Picture Books At The Library 36

In my position as a technical processing assistant at the DeWitt Community Library, I catalog a lot of new picture books. Unfortunately, I cannot review them all, but I do read them all and have assigned a :) to my favorites. Below are a few I've cataloged recently. (Whenever possible, summaries have been taken directly from the books.)

In my position as a technical processing assistant at the DeWitt Community Library, I catalog a lot of new picture books. Unfortunately, I cannot review them all, but I do read them all and have assigned a 🙂 to my favorites. Below are a few I’ve cataloged recently. (Whenever possible, summaries have been taken directly from the books.)

🙂 Wordless picture book about a boy who loses his paper boat in the rain.

🙂 Monkey lives a quiet life, all alone in the jungle. That is, until a visitor arrives and makes himself right at home. Now Monkey’s life is anything but peaceful.

When I met you, you were small and trembling, and I thought you might be a little bunny. I held you close so you were warm…

A young rabbit who loves playing dress-up ruins the special dress her Mama just finished making, then uses her craft supplies to fix it and become her mother’s “lovey bunny” again.

Not so long ago, in a galaxy fairly far away, Moose and his crew have finally found the Lost Nuts of Legend! Now all they have to do is bring them home. What could possibly go wrong?

Polar bear has lost his underwear! Quick! Help him find it!

Celebrate the universal joy of undies with this tribute to briefs in all shapes and sizes!

🙂 Caterina, a very organized brown bird, thinks she has the perfect plan to make sure she and her little brother, Leo, see a whale on their day at the beach.

Here comes the ambulance! It’s on its way. Who’s had an accident in Storyland today?

🙂 When Duncan reads a story, his imagination catches fire. Unfortunately…so does his book!

Based on a classic nursery rhyme, four mice brothers attempt to catch animals, only to lose track of their sister, Flo, in the process.

Audrey is bigger than she was yesterday. Now she needs a bigger house. So she tells her dad to build her one. At the top of a tree.

It’s just a regular old day at the beach for Fergus and his brother, Dink. Then they see something off in the distance… Wait…it’s not a something. It’s a someone!

Picture Books At The Library 35

In my position as a technical processing assistant at the DeWitt Community Library, I catalog a lot of new picture books. Unfortunately, I cannot review them all, but I do read them all and have assigned a :) to my favorites. Below are a few I've cataloged recently. (Whenever possible, summaries have been taken directly from the books.)

In my position as a technical processing assistant at the DeWitt Community Library, I catalog a lot of new picture books. Unfortunately, I cannot review them all, but I do read them all and have assigned a 🙂 to my favorites. Below are a few I’ve cataloged recently. (Whenever possible, summaries have been taken directly from the books.)

🙂 A little boy identifies what makes his dog so special.

Illustrations and easy-to-read text relate a trip to the beach that features a man in a funny hat–or hat on a funny man, a sandy lunch and swimsuit, and a high-flying kite.

🙂 Duck is finally going on vacation. He has a beach chair, a book, and peace and quiet. Well, almost.

🙂 A little crab is in a bad mood, but his mother assures him that everyone feels a bit crabby at times, and that when his mood changes they will have all sorts of fun.

Part-dinosaur, part-truck monsters called Dinotrux take a vacation to cool off at the beach, where they have to work together to build a sand castle and to rescue a friend.

Billy’s wild imagination gets him into trouble at school, but a creative writing contest could be the perfect opportunity for him to shine.

🙂 Hello! It’s me–the housefly. Open my book and take a look inside. There’s never a dull moment!

A family can be many things, in this story that introduces numbered groups from one to ten.

Fox and her friends are building a playhouse. Everything goes smoothly until bossy Moose tromps in and tries to be in charge. When Moose’s bossing causes the project to go awry, can the friends work as a team to come up with a solution?

🙂 Fergus is only a little puppy, but he wants to know what he should be when he grows up. His friends all have different ideas and it seems there’s a lot more to being a dog than he first thought!

Cordelia spends a day at the beach with her dinosaur friends.

🙂 Find your own spirit and take a journey with Ally-saurus as she learns to navigate the wild world of school.

What happens when becoming an older brother is not quite what you expected?

My View Book Review: Red Socks Go With Absolutely Anything by Darla Woodley

Title: Red Socks Go With Absolutely Anything

Author: Darla Woodley

Illustrator: Evan Munday

Year: 2015

Back Cover Blurb: Sometimes it is hard to find exactly the right words to show that you are sharing your encouragement and support. This uplifting story demonstrates that a simple pair of red socks can give someone special a boost when they are feeling down or out of their comfort zone.

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In Red Socks Go With Absolutely Anything, we follow a boy through the trials and milestones of his life. We’re there on his first day of school. We’re there when he heads off on his first camping trip away from home. We’re there as he learns to ride his bike. Every page features a new marker on the road of life. Soon we see him learning to drive a car, and then we see him prepare for his first job interview, graduate from college, get married, and have a family of his own. Each step of the way, his mother is there, supporting him, encouraging him, and calming his fears. She does so with her words, her smiles, and her comforting touch, but also with her red socks-cozy, bright red socks, which bring the boy, turned man, the most comfort of all.

Sometimes we can’t find the right words. Sometimes smiles and hugs aren’t enough. But what if a family tradition, like wearing red socks, was just what was needed to make a person say, “I feel strong. I am ready. I can do anything.”? This book, with engaging black and white illustrations and just a pop of red, would make a great gift for all ages and may spark an idea for a tradition in your family. The main message here is how simple it is just to show someone you care. And really, don’t we all need to know, from time to time, that someone cares?

Note: For every copy of Red Socks Go With Absolutely Anything purchased, an additional copy of the book will be printed and donated to a school, local charity and/or organization that may benefit from the message of how red socks go with absolutely anything. (The author’s site: http://www.redsockswithanything.com)

Hoppy Book Birthday to QUACK AND DAISY by Aileen Stewart

Hoppy Book Birthday!

Hoppy Book Birthday!

Hoppy Book Birthday to Quack and Daisy by Aileen Stewart!

  • Title: Quack and Daisy
  • Author: Aileen Stewart
  • Illustrator: Ryan Joseph Balbuena
  • Publisher: Tate Publishing
  • Release Date: September 29, 2015
  • Format: Paperback
  • Summary: Quack the duckling and Daisy the kitten meet for the first time in the meadow and instantly become the best of friends. Can two such unlikely friends stay friends even when everyone else tells them it’s impossible? Will Daisy’s failure to swim and Quack’s inability to catch a mouse cause them to give up on each other? Or will their friendship survive? Find out in this fun new adventure.
  • More Information: Amazon, Author’s site

Picture Books At The Library 34

In my position as a technical processing assistant at the DeWitt Community Library, I catalog a lot of new picture books. Unfortunately, I cannot review them all, but I do read them all and have assigned a :) to my favorites. Below are a few I've cataloged recently. (Whenever possible, summaries have been taken directly from the books.)

In my position as a technical processing assistant at the DeWitt Community Library, I catalog a lot of new picture books. Unfortunately, I cannot review them all, but I do read them all and have assigned a 🙂 to my favorites. Below are a few I’ve cataloged recently. (Whenever possible, summaries have been taken directly from the books.)

Every day, the dad who had 10 children counted 10 little t-shirts, 10 cups on the table, 10 bowls of spaghetti and 10 goodnight kisses…until one day he finally needed a rest!

Bear is an extraordinary, genius bear, who can do anything except ride a bike. Can Bear figure out how to get on two wheels?

Phoebe draws the planets on the sidewalk outside her father’s store. She can hardly wait. The telescopes are ready. Soon Saturn and Mars are going to appear together up in the sky. But will Phoebe be able to see them with all the city lights?

🙂 From winter hunts to picnic foraging, Coyote makes his deliberate way through the seasons in his urban habitat.

When young Daisy Dobbs starts as a scullery maid in a grand house, she works as hard as she can to please her employers. But her greatest day comes when disaster strikes and only Daisy can save the day.

The Tweedles are back and ready to take another exuberant swing at going modern. When their neighbors the Hamms announce that they’ve “gone online” by buying a telephone, Mama excitedly follows suit. But not all the Tweedles are convinced.

What is a lighthouse of souls? It’s the light that guides Leo and his grandpa over distant seas, to discover those who wait every night for a gentle word to help them fall asleep with a smile on their lips.

Pig, meet Pug. Pug, meet Pig. World, meet Pig and Pug.

🙂 A young girl discovers signs of wild beasts all around her house, always when her daddy is near.

“This is my rock!” says a little goat, “Not your rock!” And he won’t let anyone else share his mountaintop. But before long he’s feeling cold and lonely–and wants to have fun again.

Abukacha finally throws away his worn-out shoes and gets himself a new pair. But the old shoes, somehow, keep finding their way back to him.

My View Book Review: Picture Of Grace by Josh Armstrong

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Title: Picture Of Grace

Author: Josh Armstrong

Illustrator: Taylor Bills

Year: 2014/2015

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Picture Of Grace is an extremely well-written and moving story about love and loss. It’s a story about a young girl’s relationship with her grandfather. Grace visited her Grandpa Walt every weekend. Her favorite room was the art room, where Grandpa Walt did all his painting. She would sit in his lap while he painted and they would talk. Grace told him she wanted to be just like him when she grew up. Grandpa Walt said, “That’s very kind of you, but I can think of nothing better than you simply being yourself.” To Grace, time spent with her grandfather was perfect. Then one day, Grandpa Walt passes away, and Grace, bursting with grief, can’t bear to see her grandfather’s last painting unfinished, so she takes it upon herself to complete it. Will the painting be ruined, or will it be perfect?

The fantastic illustrations capture the mood of the story and the emotions of the characters quite nicely, being colorful in some spreads and more subdued in others. I highly recommend this book to anyone dealing with the loss of a loved one, child or adult. And even if you are not currently dealing with loss, the story is a touching reminder to cherish the people in our lives today and to treasure the memories of those we have lost. It makes me wish I had spent more time with my grandmothers years ago.

The Peddler’s Bed Book Launch Party = Big Success!

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This past Saturday, I celebrated the release of my debut picture book The Peddler’s Bed with a launch party, or what I like to call a “book birthday party”, at my local library. I am extremely pleased to announce that the party was a huge success!

Many more people than I expected came out to celebrate with me (it’s a good thing I had tons of food)! Lots of family, friends, library patrons, and kids attended the party. And the biggest surprise was that my mom, who lives over an hour away in a nursing home, was able to come too, thanks to my brother-in-law who picked her up that day! 

To top it off, we sold every copy of the book! I was able to hand over a good-sized check to Barnes & Noble, and the library got a nice donation, as 21% of each sale went straight to them (thank you, B & N!).

I think everyone had a good time, and I got lots of praise for throwing such a great party. But I could not have done it without help. I owe tremendous thanks to several people: My husband Chris, my sister Linda, my brother-in-law Tim, library volunteer Pat Kolceski and her husband Joe, my library coworkers Emily Wormuth and Pat Macie and Carol Youngs, an old high school friend Suzanne Knox, my father-in-law Al for bringing the flowers, and the library staff who were working that day.

Much thanks also to everyone who came to celebrate with me, everyone who purchased a copy of the book, and everyone who either promoted, spread the word or sent best wishes my way. I am humbled by and grateful for your support. 🙂 Enjoy this sampling of photos from the party. (Please do not copy or distribute any of the photos depicting people in this blog post, except pictures of me.)

Bed replica made by Joe Kolceski

Bed replica made by Joe Kolceski

Rice krispie beds with fruit roll up blankets, marshmallow pillows, graham cracker head and foot boards, pretzel stick bed posts, and gummy bear teddy bears-made by my siser and me!

Rice krispie beds with fruit roll up blankets, marshmallow pillows, graham cracker head and foot boards, pretzel stick bed posts, and gummy bear teddy bears-made by my sister and me!

Lots…

of..

of..

Food!

Food!

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Decorating pillow cases

Decorating pillow cases

Making a polka dot tree

Making a polka dot tree

Having fun!

Having fun!

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Time to read the book!

Time to read the book!

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Time to sign!

Time to sign!

My twin sis and me

My twin sis and me

Sassy Suckers!

Please do not copy or distribute any of the photos depicting people in this blog post, except pictures of me. Thank you!

Picture Books At The Library 33

In my position as a technical processing assistant at the DeWitt Community Library, I catalog a lot of new picture books. Unfortunately, I cannot review them all, but I do read them all and have assigned a :) to my favorites. Below are a few I've cataloged recently. (Whenever possible, summaries have been taken directly from the books.)

In my position as a technical processing assistant at the DeWitt Community Library, I catalog a lot of new picture books. Unfortunately, I cannot review them all, but I do read them all and have assigned a 🙂 to my favorites. Below are a few I’ve cataloged recently. (Whenever possible, summaries have been taken directly from the books.)

…the squirmy wormy just won’t budge–until, that is, a group of chooky chicks comes together with a little aid from a rooster to get the worm unstuck…

Illustrations and simple, rhyming text follow Little Miss as she learns to be a wonderful big sister.

Lloyd Llama loves many things, especially things spelled with a double L! Will he ever get along with Al Alpaca, who adores all things beginning with the letter A?

Drive will take you on a road trip into a big, wide world and into a small, narrow one, too. …Drive is a show-stopping exploration of opposites.

🙂 Tony Baroni only wanted to eat his favorite food… Nonna Sophia tried and tried to introduce other foods… But Tony’s response was always the same: “No, Nonna, please! Just macaroni and cheese!”

🙂 Pat-a-Cake Baby wants to bake a special gooey sticky yummy creamy magic moonlight dreamy cake!

🙂 A little girl ignores her best friend James after she hears rumors that he has been talking about her, but soon realizes that she misses his friendship.

🙂 Tim, a boy, and Sam, a blue whale lost in the city, both feel unnoticed until they meet, and they become best friends as Tim tries to help Sam get back home.

Arthur really needs his daddy today! When Arthur’s castle falls down, and when there’s a monster in the moat, there’s only one special someone who can help.

When a little girl moves to a new town, she finds a place called Butterfly Park. But when she opens the gate, there are no butterflies.

🙂 A little boy wakes up with the dawn and eagerly embraces his day.

Picture Books At The Library: School Edition (a little late, sorry)

In my position as a technical processing assistant at the DeWitt Community Library, I catalog a lot of new picture books. Unfortunately, I cannot review them all, but I do try to read them all. Below are a few I've cataloged recently. I have assigned a :) to my favorites. (Whenever possible, summaries have been taken directly from the books.)

In my position as a technical processing assistant at the DeWitt Community Library, I catalog a lot of new picture books. Unfortunately, I cannot review them all, but I do try to read them all. Below are a few I’ve cataloged recently. I have assigned a 🙂 to my favorites. (Whenever possible, summaries have been taken directly from the books.)

Whether your kids are just starting school or are going back to school, don’t forget to put picture books at the top of your school supply list.

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🙂 Three children from other countries (Somalia, Guatemala, and Korea) struggle to adjust to their new home and school in the United States.

🙂 Sisters Maple and Willow miss each other when Maple starts school, leaving Willow behind at home.

🙂 Murphy is full of excuses for staying home from school but his father has a cure for each of them until Murphy finally gives in–and Dad reminds him it is Saturday.

Everyone knows geese don’t go to school. So when Sophie hears flappy footsteps in class, it can’t be Goose, can it?

When Mommy and Daddy take Jake and Jenny back-to-school shopping, they are determined to stick to their list but when Mommy steps away, requests for items not on the list abound, including one from Daddy.

Sadie, who is about to start second grade, decides it is up to her to make sure her little sister, Eva, is ready for Kindergarten.

Birdie is both excited and nervous about starting school, but once she sees the classroom and meets her teacher, she knows that everything will be fine.

After he finds a brand new shiny penny, Theodore has a perfect day in Kindergarten.

School is for kids, not for dogs. But Stanley is curious. What do the kids do in school all day?

It’s Bear’s first day of school, and he’s a bit reluctant to go. Mama says all bears love school; Bear isn’t so sure. But school turns out to be full of fun–painting pictures, listening to stories, and making new friends. Maybe this bear will like school after all.

Ginny Louise stands up to bullying by the Truman Elementary Troublemakers and wins them over with her unwavering cheerfulness.

🙂 On Flo’s first day of preschool, her lunch bucket is lost…and a new friend is found!

As the talent show nears, Penny and her trusty canine companion Jelly scramble to find Penny’s talent.

Rose wants to get a star on Mrs. Benson’s blackboard, but sometimes her mind wanders, she doesn’t always know the right answers, and her reading-aloud voice is too quiet.

Rosie, a helpful preschooler, offers advice to children facing their first day of preschool.

Ada Byron Lovelace and the Thinking Machine Book Blog Tour + STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) and Trade Picture Books by Laurie Wallmark

Ada cover (2)

I’m pleased to be a stop on author Laurie Wallmark’s blog tour to help spread the word about her debut children’s picture book biography Ada Byron Lovelace and the Thinking Machine. Laurie is here to talk a bit about how to use picture books to introduce STEM content to young readers. Sounds like an interesting topic, and perfect for teachers and parents now that the kids have just begun another year of school. Before we hear from Laurie, let’s find out more about her intriguing new book, Ada Byron Lovelace and the Thinking Machine, which by the way, earned a starred review from Kirkus Reviews!

ADA BYRON LOVELACE AND THE THINKING MACHINE (Creston Books, October 2015) is a picture-book biography of the world’s first computer programmer. Ada was born two hundred years ago, long before the invention of the modern electronic computer. At a time when girls and women had few options outside the home, Ada followed her dreams and studied mathematics. This book, by Laurie Wallmark and April Chu, tells the story of a remarkable woman and her work. Kirkus Reviews describes the book as a “splendidly inspiring introduction to an unjustly overlooked woman.”

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) and Trade Picture Books
by Laurie Wallmark

A picture book is the perfect medium to introduce STEM content to younger readers. A STEM-related book, either fiction or nonfiction, can do so much more than simply explain concepts and facts. Books of this type can increase a child’s interest in STEM by making the topics interesting and, more importantly, fun. In addition, STEM-related picture books can help children with their schoolwork. Students can use these books for school reports and to fulfill common core requirements.

The inclusion of STEM concepts and facts in a picture book can add to the story. A character might use math skills to calculate the probability of a project’s success. If the number turns out to be low, this will add more tension in the story. By using the scientific method, a character might more easily solve a mystery. A laboratory setting could provide a unique environment for the action of a story.

But including STEM in a picture book is of little to no use if the child (or the adult reader!) can’t understand the concepts and facts being presented. Luckily, because of the very nature of picture books, there are many opportunities to explain complex and/or unfamiliar material in a way accessible to children. Explanations can be included within the text by using techniques such as: synonyms, analogies, step-by-step instructions, and word choice. Illustration and book design can showcase STEM content with diagrams, lift-the-flap, and other methods. This material can even be found somewhere else entirely, like within the back matter or on an included CD or DVD.

Kids’ books about STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) are anything but boring these days. Whether fiction or nonfiction, trade picture books need to be able to grab a child’s interest. The challenge with STEM-related picture books is to not let the technical information overshadow the story. Concepts and facts are useless if a child does not want to read the book. The joy of STEM in picture books is its ability to entertain children, yet still expand their knowledge and interest in science, technology, engineering, and math.

Laurie Wallmark

Laurie Wallmark writes exclusively for children. She can’t imagine having to restrict herself to only one type of book, so she writes picture books, middle-grade novels, poetry, and nonfiction. She is currently pursuing an MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults at Vermont College of Fine Arts. When not writing or studying, Laurie teaches computer science at a local community college, both on campus and in prison. The picture book biography, Ada Byron Lovelace and the Thinking Machine (Creston Books, October 2015), is Laurie’s first book.

To connect with Laurie Wallmark: 

Website:         http://www.lauriewallmark.com

Facebook:      https://www.facebook.com/lauriewallmarkauthor

Twitter:           https://twitter.com/lauriewallmark

Check out the other stops on the tour:

September 12, 2015 – Interview

www.flowering-minds.com     Flowering Minds (Darshana Khiani) 

September 15, 2015 – Guest post (STEM and Trade Picture Books)

https://frogonablog.net/     Frog on a Blog (Lauri Fortino) 

September 22, 2015 – Interview

http://c-c-hall.com/     Writing and Fishing (Cathy Hall) 

September 28, 2015 – Guest Post (About Writing Ada)

http://mybrainonbooks.blogspot.com/     My Brain on Books (Joanne Fritz) 

October 2, 2015 – Interview

https://stilladreamer.wordpress.com/     Still a Dreamer (Jeanne Balsam) 

October 6, 2015 – Guest Post (Writing About Strong Women)

https://robinnewmanbooks.wordpress.com/     Robin Newman Books 

October 9, 2015 – Guest Post (Five Detours on the Road to Publication)

http://www.yvonneventresca.com/blog.html     Yvonne Ventresca’s Blog 

October 13, 2015 – Guest Post (Writing Firsts)

https://kathytemean.wordpress.com/     Writing and Illustrating (Kathy Temean) 

October 15, 2015 – Guest Post (Acrostic Poem)

http://geekmom.com/     Geek Mom 

October 18, 2015 – Interview

http://www.thechildrensbookreview.com/     The Children’s Book Review 

October 20, 2015 – Guest Post (Using Ada in the Classroom)

https://rlkurstedt.wordpress.com/     Kaleidoscope (Roseanne Kurstedt) 

October 26, 2015 – Interview

https://darlenebeckjacobson.wordpress.com/     Gold From the Dust (Darlene Beck Jacobson) 

November 6, 2015 – Guest Post (Five Favorite STEM Women in History)

http://www.viviankirkfield.com     Picture Books Help Kids Soar (Vivian Kirkfield) 

November 6, 2015 – Interview

http://info.vcfa.edu/vcfa-launch-pad/     VCFA Launch Pad

Picture Books At The Library 32

In my position as a technical processing assistant at the DeWitt Community Library, I catalog a lot of new picture books. Unfortunately, I cannot review them all, but I do read them all and have assigned a :) to my favorites. Below are a few I've cataloged recently. (Whenever possible, summaries have been taken directly from the books.)

In my position as a technical processing assistant at the DeWitt Community Library, I catalog a lot of new picture books. Unfortunately, I cannot review them all, but I do read them all and have assigned a 🙂 to my favorites. Below are a few I’ve cataloged recently. (Whenever possible, summaries have been taken directly from the books.)

🙂 There, in the crowd, is…a friend. Young, old, short, tall, feisty, funny, or even furry. Friends come in all shapes and sizes.

🙂 Depicting twenty-three different places, some of which are named, while others are represented through clues only, the book invites us into routines, habits, cultures, and landscapes that reflect our diversity as well as our similarities.

🙂 A peddler’s heart is moved by the kindness of a little man who cares more about the peddler’s comfort and well-being than winning a brand new bed, even one that’s guaranteed to never squeak.

An A to Z introduction to the world’s most beautiful birds.

Percival Priggs wants to be the perfect child in order to please his seemingly perfect parents.

Here is a dream caught on paper. As sleep starts the journey into the blue, marvelous threads unravel dreamy images out of the blue.

A child imagines what lessons are taught at Mom School, which cover everything from baiting a fishing hook to tucking you into bed.

Meet butterflies such as the pink-tipped clearwing satyr, the green cloudless sulphur, and the blue morpho. Count from zero to twenty-five, review your colors, learn fun butterfly facts, and say the word “butterfly” in more than twenty languages!

With a myriad of stripes and spots, tails and wings, you’ll have to search hard to find the twins!

🙂 A curious bunny looks for signs of the arrival of spring, in a story that celebrates the five senses.

Where are 1 fish truck, 1 apple truck, and 1 dairy truck headed? Follow 8 vehicles through 11 intricate mazes to find out, and along the way look for surprises hidden in the pictures.

Combining the features of a map, a pop-up and a picture book, this one-of-a-kind interactive experience invites the child reader to explore, enjoy, and find her own way through the jolly maze of an Indian village carnival.

🙂 A young Latina girl accidentally breaks her grandfather’s vihuela and searches for someone in the community to fix the instrument, which leads her to discover her grandfather’s legacy as a mariachi.

My View Book Review: AbbeyLoo and Gus the Talking Toad by Tammy Cortez

Title: AbbeyLoo and Gus the Talking Toad

Author: Tammy Cortez

Illustrator: Noemie Gionet Landry

Publisher/Year: Waldorf Publishing/2015

Summary: AbbeyLoo is a curious little girl with a BIG imagination. This imagination takes AbbeyLoo to some very exciting and often unexpected places. AbbeyLoo loves exploring her backyard. There is always something new to see. Her favorite find is the many toads that roam her backyard. AbbeyLoo loves to carefully catch the toads and pet them and talk to them. Normally they don’t talk back, but today is totally different. Follow along with AbbeyLoo on her latest adventure as she meets Gus, the talking toad.

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Finley

Finley

You may have guessed, since the name of my site is Frog on a Blog, that I like frogs and toads. I even wrote a story featuring Finley, my froggy blog co-host. I’m still working on getting that book published. In the meantime, Finley and I enjoy reading picture books together, and his favorite stories always include frogs and toads.

Recently, we read AbbeyLoo and Gus the Talking Toad, which stars not just an energetic, curious, and friendly little girl, who loves to explore, but also a toad named Gus. For this review, I decided to ask Finley what he thought of the book.

Me: Finley, what’s the first word that comes to mind when you think about AbbeyLoo and Gus the Talking Toad

Finley: Fun!

Me: Why do you think it’s fun?

Finley: Because it’s about a toad named Gus who makes friends with a little girl and after she shrinks down to his size, he takes her underground to where all the toads live, Hopville!

Me: I agree, it would be a lot of fun to shrink down and go explore the toads’ underground town. What did AbbeyLoo see when she got there?

Finley: Lots of things! She saw colorful mushroom houses, insects being kept as pets, and toads wearing clothes. They were quite fashionable, as a matter of fact. They even wore hats!

Me: Neat! What else happened in the story?

Finley: Well, there was a parade and a festival going on with clowns, music, games, rides, and even tasty frozen flysicles and spider web cotton candy! Yum!

Me: Wow! It seems like these toads like to do the same things that people do, except, of course, eating flysicles and spider web cotton candy. Did AbbeyLoo have any trouble while she was there?

Finley: Yup! The townsfolk were very worried about having a human “toad hunter” in their town.

Me: What did they do?

Finley: They made AbbeyLoo sign a Peace Treaty. But luckily, she was happy to do it.

Me: That’s good! I guess AbbeyLoo made a whole lot of new friends, including Gus.

Finley: Uh huh! She even met Gus’s wife Millie and their two kids, Billy and Rosie. Billy and Rosie go to school too!

Me: How interesting! What did you think of the illustrations in the book?

Finley: I like them! They’re very colorful! I would have liked to see more of them though.

Me: What’s your overall impression of the book?

Finley: The book has a lot of text, so it might be hard for the littlest children to sit through it. But the story is very imaginative and I know kids will like it! Besides, you can’t go wrong with a story about toads!

Hoppy Book Birthday to SPACE MONKEY by Eric Blue

Hoppy Book Birthday!

Hoppy Book Birthday!

Hoppy Book Birthday to Space Monkey by Eric Blue!

  • Title: Space Monkey
  • Author: Eric Blue
  • Illustrator: Brandon Crawford-Long
  • Publisher: BlueLantern Studios
  • Release Date: September 7, 2015
  • Format: eBook
  • Summary: Blast off with Space Monkey on an adventure to the moon and then back to his bedroom for a good night’s sleep.
  • More Information: Amazon

Picture Books At The Library 31

In my position as a technical processing assistant at the DeWitt Community Library, I catalog a lot of new picture books. Unfortunately, I cannot review them all, but I do read them all and have assigned a :) to my favorites. Finley Frog's favorite is marked with a 8). Below are a few I've cataloged recently. (Whenever possible, summaries have been taken directly from the books.)

In my position as a technical processing assistant at the DeWitt Community Library, I catalog a lot of new picture books. Unfortunately, I cannot review them all, but I do read them all and have assigned a 🙂 to my favorites. Below are a few I’ve cataloged recently. (Whenever possible, summaries have been taken directly from the books.)

Follow one little mouse on her search for a best friend to stay by her side…

A big wave takes Toto away. He needs help.

At the end of summer, a girl’s mother wants to put away her favorite beach hat but the girl asks to keep it out, then decorates it for each holiday and season from autumn through spring.

🙂 Henry the pig is excited to spot the Great Pig in the Sky one starry night, but when he shows the other farm animals, he gets frustrated because they each see something different.

🙂 Through a series of amusing examples, a young boy learns how to get ready for a good night’s sleep–and bedtime should not include dinosaurs and sharks.

Tommy has worn out his parents and sister with his bouncing, clomping, and leaping but when they convince him to try tap dancing, he finds it the perfect outlet for his energy.

🙂 After bedtime a house comes alive as a lamp in the shape of a bird solves an array of problems including a leaky faucet, a creaking chair, and sneezing broom, all while the family sleeps.

After his teacher says anything can be in an art exhibition, and his fellow students give myriad reasons why something might belong in a museum, a child offers his special grandmother as an exhibit but when the curator cites a rule against accepting grandmas, the child has a better idea.

Today is the perfect day to stay in. To stay warm and snug in pajamas. To put marmalade in hot popovers. To ride in a basket-shaped rocket ship to space…innerspace.

A reassuring and hilarious look at a child’s trepidation about meeting his first babysitter then realizing he adores her!

Little Tom Drum loves strawberry pie so much that he creeps down to the kitchen at night to get just one more small slice of that sweet, delicious, flaky pie resting on the windowsill in the golden moonlight…

Interview Alert: Tara Lazar, Author Of “I Thought This Was A Bear Book” plus a My View Book Review

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Picture book author and PiBoIdMo (Picture Book Idea Month) creator Tara Lazar is taking the kidlitosphere by storm, with two books out and four more scheduled to be released within the next couple of years. Pretty impressive! When the opportunity arose to not only review her latest book, I Thought This Was A Bear Book, but also to toss some interview questions her way, I couldn’t pass it up. There was so much I wanted to ask her, but I managed to whittle the list down to a reasonable (much less ridiculous) number of questions. I’m sharing the interview first, because I just can’t wait. My review of I Thought This Was A Bear Book follows. 

Me: What’s the one thing that motivates you the most to keep writing? And what was your motivation for writing I Thought This Was a Bear Book?
Tara: Writing, for me, is fun. That’s all the motivation you need—loving it.
BEAR BOOK came from the need to switch gears when a story I was writing wasn’t working out. I needed to start on a fresh idea instead of struggling with a stale one.
Me: You are known for writing quirky, humorous picture books, which we all love. Any plans to write something with a more serious feel?
Tara: Yes, actually, I just finished a story that is a wee bit more serious. But not much, LOL. It’s still loads of fun with a terrific secret. I love secret spaces that only kids know about. That was what childhood was about for me.
Me: How long had you been writing and submitting before you got your first contract? Or before you secured an agent? Do you recommend that all picture book authors pursue agents?
Tara: I had been writing and submitting seriously for about 2 ½ years before I landed my agent and my first contract. I knew I wanted an agent because I could not use the business side of my brain at the same time as my writing brain. When I was submitting, I wasn’t writing. When I was writing, I wasn’t submitting. Having someone to sell my work and guide my career helps me focus on creativity.
Me: You have four more books coming out within the next couple of years. To what do you attribute your success?
Tara: I don’t know if that’s “success” or just luck. Lately, a few stories of mine have been rejected because they’re too similar to something the publisher already has under contract. The timing has to be right! The editor has to be right! Having an agent navigate who likes what kind of story is a load of worry off my mind. So I owe all those contracts to dear Joan. Without my agent, I’d still be without a single book.
Me: You have been upfront with your fans and fellow writers about having MS. How has the disease affected your writing career and what advice would you give to aspiring authors who may be dealing with chronic illnesses?
Tara: MS made me into a homebody. For the first couple years with the disease, I couldn’t drive. So I stayed home most of the time. And what else am I going to do at home? Laundry? The dishes? Heck, no!!! I’m going to write.
Now I like being at home even though I have a car with hand controls. My husband works from home, my kids are home. Home, home, home. I just wish I had a butler.
My advice to others with chronic illnesses is to find your happy place. Laughter truly is the best medicine. Don’t worry about the future because it’s out of your control. You’ll just miss out on today worrying about tomorrow.
Me: What’s the best way for fans to connect with you?
Tara: Through my blog, via email, on Twitter or Facebook. Seriously, I’m everywhere online! (Remember, I’m home a lot.)

Thank you, Tara!

Street magic performer. Hog-calling champion. Award-winning ice sculptor. These are all things Tara Lazar has never been. Instead, she writes quirky, humorous picture books featuring magical places that everyone will want to visit.

Tara’s books include: 

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  • LITTLE RED GLIDING HOOD (Random House Children’s, Oct 2015)
  • NORMAL NORMAN (Sterling, March 2016)
  • WAY PAST  BEDTIME (Aladdin/S&S, Fall 2016)
  • 7 ATE 9: THE UNTOLD STORY (Disney*Hyperion, 2017)

For more information about Tara Lazar, visit her website Writing For Kids (While Raising Them) at http://taralazar.com.

To connect with Tara:

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My View Book Review: I Thought This Was A Bear Book by Tara Lazar, illustrated by Benji Davies (Aladdin/S&S/2015)

An alien from another book crash lands in the middle of Goldilocks & The Three Bears. The alien, whose name is Prince Zilch, must return to Planet Zero (in his book) by page 27. If he doesn’t, his planet will be destroyed by giant planet-eating numbers! Luckily, the three bears are willing to lend him a paw, and with the help of you, the reader (and absolutely no help from Goldilocks), Prince Zilch arrives back at home just in time to eradicate the nemesis numbers with a zark, zoot, and a zinder.

I Thought This Was A Bear Book is a clever fractured fairy tale story that takes place in a book within a book (perfect for people who love books!). The colorful illustrations have both a classic fairy tale feel and a freshness about them, and I like how illustrator Benji Davies gave each character a different colored speech bubble, which is super helpful to discern who’s speaking and effectively eliminates the need for dialogue tags.

Author Tara Lazar goes one step further with this fun, action-filled story by having her characters speak directly to the reader. Kids will enjoy being included in the action by shaking the book and helping the little alien get back into his book. Be prepared for repeat readings of this one!

Picture Books At The Library 30

In my position as a technical processing assistant at the DeWitt Community Library, I catalog a lot of new picture books. Unfortunately, I cannot review them all, but I do read them all and have assigned a :) to my favorites. Finley Frog's favorite is marked with a 8). Below are a few I've cataloged recently. (Whenever possible, summaries have been taken directly from the books.)

In my position as a technical processing assistant at the DeWitt Community Library, I catalog a lot of new picture books. Unfortunately, I cannot review them all, but I do read them all and have assigned a 🙂 to my favorites. Finley Frog’s favorite is marked with a 8). Below are a few I’ve cataloged recently. (Whenever possible, summaries have been taken directly from the books.)

🙂 Spencer loves books and reads one every night, sometimes aloud, then puts the book back in its place, but one morning his favorite book is missing, and the next day another, each replaced by a different object.

Templeton the cat makes a wish for his family to disappear, but quickly learns that being alone isn’t as great as he had thought it would be.

🙂 Troto is a happy little car who likes to go places until he drives all the way to Cactusville and meets some big trucks that tease him for being so small.

As friends Bear and Mouse share a day together, Bear counts various objects, from one to five, and the reader is invited to do the same.

🙂 Cat tries to trick the Tooth Fairy, but he meets his match in a mischievous mouse.

As the circus train rolls into town, excited children and their parents get in line for their chance to experience the Big Top.

Children are taught when and where to “say the magic words.” But what do expressions such as please, thank you, I’m sorry, and I love you really mean?

🙂 As his friends Bird, Mouse, and Bear celebrate the arrival of spring, Rabbit finds more and more things to dislike about the change of seasons until, at last, he admits that spring can be full of pleasant surprises.

🙂 Kitten loves to explore, pretend, and get into trouble!

Follows a family of puffins from the time the parents greet one another off the coat of Alaska and prepare to raise a family, through the care of their fragile egg and ravenous chick , to Little Puffin’s first flight across and into the sea.

When school lets out for the summer, Rufus Leroy Williams III, a determined pig who loves to read, decides to become a pirate.

Turtle and me. We’re never lonely or sad when we’re together. But we’re getting older…Do I still need Turtle? Does Turtle still need me?

My View Book Review: Beverlee Beaz The Brown Burmese by Regan W.H. Macaulay

Title: Beverlee Beaz The Brown Burmese

Author: Regan W.H. Macaulay

Illustrator: Alex Zgud

Publisher/Year: Cricket Cottage Publishing/2015

Back Cover Blurb: Beverlee Beaz, the brown Burmese, longs for adventure and has the powerful imagination to make it happen! On a lovely but otherwise ordinary day, she seeks excitement among the forests and fields surrounding her home, where she lets her imagination run wild. The ordinary suddenly becomes extraordinary in the eyes of this little brown cat. Let’s follow Beverlee on her adventure…through the forest, and inside her mind!

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As Beverlee the cat sets off from home on a beautiful sunny day to explore the neighboring countryside, she hasn’t a clue what’s in store for her. She’s eager for adventure and heads to the meadow. She spots a monarch butterfly, and that’s when it happens–her imagination takes over. The butterfly becomes a parrot, then a rabbit becomes a kangaroo. It’s great fun at first, but then the animals she meets begin to transform into more frightening creatures. Can Beverlee control her imagination before her imagination gets her into big trouble?  

Though I now have a dog (whom I adore), I grew up with cats and have a special fondness for them. I remember especially our family cat, Sammy, an orange and white kitty, who loved to explore outside. He’d be away for hours until one of us called him home for supper. (Back then, the issue of indoor cat versus outdoor cat hadn’t taken hold yet.) But what was he doing all that time? Perhaps he was a bit like Beverlee, yearning for adventure, letting his imagination run free, and probably getting himself into trouble. Upon occasion, he did come home sporting battle scars. But the adventurous little tiger lived a good long life.

Beverlee Beaz The Brown Burmese is gorgeously illustrated with lots of color and beautiful, imaginative borders around the pages that have the text. The illustrator also did a fabulous job depicting the overactive imagination of our playful feline star Beverlee Beaz. Overall, the story is fun, the main character is sweet, and the illustrations are lovely–well worth a look!

Picture Books At The Library 29

In my position as a technical processing assistant at the DeWitt Community Library, I catalog a lot of new picture books. Unfortunately, I cannot review them all, but I do read them all and have assigned a :) to my favorites. Finley Frog's favorite is marked with a 8). Below are a few I've cataloged recently. (Whenever possible, summaries have been taken directly from the books.)

In my position as a technical processing assistant at the DeWitt Community Library, I catalog a lot of new picture books. Unfortunately, I cannot review them all, but I do read them all and have assigned a 🙂 to my favorites. Finley Frog’s favorite is marked with a 8). Below are a few I’ve cataloged recently. (Whenever possible, summaries have been taken directly from the books.)

🙂 A picture book about a parrot named Beatrix, who is very awake, very excited to see her friends, and has a very hard time using her ‘indoor voice’.

Stella brings her two fathers to school to celebrate Mother’s Day.

🙂 Join Baby’s family as they try to figure out what Baby’s first word really means in this charming picture book.

Tallulah loves the grace and elegance of ballet and can pirouette perfectly, but at dance camp, struggles to learn tap.

After trying pizza for the very first time, everything Baby Bear sees reminds him of the tasty treat and he decides never to eat anything else.

🙂 At the end of the day, tired sheep return to their shed, but none can sleep until the collie arrives, giving a hug, a drink of water, and more until all have begun to snore.

🙂 A little girl collects wildflowers while on a walk with her distracted father. Each flower becomes a gift, and whether the gift is noticed or ignored, both giver and recipient are transformed by their encounter.

Bear doesn’t want to be a bear anymore, so he tries out what it’s like to be a duck. With a few lessons from Duck, Bear realizes he makes a much better bear after all.

In the follow-up to Steve Light’s highly praised Have You Seen My Dragon?, readers follow a little girl as she gallivants through a county fair, searching for her furry beast pal.

8) A terrible storm is coming! Kindhearted Badger is working hard to keep everyone safe–protecting burrows and rescuing nests. But who will take care of Badger’s home in the old oak tree?

Calling all preschoolers! Come learn your ABCs with a charming crew of animal friends playing music with instruments from around the world!

Summer vacations can be magical. Especially when you go back to the same place every year.

🙂 When the Mona Cheesa is stolen from a museum in Paris, there is only one person up to the job of finding it: William, international cat of mystery.

My View Book Review: All The Other Nuggies by Jeff Minich

Title: All The Other Nuggies

Author: Jeff Minich

Illustrator: Renan Garcia

Publisher/Year: Nuggies Inc./2015

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I’m a sucker for picture books about puppies, so when Jeff Minich, the author of All The Other Nuggies, contacted me about reviewing his book, I couldn’t say no. Just look at the cute little canines on the cover. I asked Jeff why he calls them Nuggies and he told me that the name is a transformation of the word nuggets, a nickname he uses for his own dogs. And All The Other Nuggies was, in fact, inspired by his dog Coco who was found living under an abandoned car.

All The Other Nuggies is the second book in the Nuggies series. The first book is Daddy Forgot My Dinner, which stars a very hungry pup named Chomper. All The Other Nuggies focuses on Coco, a shy and lonely little pup without a home. In the story, Coco meets Chomper who encourages her to come play with him and the other Nuggies. As the puppies all play a game of hide and seek, Coco discovers that the things she was worried about, the things that make her different (long skinny legs, big pointy ears, a mask), are the very same things that make her special, and even help her win the game.

When I was a child, I was shy, and so I didn’t interact with other children much. Like Coco, I felt different, like I didn’t fit in, and as I watched the other kids play, I felt lonely. How many kids today feel the same way? All The Other Nuggies is a perfect choice to share with children who are just entering preschool or kindergarten, especially since making friends and self acceptance, two very important concerns in a young school-aged child’s life, are the main themes in the book. Children will enjoy this sweet story starring puppies, which is illustrated in a fun, cartoon style. I especially like the picture of Coco imagining herself with giraffe legs. So cute! I think my dog Java, who inspires my writing too, would make a great Nuggie. What do you think?

Can I be a Nuggie too?

Picture Books At The Library 28

In my position as a technical processing assistant at the DeWitt Community Library, I catalog a lot of new picture books. Unfortunately, I cannot review them all, but I do read them all and have assigned a :) to my favorites. Finley Frog's favorite is marked with a 8). Below are a few I've cataloged recently. (Whenever possible, summaries have been taken directly from the books.)

In my position as a technical processing assistant at the DeWitt Community Library, I catalog a lot of new picture books. Unfortunately, I cannot review them all, but I do read them all and have assigned a 🙂 to my favorites. Finley Frog’s favorite is marked with a 8). Below are a few I’ve cataloged recently. (Whenever possible, summaries have been taken directly from the books.)

It’s Bulldozer’s big day. But as he eagerly, hopefully, rolls around the construction site, he realizes that it’s only another busy day for the other trucks.

🙂 One pig looks to take a relaxing bath in private, but he is soon joined by another pig, then another, until there are ten pigs–and number one has to come up with a plan so that he can actually enjoy his bath.

Cave swallows Burt and Pippi, tired of being crowded by their eight siblings, set out to find a bigger nest but discover that traveling is good, but coming home is better.

🙂 The best adventures are the ones we have together.

Young Millie looks after three hens, a rooster and seven chicks with love and care. Her playful story introduces children to keeping chickens.

Ann will not let Min play. But Min will not give up.

🙂 What happens when two shy children meet at a very crowded pool? Dive in to find out!

🙂 At bedtime, a little girl asks her big sister to tell her what to dream about and together they imagine the possibilities.

Ben loves to draw and does so in all of his classes, but his drawings of people are so good he’s afraid to let his classmates see them, until the day he loses his notebook and his talent is revealed.

Rappy the Raptor tells the story of how he became a rapping velociraptor, all in rhyme.

Ringmaster Rick calls an emergency meeting to boost the self-confidence of Circus Town’s performers after hearing several put themselves down for mistakes made while rehearsing their acts.

In 1893, Engineer Ari is in a rush to get his train to Jerusalem and back before Passover, and he still needs many things for his seder plate. Luckily he has many friends to help.

8) When it comes to homework, projects, and goals, Stickley the frog is a flexible thinker who never gives up.

This is Robot. He likes to…SMASH!

Giveaway: Just 3 Weeks Left To Enter!

Final Final Cover

{a rainbow of blank books}

{a rainbow of blank books waiting to be filled with the colors of imagination}

There are just 3 weeks left to enter to win a signed copy of my debut picture book The Peddler’s Bed along with 2 blank books to give to the emerging authors in your life. All you have to do is leave a comment on the original post! I’ll choose a winner at random on September 1, the release date for The Peddler’s Bed, and announce it here on Frog on a Blog. Just leave a comment on the original post, it’s that easy! CLICK HERE! 

Summary of The Peddler’s Bed:

In this endearing tale of kindness and giving, author Lauri Fortino and illustrator Bong Redila introduce readers to a peddler on a mission to sell a fine, handcrafted bed, guaranteed to never squeak. But when the peddler comes across a man at work in his garden, he soon realizes that the man is penniless and cannot buy the bed. So he makes a wager with the man, if he can think of a way to make the bed squeak by sunset, the bed will be his. Though the man is excited by the prospect of winning the bed, he is more concerned with the well-being of the peddler and invites him to sit in the shade of his porch, have a glass of water, and come in for a bite to eat. By the end of the day, the peddler’s heart has been moved by the poor man’s generosity and he leaves behind the perfect gift of gratitude before driving off into the sunset.

Picture Books At The Library 27

In my position as a technical processing assistant at the DeWitt Community Library, I catalog a lot of new picture books. Unfortunately, I cannot review them all, but I do read them all and have assigned a :) to my favorites. Finley Frog's favorite is marked with a 8). Below are a few I've cataloged recently. (Whenever possible, summaries have been taken directly from the books.)

In my position as a technical processing assistant at the DeWitt Community Library, I catalog a lot of new picture books. Unfortunately, I cannot review them all, but I do read them all and have assigned a 🙂 to my favorites. Finley Frog’s favorite is marked with a 8). Below are a few I’ve cataloged recently. (Whenever possible, summaries have been taken directly from the books.)

🙂 Although animals everywhere are sleeping, a youngster with an active imagination and a hefty to-do list resists bedtime with adventurous flair.

🙂 Zane rushes home to tell his mother about problems he faced during his school day, and she reminds him that while others may only see his “autism stripe”, he has stripes for honesty, caring, and much more.

When Bird and Bear go on a birthday picnic, they discover something surprising that will change how they see the world forever…

8) Meet Stick and Stone. They stick up for each other, because friends rock!

🙂 Using only two words–“look” and “out”–relates a story about an attention-loving gorilla, a television-loving boy, and a friendship that develops over books.

A little girl discovers a crocodile under her bed. “This is going to be fun!” she thinks. She tames the beast, teaches him tricks, and makes a new friend.

Up in the garden, the world is full of green–leaves and sprouts, growing vegetables, ripening fruit. But down in the dirt there is a busy world of earthworms digging, snakes hunting, skunks burrowing, and all the other animals that make a garden their home.

🙂 This is a story about Fritz, also known as Frederick the Great, King of Prussia–and champion of the common potato.

🙂 A young boy discovers a whale in his pool and tries everything he can think of to get it out.

Reveals how things that seem little are actually very important, such as a little light that is really a welcoming light, or a little idea that is actually a fantastic idea.

🙂 Gwendolyn Grace, an alligator, does not want to obey when her mother tells her to be quiet while the baby is sleeping, but finally sees that being patient has its rewards.

Little redheaded Henry is ready to do things for himself. But is his family ready to let him?

My View Book Review: Magdalena’s Picnic by Patricia Aguilar Morrissey

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Title: Magdalena’s Picnic (El Picnic De Magdalena)

Author: Patricia Aguilar Morrissey

Illustrator: Gretchen Deahl

Publisher/Year: Red Heart Books LLC/2014

Back Cover Blurb: This story explores a young child’s imagination as it takes her to a faraway place–the Amazon jungle–without leaving her backyard. The main character in the book, the one fearlessly leading the group ahead, is a girl named Magdalena. She is clearly a role model for young adventurers as she dodges dangers, makes bold choices, and finally, leads her group to its destination.

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This sweetly illustrated, bilingual (English/Spanish) picture book is overflowing with action, adventure, and fun. Magdalena and her two pals, Brigitte and Junior, set off into the Amazon jungle to find the perfect picnic spot. As they move through the jungle, they encounter chatty monkeys, carnivorous plants, dark caves, and a dangerous anaconda. When Magdalena’s friends are in danger, she jumps into action, bravely saving them from certain doom. But what happens when the trio meets face-to-face with a ferocious jaguar? 

Magdalena’s Picnic is filled with edge-of-your-seat action, with danger around every bend. And all of it comes from Magdalena’s wild imagination. This book does an excellent job of reflecting how real children play and imagine the world around them. In a child’s world, a sprinkler can be a waterfall, a garden hose can be a snake, and that dark, damp area under the porch can be a cave. And a child can be the hero in her own story. 

At the back of the book, the author has included some information about the Amazon jungle and the animals that can be found there. The book’s a great choice for Spanish and English speakers, ages 4-8.

Picture Books At The Library 26

In my position as a technical processing assistant at the DeWitt Community Library, I catalog a lot of new picture books. Unfortunately, I cannot review them all, but I do read them all and have assigned a :) to my favorites. Finley Frog's favorite is marked with a 8). Below are a few I've cataloged recently. (Whenever possible, summaries have been taken directly from the books.)

In my position as a technical processing assistant at the DeWitt Community Library, I catalog a lot of new picture books. Unfortunately, I cannot review them all, but I do read them all and have assigned a 🙂 to my favorites. Finley Frog’s favorite is marked with a 8). Below are a few I’ve cataloged recently. (Whenever possible, summaries have been taken directly from the books.)

🙂 An old man known as the Wren plays his hurdy-gurdy, and with the help of his student, the Sparrow, brings hope and inspiration to the people of a small Polish town.

Buster Bickles’s big ideas were always getting him into trouble. But he had no idea just how much trouble he could get into until Uncle Roswell invited Buster to test his newly invented What-if Machine.

Meet Florabelle. She’s a little girl with BIG ideas. Although her family can be a bit serious at times, Florabelle knows that life is always more fun when you use your imagination.

Best friends Frito and Freddy want a place where they can play together that has plenty of space and not too many rules, so they build a clubhouse that is perfect–until their families and friends come to visit.

🙂 It’s time to clean the house, set out our best dishes, and fill our homes with food and family to celebrate the joyous holiday of Passover!

One day, as Elmer is out walking, he hears a cry for help. Butterfly has been trapped in a hole by a fallen branch. Elmer rushes to the rescue and frees her. In return she promises to help Elmer should he ever need it.

Dinosaur spends a day “helping” his mother, from the time he roars to awaken her until their final contest at bedtime.

Two siblings provide instructions for how to surprise one’s dad, including surprises you can make, do, or find–and how to plan a Special Day surprise party for him.

8) All the chickens in the farmyard lay eggs regularly–all except for P. Zonka, that is. She’s too busy looking at the colors of the world around her. The other chickens think P. Zonka’s just lazy…until she lays the most beautiful egg they’ve ever seen.

All the orangutans are ready for a nap in the sleepy depths of the afternoon–all except one.

Picture Books At The Library 25

In my position as a technical processing assistant at the DeWitt Community Library, I catalog a lot of new picture books. Unfortunately, I cannot review them all, but I do read them all and have assigned a :) to my favorites. Finley Frog's favorite is marked with a 8). Below are a few I've cataloged recently. (Whenever possible, summaries have been taken directly from the books.)

In my position as a technical processing assistant at the DeWitt Community Library, I catalog a lot of new picture books. Unfortunately, I cannot review them all, but I do read them all and have assigned a 🙂 to my favorites. Finley Frog’s favorite is marked with a 8). Below are a few I’ve cataloged recently. (Whenever possible, summaries have been taken directly from the books.)

🙂 Delphine is a servant in Queen Theodora’s palace. She has no family, no friends, and her life is full of work. Fortunately, Delphine loves to sing, and if her spirits are down, songs bring her comfort and cheer.

🙂 Illustrations and rhyming text reveal the special love between a parent and a baby, from button nose to tiny toes.

🙂 Illustrations and easy-to-read, rhyming text, guide the reader in drawing scaly, knobby-kneed dragons that fly, play musical instruments, ride bicycles, and more.

🙂 Come explore a boy’s family tree one side at a time, starting from the front of his photo album and then starting from the back–and see how they come together in the middle!

Mama Seeton’s simple and comforting whistle calls her family home, no matter how far away they may be.

🙂 Adam does not like Koala. Koala is the most terrible terrible. Or is he?

🙂 After a busy day filled with loved ones, adventure, and fun, baby is tired from head to toe.

8) Illustrations and minimal text reveal the thoughts of an energetic puppy as he busily sniffs his way in and around the house, and the reader can guess where the pup will be going when the page is turned.

A man is followed by a skunk all day until the tables turn.

Two toddlers have a nearly-silent adventure at the beach.