Juvenile Picture Books
Selected by Cindy Robertson, Librarian.
Scheduled to be published in the Times Union on 9/2007.
| Title: If I Had a Dragon Author: Ellery, Amanda and Tom Publisher: Simon & Schuster 2006 For ages 4 through 8. A boy named Morton imagines his baby brother first as a kite, then as a bulldozer, and finally as a huge green dragon. Delightfully droll illustrations tell the real story as Morton attempts to play games and enjoy other activities such as going for a swim or to the movies. Just maybe being stuck in a sandbox with his baby brother isn’t so bad after all. Share this book with a youngster who can spot the pictorial clues and likes to giggle. |
| Title: Farmer Ham Author: Sillifant, Alec Publisher: Noth-South Books 2007 For ages 4 though 8. The crows in Farmer Ham’s cornfield laugh after he stops chasing them and decides to go fishing in the pond. Shouting “silly old Farmer Ham!” (and making bad jokes) at every opportunity, they can’t understand why he keeps fishing when all he brings up are items of old clothing. Readers may be able to guess what will happen next, but it won’t stop this rollicking book from bringing pleasure to a crowd. |
| Title: You Can Do Anything, Daddy! Author: Rex, Michael Publisher: G. P. Putnam’s Sons G. P. Putnam’s Sons 2007 For ages 4 through 8. In an interesting twist on the pirate theme, a boy asks his dad “what if” pirates kidnapped him. As these pirates morph into robot gorilla pirates from Mars the balding middle-aged, suit-wearing dad is shown swinging from trees, tying snakes into knots, and fighting off vultures in his attempts to rescue his son. While dad heroically manages the job, his son continues the imagination game by nursing his father back to health. A happy ending for all. |
| Title: Bob and Otto Author: Bruel, Robert Publisher: G. P. Putnam’s Sons 2007 For ages 4 through 8. Bob and Otto play together as caterpillar and worm, but one day, “Bob looked up.” Colorful split-page illustrations depict the activities of each as one goes up a tree while the other digs in the earth. Weeks later, when the two friends meet again, Bob assures a saddened Otto that, in fact, his digging was an important part of the earth cycle that allowed him to become a butterfly. Luckily, the “teachable moment” does not overwhelm this story of friendship. |
| Title: The Perfect Nest Author: Friend, Catherine Publisher: Candlewick Press 2007 For ages 4 through 8. A wiley cat, whose heart is set on egg omelets, builds a magnificent nest complete with a “welcome” mat in this funny story of a nasty trick gone wrong. Bold illustrations by John Manders depict the action as not only a chicken, but also a duck and a goose try out the nest and frustrate its builder. To add to the silliness each fowl speaks in a differently accented dialect, so brush up on your Spanish, French and Southern drawl before you read this aloud—and DO read it aloud. Kids will hoot at the way the cat’s trick is turned around and will cheer at the “perfect” ending. |