Juvenile Picture Books
Selected by Cindy Robertson, Reference & Youth Services.
Scheduled to be published in the Times Union on 1/2005.
| Title: Snug as a Bug Author: Ross, Michael Elsohn Publisher: Chronicle Books 2004 Ages 2-4. Ross’s rhythmic, rhyming text creates the soporific effect of this bedtime tale. The term “bug” is very loosely interpreted (worms, slugs and spiders appear among other imposters), but this is a story that is sure to please the younger set—especially when read aloud. |
| Title: No Dogs Allowed! Author: Manzano, Sonia Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers 2004 Ages 4-8. "Maria" of Sesame Street fame describes her characters by who they are or what they do. This is a situation comedy enhanced by the seven-year-old point of view. Jon Muth’s illustrations are wonderfully apt in this tale of an extended Hispanic family’s picnic outing at the lake. |
| Title: Knuffle Bunny Author: Willems, Mo Publisher: Hyperion Books for Childre 2004 Ages 4-8. With cartoon characters superimposed upon monochrome photographs of Brooklyn this unique book tells the tale of Trixie, a toddler who is not yet talking intelligibly, on an outing to the Laundromat with her daddy. The text is brief yet the story is richly told with hilarious illustrations of Trixie’s "help" and later her attempts to communicate with her dad. |
| Title: The Monster Trap Author: Morrissey, Dean Publisher: Harper Collins 2004 Ages 4-8. When Pop brings his grandson Paddy over to stay, Paddy is sure that monsters are making all the unfamiliar noises in the night. Pop, who appears to own an antique-cum-junkyard shop, builds monster traps to calm Paddy’s fears. The traps evolve from the simplest—a stick holding up a box over the bait—to a complex assortment of bells, whistles, tubes, gears and sundry other items with unexpected results. |
| Title: What Time is it, Mr. Crocodile? Author: Sierra, Judy Publisher: Gulliver Books, Harcourt 2004 Ages 4-8. The repeating title phrase will give listeners a chance to participate in this rhyming story of a crocodile’s plans for the day. Doug Cushman’s illustrations are cheery in bright colors and each passing hour is depicted on an analog clock while five pesky monkeys pester Mr. Crocodile throughout the day. |