PPBF: Burglar Bill

Author: Allan Ahlberg
Illustrator: Janet Ahlberg
Publisher: (org) Heinemann, 1977
Age: 3-7
Themes: burglars, babies, theft

Opening: Burglar Bill lives by himself in a tall house full of stolen property.

Summary: (from Wikipedia) “Burglar Bill is a 1977 children’s picture book illustrated by Janet Ahlberg and written by Allan Ahlberg about a burglar who accidentally steals a baby. The book was a runner-up for the Kate Greenaway Medal in 1978.”

I picked this book because: I just found it in the used book section of the bookstore. The pair of creators were two of my favorites, and it is well worth the time to try and read as many of their titles from the library as you can! This is no exception: both the text and the illustrations are heartwarming, funny, and adorable!

Resources/activities: Read more Ahlberg books; discuss what a burglar is and that they would most likely not be as kind as in this book, which brings to mind another favorite, The Three Robbers, written and illustrated by Tomi Ungerer, published 15yrs before Burglar Bill. Draw and or write your own burglar and baby scene – what else might they do together?

For more Perfect Picture Book Friday picks with teacher/parent resources, check out the list on Susanna Hill’s blog HERE.

Friendly reminder: When you enjoy a book, please support authors and illustrators by posting reviews online.

PPBF: My Cat is a Secret Agent

Posted by julie rowan zoch

Author/Illustrator: Daniel J. Mahoney
Publisher: Farra Straus Giroux, 2025
Age: 3-7
Themes: cats, pets, animal stories

Opening: I have a cat named Walter, who my parents think is just a cat.

Summary: (from my library catalog) Samantha knows her cat, Walter, is anything but ordinary—he’s a secret agent with the very serious codename Kitty Pants. Unfortunately, no one else appreciates Walter’s superspy-ness. Samantha’s parents think he’s nothing more than your average pet. It’s up to Walter to convince them otherwise. Operation Kitty Pants is a go. But will this undercover feline prove his impressive espionage skills battling foes, including a butt-sniffing pup, a wild-haired kitty, and a band of mischievous mice, or will he find his missions compromised? With Samantha’s help, perhaps Walter can show that there’s a bit of secret agent in all of us.

I picked up this book because: I must say the illustration on the cover reminded me strongly of a creator hero, James Marshall, but together with the title, I thought this could be really good! And it IS adorable! Great humor in the text and illustrations but well-woven so they work well together to provide reader’s with that “in-the-know” feeling I admire so much! And such great action words, like “Walter and I scrabble upstairs.” AND the endpapers!!!

Resources/activities: make a map for your pet or a favorite stuffie, using ideas from the endpapers; what adventures might your pet/stuffie get up to? Read a somewhat similar title I recommended just a few weeks ago HERE.

For more Perfect Picture Book Friday picks with teacher/parent resources, check out the list on Susanna Hill’s blog HERE.

Friendly reminder: When you enjoy a book, please support authors and illustrators by posting reviews online.

PPBF: Worm’s Lost & Found

Posted by julie rowan zoch

Author/Illustrator: Julie Wellerdiek
Publisher: NorthSouth, 2024
Age: 3-7
Themes: lost items, friendship, animal stories

Opening: Some time ago Worm opened a lost and found office.

Summary: (from my library catalog) Seal helps his best friend and lost and found virtuoso, Worm, find his hat.

I picked this book because: How could I resist a worm running a lost and found office? Well, neither should you! Cute, sweet illustrations with a beautiful palette and adorable characters, and that’s just the illustrations! This lovely story describes a two characters looking for one thing and finding something else, something even better!

Resources/activities: discuss what it’s like to find you have lost something special and maybe even discuss strategies you might have to find things. My strategy is perhaps pretty easy because my house is so small, but retracing steps during the day usually does the trick. Read more stories with worms as main characters, like The Unfortunate Life of Worms, by Noemi Volta or Diary of a Worm by Doreen Cronin and Harry Bliss.

For more Perfect Picture Book Friday picks with teacher/parent resources, check out the list on Susanna Hill’s blog HERE.

Friendly reminder: When you enjoy a book, please support authors and illustrators by posting reviews online.

PPBF: Job Wanted

Posted by julie rowan zoch

Author: Teresa Bateman
Illustrator: Chris Sheban
Publisher: Holiday House, 2015
Age: 3-7
Themes: dogs, farm-life , domestic animals

Opening: An old farm dog plodded down a dirt road—paws sore and stomach empty.

Summary: (from my library catalog) Arriving at a farm with sore paws and an empty stomach, a dog tries to convince the farmer that he could be just as valuable as a cow, a horse, or a chicken.

I picked this book because: my heart always melts a bit when I see Chris Sheban’s artwork! But Teresa Bateman wrote such a heartwarming and humorous story that I just had to share it with you! Heck, it almost made me want to go out and get myself a dog! Enjoy!

Resources/activities: Read this favorite of Sheban’s books, recommended HERE; another farm dog favorite HERE; a sheep dog favorite HERE, discuss all the different ways animals make a contribution on a farm, or in a household;

For more Perfect Picture Book Friday picks with teacher/parent resources, check out the list on Susanna Hill’s blog HERE.

Friendly reminder: When you enjoy a book, please support authors and illustrators by posting reviews online.

PPBF: Varenka

Posted by julie rowan zoch

Author/Illustrator: Bernadette Watts
Publisher: NorthSouth, 1971
Age: 5-10
Themes: Russia, war, hope

Opening: Long ago a widow called Varenka lived in a little house in one of the great forests of Russia.

Summary: (from my library catalog) A story of friendship and faith. Varenka lives contently in her cottage in the woods, until passersby warn her that war has broken out. Pack up a bundle and come along with us. But Varenka can’t leave. Who will care for the children who wander and get lost in the forest? Who will shelter the animals and feed the birds when winter comes? Soon, Varenka shelters a young artist, an old farmer and his goat, and a lost child. And each night she prays for a wall to be built around her house to protect her from the soldiers who draw nearer with each passing day. Things seem dire until Varenka notices a gentle sound all around the house. Snow. Could it be enough to save them? This is a Bernadette Watts classic with its timeless message of courage, compassion, and faith.

I picked this book because: lots of children are asking questions about war at this time, and I am glad to share an old favorite that addresses it, the fear of it and the compassion that innocent people can show for one another during such hard times. It reads a bit like a fairy tale, and the illustrations are still as fresh and inviting as they were 55yrs ago. I hope you can find a copy and share it with a young person.

Resources/activities: consider what you can do to help people escaping and enduring war and oppression.

For more Perfect Picture Book Friday picks with teacher/parent resources, check out the list on Susanna Hill’s blog HERE.

Friendly reminder: When you enjoy a book, please support authors and illustrators by posting reviews online.

PPBF: Unwanted

Posted by julie rowan zoch

Author: Kashelle Gourley
Illustrator: Skylar Hogan
Publisher: Little Bee, 2025
Age: 3-6
Themes: cats, dogs, humorous fiction

Opening: PSSST! Hey…HEY YOU! Yeah, over here.

Summary: (from my library catalog) After his adventure running away, life has been going wonderfully for Bumble the dog since coming home. Well, at least it was, until some strange things start to happen. Hairballs litter the house, scratch marks are appearing everywhere, and Bumble is sure someone’s been watching his every move. Who could this mysterious intruder be?

I picked this book because: the cover is so cute! But I was so surprised to find the story is told by the dog who discovers some strange clues around the house and finally who he is about to share it with! Cute, funny, lots of things to find in the illustrations (check out the portraits on the stair case!). Surely a storytime winner!

Resources/activities: read more books about pets sharing the same home/family, new siblings, and sibling rivalry. Make a play or a puppet show using this story for friends and or family, esp if you enjoy costumes!!

For more Perfect Picture Book Friday picks with teacher/parent resources, check out the list on Susanna Hill’s blog HERE.

Friendly reminder: When you enjoy a book, please support authors and illustrators by posting reviews online.

PPBF: You’re a Poet

Posted by julie rowan zoch

Author: Sean Taylor
Illustrator: Sam Usher
Publisher: Candlewick , 2024
Age: 4-8
Themes: poetry, writing, creative writing

Opening: Piglet…You’re a poet.

Summary: (from my library catalog) Through five uniquely warm and cosy tales, readers can delight in the happy world of Piglet, his family and his friends and, at the same time, learn five brilliantly fun and easy ways to write a poem. Within each story, Sean Taylor shows children how to make a: “Puddle Poem”, a “Comparing Poem”, a “Make a Person Poem”, an “If I Was Poem” and an “I Would Give You Poem”. With plenty of poetry-writing tips and tricks after each story, Sean makes this form truly accessible and by the end of the book, even the very smallest of children will be able to confidently call themselves a poet.

I picked this book because: next month is national poetry month and I hope younger friends will take the opportunity to do some of their own writing, as well as reading! This book is a wonderful springboard, loaded with ideas and adorable piggies to engage and motivate!

Resources/activities: Read LOT of poetry – written especially for children AND even some considered to be for adults. Learn a favorite by heart. Read poetry out loud. And don’t forget to read my most recently published book, STOPPING BY JUNGLE ON A SNOWY EVENING, written by Richard T. Morris, for some inspiration! Here is a lovely review on Bookpage

For more Perfect Picture Book Friday picks with teacher/parent resources, check out the list on Susanna Hill’s blog HERE.

Friendly reminder: When you enjoy a book, please support authors and illustrators by posting reviews online.

PPBF: A Green Place To Be

Posted by julie rowan zoch

Author/Illustrator: Ashley Benham Yazdani
Publisher: Candlewick, 2019
Age: 5-10
Themes: Central Park, New York City, parrks

Opening: Central Park in Manhattan is green and growing and full of life.

Summary: (from my library catalog) The history of Central Park relates how a barren swampland was transformed into a vibrant gem at the heart of New York City that hosts a myriad of events.

I picked this book because: I’m disappointed with the summary on my library’s website. The book itself explains that while the area was indeed swampy, it was not barren. People were forcefully displaced. Displacement and occupation are important issues of oppression on which this country was built, but we rarely talk enough about. Certainly not in picture books. So I was relieved to see it addressed early on in this story about a park I have spent many a lazy Sunday in myself! The whole book is enlightening, informative and gorgeous! Enjoy!

Resources/activities: Research the origins of a park near you! Or maybe even a favorite park you have visited. Compare and contrast playgrounds in your town/city. Test out the equipment. What recommendations would you make for improvements?

For more Perfect Picture Book Friday picks with teacher/parent resources, check out the list on Susanna Hill’s blog HERE.

Friendly reminder: When you enjoy a book, please support authors and illustrators by posting reviews online.

PPBF: The World Entire

Posted by julie rowan zoch

Author: Elizabeth Brown
Illustrator: Melissa Castrillón
Publisher: Chronicle, 2025
Age: 6-12
Themes: courage, refugees , diplomats

Opening: Aristides Sousa Mendes lived with his wife and their many children in Portugal, where Europe reaches out into the ocean.

Summary: (from my library catalog) Everyone has heard of Schindler’s list–but few have heard of Aristides de Sousa Mendes–a Portuguese diplomat who saves the lives of thousands of fleeing refugees during World War II and whose story is only starting to be better known. This magnificently illustrated picture biography tells the moving story that has profound resonance today. This book tells the true and powerful history of Aristides de Sousa Mendes, the Portuguese diplomat who–against his government’s commands–helped refugees escape the Nazis by granting visas that allowed them entry to Portugal. In one of the greatest acts of individual rescue in World War II, Mendes saved tens thousands of people, including the artist Salvador Dalí, and H.A. and Margret Rey, the creators of Curious George. He and his family would pay dearly for it, but Aristides never regretted his actions, believing to the very end of his life that every life is worth saving.

I picked this book because: I will always be happy to read any story about doing the right thing even if it goes against authority or against the law. Always. But this one is not only full of sublime illustrations in a fantastic palette, it’s also beautifully written, engaging, skillfully paced, and lyrical! Please check out the author’s post on the process HERE! And read it!!!

Resources/activities: Read other books about standing up and doing the right thing: The Drinking Gourd: A Story of the Underground Railroad (Monjo/Brenner), Balloons Over Broadway (Sweet), Yertle the Turtle (Seuss), or this ONE!

For more Perfect Picture Book Friday picks with teacher/parent resources, check out the list on Susanna Hill’s blog HERE.

Friendly reminder: When you enjoy a book, please support authors and illustrators by posting reviews online.

PPBF: Puss in Boots

Posted by julie rowan zoch

Author: John Cech
Illustrator: Bernhardt Oberdieck
Publisher: Sterling Books, 2010
Age: 4-8
Themes: fairy tales, folklore, cats

Opening: There once was a miller who was so poor that, when he died, all he was able to leave his son was a cat.

Summary: (from my library catalog) A clever cat helps his poor master win fame, fortune, and the hand of a beautiful princess. Includes historical notes on versions of this tale and other fairy tales.

I picked this book because: I’ve been researching fairy tales for a SCBWI Connect meeting this month, and having read this one again I am reminded of how very much I loved it as a child. The illustrations here are stunning, with lots of detail and things for children to find on the page while listening to the story. It feels a little long in the tooth today, but I still enjoyed it. So while I might not label it “perfect” it’s definitely worth revisiting these lovely longer tales for a change!