What Puppies Do Best by Laura Numeroff

Summary from the dust jacket: Children and families delight in all the playful antics and enthusiastic affection of puppies: They chase their tails and catch Frisbees; they wake you up in the morning and keep you warm at night. But what do they do best? The answer is perfectly clear in this irresistible celebration of puppies.

What I thought: I'm a dog lover/owner and I totally agree with all statements in this book. Puppies are great. What Puppies Do Best will be a wonderful addition to my dog themed story time. The illustrations are lovely. I wouldn't expect anything less from Lynn Munsinger. My favorite illustrations are sitting, giving paw, belly rub, and making friends.

Story Time Themes: Dogs, Love

(Illus. Lynn Munsinger. Chronicle, 2011)

Happy Pig Day! by Mo Willems

An Elephant & Piggie Book

Piggie is so excited. it's Pig Day...that day set aside to celebrate pigs. Gerald gets quite upset. He's an elephant not a pig. But Piggie soon shows him that anyone can celebrate Pig Day.

What I thought: I've never read an Elephant & Piggie Book that I didn't like. This one was especially good. Gerald gets so sad. My favorite part and illustration was the reveal. (Read the book and you'll know what I'm talking about. I won't give it away!)

(Hyperion, 2011)

Time for a Bath by Steve Jenkins & Robin Page

Baths are one of those easy-peasy things. A tub, some water, and don't forget the soap! However, if you're an animal, your bath may not include water. Time for a Bath explores the bathing habits of 15 different animals.

What I thought: Another winner from Jenkins & Page! The topics of this series (eating, sleeping, and bathing) will delight even the youngest children. The illustrations are great. My favorites are Japanese Macaques, spoonbill, and the deer. I can see myself using this book when I do a bath time story time and sharing facts with my preschool story time kids.

(Houghton Mifflin, 2011)

Time to sleep by Steve Jenkins & Robin Page

You know about sleeping, right? Lights out, eyes shut, in bed? Well, not if you're an animal. Time to Sleep explores the sleeping habits of 17 animals.

What I thought: Great as usual. Books by Jenkins & Page are always so interesting and informative. I love the more information section. Time to Sleep would work well for a bedtime or pajama story time for older kids. I really like the illustrations. I'm becoming quite fond of torn & cut paper collage. My favorite illustrations are hedgehog, koala, and gorillas.

(Houghton Mifflin, 2011)

Grandpa Green by Lane Smith

While exploring his great-grandpa's garden, a young boy relates his grandpa's life story.

What I thought: A lovely story with great illustrations. Grandpa Green makes me wish my grandparents had left behind such a garden. This book will be excellent to share with preschoolers. My favorite illustrations are the Wizard of Oz and the elephant.

Story Time Theme: Grandparents

(Roaring Brook Press, 2011)

Splish, Splash, Splat! by Rob Scotton

Things Splat doesn't like:
~Spike (who breaks his toys and eats all the candy fish)
~Water (Baths are horrible! How will he survive swimming lessons?)

Splat's dislikes come together in the swimming pool. It turns out that Splat does like Spike and swimming.

What I thought: Cute! I haven't read any of the other Splat books, but I will be. He's a great character. This would actually pair well with Rock 'n' Roll Mole as both Mole and Splat dislike or fear something. The illustrations are bright and colorful. I find them very appealing. My favorites are dreaming, lined up for swimming lessons, Spike and Splat in the pool, and Spike's gift.

Story Time Themes: Friendship, Swimming, Fears

(Harper, 2011)

Rock 'n' Roll Mole by Carolyn Crimi

Mole likes to rock...but only by himself or with an audience of one. Mole's dilemma is stage fright. Can he overcome his fear and save the day at Pig's talent show?

What I thought: I can't wait to use Rock 'n' Roll Mole is story time. The story sings, if you'll forgive the pun. I like that Mole has a common fear and he overcome it. (I never liked public speaking!) The illustrations are great. I'm a huge fan of Lynn Munsinger. My favorite illustrations are Mole waking up, imitating Mick Badger, and at the end of the show (last page).

Story Time Themes: Friendship, Music, Fears

(Illus. Lynn Munsinger. Dial, 2011)