The TTLG 2011 Picture Book Celebration: Book three hundred and twenty-five

This summer I made friends with a wonderful lady. I treasure our friendship, and we have a splendid time when we get together. The funny thing is that in many ways we are not alike, and no doubt some people  are surprised that we are friends at all. I cannot really explain it, but for some reason, our differences don't seem to matter, just like they don't for the two characters in today's picture book.

Bella and Bean

Rebecca Kai Dotlich

Illustrated by Aileen Leijten

Picture Book

For ages 5 to 7

Simon and Schuster, 2009, 978-0-689-85616-7

   Bella lives in a neat little brick house at the base of tree, and every day she sits at her desk beneath a window and she writes poetry. Writing poetry is what she loves to do, and when her friend Bean turns up and starts to talk about her new hat, Bella is not amused. How can a mouse focus on creating poetry when someone is talking to her about hats? Bella makes it clear that she wants to be left alone to work on her poems.

   After Bean leaves to walk down to Spoon Pond, Bella come up with some wonderful words, and she writes a poem. She is not left in peace for long before Bean is once again standing outside her window. This time Bean shows Bella her toes. Bean says that someone has told her that she has the “cutest toes.” Bella is not interested in Beans toes, and Bean soon leaves.

   Bella is working on yet another poem, when Bean comes over and she is carrying “something big and green.” Bean invites Bella to come to Spoon Pond to help her plant her snow bush. Bella declines and she shuts her window. She has poems to write, and she has no time to talk about hats, admire toes, or plant snow bushes. Or maybe she does.

   When readers meet Bella and Bean they will think that these two very different mice cannot possibly be friends because they are so very unalike. The funny thing is that they would be wrong. With a delightful text that is sprinkled with poems, and cunning illustrations, the author and illustrator show readers how people (or mice) who are very different can still be friends. They can share the things they love to do and find a common ground that allows them to have a close and meaningful relationship.

The TTLG 2011 Picture Book Celebration: Book three hundred and twenty-four

I have often wondered what my pets do when I am not at home. I imagine that they sleep for much of the time, and sometimes I come home to find clear indications that badness has been going on. A loaf of bread has been nibbled on, a glass has been knocked over, or some furry person has been chewing on the houseplants again. What else do they do that I do not know about though? I know more badness is going on behind my back, but I need evidence!

In today's picture book you will find out what happens when a family of humans leave their summer cottage empty for fall and winter. Their home, like mine, is taken over by furry people.

The winter visitors

Karel Hayes

Picture Book

For ages 4 to 6

Down East Books, 978-0-89272-750-6

   It is fall, and the summer visitors are getting ready to leave the cottage by the lake. They put the canoe away, cover the furniture with sheets, pack up their things, and drive away with their bikes on the roof of their car.

   As soon as they disappear over the crest of the hill, the bear family comes down to the cottage. They find the jar of honey that was left behind, take the sheets off the furniture, and they are warm and snug indoors when the first snow flies.

   Father bear takes one of his cubs ice fishing, and Mama bear and the other little cub stay home and bake a cake. Then many of the forest animals come over for a New Year’s party. Together they dance the night away, play games, and then they go to sleep.

   Readers who met the bear family in The Summer Visitors, will love this new story about a family of bears who enjoy the amenities that their human neighbors unknowingly provide. With only a few words in the whole book, this title will charm bear lovers of all ages, and it will make them wonder if the humans in the story ever really figure out what is going on behind their backs. 

The TTLG 2011 Picture Book Celebration: Book three hundred and twenty-three

A lot of people take trees for granted. They don't appreciate the many things that trees do for us humans, and for the planet as a whole. They certainly don't consider that trees are to be loved and treasured. In today's picture book, you will meet a little girl who loves one particular tree. It is not a grand redwood or a perfectly perfect nursery raised flowering pear tree. Instead, it is a wild tree, a tree many people consider to be a nuisance. 

A tree for Emmy

Mary Ann Rodman

Illustrated by Tatjana Mai-Wyss

Picture Book

For ages 4 to 7

Peachtree Publishers, 2009, 978-1-56145-475-4

Emmy is a little girl who loves trees. She loves oaks, and pines, and willows, but most of all she likes the mimosa tree that grows in Gramma’s pasture. Gramma says that the mimosa is just like Emmy because it is “Stubborn and strong and a little bit wild.”

   Emmy does not have a mimosa tree growing in her yard at home, and when her birthday comes around, she tells her parents that she wants a mimosa tree of her very own to care for. Emmy’s mother and father don’t think that this is a strange request. Instead, they go to the garden stores to find a mimosa tree. Unfortunately, most people don’t seem to appreciate mimosa trees. They “grow wild” and therefore are not sold in stores.

   Emmy thinks that this is very unfair. Why don’t the stores sell mimosa trees? Even if they are wild, they are still beautiful. Emmy doesn’t want something else for her birthday, so she has to make do with spending time with Gramma’s tree. As she lies under the tree, trying to “keep in the tears,” Emmy makes an amazing discovery.

   Young readers are going to going enjoy spending time with Emmy, who is very determined to get exactly what she wants for her birthday. They will appreciate the fact that this little girl is not afraid to be different, and that she refuses to let go of her dream. With a charming message and lovely multimedia illustrations, this picture book is a tribute to all those people, young and old, who love all of nature’s gifts and who have the courage to be unique.

The TTLG 2011 Picture Book Celebration: Book three hundred and twenty-two

For some people being cool is one of those things that becomes very important. They want to impress the people around them, sometimes they even want to intimidate them so that they can feel big and strong. In today's picture book you will meet just such a character, a monster who wants to appear tough and scary, but who learns that honesty and friendship are more important than having an imagine that is false and worthless. 

The Scariest Monster in the World

Lee Weatherly

Illustrated by Algy Craig Hall

Picture Book

For ages 4 to 7

Boxer Books, 2009, 978-1-906250-40-9

   There once was a monster who was determined that everyone should know that he was “the scariest monster in the world.” With his “wild and weird” fur, his giant club, his green teeth, and his ferocious manner, the monster really was scary, and he enjoyed frightening the animals in the forest.

   Then one day the monster developed a problem. He got the hiccups, and he could not get them to go away. He did everything he could, but nothing he tried got rid of the hiccups and so, feeling utterly miserable – and very hiccupy – he sat down on the ground and began to cry.

   Though the monster had scared them countless times, the animals in the forest felt sorry for him, and they did their best to help him. They suggested that he drink water while he was the “wrong side up,” and that he hold his breath for as long as possible. Unfortunately neither of these tricks worked. There was only one thing left to do. The animals were going to have to scare the monster’s hiccups away, but how do you scare a monster?

   In this delightful picture book, children will meet a monster whose loud voice and stomping feet cover up the fact that he is not really that bad a fellow. In fact, when he is not worrying about having an image, he is quite pleasant to be around. With its meaningful message about friendship, and its delightfully expressive illustrations, this is a picture book that children are sure to enjoy.

The TTLG 2011 Picture Book Celebration: Book three hundred and twenty-one

When my daughter was young, she was convinced that "nasty things" lived in her closet, and we had to make sure that the doors of her closet were shut tight before she would let us turn off her light at bedtime. Many children are persecuted by the monsters, bears, wolves, dragons and other creatures that inhabit the dark places in their homes, and it is hard to reassure them that these creatures are not out to get them.

In today's picture book Joanna Harrison tells the story of a little girl who has a problem with a bear, and we see how her fear changes over time into something altogether different. 

Dear Bear

Joanna Harrison

Picture Book

For ages 4 to 7

Lerner, 2006, 0-87614-965-4

Most of the time, Katie is a happy girl who likes having tea parties, hanging upside down on the bars, playing dress up, and playing with her friends at school. Most of the time Katie does not think about the bear who lives under the stairs, but at night, when she is in bed, she finds it hard not think about him. Katie knows that the bear is there and that he is “just waiting to jump out and grab her.” Katie tells her parents about the bear, and her mother suggests that Katie should write to the bear and tell him to “go away.”

   Katie follows her mother’s advice, and to her amazement, the bear writes her a letter telling her that he has decided to go away, as per her request. Apparently, the bear needs a vacation. A few days later, Katie finds a package in front of the closet door. Inside the package is a snow globe. The bear has brought Katie a gift.

   Naturally, Katie sends the bear a thank you letter, but when she does not hear anything from the bear for several days she starts to worry. Is the bear ill? Is something terribly wrong with him?

   Many children are afraid of the bears, dragons, and monsters that inhabit closets, basements, and other dark and creepy places. When they are in bed, they are afraid to put their feet down on the floor in case something grabs them by the ankles.

   In this picture book, Joanna Harrison tackles this very delicate issue with sensitivity and gentle humor. Children will come to see that perhaps the creature they fear is not all that bad. Perhaps it is even lonely.

   Being able to see both sides of a story is a useful tool to have, and this book helps children to see that when they are afraid or unsure, they should try to look at their problem from a different angle. They may be surprised by what they see when they do.

The TTLG 2011 Picture Book Celebration: Book three hundred and twenty

People often like to talk about how they were not able to become a dancer, singer, or stand-up comedian because things simply did not work out in their favor. Often this is true, the pieces of the puzzle did not come together at the right time. Sometimes though, these people's dreams did not come true because they doubted themselves. They did not believe that they could pull it off, so they did not put all their resources into the effort. 

Today's picture book is about a little mouse who doubts herself, but who does not give up.

Brava Mimi!

Helga Bansch

Picture book

For ages 5 to 7

NorthSouth, 2010, 978-0-7358-2322-8

   Mimi the Mouse wants to be a performer. She wants to sing, to dance, and to act on a stage. Unfortunately, Mimi does not think that she is “talented and beautiful” and everyone knows that performers have to talented and beautiful.

   Mimi goes and talks to Albert the Mole about her problem. He recommends that Mimi can learn how to sing and dance, so Mimi goes to dance lessons with Misha the Frog, and to singing lessons with Bubbles the Blackbird. Both of her teachers recommend that Mimi should not worry about any mistakes she makes. She should be herself and keep going.

   Next Mimi goes to see Calvin the Tailor and he makes Mimi a lovely dress that makes Mimi feel pretty. Calvin tells her that no matter what happens “you look like a star.”

   When Mimi learns that there is going to be an audition for the Mouse Ballet, she is ecstatic. Now at last she can show off what she has learned. This is “her big chance” to see her dream come true. Or is it?

   Many of us have dreams of becoming a great performer, scientist, or artist, but we doubt ourselves. We dare not believe that we can reach such heights.

   In this meaningful and heartwarming story, readers will meet a little mouse who has determination, and who is willing to work hard to make her dream come true. As they follow her story, readers will see that there is one more thing Mimi needs to have - confidence in herself and in her ability to follow through.

   With a meaningful message and a likeable main character, this is a book that offers support and encouragement to any child who has big dreams.

The TTLG 2011 Picture Book Celebration: Book three hundred and nineteen

I love reviewing books that encourage adults to talk to their children about the book that they are reading. Today's book has a philosophical bent, and it puts forward ideas that children will enjoy discussing with each other, and with their adults. The book gives readers a gift that extends beyond its pages, one that they can think about and enjoy as they go about their day.

Stars

Mary Lyn Ray

Illustrated by Marla Frazee

Picture Book

For ages 5 and up

Simon and Schuster, 2011, 978-1-4424-2249-0

   Seeing the first star in the sky is an indication that night is on its way. The one star is soon joined by other stars, and their presence makes the night feel less dark and frightening. It would be grand if you could collect a star or two, but as you know, this just isn’t possible.

   There are other stars that you can collect and treasure though. You can draw a star on some gold or silver paper, cut it out, and then put it in your pocket. It will be there whenever you need it, for example if you want to be a sheriff, or if you need a magic wand. If you have two stars, you can give one away, which could really help someone if they “don’t feel shiny” on that particular day.

  The good news is that if you ever lose your star, there are many stars in the world around you to comfort you. There are little green stars in moss, and strawberry flowers are star-shaped, as are the yellow flowers on pumpkin vines. Don’t forget that snowflakes are full of stars too. Look around and you will see these stars and many more, and don’t forget that every night, stars are there to delight you, even when you can’t see them.

   In this delightful book, Mary Lyn Ray’s lyrical text is beautifully paired with Marla Frazee’s memorable illustrations. Young readers will be tickled by the thought provoking ideas that flow off the pages, and they will enjoy thinking and talking about the stars in their lives. 

The TTLG 2011 Picture Book Celebration: Book three hundred and eighteen

I know that some might accuse me of being biased here, but I really do think that mothers are not properly understood (or appreciated thank you very much). I assure you that I am not saying this as a mother, but as an observer. There are all these books out there about how to be a better parent, but there are none about how to be a child who understands how to care for a mother. Thankfully, Doreen Cronin has seen this deficiency, and she has done something about it. 

M.O.M (Mom Operating Manual)

Doreen Cronin

Illustrated by Laura Cornell

Picture Book

For ages 5 to 8

Simon and Schuster, 2011, 978-1-4169-6150-5

As everyone knows, mothers are “the most advanced human models on the planet.” However, their incredible ability to do so many things so well does not mean that they don’t need care. It is important that everyone should know what kind of “necessary maintenance and care” mothers need “for optimal performance.” This is a manual to teach you how to do this.

   The manual begins by giving readers an important “Historical Overview” of moms. We must not forget that moms have been around a very long time, and that they need to be treated with due respect. The text then goes on to explain that a well-maintained and well-rested mom is a very rare thing to see. Mostly moms show the signs of “ordinary wear and tear.” You must be vigilant and make sure that your mom’s condition does not deteriorate.

   Of course, it is easy to say this, but how is it to be done? Fear not, because this manual will explain what a mom needs for her daily care and maintenance. Sleep and proper nutrition are vital, as is regular exercise, and a source of fresh water. It is also recommended that all moms should have regular grooming sessions.

   Just in case you encounter a problem with your mom, there is a troubleshooting section in this manual that might be of use to you. Though moms are “the most adaptable human models on the planet,” they do occasionally malfunction, and it is important that you know what to do should this happen.

   This is one of those rare books that will resonate with parents (particularly mothers) as much as it will with children. It is laugh-out-loud funny, and the manual style presentation and language is priceless. Wonderful illustrations and tongue-in-cheek humor throughout the book make this a title that is truly memorable. 

The TTLG 2011 Picture Book Celebration: Book three hundred and seventeen

If you haven't had the privilege of having in a cat in your life, you have no idea how much mess and chaos a cat can create in a very short period of time. Cats get into places that seem safe, and before you know it a precious vase is smashed, a stack of books in tipped over, and a cake (inside a cabinet) has holes nibbled in it. 

Today's picture book is about a cat who gets into a house, goes exploring, and leaves a trail of destruction in his wake.

Cat jumped in!

Tess Weaver

Illustrated by Emily Arnold McCully

Picture Book

For ages 4 to 6

Clarion, 2007, 978-0-618-61488-2

   It is a warm summer day, and someone has left the kitchen window open. Cat jumps in through the window and begins to explore the kitchen. He walks across the rolled out pie dough and drinks some cream. Somewhere in that kitchen there is something fishy and Cat tries to find it. Finally, after much searching, he finds the source of the smell in the garbage can. Someone comes into the kitchen and she sees the mess. She sees Cat, who streaks out of the kitchen and hides in a closet.

   In the closet, Cat finds warm coats to rub himself against, and he plays with a scarf that has a tantalizing fringe. Then cat sees a hat on a shelf, and the feathers decorating the hat are just too hard to resist. Cat jumps up…and the shelf comes tumbling down with a loud cracking noise. The lady comes to see what is going o,n and she sees the cat. “Cat? Out!” she says.

   Young readers are sure to enjoy seeing how the cat in this story leaves a trail of chaos behind him. Everywhere he goes, his curiosity gets the better of him and he does something that he shouldn’t. With a text that is punctuated by shouts and sound words like “Woosh!” and “Thwump,” this is a picture book that children will enjoy. After all, children know all about getting into trouble…and getting out of it.

The TTLG 2011 Picture Book Celebration: Book three hundred and sixteen

Every so often, when I am driving around running errands, I see a dog trotting down the sidewalk, and it is looking thin, filthy, and desperate. Whenever I can, I will pick the dog up and take it to the animal shelter, hoping that it has simply lost its way and that its family will soon come to pick it up. All too often the dog goes unclaimed. For some reason, the dog's family does not care about it anymore.

In today's picture book you will meet a dog who is abandoned, but who never gives up trying to find a new home and a new person to love her.

Tupelo rides the rails

Melissa Sweet

Picture Book

For ages 5 to 7

Houghton Mifflin, 2008, 978-0-618-71714-9

   One day Tupelo’s owners drop her off on the side of the road and drive off. All Tupelo has is her toy, Mr. Bones, but she does not give up. “Everyone belongs somewhere” she resolutely says, and she goes off to find out where her place is.

   Tupelo finds lots of wonderful places, but none of them have room for “a scrappy dog.” Then her nose leads her to a place where a group of dogs, the BONEHEADS (the Benevolent Order of Nature’s Exalted Hounds Ernest and Doggedly Sublime) are gathering for a special ceremony. The dogs explain that they are going to make a wish on Sirius, the Dog Star, and in return they will bury a bone as an “offering.” The other dogs all offer up their wishes to Sirius, but Tupelo has no bone to bury, so she cannot make a wish. Not knowing what else to do, Tupelo decides to follow the pack.

   The dogs are fed by a hobo called Garbage Pail Tex, and then all of them, including Tupelo, get onto a train. When they get to Hoboken, Tex and his hobo pals set about finding homes for all the dogs. Many are just lost, and their owners are delighted to see them again. Others truly are homeless, but there are people who are happy to invite the dogs into their homes and lives.

   Eventually Tupelo is the only dog left, and no one seems to want her. She is all alone again without the BONEHEADS, and without Tex.

   In this delightful picture book, readers will meet a dog whose owners abandon her. They will also meet a charming pack of dogs and learn about several of the world’s most famous dog characters including the fictional Toto and the real life Balto. We can tell how Tupelo feels as she tries to find a home of her own, and we can appreciate the fact that Tupelo, like all dogs, needs someone to love and care for her.

   Throughout the book, the charming text is perfectly paired with Melissa Sweet’s unique multimedia illustrations.

   

The TTLG 2011 Picture Book Celebration: Book three hundred and fifteen

There are some picture books (and board books) that are perfectly suited for bedtime reading. Often the language is musical and comforting, and usually the artwork is full of images that warm the heart and calm the mind. Today's picture book is just such a title.

Good night world

Willa Perlman

Illustrated by Carolyn Fisher

Picture Book

For ages 3 to 6

Simon and Schuster, 2011, 978-1-4424-0197-6

   Night has fallen, and a little boy is going to bed. Holding his stuffed bunny, he sits on his bed, looks out of the window, and thinks about the fact that in other places it is morning, “but here it’s night.”

   Then the little boy starts to wish the world goodnight. He begins with the sun and the planets, including Earth, and then goes on to deserts that are “pink and blue.” He says goodnight to the mountains with their snow-capped peaks, and to the froth-tipped ocean waves.

   As he wishes a goodnight to one place after another, we are taken to all kinds of wonderful places. Among other things, we see a rainforest where a gibbon mother carries her baby on her back. We see a twisting road curling over a countryside, and a house with its yard and shed.

   With a musical rhyming text and remarkable multimedia illustrations, this book will remind children that they are part of a big and beautiful world that is full of people, animals, and extraordinary places. The cadence of the text is soothing, like a lullaby, which makes this a perfect last-thing-at-night book to read. Little children will enjoy looking for the little bird that is present in every single illustration. 

The TTLG 2011 Picture Book Celebration: Book three hundred and fourteen

For months my daughter has been pestering me to read today's book, and now that I have actually done so, I can see why she was so persistent. It is a the first title in a series of graphic novels, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. In fact, I have had to restrain myself from picking up and reading the rest of the books in the series. 

The Elsewhere Chronicles – Book One: The Shadow Door

Nykko

Illustrated by Bannister and Jaffre

Translated by Carol KlioBurrell

Graphic novel

For ages 9 to 12

Lerner, 2009, 978-0-7613-3963-2

   Max, Noah, and Theo are sitting on the wall of cemetery watching as Old Man Gabe is finally laid to rest. Old Man Gabe was reclusive, and people in town were scared of him. So much so that there are only a few mourners present at his interment. One of them is a little girl called Rebecca. Bored by the proceedings, Rebecca comes up to the boys and strikes up a conversation, explaining that Old Man Gabe was actually her grandfather. Then she announces that she going to see her grandfather’s house, which, it is said, is haunted.  Since Rebecca is not from Perryville, the three boys offer to show her the way.

  From the moment that they arrive at the gate in front of the house, Theo is convinced that something about the place is “weird.” Though the inside of the house is rather spooky, the children don’t find anything of interest until they get to the library. There they hear a voice, and they see something that completely freaks them out, which is when they do the sensible thing and run like mad.

   The next day, Rebecca overhears one of her siblings talking to someone on the phone, saying that Grandpa Gabe’s house is going to be sold, with all its contents. She really wants to save a few of his books, perhaps the ones Grandpa Gabe wrote himself, so she persuades the boys to go back to the house with her. Exploring the library on her own, Rebecca finds a strange and very large projector. she turns it on…and she disappears.

   When the three boys try to find her, they discover that Old Man Gabe was a very strange man who had a lot of secrets, and when the projector is accidentally turned on again, they discover that it opens a doorway to a different world. Rebecca comes through the doorway back into the library, and she is about to tell them what happened to her,when she and Max are sucked back through the doorway, which then closes. Noah and Theo somehow have to find a way to reopen the door and rescue Max and Rebecca before it is too late.

   This is the first in what promises to be a thrilling graphic novel series. The story has  likeable characters, bizarre machines, and dangerous monsters, and readers will quickly get caught up by the exciting narrative. They will also be curious to find out more about strange Uncle Gabe and the machines that he built. 

The TTLG 2011 Picture Book Celebration: Book three hundred and thirteen

When I was a child, The Church Mouse by Graham Oakley was one of my favorite books. It originally came out in Britain in 1974, and I honestly cannot tell you how many times I read the book and looked at the detailed artwork. I was thrilled when I saw that this book is now available in the U.S, and I hope the other books about Arthur the mouse and his friend Sampson make it across "the pond" soon. 

The Church Mouse

Graham Oakley

Picture Book

For ages 5 to 8

Kane/Miller, 2010, 978-1-935279-69-3

   In a busy town, in the church, lives a mouse called Arthur. Arthur’s best friend is Sampson, a cat who has heard so many sermons about “the meek being blessed” and universal brotherhood, that he treats Arthur like a friend and not like a dinner on four legs.

   Though Arthur has a good life, he is a little lonely. Then one day he gets a brilliant idea, which the parson approves. Arthur goes into the town and he invites as many mice as he can find to come and live in the church. The parson will pay the mice in cheese, and in return they will do some odd jobs around the church. The town mice love this idea. What could be better than a life in a place where there are no mouse traps and no nasty cats or dogs or other dangers.

   The plan works very well for a while. The mice clean up the church, polish the brasses, arrange flowers, and other chores, and in return they are fed by the parson and have a life free of care.

   Then one Sunday Sampson falls asleep during the sermon, and when he wakes up he discovers that he is chasing mice all over the church, causing chaos. In his dreams Sampson dreamed that he was his former unreformed self, the self that chased mice instead of befriending them. The people in the congregation are furious, and they demand that the parson get rid of the mice or they will “never come back.” The parson has no choice but to ask the mice to leave.

   In this delightful picture book, readers will see how a friendship develops between two unlikely animals, and how that friendship is tested and saved. With wonderfully detailed illustrations and a text that is touched with humor in all the right places, Graham Oakley gives readers a tale that children and adults alike will enjoy sharing again and again.

   

The TTLG 2011 Picture Book Celebration: Book three hundred and twelve

When I was a child, I never really like the story of the three little pigs. Though other children seemed to find it captivating, I did not. I was very grateful therefore when I my daughter did not show any great interest in the story. I was spared having to read about the three little pigs and their misadventures over and over again. 

In the last few years I have encountered some very clever versions of the famous tale, versions that I actually enjoy because they are different. Today's picture book is just such a title. 

The Three Little Aliens and the Big Bad Robot

Margaret McNamara

Illustrated by Mark Fearing

Picture Book

For ages 4 to 6

Random House, 2011, 978-0-375-86689-0

  Far away, on the planet Mercury, three little aliens live with their mother. One day Bork, Gork, and Nklxwcyz’s mother tells her three children that they need to “find a planet of your own,” and soon the three aliens are zooming off into space.

   Before they left home Bork, Gork, and Nklxwcyz’s mother cautioned them to “watch out for the Big Bad Robot” and to “Always stick together,” but when they get to Mars, Bork sees a space rover travelling across the surface of the planet and she decides to make it her home. She leaves her sibling and sets up house inside the rover.

   When Gork and Nklxwcyz get to Jupiter, Gork starts riding on a satellite that is circling the giant planet. Though Nklxwcyz warns his brother that living on “a ring that goes around in circles” is a bad idea, Gork pays no attention to him and he goes whizzing off astride the satellite.

   Sensible Nklxwcyz builds himself a solid house on distant Neptune, where he hopes he will be safe from the Big Bad Robot. He never imagines that in the not too distant future he is going to have to face his greatest enemy.

   In this delightful version of the story of the three little pigs, the author and illustrator take us on an exciting journey across our solar system with three amusing alien characters who learn, the hard way, that it is generally a good idea to do what your mother tells you.

The TTLG 2011 Picture Book Celebration: Book three hundred and eleven

Humans like to think that they and they alone corner the market when it comes to being able to form friendships and having the need for friends. I do not believe this is true at all. I have seen my dogs get upset when one of their number is missing, and one of my cats walking around the house crying and trying to find her friend - who is at the vet's office. Friendships develop between species too. Just look a the story about Owen and Mzee. Who would have thought that a baby hippo and an elderly giant Aldebaran tortoise could be friends, but they were.

Today's book is about a beast who finds that he is lonely and who tries to find other beasts to be his friends.

The Lonely Beast

Chris Judge

Picture Book

For ages 5 to 7

Andresen Press USA, 2011, 978-0-7613-8097-9

   There are Beasts all over the world, but since there is only one in every country, they don’t know each other. These gentle rare creatures love to tend their gardens, drink tea, read good books, walk in the snow, stand in the rain, bake cakes, and eat cakes. They live in remote places like high mountains and deep woods.

   There was one of these Beasts who one day realized that he was lonely and he decided “that he would go and find some other Beasts.” He travelled a long way and endured many hardships until he came to a city. There were no Beasts there, but there were a lot of people. At first, the people were frightened of the Beast, but soon they grew to like him, and he lived in the big city park.

   The Beast had plenty to do, and many human visitors, but he still felt lonely. He tried to contact other Beasts using the media, and soon everyone was talking about him. The problem was that none of the other Beasts were getting in touch.

   This wonderful picture book is charming and inspirational. Readers will be moved when they see what the Beast does to try to find other Beasts like himself. They will grow fond of the gentle creature who loves to read good books and eat cake, and they will find themselves hoping that this Beast gets his wish.

The TTLG 2011 Picture Book Celebration: Book three hundred and ten

When I was growing up, there were very few biographies written for young readers. The few that I was able to get my hands on were, for the most part, rather dry and dull. I certainly don't recall ever reading a historical fiction biography. Thankfully the children's book world has changed a great deal since then, and now many authors are creating excellent nonfiction biographies and  historical fiction biographies that are both interesting and informative.

For today's picture book I have Monica Kulling's newest book in which she tells the story of a woman inventor.

In the Bag! Margaret Knight Wraps up

Monica Kulling

Illustrated by David Parkins

Historical Fiction Picture Book

For ages 7 to 9

Tundra Books, 2011, 978-1-77049-239-4

   It is 1850, and Margaret Knight is buying nails so that she can build a sled for her brothers. Typically, girls living in 1850 don’t go around building things with wood and nails, but Margaret doesn’t care. She likes to build things and so she does.

   Since the death of her father, Mattie has been cared for by her big brothers who work at the mill, and by the time Mattie is twelve she too goes to work there, alongside many other children.

   The mill room is kept humid so that the threads won’t break, but sometimes they do break and the flying shuttles often injure people. Mattie comes up with a device that will prevent the shuttles from breaking free, and it is such a success that soon it is being used in all the mills. Being a child, Mattie is not able to apply for a patent for her invention.

   By the time she is thirty, Mattie she is working in a paper-bag factory and dreaming up new inventions in the evenings. One day Mattie starts to wonder why there isn’t machine that can make a flat-bottomed paper bag. Surely there must be a way to make such a machine, and she sets about designing one. It takes her two long years, but eventually Mattie succeeds, and she creates a machine that can make a flat-bottomed bag. Now it is time to get a patent for her invention.

   In this fascinating picture book biography, Monica Kulling tells the story of Margaret Knight, a woman who loved to invent machines, and who defied the conventions of her times to do what she loved. Young readers will be delighted to see how Margaret triumphs over those who are eager to discredit her. This is the third book written by Monica Kulling for Tundra’s Great Ideas series.

The TTLG 2011 Picture Book Celebration: Book three hundred and nine

In most books and movies, ghosts are scary, spooky, and even dangerous. They are things to be feared, and their haunts should be avoided at all costs. There are a few stories and movies though that present ghosts in a different light. These ghosts are capable of being friendly, and often they are in need of help of some sort. In today's picture book, you will meet a ghost whose home is taken over, and who does his best to scare off the 'invaders' using ghostly methods that have stood the test of time. Until now.

The hungry ghost of Rue Orleans

Mary Quattlebaum

Illustrated by Patricia Castelao

Picture Book

For ages 5 to 7

Random House, 2011, 978-0-375-86207-6

   Fred lives in an old house on Rue Orleans tending his cactus and eating air when he gets hungry. The house is in bad shape and everything inside is covered with a layer of dust, which makes it the perfect hangout for a ghost like Fred.

   Then one day Fred’s quiet is disturbed when Pierre and his daughter Marie come into the house. They are going to turn Fred’s house into a restaurant, and Fred is not at all happy about it. Despite Fred’s protestations, the house is painted, repaired, and cleaned. It is furnished and soon diners are eating Pierre’s delicious gumbo, crawfish, and red beans and rice.

   Fred has had enough, and since no one is listening to him, he decides that more drastic measures are needed. Fred moans and he makes the food jump in their dishes. Surely such a spooky performance will scare off the restaurant guests for good, and then Fred will get his house back. Alas for Fred, the guests at the restaurant love his spooky doings. They add a little something special to the enjoyment of their meals.

   Readers who have a fondness for ghostly tales are sure to enjoy this special title in which Mary Quattlebaum brings together delicious food and a ghost to give us a delightful and memorable story.

The TTLG 2011 Picture Book Celebration: Book three hundred and eight

I was very lucky that I was never forced to read any books about etiquette. Instead my grandmother made me walk around with a book on my head (so that I would "walk like a lady and not like an elephant"), and she drilled me so that I would learn which fork went with which course. She also taught me to open doors for my elders, and to "be nice to people until they do something that makes it clear that they are not worthy of your respect." At the time these lessons drove me crazy, but I am not grateful for them.

The children in today's picture book do not have a loving grandmother to teach them the dos and dont's of correct behavior. They have a famous book of etiquette forced on then, and they are not amused. 

Thanks a LOT, Emily Post

Jennifer LaRue Huget

Illustrated by Alexandra Boiger

Picture Book

For ages 5 to 8

Random House, 2009, 978-0-375-83853-8

   The family has just gone to Books & Sons, and Mother has purchased a book about etiquette that was written by Emily Post. “Everything was just dandy” until the moment when Mother starts to read the book. Now Emily Post’s etiquette suggestions are severely affecting her children’s quality of life. They cannot slump in their chairs, shout, or talk with food in their mouths. Everything that the children like to do is being ruined by Emily Post’s wretched rules.

   To make matters worse, Mother is always talking about the characters who appear in Emily Post’s book. It is as if Mrs. Wordly, Mrs. Toplofty, and Mrs. Wellborn are in their home, constantly correcting the children’s behavior.

   There finally comes a time when the children have had enough. Somehow they have to convince their mother that Emily Post’s book is not a good thing to read. Somehow they have to use Emily Post’s lessons to get rid of her once and for all.

   In this delightfully funny picture book, young readers will see how Emily Post’s famous book of etiquette affected people. In truth, her book did change the way people behaved. It showed them that having good manners is not just about knowing which fork to use when. It is also about showing others respect and treating them with kindness.

   This is the perfect book for all those children who think that manners are a waste of time. As they read, children will be delighted to see how the characters in the story deal with their problem.

   At the back of the book there is further information about Emily Post and her famous book.

The TTLG 2011 Picture Book Celebration: Book three hundred and seven

When I was around eight years old I managed to convince my mother that I absolutely HAD to have my ears pierced. If I didn't I would be a social pariah, and I would never be able to hold my head high in school again. She fell for it, and I got my wish. Ha Ha!

In today's picture book you will meet a little girl who wants to have pierced ears more than anything else in the world, and her parents steadfastly refuse to let her have her wish. 

Earrings!

Judith Viorst

Picture Book

For ages 5 to 7

Simon and Schuster, 2010, 978-1-4424-1281-1

   All over the world, there are girls who want something more than anything else. They beg their parents to let them have their ears pierced. More than anything in the world they want “Beautiful earrings for pierced ears.”

   I would like you to meet a little girl who is completely crazy about earrings. As far as she is concerned, she needs to have earrings, and she cannot understand why her parents have an objection to her having her ears pierced. Women and girls of all kinds wear earrings, so why can’t she? To make it worse, she is the only girl in her class, in the solar system, whose parents won’t let her pierce her ears.

   Desperate to have her dearest wish fulfilled, the little girl asks for earrings for her birthday and Christmas. She talks about how they will “make me feel good.” She pesters and pesters her parents promising that she will stop pestering them as soon as they decide that she is old enough to have earrings.

   Most of us have something that we really really want. This picture book takes a look at one little girl’s passion, a passion shared by girls of all ages all over the world. Told in her own voice, the narrative perfectly captures the little girl’s personality, and the desperation she feels because her wish is not being granted. Young readers and grownups alike will find it hard not to smile as they read this book together, because the main character is so wonderfully persistent.

The TTLG 2011 Picture Book Celebration: Book three hundred and six

I once knew a little boy called George who was...well...he was horrid. George was spoiled rotten, and when he didn't get what he wanted, he threw a tantrum. The only time I ever saw George moderate his behavior was when he met another child who was just as horrid as he was. Faced with naughty little boy just like himself, George didn't know what to do. 

Today's picture books is about two naughty children who face a similar dilemma. How can you really enjoy being bad if you have competition?

The Taming of Lola: A Shrew Story

Ellen Weiss

Illustrated by Jerry Smath

Picture Book

For ages 5 to 7

Abrams, 2010, 978-0-8109-4066-6

   Lola is a shrew who lives with her large family in a cunning little home under a large tree. Though Lola is a very small shrew, she has an enormous temper. She is so bad-tempered in fact that her siblings stay away from her, and after a while everyone starts giving in to her demands because it is the easiest thing to do.

   One day Lola’s cousin Lester comes to visit and Lester is so rude and so obnoxious that even Lola is shocked. She gets so annoyed that she tells Lester off, and soon the two young shrews are screeching at each other. They fight about which beds they are going to sleep in, about who is the bigger “foo-face,” and numerous other things. In fact they fight so much that they miss meals and they don’t have any fun.

   In this funny picture book we meet two very badly behaved shrew children who learn an important lesson about learning to get along with others. Young readers will enjoy seeing how the two difficult shrews come to an agreement that seems to survive the test of time.