Summer Reading....Skippy Jon Jones!

Hola dudes! Reading out loud to kids-any kids-is one of my all-time favorite things to do. And no one writes books that are more fun to read out loud than Judy Schachner. Her Skippy Jon Jones series is wonderful: hysterical and fun with delightful illustrations. Skippy is one of the most imaginative and creative Siamese cats to ever grace the pages of a children's book.

Skippy Jon Jones is a Siamese cat who thinks he is a dog. He is always off on an adventure after a jump on his big boy bed.  He has an imagination that is wild and wonderful and so appealing to kids. Celebrate the 10th Anniversary of Skippy Jon Jones with one of eight titles including: Skippy Jon Jones, Lost in Spice, Cirque de Ole, Presto Chango, and Skippy Jon Jones and the Big Bones. Coming this fall: Skippy Jon Jones Snow What.

Learn more about this fun author at www.judithbyronschachner.com. You can check these books out at your local library or take a look at http://skippyjonjonesstuff.com. Skippy Jon Jones books are also especially wonderful when read by the author; the books on CD make for fun road trip listening and are worth checking out!

Happy summer reading!

Summertime Reading Series

It's almost summertime and with that, extra reading time and (hopefully) lazy afternoons. A series of summertime reads begins today with a different author and their amazing books each week. 

One of my favorite authors growing up was William Steig, particularly Sylvester and the Magic Pebble. I have always loved his books with their magical illustrations. 

William Steig began his career as a cartoonist and sculptor and only late in life began illustrating and writing children's books. He is best known for creating Sylvester and the Magic Pebble, the Dr. DeSoto series and Shrek! 

Here are a few of my favorites:

When Sylvester accidentally turns himself into a rock to escape a hungry lion, Sylvester's family is distraught. This classic children's story has magic and excitement.

Doctor De Soto is a mouse dentist cares for animals both large and small with the help of his very able assistant, Mrs. De Soto. 

You must check out Shrek! about an ordinary ogre who leaves the home he has always known to explore the world and search for a bride. 

Happy Reading!

The Day the Crayons Quit

The Day the Crayons Quit

by Drew Dewitt and illustrated by Oliver Jeffers

ages: well, everyone. I laughed out loud and might have had to put the book down to regain my composure. Total picture book success in my opinion. 

All Duncan wants to do is color, but his crayons have gone on strike. A series of letters written by the crayons to Duncan let him know that things are not copasetic in his crayon box. Red crayon is feeling overused, yellow and orange crayon are not speaking, purple demands neatness, green is actually feeling jolly, but poor, poor peach crayon is-gasp-naked! What can Duncan do to make things right?

First time author Drew Dewitt has written a clever and fun book along with NY Times bestselling illustrator Oliver Jeffers. Witty and well illustrated, The Day the Crayons Quit shows that even crayons have feelings! 

A Best Book of 2013 at Barnes and Noble and Goodreads. 

Cows to the Rescue

Cows to the Rescue
written and illustrated by John Himmelman
ages: 4-8

What could be more fun than a day at the county fair? Until Farmer Greenstalk's truck won't start. Never fear-it's cows to the rescue! Whether it's riding the ferris wheel, helping Ernie the duck win the handsomest duck contest, or giving lessons for the pigs to win the smartest pig contest, the Greenstalk's cows are always willing to help out.

Cleverly written with hilarious illustrations, Cows to the Rescue is sure to become a favorite with your preschooler or early elementary aged child. Cows to the Rescue follows the hilarious Chickens to the Rescue and Pigs to the Rescue. Also look for Duck to the Rescue chronicling Ernie the duck and his antics.

Weasels

Weasels
by Elys Dolan

What exactly do weasels do all day? Do they frolic in the leaves, collect nuts and berries, play, hide, or....plot world domination?

This clever and fun book, complete with coffee drinking, tool wielding, madcap weasels is silliness at it finest. Mayhem and mischief surround these clever critters as they plot to take over the world. Will they be successful?

Elys Dolan's illustrations are detailed, intelligent, and fun!  It's enough to keep any keen eye and clever brain very busy looking- and laughing. Enjoy this book with your favorite fan of all things silly.

Countdown to Christmas- Preschool Fellas

Here is a list of what to give that special preschool guy in your life for Christmas this year. I happen to have a couple of boys this age roaming around the house, so these are our tried and true, read so many times I don't need to look at the words favorites. Enjoy!

Goodnight, Goodnight Construction Site by Sherri Dusky

Little Blue Truck by Alice Shertle

Skippyjon Jones by Judy Shachner 

If you can find these as books on CD, all the better. The author does such an amazing job reading them!

Llama Llama Red Pajama by Anna Dewdney 

Little Critter books by Mercer Mayer 

An oldie, but goodie. 

The Little Engine that Could by Watty Piper

Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus by Mo Willems

All of the books in this series are fun, fun, fun! 

No, David! by David Shannon

Click, Clack, Moo Cows That Type by Doreen Cronin

If You Give a Mouse a Cookie, If You Give a Dog a Donut by Laura Numeroff

Any book by Laura Numeroff seems to make it into our top favorites-also try the Christmas book, If You Take a Mouse to the Movies.

Bear Snores On by Karma Wilson

I really love anything by Karma Wilson, and the Bear books are no exception. The pictures are wonderful and they are truly heartwarming and fun stories to read with little ones. Also try The Cow Loves Cookies.

Happy reading!

How to Get Married

Written and illustrated by Sally Lloyd-Jones and Sue Heap
Ages: Ages 4-8 (and their parents)

Take it from the six year old bride there are just certain things that you should do if you want to get married. This book gives advice on how to choose the perfect person to marry, pop the question, and plan the ceremony and reception. Taking place in the narrator's daycare, this book is charming and so funny.  Some sage advice includes: you should definitely brush your hair so that it doesn't look like a bird's nest back there. And according to the narrator, who is wearing a paper crown, "you can marry anyone you like!" and advises the reader not to forget to "throw a big bunch of flowers at people's heads." The illustrations alone would certainly keep readers busy and engaged-no pun (entirely) intended!

We all enjoyed this book and laughed out loud! This would be a perfect book for your preschooler, early grade schooler, or a bride to-be. This book is the second from the creative team that wrote the NY Times Bestseller How to Be a Baby...by Me, the Big Sister. There is also a third installment in the series, How to Get a Job...by Me, the Boss. We will be getting both of those titles as soon as possible. Enjoy!

Goodnight Ipad

by Ann Droyd
All ages

A great parody book of our technology craze society.  I laughed so hard.  Everyone will enjoy this book if they loved "GOODNIGHT MOON."

Goodnight Moon

written by: Margaret Wise Brown
illustrated by: Clement Hurd
ages: birth-preschool

Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown is about as classic as a children's book comes. This is a lovely bedtime story using soothing words and soft pictures. It won't take long for your child to become familiar with the simple vocabulary of this beautiful book. The safety and peace of the "great green room" will make this a bedtime favorite.

Goodnight Moon was, hands down, my son's favorite nap time and bedtime book. In fact, we have three (count 'em!) copies of this book; one board book and two hardcovers in different sizes. It has been a cherished book in our family. Give Goodnight Moon a chance to work its magic on your baby or toddler.

Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss!

Happy birthday to Theodor Seuss Geisel, better known as Dr. Seuss! Dr. Seuss was a man who wrote books filled with wonderful wordplay and jubilant silliness. Although he was a cartoonist and not a real doctor, we can thank him for some of the most memorable characters in children's literature: the Grinch, the Cat in the Hat, and Yertle the Turtle to name only a few.

To celebrate his birthday and National Read Across American Day, here are a few favorites to try with your family:

Here's an interesting fact: did you know that The Cat in the Hat was originally created as a reading primer for children? The Beginner Reader series includes other new reader favorites such as Hop on Pop and Green Eggs and Ham.

Whether you celebrate Dr. Seuss's birthday with crazy socks or green eggs and ham, make sure that you include some quality reading time with your favorite kiddos. 

Bear in Underwear

by Todd H. Doodler
Ages: pre-readers to 5

Bear found a backpack while playing hide and seek with his friends.  When they opened the backpack, they found it was full of different kinds of underwear.  Bear tried all the kinds on.  He finally found a pair that was just right.

I saw this book in the bookstore.  I was drawn to it because of the cover.  Bear was in underwear and the underwear was soft on the cover.  This is a great story to help start interest in potty training.  My favorite part when Bear tries all the kinds of underwear.  I died laughing.  Go to the library and get this for those pre-readers to get them ready and interested in learning about going the potty. 

Blackout

by John Rocco

A young girl and her family lived in the big city.  She wanted to play a board game with them, but everyone was too busy using the computer, watching television, and talking on the phone.  Then, suddenly all the lights went out in the city.  Because it was a hot and sticky, the family decides to go outside and they notice the stars in the sky, talk with their neighbors on the street, and were able to spend time together as a family.  The lights returned and everything went back to normal, but not completely. 

I was drawn to this book in the library because the cover intrigued me.  I loved the pictures of this book as well as the theme.  It focused on making sure we noticed the small things and take time with our family doing things together. 

Too Many Toys

written and illustrated by David Shannon

ages: pre-reader through grade 3

Spencer has toys of all kinds: wooden pull toys, big toys, small toys, and electronic toys. But his toys are starting to take over the house. When Spencer's Mom tells him that some of the toys will have to go, the battle begins. Which toys will Spencer get to keep? Will Mom prevail? Will they ever see the floor of his room again?

David Shannon is a shining example of an author who combines creative storytelling with wonderful illustrations. The result is a story that both parents and children will enjoy; in our house we have read it multiple times in one day! Any family that has more than just a few toys will find that this book hits home-especially for Moms who get to take care of all of them. Witty and fun, Too Many Toys is a great read for preschool through the early elementary years. Look for Shannon's other picture books: Alice the Fairy and the David series.

Police Officers on Patrol

written by Kersten Hamilton
illustrated by R.W. Alley

Who are police officers? What do they do? How can they help you when you are in trouble? All of these questions are answered in this rollicking tale. Fun illustrations and catchy writing make this book fun to read and share. This great book is a wonderful way to introduce preschoolers to police officers and what they do to help the community. Not only is this a perfect book for fans of police officers, but also for those who are hesitant of them.

Say Please, Louise!

by Phil Roxabee Cox
Illustrated by Jan McCafferty

A cautionary tale for children to warn them about the perils of behaving badly. Louise can't remember to say please and demands everything. Her parents pleaded to "Say Please" because that was all that was needed. Louise would not listen and when she demanded a new pet, she learns her lesson.

My sister recommended this book to me because it helps her with her 3 year old. When her daughter forgets to use kind words, she asked her what happen to Louise. It is a cute and fun story with great illustrations.

How Do Dinosaurs Get Well Soon?

written by Jane Yolen and illustrated by Mark Teague
ages: 2-6 years

What happens when a dinosaur gets sick? Does he whimper and whine in between each atchoo? What if a dinosaur goes to the doc? Does he drag all his feet till his mom is in shock? No, a dinosaur rests, takes all of his medicine, and gets well soon!

The How Do Dinosaurs... books are such a wonderful treat for parents and their children to read together. The rhyming text is fun and easy for even the youngest child to understand. Mark Teague’s illustrations are whimsical and delightful. Young readers will love seeing parents with giant dinosaur children. This book proves that silly is indeed wonderful!

Olivia Helps with Christmas

written and illustrated by Ian Falconer
ages: pre-readers, k-3

Last minute preparations are underway for Olivia and her family; after all, it's Christmas Eve. Olivia is exhausted as she finishes trimming the tree, preparing Christmas Eve dinner, and keeping watch over the weather and the fireplace (ideal conditions are essential for successful Santa-ing). Join Olivia and her family as they celebrate Christmas as only she can.

Any Olivia devotee will tell you of this delightful piglet with spunk, brimming with creativity and boundless energy. Simply written with charming illustrations, Olivia is sure to become a favorite.

Doctor De Soto Goes to Africa

written and illustrated by William Steig
ages: preschool- grade 2

Doctor Bernard De Soto is a world renowned dentist; never mind that he's a mouse. When he receives a telegraph from deepest, darkest Africa from Mudambo, an ailing elephant, he and his wife Deborah, can't resist climbing aboard an ocean liner to assist him. While working to repair the elephant's rotten molar, Doctor De Soto is kidnapped by a rhesus monkey with a grudge against Mudambo for a previous insult. Will Doctor De Soto be saved in time?

This is the second book in the adventures of Doctor De Soto and his wife Deborah. Filled with big adventures and bright pictures, Mr. Steig's talent shines through. This book became a fast favorite at our house however, my preschooler was a bit scared of Honkeytonk the monkey. Funny name- worrisome monkey. As with all books, be mindful of your child's reaction to the characters and the story.

Tuesday

Tuesday
by David Wiesner
Ages 3 and up

Tuesday around eight something mysterious starts to happen; the frogs begin to fly on their lily pads. This book has has few words, but the pictures are adorable. The frogs are like aliens exploring the world of the humans, yet have human reactions and characteristics. As dawn approaches, the magic of flying ends, but what happens next Tuesday around eight?

I read this book many years ago, but recently was able to reread it and laughed hard at the pictures. Small details in the photos are what makes this book come to life. This 1992 Caldecott winner is most enjoyable.

For You Are a Kenyan Child

written by Kelly Cunnane and illustrated by Ana Juan
age range- 3-7 years

After the rooster crows and the sun rises over eucalyptus trees filled with doves, a young Kalenjin boy eats his morning maize porridge. After breakfast, his Mama sends him to tend to Grandfather's cows. In the fresh morning air, the boy feels the pull of adventure and leaves the cows. Although he intends to only be gone for a moment, he finds the day full of excitement and friends. Chasing monkeys, visiting the village chief, drinking milk sweetened with crushed charcoal fresh from a gourd, and having a bug for a snack are a few of the day's activities. Will trouble finally catch up to him when he realizes that he has left the cows alone for so long?

This is such an immensely satisfying picture book; the illustrations are rich and clear and the text is lyrical. There is a certain musical quality to the writing in this book. Peppered with Swahili, it is so easily imagine oneself in a small village in this beautiful country. For You Are a Kenyan Child illustrates the aspects in which we are different, but more importantly, the ways in which we are alike.