Tag Archives: picture books

Book Tour
Book Title:
Dear Substitute
Book Author:
Audrey Vernick, Liz Garton Scanlon
Book Illustrator:
Chris Raschka
Page Count:
40
Publishing Date:
June 19th, 2018
Publisher:
Disney-Hyperion
Date Read:
June 18th, 2019
Source:
I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review - Thank you!

Synopsis

When a substitute teacher named Miss Pelly comes to class, one student bristles at the change in routine-Miss Pelly doesn't follow the rules like Mrs. Giordano. But in time, our student learns that even though the substitute may do things a little differently, and she may be a bit silly, mixing things up might not be so bad.

Told in a series of epistolary poems, this funny, relatable picturebook is a great fit for classrooms and for any child nervous about new experiences.

My Review

This book is so cute! Not only are the illustrations charming (look at that cover – it’s the kind of book that features bright colors and gorgeous artwork to really draw you in, and it works so well!), but the … Continue reading

3 Comments
Book Tour
Book Title:
Neck & Neck
Book Author:
Elise Parsley
Book Illustrator:
Elise Parsley
Page Count:
40
Publishing Date:
June 5th, 2018
Publisher:
Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Date Read:
June 5th, 2018
Source:
I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review - Thank you!

Synopsis

In the first stand-alone picture book from the creator of the bestselling Magnolia Says DON'T! books, a giraffe's self-esteem is tested during a hilarious confrontation between unlikely look-alikes!

Everybody loves Leopold the giraffe. He inspires awe and wonder. His adoring fans gaze and cheer. Best of all, they feed him lots of deeeelicious snacks! But, one day, a shiny, bobble-headed new rival comes in and ruins everything...a giraffe-shaped balloon! Just how far will Leopold go to prove that he's the hero of the zoo? Readers learn that actions speak far louder than looks in this laugh-out-loud face-off from Elise Parsley--the New York Times bestselling creator of If You Ever Want to Bring an Alligator to School, Don't!

My Review

I am such a huge fan of sweet, adorable picture books with bright, captivating illustrations that both capture the attention and flow along the story to create an absolute picture book masterpiece that can be enjoyed throughout any age at … Continue reading

1 Comment
Book Title:
Little Sid: The Tiny Prince Who Became Buddha
Book Author:
Ian Lendler
Book Illustrator:
Xanthe Bouma
Page Count:
40
Publishing Date:
January 23rd, 2018
Publisher:
First Second
Date Read:
February 11th, 2018
Source:
I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review - Thank you!

Synopsis

In this charming and accessible picture book, Ian Lendler and Xanthe Bouma offer a heart-warming account of the childhood of the Buddha.

A spoiled young prince, Siddhartha got everything he ever asked for, until he asked for what couldn’t be given ­― happiness.

Join Little Sid as he sets off on a journey of discovery and encounters mysterious wise-folk, terrifying tigers, and one very annoying mouse.

With Lendler’s delightful prose and Bouma’s lyrical artwork, Little Sid weaves traditional Buddhist fables into a classic new tale of mindfulness, the meaning of life, and an awakening that is as profound today as it was 2,500 years ago.

My Review

This book, wow.  I loved it.  Absolutely loved it.  There’s so much about this book that is important, especially in today’s day and age.  It’s the kind of book that both children and adults can learn and benefit from, and … Continue reading

5 stars
2 Comments
Book Title:
Marigold Bakes a Cake
Book Author:
Mike Malbrough
Book Illustrator:
Mike Malbrough
Page Count:
40
Publishing Date:
July 18th, 2017
Publisher:
Philomel Books
Date Read:
July 10th, 2017
Source:
I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review - thank you!

Synopsis

For fans of Mo Willems' Don't Let the Pigeon... series. Baking the perfect cake is how Marigold spends Mondays. Being messy, noisy, and disruptive in Marigold's kitchen are how one finch, two pigeons, and three loons spend their Mondays!

Marigold the cat loves Mondays, for that is when he bakes cakes! With his favorite recipe in front of him, he rolls up his sleeves and gets down to it. He whips up egg whites . . . Easy. He adds a cup of milk . . . Peasy. The he sprinkles in just a pinch of . . . of finch?! That's not right at all! Neither are the smidgeons of pigeons or the spoonsfull of loons. Clearly a chase is in order! Yet all that leads to is a spectacularly messy kitchen. And no cake.

With a recipe comprised of equal parts humor and charm, author-illustrator Mike Malbrough has cooked up a scrumptious laugh-out-loud addition to the great tradition of interruption books. Perfect for fans of Mo Willems' Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus and David Ezra Stein's Interrupting Chicken.

My Review

As someone who reads a ton of picture books every year, for a book to really stand out and become an instant favorite, it has to have a wonderful story and illustrations that I can’t get enough of.  Plus, you … Continue reading

4 Comments
Book Title:
Prince and Pirate
Book Author:
Charlotte Gunnufson
Book Illustrator:
Mike Lowery
Page Count:
32
Publishing Date:
May 9th, 2017
Publisher:
G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers
Date Read:
May 1st, 2017
Source:
I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review - Thank you!

Synopsis

When two little fish with big personalities have to share the same tank, there are rough seas ahead!

Prince and Pirate are proud masters of their very own fishbowls, and life goes along swimmingly--until they're scooped up and plopped into shared waters.

Prince is horrified to find this cheeky cod trespassing in his kingdom.

Pirate is sure this scurvy sea slug has come to plunder his treasure.

Thus, a battle of regal sneers, seaworthy stink-eyes, and off-the-hook insults begins.

Prince and Pirate's hilarious duel for territory will elicit gales of giggles, hearty guffaws, and heartfelt smiles.

Just when it seems their struggle might end in a silly stalemate, a little surprise convinces them to find a way to get along--swimmingly.

My Review

The first thing that caught my eye about Prince and Pirate was definitely the cover and the title – I could tell right away that this book was going to be a lot of fun.  The cover is so well … Continue reading

5 stars
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Book Tour
Book Title:
The Giant Jumperee
Book Author:
Julia Donaldson
Book Illustrator:
Helen Oxenbury
Page Count:
32
Publishing Date:
April 18th, 2017
Publisher:
Dial Books
Date Read:
April 1st, 2017
Source:
I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review - thank you!

Synopsis

Two of the world's most celebrated picture book creators, Julia Donaldson and Helen Oxenbury, team up for the first time in this jaunty animal fable for fans of Room on the Broom and We're Going on a Bear Hunt.

Rabbit arrives home one day to hear a loud voice coming from inside his burrow:

"I'm the Giant Jumperee and I'm scary as can be!" shouts the stranger.

Rabbit's friends Cat, Bear, and Elephant come to help, but they're no match for the mysterious, booming voice. But who is the Giant Jumperee? Find out in this new read-aloud classic from internationally bestselling author Julia Donaldson, beautifully brought to life by award-winning illustrator Helen Oxenbury.

My Review

As far as sweet, adorable picture books go, I have to say that I think The Giant Jumperee is one of the best that I’ve come across!  Not only was it a fun book to read, with an engaging story … Continue reading

5 stars
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Book Tour
Book Title:
If I Were a Kangaroo
Book Author:
Mylisa Larsen
Book Illustrator:
Anna Raff
Page Count:
32
Publishing Date:
April 4th, 2017
Publisher:
Viking Books for Young Readers
Date Read:
April 3rd, 2017
Source:
I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review - thank you!

Synopsis

If I were a kangaroo,

I'd pick you up and carry you

In my pocket, sleepyhead,

And hop you gently off to bed.

It's time for sleep, and this fun-to-read rhyming tale envisions the bedtime rituals of animals from whales to otters, squirrels to gorillas.

So curl up, imagine your favorite animal, and...zzzzzzzzzzz.

My Review

I love picture books that focus on parents and their babies – especially when I get to read them to my own babies.  There is so much of a warm and happy feeling you get when you’re reading about animal … Continue reading

5 stars
2 Comments
Book Title:
This Book is Magic
Book Author:
Ashley Evanson
Publishing Date:
January 17th, 2017
Publisher:
Grosset & Dunlap
Date Read:
December 10th, 2016
Source:
ARC from publisher - Thank you!

Synopsis

Make some magic in this colorful, interactive picture book from the author/illustrator of the Hello, World board book series!

Do you know that you're a magician? In this interactive book, use your fingers to perform all kinds of magic tricks. Tap a hat to make a bunny appear, recite a spell to make books bigger, say "Gone-zo!" to make a ship disappear, and much more. But beware: the clever magic tricks don't always turn out the way you'd expect!

Reminiscent of Herve Tullet's Press Here, kids and adults! are sure to want to read this book again and again as they perfect their magic skills.

My Review

Kids love magic! And they love it even more when they actually get to be the magician and make the magic happen!  So if you have a little one who adores magic and all things interactive, brightly colored, and fun, … Continue reading

5 stars
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Book Title:
The Enormous Crocodile
Book Author:
Roald Dahl
Publishing Date:
July 11th, 2000
Publisher:
Knopf Books for Young Readers
Date Read:
September 19th, 2016
Source:
I received a copy from the publisher - Thank you!

Synopsis

The Enormous Crocodile decides that he wants a nice juicy child for lunch, horrifying the other animals in the jungle--his friend, the Notsobig One; Humpy-Rumpy, the hippopotamus; Trunky, the elephant; Muggle-Wump, the monkey; and the Roly-Poly Bird. Despite his secret plans and clever tricks, what the boastful crocodile doesn't know is that the brave jungle animals have plans of their own for him!

In the end, the Enormous Crocodile gets exactly what he deserves.

My Review

The Enormous Crocodile is the kind of book that if I had read it as a child, I would probably be terrified that a crocodile was going to come and eat me every night while I was trying to sleep.  … Continue reading

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Book Title:
The Storybook Knight
Book Author:
Helen Docherty & Thomas Docherty
Publishing Date:
September 6th, 2016
Publisher:
Sourcebooks Jabberwocky
Date Read:
September 1st, 2016
Source:
I received a copy from the publisher

Synopsis

Even dragons can’t resist a good story…

Even though Leo would rather sit at home and read, his parents send him out into the world in the hopes that Leo will become a famous knight. But when Leo comes up against the land’s most fearsome beasts, he soon discovers that scary monsters enjoy a good book as much as anyone…

My Review

The Storybook Knight is an adorable book that teaches the importance of reading instead of resorting to violence to solve problems. The Storybook Knight tells the story of Leo, a mouse, who would much rather stay at home and read … Continue reading

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