Flannel Friday: Xylophones

I got this idea from Katie at Storytime Secrets. I used a Clker clipart image to make my xylophones. I used  Katie's rhyme. I used these during my musical instruments storytime this summer. We did the rhyme, but we also counted xylophones, named the colors and counted the bars.

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The Bear Who Wasn't There by LeUyen Pham

I think the title is the best description of this book.

Thoughts: A hilarious book! It's a great book to share with elementary students. They find the giraffe and the bear puns the funniest. This book pairs well with More Bears by Kenn Nesbitt. I love that the reader, the author, and all the characters are involved in the action.

Themes: Bears, Interactive, Elementary

Roaring Brook Press, 2016

I Don't Want to Be Big by Dev Petty

The little frog from I Don't Want to Be a Frog is back. This time he objects to being big. Arguments ensure between him and his dad.

Thoughts: It's always nice to see favorite characters return although I think the first book was funnier. Still, it's a great book for kids who are struggling with the idea of growing up.

Themes: Frogs, Growing Up

Illustrated by Mike Boldt. Doubleday, 2016.

Flannel Friday: Monsters Redux

I have my crocheted monsters, but I wanted a felt set. I used Erin's pattern over at Falling Flannel Boards. I made two sets, one big and one little. The little set will fit on my small flannel board and is perfect to take with me when I'm doing outreach storytimes.


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I'll Wait, Mr. Panda by Steve Antony

Mr. Panda is back and he's cooking up a surprise. None of the animals are willing to wait except Penguin.

Thoughts: Mr. Panda is so grumpy and yet so lovable and funny. I love him! The illustrations are deceptively simple as is the text. I liked the inclusion of more black and white animals.

Themes: Black & White, Baking, Cooking, Patience, Pandas, Penguins

Scholastic, 2016

We Found a Hat by John Klassen

Two turtles. One hat. A problem.

Thoughts: The third installment of Klassen's hat books did not disappoint. It was less gruesome that the previous two. I like how friendship overcomes wanting.

Themes: Turtles, Hats, Elementary

Candlewick, 2016

Flannel Friday: Rockets

I was inspired by various other Flannel Friday posts including Storytime Katie. I used this clipart image as my template. These will come in especially handy during summer 2019 when the CSLP theme is "A Universe of Stories." They were surprisingly easy to make even though you have to cut 6 pieces for each rocket.

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Maybe Mother Goose by Esme Raji Codell

You might think you know your Mother Goose rhymes, but have you ever considered aliens, a giraffe, or a wedding cake? No? You're in for a treat.

Thoughts: Nursery rhymes with a twist--yes, please! I love that these simple questions added to the original rhymes encourage children to use their imaginations. Chavarri's illustrations are magical.

Themes: Nursery Rhymes, Imagination

Illustrated by Elsa Chavarri. Aladdin, 2016.

Where, Oh Where, Is Rosie's Chick? by Pat Hutchins

Remember Rosie from Rosie's Walk? Well, she made it safely home and now she's a mom. Rosie has a chick...that is if she can ever find her.

Thoughts: Rosie's Walk is one of my favorite books to use for storytime. Not many words, but I embellish it with questions and sound effects. The sequel is lovely. Rosie is just as feather brained as before. Nice to see the fox had a baby as well. (I always assumed the fox was a he...show's you what I know.) I love Pat's illustrations--so bright, colorful, and detailed.

Themes: Chickens, Foxes

Simon & Schuster, 2015

Flannel Friday: Turtles

I made these turtles to add an extra element to my turtle storytime. I used a free clipart image to make them. I really had fun with their shells. It was a great chance to use some glittery puff paint. I use these with various Five Little... rhymes.

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The Cookie Fiasco by Dan Santat (& Mo Willems)

Elephant & Piggie may not have any new books, but that won't stop them from introducing readers to books they like.

In The Cookie Fiasco, Hippo, Croc, and the squirrels have a problem. There are four of them and only three cookies. What will they do?

Thoughts: Love, love, love! The concept of these books is fabulous. Dan Santat does not disappoint. The characters he introduces are funny and endearing. I love that he uses speech bubbles just like the original Elephant & Piggie books. Hippo is my favorite character. Note to self: keep cookies away from nervous hippos.

Themes: Easy Readers, Cookies, Friendship

An Elephant & Piggie Like Reading Book. Hyperion, 2016.

Not Quite Black & White by Jonathan Ying

Black and white animals with colorful additions make this story.

Thoughts: Where was this book when I did my first black and white animals storytime a few years ago? I love the addition of colors to each animal and especially the unusual colors (lavender, aqua, & maroon). I also like how the color scheme of each page perfectly reflects the colors mentioned.

Themes: Animals, Black & White, Colors


Illustrated by Victoria Ying. Harper Collins, 2016

Flannel Friday: Ninjas

I was inspired by Erin at Falling Flannelboards to make these ninjas. Luckily I was able to find the clipart image she used through Clker. Wiggle eyes, but no puff paint.

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