandpa). The boy puts it all together at the end, when his parents finally tell him the whole story. Now all our boy needs to do is straighten out Grandpa. . . .

Let me reassure you here that Blackall handles this all in a sensitive, age-appropriate fashion. In fact, it's so tactful that your little one might have any followup questions the first time you read it -- but just in case they do, Blackall has a nice Q&A at the end of the book. (It even addresses topics like same-sex parents and adoption.) So when reading this with the littlest ones, the text may be enough, while for older kiddos you may decide to consult the talking points - you know, if you're not sure just what to say.

That said, I also appreciate that The Baby Tree not only deals honestly with a sensitive topic, but does it by incorporating some diversity into the mix. Sure, the main character and his family are white, but there's plenty of other hues in the babies and in our little boy's classmates. Score one for Blackall for recognizing that even topics like this need to be inclusive -- it's definitely a step in the right direction, in my view. Now, if we could just get diverse books about toothbrushing or potty training. . .

UPDATE: I'd written this post but not published it when Sprout came home from preschool and announced that one of the teachers has a baby in her tummy. Woot woot! I was ready! We read The Baby Tree last night and I'm pleased to say that Sprout thought the narrative answered his questions. So at least for now, we're out of the woods on that topic. Ms. Blackall, you have our many thanks. :)

The Baby Tree by Sophie Blackall, published by Nancy Paulsen Books
Ages 5-8
Source: Library
Recommended

Yes, Let's by Galen Goodwin Longstreth

One of the tasks that's been drawing my attention away from the blog these days is planning for our first family road trip. Travel is pretty important to our family life, and in fact we've figured out that we Kinsers get a bit itchy when we don't have a trip on the horizon. Hubs and I have been wanting to do a road trip for a while, but while Sprout was still pretty little it seemed like it would be more of a headache than anything. (Let's face it -- when your kiddo is potty training, even a trip to the grocery store can require an unplanned stop!) But now that he's almost five (FIVE??!??), it seems much more doable. And so we're planning to hit the road in early summer for a road trip to Utah to see (what else?) dinosaurs. :)

But though our summer trip is going to be several days, there's no substitution for a day heading off into the wilds to have an adventure. Living in the Pacific Northwest, there's a bounty of natural wilderness all around us, and we love to get out and explore. A recent read of ours -- Galen Goodwin Longstreth's Yes, Let's -- introduces kids to just how thrilling it can be to see what nature has in store. (I didn't know until I read her bio that Galen Longstreth is from Seattle, but it totally makes sense!) Right from the get-go, you know this is going to be a fun title; the endpapers are styled like the family's refrigerator, complete with trail map, photos from past outings, lists ("animals to look for") and a grocery list, helpfully amended by one of the young members of the party to include basic staples -- like chocolate chips.

And that's just the beginning of the delightful illustrations by Maris Wicks, who definitely knows how to capture family life. Here we have a family of seven: Mom, Dad and four children, plus their adorable scruffy puppy, and they are out for a day of exploration. "Let's wake up extra early, before the day gets hot. / Let's pack a picnic, hurry up -- ready or not." So begins the adventure, where we see the family cajoling Mom and Dad out of bed, then the whole crew packing lunch (the youngest pouring extra extra chocolate chips into the trail mix. . . hence the grocery list addition!).

The tone Longstreth strikes throughout this one-of-a-kind picture book is spot on. Yes, Let's is all happy excitement, the anticipation of the events buoying the family through. Even though some small mishaps do occur, nothing can deter from the pure delight of experience. The joy of dropping backpacks and shedding layers down to swimsuits, then jumping into the possibly-too-cold-at-first water; the hopefulness of making boats out of sticks and leaves; the laziness of lounging with a book on the riverbank -- it's all here, evoking memories of encounters past for parents, and building the thrill of future outings in the minds of kids. The day winds down as the book does, with a stop for dinner and then a parent toting in a sleeping child. It's a classic summer adventure, the kind captured in photos to remember afterward. Who among us hasn't had days much like this, and long for the same for our own children?

Yes, Let's is a terrific book that deserves a wide audience, because it's about nothing more than enjoying time together in nature, as a family. Read this one now, if you're itching for spring, and start to plan your own summer escapades. It's fun to have adventures together -- so let's!

Yes, Let's by Galen Goodwin Longstreth, published by Tanglewood Books
Ages 3-6
Source: Library
Sample: "Let's hike the trail, hop the stream, and duck the fallen logs. / Let's go this way, we've got all day -- someone call the dog."
Recommended

Paul Meets Bernadette by Rosy Lamb

If your mind is turning to hearts and flowers, that's probably because Valentine's Day is just a few days away. Sprout's seriously excited about Valentine's Day this year, which is interesting considering that it's not a holiday we are overly effusive about around our house. Oh, we do the obligatory cards for his classroom companions (Star Wars Lego themed this year, because homemade cards take time and Mommy is tired). And we get him a couple small gifts -- in particular a book, because I'd rather emphasize International Book Giving Day than a candy-fueled Cupid fest.

And if you're looking for a terrific book to give a child, maybe something that celebrates love but isn't overtly Valentine-oriented, today's pick is a great choice. Paul Meets Bernadette is the debut picture book by author/illustrator Rosy Lamb, and it's one of our current favorites. This is the kind of quiet title that can easily be passed over -- it's pretty unassuming, and the title's one that might or might not stick in your mind. So I really wanted to be sure to call it out here on the blog, because I think the message and the medium Lamb employs for her story are just right for storytime at home or in the library.

The plot is simple enough for even younger preschoolers to easily grasp: Paul is a goldfish, and he's lonely. His life consists of swimming in circles and the biggest variety in his day is changing directions. Then one day Bernadette appears. She's a goldfish like Paul, but she has a decidedly unconventional way of looking at the world. Suddenly Paul is noticing everything, with Bernadette's help of course. And the world is pretty amazing, when right outside your bowl there's a boat, a cactus, and even a family of elephants!

Sprout got a huge kick out of Paul Meets Bernadette, largely because he's at that stage where he finds it hugely funny if we say things wrong on purpose. Like sometimes I'll tell him to wash his face and feet (instead of hands) or Daddy will call him Jasper (the cat's name). So when Bernadette starts identifying the objects for Paul, Sprout can't help but laugh -- considering that the boat she sees is really a banana, the cactus is really an alarm clock, and the family of elephants is a teapot and tea cups. Sprout just howls at this, and I expect he isn't the only kiddo who will do so. Plus this plot device opened up a great opportunity for us to talk about perspective, and how when you don't see much of the world, it's easy to misinterpret what you see, or think that one viewpoint is the only way to see things. Hmm, surprisingly deep insights, no?

And that's why I love kidlit in general, and books like Paul Meets Bernadette in particular. Because picture books like this one work on so many levels - as a beautiful visual treat, as a gentle story of friendship and the power of love, and as an opening to develop critical thinking skills in our young ones. That's why picture books are essential fodder for little minds. So if you really want to give your kiddo a treat this Valentine's, skip the conversation hearts and go for a book like Paul Meets Bernadette instead -- believe you me, it's one they'll remember after the candy is long gone.

Paul Meets Bernadette by Rosy Lamb, published by Candlewick Press
Ages 3-5
Source: Library
Sample: "Paul used to go around in circles. / He made big circles and little circles. / . . . And then one day, Bernadette dropped in."
Recommended

30 Days of Picture Books - The Highway Rat by Julia Donaldson

It's Day 29 of our 30 Days of Picture Books. We're winding down in our selections, and it makes me a little sad - there are so many more great titles we'd like to share, but that just didn't make it into this year's 30 Days list. If you're interested in checking out the titles we've shared this year and last, just click on the 30 Days of Picture Books tab above, or follow our Pinterest boards for 2012 and 2013 to see every title!

Our choice tonight is one we picked up because of Sprout's love for The Gruffalo. He was ambivalent the first time we read The Gruffalo, and in fact I don't think we even checked it out that day. But one of his absolute favorite teachers at preschool really brought the book to life for him. (Truth is, if Miss Valerie loves it, it's an automatic win for Sprout too!). So because he's come to love The Gruffalo, I knew he'd be excited to see The Highway Rat, the new collaboration by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. And even though there are plenty of sequels that don't live up to the hype, this one delivers on every level.

First and foremost, it's helpful if you have at least a passing familiarity with the poem "The Highwayman" by Alfred Noyes. (Go ahead and read it, we'll wait.) Okay, if you're good with that, then you're ready to dive into The Highway Rat. Donaldson translates Noyes' poem into a critter-friendly world, where the Highway Rat rules the highway, taking whatever he pleases. "His life was one long feast," she writes, and it certainly seems to be true as all the characters give up their food to the Highway Rat. But then one day a duck comes along, and because the duck has no food for him to take, the Highway Rat declares he'll eat the duck instead. However, unbeknownst to the Highway Rat, this duck has other plans. . . .

Donaldson's command of the picture book genre is evident here, as she transforms the classic poem into a piece that appeals to kids of all ages. Her adherence to the rhyme scheme is flawless, and she uses the form to bring readers the resolution they're craving. And as with their previous collaborations, Scheffler's illustrations aptly suit the tone of Donaldson's work, taking the edge out of what could be a dark plotline by translating it with visual touches kids will love. How many artists would think to show emotion on the faces of a chain of ants? That's a master at work, my friends.

The Highway Rat may be a baddie, but he's an adorable one, and his fate in the end, while clearly a punishment for his misdeeds, is one that always makes Sprout smile. A joy to read aloud, The Highway Rat is one you'll want to share with everyone -- kiddo or adult!

The Highway Rat by Julia Donaldson, published by Arthur A. Levine Books

30 Days of Picture Books - Too Many Toys by David Shannon

It's Day 24 of our 30 Days of Picture Books. As I'm writing this, it's already starting to feel a lot like Christmas around Casa de Kinser. Hubs and Sprout put up our outdoor lights this weekend and we've got our tree up as well, though not fully decorated. (Our new kitty Jasper isn't sure what to think about it - he's intrigued, but wary.) We've started shopping for Sprout and Santa's been informed of the wish list, which this year includes Legos and the new Otis Christmas book. :)

And that leads me right in to today's pick, David Shannon's Too Many Toys. This book hits close to my heart as we find ourselves actively working to keep the volume of toys in Sprout's closet to an absolute minimum. It's a hard fight sometimes, let me tell you! But in our way of thinking, it's more important to have significant, well-chosen toys than just a lot of -- well, junk.

And junk is indeed the problem in Spencer's house, as he and his parents are being gradually buried under a flood of toys. Spencer pretty much has every toy under the sun, so many he can't possibly play with - or even find - all of them. He's not bothered by the mess, but his parents are. And one day Spencer's mom finally snaps and insists that Spencer re-home some of his playthings. As you might expect, this doesn't go down too well with Spencer, who fights Mom at every step of the way. But at last the pair assembles a box full of stuff that's headed to another destination. All is looking good until Spencer decides there's one thing he can't let go of. . . and you won't believe what it is!

Shannon brings his trademark energy to Spencer's chaotic world of toys. The masses of plastic playthings this kiddo has assembled are impressive, and they definitely imprint with kids. As we read, Sprout kept remarking, "He's got too many stuffs!" - even without my intervention (Shannon's point is hard to miss). I really appreciate not only that this topic was addressed, but that Shannon demonstrates Spencer's resistance in a realistic way. And the resolution is proof positive that some of the best playthings are those you discover all on your own.

Look, let's be honest -- kids rarely want to part with their toys, even when it's obvious that the piles need to be cleared out. But in the holiday season, with lots of goodies coming in stockings and packages, Too Many Toys might just be the bibliotherapy your little ones need to clear out the old and make way for new!

Too Many Toys by David Shannon, published by Scholastic

30 Days of Picture Books - Giant Dance Party by Betsy Bird

It's Day 21 in our 30 Days of Picture Books. What's that you say? Yesterday was actually Day 21 but I didn't share a post? Very astute -- well, that dreaded Thanksgiving turkey coma took over and I wasn't alert enough to post a new book last night. And that's all we're going to say about that. . . .

Anyhoo, it's no matter because you'll still get the benefit of yesterday's pick one day late. And what a pick it is, exuberant and colorful -- just take a peek at that cover and tell me you aren't excited about this one right from the get-go! Betsy Bird's Giant Dance Party is terrific in lots of ways, and that's not surprising since Bird herself is a children's librarian and author of the popular kidlit blog Fuse #8. The woman knows her kidlit, and because she knows what kids like, this one's a slam-dunk. But don't worry, it's not that kind of kid-fave that's also an adult nightmare. Giant Dance Party is read-aloud friendly and funny, with a message wrapped so deep it'll sneak by the kiddos without them even catching on.

Lexy lives to dance, but she's decided to quit. Her parents know why, and it's not even hard to understand - recitals. Who likes those anyway? Not Lexy, because once the lights go on she freezes up solid ("blammo! Ice pop.") But she finds she misses her favorite pastime, so she decides to become a dance teacher instead. It takes a little while, but at last Lexy has clients -- blue, furry, gigantic clients, to be exact. And giants aren't exactly known for their gracefulness. Still, Lexy's persuaded to teach them, and all goes fine until the night of the Giant Dance Recital, where the students turn into giant blue furry ice pops. Uh-oh! How will Lexy salvage the big event?

Brandon Dorman did the illustrations for Giant Dance Party and it has to be said that this is a big part of the book's charm. The giants are in no way intimidating, more like big fuzzy kids themselves, which of course makes their predicament all the more relatable. And Lexy herself is spunky and lively, the kind of girl who doesn't wait around for a solution to her problems but figures out how to work through it all on her own. My one disappointment would just be that I'd wish for more diversity here. But perhaps we'll get that with Bird's next go-around? One can hope, anyway!

When your kiddo's struggling with a fear that seems insurmountable, reach for Giant Dance Party. With humor, spirit and a whole lot of grace, this title shows young ones how to reach for the stars!

Giant Dance Party by Betsy Bird, published by Greenwillow Books

30 Days of Picture Books - The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt

It's Day 9 of our 30 Days of Picture Books. Tonight's post is going up a bit later than normal because we were gone most of the day to a friend's birthday party. I must say, it's quite nice to have other adoptive families in our lives, and especially nice that our boys, all within 6 months of another, get along really well. Today was cupcakes, pizza and a major bounce house - what else do a bunch of 4 and 5 year olds need to have a fun day??!?

Our pick today is one that was a birthday gift to Sprout from one of the coolest folks we know (you know who you are, Auntie S.). She works at a book wholesaler and so we know a package from this auntie is going to be full of some bookish goodness. She didn't disappoint with this pick, The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt. It's every bit as fun as you'd think a book about crayons could be, and then some.

The title tells the story in a nutshell - one day Duncan reaches for his colors and discovers that the crayons have gone on strike. It all starts with Red, who is a bit stressed out from being in very heavy rotation, as colors go. Purple's upset that his color seems to be going outside the lines. Black is fed up that he's just used for outlines, Yellow and Orange are feuding over who is the best color for the sun, and Pink feels underused. Each color has its own unique complaint, and each writes Duncan an impassioned letter pleading its case. Duncan, fortunately, takes all the issues into consideration, and at last comes up with a solution that's the perfect display of each color's palette.

Oliver Jeffers does an amazing job of personifying the crayons themselves, manifesting in his drawings each of the complex range of emotions that Daywalt's text brings out. Each spread features not only the color who has written the letter in question, but also an example of Duncan's drawings that *illustrates* (like that artsy pun, there?) the problem at hand. We like White the best, I think; its complaint, as you might expect, has to do with going unnoticed, and is captured nicely within its letter -- written, of course, on black paper.

The Day the Crayons Quit is best for older preschoolers, just so that they understand the point of the story. It took a bit for Sprout to get the jokes here, as the humor is somewhat meta in nature. But once he did, he thought it was hilarious that the crayons had opinions and feelings. And I notice that ever since we first read it, he's a little more even-handed with his colors, making sure that everyone gets a turn.

Coincidence? Maybe, or maybe Sprout's just trying to prevent his own crayon walkout!

The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt, published by Philomel Books

30 Days of Picture Books - Creepy Carrots! by Aaron Reynolds

It's Day 5 of our 30 Days of Picture Books. We hope you've been enjoying the titles we've shared so far, and that you're as excited to see more as we are thrilled to be sharing them!

Today's pick could arguably be considered a Halloween book, and certainly is good for the times when you want to add a little thrill to storytime. I'm very glad we happened upon this title, because honestly it's not one that I probably would have picked out for us to read. Sprout tends to be a little hesitant with anything spooky or scary, so I would likely have passed this by. But when Aaron Reynolds' Creepy Carrots arrived in a box of other bookish goodies, Sprout seized on it. I read it to him, not really sure what to expect, and he ADORED it, right from the get-go. Lesson learned: offer more varied reading selections, you never know what the kiddo will like.

The story of Creepy Carrots touches on themes that run throughout kidlit, like being the only one to see a phenomenon and having to take things into your own hands to solve a problem. Jasper Rabbit is a carrot-loving guy, as you might expect from a bunny. His favorite carrots are the ones growing wild in Crackenhopper Field, and Jasper just can't get enough, hitting the place up for treats morning, noon and night. But then one day Jasper experiences something unusual: he thinks he sees a trio of creepy carrots following him. Try as he might, Jasper can't catch the carrots in the act, and no one believes him of course. Finally at the end of his rope, Jasper takes some extreme measures. But who's really taking care of who?

Oh my word, this book is fantastic. The sly humor Reynolds employs grows on you the more you read it, the the pictures are knock-down amazing. (It won a Caldecott Honor for Peter Brown's illustrations.) My husband especially loves the way the spreads are a nod to cinema classics, with a Vertigo feel to one picture that is just terrific. The way Brown chooses to have his carrots stand out as the lone bursts of color against the black-and-white landscape is genius. Kids may not be able to put their fingers on what this makes this such a tasty visual tidbit, but adults will appreciate every bit. And the humor's a winner with all ages -- just don't be surprised if you start looking behind yourself to catch some creepy carrots!

Creepy Carrots by Aaron Reynolds, published by Simon and Schuster

30 Days of Picture Books - Platypus by Chris Riddell

It's Day 2 of our 30 Days of Picture Books. What do you love about picture books? I'd hazard a guess that if you asked 100 different people, you'd get 100 different answers. For us it's more than one thing, and each book we read brings out a different aspect of the format that we enjoy. But I have to say that we are often bowled away by the sheer charm of picture books, especially those that are just bubbling over with wit.

And that pretty well sums up today's pick, Platypus by Chris Riddell. I don't know how I missed this title (or this series, because there are two other titles featuring the beguiling main character) until now, but I was happy to stumble upon it one day at work. Of course it was the cover that got me -- how could you not be totally taken by this cute little guy -- but the story instantly won me over, and Sprout as well. In fact, the first time we read it we had to reread it twice more, and then Sprout asked for it at bedtime. If that's not a ringing endorsements, friends, I don't know what is.

Beyond the darling illustrations, which are bound to tickle even the youngest readers' fancy, the plot is a total winner for us. Riddell knows his craft, and he keeps the storyline uncluttered by diving right into a day in the life of Platypus. We learn that our hero is a collector, and this day he's out to add to his collection. But nothing he finds seems quite right, until he happens upon a lovely curly shell in his bucket. What fun! Only pretty soon Platypus figures out that something's up with this perfect souvenir, and readers will love happening on the answer to the mystery along with Platypus.

I mentioned that it's the charm of books like this that we especially appreciate, and I think that's where the true craft of Platypus comes through. Because it's not just the twist of the story, or the cheerfully adorable visual style Riddell employs. No, the charm is in the way Platypus is a preschool-age everyman, and that's something that parents, teachers, and even kids themselves will pick up. Platypus' behavior rings true with how a young child would behave, faced with the same set of circumstances - and in that facet comes not only the humor, but the immediate pleas to "read it again!".

Platypus by Chris Riddell, published by Harcourt

(note: the Platypus books are, sadly, tough to find -- so put these titles on your list for the library or the used bookstore!)

Dinosaur Days - 5 Fierce Titles for Budding Paleontologists

It's happened. We've entered the seemingly inevitable phase that all parents of young boys somehow find themselves in - the dinosaur obsession.

It began simply enough, with an uptick in the number of dinosaur books Sprout was picking out at the library, and a request for Mommy to bring home "some more good books like those ones" when the much-enjoyed titles had to be returned. And then Sprout began choosing Dinosaur Train as his evening screentime pick. Then came the dinosaur figurines, and the coloring books, and the dinosaur themed birthday party (he was thrilled when his best friend followed suit). And before you know it, here we were discussing over breakfast the other morning, "What kind of birthday cake would a triceratops have?" (The answer, if you were wondering, is a cake shaped like a long-neck dinosaur. And vanilla, because triceratops don't care for chocolate.)

So here we are, and I know we're among friends because many of you probably either are in the same phase or have lived to tell the tale. Luckily for us, there are plenty of great books to choose from, both the factual and the fantastic, so Sprout can get his dino itch scratched without Mommy going insane trying to pronounce all those names (giganotosaurus, anyone?). I've picked out a few to highlight here, but this is by no means an exhaustive list - we have tons more over on our Pinterest board, if you need to round out your library list!

First up is a title that's a good beginning point for kids who are starting to be fascinated with these incredible creatures. Richard Byrne's The Really, Really, Really Big Dinosaur is all about friendship and sharing, with a side order of comeuppance for a very know-it-all character. One big dinosaur thinks he's pretty tough, but a very little dinosaur knows somebody tougher! The cartoony illustrations make this an accessible choice, and the dinos themselves are reminiscent of kids you'll see in every preschool classroom and on every playground. Sprout loved the surprise ending in this one - definitely a choice you'll want to reread once you're in on the joke. (He could hardly contain his glee on the second time through!)

Moving on up the spectrum is another title that's heavy on the humor but that satisfies kiddos' need to read about giant reptiles. Elise Broach's When Dinosaurs Came with Everything has been popping up on recommended lists ever since it came out, and no wonder - this title, engagingly illustrated by one of my favorite artists, David Small, has something for everyone. No kid likes to run errands, but on the day when every business in town is giving out free dinosaurs, one boy thinks a few extra stops sound great! (Mom's not so convinced.) The absurdity of ankylosaurs walking down Main Street and pterosaurs instead of balloons at the barber will delight young readers to no end. This one's a real winner, and perfect for storytime at home or in the classroom.

For Sprout's birthday, all he wanted was a book on dinosaurs. And he got several, the lucky little stinker. Of these, two have been in near-constant rotation for perusal in the car, at the doctor's office, on his bedroom floor. The first, See Inside the World of Dinosaurs by Alex Frith and Peter Scott, is appealing for lots of reasons: realistic pictures, flaps to lift, information galore, and best of all loads of action shots of critters eating and fighting and chasing. For kids who don't mind some grossness -- there are dead dinos here, people, so consider yourself warned -- this is a surefire hit, like so many Usborne books.

The second of Sprout's birthday gifts is one that hubs and I bought for him - National Geographic's Little Kids First Big Book of Dinosaurs. This is a terrific selection for kids who are at the stage of wanting to pore over pictures. Like all National Geographic selections the illustrations are big and glossy, which will thrill young dino-lovers to no end. And as you might expect, the text is jam-packed full of details and facts - did you know that pentaceratops liked to swim, for instance? (I didn't even know pentaceratops existed, if I'm being honest. Thank goodness for National Geographic to fill in these gaps in my education!)

The last title in our list is one of the most innovative books you're likely to see on this topic. Sharon Werner and Sarah Forss are absolutely amazing, and their dinosaur book Alphasaurs and Other Prehistoric Types isn't one you'll soon forget. The authors take us through the alphabet, one dino at a time, and each illustration of a given animal is made up of various sizes and styles of the letter of their name. So the Kentrosaurus, for example, is entirely built of the letter K, in different sizes. Sounds pretty bland but believe me, it's not - you'll have as much fun drooling over these images as your kid will. And there are tons of nifty facts included, plus some artful paper work besides. I'm tempted to put this one on my own holiday list!

What books do your young dino-fans adore? We're always looking for new titles to check out - would love to hear what you've read and enjoyed!

The Matatu by Eric Walters {The Children's Bookshelf}

Note: The Children's Bookshelf is going on vacation! We're taking the summer off with this linky, so we can all read even more terrific kidlit titles to share with you in the fall. Enjoy today's posts and remember you can always read any of our past posts for The Children's Bookshelf here.

Why read multicultural books to your kids? There are lots of reasons, many of which I've talked about here in the past. First and foremost, it opens up a child's mind to the notion that there are many people the world over who live in ways both different and the same. It helps connect them to their heritage, which is especially important for families who share multiple ethnicities. Multicultural literature develops tolerance and understanding, making kids mindful that we are all global citizens. And it's fun - young readers can travel around the world through litearture, all the while learning about traditions, customs and backgrounds from various countries.

Today's pick is a perfect example of a book that can accomplish all of the above, and that's got a good dose of humor besides. A brief note at the beginning explains that Eric Walters has been accepted as an elder of the Kamba people in Kenya; as such he is a cultural insider with the authority to relate one of the Kamba's stories in the form of his picture book The Matatu. What I love about this book is that Walters just tells the story - he doesn't exoticize the matatus, the buses that carry passengers and goods from village to village. And the traditional Kamba tale is tucked nicely into a story about young Kioko and his grandfather.

Kioko is excited to be celebrating his fifth birthday with a ride on a matatu! He rushes to get on board, then waits impatiently for his Babu, who seems to be taking forever. When the pair is finally settled in their seats, Kioko notices the dogs chasing the bus and asks his grandfather about them. Babu instructs Kioko to first look for sheep and goats, and see how they react when the matatu comes past. Then Babu tells Kioko the story of Dog, Goat, and Sheep, and how these animals took a ride on the matatu together. When it came time to pay, each animal had a different experience - and these encounters are why the various species run from or toward an approaching matatu. (No spoilers here - but if you've ever driven in Africa, you'll know the animal behaviors are spot on!).

An author's note explains the details of matatus and their role in Kenyan daily life, which adds even more authenticity to the tale. Eva Campbell did the illustrations and they are as colorful and lively as an African village. There's no shortage of excitement when a matatu rumbles through, and Campbell captures that spirit perfectly. Though the story of the dogs, goats and sheep forms the center of this story, the real heart of the book is Kioko's relationship with his Babu. It's terrific to see the the esteem with which the other villagers treat Babu, and this and his wonderful stories add to Kioko's appreciation of all his grandfather is for him.

The Matatu is a text-heavy title, which makes it a perfect choice for older preschoolers. Its sly humor is also best received by a slightly older audience (or really, their parents). This is a great addition to any unit about Africa. The genuine respect Walters feels for the Kamba people is evident throughout, and Campbell's illustrations bolster that feeling, which will translate to readers as well. Just don't be surprised if your kiddos want to jump on a matatu themselves!

The Matatu by Eric Walters, published by Orca Book Publishers
Ages 4-8
Source: Library
Sample: "Kioko raced toward the market. He passed huts, houses and stalls, not even glancing at the sweet mandazi for sale. / He ran past people, pushcarts and bicycles. Then he saw it - the matatu. A crowd of passengers waited to board. The roof was heavy with bags of maize, bundles of grass, a bed frame, a mattress and three chairs."
Recommended

Bonus: check out this clip of a matatu from Eric Walters' website

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This post is part of The Children’s Bookshelf, a weekly linky party with the goal of connecting parents with great books for their kids. Do you have a book review, literacy or book-related post that you think will be helpful for parents? If so, please add your link below.

NOTE: By linking up you are giving permission for any of the co-hosts to pin and/or feature a your photo on a future The Children’s Bookshelf post. Kindly link up to an individual post, not your blog’s homepage. The hosts reserve the right to delete any links to homepages, commercial links, repeat links or otherwise inappropriate links. Thank you for your understanding.

You can also follow The Children’s Bookshelf on Pinterest or visit TCB’s co-hosts: Sprout’s Bookshelf, What Do We Do All Day?, No Twiddle Twaddle, Smiling Like Sunshine, My Little Bookcase, The Picture Book Review, MemeTales and Mouse Grows, Mouse Learns. You can find more details here.

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Kate and Nate Are Running Late by Kate Egan {The Children's Bookshelf}

Happy Mother's Day! Around our house it is a festive day today indeed: Mother's Day, my last day of graduate school, and Sprout's 4th birthday. We have LOTS to celebrate -- don't worry, there will be cake. :)

With all that going on, it seems more evident than ever that there are just not enough hours in the day sometimes. And of course, there's a picture book for that! Today I'm sharing a title that we've recently been reading and enjoying, mostly because it seems to personify everyday events at our house. Kate and Nate Are Running Late by Kate Egan not only has a catchy title and fantastic illustrations -- by Dan Yaccarino, a perennial favorite of ours -- but it's also a pretty great look at life in our busy modern times.

Nate wakes his mom, Kate, up and the action begins. Everyone has overslept, AGAIN! So they must hit the ground running, and they do. While Mom herds Nate around getting him ready and making breakfast, lunches, etc., big sister Maddie's working on her get-ready list. Then both kiddos throw their stuff together while Mom takes a quick shower and hustles through her morning routine. It seems like things are going okay, but then disruptions come up, as they always do: the cats get out! Nate left something behind! But the family manages to scoot into the car and pull into the schoolyard just on time for everyone to get a big surprise.

I'm not going to spoil the fun by telling you what the surprise is, but suffice to say it's not the kind of news that would make your morning rush any better. Sprout quite likes the jokey ending of this one, and he's often asked me to read it again just so he can snicker through the story, knowing what's coming. Yaccarino's illustrations are a delightful companion to debut author Egan's rhyming text. Though the rhyme scheme's a bit uneven, it's still charming, and the frantic activity of the family's get-ready-rush comes through in both word and image. Maddie is pretty much serene and calm throughout, while Nate and his mom are the ones running around like chickens. There's a spread at the beginning that I just love -- Kate snatches Nate by the hand, trailing him in midair as she darts off to begin the morning frenzy. Can you relate? I'm usually the one scooting out the door first in our house, but it's a process of negotiating hugs, kisses, multiple goodbyes and a complicated door-opening schema that leaves me as breathless as Kate is at the very end.

It's a safe bet that most families will see themselves paralleled in the shenanigans in this home, whether you're running late for work or some other activity. And next time you're scrambling to get out the door, take a moment to stop and breathe, lest Kate and Nate's surprise be yours as well.

Kate and Nate Are Running Late by Kate Egan, published by Macmillan Children's
Ages 3-6
Source: Library
Sample: " 'It's getting late,' announces Nate. / Kate rolls over, rubs her eyes. / She sits up straight. 'Oh that's just great. / Not again!' Nate's mother sighs."
Recommended

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This post is part of The Children’s Bookshelf, a weekly linky party with the goal of connecting parents with great books for their kids. Do you have a book review, literacy or book-related post that you think will be helpful for parents? If so, please add your link below.

NOTE: By linking up you are giving permission for any of the co-hosts to pin and/or feature a your photo on a future The Children’s Bookshelf post. Kindly link up to an individual post, not your blog’s homepage. The hosts reserve the right to delete any links to homepages, commercial links, repeat links or otherwise inappropriate links. Thank you for your understanding.

You can also follow The Children’s Bookshelf on Pinterest or visit TCB’s co-hosts: Sprout’s Bookshelf, What Do We Do All Day?, No Twiddle Twaddle, Smiling Like Sunshine, My Little Bookcase, The Picture Book Review, MemeTales and Mouse Grows, Mouse Learns. You can find more details here.

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Gingerbread on the Loose!

A few months back we participated in the Cinderella Around the World roundup sponsored by the amazing Becky of Kid World Citizen. It was really interesting to see all the posts with different versions of the Cinderella tale from all around the globe. And now Becky's dreamed up a new project in the form of The Gingerbread Man Around the World.

You may not know it but the traditional story "The Gingerbread Man" is a cumulative tale, versions of which are found in many cultures. The common threads are found in each retelling: some form of runaway food that several people (or animals) pursue unsuccessfully until someone comes up with a clever solution. In the tale most are familiar with, the runaway Gingerbread Man is outfoxed, literally, by a clever fox who persuades the cookie that jumping up on the fox's head is the way to safety -- and of course the fox can't help but gobble the cookie up!

It's fun to look at all the examples of this story that come up, and how the same themes repeat themselves in new and different ways. There are a number of modern versions that present the story with interesting twists and variable settings. One of our favorites, Gingerbread Man Loose in the School, was inspired by an activity that a former teacher used to do with her new students at the beginning of the year (we still love to check this one out whenever we see it in the library). And in the process of researching this topic we read a whole lot more versions -- you might be surprised how many turn up in just a quick search!

So I consulted my resident expert, and being a three-and-a-half year-old, Sprout had very definite choices. His first pick is Jan Brett's Gingerbread Baby. This is a pretty standard rendition of the story, brought to life with Brett's signature intricate and absorbing illustrative style. In this version young Matti opens the oven too soon and an impudent little Gingerbread Baby jumps out. Of course he leads the whole village on a merry chase, but Matti's not among the pursuers - instead he's home crafting a solution to the problem that is quite a surprise to all, especially the Gingerbread Baby! It's hard not to be enchanted by one of Jan Brett's stories and this tale is no exception. If you're looking for something traditional with just a bit of a new twist, Gingerbread Baby fits the bill nicely.

On to Sprout's second favorite, The Gingerbread Girl by Lisa Campbell Ernst. This story takes up where the Gingerbread Man tale left off, with the old couple who crafted the cookie still in search of companionship. This time, they figure, they'll create a girl - now what could go wrong there? Well, as you might expect, the female cookie is no more willing to obey, and she's off and running in no time flat. But this Gingerbread Girl knows what happened to her brother, and she's out to fix the fox that got him. Sweet and spicy, with illustrations as tempting as the cookie that inspired the story, The Gingerbread Girl captures the spirit of the familiar story in a modern retelling that kids will adore. Love the rhymes in this one, too! (Now we need to check out the sequel, The Gingerbread Girl Goes Animal Crackers!)

It might surprise you to learn that Mom's favorite of the Gingerbread books was Sprout's favorite too -- The Library Gingerbread Man by Dotti Enderle. I'm a sucker for any book that takes place in or around a library, so naturally I had to check this one out. (Get it? Library humor!) And this was the one Sprout asked for again and again at bedtime. In this tale, our errant hero leaps out of a book living on the library shelf (call number 398.2). Though the librarian tries to catch him, she can't, and neither can all the other literary and historical characters who jump out of their own books in hot pursuit. Sprout was tickled by the setting in the library, and he loved seeing which animals or people would be the next to join the chase. The rhyme is a take on the traditional one, and the illustrations by Colleen M. Madden are jovial like the Gingerbread Man himself. And how can you not love a book with the line, "It is particularly hard to outsmart a librarian"??!?

If you want to liven up your storytime, consider a trip around the world with these or any of the other Gingerbread Man tales -- but you better run, because if there's one thing these tales have in common, it's that catching them is hard to do!

My Mom Has X-Ray Vision by Angela McAllister {The Children's Bookshelf}

Parenting a preschooler can be a real challenge. They have their own opinions, which they aren't afraid to share. They want to be independent at all costs. And they can dig in their heels like nobody's business when it's bedtime, bathtime, or just pick-up-your-Legos time. But the good news is you can still pull off some real parenting coups. Like say when you're in the other room and hear the candy drawer open, and you tell them "No candy before dinner!" To a preschooler this is still incredible -- how did she know?? -- and it's proof that Mom and Dad just might have superpowers.

That's the concept behind Angela McAllister's delightful picture book My Mom Has X-Ray Vision. Matthew's mom seems like everyone else's mom, but she has the uncanny knack of always knowing just what he's up to. Even when he's in the backyard or upstairs in his bedroom, Mom seems tuned in to Matthew's activities. It's a little spooky! So Matthew decides to devise a test of Mom's superpowers. He hides in his closet and waits for Mom to find him. But she doesn't come -- could Mom really be like all other mortals, or is there something else going on? Has Mom's x-ray vision really let Matthew down?

Preschoolers will love being in on the secret that Matthew can't see, and parents will appreciate the sly humor here. The whole effort is made even more charming with illustrations by Alex T. Smith, who builds in plenty of cute details and a keen understanding of a small boy's eye-view. Sprout likes the imaginative scenes best - Matthew wrestling with an octopus in the bath, or fighting a (not so) fearsome dragon in his room. Even the endpapers are part of the story, so be sure not to skip past those either!

This is a great humorous title to add to any kid's bookshelf. Hubs is crazy about it too, as a gateway to fostering Sprout's love of all things superhero and graphic novel. I'm not sure that McAllister's book convinced Sprout that I have superpowers -- we're still working on it -- but it's definitely planted the seed in his mind. And who am I to persuade him otherwise??

My Mom Has X-Ray Vision by Angela McAllister, published by Tiger Tales
Ages 3-6
Source: Library
Sample: "Matthew's mom was like all the other moms. She had ordinary hair, ordinary clothes, and a nice smile. Matthew's mom was just like all the other moms. . . except she could see through things. Matthew was pretty sure she had x-ray vision."
Recommended
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This post is part of The Children’s Bookshelf, a weekly linky party with the goal of connecting parents with great books for their kids. Do you have a book review, literacy or book-related post that you think will be helpful for parents? If so, please add your link below.

NOTE: By linking up you are giving permission for any of the co-hosts to pin and/or feature a your photo on a future The Children’s Bookshelf post. Kindly link up to an individual post, not your blog’s homepage. The hosts reserve the right to delete any links to homepages, commercial links, repeat links or otherwise inappropriate links. Thank you for your understanding.

You can also follow The Children’s Bookshelf on Pinterest or visit TCB’s co-hosts: Sprout’s Bookshelf, What Do We Do All Day?, No Twiddle Twaddle, Smiling Like Sunshine, My Little Bookcase, The Picture Book Review, MemeTales and Mouse Grows, Mouse Learns. You can find more details here.

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Picture Book Review - Lester's Dreadful Sweaters by K. G. Campbell

Merry Week After Christmas! We hope your holidays were as wonderful as ours were -- good food, good friends, family time and even some great gifts under the tree. Oh yes, we know that holidays aren't just about material stuff, but let's be honest here: we're all five year-olds again when it comes to Christmas morning, aren't we?

And since we're being honest, let's talk about those not-so-great gifts. We've all gotten them, especially as kids. The mysteriously squishy package is really a creepy clown doll or the big box in the corner contains a bulky winter coat (or a pink bunny outfit). And so you're forced to smile politely, thank Aunt Whosiewhatsit, and try to figure out what you're going to do with said hideous present. Yikes.

This is precisely the problem our hero faces in K.G. Campbell's terrific picture book Lester's Dreadful Sweaters. Lester has some big trouble on his hands when Cousin Clara moves in after her home is mysteriously eaten (yes, I said eaten). The grateful relative immediately begins knitting sweaters for Lester -- and ooooh boy, are these sweaters hideous. Words can't describe, which is why Campbell's hilarious illustrations come in so very handy to show us each of these creations. There's one that is "less-than-pleasant yellow. . . smothered with purple pom-poms." There's the "repulsively pumpkin" creation, and another with "several unexpected sleeves". Each of these pieces is more vile than the last, and no matter how creative Lester is with finding ways to (cough, cough) recycle these beauties, Cousin Clara whips another one out just as fast. It's enough to drive a fastidious guy like Lester absolutely loony.

Lester's Dreadful Sweaters isn't going to be everyone's cup of tea, but those who like Jon Klassen or Mac Barnett (or better yet, Edward Gorey) are likely to love Lester too. Campbell's got plenty of lovely big vocabulary words woven throughout, and there's no attempt to water them down for a young audience, which I personally find just perfect. The humor here works on several levels, as kids will like the zaniness of Clara's knitwear while adults will identify with Lester's predicament (and with the touch of darkness that runs throughout). I really appreciated the resolution too -- where even Cousin Clara's dubious talents are given a place to shine.

My favorite thing about this book is the cover illustration, repeated inside, where Lester's family gets a load of the little yellow-and-purple number. Sprout likes the dog's reaction, all quizzical ears and bewilderment. I like his parents' reaction: mom's all nervous teeth and smile, while dad's gee-whiz whistle spells trouble for a kid who's just hoping for a reprieve from some serious sweater-induced depression.

If you got a few gifts this holiday that missed the mark by a bit (or a mile), this book is the sure cure. And just remember, even something as dreadful as a sweater from Cousin Clara has a place in this world -- so regifting isn't impossible!

Lester's Dreadful Sweaters by K.G. Campbell, published by Kids Can Press
Ages 4-7
Source: Library
Sample: "Later, Lester's sweater was discovered in the yard, shredded by the lawn mower. / 'It's an inexplicable tragedy,' said Lester. / 'Never mind,' said Cousin Clara. / And still she knitted, clickety-click, clickety-click."
Recommended

12 Days of Christmas Picture Books - How Do Dinosaurs Say Merry Christmas? by Jane Yolen

**Due to technical difficulties - this didn't publish last night. Which is OK, it just means you'll get 2 posts from us in 24 hours!**

It's Day 8 of our 12 Days of Christmas Picture Books series. Wow, where does the time go? Still so many awesome Christmas picture books we'd love to share. . . guess we'll get a jump on the project for next year! And remember, we'd love to hear what your favorite holiday reads are, whether they are for Christmas, Hanukkah or Kwanzaa. You can leave a comment here, track me down on Facebook or Twitter, or shoot me an email with your suggestions!

Today's pick is one of Sprout's new favorites: Jane Yolen's How Do Dinosaurs Say Merry Christmas?. Yolen has a whole series of these How Do Dinosaurs books, and we've of course brought several home from the library because Sprout is nuts for them. Each one is not only fun and spirited, but teaches us a few more dinosaur names. Sprout has fun poring over the end papers and noting which dinosaurs appear where in the pictures, done by illustrator Mark Teague (look for the name of each dinosaur cleverly woven into the spread on which its picture appears). And as with each of the books, there's a little bit of a lesson embedded, though it's done with such wit and charm that it'll sneak right up on the kiddos.

It's really hard to separate the pictures and the text in these titles, and Merry Christmas is no exception. Much of the humor comes from the antics of the dinosaurs, and the way their outsized shenangans are depicted in the setting of a modern-day home. In this title, there's a lot of tearing up presents, shaking Christmas trees, and the like, all of which are so ridiculously over-the-top that they make Sprout laugh like crazy. And I love that Teague includes a multicultural cast of characters in all of these titles - proof again that it doesn't have to be a book about racial issues or set in a foreign land to show a little diversity! Thank you Jane Yolen and Mark Teague for that kind of sensitivity and thought.

On Christmas morning it may feel like a gigantoraptor has been frolicking through your living room, but take heart - if even a dinosaur can learn to use manners and express gratitude, so can your little sprout!

How Do Dinosaurs Say Merry Christmas? by Jane Yolen, published by Blue Sky Press
All ages
Source: Library
Sample: "On Christmas Eve, does a dinosaur sleep? Does he go up to bed without making a peep? / Or does he sneak out, just to check what's to see? / Does he rip open presents set under the tree?"
Recommended

30 Days of Picture Books - The Gingerbread Man Loose in the School by Laura Murray

It's Day 24 of Picture Book Month -- betcha didn't think we'd get this far with our one-book-a-day project, didja? We're still going strong though, mostly because we make time to read every day and night, despite the busy-ness of a holiday weekend and all kinds of other things going on. After all, that's how you teach kids what priorities are, by finding pockets of time to include those activities no matter what. And it's not always easy to squeeze in opportunities to read, believe me, but we make it work.

Today's pick is guaranteed to produce some serious laughter from Sprout every time we pull it off the shelf. Books like this one make reading fun, which in turn furthers our goal of having daily family book time. It's interesting that given the chance, Sprout will almost always choose books that represent a wide spectrum of reading moods, from hilarious to introspective and everything in between. That not only injects a good amount of variety into our nightly reading routine, but it makes for plenty of opportunities to reflect on how books, like people, have very different personalities.

The book of the day, The Gingerbread Man Loose in the School by Laura Murray, is a clever twist on a classic story. We love it because of that and also because of its theme (Sprout's nuts for any book set in a school). As the story goes, a class project results in the mixing of dough and baking of a gingerbread man. Gingie comes to life, but just then the class is called out to recess, leaving their poor Gingerbread Man behind. Undaunted, the Gingerbread Man heads out to find his friends. The route he takes gives him face time with teachers and even the principal. There are some dead funny moments here -- Sprout especially likes it when the Gingerbread Man ends up in the art teacher's lunch!

As Sprout's daddy is a big comic book fan, he appreciates illustrator Mike Lowery's technique of telling the story in panel form (anything to introduce Sprout to the mechanics of reading comics!). The illustrations are cute but not saccharine, with realistic backgrounds that give a peek into the world of elementary school. And the story is told in such a way that even the younger set will have no trouble following it, though you may have to explain who the various teachers are. Best of all, the resolution is satisfyingly funny, with the Gingerbread Man finding his place among the school children.

This would be a fun book to share at back-to-school time, particularly for kids just heading into kindergarten. We read it with an eye toward holiday baking time, and now Sprout cannot wait to make gingerbread men of our very own!

The Gingerbread Man Loose in the School by Laura Murray, published by G.P. Putnam's Sons

30 Days of Picture Books - This is Not My Hat by Jon Klassen

Happy Monday! It's Day 19 of Picture Book Month. Today I'm reminded that picture books, and children's stories as a whole, are not always wrapped in sunshine and rainbows. Lest we forget, the storytelling tradition has its roots in tales like those by the Brothers Grimm and we all know that those boys didn't skimp on the tough love, with lessons taught through some gruesome details. Sure, nowadays we like to protect our little darlings from the more graphic aspects of those old tales -- seriously, some of that stuff scares even me -- but it can't all be pure happiness, can it?

If you don't mind a little edge to your picture books, today's pick is going to be right up your alley. Of all the books we've read together as a family, this is easily my husband's favorite, but Sprout and I also find it wickedly funny. I must say that we don't find this book scary in any way, but it is a slice of the subversive, so be ye warned, okay?

So, on to the catch of the day (fish humor! you'll get it in a minute): Jon Klassen's slyly funny This is Not My Hat. First off, this is not a followup to his smash hit I Want My Hat Back, though if you're familiar with that story this is in a very similar vein. No, this time we have at the center of the tale a fish who has just committed a crime. He's stolen a rather jaunty bowler hat from a slumbering whale who's about 1000 times his size. No problem, though, as our narrator is pretty sure he's going to get away with the theft. After all the big fish won't wake up and he'll never figure out who took the hat. . .

Talk about your unreliable narrators -- our little fish friend is just about the king of them. Preschoolers on up will love the disconnect between what our narrator tells us and what we see going on in the illustrations. Klassen's the master of few words, saying more with his slight narrative and expressively moody illustrations than some authors say with entire series. He's also got a gift for dark humor, which we particularly love. Don't be too put off by that though, as you can talk through with your kids what they think happens at the end. In fact I think this title, as well as its companion, provide a great opportunity to teach our kids that words and actions don't always match up, or to put it another way, you can't always believe what you read. Plus then there's also that little bit about how you rarely get away with things, even when you're sure you will. Life lessons, people, life lessons.

When you want something with a tad more edge than the usual picture book fare, check out This is Not My Hat and its predecessor, I Want My Hat Back. But don't say we didn't warn you.

This is Not My Hat by Jon Klassen, published by Candlewick Press (they believe in picture books!)