Wake Up Moon! by Lita Judge is a sweet story about animals enjoying the snow and each other. The picturesque illustrations make it easy to grab your aWake Up Moon! by Lita Judge is a sweet story about animals enjoying the snow and each other. The picturesque illustrations make it easy to grab your attention. Most children will be captivated by this children’s fiction story....more
The Red Canoe by Anne Yvonne is a beautiful story written like poetry that tells of a boy who enjoys his canoe and cares for it as he grows and eventuThe Red Canoe by Anne Yvonne is a beautiful story written like poetry that tells of a boy who enjoys his canoe and cares for it as he grows and eventually moves away. The canoe misses the boy, but luckily another boy moves in and fines the canoe and new adventures begin. The illustrations are stunning in this historical children’s fiction story....more
Little Bear’s Friend by Else Holmelund Minarik is a book with 4 stories in it: Little Bear and Emily, Duck, Baby Sitter, The Party at Owl’s House, andLittle Bear’s Friend by Else Holmelund Minarik is a book with 4 stories in it: Little Bear and Emily, Duck, Baby Sitter, The Party at Owl’s House, and Your Friend, Little Bear. My favorite story is Little Bear and Emily. I love the illustrations by Maurice Sendak. I also love the description of the town and area where Little Bear lives. I enjoy hearing Little Bear interact with the squirrels, and birds, the little green worm, and finally, Emily, his new friend.
All of the stories in this children’s fiction picture book are about Emily’s visit during the summer. Little Bear and Emily had a wonder time. ...more
In the story Little Blue Truck Leads the Way by Alice Schertle, Little Blue took a trip to the city where things are bigger and faster. Everyone was fIn the story Little Blue Truck Leads the Way by Alice Schertle, Little Blue took a trip to the city where things are bigger and faster. Everyone was frustrated that Little Blue was not so fast but he reminded them all that with transport, one at a time was a must. When the mayor’s limousine needed repairs, Little Blue gave the mayor a ride before he headed on home.
The colorful illustrations by Jill McElmurry give lots of opportunities to work on vocabulary with your children in this board book....more
Unlike most other Corduroy children’s stories, Corduroy’s Easter Party by Grosset & Dunlap, Publishers, did not include his normal adventures or Lisa,Unlike most other Corduroy children’s stories, Corduroy’s Easter Party by Grosset & Dunlap, Publishers, did not include his normal adventures or Lisa, Corduroy’s best friend. I missed both. It was nice that Corduroy could have a nice time preparing for an Easter holiday party but this story just doesn’t have the same magic that most stories based on the character created by Don Freeman have.
The Illustrations by Lisa McCue are well-polished but maybe too polished for a traditional Corduroy adventure....more
I believe I have read all or at least most of Crockett Johnson’s Harold and the Purple Crayon books, but I must admit, Harold’s ABC’s is my least favoI believe I have read all or at least most of Crockett Johnson’s Harold and the Purple Crayon books, but I must admit, Harold’s ABC’s is my least favorite of these children’s classics. The story and the art was tedious and forced to include all the letters of the alphabet in order. This is very unlike the natural flow of Harold’s natural drawing imagination....more
I had Frog and Toad books as a child and I was glad to recently obtain the collection. Frog and Toad Are Friends by Arnold Lobel is a delightful colleI had Frog and Toad books as a child and I was glad to recently obtain the collection. Frog and Toad Are Friends by Arnold Lobel is a delightful collection of 5 stories about amphibian friends, Frog and Toad: Spring, The Story, A Lost Button, A Swim and The Letter. I enjoyed all of the stories about Frog and Toad and their animal friends but my favorite is The Story.
Frog had come to visit Toad and he did not feel well. Toad offered Frog his bed and Frog asked Toad for a story. Toad, not able to think of a story, did all sorts of things to try to make his brain come up with one. He was not successful. But just as Frog felt better, he and Toad switched spots, because Toad no longer felt well. In turn, Toad asked for a story and Frog told Toad a story about a friend that did all sorts of silly things to help him come up with a story to tell his sick friend. By the end of the story Toad was sound asleep.
When I read this classic children’s story, my wife, Karen Clemenson, had come home for lunch and she very much enjoyed these stories too. She told me that she enjoyed The Letter the most. It was about Toad and how he got sad waiting for the mail because he never got anything. When he told Frog about this, Frog immediately went home and wrote him a letter about how much he enjoyed his friendship. Frog gave the message to a snail to deliver. Four days later, as they were waiting for the mail, both Frog and Toad were overjoyed that Toad got such a lovely letter. I enjoyed this story too because it reminded me of my sister, Jamie Holloway, and I because even though we communicate daily, we also send letters to each other.
I enjoy how these two friends truly love and accommodate each other in this fantasy fiction picture book. What a lovely example of friendship. ...more
Frank the Farting Flamingo by Humor Heals Us is just another children’s fiction picture book that gives us another reason to talk about farting. I donFrank the Farting Flamingo by Humor Heals Us is just another children’s fiction picture book that gives us another reason to talk about farting. I don’t think most kids need a reason for this, but they will enjoy it. Frank is adorable though…and who doesn’t like to fart anyway?
I originally bought a copy of this book for my friend Linea, who insists she has the soul of a 10-year-old boy living inside of her. She loves flamingos and it made her laugh so much that I bought a copy for myself....more
Curious George is a monkey that always finds himself in an adventure. In Curious George Flies a Kite by Margret Rey, the man in the yellow hat has worCurious George is a monkey that always finds himself in an adventure. In Curious George Flies a Kite by Margret Rey, the man in the yellow hat has work to do so George has the day to amuse himself. His new ball is a lot of fun, until George gets distracted by the window and must see who would live in the tiny house next door. This is George’s first experience with rabies and he really enjoys them until he sees a man going fishing. He tries to go fishing on his own but has no success and luckily his friend, Bill, is there to help get George out of the water. Bill has a kite, which turns out to be great fun until George attempts to fly the kite by himself. Fortunately, the man in the yellow hat is able to catch George in a helicopter and bring George and the kite back home.
This fun fiction children’s classic with animals is brought to life by the colorful pictures by H. A. Rey. This picture book is full of humor, morals and the innocent whims of Curious George....more
Harold’s Fairy Tale by Crockett Johnson is a fantasy that begins in an enchanted garden with no flowers. Of course Harold must find out why that is, sHarold’s Fairy Tale by Crockett Johnson is a fantasy that begins in an enchanted garden with no flowers. Of course Harold must find out why that is, so on his art adventure he ends up in a castle with a sad king. There Harold meets with a witch with giant feet, a swarm of mosquitos, fire, rain and then a beautiful enchanted garden full of flowers and a fairy that gives him one wish, that he trades for a flying carpet that brings him home. When he finds his mother, he asks her to read him a bedtime story....more
The Berenstain Bears Count Their Blessings by Stan and Jan Berenstain is just another sweet story, in a long line of high morale children’s classics tThe Berenstain Bears Count Their Blessings by Stan and Jan Berenstain is just another sweet story, in a long line of high morale children’s classics that help teach positivity. In this story, Mama Bear is a bit stressed because every time Brother and Sister go to visit a friend, they come back, excited about what their friends have, they they don’t have. But on this day, there is thunder and lightening storm that knocks out the electricity. This is the perfect time for Mama and Papa to talk about the weather and counting their blessings as the family huddles around the fire with their hot chocolate.
I find this fiction animal picture book to be endearing and educational....more
Papa, Mama and Milkweed are the Woodsey family. This family of squirrels live in the forest in a lovely home, high in a tree in nature. But one night Papa, Mama and Milkweed are the Woodsey family. This family of squirrels live in the forest in a lovely home, high in a tree in nature. But one night there is a terrible storm that forces them to leave. The family works together to save some of their tools and possessions and their very lives as they leave their home before lightening strikes twice.
This sweet animal family loves each other and their new friend, Goodgrub Mole, as they learn how to relocate and stay positive during stressful times. Lightening Strikes Twice by Marci Ridlon is endearing and educational and the illustrations by Cyndy Szekeres are adorable.
I had this book as a child and I still love it! This children’s fiction picture book is a great addition to story time....more
When I was a little girl I had a copy of The Raggedy Ann Stories by Johnny Gruelle. I also had my mother’s Raggedy Ann doll. She was a special doll inWhen I was a little girl I had a copy of The Raggedy Ann Stories by Johnny Gruelle. I also had my mother’s Raggedy Ann doll. She was a special doll in my family. It was special to me to reread these heart-warming children’s classic fiction picture book, which included 7 short stories: Raggedy Ann Learns a Lesson, Raggedy Ann and the Kite, Raggedy Ann Rescues Fido, Raggedy Ann and the Strange Dolls, Raggedy Ann and the Kittens, Raggedy Ann and the Chickens, and Raggedy Ann’s New Sisters. Out of all the stories, my favorite is Raggedy Ann and the Strange Dolls.
All the stories have lovely morals and simple beauty and fantasy to them, but Raggedy Ann and the Strange Dolls is about some new fancy dolls that come to the nursery. Annabel Lee and Thomas, named after Marcella’s aunt and uncle, who sent the dolls to Marcella, thought they were better than all the other older dolls because they have real hair and fashionable clothes, while the other dolls have been well-loved and have some wear and tear, especially Raggedy Ann, who was Marcella’s grandmother’s doll and has a simple painted face, cotton stuffed body and yarn for hair.
By the end of the story, the two new dollies learn why Raggedy Ann is a favorite of all the dolls and Marcella, not because Raggedy Ann is more beautiful on the outside, but because of her great wisdom and love towards everyone. I love that this story shows that a beautiful heart is the most important feature in a person. ...more
Corduroy is a sweet teddy bear that always finds an adventure by accident. He is the creation of Don Freeman, but A Christmas Wish for Corduroy is by Corduroy is a sweet teddy bear that always finds an adventure by accident. He is the creation of Don Freeman, but A Christmas Wish for Corduroy is by B.G. Hennessy.
In this classic children’s fiction picture book, Corduroy wants a name, an outfit and a boy or girl to want him for Christmas and luckily for him, Corduroy accidentally makes all of his wishes come true. This heart-warming story is made even more special by illustrations by Jody Wheeler....more
Taylor the Tooting Turkey by Humor Heals Us is not my favorite farting fiction children’s book. There is really no story but there is some humor. WhatTaylor the Tooting Turkey by Humor Heals Us is not my favorite farting fiction children’s book. There is really no story but there is some humor. What might be helpful is the definition of the different types of farts the gives, if you need this information. The illustrations are cheerful and endearing....more
I always wonder why Walter’s family take him on adventures since his atrocious gas always gets him alienated from society, but I love that they adore I always wonder why Walter’s family take him on adventures since his atrocious gas always gets him alienated from society, but I love that they adore him enough to try to include him. Although one might see Walter’s horrendous gas as a handicap, it always turns out to save the day, just as it does in Walter the Farting Dog Goes On a Cruise by William Katzwinkle, Glenn Murray & Elizabeth Gundy. As always Walter is isolated because no one, not even the other animals, can stand the smell of his farting, but when the computer system goes out on the cruise ship, leaving Walter on a dingy attached to the back of the boat worked out for everyone as some especially powerful farts project Walter and the ship directly into port right on time, saving the day even with some humor.
The fun and colorful illustrations by Audrey Colman really add to the enjoyment of this children’s fiction picture book....more
A Treasury of Curious George by Margret & H.A. Rey is a collection of 8 stories that include: Curious George Takes a Train, Curious George Visits a ToA Treasury of Curious George by Margret & H.A. Rey is a collection of 8 stories that include: Curious George Takes a Train, Curious George Visits a Toys Store, Curious George and the Dump Truck, Curious George and the Birthday Surprise, Curious George Goes Camping, Curious George Goes to a Costume Party, Curious George Visits the Library, and Curious George in the Big City. All stories were fun and educational as we watch a little monkey, named George, be curious and get into all kinds of adventure, but if I had to pick one favorite, it would be Curious George and the Dump Truck.
In Curious George and the Dump Truck the story starts out with ducks and ducks are one of my favorite animals. George likes them too and since he had never seen ducks before, he followed them to the park where he found a dump truck. The workers were on their lunch break. George really reminds me of my nephew, Kaison, who doesn’t have a lot of words yet, but he has enough energy and curiosity for 10 children and that can lead to anything, much like the creative situations that George often finds himself in. He doesn’t mean to cause trouble, but messes often happen and there always some fun.
The illustrations in this classic fiction picture book are in the style of H.A. Rey, by Vipah International and Martha Weston and they are heartwarming and fun. George makes any story time fun....more
Fairy the Farting Unicorn by Humor Heals Us is so fun to read. It book every rule about bodily functions my nana ever taught me, but I think, even NanFairy the Farting Unicorn by Humor Heals Us is so fun to read. It book every rule about bodily functions my nana ever taught me, but I think, even Nana would have laughed at Fairy’s floral scented flatulence, especially when she blasted the animal poachers to France! Even though the word fart was consider the “F” word when I was growing up, I have found that farting happens and children, especially my nephews, love books about farting, so I was excited to add this book to my collection fiction picture books and I have laughed through my first reading of this great fantasy. The rainbow colored illustrations are exceptional too!...more
Harold at the North Pole by Crockett Johnson is another children’s classic fantasy about Harold and his crayon and how he solves a problem though art.Harold at the North Pole by Crockett Johnson is another children’s classic fantasy about Harold and his crayon and how he solves a problem though art. This time, Harold needs a Christmas tree before Santa comes to his house. While he is out looking and drawing, there is a snow storm and he gets a little lost, but ends up at the North Pole where Santa is snowed in. Although Santa can jump up the chimney, his sleigh and all his reindeer cannot, so Harold helps him out. Harold also finds the perfect tree, just in time. This beautiful children’s holiday fiction picture book is perfect for any story time....more
I grew up with Raggedy Ann and Raggedy Andy and I had The Raggedy Andy Stories by Johnny Gruelle as a child. Reading this collection of children’s claI grew up with Raggedy Ann and Raggedy Andy and I had The Raggedy Andy Stories by Johnny Gruelle as a child. Reading this collection of children’s classics fiction stories was heartwarming and nostalgic. Out of the 8 stories: How Raggedy Andy Came, The Nursery Dance, The Spinning Wheel, The Taffy Pull, The Rabbit Chase, Raggedy Andy’s Smile, The Wooden Horse, and Making Angels in the Snow, I have to say the 6th story, Raggedy Andy’s Smile is my favorite. I loved my dolls. I loved to help them or other children’s dolls or blankets when their smile wore off or some other repair needed to be made. I love that Santa came to the rescue of all of Marcella’s dolls and repaired them all because she loved her dolls and played with them every day.
This beautiful fantasy picture book is filled with love and friendship and is perfect for any story time. I really enjoyed reading this book....more