Counting Crows by Kathi Appelt

Illustrated by Rob Dunlavey.

The title sums up this book perfectly. You count crows a few at a time and then snacks until you reach twelve.

Thoughts: A fabulous book. The rhyming text flows beautifully. I love the counting, the snacks, and the sounds. The illustrations with their limited color palette (black, white, gray, and red) are wonderful. I've had fun sharing this book in storytime with several different themes. It's a great book for fall.

Themes: Numbers/Counting, Crows, Fall

(Atheneum, 2015)

Camp Rex by Molly Idle

Camping is a wonderful excursion for friends. But when your friends are dinosaurs, things get interesting.

Thoughts: I Love how the text is almost at odds with the illustrations. There's so much more going on in the illustrations than the text let's on. Makes for a hilarious story. Would pair well with Into the Woods by Susan Gal.

Themes: Camping, Dinosaurs

(Viking, 2014)

Flight School by Lita Judge

Penguin wants to fly. One problem: penguins can't fly. But with a little help from his friends, he just might.

Thoughts: Sweet story that also touches on science a little. (Flightless birds: what makes a bird a bird?) Lovely illustrations.

Themes: Birds, Penguins, Dreams

(Atheneum, 2014)

Peek-a-Boo Bunny by Holly Surplice

Join the bunny in his favorite game--hide and seek!

Thoughts: So glad Holly Surplice has a second book out. I love her About a Bear. This one features the same cast, but the bunny is the star. Lovely illustrations and engaging rhyming text. Would pair well with Hide & Seek by Il Sung Na and Hands Off My Honey by Jane Chapman.

Themes: Games, Rabbits, Forest

(Harper, 2014)

This Is a Moose by Richard T. Morris

Illustrated by Tom Lichtenheld

A film about a moose. The only problem: the star refuses to act like a moose. What's a director to do?

Thoughts: Hilarious! This will be such a fun book to share with kids. Would pair well with Count the Monkeys by Mac Barnett.

Themes: Moose, Interactive

(Little, Brown and Company, 2014)

It Is Night by Phyllis Rowand

Illustrated by Laura Pronzek

In the night, where do animals sleep?

Thoughts: Charming story. I wasn't familiar with it, but it seems timeless. I'm glad to make its acquaintance with new illustrations by Laura Pronzek. It Is Night will make a lovely addition to my bedtime storytime. Would pair well with Sleep Like a Tiger by Mary Logue.

Themes: Night, Bedtime

(Greenwillow, 2014)

Is There a Dog In This Book? by Viviane Schwarz

The three cats in the book are sure they don't want to meet a dog. In fact, they spend a lot of time hiding from him, but could they be wrong dogs?

Thoughts: This will be a fun book for kids. The cats are almost hysterical in their hiding from the dog. The flaps are a fun addition.

Themes: Dogs, Cats 

(Candlewick, 2014)