Federico and the Wolf by Rebecca J. Gomez

Federico is going to the store for his abuelo. He's to go straight there and back. A chance encounter with a wolf in the woods changes his story. 

Thoughts: There's so much to love about Federico and the Wolf. I love that Federico is a boy and he's going to visit his grandpa. Almost all the other Little Red Riding Hood variants I've read feature a girl as the title character going to visit her grandma. I like the Spanish words that are included in the text as well as the pronunciation and definitions at the end of the book. The illustrations are bright and colorful. I especially like the wolf's expressions throughout the story. The pico de gallo recipe extends the story. I'd love to see families cooking together after reading this story. I can't wait to add this book to my fairy tale storytime theme and also pair it with my other favorite Little Red Riding Hood stories, Little Red Hot by Eric A. Kimmel and Little Red and the Very Hungry Lion by Alex T. Smith. 

Themes: Fairy Tales, Little Red Riding Hood stories, Bilingual 

(Illustrated by Elisa Chavarri. Clarion Books, 2020.) 

Julia's House Moves On by Ben Hatke

sequel to Julia's House for Lost Creatures 

The house is getting restless so it's time to move. Julia has a plan to make sure the move goes smoothly. But you know how it is with plans--they often go awry. 

Thoughts: I'm so glad Julia and her house got a sequel. I thoroughly enjoyed the first book and Julia's House Moves On is no different. The text is simple and the illustrations are gorgeous. I love seeing all the different creatures. I think I'd like to use the Julia books for a houses and homes storytime. The illustrations are so detailed, I wish I could give each storytime kid their own copy to look at while I read. 

Themes: Houses & Homes, Imaginary Creatures

(First Second, 2020.)

The Popcorn Astronauts and Other Biteable Rhymes by Deborah Ruddell

Twenty-one poems about food. Some are silly. Some are not. 

Thoughts: Deborah Ruddell's poems are always fun. A few of these are downright silly. Others are a little tongue-in-cheek. I've enjoyed sharing these poems with elementary school students. You could definitely just share one poem during a storytime. For example, "Your Choices at the Totally Toast Café" would go well with a food or breakfast theme, "21 Things to Do with an Apple" is perfect for a fall storytime, and "Menu for a Gray Day" would be good for a rain themed storytime. My favorite poems are "How a Poet Orders a Shake," "Your Choices at the Totally Toast Café," "21 Things to Do with an Apple," and "Menu for a Gray Day." The watercolor illustrations are colorful, detailed and perfectly reflect the poems. 

Themes: Various, Food, Elementary

Other Poetry Collections by Deborah Ruddell: 

• Today at the Bluebird Café: A Branchful of Birds
• A Whiff of Pine, A Hint of Skunk: A Forest of Poems 

(Illustrated by Joan Rankin. Margaret K. McElderry Books, 2015.)

On the Wing by David Elliott

Simple poems explore the world of birds. 

The Birds: Hummingbird, Caribbean Flamingo, Crow, Oriole, Woodpecker, Japanese Crane, Great Horned Owl, Australian Pelican, Macaw, Wandering Albatross, Cardinal, Andean Condor, Puffin, Bowerbird, Blue Jay, Sparrow, Bald Eagle

Thoughts: David Elliott's poetry is simple enough to share with preschoolers and yet the images he uses are often profound. I enjoy sharing his poetry with a variety of ages. In fact I used "The Cardinal" from On the Wing in a presentation I gave to college students about poetry for children. After reading all the poems in this collection, I found myself wanting to know more about all of the birds. Elliott's descriptions made me curious. My favorite poems are "The Hummingbird," "The Macaw," "The Bowerbird," and "The Sparrow." The gouache illustrations are colorful and detailed. My favorites are the hummingbird, the flamingo, and the cardinal. I can see myself using this book in its entirety or just using a poem or two. There are many great picture books about all kinds of birds. Pair On the Wing with Bring on the Birds by Susan Stockdale, I Spy in the Sky by Edward Gibbs, Mama Built a Little Nest by Jennifer Ward, and Plume by Isabelle Simler for a great bird storytime. 

Themes: Birds 

Don't miss the other books in David's Poetry Series for Candlewick! (Links are to my reviews.) 

• On the Farm
• In the Wild 
• In the Sea 
• In the Past 
• In the Woods
• At the Pond (coming Spring 2021)

Other Collections of Bird Poetry for Children: 

• Today at the Bluebird Café: A Branchful of Birds by Deborah Ruddell
• The Cuckoo's Haiku and Other Birding Poems by Michael J. Rosen
• Superlative Birds by Leslie Bulion 
• Hummingbird Nest: A Journal of Poems by Kristine O'Connell George 
• Feathers: Poems about Birds by Eileen Spinelli 

(Illustrated by Becca Stadtlander. Candlewick Press, 2014.) 

Forest Has a Song by Amy Ludwig VanDerwater

 

A girl visits the forest throughout the seasons. This is the story of what she found there in poems. 

Thoughts: I really enjoyed this collection when it was first published and meant to review it then, but I guess it escaped me. I love the idea behind this collection because my siblings and I were the girl in the collection. We were in the woods every chance we had. We even discovered lady's slippers. I think the girl's voice and the voices of the forest's inhabitants in the poems are authentic and true. I think this collection will appeal to anyone, children and adults alike, who enjoys the natural world. My favorite poems are "Proposal," "Lady's Slipper," "Moss," "Woodpecker," and "Maples in October." Robbin Gourley's illustrations are soft colored yet vibrant. I like the different layouts used. It adds interest. 

In April 219 when I visited first and second grade classrooms, I highlighted a few of my favorite poets for children. Amy Ludwig VanDerwater was one. I shared the following from her collections: 

• Read! Read! Read! ("Cereal Box," "Word Collection," and "Forever")
• Forest Has a Song ("April Waking," "Lady’s Slipper," and "Waiting for Deer")
• With My Hands: Poems about Making Things ("Tie-Dye Shirt," "Fort," and "Origami")

Here's an interesting fact: Every class of kids I visited asked me to read "Word Collection" at least one more time.

I can see myself sharing Forest Has a Song with older children and highlighting just a poem or two during a forest themed storytime.

Themes: Forest

(Illustrated by Robbin Gourley. Clarion, 2013.)

Who Named Their Pony Macaroni? Poems about White House Pets by Marilyn Singer

Who doesn't love pets? Marilyn Singer's poems explore presidential pets from the very first president on through more contemporary pets. 

Thoughts: Pets are a very kid friendly subject. Using presidential pets draws readers in and before they know it, they're learning a little about history. I like that the poems take different forms. My favorite poems are "Unusual Pets," "A Turkey for Abe Lincoln," "Emily Spinach," "Rex the Ghostbuster," and "Born at the White House." The mixed-media illustrations are engaging and colorful. I especially like the expressions on the pets' faces throughout the book. The ten page "Executive Pets" section at the end of the book offers readers more information about all the presidents and their pets. I look forward to sharing these poems with elementary students and maybe a poem here and there during storytime. 

If you want to know more about the presidents and/or their pets, you should checkout If You Want a Friend in Washington: Wacky, Wild & Wonderful Presidential Pets by Erin McGill, Kid Presidents: True Tales of Childhood from America's Presidents by David Stabler*, and Rutherford B., Who Was He?: Poems about Our Presidents by Marilyn Singer. 

*Link is to the blurb I wrote for Cybils. 

Themes: Pets, Elementary

(Illustrated by Ryan McAmis. Disney Hyperion, 2019.)

Construction People poems selected by Lee Bennett Hopkins

Fourteen poems take you through the building of a skyscraper. 

The Poets: Rebecca Kai Dotlich, Denver Buston, Georgia Heard, Darren Sardelli, Ralph Fletcher, Amy Ludwig VanDerwater, Allan Wolf, B. J. Lee, Charles Ghigna, Matt Forrest Esenwine, Joan Bransfield Graham, Lee Bennett Hopkins, J. Patrick Lewis

Thoughts: I love how this collection is tied together by the construction of a skyscraper. As such, it reads like a story. You could also just pull out a few poems to share during a construction themed storytime. I know my construction mad storytime kids will love all the details in the poems and the illustrations. My favorite poems are "What Will I Become? by Rebecca Kai Dotlich, "Cement Speaks" by Ralph Fletcher, "Song of the Welders" by Allan Wolf, "Construction Project Manager" by Matt Forrest Esenwine, and "Electricians" by J. Patrick Lewis. The digital illustrations are soft colored and detailed. There is plenty to see on each page. 

Themes: Construction 

(Illustrated by Ellen Shi. Wordsong, 2020.)

I Remember: Poems and Pictures of Heritage compiled by Lee Bennett Hopkins

Poets and artists explore their heritage one poem and illustration at a time. 

The Poets: Kwame Alexander, Jorge Tetl Argueta, Joseph Bruchac, Nick Bruel, Margarita Engle, Douglas Florian, Guadalupe García McCall, Marilyn Nelson, G. Neri, Naomi Shihab Nye, Cynthia Leitich Smith, Carole Boston Weatherford, Janet S. Wong, Jane Yolen 

The Artists: Paula Barragán, Sawsan Chalabi, R. Gregory Christie, Julie Downing, David Kanietakeron Fadden, Insoo Kim, Rafael López, Janine Macbeth, Juliet Menéndez, Daniel Minter, Sean Qualls, Charlotte Riley-Webb, Jeanne Rorex Bridges, Simone Shin, Neil Waldman, Michele Wood 

Thoughts: This is a powerful collection filled with diverse heritage and thoughts. I love that each poet and artist is given the opportunity to say what poetry or art means to them individually. I can see this collection as a conversation starter for children to talk about their own heritages or to ask the adults in their family to share stories. Heritage and family history have always been important to me so I admire what Lee Bennett Hopkins has accomplished in putting this collection together. Reading I Remember has exposed me to other cultures and made me curious to know more. I'm glad the collection included definitions of words readers might not be familiar with and I thoroughly enjoyed the "About the Poets and Artists" section at the end of the book. My favorite poems are "Pick One" by Nick Bruel, "Gumbo Nation" by G. Neri, and "What My Kinfolk Made" by Carole Boston Weatherford. My favorite illustrations are "Mother's Day" (Simone Shin), "Far, Far Away" (Sawson Chalabi) and "What My Kinfolk Made" (Daniel Minter). I can see myself using this collection with older elementary students and homeschoolers to explore the concepts of heritage and family history (genealogy). 

(Lee and Low Books Inc., 2019.)

In the Middle of the Night: Poems from a Wide-Awake House by Laura Purdie Salas

Have you ever wondered what happens when you're asleep? Is it possible that when you're asleep  everything else is awake? 

Thoughts: What a fun poetry collection! It's a common supposition. What if my toys come alive when I asleep or not in the room? (I'm talking to you, Toy Story film franchise!) I like that Laura writes poems from the toys' perspective as well as other objects like pencils, a lunchbox, and spaghetti. My favorite poems are "Take Flight," "Overdue-Book Hide-and-Seek," Toothpaste Art," "Not Just Dental Floss," and "Revenge of the Lunchbox." Angela Matteson's illustrations are as full of fun as Laura's poems. I love all the details. There's so much to catch your eye on each page. I don't necessarily have favorite illustrations, but rather items that appear once or throughout the book. For example, the stuffed hippo, the origami jumping frog, the pencils, and the lunchbox. I think In the Middle of the Night presents children with an invitation to create. Write a poem about an inanimate object in your room or house that comes alive while you sleep. The possibilities are endless. 

Themes: Bedtime, Toys

(Illustrated by Angela Matteson. Wordsong, 2019.)

Clackety Track: Poems about Trains by Skila Brown

All aboard! Let's learn about trains! 

Thoughts: Such a fun poetry collection! The format of one poem per two page spread makes this book short enough to share during storytime in its entirety. The cadence of the poems make them great for read-alouds. I especially like the train sounds in "Sleeper Train." Train facts at the end of the book extend the book and add more interest. My favorite poems are "Bullet Train," "Zoo Train," "Dinner Train," and "Sleeper Train." Christoph's digital illustration are soft, colorful, and detailed. There's plenty to see on each page. My favorite illustrations are the title page, steam engine, zoo train, and the train facts. 

Themes: Trains, Things That Go

(Illustrated by Jamey Christoph. Candlewick, 2019.)

The Proper Way to Meet a Hedgehog and Other How-To Poems selected by Paul B. Janeczko

Thirty-three poems by twenty-five poets are connected by the concept of how to do something. 

Thoughts: This is a fun collection filled with the nonsensical and the sensible. The collection offers a mix of older and newer poets. I think the idea of how-to poems will inspire librarians and teachers to have children try their hands at writing their own. My favorite poems are "How to Build a Poem" by Charles Ghigna, "How to Tell a Camel" by J. Patrick Lewis, "To Make a Meal" by Calef Brown, "Rules" by Karla Kuskin, "How to Be a Tree in Winter" by Irene Latham, and "Tired Hair" by Douglas Florian. The painted and digitally edited illustrations are soft and charming. My favorites are "How to Tell a Camel" and "How to Be a Tree in Winter." 

Themes: Poetry, Elementary

The Poets: Charles Ghigna, J. Patrick Lewis, Elaine Magliaro, Allan Wolf, Marilyn Singer, Christina Rosetti, Calef Brown, Monica Shannon, Rebecca Kai Dotlich, Karla Kuskin, Douglas Florian, Irene Latham, Marjorie Maddox, Kwame Alexander, April Halprin Wayland, Anna E. Jordan, Robert Louis Stevenson, Margarita Engle, Ralph Fletcher, Charles Waters, Martin Gardner, Nikki Grimes, Steven Withrow, Helen Frost, Pat Mora

(Illustrated by Richard Jones. Candlewick, 2019.) 

Finding Treasure: A Collection of Collections by Michelle Schaub

A girl needs to bring a collection to school. She doesn't collect anything. In searching for the perfect collection, she explores the collections of her family, friends, and neighbors. Will she be inspired by their collections? 

Thoughts: This is such a fun poetry collection about collections. While reading the poems, I started to reflect on all the collections I've had over the years: pressed pennies, teddy bears, ceramic figurines, postcards, souvenir spoons, and wheat pennies. I still collect ceramic figurines but now they're mostly owls. I have a seashell collection and I also collect (or hoard) craft supplies. I lost my wheat penny collection in one of my moves, but a friend who works in retail is going to gift me with some for Christmas this year. My hope is that Finding Treasure inspires a new generation of collectors. My favorite poems are "My Mother's Button Box," Grandpa's Good Cents," "Granny's Teapots," and "Meg's Menagerie." Saldaña's digital media illustrations are detailed and draw the eye. My favorite illustrations are the teapots and the black and white animals. The note at the end of the book gives readers a little more information about collecting and how to start a collection. 

Themes: Poetry, Collections, Elementary

(Illustrated by Carmen Saldaña. Charlesbridge, 2019.)

Wild in the Streets: 20 Poems of City Animals by Marilyn Singer

Wild animals are meant to be just that, wild and living in the wild. What happens when wild animals live in cities instead? 

Thoughts: This collection is so interesting. I have never considered what wild animals might get into if they lived in the city. In addition to the poems, Marilyn includes facts about each animal. My favorite poems are "River Crabs," "Brazilian Agoutis," "Honeybees," and "Mein-tien Tree Frogs." There's the potential to include poems from this collection in my storytimes. Bees and frogs are the obvious choices. The illustrations are detailed and muted in color. This would be a great book to use in a classroom when studying animals. There are many instances for STEM connections. 

Themes: Wild Animals, Elementary, Poetry 

(Illustrated by Gordy Wright. Quarto, 2019.)

It's a Pumpkin! by Wendy McClure

Forest animals stumble upon a large, round, orange thing. They've never seen it before. What could it be? 

Thoughts: I am immensely amused by the fact that the title of this book clearly identifies what the object is, but the animals never find out what it is so the word pumpkin is not used anywhere in the book except the title. The illustrations are colorful and full of whimsy. I love each animal's guess as to what the thing might be. In the end, even if they can't name it, they've discovered its purpose. This book would pair well with The Thingamabob by Il Sung Na, The Donkey Egg by Janet Stevens, and Seven Blind Mice by Ed Young. 

Themes: Fall, Parties, Pumpkins 

(Illustrated by Kate Kronreif. Albert Whitman and Co, 2020.) 

The Last Loose Tooth by Tyler Clark Burke

All children lose their baby teeth, but have you ever considered how the teeth feel about this rite of passage?

Thoughts:  Hilarious! I read this book because my sister is a dental hygienist and I'm always looking for new books to add to my teeth/dental health storytime. Lou (the last loose tooth) is a great character. I love that all the teeth have different personalities and unique approaches to falling out. The ending was unexpected and kind of fabulous. The illustrations are bright and colorful. The mixture of different fonts with speech bubbles add interest. I love the end pages where all the baby teeth are identified. Looking forward to using this in October (National Dental Hygiene Month) or February (National Children's Dental Health Month). 

Themes: Teeth, Dental Health 

(Random House, 2020.)

Red House Tree House Little Bitty Brown Mouse by Jane Godwin

A little mouse explores her world and invites the reader to participate by doing any number of things like counting or naming colors. 

Thoughts: Such a fun book! It's definitely a different kind of interactive book with engagement questions built into almost every page. The cadence of the words reminds me of Orange Pear Apple Bear by Emily Gravett. I can't wait to use this book in storytime. I might even have to create myself a little mouse game for the flannel board to go along with the book. The illustrations are colorful and detailed. I like the lack of outlines and I know the kids will enjoy looking for the mouse on every page. 

Themes: Rhyming Books, Mice, Interactive 

(Illustrated by Blanca Gómez. Dial Books for Young Readers, 2019.)

What's This Tail Saying? by Carolyn Combs

When one animal meets another in the wild, what's their tail saying? In this beautifully illustrated nonfiction book for the youngest readers, that question is answered for eleven different animals. 

Thoughts: I love nonfiction for young children that both entertains and teaches at the same time. What's This Tail Saying? does not disappoint. The illustrations are colorful and detailed. It's impossible to pick a favorite. The two Explore More sections (For Kids, For Parents and Teachers at the back of the book add a lot to this lovely book. Pair with Who Has This Tail? by Laura Hulbert, What Do You Do With a Tail Like This by Steve Jenkins and Robin Page, Creature Features: 25 Animals Explain Why They Look The Way They Do also by Jenkins and Page, I've Got Feet!, I've Got Eyes!, and I've Got a Tail all by Julie Murphy. 

Themes: Animals, Nonfiction

(Illustrated by Cathy Morrison. Dawn Publications, 2020.)

Lift by Minh Lê

The love of pushing the elevator button paired with a case of sibling jealousy and a broken elevator leads a young girl on to take the broken button. She didn't realize it was magic. 

Thoughts: Such a fascinating story! I love the almost comic book style layout of the illustrations. You really have to "read" the pictures in this book even thought it's not wordless. I think this book would pair well with Journey, Quest, and Return by Aaron Becker. This would be a great book to use as a writing exercise with slightly older children. The girl doesn't realize the elevator button is magic until it's broken and she puts it up in her bedroom. You could ask the kids to pick an everyday object and ask what if that object was magic. Fun! I love all the places that the girl visits and the ending is sweet. 

Themes: Imagination, Siblings 

(Illustrated by Dan Santat. Disney Hyperion, 2020.)

My Bed: Enchanting Ways to Fall Asleep Around the World by Rebecca Bond

Travel around the world and see how other kids sleep. 

Thoughts: A lovely book that uses an everyday object and occurrence (bed and sleep) to explore other cultures. This will be a great diverse addition to my bedtime storytime theme. The illustrations are fabulous. I can't believe all the detail that went into them. I enjoyed Mavor's note at the end about how she created the illustrations with fabric, beads, wire, yarn, and embroidery. I love the animals that appear throughout the book. 

Themes: Bedtime, Sleep, Around the World 

(Illustrated by Salley Mavor. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2020.)

A Is for Another Rabbit by Hannah Batsel

Owl is trying to make an alphabet book, but all the rabbits keep interrupting and messing up the letters. 

Thoughts: Too funny! Owl's outrage and the rabbits' nonchalance are the perfect recipe for a hilarious book. The illustrations are colorful. I love that Owl gets speech bubbles and the rabbits get the actual text in the book. This book would pair well with Z is for Moose by Kelly Bingham and More Bears! by Ken Nesbitt. 

Themes: Alphabet, Rabbits, Owls, Elementary

(Carolrhoda Books, 2020.)

Princesses versus Dinosaurs by Linda Bailey

In the beginning it was a princess book. That is until the dinosaurs showed up. One big tiff escalated until dragons and rubber ducks are involved. Will they ever reach an agreement? 

Thoughts: The perspective in the book especially the size of the rubber duck compared to the princesses and dinosaurs gave me a clue. I think that what you can't see in the illustrations is the children playing with the toys. The book makes perfect sense after I realized that, but I may just be making too much out of it. The book is hilarious and I love the escalation in the argument. The illustrations are colorful and I like the speech bubbles. My favorite illustrations are the last few once the enemies become allies. 

Themes: Princesses, Dragons, Toys, Play

(Illustrated by Joy Ang. Tundra, 2020.)

You Don't Want a Dragon! by Ame Dyckman

You think a dragon would make a great pet. You're wrong. And here's why. 

Thoughts: Ame Dyckman's follow-up to You Don't Want a Unicorn! is just as funny. I love the ending. It was so unexpected. I won't ruin it for you. I can hear kids laughing out loud when they read this book. The voice of the narrator is just so droll. The illustrations are bright and colorful. My favorite is when the dragon gets ginormous. I look forward to pairing this with other dragon books and other unusual pet books. There have been several books about dragons as pets as well. I like to use dragons as a storytime theme in January around Appreciate a Dragon Day which is January 16. 

Themes: Unusual Pets, Dragons, Elementary

(Illustrated by Liz Climo. Little, Brown and Company, 2020.)

Eek! A Noisy Journey from A to Z by Julie Larios

This mouse is going on an alphabetical adventure filled with sounds and noise. Do you want to come along? 

Thoughts: I always think I've seen every kind of alphabet book there is. But then a new one comes along and surprises me. I love the simplicity of the text, the movement in the illustrations, and the adventure as it unfolds one letter at a time. I can't wait to use Eek! A Noisy Journey from A to Z in storytime. Kids love to be noisy and this book gives them the perfect chance. I think I'll use it as a call and repeat and have the kids repeat the sounds. 

Themes: Alphabet, Noise 

The publisher has an activity kit to go along with the book. It's filled with storytime ideas and activity sheets. 

Here are my reviews of some other alphabet books: 

• Bear Is Awake! An Alphabet Story by Hannah E. Harrison
• Roar Like a Dandelion by Ruth Krauss
• Llamas with Lemonade: An Unusual Animal ABC by Ariana Koultourides

(Illustrated by Julie Paschkis. Peachtree, 2020.) 

Maud and Grand-Maud by Sara O'Leary

Maud shares her name with her grandmother who she sometimes gets to spend weekends with. This story is an ode to the relationship between a granddaughter and a grandmother. 

Thoughts: This book is so sweet! It almost made me cry because when I read it, I started remembering all the times I spent weekends with my granny. The relationship depicted in Maud and Grand-Maud should be what all grandmothers aspire to have with their grandchildren. I have many grandparents and great-grandparents who bring kids to my library events. Grandparents are so special and sadly they can't be with you forever. The illustrations are soft colored and detailed. I especially like the expressions on Maud's and Grand-Maud's faces throughout the story. 

Themes: Grandparents

(Illustrated by Kenard Pak. Random House, 2020.)

Beatrix Potter, Scientist by Lindsay H. Metcalf

This picture book biography of children's author and illustrator Beatrix Potter explores her interest in the natural world and science. Long before she decided to create books for children, she was an amateur scientist. 

Thoughts: I love that this book focuses on yet another aspect of Beatrix Potter besides her writing for children. I didn't discover her interest in nature until I read Beatrix Potter: A Life in Nature by Linda Lear which is a great biography for teens and adults. I like that Beatrix Potter, Scientist makes that part of her life accessible for the youngest readers. Wu's illustrations are bright and colorful. My favorite is her rendition of the famous letter that started Beatrix on her adventure as an author and illustrator. 

Themes: Biography, Scientists, Authors & Illustrators, Artists, Elementary

If you find yourself more interested in Beatrix Potter after reading this book, you might check out my Beatrix Potter Reading Project that I undertook in 2010 and 2011.

More Books About Beatrix Potter for Kids: 

• Saving the Countryside: The Story of Beatrix Potter and Peter Rabbit by Linda Elovitz Marshall 
• Kid Artists: True Tales of Childhood from Creative Legends by David Stabler 
• Writers and Their Pets by Kathleen Krull 
• Beatrix Potter and Her Paint Box by David McPhail 
• Beatrix Potter And The Unfortunate Tale Of A Borrowed Guinea Pig by Deborah Hopkinson 
• The Tale of Beatrix Potter adapted by Sara Schonfeld 
• Beatrix Potter by Jeanette Winter 
• The Ultimate Peter Rabbit: A Visual Guide to the World of Beatrix Potter edited by Camilla Hallinan

(Illustrated by Junyi Wu. Albert Whitman and Company, 2020.)

The Barnabus Project by The Fan Brothers

Barnabus lives in a secret lab beneath a pet store. He's a failed project so he'll never get to leave the shelf his bell jar sits on. The threat of bring recycled forces Barnabus to take action to change his situation. 

Thoughts: Such a lovely story! I love all the unusual pets in the story. I think an animal that's half mouse and half elephant is right up there with a pygmy puff created by the Weasley Twins. The Barnabus Project is longer than the average picture book, but as you're reading you don't even notice because you're so drawn in to the story. I like that Barnabus doesn't just think of himself when he decides to take action. Thinking of others is such an admirable quality in a friend. The illustrations are soft colored and detailed. It's almost impossible to pick a favorite illustration. I will say I'd like to own all the failed pets! 

Themes: Pets, Being Different, Friendship

(Tundra, 2020.)

What Do You Do If You Work at the Zoo? by Steve Jenkins & Robin Page

An informative and fun introduction to what you might do if you worked at a zoo. 

Thoughts: I'm a big fan of Steve Jenkins and Robin Page. Their latest book does not disappoint. It's filled with interesting facts and amazing illustrations. The variety of animals included is nice. The additional information at the end of the book extend the book's interest beyond the reading. Here's what you'll find at the end of the book: 

• What does a zookeeper do? 
• Zoo pros and cons 
• A zoo timeline 
• Some of the world's top zoos 
• Additional facts about all the animals in the book 

As always, Steve Jenkins' cut- and torn-paper collage illustrations are fantastic. Such detail! The use of white space around them really makes them stand out. My favorite illustrations are the hippo getting its teeth brushed and the elephant seal getting weighed. 

Themes: Zoo, Jobs, Elementary 

Other Books I've reviewed by Steve Jenkins and/or Robin Page

• Creature Features: 25 Animals Explain Why They Look The Way They Do 
• Eye to Eye: How Animals See the World 
• My First Day 
• Time to Eat 
• Time for a Bath 
• Time to Sleep

(Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2020.) 

The Best Worst Poet Ever by Lauren Stohler

Cat and Pug are both poets, but they approach creation differently. Will they ever be friends? Who is the best poet?

Thoughts: Hilarious! I don't normally do voices when I read, but I think these two characters deserve distinct voices when you read The Best Worst Poet Ever aloud. I can't wait to share this with first and second graders in April for National Poetry Month. I hear the kids now laughing at the insults Cat and Pug hurl at each other. It also goes well with an event I did years ago, It's Raining Cats and Dogs Poetry Break Storytime. I love the illustrations. Cat and Pug have very different personalities and those are expressed well in the illustrations. My favorite illustrations are when they decide to write together (Cat with a ream of paper and Pug with a typewriter on his head) and the cover illustration. 

Themes: Poetry, Dogs, Cats, Elementary 

(Atheneum Books for Young Readers 2020.)

If You Want a Friend in Washington: Wacky, Wild & Wonderful Presidential Pets by Erin McGill

This book explores the many presidential pets: dogs, cats, horses, farm animals, bigger animals, birds, and small critters.

Thoughts: What a fun book! The facts and illustrations are great. I learned more about presidential pets than I knew before. I was very interested to discover that President Coolidge was gifted a pygmy hippo. I love the illustrations (cut paper, ink, gouache, marker, and colored pencil). They are fun and appealing. I also like the photos on the end pages. The note at the end provides even more information about the presidents and their pets. I look forward to adding this to my pets storytime as well as sharing with elementary school students. 

If you want to know more about the presidents and/or their pets, you should checkout Who Named Their Pony Macaroni?: Poems about White House Pets by Marilyn Singer, Kid Presidents: True Tales of Childhood from America's Presidents by David Stabler, and Rutherford B., Who Was He?: Poems about Our Presidents by Marilyn Singer

*Link is to the blurb I wrote for Cybils. 

Themes: Pets, Elementary

(Schwartz & Wade Books, 2020.)

How to Find a Bird by Jennifer Ward

There are more ways to find a bird than you would think. Yes, you can look up. But you can also look straight ahead, down, or very low. Birds are everywhere if you just know how and where to look.

Thoughts: An introduction to birding for the youngest readers. How to Find a Bird will also make a nice addition to my birds storytime. I love all the different species that are featured. Some I've never heard of. The illustrations are colorful and detailed especially the birds. My favorites are the title page, the starlings on a wire, and the extinct birds. The additional facts at the end of the book are great. I'm looking forward to checking out the recommended app, Merlin Bird ID. 

Themes: Birds

Other great bird books: 

Bring on the Birds by Susan Stockdale

Plume by Isabelle Simler 

Beautiful Birds by Jean Roussen

Have You Heard the Nesting Bird? by Rita Gray

Feathers: Not Just for Flying by Melissa Stewart

Telephone by Mac Barnett

I Hatched! by Jill Esbaum

Mama Built a Little Nest by Jennifer Ward

Today at the Bluebird Cafe: A Branchful of Birds by Deborah Ruddell

The Cuckoo's Haiku and Other Birding Poems by Michael J. Rosen

(Illustrated by Diana Sudyka. Beach Lane Books, 2020.)

This Is Gus by Chris Chatterton

Meet Gus. He doesn't like anything or anyone. Or does he? 

Thoughts: Grumpy characters are so much fun. I loved Gus from the first. I've always wanted to name a dog Gus after the mouse in Disney's Cinderella. And it looks like Gus might be one of my favorite breeds...a basset hound. The illustrations are colorful and I love Gus's grouchy expressions. My favorite is Gus and the puppy on Gus's birthday. Gus is in good company with Bruce (the Bruce books by Ryan T. Higgins) and Mr. Panda from the books by Steve Antony.  

Themes: Dogs, Grumpy Characters 

(Penguin Workshop, 2019.) 

What About Worms!? by Ryan T. Higgins

Tiger is big and brave. He's not afraid of anything...except worms. 

Thoughts: Too funny! Tiger is just what I've come to expect from Ryan T. Higgins. Tiger isn't grumpy like Ryan's other character Bruce. Instead, he's a little bit of a mess especially when worms might be involved. I can't wait to share this book with kids. The illustrations are full of color, emotion, and movement. This book would pair well with Fear the Bunny by Richard T. Morris, The Secret Life of a Tiger by Przemysław Wechterowicz, and It's a Tiger! by David LaRochelle.  

Themes: Tigers, Worms, Fears 

Here are activity sheets from the publisher. 

Checkout the other Elephant & Piggie Like Reading Books:

• The Cookie Fiasco by Dan Santat
• We Are Growing! by Laurie Keller 
• The Good For Nothing Button! by Charise Mericle Harper 
• It's Shoe Time! by Bryan Collier 
• The Itchy Book! by LeUyen Pham 
• Harold & Hog Pretend for Real! by Dan Santat 

Checkout other books by Ryan T. Higgins: 

• Mother Bruce
• Hotel Bruce 
• Be Quiet! 
• Bruce's Big Move 
• Santa Bruce 
• 1 Grumpy Bruce 
• Bruce's Big Fun Day
• Bruce's Big Storm 
• Peek-a-Bruce
• We Don't Eat Our Classmates 
• We Will Rock Our Classmates 

Links are to my reviews. 

(An Elephant & Piggie Like Reading Book with Mo Willems. Disney, 2020.)

Soaked! by Abi Cushman

It's raining. Bear doesn't like the rain. It ruins everything. There's nothing to do. It's still raining. 

Thoughts: Too funny! Bear reminds me of Bruce from the books by Ryan T. Higgins. Bear is definitely a mildly sarcastic grump. The illustrations are detailed and there is a wealth of expression on the animals' faces. My favorite illustration is the hula-hooping animals. 

Themes: Bears, Rain, Forest Animals 

(Viking, 2020.)

Happy Blogiversary to What Is Bridget Reading?!

 

What Is Bridget Reading? is 12 years old today! So much has changed since 2008. This blog began with booktalks I was writing during my Programming for Children and Young Adults course in graduate school. Since then I've added reviews, reading projects (Harry Potter, Ramona, and Beatrix Potter), library program reflections, and Flannel Friday posts. I also became involved with the Cybils Awards for the first time in 2013. 2020 marks my third year serving as a category chair. 

I'm looking forward to blogging for many more years to come. 

Older Blogiversary Posts for a Walk Down Memory Lane: 

2010

2013

2014

It Is (Not) Perfect by Anna Kang

Making a sandcastle should be easy, but the more friends that help, the more complicated it gets. Will it ever be perfect? 

Thoughts: Such a fun book! I love the characters Kang and Weyant have created with these books. It Is (Not) Perfect will be a great addition to a beach themed storytime. I love the depth of feeling expressed in the illustrations...especially by the characters' faces. 

Themes: Beach, Friends

(Illustrated by Christopher Weyant. Two Lions, 2020.) 

The Hidden Rainbow by Christie Matheson

Can you help the bees grow the garden? 

Thoughts: I've been a fan of Christie Matheson's books from the moment I read Tap the Magic Tree. Her newest book doesn't disappoint. This will be a great addition to various storytimes in the spring. The illustrations are colorful and I like the mix of watercolor and collage. My favorite illustration is the violet blossoms. Interactive books are always a hit at storytime! 

Themes: Spring, Bees, Flowers, Colors, Numbers, Interactive 

Checkout the activity guide from the publisher! 

(Greenwillow, 2020.)

Fussy Flamingo by Shelly Vaughan James

Mami and Papi can't convince Lola to eat shrimp. Until she does, she'll stay gray. Lola doesn't want to eat shrimp. She would rather eat other things. 

Thoughts: This book is too funny. It reminds me of Sylvie by Jennifer Sattler. I like the South American setting. It's different and makes Fussy Flamingo unique. The illustrations are colorful. I especially like the expressions on the flamingos' faces. I think this book will appeal to many parents of picky-eaters. 

Themes: Birds, Flamingos, Fruit, Colors 

(Illustrated by Matthew Rivera, Sourcebooks, 2020.)

Play Outside! by Laurent Moreau

Mom sends the kids outside because they're too rowdy to stay inside. Playing outside has all sorts of possibilities. As they play, they explore nature and readers can look for and try to identify over 250 different animals. 

Thoughts: Love! Playing outside is not a new concept, but Moreau's approach to it is. I like how he starts with the children in their own yard and then slowly moves them out and into different locations. The animals are great. I'm very thankful for the index in the back of the book. The illustrations are bold and colorful. I like the lack of traditional black outlines. I look forward to sharing this book with kids and getting my nephew a copy when he gets to the picture book stage. 

Themes: Play, Imagination, Outdoors, Animals 

(Norton Young Readers, 2020.)  

How to Write a Story by Kate Messner

Want to know how to write a story? This book is for you. How to Write a Story explains the process in ten kid-friendly steps.

Thoughts: Too fun! I started writing stories in third grade. I didn't really know what I was doing and would have loved to have a book like this to guide me. The steps make perfect sense and are explained so kids can understand them. The illustrations are colorful and interesting. I love the sea monster and the main character as a mermaid. I look forward to recommending this book to parents and teachers as well as using it myself when I visit elementary classrooms. This book would pair well with This Is a Sea Cow by Cassandra Federman, Amy the Red Panda Is Writing the Best Story in the World by Colleen A. F. Venable, The Bear Report by Thyra Heder, By Mouse and Frog by Deborah Freedman, Violet and Victor Write the Most Fabulous Fairy Tale by Alice Kuipers, Violet and Victor Write the Best-Ever Bookworm Book by Alice Kuipers, and Write! Write! Write! by Amy Ludwig VanDerwater. 

Themes: Stories, Writing, Elementary 

Bonus: Five Tips to Get Kids Writing at Home by Kate Messner

 (Illustrated by Mark Siegel. Chronicle Books, 2020.)

The Invisible Bear by Cécile Metzger

Bear lives alone in a colorless world. He thinks he likes it that way until one day he gets a neighbor. 

Thoughts: This is a sweet book. I like the introduction of color into Bear's world. The themes of neighbors, friendship, bears, and colors make this book quite versatile for storytime. It would pair well with Those Pesky Rabbits by Ciara Flood, Too Tall Houses by Gianna Marino, Goodnight Already! by Jory John, and A Visitor for Bear by Bonny Becker. The watercolor illustrations are both monochromatic and colorful depending on where you are the in the story. My favorite illustrations are Bear in Madame Odette's garden (before they are friends) and the cover. 

Themes: Bears, Neighbors, Friendship, Colors

 (Tundra, 2020.) 

A World of Opposites by Gray Malin

Explore the world through opposites! 

Thoughts: Such gorgeous photos. I especially like the ones that feature animals. Noting the location of each photo is also fun. Though A World of Opposites is a simple concept picture book, there's such scope for conversation in the book. I think this book will appeal to kids of all ages as well as adults. 

Themes: Opposites, Travel, Books with Photos

(Abrams Appleseed, 2020)

A Little Bit Brave by Nicola Kinnear

Logan and Luna are friends but opposites. Logan prefers to stay inside and be safe while Luna bravely explores outside and has adventures. An argument prompts Logan to be a little bit brave and venture outside. 

Thoughts: Such a great story with lovely illustrations. I love that Logan and Luna are opposites because that's the way my best friend and I are. We have a lot in common and enjoy a few of the same things, but we have some marked differences in personality and that's what makes our friendship interesting. The illustrations are lively and colorful. 

Download coloring and activity sheets from the author's website. 

Themes: Friendship, Rabbits 

(Orchard Books, 2019.)

That's My Carrot! by Il Sung Na

Two expert carrot growers get into an argument over a huge carrot. When it disappears, they have to work together to find it. 

Thoughts: I love Na's books and the newest one doesn't disappoint. I love the arguing rabbits. They remind me of Too Tall Houses by Gianna Marino and Sam and Dave Dig a Hole by Mac Barnett. The ending is a surprise and one I think readers will like. The illustrations are colorful and I like the lack of outlines. 

Themes: Rabbits, Vegetables, Gardens 

(Knopf, 2020.)

The Elephants' Guide to Hide-and-Seek by Kjersten Hayes

Hie-and-seek is not an easy game for an elephant to play. After all, have you ever tried to hide an elephant? 

Thoughts: This book is fun and colorful. I like that the intrusive narrator is another elephant. I can't wait to use this book in storytime. My favorite illustration is the elephant pretending to be a chair. This book would pair well with Hide & Seek by Il Sung Na, Everybunny Count! by Ellie Sandall, and Peek-a-Boo Bunny by Holly Surplice. 

Themes: Elephants, Games, Hide-and-Seek

(Illustrated by Gladys Jose. Sourcebooks, 2020.)

Beehive by Jorey Hurley

One word per two page spread illustration introduces readers to what bees do. 

Thoughts: The brief text and digitally created illustrations that are reminiscent of cut paper collage combine to create a wonderful introduction to bees. I love this format so much and can't wait to share Beehive in storytime and with students when I visit elementary schools. I love that the author's note both explores and explains the words Hurley chose for her book. Beehive would pair well with Beware by Bob Raczka, unBEElieveables by Douglas Florian, and The Honeybee by Kirsten Hall. There are also bee poems in On the Farm by David Elliott and Things to Do by Elaine Magliaro. 

Themes: Bees, Bugs/Insects, Spring

(Paula Wiseman, 2020.)

In the Woods by David Elliott

David Elliott's newest poetry collection takes us In the Woods with fifteen different forest animals. 

The Animals: bear, fox, scarlet tanager, opossum, skunk, porcupine, fisher, hornet, millipede, moose, beaver, wild turkey, bobcat, raccoon, deer 

Thoughts: Another great collection for the youngest listeners and readers. I like that Elliott chose woods for the title instead of forest. All the kids I interact with refer to the forest as the woods. This will immediately make the book familiar to them. Of the fifteen animals, there was only one I had never heard of. My favorite poems are opossum, moose, and beaver. The watercolor and mixed media illustrations perfectly suit the poems and the setting. My favorite illustrations are the scarlet tanager and the bobcat. 

This book would pair well with Forest Has a Song by Amy Ludwig VanDerwater and A Whiff of Pine, A Hint of Skunk: A Forest of Poems by Deborah Ruddell if you were sharing forest poetry with elementary school students. For storytime, I would pair In the Woods with a few of my favorite forest books like Too Tall Houses by Gianna Marino and Bear Came Along by Richard T. Morris. 

Themes: Forest Animals 

Don't miss the other books in David's Poetry Series for Candlewick! (Links are to my reviews.) 

On the Farm

In the Wild 

In the Sea 

On the Wing 

In the Past 

At the Pond (coming Spring 2021)

(Illustrated by Rob Dunlavey. Candlewick Press, 2020.)

Follow the Recipe: Poems about Imagination, Celebration, & Cake by Marilyn Singer

Twenty-six poems function as recipes for various things like love, balance, and courage. 

Thoughts: Such a fun collection. When I was a child there was a plaque beside the wall telephone in the kitchen that was titled something like "Recipe for a Happy Home." Follow the Recipe reminds me of this plaque. The topics are interesting and I like that they all aren't food related. My favorite poems are "recipe for measurement," "recipe for a poem," "recipe for fairy tales," "recipe for reading," and "recipe for magic." Priceman's illustrations are full of color and whimsy. I especially like the incorporation of postage stamps. My favorite illustrations are "recipe for a good recipe," "recipe for a poem," "recipe for love," and "recipe for magic." I think this collection will be fun to share with children and then encourage them to write recipe poems by adding a word to the phrase "a recipe for." "recipe for memories" would also be a great staring point for children (or anyone really) to recall favorite food memories. 

My reviews of other poetry collections by Marilyn Singer: 

Follow Follow: A Book of Reverso Poems 

Mirror Mirror: A Book of Reversible Verse 

Twosomes: Love Poems from the Animal Kingdom 

(Illustrated by Marjorie Priceman. Dial Books for Young Readers, 2020.)

Write! Write! Write! Poems by Amy Ludwig Vanderwater

Amy Ludwig Vanderwater's newest poetry collection is a celebration of writing. Twenty-two poems explore all aspects of writing from a child's point of view. 

Thoughts: Writing is one of my favorite things so I've been looking forward to Write! Write! Write!. The poems celebrate both the act and craft of writing as well as children. The poems touch on things kids can relate to like crazy socks, state reports, and essays. I can't wait to share some with kids when I visit schools in the fall. My favorite poems are "Our Alphabet," "How to Begin," "If I Were an Octopus," "Writing about Reading," "Revision Is" Writing Is for Everyone," "Now," "The Pen," "Truth," and "One Wish." The illustrations are colorful and fun. My favorites are the cover, the octopus, and "Writing about Reading." I like that different types of poems are included. I'm especially fond of list poems. 

Don't miss Read! Read! Read! Poems by Amy Ludwig Vanderwater! 

(Illustrated by Ryan O'Rourke. Wordsong, 2020.)

If I Couldn't Be Anne by Kallie George

Inspired by Anne of Green Gables by L. M. Montgomery, this picture book explores what Anne would want to be if she couldn't be herself. 

Thoughts: This book expertly captures the essence of Anne through brief text and lovely illustrations. Fans of the 1908 book will recognize many scenes from the book. The exultation of imagination is perfect as is the sentiment at the end of the book. The pastel and watercolor illustrations are soft and detailed. My favorite illustrations are lily maid and Anne taking the ribbon out of her hair. My first copy of AOGG had Anne as the lily maid on the cover. This would be perfect to introduce the youngest children to the world of Anne of Green Gables. 

Be sure to check out Kallie George's other books about Anne: Anne Arrives, Anne's Kindred Spirits, and Goodnight, Anne. 

Themes: Imagination, Nature 

(Illustrated by Geneviève Godbout. Tundra, 2020.) 

Snakes on a Train by Kathryn Dennis

Snakes go on a train ride. You might think a train makes a choo-choo sound, but this train makes a hissing sound. 

Thoughts: I enjoyed Snakes on a Train just as much as I did Snakes on the Job. The illustrations are bright and colorful. The snakes look friendly. I like the hissing refrain. I know my storytime kids will join in with little prompting. Dennis's snake books make me wonder. What other topics could you add snakes to in order to create fun picture books?

Themes: Snakes, Trains, Transportation 

(Feiwel and Friends, 2019.)