Juvenile Picture Books
Selected by Cindy Robertson, Reference & Youth Services Librarian.
Scheduled to be published in the Times Union on 9/2006.
| Title: Blackbeard and the Birthday Suit Author: McElligott, Matt Publisher: Walker and Company 2006 Ages 4 & up Backbeard (not to be confused with Blackbeard) is one hairy pirate. In fact, he’s so unsanitary he can’t seem to keep a parrot (they usually quit after a few days). But after his birthday party even the feared captain of the Five O’Clock Shadow must finally go ashore to purchase himself a new suit. The dialog is “piratey” (naughty but not nasty) and the visual jokes are the perfect counterpoint. A funny book with something for readers of all ages. |
| Title: I'm Not Cute! Author: Allen, Jonathan Publisher: Hyperion 2006 Ages 3-6 Baby Owl is tired of all the animals in the forest telling him he’s “cute” and then giving him hugs. Don’t they realize what a “huge, scary, sleek, sharp-eyed hunting machine” he is? Mama Owl reads the little guy right, and after calming the identity crisis she puts him to bed with just the right words. A “cute” book sure to please the younger set as well as those that care for them. |
| Title: Sail Away, Little Boat Author: Buell, Janet Publisher: Carolrhoda Books, Inc. 2006 Ages 4-8 This is a rhythmic tale of a toy sailboat’s travels down a brook, on a river and finally to an ocean. The illustrations by Jui Ishida have an almost cartoonish simplicity, but they contain many discernible details of the natural world. One can imagine young readers pointing out the minnows and whirligig beetles and other creatures along the watery path of the bright red boat. A repeating refrain also offers the listener a chance to participate in the cadence of this rhythmic voyage. |
| Title: What a Treasure! Author: Hillenbrand, Jane Publisher: Holiday House 2006 Ages 3-6 Mole is digging for treasure with his trusty shovel and wearing a hardhat. At first he finds only ordinary things like a twig, a shell, and an acorn. When his friends Bird, Snail, and Squirrel greet these finds with “Oh, what a treasure!” Mole gladly shares. Persistence pays off, however, when Mole digs down far enough to meet another mole; thus finding the best treasure of all, a friend. |
| Title: Overboard! Author: Weeks, Sarah Publisher: Harcourt, Inc. 2006 Ages 2-4 Just as toddlers enjoy tossing things from high chair, crib, and stroller, so a little bunny gleefully launches everything from raisins to diaper wipes. Little listeners will be ready to join in with the “overboard!” refrain and are sure to giggle at the creative “heights” to which this book rises. |