The TTLG 2011 Picture Book Celebration - Book Seven

Many years ago I read a series of books about a little girl who frequently gets into trouble, and who has all kinds of delightful little adventures. These My Naughty Little Sister books became some of my favorite books, and when my daughter was little I bought a set of the books for her. The illustrator of these books is Shirley Hughes, a talented artist and storyteller in her own right. Shirley Hughes has created a lovely set of picture books about a little boy called Alfie and his little sister Annie Rose. Here is one of the Alfie titles. 

An evening at Alfie’s

Shirley Hughes

Picture Book and Audio CD (Series)

For ages 3 to 6

Random House UK, 2010, 978-1-862-30991-3

   Alfie’s mum and dad are going out for the evening, and Maureen, who is a neighbor, is going to babysit Alfie and his little sister Annie Rose. The evening begins very well. Maureen reads Alfie a story, she tucks him into bed, and then Alfie lies in bed and looks at “the patch of light on the ceiling.

   Then Alfie hears a noise on the landing, a “drip-drip” sound, and he goes to investigate. He is very surprised when he sees that water is splashing down from the ceiling and there is a puddle on the landing floor. Alfie tells Maureen all about the drip, and when she comes to investigate, the dipping is worse then ever. Maureen and Alfie put buckets and bowls under the drips, and then they call Maureen’s mother. Hopefully she can help.

   Shirley Hughes is the queen of creating picture books in which everyday events are described in an engaging and interesting way. Children will be delighted to watch the way things become more and more chaotic in Alfie’s house as more and more water drips down from the ceiling. 

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 Cybils finalists are announced.

For the last couple of months children's book bloggers have spent hours reading books published in 2010 that were nominated by readers for the Cybils awards. The lists of the finalists are now in. Just in case you don't know, the Cybils are "are given each year by bloggers for the year's best children's and young adult titles. Nominations open to the public on October 1st." The books that were chosen as finalists are all excellent titles. Take a look:

Easy Readers & Early Chapter Books

Fantasy & Science Fiction (Middle Grade)

Fantasy & Science Fiction (Young Adult)

Fiction Picture Books

Graphic Novels (Middle Grade)

Graphic Novels (Young Adult)

Middle Grade Novels

Nonfiction Books (Middle Grade & Young Adult)

Nonfiction Picture Books

Poetry

Young Adult Novels

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.