March Pick for the Older Sibling: Subway Story

Jesse loves being a subway car in the city. She especially loves helping people go places. After a quarter of a century of service, she and older cars like her are replaced by newer models. At first, Jessie fears she will be abandoned and forgotten. But when she is hauled away on a barge with other old cars, she is momentarily scared of what her fate will be. Even though I knew what was likely coming, I felt a pang of concern for her myself because I truly cared about this subway car by now. (Young readers will worry here too, but the dark moment passes in the turn of a page.)

All ends well when, in a very satisfying conclusion, Jessie (and the other subway cars) finds a new job in the sea as part of the underwater reef. Now...

Tiny creatures called coral cling to the same poles
that people held on to when Jessie lived and worked aboveground.
Hundreds of fish dart through the doors that people once used.

This picture book has heart. The author sent me on a journey from happiness to despair to happiness again, right along with Jessie herself. I like that the recycling message grows out of the story rather than being forced upon it.

This wonderful tale is based on the true story of 1960s era subway cars that are currently being used to create artificial reefs in the Atlantic Ocean. The one-page author's note at the end offers interesting factual info about the project of creating underwater reefs.

Subway Story
Author-illustrator: Julia Sarcone-Roach
Alfred A. Knopf, 2011

Bizzy Bear Let's Get to Work!: Benji Davies

 

If your totz are construction fans, this will be a welcome treat. It's a simple sturdy board book that should stand up to rough handling (and possibly chewing!) It has lots of moving parts. For instance, the scoop you see on the cover will move with the push of a finger. For ages 1 to 3.

Bizzy Bear, Bizzy Bear,

lending a hand.

Bizzy Bear, Bizzy Bear,

push that sand!

You might pair this one with the picture book, Good Night, Good Night, Construction Site by Sherri Duskey Rinker and Tom Lichtenheld.

Bizzy Bear Let's Get to Work!
Benji Davies
Nosy Crow (Candlewick Press), 2012

Poetry Friday: Elmo and Elvis Costello, Around the Block with Sesame Street

How about a little Elvis Costello for Poetry Friday with your totz? Sing it, Elmo and Elvis!

More, More, More: Doodle Cook

Think of an Art Kitchen. You have a paperback oversized book with a recipe on the left side and a blank plate on the right. You get to follow the artistic instructions and create beautiful dishes by drawing in the book. Like this for Zigzag Soup:

"Draw a BIG triangle on your plate.
Now draw another triangle, a bit larger than the first.
Draw a BIG circle....

Finally, scatter around a few tiny circles, triangles or squares to taste.
Bon appetit!"

Here's Horn Book blogger Cynthia Ritter's Triangle Cake:



Get the picture? Your dishes/drawings will include Blue Risotto, Crayon Puff Pastries, and Scribble Delight. My college grad couldn't wait to get her hands on Doodle Cook. I'm sure your little artists will feel the same!

Doodle Cook
by Herve Tullet
Phaidon Press, 2011

Tubby: Leslie Patricelli

       

Does you Leslie Patricelli collection include Tubby? We recommend you get this celebration of bath time for your totz!

 It's time for Baby's bath. After undressing, there's the celebratory naked run followed by all things one must do in bathing. Playing with bubbles and counting clean toes are included.

As always, Leslie hits the mark in color, layout, and childlike spirit in Baby. You won't want to miss bath time with Tubby! And then of course, puppy will need a bath, too...

Tubby
by Leslie Patricelli
Candlewick Press, 2010

Poetry Friday: Step Gently Out

Here's a beautiful book to celebrate Poetry Friday. Helen Frost's lyrical poem is set within Rick Lieder's closeup photography. Breathtaking. I wish I could share every page with you and your totz!

Step gently out,

be still,

and watch

a single blade

of grass.

An ant 

climbs up 

to look around.

A honeybee flies past.

A cricket leaps

and lands,

then sits back 

and sings.

A moth flies

in and comes

to rest with

open wings. 

Step Gently Out

by Helen Frost

photographs by Rick Lieder

Candlewick Press, 2012

More, More, More: Everything I Need to Know Before I'm Five

This picture book for the older sibling of your totz is just delightful. Imagine all the little toys on the cover sharing what it is you need to know by five years old. The little doll driving the dump truck introduces numbers, opposites, shapes, colors, seasons, weather, and the alphabet.

Valorie Fisher's photography is bright, clever, and fun. There's so much to observe that your readers will be looking at every inch of this book. Enjoy the retro atmosphere as you pour over Everything I need to Know Before I'm Five together!

Everything I Need to Know Before I'm Five
by Valorie Fisher
Schwartz & Wade Books, 2011

Peas on Earth: Todd H. Doodler

Peas on Earth is adorable! What could be better than a sturdy board book filled with hope and peace, um, peas. The art is simple, brightly-colored, and appealing; reminiscent of Todd Parr's style. And the concept is simple--promoting peace, harmony, and getting along with others.

Peas on earth is when dogs get along with cats.
And cats get along with mice.
And mice share their cheese with elephants.
And pigs give everyone piggyback rides!

As an added bonus at the end of the book, there is a pop-up of two happy peas dancing on the earth, shouting, "Give peas a chance!"

I love this book!

Todd H. Doodler is the pen name for Todd H. Goldman, founder of David & Goliath, a company that produces clothing and other merchandise that feature his designs. He's also the author of Animal Soup, The Zoo I Drew, and the Bear in Underwear series

Peas on Earth
Todd H. Doodler
Robin Corey Books, Random House, 2012

Poetry Friday: Outside Your Window

How about a glorious tribute to nature for your totz? Author, biologist Nicola Davies brings the world to the very young, while illustrations by Mark Hearld offer layers of beautiful printed form depicting our planet. Fall into this oversize treasure this Poetry Friday!

Patchwork Pigeons

Patchwork pigeons, made of sky,
catch the rain clouds when they fly.

Outside Your Window, a First Book of Nature
by Nicola Davies
illustrated by Mark Hearld
Candlewick Press, 2012

More, More, More: Elephant and Piggie

Not that Gerald and Piggie need more press, but I have to share these two!

What do you do when it's Happy Pig Day and you are not a pig? When you don't belong whatsoever? Piggie helps Gerald find his place on the important day of celebration.

Secondly, what do you do when you just can't really bring yourself to share? By the time you've given yourself a little pep talk, maybe there's nothing left to share at all! Again, Piggie saves the day for Gerald, who really was going to share in the first place. Eventually.

Mo is the master of expression, simplicity, and heart. I am such a fan.

Happy Pig Day!
Should I Share My Ice Cream?
by Mo Willems
Hyperion, DBG, 2011