Wow! Said the Owl by Tim Hopgood

When a little owl naps at night, the day time colors astound her.

What I thought: Simple text, great story/idea, beautiful illustrations. A thoroughly satisfying book.

Story Time Themes: Baby Sit & Sign emphasis on colors, Nocturnal Animals

(New York: FSG, 2009)

A Book of Sleep by Il Sung Na

How do animals sleep? This book explores the various ways different animals sleep.

What I thought: A fun, informative book. Will leave kids wanting to know more about the featured animals and their sleep habits. Loved the illustrations.

Story Time Themes: Pajama story time, Nocturnal Animals

(New York: Knopf, 2007)

Barnyard Slam by Dian Curtis Regan

What's happening tonight on the farm? A poetry slam in the barn. All are invited to hear and be heard.

What I thought: Hilarious! Ever since Cronin's farm books came on the scene, books about farm animals have become increasingly popular. This one doesn't miss. I loved haring all the animals' poems. My favorite was Cow's (excuse me, Bovina's). I also liked seeing the animals' personalities develop. I hope we'll see more of these barnyard friends.

Story Time Ideas: Would be great for introducing kids to the concept of poetry slams. Pair with Cronin's books for a fun story time.

(Illus. Paul Meisel. New York: Holiday House, 2009)

Creaky Old House by Linda Ashman

(Subtitle: A Topsy-Turvy Tale of a Real Fixer-Upper)

Until the day the doorknob breaks, the family likes their house just fine. But oh what a fuss when the doorknob refuses to be fixed and requires not a screw but a whole new house.

What I thought: I've been a fan of Ashman since I read her Stella, Unleashed. This wasn't a disappointment. A rollicking, rhyming narrative about a family and their house. The text has real rhythm. a great read aloud. Older readers (school age) will probably appreciate it more than preschoolers.

(Illus. Michael Chesworth. New York: Sterling, 2009)

What's New at the Zoo? by Suzanne Slade

(Subtitle: An Animal Adding Adventure)

A visit to the zoo becomes a numerical adventure. Rhyming word problems about the animals need solutions. How many animals are at the zoo? Read your way through and solve the problems to get the final count.

What I thought: A fun and educational book. Not only does it teach adding skills, readers also learn about the different zoo animals. The illustrations were realistic. I liked the page borders. They added definition and interest.

Story Time Themes: Numbers, Counting, Baby Sit & Sign emphasis on numbers

(Illus. Joan Waites. Mt. Pleasant, SC: Sylvan Dell, 2009)

Beezus and Ramona movie!!!

Newsflash: premiering this summer--Beezus and Ramona, the movie!

Am I the only fan who didn't know this? Thanks to Abby(the)Librarian for getting the word out.

I loved the Ramona books growing up. I even read Cleary's memoir A Girl from Yamhill. Several times.

During college (English major) and grad school (library science) I was absolutely floored to discover Beverly Cleary was a children's librarian before she became a writer and author.

It's been ages since I read the books. The movie's not coming out until August (I think). So here's my own personal challenge: to re-read all the Ramona books before the movie comes out. Join me if you dare.

Here are all the Ramona books:

1. Beezus and Ramona
2. Ramona the Pest
3. Ramona the Brave
4. Ramona and her Father
5. Ramona and her Mother
6. Ramona Quimby, Age 8
7. Ramona Forever
8. Ramona's World

Note: I might also read Henry and Beezus which is pre-Ramona.

Expect regular updates on my status.

Pennies for Elephants by Lita Judge

In 1914 Boston, children go without treats and find extra jobs so they can buy three elephants for the local zoo. The story is told through the eyes of one little girl and newspaper clippings.

What I thought: A fascinating story and just think, it's true! I liked everything about this book. Will definitely use it for my next elephant story time. The illustrations were great. I especially liked the newspaper clipping inserts. They added a lot to the story.

(New York: Hyperion, 2009)