The TTLG 2011 Picture Book Celebration - Book Seventeen

I have never been camping in a place where there were bears, though my husband and his sister have. They have described how they had to hang their food in a tree to discourage bear visits, though they did not tell me what they would have done to scare off a bear if one had come sniffing around. Just in case you ever need to scare a bear, here is a book that might help.

Scare a Bear

Kathy-jo Wargin

Illustrated by John Bendall-Brunello

Picture Book

Ages 4 to 6

Sleeping Bear Press, 2010,

   Staying in little cabins in the woods during the summer vacation is something many children enjoy doing. There are so many activities to try, and adventures to have. There is one problem though. What should one do if a bear comes into camp? How do you scare a bear?

   Will the bear go away if you bang pots and pans, if you yell, or if you ring a “loud bell?” What if a bear isn’t easy to scare? What if loud noises and “big scary” poses have no effect on the bear at all. What if the bear decides to stay in the camp to swim, to fish, to have dinner, to sit by the campfire, and even – what a thought – to spend the night!

   This delightful picture book with its rhyming text and its amusing illustrations, will charm young readers who have an active imagination and who enjoy a good laugh.

The TTLG 2011 Picture Book Celebration - Book Sixteen

Children often have a very hard time staying in bed - or at least staying quiet - when they are sick. When they read today's picture book, children will see how one sick rabbit child finds a way to make staying in bed interesting. 

Stay in bed, Davy

Brigitte Weninger

Illustrated by Eve Tharlet

Translated by Marianne Martens

Picture Book

Ages 6 to 9

North-South books, 2006, 978-0-7358-2048-7

   One day Davy comes up to his mother and he is in tears. He feels horribly sick, and there is nothing for it but for him to go to bed. Davy’s illness has come at a very bad time, because the Rabbit family were planning on going to visit Grandma. Worse still, she is making her “famous” blackberry pies, which are truly delicious.

   Thankfully, Davy’s friend Eddie and his cousin Kiki arrive. Eddie and Kiki offer to stay with Davy so that the rest of the Rabbit family can go to grandma’s house. If Davy has any problems, Eddie can “run home to get his mother.” Mr. and Mrs. Rabbit agree to the plan, though Mrs. Rabbit makes Davy promise that he will “stay in bed.”

   Soon after the family leaves, Davy comes up with an idea. Though his mother said that he had to stay in bed, she did not say “where the bed had to stay.” Without further ado, Kiki and Eddie drag Davy’s bed outside. Davy feels so much better in the fresh air and he begins to wish that they could play down by the stream. Then again, perhaps he can play by the steam after all.

   Sick children stuck in bed will surely enjoy reading about Davy’s bed-bound adventures. They will laugh when they see how Davy keeps his word to his mother and has fun at the same time.

   Eve Tharlet’s delightful illustrations perfectly capture Davy’s sun filled world.

The TTLG 2011 Picture Book Celebration - Book Fifteen

Many years ago, we lived next to a family who had a large Rottweiler. Henry was on of the sweetest, gentlest and silliest dogs I have ever met. The dog in today's picture book is a lot like Henry. He is a great with children, and he and his little girl share a special bond

Follow Carl

Alexandra Day

Wordless Picture Book

Ages 4 to 7

Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 1998, 0-7374-3480-2

   Carl and his little girl have just woken up from a nap. There is a group of children outside their window, and they want Carl and his little girl to play Follow the Leader with them. They even offer Carl the job of being the leader. In a jiffy, Carl and his little girl are outside, and the game begins with a big stretch, which is what Carl likes to do after a nap.

   Next Carl hops onto a wall and he walks along it, with his little girl on his back and five small children following in his wake. This is then followed by a squirrel chase and then, in town, Carl and the children sit outside the local bakery and beg for a treat, which they get!

   In this wonderful picture book, Alexandra Day tells a charming story using only pictures (except for the two sentences that appear on the first page). She captures Carl’s patience, his good humor, and his love of life. This is a warming picture book that non-readers and readers alike will enjoy exploring.                                                                                                                                                                                                           

The TTLG 2011 Picture Book Celebration - Book Thirteen

As the mother of a daughter, I am always looking for books that have strong female characters who are intelligent, and who serve as a good bookish role model. Today's picture book is about a little girl who happily walks in the footsteps of great women from history.

My name is not Isabella

Jennifer Fosberry

Illustrated by Mike Litwin

Picture Book

For ages 5 to 7

Sourcebooks, 2010, 978-1-4022-4390-0

   When Isabella wakes up one morning, she decides that her name is not Isabella. She tells her mother that she is Sally, “the greatest toughest astronaut who ever was!” The little girl’s mother goes along with this, inviting “Sally” to don her spacesuit and to come downstairs for breakfast.

   At the breakfast table, Sally explains that her name is not Sally at all. Now she is Annie, “The greatest, fastest sharpshooter who ever was.” Being the kind of mother who understands a young girl’s thought processes, the ever patient mother invites “Annie” to come to eat the “fine vittles” that are waiting on the table. Who will Isabella/Sally/Annie become next?

   In this clever and meaningful picture book, we meet a little girl who imagines what it would be like to be great women from history. She also has a little surprise up her sleeve for “the greatest, sweetest mother who ever was.” Young readers will see how this one little girl aspires to be an important person when she grows up, and how the women she pretends to be teach her what it means to be a sweet, kind, smart, brave, fast, tough, and great person.

   To compliment the message in the story, the author provides her readers with information about the five famous women from history who are part of Isabella’s story. 

The TTLG 2011 Picture Book Celebration - Book Twelve

This week we heard that one of the books illustrated by Brian Floca and published in 2010 - Ballet for Martha: Making Appalachian Spring - received a Sibert Honor. While I wait for this book to arrive, I thought I would review another of Brian's books. This one he both wrote and illustrated, and it won a Sibert Honor in 2008.

Lightship

Brian Floca

Picture Book

Ages 5 to 7

Simon and Schuster, 2007, 978-1-4169-2463-4

   There was a time when many lightships waited at anchor along America’s coastline to warn ships about underwater hazards. Unlike other ships, lightships did not “sail from port to port,” nor did they “carry passengers or mail or packages.” These ships stayed in one place, and there they waited.

   The Ambrose was one of these ships, and she held her place day after day. No matter how much the ship rocked, her crew took care of her light, they manned and cared for her engines, and they made sure that she did move from her position. It was not an easy life for the crewmembers because their quarters were tight, comforts were few, and dangers had to be anticipated. No matter what happened, the Ambrose’s light had to be ready to guide ships to safety during storms and fog.

   In this unique picture book, Brian Floca pays tribute to the lightships and their crews whose service saved countless ships from having potentially disastrous accidents. Floca gives us a picture of what life on one of the lightships must have been like using a lyrical text and wonderfully atmospheric illustrations.

   At the back of the book, the author provides the reader with further information about lightships.

   This title was one of the books chosen to receive a 2008 Robert F. Siebert Honor. The award is given yearly to the authors and illustrators who create the most meaningful informational book published in English during the preceding year. 

The TTLG 2011 Picture Book Celebration - Book Nine

Many of us spend our lives constantly on the run. We are always doing something, and rarely take the time to be still and enjoy a moment of quiet. This splendid picture book explores the idea that quiet moments are good moments.

The Quiet Book

Deborah Underwood

Illustrated by Renata Liwska

Picture Book

Ages 5 to 7

Houghton Mifflin, 2010, 978-0-547-21567-9

As you go about your day, there are times when all the hustle and bustle around you seems to fade away. There are quiet moments when you can take in the world around you, enjoy the peace, or contemplate what is coming.

   This very special picture book looks at all the different kinds of quiet that a collection of animal children experience during a normal day. The little rabbit begins its day with the quiet that you experience when you are the “first one awake.” In school, a little bear enjoys that “coloring in the lines quiet” that children enjoy. The little moose experiences an altogether different sort of quiet when someone discovers the drawing on the wall that he created. The little mouse shares a moment of quiet with the rabbit when they suck on lollipops. Later the rabbit takes a quiet moment while he contemplates whether or not Aunt Tillie’s iguana is the kind of animal who might bite.

   With beautifully atmospheric pictures throughout, this book perfectly captures those moments when there is a pause in the day, and when little people (and big people) are able to experience a little scrap of quietness. 

The TTLG 2011 Picture Book Celebration - Book Eight

Chris Wormell is an author and illustrator whom I am particularly fond of. Here is one of his newest books. 

Scruffy Bear and the six white mice

Chris Wormell

Picture Book

Ages 4 to 6

Random House UK, 2011, 978-0-224-08394-2

One evening a small and rather scruffy bear is out walking when he comes to the edge of a “dark and gloomy” wood. Scruffy Bear is just about to begin walking around the wood, when he hears a squeaking noise that suggests that there are animals in distress somewhere in the wood. Into the wood the bear goes, and sure enough in the middle of the wood he encounters six terrified white mice that are lost. They beg Scruffy Bear to help them because they are sure that “now that night is coming we’ll be gobbled up by owls – or foxes – or snakes for certain.”

   No sooner have they said these words, than Scruffy Bear and the mice hear the hoot of an owl. They have to do something before the six mice end up inside the owl’s stomach. With no time to lose, Scruffy bear tells the mice to “curl up tight” and “tuck in your tails.” Scruffy Bear has an idea that might just work.

   With his wonderful illustrations and charming characters, Chris Wormell honors everyone who has had to be brave and quick thinking under difficult circumstances. Though Scruffy Bear is not very big or strong, he uses his wits to help animals that are small and defenseless. 

The TTLG 2011 Picture Book Celebration - Book Six

Many children all over the world love dinosaurs. The are fascinated by the bizarre animals with their long necks, or armored skins, or horns. Today's picture book is about a really really small dinosaur who learns how to be brave for himself, and for someone else. The charming main character in this story first came on the scene in The Littlest Dinosaur. It is wonderful to have him back.

The Littlest dinosaur’s big adventure

Michael Foreman

Picture Book

Ages 4 to 6

Walker, 2009, 0-8027-9545-5

   The littlest dinosaur is very little indeed, and one day, urged on by a bouncy cheerful frog, he crosses a river by walking on the lily pads that float on the water. None of his family could do this because they are far too big and heavy.

   On the other side of the river, the littlest dinosaur finds himself on the edge of a field that is full of flowers, buzzing bees, and butterflies. He enjoys the beauty of the place and appreciates that “it is fun to be small” when you are surrounded by so much loveliness. Then the light begins to fade, and the littlest dinosaur finds himself in a big forest. Being small, all alone, and lost in a big dark forest is not much fun at all. Reminding himself that he has “the heart of a dinosaur” even though he is tiny, the littlest dinosaur presses on. Surely he will be able to find his way home somehow.

   In this sweet littlest dinosaur picture book, Michael Foreman shows us that one does not have to be big to be brave. The award winning author and illustrator gives us a story that is warming and memorable.

The TTLG 2011 Picture Book Celebration - Book Five

When I first moved to my town in Oregon, one of the things that struck me straight away was the way in which people, complete strangers, smiled at me and greeted me in the street, in the shops, and on the hiking trails. It is so warming to connect with others with a simple "hello," "good morning," or "isn't it a lovely day." This meaningful picture book shows readers what can happen when people do not make this connection.

So close

Natalia Colombo

Picture Book

Ages 6 and up

Tundra Books, 2008, 978-1-77049-207-3

   Every morning Mr. Duck and Mr. Rabbit walk right past each other on their way to work. Every evening Mr. Duck and Mr. Rabbit walk past each other on their way home from work. They never exchange a word or a look. They never think to say “hello.” Imagine how much better their lives could be if they greeted each other. Why, they might even become friends.

   This short picture book will resonate with readers of all ages. So often people are in such a hurry that they don’t notice their neighbors. They don’t make eye contact or acknowledge one another. This picture book shows readers how easy it is to break out of this pattern. It shows them to great effect how rewarding reaching out to others can be.

The TTLG 2011 Picture Book Celebration - Book Four

Being in a birthdayish kind of mood, I have decided to offer you a picture book about a very special birthday. Ollie is a sweet little zebra who has stripes and long floppy ears, and this book is about his birthday celebration. If you have a small child or small children in your life, you would do well to take a look at the Ollie books. Children and adults alike find him hard to resist. I can only hope that the rest of the books in this series will be published in the U.S.soon.

I love birthdays

Anna Walker

Picture Book

For ages 2 to 5

Simon and Schuster, 2010, 978-1-4169-8320-0

Like many people of all ages around the world, Ollie loves birthdays. On his special day, Ollie’s friends bring him a “big surprise,” and they arrange a treasure hunt in the garden. They bring a “yummy” treat for all to share, and the friends don party hats, play tunes, and dance. All these things are wonderful, but there is more to come, and more birthday delights to share.

   In this delightful Ollie title, the charming little zebra and his friends are back. Little children will love this heartwarming story, with its musical text and its appealing watercolor illustrations. Readers of all ages will find it hard not to smile as they share Ollie’s special day. 

The TTLG 2011 Picture Book Celebration - Book Three

I am always on the look out for wordless picture books, and the ones created by Pat Schories, which look at the life of a little dog called Jack, are delightful. Here is a review of the latest book in this series.

When Jack goes out

Pat Schories

Wordless picture book

Ages 4 to 6

Boyds Mills Press, 2010, 978-1-59078-652-9

   Some time ago, Jack the dog met some very odd but charming alien visitors, and they are back. This time they turn up when Jack is chained to his doghouse at night. The little visitors are delighted to see Jack again, and they soon release him from his chain.

   Soon Jack and the little aliens are having a great time playing in the sandbox and swimming in the pond. They have such a wonderful time in fact, that the aliens decide that they want to take Jack home with them!

   This is the fifth wordless book that Pat Schories has created which features Jack the dog as the main character. Young children who don’t yet know how to read will love the fact that they can ‘read’ this book all by themselves. Children who can read will enjoy the detailed and rich illustrations, and they will love the surprising and satisfying ending.

The TTLG 2011 Picture Book Celebration - Book Two

Three and a half years ago, on our farm in Virginia, we had two ducks who waddled around, eating insects in the vineyard and terrorizing the dogs. Though Scout and Jemima were not very brainy, they were very funny, and Jemima very generously laid eggs for us that we all enjoyed eating. I would like you to meet Duck and Goose, a pair of wonderful little birds created by Tad Hill. Every time I see a picture of these two I am reminded of my own ducks.

Duck and Goose

Tad Hills

Picture Book

Ages infants to age 3

Random House, 2006, 978-0-375-83611-4

   One morning Duck sees a large round thing lying in the grass. It is covered with colored spots, and Duck immediately decides that he has found an egg. Goose sees the same round thing, and he too decides that the object is an egg. Both birds then lay claim to the egg. Duck says that the egg is his because he “saw it first.” Goose insists that the egg is his because he “touched it first.”

   Soon a full-scale argument is raging around the egg, and after a lot of “fussing,” “slipping and sliding,” “honking and quacking,” the two birds manage to seat themselves on top of the egg. They are not getting along mind you, and the only thing they can agree on at first is that they “mustn’t disturb the little one” who is inside the egg.

   This charming picture book shows to great effect how two very different personalities can overcome their differences and find a common ground. Both Duck and Goose are strong willed and stubborn, and neither one wants to give in. Thankfully, something comes along that unites them in a very special way.

   This is one in a series of books about Duck and Goose. 

The TTLG 2011 Picture Book Celebration - Book One

Happy New Year and welcome to the first day of the TTLG 2011 Picture Book Celebration. A few years ago I reviewed a book called Willow, which charmed me. I was therefore delighted to find out that the author and illustrator who created Willow have worked together again to bring us another book featuring their delight main character. Here is my review of this new title. 

Willow and the Snow Day Dance

Denise Brennan-Nelson

Illustrated by Cyd Moore

Picture Book

Ages 5 to 8

Sleeping Bear Press, 2011, 978-1-58536-522-7

   Willow has just moved to her new home, and she wastes no time getting busy. Soon Willow and her mother are planting a garden, but then they discover that they don’t have enough plants to fill their garden space. Willow decides to write to her neighbors. She asks them if they can help her fill her garden by donating a plant or two.

   By summertime, Willow’s garden is flourishing, and she delivers flowers to all her neighbors, including Mr. Larch, who lives next door. Mr. Larch is old, crabby, unneighborly, and anti-social, but Willow doesn’t know this. She takes him flowers anyway, and she asks him and all the other neighbors if they have any “scraps” to donate for her garden art projects. Soon her garden is full of old junk that Willow turns into interesting works of art.

   In the fall, Willow shares the vegetables from her garden with all the neighbors, including Mr. Larch, and she asks everyone to donate to the annual hat and mitten drive at her school. Can it be that Mr. Larch’s cold heart is starting to thaw, warmed by Willow’s friendship?

  This delightful book brings back the character who charmed readers in Willow. Once again, the little girl with the wild hair shows readers how a little creativity and a big heart can make the world a much happier place. 

Seven Days of Picture Books - Day Seven

For the last day of the TTLG Seven Days of Picture Books, I have chosen to review a charming new title about a mystery, expectations, and friendship. 

Hugo and the really, really, really long string

Bob Doyle

Picture Book

Ages 3 to 6

Random House, 2010, 978-0-375-83423-3

   Hugo is a “happy little guy” who lives in a little house on top of hill with his dog Biscuit. One morning Hugo is looking out of the window when he sees a red string snaking across the grass. Convinced that there is “something wonderful at the other end of it,” Hugo sets off to see where the string goes.

   Hugo follows the string “through the trees, down a hill, across a river,” until he comes to a hole that Mrs. Mole has dug. Being a very friendly fellow, Hugo invites Mrs. Mole to come with him, and he promises to share whatever he finds with his “newfound friend.”

   The two friends follow the string down, along, and up in some underground tunnels until they pop out of a manhole in the middle of the street, right at the feet Mr. Alligator Police! Though Mr. Alligator looks rather fierce, Mrs. Mole and Hugo invite him to join them in their adventure, and they promise to share whatever they find at the end of the string with their “newfound friend.”

   Little children are sure to enjoy this amusing story, and they will certainly have a good laugh when they see what is at the end of Hugo’s mystery string. Though his find might not live up to his expectations, the ‘treasure’ that he gathers during his journey more than makes up for it. 

Seven Days of Picture Books - Day Six

One of the things that I love about Ashland, Oregon, is that the young girls here seem to be comfortable with who they are. They play soccer, they take special science classes, they write books, and they make it clear to everyone that they are capable of doing anything they put their minds to. Below is a review that perfectly captures their 'girl power' spirit.

Not all princesses dress in pink

Jane Yolen and Heidi E.Y. Stemple

Illustrated by Anne-Sophie Lanquetin

Picture Book

Ages 4 to 6

Simon and Schuster, 2010, 978-1-4169-8018-6

You might be under the impression that all princesses wear pink dresses with matching elegant shoes, and that they spend their days doing elegant (and probably very boring) things so that their clothes stay pristine. Clearly you have not met the kinds of princesses who live a more active and modern lifestyle.

   These princesses play soccer wearing cleats “with shin guards and some baggy shorts.” They happily play with a dog, getting filthy in the process. Some princesses like to ride a bike wearing a helmet, and knee and elbow protectors. Should they find themselves locked in a “stony tower,” they escape using their wits and their not inconsiderable strength. Perhaps you think that none of these activities are very princess-like, but every one of these young ladies runs, works, and plays with a sparkly tiara on her head!

    This amusing and meaningful picture book will delight girls who, like these princesses, are not afraid to be themselves. These princesses celebrate their intelligence and their athleticism. They embrace “girl power,” which is something every girl out there should feel comfortable doing.

   With delightful rhymes and amusing illustrations, this is a picture book that every young girl should read. 

Seven Days of Picture Books - Day Five

For today's picture book I chose a book that arrived in the mail only a few days ago. Readers who enjoy exploring art that is full of details and action will enjoy this title.

Oops!

Jean-Luc Fromental 

Illustrated by Joelle Jolivet

Picture Book

Ages 6 and up

Abrams, 2010, 978-0-8109-8749-4

   A family is going on vacation, and just before they leave the house Aunt Roberta – who is taking care of the family pets in their absence – announces that she cannot find her glasses. She says that she needs her glasses so that she can take her shower, and without them she cannot see what she is doing! The family members do their best to find Aunt Roberta’s glasses, but in the end, they have to leave for the airport. Hopefully Aunt Roberta will not slip on the soap in the shower.

   What the family doesn’t realize until much later is that Aunt Roberta does in fact lose the soap when she is in the shower. It flies out of the window and into the street, and it sets a series of accidents in motion. What happens is this. The soap flies out into the street and it causes a postman to swerve across the road. This causes the taxi that the family are traveling in to crash into a tree and a traffic light control box. The family is  forced, at a run, to try to find another way to get to the airport. Of course, because the traffic light control box is damaged, all the lights in the area go mad and a huge traffic jam fills the streets. This gives a thief the perfect opportunity to rob a bank, and so it goes on. Each new mishap sets another mishap in motion. Who knew an escaping bar of soup could cause so much fuss

   Readers of all ages are sure to enjoy this large format picture book. The illustrations are packed with often deliciously funny details, and readers will get completely caught up in the misadventures of this family.

   At the back of the book there is a page showing “The chain of catastrophes.” As they look at this, readers will be able to see how one catastrophe leads to another. If you think you caught everything after the first reading, think again and have another try!

This author and illustrator have teamed up to create several other delightful and enormously successful books including 365 Penguins and Panorama: A Foldout Book

   

Seven Days of Picture Books - Day Four

I have always been fascinated by insects, so when I took this book out of its box not long ago I knew that it was going be a book that I was going to like. I was pleasantly surprised to find that the book is not only about insects and bug love, but is also about books. What a perfect combination. 

The Gentleman Bug

Julian Hector

Picture Book

Ages 4 to 6

Simon and Schuster, 2010, 978-1-4169-9467-1

   Gentleman Bug lives in the bug town in the Garden. He loves to read almost more than anything, and he is a teacher. Some of the bugs like to tease Gentleman Bug about his reading habits, but he doesn’t really mind too much. Then one day the charming and quite lovely Lady Bug arrives in the Garden. Gentleman Bug likes her the minute he sees her, but she doesn’t “even notice him.”
   The Gentleman Bug decides that he needs to clean up his appearance, and with the help of his students, he turns himself into a very dapper looking fellow.  That evening Gentleman Bug goes to Pollen Hill, the popular nightspot, and everyone is impressed by his new look – except Lady Bug.

   In this delightful picture book, Julian Hector has created a whimsical bug-centric world that children are sure to like. His charmingly simple story will delight young insect lovers, and its bibliophilic ending is perfect.

Seven Days of Picture Books - Day Three

Adults often look back on their childhood with nostalgia, remembering care-free days and uncomplicated days. Not surprisingly we tend to forget that children have their problems too. They have to find ways to fit in, ways to get along with others, and they have to find that elusive "happy with who I am and what I am" place. The picture book I have reviewed today takes a look at how one little girl comes to terms with the fact that being "la-di-da" might not be as wonderful as she thinks it is.

Louise the big Cheese and the La-di-da shoes

Elise Primavera

Illustrated by Diane Goode

Picture Book

Ages 6 to 8

Simon and Schuster, 2010, 978-1-4169-7181-8

   Louise Cheese lives in an ordinary sort of town, and she has ordinary parents who are quite happy being themselves and looking like themselves. Louise, on the other hand, wants to be and look like a “big cheese.” Unfortunately, instead of having glamorous clothes to wear, Louise is stuck with a skirt that has a “stretched-out elastic waist,” and brown lace-up shoes that squeak when she walks. Louise asks to borrow her big sister’s “black patent leather pumps with sparkles on the toes,” but she is told that they are for “la-di-da occasions.” Louise would love to have la-di-da occasions in her life

   Then at last, Louise’s mother announces that she is going to take Louise shoe shopping. If Louise can only get some la-di-da shoes, then the kids at school will think that she is a real “big cheese!” When Louise’s mother chooses a pair of brown lace up shoes with rubber soles Louise is devastated. She is even more upset when she goes to school and sees that her friend Fern is wearing a pair of patent leather pumps with sparkles on the toes. How can this be happening?

   Most girls at some point wish that they could be famous, glamorous, or popular. They want to be something other than what they are, just like Louise. As they read this book, readers will come to realize that being who you are isn’t that bad, and sometimes having what you think you want isn’t as much fun as you thought it would be.

   With lots of humor and wonderfully amusing illustrations throughout, this picture book addresses an important issue in a unique way.