Picture Book Saturday

The Pout-Pout Fish by Deborah Diesen, illustrated by Dan Hanna (New York: FSG, 2008)

Mr. Fish can't help how he looks. He's a pout-pout fish. He was made to look sad. He explains this to all his friends who complain about his dreariness. It isn't until he's kissed that Mr. Fish realizes maybe pouting is a choice. He chooses instead to be a kiss-kiss fish.

What I thought: What a cute book! The ilustrations were lovely and colorful. I like the lesson it teaches: attitude is more about choice than biology.

That Book Woman by Heather Henson, illustrated by David Small (New York: Atheneum, 2008)

Cal prides himself on being different than his sister Lark who reads all the time. The dedication of the Pack Horse Librarian makes him wonder what's so great about those books she lugs up the mountain in every weather. Cal's wondering turns into work when he learns how to read.

What I thought: What a great story! I like that the book's setting is Appalachia. I'd never heard of the Pack Horse Librarians. I definitely plan to learn more about them.

Carlo and the Really Nice Librarian by Jessica Spanyol (Cambridge, MA: Candlewick, 2004)

Carlo likes the library, but finds the librarian more than a little scary. Her willingness to help him find books and her knowledge of books soon wins him over.
What I thought: What a nice way to address the fears kids sometimes have of libraries and libraries. I think this will be going in my personal collection.