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Let's Sing a Lullaby with the Brave Cowboy by Jan Thomas
Summary: Brave Cowboy tries to sing his young calf pals to sleep on a dark, dark night with humorous results.
My Thoughts: Jan Thomas writes funny and short stories and this is one! As you read, you can decide if the cowboy lives up to his billing as brave. You might decide that the cows are braver! There is a little twist at the end to keep the fun going!
*Summary taken from CIP data.
Lemonade in Winter: A Book About Two Kids Counting Money by Emily Jenkins
Summary: Pauline and her brother John-John set up a stand to sell lemonade, limeade, and lemon-limeade one cold, wintry day, then try to attract customers as Pauline adds up their earnings.
My Thoughts: This is a story that defies predictions. Could a lemonade stand really make it in the cold and snow of winter? Read and see! The use of money in the story will give readers some good practice of their own with counting!
*Summary taken from CIP data.
Frog and Fly: Six Slurpy Stories by Jeff Mack
Summary: Through a series of easy-to-read scenes, Frog always gets the better of Fly, but in the end Fly has the last word.
My Thoughts: This is a funny story that is set in a series of short stories or chapters. Frog and Fly are always sparring verbally and Frog usually has the last word -- Slurp! In the end, the funny end, Fly does have the last word. This is a good book for beginning readers to use speech bubbles to read the conversations. Readers can also practice reading with meaning by following the punctuation marks.
*Summary taken from CIP data.
The Secret of Saying Thanks by Douglas Wood
Summary: While learning the secret to a good life, a child says thank you for the natural world and for being loved, because a grateful heart is always happy.
My Thoughts: The pictures are beautiful! This isn't exactly a story but more of a series of descriptions of things in nature and life to be thankful. The words help the reader to realize the benefit of being thankful and that is that a thankful heart is happy. This would be an interesting book to share with a young person as a point of discussion about gratitude and the importance of being thankful.
*Summary taken from CIP data.
Little Santa by Jon Agee
Summary: A resident of the North Pole with the ability to slide up and down chimneys meets a flying reindeer and some industrious elves, in this fictional biography of Santa Claus.
My Thoughts: I so enjoy Jon Agee's books! They have a dry and ironic sense of humor! This is a fun biography of Santa Claus that shows a little boy growing up in a large family that is really tired of living in the cold of the North Pole. They decide that life will be better in Florida and set out to move there. But the weather thwarts their plans and little Santa Claus has to use his skills to help his family. Little kids will enjoy thinking about the early life of Santa Claus in this picture book! If you like this one, look for more books by Jon Agee!
*Summary taken from CIP data.
Binky, License to Scratch by Ashley Spires
Summary: Binky the space cat and his team of space pets are left at the vet's office
while their humans are away. Binky plans an escape, only to stumble on a secret
experiment that could give vicious aliens the upper hand! It's up to Binky and
his friends to save the humans ... and themselves!
My Thoughts: Binky is a graphic novel, which kids will enjoy. It is the last of a series all about Binky and his adventures. In this story, Binky and his fellow animal friends have to go to what they are told is a "Pet Hotel" but is really the Vet's office. They feel they are doomed! This is a fun adventure with a little body humor thrown in that boys will enjoy! If you like this series, you might also try the Down Girl and Sit series by Lucy Nolan.
*Summary taken from MLS website.
The Apple Orchard Riddle by Margaret McNamara
Summary: When students in Mr. Tiffin's class are invited to solve a riddle during a field trip to an apple orchard, it is Tara's daydreams that may lead to the answer.
My Thoughts: This is a fun story about a field trip and apples. Readers can see some of the processes that go on at an apple orchard and farm. The riddle Mr. Tiffin gives his students is a puzzle that an astute reader may quickly see the answer to but should enjoy Tara's journey to the answer in the story. This would be fun to add to an unit on apples or just a fun read sometime.
*Summary taken from CIP data.
I Need My Monster by Amanda Noll
Summary: Ethan's monster is gone for the night but he is worried that none of the substitute monsters are scary enough to keep him in bed for the night.
My Thoughts: This would be fun to read with a child struggling with night time fears. It is a twist on the scary monster under the bed fear that many children may have. In this case, Ethan wants a scary monster under his bed to help him stay in bed all night!
Memoirs of a Hamster by Devin Scillian
Summary: A pet hamster is enticed by the family cat to venture outside his well-equipped cage to the sunroom only to very quickly discover life outside his cage is not the best for him.
My Thoughts: This is the same author-illustrator duo who wrote Memoirs of a Goldfish, another fun book. I really liked this story! It has lots of humor that kids and adults will get, although the Hoover reference may need to be explained to some children. The hamster has a wonderful voice, that lends this book to use in the classroom. This would be a fun book to use with a lesson on organization too. Downloadable teaching guides are available online at the publisher's website.
*Summary taken from CIP data.
On My Way to Bed by Sarah Maizes
Summary: Livi imagines herself as a tightrope walker, a zoo dentist, a magician, and more as she tries to avoid going to bed.
My Thoughts: This story brought back memories of childhood and my brother who was a master a drawing out the going to bed process. Livi is pretty good at that too! A parent will read this to their child and hope that their child doesn't get any new ideas! A child will hear this story and be entertained by the imagination and the fun pictures that add humor and details to Livi's imaginings. Don't read this before bed without expecting some new stalling tactics!
*Summary taken from CIP data.
Off We Go! A Bear and Mole Story by Will Hillenbrand
Summary: Bear teaches his friend, Mole, how to ride his bike with no training wheels. After many bumps along the road, they make it to their final destination: the Storymobile.
My Thoughts: As a librarian, I love how this story ends! As a mom, I love the friendship and encouragement that the story illustrates! The pictures are wonderful too, with vibrant colors and a softness that makes them friendly and cheery.
*Summary taken from CIP data.
Who's on First? by Abbot and Costello
Summary: An illustrated edition of the classic comedy routine by Abbott and Costello about oddly named baseball players.
My Thoughts: This is a great book for reading aloud, either to younger kids or beginning readers! If they haven't heard it yet they will be in stitches! Make sure that the kids can understand and follow a bit of word play to make sure they can really enjoy the book!
*Summary taken from CIP data.
I Broke My Trunk! by Mo Willems
Summary: Gerald the elephant tells his best friend Piggie a long, crazy story about how he broke his trunk.
My Thoughts: I LOVED this book in the Piggie and Elephant series! Gerald's story is so very funny it is sure to tickle anyone's funny bone! There are many times when the reader will think "Ok, this is it!" but then it isn't. The story continues on and on, but not too long! Beginning readers will love this one! It is a great book to have them read aloud to an adult. They can be taught to use expression with their reading using this and any other of the Piggie and Elephant books.
*Summary taken from CIP data.
Benjamin Bear in Bright Ideas! a Toon Book by Philippe Coudray
Summary: Benjamin Bear, accompanied by his faithful rabbit friend, continues to share his observations and questions about the world around him.
My Thoughts: This is a graphic novel with little comics throughout. Each page is a stand alone "story". This would be wonderful for beginnig readers or struggling readers because each page is a complete story. It would be easy to put a book mark in it and come back to it later no matter where in the book the reader is. The stories are full of ironic humor that isn't difficult for young readers to understand. Fun! Toon books are great! If you like this one, look for more! Also, this is just one of the Benjamin Bear books!
*Summary taken from CIP data.
Seeing Symmetry by Loreen Leedy
Summary: Introduces the concept of symmetry, discussing how it appears in the world. Includes activities.
My Thoughts: A very interesting and thorough exploration of symmetry. Children should easily understand the concept of symmetry after reading this book. Lines of symmetry and rotational symmetry are clearing explained with many illustrations to help with understanding. The many illustrations should help children understand the concept.
*Summary taken from CIP data.
That Is NOT a Good Idea! by Mo Willems
Summary: Illustrations that resemble a silent film tell the story of a plump mama goose who is invited to dinner by a hungry fox while her babies try to warn her that it is a bad idea.
My Thoughts: This story reminds me of My Lucky Day by Keiko Kasza. It is a funny story with a surprise ending! Who are those chicks really talking to when warning "That is not a good idea!". This would be so much fun to read aloud to younger kids and have them predict what is going to happen or have them read the part of the little chicks! Another book from Mo Willems that doesn't disappoint!
*Summary taken from CIP data.
My Lucky Birthday by Keiko Kasza
Summary: A surprising twist occurs on Alligator Al's birthday when a tasty-looking piglet knocks on Al's door.
My Thoughts: I'm already a fan of Keiko Kasza so this new story only makes me like her work even more! Her stories are funny and not always what the reader expects, which only adds to the giggles. Piglet is at it again for those who have read My Lucky Day, only now it is Piglet's birthday. Will he be able to trick Alligator Al into giving him a party? Read and see!
*Summary taken from CIP data.
Hoop Genius: How a Desperate Teacher and a Rowdy Gym
Class Invented Basketball by John Coy
Summary: Tells the story of why and how James Naismith invented the game of basketball in 1891.
My Thoughts: I had heard a little of the story of how basketball was invented but this fun picture book really explained it well! The pictures are neatly styled to show the boys of the time some even with moustaches! Boys and girls can both appreciate the subject of inventing a game. It may even spur some to give it a try themselves!
*Summary taken from CIP data.
Exclamation Mark by Amy Krouse Rosenthal
Summary: An exclamation mark, who does not look like the periods around him, learns to embrace what makes him stand out.
My Thoughts: A fun look at the world from the point of view of the exclamation mark! This would be a great introduction to this punctuation mark for younger students or a funny review for older students. It makes you wonder how the exclamation mark really feels about things! Funny!
*Summary taken from CIP data.
Boot & Shoe by Marla Frazee
Summary: Boot and Shoe are dogs who live in the same house, eat from the same bowl, and sleep in the same bed, but happily spend their days on separate porches, until a squirrel causes some serious confusion.
My Thougts: This is a wonderful dog story! I think boys will love it because these two dogs are litter mates who do almost everything together, even pee on the same tree! That pesky squirrel sure does make a mess of things for Boot and Shoe one rainy day. Any child who has spent lots of time with dogs will understand and relate to this story very well, but that isn't a requirement to enjoy the story!
*Summary taken from CIP data.
Naughty Toes by Ann Bonwill
Summary: Chloe and Belinda are sisters, but they couldn't be more different! Belinda is a born dancer and the star of Madame Mina's dance classs. As far as Madame Mina is concerned, Chloe just has "naughty toes." Only Mr. Tiemp, the class pianist, has spotted Chole's talents. With his help, Chloe finds a way to reach her dreams.
My Thoughts: This story is for any little girl who loves to dance! The reader learns that everyone's talents don't have to be the same. People can be unique and that is just fine. Read the story and see how Chloe fairs with her naughty toes!
*Summary taken from the dust jacket.
This is Not My Hat by Jon Klassen
Summary: A fish has stolen a hat. And he'll probably get away with it.
My Thoughts: This is a similar story to I Want My Hat Back also by Jon Klassen. The fish admits to stealing a hat, but is sure that he will get away with it. Read the story to see if he does! Clever, funny and blunt! Winner of the Caldecott Award.
*Summary taken from the inside flap of the dust jacket.
I Want My Hat Back by Jon Klassen
Summary: A bear almost gives up his search for his missing hat until he remembers something important.
My Thoughts: This is an award winner with style and a twist. Some might object that the story is violent, although any violence in the story is not in the illustrations. Others may counter that the story is true to life. An award winner for early readers.
*Summary taken from CIP data.
Penny and Her Marble by Kevin Henkes
Summary: Penny feels guilty after taking a beautiful blue marble that she sees in Mrs. Goodwin's grass, but gets a pleasant surprise when she goes to return it the net day.
My Thoughts: This is the second in a new series of beginning, easy readers by Kevin Henkes starring Penny. I liked this story with the challenge that Penny faces. She has to decide what to do with the shiny blue marble. Her decision bothers her for the rest of the day and overnight, but the reader will be pleased with the conclusion. This can just be a fun story for practicing reading or a spring board to a discussion about honesty and character.
*Summary taken from CIP data.
Penny and Her Song by Kevin Henkes
Summary: Penny comes home from school eager to share her very own song, but must wait until the time is right to teach it to her parents and the babies.
My Thoughts: This is a simple and sweet beginning reader. I can relate to Penny's impatience to share her song even as she is told over and over again that it isn't the right time.
*Summary taken from CIP data.
Listen to My Trumpet! by Mo Willems
Summary: When Piggie plays her new trumpet for Gerald, the elephant decides he must be honest in his response.
My Thoughts: Another Piggie and Elephant book to love! Gerald is a great friend who has to gently let Piggie know that her trumpet playing just isn't very good. Telling a good friend the truth can be difficult. The laugh comes when Piggie explains that her goal is not to play music on the trumpet! This is a great laugh out loud story that can also be a springboard for lots of discussion about friendship and honesty. Loved it! There was never any doubt!
*Summary taken from CIP data.
Mrs. McBloom Clean Up Your Classroom by Kelly DiPucchio
Summary: The entire town of Up Yonder joins in to help their favorite teacher clean up her messy classroom.
My Thoughts: This is an all time favorite of mine! It is a wonderful choice for storytime as it is sure to get smiles and giggles! It is hard to imagine a classroom in the world that resembles Room Five. Mrs. McBloom's beehive hairdo, sweet smile, funny expressions, and cluttered classroom draw readers into the story by page two. The problem solving of her students bring giggles and the many artifacts found in Room Five including petrified cupcakes, a rotary telephone, and old lunch boxes bring delight to many kids and lead to some fun side discussions. Everyone can just imagine what will happen when Miss Bumblesprout moves in for her first day of teaching in Room Five!
*Summary taken from CIP data.
Extra Yarn by Mac Barnett
Summary: With a supply of yarn that never runs out, Annabelle knits for everyone and everything in town until an evil archduke decides he wants the yarn for himself.
My Thoughts: This is a heartwarming story a little girl who sees a need and seeks to meet it with her talent and skills. The yarn brings soft color to the illustrations slowly, page by page, as Annabelle knits things for the her town and the people that live there. The story reminds me of Snow by Uri Shulevitz, a Caldecott Honor Award winner from 1999, in terms of how the illustrator slowly adds color to the pictures one page at a time. And Extra Yarn also reminds me of The Quiltmaker's Gift by Jeff Brumbeau in terms of the generosity displayed by Annabelle and the use of craft in the story. This is a great book to share for appreciation of the story and the art. I loved this story and I can see why it recieved the Caldecott Honor Award! Wonderful!
*Summary taken from CIP data.
Down on the Farm by Merrily Kutner
Summary - The sights and sounds of noisy farmyard animals during a busy day include roosters calling, horses neighing, cows mooing, ducks quacking, and pigs oinking.
My Thoughts - I've enjoyed this book for awhile and have just recently rediscovered it. I first found it when it appeared on the Texas 2 x 2 list in 2005. I have just begun reading it to my four month old son in board book form. It is one of the few books he will look at as I read to him. The rhymes are great! And the pictures are fun too! A parent can add lots to the story or not, depending on what the little one likes. Lot of bedtime fun!
*Summary taken from publisher information.
Green by Laura Vaccaro Seeger
Summary - Illustrations and simple, rhyming text explore the many shades of the color green.
My Thoughts - Use this book to introduce new colors to children. It would be perfect for use in an art classroom and also one on one with children to help them see more details in the world around them. The pages have fun cut outs that let the reader glimpse what is coming next! I am a fan of Laura Vaccaro Seeger's beautiful painted illustrations and was able to meet her a few years ago! This newest title won't disappoint. In fact it is a winner of a 2013 Caldecott Honor Award!
*Summary taken from CIP data.
Creepy Carrots! by Aaron Reynolds
Summary - The carrots that grow in Crackhopper Field are the fattest and crispiest around and Jasper Rabbit cannont resist pulling some to eat each time he passes by, until he begins hearing and seeing creepy carrots wherever he goes.
My Thoughts - A really funny story about some very clever and creepy carrots that stalk Jasper Rabbit to stop him from eating them! This is a picture book that has some graphic novel feel to it. The illustrations won this title a 2013 Caldecott Honor Medal. I can't wait to read this one with my son in a few years!
*Summary taken from CIP data.
One Cool Friend by Toni Buzzeo
Summary - Elliot, a very proper young man, feels a kinship with the penguins at the aquarium and wants to take one home with him.
My Thoughts - This is a fun story that reminded me a bit of Mr. Popper's Penguins in that the penguin comes home with Elliot! Kids will like that Elliot's father doesn't seem to be paying attention to Magellan for quite awhile. This book recently won the illustrator a Caldecott Honor for this book. One Cool Friend is also on the ALSC Notable Book List for 2013. Lots of sly fun!
*Summary taken from CIP data.
The Secret of Saying Thanks by Douglas Wood
Little Santa by Jon Agee
Binky, License to Scratch by Ashley Spires
The Apple Orchard Riddle by Margaret McNamara
I Need My Monster by Amanda Noll
Memoirs of a Hamster by Devin Scillian 
On My Way to Bed by Sarah Maizes
Off We Go! A Bear and Mole Story by Will Hillenbrand
Who's on First? by Abbot and Costello
I Broke My Trunk! by Mo Willems
Benjamin Bear in Bright Ideas! a Toon Book by Philippe Coudray
That Is NOT a Good Idea! by Mo Willems
My Lucky Birthday by Keiko Kasza
Exclamation Mark by Amy Krouse Rosenthal
Boot & Shoe by Marla Frazee
Naughty Toes by Ann Bonwill
This is Not My Hat by Jon Klassen
I Want My Hat Back by Jon Klassen
Penny and Her Marble by Kevin Henkes
Penny and Her Song by Kevin Henkes
Listen to My Trumpet! by Mo Willems
