Dog Biscuit by Helen Cooper

You've heard it said that you are what you eat. Does it follow then that if you eat a dog biscuit, you turn into a dog? Bridget thinks it does.

What I thought: A funny book. This is just the sort of adventure (or misadventure) kids have. The illustrations suited the text perfectly. I especially liked the ones of Bridget as a dog.

Story Time Theme: Dogs

(New York: FSG, 2008)

Duck, Duck, Moose by Dave Horowitz

The ducks are going south for winter. Bear is already hibernating. Moose doesn't want to be alone all winter so he goes south with the ducks. Together they have many adventures.

What I thought: A funny book with cartoon like illustrations. I predict this will be a hit with boys.

(New York: GP Putnam's Sons, 2009)

Millie's Marvellous Hat by Satoshi Kitamura

Millie wants to buy a hat, but she has a problem. Her funds are limited. She has no money for hat. Luckily for her, the hat maker has an imagination. He sells her a hat she can afford and Millie has not one hat but hundreds.

What I thought: Another great book about the power of imagination. The illustrations are classic--simple lines and muted colors. My favorite illustration is the one with the people in the park and all their hats. Kids will like looking at all these different hats.

Story Time Themes: Imagination, Stand Alone (the book is a little long)

Craft idea: Have the kids draw/design their own marvelous hats.

(New York: Andersen Press USA, 2009)

When You Meet a Bear on Broadway by Amy Hest

One day, you meet a bear on Broadway. He's lost his mama and you must help him find her.

What I thought: A delightful story. I love the intrusive narrator--makes it an interactive book. The illustration hark back to the old days--simple lines, pastel colors, an almost monochromatic color palette. Where was this book when I did my teddy bear story time?

Story Time Themes: Teddy Bears, Winnie-the-Pooh

(Illus. Elivia Savadier. New York: Melanie Kroupa, 2009)

About Penguins: A Guide for Children by Cathryn Sill

Short text paired with realistic illustrations inform young readers and listeners about penguins, their habitats, and habits. More detailed information about penguins is at the end of the book.

What I thought: Another great penguin book! The brevity of the text makes it ideal for sharing with young children. I liked the illustration captions and the additional information at the end of the book. The captions will hep children identify the different species of penguins.

Story Time Theme: Penguins (Pair with If You Were a Penguin by Florence Minor)

(Illus. John Sill. Atlanta: Peachtree, 2009)

Have You Ever Seen a Sneep? by Tasha Pym

A young boy has all his recreation interrupted by a variety of imaginative (imaginary?) creatures. He can't picnic, read, swim, or even take a walk. When he finds out that you don't have those creatures in your part of the world, his bags are packed and he's coming for an extended stay.

What I thought: Look out Dr. Seuss and Lewis Carroll! Tasha Pym has created new creatures. The slight repetition in the text ("Have you ever...") makes it perfect for story time. Also, it's an interactive book. The boy asks questions and wants answers. The illustrations are great. Old school like Ernest H. Shepard.

Story Time Themes: Imagination or Creatures (Pair with Dr. Seuss' books, a chapter from Alice's Adventures in Wonderland or a chapter about Milne's infamous heffalumps and woozles.)

(Illus. Joel Stewart. New York: FSG, 2009)

If You Were a Penguin by Florence Minor

Imagine you're a penguin. Okay, now what? What exactly do penguins do? Lots!

What I thought: Simple text paired with realistic illustrations result in an informative and engaging book about penguins. This is perfect for preschool and early elementary school. Fun facts and a species directory give readers/listeners something to think about after the story is over. I (an adult) learned quite a bit from this book. I had no idea there are so many types of penguins.

Story Time Themes: Winter, Penguins

(Illus. Wendell Minor. New York: Katherine Tegan, 2009)