The Ice Cream Vanishes by Julia Sarcone-Roach

Squirrel can make snacks disappear...or at least he wants to and tries very hard to do so. He is unsuccessful until he discovers the perfect snack--ice cream. With help from his friend Bear and with all the other park animals as an audience, Squirrel is finally going to make a snack vanish. 

Thoughts: Such a fun book! I like how exuberant Squirrel is. The painted, pen and pencil illustrations add a further touch of whimsy to the story. My favorite illustrations are Squirtrel in his "top hat" and the vanished ice cream on Bear's bottom. Pair with Hat Tricks by Satoski Kitamura and Warning! Do Not Touch! by Tim Warnes for a magical storytime. 

Themes: Bears, Squirrels, Magic 

Don't miss these other  books by Julia Sarcone-Roach!

• The Bear Ate Your Sandwich
• There Are No Bears in This Bakery

(Alfred A. Knopf, 2023.)

Out Cold by Ryan T. Higgins

Bruce is back! It's winter in Soggy Hollow and all the animals are enjoying the season...except for Bruce. He's stuck inside with a cold. The mice know just how to cheer him up. 

Thoughts: Bruce is one of my favorite characters and he doesn't disappoint in his latest adventure. Those mice...sheesh! I think they mean well. They're just like a trio of rambunctious toddlers. I look forward to sharing Out Cold in a storytime in January. The illustrations are colorful and detailed. My favorites are always Bruce's expressions. 

Find activity sheets here. 

Themes: Bears, Winter, Bruce, Sniffles 

Don't miss the other Bruce Books! (Links to my reviews.)

Picture Books:

• Mother Bruce
• Hotel Bruce
• Bruce’s Big Move
• Santa Bruce
• Bruce’s Big Storm
• The Bruce Swap
• Hey, Bruce!
• Bruce and the Legend of Soggy Hollow
• Be Quiet

Board Books:

• 1 Grumpy Bruce
• Peek-a-Bruce

Little Bruce Books:

• Spring Stinks
• Thanks for Nothing!
• Beach Bummer (May 7, 2024)

Early Readers:

• Bruce’s Big Fun Day
• Ballet Bruce

(Disney Hyperion, 2023.)

Why Do Elephants Have Big Ears? Questions--and Surprising Answers--About Animals by Steve Jenkins & Robin Page

This informative nonfiction book features questions and answers about 19 different animals. 

The animals: camel, bat, aye-aye, zebra, flamingo, spotted skunk, hippo, giraffe, sloth, naked mole rat, giant squid, chameleon, proboscis monkey, red-eyed tree frog, polar bear, wombat, hatchetfish, narwhal, African elephant

Thoughts: If you know me at all, you know that Steve Jenkins and Robin Page are my favorite creators of nonfiction books for children. The cut paper collage illustrations are fascinating and eye-catching. The facts are presented simply. The back matter features more information about each animal as well as a bibliography. Throughout the book, the size of each animal is shown in comparison to average human size. I can't wait to share this new book with first and second grade classrooms. This would pair well with What's Your Favorite Animal? edited by Eric Carle and various animal poetry books like The Beauty of the Beast edited by Jack Prelutsky and National Geographic Book of Animal Poetry edited by J. Patrick Lewis. 

Themes: Animals, Nonfiction, Elementary 

(Little, Brown and Company; Hatchette Book Group, 2023.)

If I Was a Horse by Sophie Blackall

If you were a horse instead of a child, what would your life be like? 

Thoughts: I love books that engage children in imagination. If I Was a Horse would be a lovely addition to a storytime about imagination, horses, or questions. The story is brief yet thoughtful. The illustrations are colorful and detailed. I especially love the fields of dandelions and the detail that the child is wearing a polka dot shirt so of course their horse self is spotted. 

Themes: Imagination, Horses, Questions 

(Little, Brown and Company, 2023.)

Goldilocks and the Three Knocks by Gregory Barrington

You've got to be careful with bears. Goldilocks learned this the hard way. The bears were just being good neighbors...until they weren't. 

Thoughts: This might be my new favorite version of Goldilocks and the Three Bears. I love that we get a look at Goldilocks's side of the story, but I won't spoil it here. I love the illustrations. The details and panels paired with the mixture of fonts gives the book a comic book style feel. Pair with Goldibooks and the Wee Bear by Troy Wilson, Redlocks and the Three Bears by Claudia Rueda, Goldilocks and Just One Bear by Leigh Hodgkinson, and Goldilocks and the Three Dinosaurs by Mo Willems. 

Themes: Fractured Fairy Tales, Fairy Tales, The Three Bears 

(Harper, 2022.)

No Bunnies Here! by Tammi Sauer

The appearance of a wolf in Bunnyville makes the bunnies nervous. After all, wolves eat bunnies. Everyone knows that. After disguising various bunnies as unicorns, lamps, puppies, and pillows, the wolf is still there and still wants to find a bunny. Is he that hungry? 

Thoughts: Too funny! Such a bright, colorful, exuberant book. I love how much effort the bunny puts into convincing the wolf that there are no bunnies to be found. I look forward to sharing No Bunnies Here! in storytime. Would pair well with Count the Monkeys by Mac Barnett. 

Themes: Bunnies, Wolves, Misunderstood Wolves

(Illustrated by Ross Burach. Doubleday Books for Young Readers, 2022.)

Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Sleigh! by Mo Willems

Twenty years after we first met the Pigeon, he's still angling to drive. This time it's Santa's sleigh. We're supposed to tell him no. Will the Pigeon ever get to drive anything?

Thoughts: Too funny! So fun that this first ever Pigeon holiday book published twenty years after the very first Pigeon book. I love the nod to The Pigeon Wants a Puppy! in the plot. Not telling so you'll have to read it to find out. Find activities on the publisher's website here. 

Don't Miss the Other Books about Pigeon! 

• Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! 
• The Pigeon Finds a Hot Dog! 
• Don't Let the Pigeon Stay Up Late! 
• The Pigeon Wants a Puppy! 
• The Duckling Gets a Cookie!?
• The Pigeon Needs a Bath! 
• The Pigeon Has to Go to School! 
• The Pigeon Will Ride the Roller Coaster! 

Themes: Christmas 

(Union Square Kids, 2023.)

I'm a Unicorn by Helen Yoon

A bull born with only one horn is convinced he's a unicorn. That is, until he starts reading a book called Unicorns: Facts and Myths. Is he a bull or is he a unicorn? 

Thoughts: How funny! I love how the bull comes to the logical conclusion that he must be a unicorn because he only has one horn. The illustrations are soft colored and expressive. Pair with Itty-Bitty Kitty Corn by Shannon Hale and You Don't Want a Unicorn by Ame Dyckman. 

Themes: Unicorns, Cows, Mistaken Identity

(Candlewick Press, 2022.)

Too Many Pigs and One Big Bad Wolf by Davide Cali

I'm sure you know the story of the three little pigs. Three pigs against one big bad wolf. And the pigs win. Or do they? 

Thoughts: So much to love in this book! Twelve different versions of the original story of the three little pigs told by a hungry wolf and shot down by a dissatisfied reader. Too Many Pigs and One Big Bad Wolf will be fun to share with a variety of ages as just a story, but with older kids there's so much more you could do. Have them add details to their favorite retelling in the book to appease the reader with a longer story. Expand the story of one of the pigs (I'm sure there's more to know about a sudoku loving pig.) Find activity sheets from the publisher here (scroll down to the title of the book.) The illustrations are fun and perfectly suit the text. I love the use of an abacus and the limited color palette (blue, red, and yellow) with tiny additions of other colors. 

Themes: Fairy Tales, Pigs, Wolves, Fractured Fairy Tales, Three Little Pigs Variants

(Illustrated by Marianna Balducci. Tundra, 2023.)

I Am Hungry by Michael Rosen

How hungry is hungry? 

Thoughts: What a fun book! I love the absurd things that the squirrel eats. Parents, teachers, fellow librarians: be sure to read the author's "A Note to Grown-ups" on the copyright page. He shares a great activity idea. The text is simple and the illustrations are colorful and make good use of white space. I love that the squirrel is red. (Red squirrels are native to Europe and Asia. You won't find them in the US, but they always remind me of Beatrix Potter's The Tale of Squirrel Nutkin.) I look forward to sharing this book in storytime. For a fun, food themed storytime, pair with other picture books with the word hungry in the title and maybe some food themed poetry like Crocodile Hungry by Eija Sumner, I'm Hungry! ¡Tengo Hambre! by Angela Dominguez, Little Red and the Very Hungry Lion by Alex T. Smith, Hungry Bunny by Claudia Rueda, Ten Hungry Pigs by Derek Anderson, and The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle. Find some food themed poetry suggestions here. 

Themes: Squirrels, Food

(Illustrated by Robert Starling. Candlewick Press, 2023.)

Flat Cat by Tara Lazar

Flat Cat can go anywhere and get anything because he blends in. A trip through the washer and dryer results in a case of supreme fluffiness. What's a cat to do?

Thoughts: A fun book. I especially like the language used and the details of the story. The descriptions are great for those kids that are always asking why. I love that Flat Cat is purple. The illustrations are interesting and I love the use of a limited color palette. Find fun activities on the author's website here. 

Themes: Cats 

(Illustrated by Pete Oswald. Flamingo Books, 2023.)

Mine! by Candace Fleming

You know what they say about the best laid plans. Don't count your chicks before they hatch. Don't put all your eggs in one basket. Mouse, Hare, Fox, Deer, and Bear all want the one apple in the tree. Who will end up with the apple? 

Thoughts: So much to love in this book! The language, the illustrations, the surprise ending... I can't wait to use this book in storytime. It reminds me a little of Lousy Rotten Stinkin' Grapes by Margie Palatini. I think it would pair well with The Bear Who Shared by Catherine Rayner.

Themes: Forest Animals, Apples, Fruit, Sharing 

(Illustrated by Eric Rohmann. Anne Schwartz Books, 2023.)

I Am Cat! by Peter Bently

Cat shows us what it means to be a cat.

Thoughts: What a fun book! I love that Cat is our narrator and how the rhythm of the story suits that...just like cat was talking to us. The illustrations are colorful and I like the lack of outlines. It's hard to pick a favorite illustration, but I love all the different expressions Cat has throughout the story. I Am Cat! will make a fun addition to storytime whether you're reading about cats specifically or pets in general. 

Themes: Cats, Pets, Cats & Dogs 

(Illustrated by Chris Chatterton. Penguin Workshop, 2023.)

Bruce and the Legend of Soggy Hollow by Ryan T. Higgins

Bruce and the gang are back for another holiday adventure. This time it's Halloween and like always Bruce doesn't have any holiday spirit. 

Thoughts: Bruce's latest adventure for Halloween doesn't disappoint. Forced into participating in a scary story acted out. The grown up readers will recognize bits of the story that inspired the Legend of Soggy Hollow. Like all the other Bruce books, this one is filled with hilarity along with a hint of spooky just right for the season. Find activity sheets for the book here. 

Themes: Bruce, Halloween 

Don't miss the other Bruce Books! (Links to my reviews.)

Picture Books:

• Mother Bruce
• Hotel Bruce
• Bruce’s Big Move
• Santa Bruce
• Bruce’s Big Storm
• The Bruce Swap
• Hey, Bruce!
• Be Quiet

Board Books:

• 1 Grumpy Bruce
• Peek-a-Bruce

Little Bruce Books:

• Spring Stinks
• Thanks for Nothing!
• Out Cold

Early Readers:

• Bruce’s Big Fun Day
• Ballet Bruce

(Disney Hyperion, 2023.)

The Frustrating Book by Mo Willems

Unlimited Squirrels Book #5

Zoom Squirrel is ready for some new feelings but Zip and Zap may not be able to help. What's a squirrel to do? 

Thoughts: The squirrels are always entertaining, but I like how The Frustrating Book! deals with feelings that toddlers and preschoolers can relate to. (I can't wait to share the book with my four year old nephew.) I think older children will continue to enjoy the hilarity of the squirrels and the acorns and maybe learn that everyone has big feelings sometimes. 

Visit the author's website here for activities. 

Themes: Feelings, Emotions, Squirrels

Don't Miss the other books in this series! 

• I Lost My Tooth! 
• Who Is the Mystery Reader? 
• I Want to Sleep Under the Stars! 
• Guess What!?

(Hyperion Books for Children, 2022).

Odd Birds: Meet Nature's Weirdest Flock by Laura Gehl

Look inside for the oddest birds you'll ever encounter! 

Thoughts: Gorgeous, vibrant illustrations paired with simple text make this larger board book perfect for sharing in storytime. Here are the birds: Magnificent Frigatebird, Blue-Footed Booby, Shoebill Stork, Ostrich, Hoatzin, Oilbird, California Condor, and Burrowing Owl. My favorite illustrations are  the Oilbird and the Burrowing Owl. I love the additional facts included at the end of the books. 

Pair with Bring on the Birds by Susan Stockdale, Beautiful Birds by Jean Roussen, and Bird Show by Susan Stockdale. 

Themes: Birds 

(Illustrated by Gareth Lucas. Abrams Appleseed, 2022.)

Wombat by Philip Bunting

From the front flap of the cover: "Burrow into fun with this rhythmic (and rather silly) read-aloud about the secret world of wombats."

Thoughts: What fun! I think this book would go great with Wombats Are Pretty Weird by Abi Cushman. You could start with the picture book and then further explore wombats with the nonfiction title. The rhythm and cadence of the words is great. I would pair Wombat with Orange Pear Apple Bear by Emily Gravett and Red House Tree House Little Bitty Mouse House by Jane Godwin for a storytime that focuses on rhythm and language. The cut paper and digital media illustrations are great and I love how perfectly they match the text. I can't pick a favorite. I would love a coloring sheet of Philip Bunting's Wombat for me and my library kids. 

Themes: Wombats, Australian Animals, Rhyming or Rhythmic Books

(Charlesbridge, 2023). 

Wombats Are Pretty Weird: A [Not So] Serious Guide by Abi Cushman

Find out all you could possibly ever want to know about wombats within these pages. 

Thoughts: I've been a wombat fan ever since I read Jackie French's Diary of a Wombat way back in 2011. Wombats are so cute. But now that I've read Abi Cushman's newest book I know know that wombats are also weird. Wombats Are Pretty Weird is the perfect blend of humor and facts. I love the conversations that take place between Joey the Snake and the other characters. The illustrations are colorful and, dare I say it, cute. This book reminds me of The Truth About...series by Maxwell Eaton III. Kids definitely appreciate a little humor with their facts. I think Wombats Are Pretty Weird will be fun to share with first and second graders. Find an activity guide, bookmark craft, and storytime activity sheets on the author's website here. 

Themes: Wombats, Elementary 

(Greenwillow Books, 2023.)

Crocodile Hungry by Eija Sumner

Crocodile is hungry. He tries visiting the usual places--farmers' market, grocery store, community garden--but has no luck finding anything to eat. 

Thoughts: Such an unexpected book. The ending was definitely a surprise. I can't wait to try this book out in storytime. The illustrations are detailed and colorful. I love the expressions on all the faces, human and animal like. The color palette reminds me of the Sweet Pickles book series from the 1970s. Pair with Hoot Owl, Master of Disguise by Sean Taylor. You could also pair Crocodile Hungry with other picture books with hungry in the title like I'm Hungry! ¡Tengo Hambre! by Angela Dominguez, Little Red and the Very Hungry Lion by Alex T. Smith, Hungry Bunny by Claudia Rueda, and Ten Hungry Pigs by Derek Anderson. 

Find an activity sheet here on the publisher's website (scroll down to title). 

Themes: Crocodiles, 

(Illustrated by John Martz. Tundra, 2022.)

A Unicorn, a Dinosaur, and a Shark Walk into a Book by Jonathan Fenske

I think the title says it all. But what happens once a unicorn, a dinosaur, and shark walk into the book? 

Thoughts: Too funny! I think this will be a fun storytime book, but with a slightly older audience, say kids around four and five years old. A Unicorn, a Dinosaur, and a Shark Walk Into a Book would also be a hit with younger elementary students. The illustrations are colorful and I love the use of speech bubbles. With five characters, this book would be a great reader's theater title. Pair with More Bears! by Kenn Nesbitt, The Bear Who Wasn't There by LeUyen Pham, You Don't Want a Unicorn! by Ame Dyckman, You Don't Want a Dragon! by Ame Dyckman, or Kitties on Dinosaurs by Michael Slack. 

Themes: Intrusive Narrators, Unicorns, Dinosaurs, Sharks 

(Penguin Workshop, 2023). 

Happy 15 Years to What Is Bridget Reading?!

Hard to believe I've been blogging for 15 years. I've heard some rumbles that blogs are becoming a thing of the past. Though my blogging is more intermittent than I would like, I have no plans to stop. Even if no one reads my posts, I often look back on reviews and program reflections to help me plan storytime or improve a program. 

To the folks still reading and visiting here, thank you! 

Cybils 2023: Call for Judges

 

It's time for the 2023 Cybils!!! I am honored to be the Poetry Category Chair once again. 

The official Call for Judges has been announced and you have until Friday, September 8  to apply to be a panelist or judge. Read the Call for Judges here. Anyone who reads and reviews children's and young adult books via a social media platform (a blog, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, GoodReads, TikTok, etc.) is eligible to apply. If you can't volunteer to be a judge, help spread the word about Cybils on social media and nominate your favorite books. Nominations open to the public on October 1.

I've served as a panelist 7 times...5 times in Poetry and 2 times in Elementary/Middle Grade Nonfiction. It's a fun process. You get to read lots of great books and discuss them with like minded people. I'm not going to lie: It's also a lot of work, but so rewarding. The beauty of Cybils is that nominations come from the public and the judges are a mix of teachers, librarians, parents, and book bloggers. I like the emphasis that is placed on kid appeal. Often I read major award winning books and I wonder about the amount of kid appeal (or lack thereof) that they have.

I'm going to list all the categories below, but forgive me for recommending my own category. Poetry is fun to read and discuss. It also usually has fewer nominations than the other categories. In 2022, Poetry had 60 nominations. 

Cybils Awards Categories

• Fiction Picture Books & Board Books 
• Easy Reader & Early Chapter Books
• Elementary/Middle Nonfiction 
• Middle Grade Fiction 
• Elementary/Middle Grade Speculative Fiction 
• Graphic Novels 
• High School Nonfiction 
• Poetry (Poetry Collections & Novels in Verse)
• Young Adult Speculative Fiction 
• Young Adult Fiction 

Find Cybils on Social Media

• Instagram
• Facebook
• GoodReads

Kitty by Rebecca Jordan-Glum

Granny's cat sitting and due to misplaced glasses which leads to a case of mistaken identity, she spends the whole time taking care of a raccoon and trying to keep "kitty" out of trouuble. 

Thoughts: Hilarious! I love that the start of the problem was misplaced glasses. It's also hilarious that Granny never realized the kitty she was caring for was actually a racoon. The illustrations are colorful with a darker hued color scheme and almost no lines. Would pair well with Secret Pizza Party by Adam Rubin or Peanut by Lisa Alsenas. 

Themes: Raccoons, Cats, Pets

 (Roaring Brook Press, 2022.)

I'm Hungry! ¡Tengo Hambre! by Angela Dominguez

A red dinosaur is hungry and a blue bird tries to help. He offers the dinosaur everything he can think of, but the dinosaur isn't interested. He doesn't even want pizza? Will the bird ever be able to help the hungry dinosaur? 

Thoughts: Too fun! I would love to find a Spanish speaking volunteer to help me with a bilingual storytime using Angela Dominguez's books. They are all so fun. I love the back and forth dialogue and the simple, colorful illustrations. The bird's outrage when he realizes what the dinosaur wants to eat is hilarious. 

Themes: Dinosaurs, Birds, Bilingual 

(Henry Holt and Company, 2022.)

There's a Lion in the Forest! by Mônica Carnesi

Toucan hears a "deep, growly growl." He's convinced there's a lion in the forest. But that can't be. They're in South America. There aren't any lions in South America...or are there? 

Thoughts: So fun! I love the progression of the story and the final reveal of the lion. The illustrations are colorful with a mixture of styles and excellent use of white space. The back matter (The Animals of the Atlantic Forest of South America) offers readers more information about the animals. I can't wait to use this book in storytime. The possibilities are endless. Pair with Oh, No by Candace Fleming, Fear the Bunny by Richard T. Morris, or Maybe...by Chris Haughton. 

Other Books by Mônica Carnesi

• Sleepover with Beatrice and Bear 
• Little Dog Lost 

Themes: Jungle Animals; South America; Lions; Lions and Tigers; Lions, Tigers, and Bears

(Nancy Paulsen Books, 2022.)

Solitary Animals: Introverts of the Wild by Joshua David Stein

Everyone talks about animal groups, but what about those animals who prefer their own company? 

Thoughts: Solitary Animals is a visually stunning book. I like the juxtaposition of animal groups with the solitary animals. The digitally created illustrations are bright and bold. There's one page in the back with more information about solitary animals. No sources are cited. I think I would like to have that especially if kids want to know even more. 

Themes: Animals 

(Illustrated by Dominique Ramsey. Rise, 2021.)

A Dress with Pockets by Lily Murray

Aunt Augusta takes Lucy dress shopping for her birthday. The store has every kind of dress imaginable. but Lucy's looking for something different--a dress with pockets! 

Thoughts: There's so much to love about A Dress with Pockets! Lucy, her aunt, and two of the store employees are BIPOC. The simple fact that Lucy wants a dress with pockets for so many different reasons. (Did you know you can even get night gowns with pockets now? I'm not sure why.) The digitally rendered illustrations are charming. I especially like all the dresses and the scenes where Lucy is explaining why she needs a dress with pockets. I can't wait to use this book in storytime. Visit the publisher's website here for activity sheets. 

Themes: Clothes, Dresses 

(Illustrated by Jenny Løvlie. Peachtree, 2022.)

Line Up! Animals in Remarkable Rows by Susan Stockdale

Kids are often asked to line up. Did you know that some animals in nature also line up? Their reasons are a little different. They're not headed to the cafeteria for lunch, but they line up all the same. 

Thoughts: Susan Stockdale remains one of my favorite authors of nonfiction for the youngest children. Line Up! did not disappoint. I think it's genius to start with a concept children are familiar with (lining up) and then proceed to explore animals in their natural habitats through that lens. I know I learned something from reading the book. The illustrations are colorful and appealing. I love how the style varies some from animal to animal. My favorite are the arctic wolves and the fairywrens. The endpapers are also very interesting with lines of the animals in outlined white on a colored background. The back matter provides readers with more information about all the featured animals (type of animal, location, and why they line up). Visit the publisher's website here for activity sheets and a teacher's guide. 

Don't miss these other books by Susan Stockdale! (Links are to my reviews.) 

• Bird Show
• Fantastic Flowers
• Spectacular Spots 
• Stripes of All Types 
• Fabulous Fishes 
• Carry Me!
• Bring On the Birds

Themes: Animals, Lines 

(Peachtree, 2023.)

Tree Hole Homes: Daytime Dens and Nighttime Nooks by Melissa Stewart

Have you ever wondered about the animals who make their homes in tree holes? Tree Hole Homes explores the homes of fifteen different animals. 

Thoughts: Tree Hole Homes is a lovely, informative book for even the youngest of readers and listeners. I would definitely share this book in storytime. I would probably only share the larger text and then condense down the facets for my little storytime kids. Amy Hevron's illustrations (acrylic and marker on wood, collaged digitally) are colorful and interesting. My favorite illustration is the owls. The back matter (More about Tree Hole Dwellers, Selected Sources, and More Information about Animal Homes Booklist) provides so many extensions for the book. Visit the author's website here for even more extensions. 

Themes: Animal Homes, Animals 

(Illustrated by Amy Hevron. Random House Studio, 2022.)

Ramen for Everyone by Patricia Tanumihardja

Hiro wants to make ramen just like his dad does and his dad before him. He watches and waits. When he turns seven he's ready to try. 

Thoughts: Ramen for Everyone is a fun book about food and family. I love that Hiro watches his dad cook and then tries to cook, too. This is exactly how I learned to cook from my granny. I especially love to see Hiro and his dad working together at the end of the book. The illustrations are colorful and full of life. I like the different illustration styles used. It adds interest to the narrative. The back matter (About Ramen, Kitchen Rules, and Easy Miso Ramen Recipe) offer a way to extend the story. You'll find an activity page and a cooking demonstration video on the author's website here. Ramen for Everyone would pair well with Delicious! Poems Celebrating Street Food Around the World by Julie Larios. 

Themes: Family, Food, Cooking

(Illustrated by Shiho Pate. Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2023.)

The Animal Song by Jonty Howley

The animals (Crocodile, Bear, and Weasel) all have instruments and have formed a band. They play for all the other animals in the forest. At least until winter arrives. Will the band find a new audience? 

Thoughts: What a fun book! This is just in time for the music themed storytime I'm planning for summer. I love the different sounds the animals and their instruments make. The illustrations are soft colored and appealing. I think Weasel might be my favorite. There's a free song + story read-along download available on the author's website here. 

Themes: Music, Forest Animals

(Random House Studio, 2023.) 

Party Hearty Kitty-Corn by Shannon Hale

Book #3 in the Kitty-Corn series...Don't miss Itty-Bitty Kitty-Corn or Pretty Perfect Kitty-Corn! 

It's a fact...adding a party always makes everything more fun. Unicorn and Kitty are planning a party. It's going to be grand, but they didn't anticipate Puppy's interest or destruction. Can Unicorn and Kitty's friendship survive Puppy? 

Thoughts: Party Hearty Kitty-Corn is bright and sparkly like the other two books in the series. I love the pinks and purples and use of white space in the illustrations. The story itself has an important lesson to impart. True friends always have room in their hearts for more friends. My favorite illustration is Puppy with his ice cream cone horn and hair curlers for cat ears. This book makes me want to throw a kitty-corn party at the library. And I just might! 

Activity sheets for the first book are available from the publisher here. 

Themes: Cats, Unicorns, Dogs, Friendship 

(Illustrated by LeUyen Pham. Abrams Books for Young Readers, 2023.)

Run! by Guilherme Karsten

Run! Quick! Hide! He's Coming! You'll have to read the book to find out who "he" is. 

Thoughts: What a fun book! When you first start reading it, you think the animals are hiding from something bad, but then you realize it's just a game of hide and seek. Using this book in storytime, I think we'd go through it once and identify all the animals and then go back a second time to read the story. The text is so brief, asking about the animals as I read would hinder the narrative. Run! would pair well with Hide & Seek by Il Sung Na. The illustrations look like cut paper collage, but may be digital. I especially like the expressions on the animals faces and the foldout page where you have to find them hiding. 

Themes: Jungle Animals, Hide and Seek

(Owlkids Books, 2022.)