Fantastic Flowers by Susan Stockdale

A flower is a flower. Or is it? What do you see?

Thoughts: As with her other titles (Bring on the Birds and Spectacular Spots), Stockdale's nonfiction is perfect for sharing in storytime. I look forward to using Fantastic Flowers in spring and summer. The illustrations are bright and colorful. I love the photos at the end of the flowers.

Themes: Nonfiction, Flowers, Spring, Summer

(Peachtree, 2017.)

There's a Monster in Your Book by Tom Fletcher

Is there a monster in your book? Get him out! Here's how...

Thoughts: A perfect interactive book for my monsters storytime. Kids love to get involved in the action. The ending is a surprises, but I like it. The illustrations are fun and colorful.

Themes: Interactive, Monsters

(Illustrated by Greg Abbott. Random House, 2017.)

Thank You, Mr. Panda by Steve Antony

Mr. Panda has gifts for all his friends. Lemur tags along as Mr. Panda hands them out and is quick to reminds the recipients that "it's the thought that counts." I hope Lemur remembers that when he opens his gift from Mr. Panda.

Thoughts: Another Mr. Panda book--love, love, love! Mr. Panda could be my spirit animal--cute and cuddly but curiously misanthropic (at least when it suits him). He and Lemur are the only two black and white animals in this book unlike the first two Mr. Panda books (Please, Mr. Panda and I'll Wait, Mr. Panda). The illustrations are bright. Mr. Panda's expressions are great.

I think Mr. Panda needs to meet Ryan T. Higgins's Bruce.

Themes: Black and White Animals, Manners, Gifts, Grumpy Bears

(Scholastic, 2017.)

In the Middle of Fall by Kevin Henkes

It's fall and right in the middle all the leaves fall.

Thoughts: A glorious celebration of fall. Why couldn't I have had this book the last time I did a fall themed storytime? Next year! The illustrations are colorful and distinct. I love the bold outlines.

Themes: Fall

(Illustrated by Laura Dronzek. Greenwillow, 2017.)

What Is Chasing Duck? by Jan Thomas

Something is chasing Duck. Before long he's involved his friends Sheep, Donkey, and Dog.

Thoughts: Not knowing what is chasing Duck until almost the end of the book is what makes this story work so well. What Is Chasing Duck? will be a great addition to any storytime. As always the illustrations are bright and colorful. I love the speech bubbles.

Themes: Author Storytime, Ducks, Animals

(Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2017.)

There's a Pest in the Garden! by Jan Thomas

Duck, Sheep, Dog, and Donkey are in despair. There's a pest in the garden and he's eating all the vegetables! What to do?

Thoughts: I love anything Jan Thomas writes. The first installment in her new easy reader series does no disappoint. The book is funny with bright, colorful illustrations and speech bubbles. I can't wait to share this book during storytime. This book would pair well with "A Gopher in the Garden" by Jack Prelutsky.

Themes: Gardens, Animals

(Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2017.)

A Loud Winter's Nap by Katy Hudson

Winter has come to the forest and for Tortoise that means it's nap time. He doesn't like winter so sleeping through it is best. But every time he settles down to nap, something or someone wakes him up.

Thoughts: Too funny! I almost feel sorry for Tortoise. A great winter read aloud and I was glad to see characters from Too Many Carrots return. The illustrations are bright, colorful, and interesting.

Themes: Winter, Turtles, Hibernation

(Capstone, 2017.)