readertotz

Poetry Friday: Everyone Needs

2012-01-27T06:00:00.000-08:00

How about an adorable collection called Everyone Needs for Poetry Friday? Included are: Everyone Needs Love, Everyone Needs a Kiss, Everyone Needs a Hug, and Everyone Needs a Friend.

With quaint text by Sophie Piper and dear illustrations by Caroline Williams, the series from Lion Hudson is heart-shaped and will fit nicely in little hands. Three of the four works are rhyme, while Everyone Needs a Kiss is a list of various kisses and when they are needed. Here is a portion of Everyone Needs a Friend. Happy Poetry Friday to you and your totz!

Everyone Needs a Friend

A friend to help
A friend for play
A friend beside you all the way

Everyone Needs a Friend
Everyone Needs a Hug
Everyone Needs a Kiss
Everyone Needs Love
by Sophie Piper
illustrated by Caroline Williams
Lion Hudson, 2010

More, More, More: The Sniffles for Bear

2012-01-25T06:00:00.000-08:00

For everyone hit by a winter cold, Joan and I recommend Bonny Becker's The Sniffles for Bear. With Kady MacDonald Denton's illustrations, this book is quintessential Candlewick. (That is a huge compliment.) You will love the light watercolors!

Because Bear is sick, cheerful Mouse comes over to nurse him to health. Yet, how can one really be comforted when so, so sick? Certainly a will should be drafted before it's too late. Bonny's comedic timing is perfect, enhanced further by Kady's hilarious illustrations. A double spread is needed as Mouse pulls Bear up the stairs to bed.

Thankfully, with a friend's ministrations, one bounces back quickly, although maybe sharing the germs along the way. Reach for this fun work when the cold bug hits your house. You'll have a smile on your face before you know it!

The Sniffles for Bear
by Bonny Becker
illustrated by Kady MacDonald Denton
Candlewick Press, 2011

More, More, More: A New Year's Reunion

2012-01-23T06:00:00.000-08:00

Celebrate the Chinese New Year with A New Year's Reunion by Yu Li-Qiong, illustrated by Zhu Cheng-Liang. Maomao's father works away from home the entire year, but he returns to celebrate the holiday with his wife and child. From the hesitant reunion to the eventual bittersweet goodbye, the honesty shared by Yu is beautiful.

Zhu's illustrations are vibrant and bold, capturing the joy of the holiday to precious, quiet family moments. Sticky rice balls, red envelopes, and the dragon dance through town are only elements of this story. The sacrificial love shared by a father, mother, and daughter are the pulse and heart.

To the 100 million migrant workers in China who labor for their loved ones, happy new year!

A New Year's Reunion
by Yu Li-Qiong
illustrated by Zhu Cheng-Liang
Candlewick Press, 2011

DK Toddler Fun

2012-01-22T06:00:00.000-08:00

The master of nonfiction has to be DK, right? See if you can still find this boxed collection called Toddler Fun. Included are previously published lift-the-flap board books Words in My World, Colorful World, Shapes All Around, and Numbers are Everywhere.

Each page provides the featured item and then asks a question or prompts further discovery beneath the accompanying flap. "This ball is a circle. Let's find some more circles." Beneath the flap is a button, bubbles, a wheel, a flower, an orange, a clock, and marbles.

This little set is packed full of imagery to keep your totz reading. Explore words, colors, shapes, and numbers with your little readers. Thanks, DK!

Toddler Fun
DK Publishing, 2008

Poetry Friday: A Dazzling Display of Dogs

2012-01-20T06:00:00.000-08:00

Happy Poetry Friday! Today's feature is A Dazzling Display of Dogs. Ready yourself for a collection of concrete poems about dogs by poet Betsy Franco, illustrated by printmaker Michael Wertz. Each vivid celebration of a dog could stand alone as a graphic poster. The monoprints are as rich as the language.

Look for an ode, a cinquain, a haiku, and free verse. Be ready for mutts, dalmations, a golden retriever, a Jack Russell Terrier and many more busy, barking dogs. Here's an entry for my pug-loving mother.

A Dazzling Display of Dogs
by Betsy Franco
illustrations by Michael Wertz
Tricycle Press, 2011

January for the Older Sibling: Betty Bunny Loves Chocolate Cake

2012-01-19T00:01:00.000-08:00

When I read the quote on the back of this picture book, I knew it was going to be a book I liked. It turned out to be a book I love.

"I am going to marry chocolate cake!" ~ Betty Bunny

I said things like this when I was a kid. In fact, I'd still like to marry chocolate chip cookies. The situations, characters, and dialogue are full of wry humor and realism, all of which rings true and entertains.

At its core, this story is about waiting and learning to be patient. Many kids (and grown-ups) struggle with this. It's hard to wait for something as wonderful as chocolate cake, right? But after a first delicious taste, Betty must wait for another piece. She throws a temper tantrum and huffs to her room.

I laughed when Betty's mom tells her: I still love you.

And Betty replies: And I still love chocolate cake.

Kids everywhere will relate to Betty and her frustrations, and they'll laugh at her hijinks and at the book's ending.

Keep an eye out for Betty Bunny Wants Everything, coming February 2012.

Betty Bunny Loves Chocolate Cake
Author: Michael B. Kaplan
Illustrator: Stephane Jorisch
Publisher: Dial Books, May 2011

More, More, More: The Mellops

2012-01-18T06:00:00.000-08:00

Three cheers for Phaidon Press for bringing Tomi Ungerer's classic series about the Mellops back to life for young readers. First printed in Germany in the late 1970's, the simple ink line drawings and limited color separation spreads are full of excitement. Whether the pig family is drilling for oil, caught in a forest fire, or deep sea diving with their dog, the older siblings of your totz will be riveted to the tales.

Next Christmas, definitely watch for Christmas Eve at the Mellops'. The work could have been written in 2012 with it's freshness and relevance. Tomi's heart rings loud and clear. Now if we could just get a sample of Mrs. Mellops beautiful cream cake.

The Mellops Strike Oil
The Mellops Go Diving for Treasure
Christmas Eve at the Mellops'
by Tomi Ungerer
Phaidon Press, 2011

More, More, More: Nicholas and the Gang

2012-01-17T06:00:00.000-08:00

How lovely that the Nicholas series is back in print and available to us! Originally published in the 60's in France, Nicholas remains hilarious. The older siblings of your readertotz will get such a kick out of the antics of this passel of boys. Like Junie B. Jones, the reader realizes more than the characters. The conclusion of every chapter lands on a funny bone, never appreciated by Nicholas or his gang. Settings are varied including the school room, the new bookstore, and the vacant lot. Oh, the fun to be had! There is certain to be a row, which is considered the great part of the day.

I particularly enjoyed the appearance of Mary Jane. Neighbor to Nicholas, she has the gang around her finger. While they are completely unaware, of course.

Look for more of author Rene Goscinny's works which are currently available: Nicholas, Nicholas Again, Nicholas on Vacation, and Nicholas in Trouble. Jean-Jacques Sempe's illustrations further add to the humor. Spot imagery or half-spread illustrations fill the works and propel the stories forward. They are masterful.

As The Guardian says about Nicholas, "Lovable, naive and very French. Nicholas is timeless."

Nicholas and the Gang
by Rene Goscinny
illustrated by Jean-Jacques Sempe
Phaidon Press

To Pee or Not to Pee: Linda Johns

2012-01-15T23:50:00.000-08:00

Will has something important to decide. Whether or not to use his new, small potty in the way it was intended. As he considers the matter, he finds the potty useful as a stool, a tiny tub, and a tv-watching chair. The story encourages the use of a potty chart to encourage the correct use of the potty, and stickers for the chart are enclosed in an envelope adhered to the inside back cover.

Just the right size for small hands, this book is very cute and appealing!

Linda Johns is also the author of the popular Hannah West chapter book series set in the Pacific NW. Dana Regan is the prolific illustrator of easy readers and books for totz.

To Pee or Not to Pee
Author: Linda Johns
Illustrator: Dana Regan
Infinity Plus One, 1998

Poetry Friday: Thirteen O'Clock

2012-01-13T06:30:00.000-08:00

How about the unexpected for a winter Poetry Friday? Take a look at James Stimson's Thirteen O'Clock. Rendered in haunting, mysterious pencil, James shares what happens in a small girl's fairly normal home when her clock strikes thirteen. A Fright, and a Thing, four ghosts and an elf are among those who crawl out of the clock and creep toward the girl's room. Delightfully, they end up frightened of her until they realize she is a friend.

Here's an excerpt for fun. Happy Poetry Friday, the thirteenth!

Open the door with a squeeeeky hinge,
it's time for mischievous things!
Sneaky, sneaky,
spooky and freaky,
on the count of (none other than) thirteen
the monsterous mischief begins!

Thirteen O'Clock
by James Stimson
Chronicle Books, 2005

Star Trek Book of Opposites: David Borgenicht

2012-01-09T06:00:00.000-08:00

So much fun! A blast! I have to recommend this work by David Borgenicht from Quirk. Parental geeks must share Star Trek Book of Opposites with their totz. The images are captured straight from the original episodes. Here, take a look:

And how funny is this?

Make your totz little trekkies. Teach them about tribbles! How can you not?

Star Trek Book of Opposites
by David Borgenicht
Quirk, 2011

Who Was Babe Ruth? co-blogger Joan Holub's new release

2012-01-07T00:01:00.000-08:00

Just in time for baseball season, I'm celebrating the release of my new chapter book biography! I'm a huge biography fan, so I thoroughly enjoy writing for Grosset & Dunlap's "Who Was" series. Also known as the "big head" biography series because of the striking cover illustrations. You can see a nice assortment of the titles in a face-out display at Barnes & Noble in the children's section.

Babe Ruth came from a poor Baltimore family and, as a kid, he was a handful. It was at a reform school that he discovered his talent for baseball, and by the age of nineteen, he was on his way to becoming a sports legend. Babe was often out of shape and even more often out on the town, but he had a big heart and an even bigger swing! Kids will learn all about the Home Run King in this rags-to-riches sports biography. With black-and-white illustrations throughout.
This is my 4th title in the series for ages 7-11:
Who Was Johnny Appleseed?
Who Was Marco Polo?
Who Was Jim Henson?
Who Was Babe Ruth?

Drop a comment at joanholub.blogspot.com for a chance to win an autographed copy! Winner will be announced on my blog in the comments on or about January 19th. Please either leave a contact email or be sure to check back to see if you're the winner.

~ Joan

Photo Friday: I Am Going!

2012-01-06T15:24:00.000-08:00

For all the parents of totz, enjoy the day, hour, moment. I just dropped my youngest off at Washington State University. In the bookstore, she found and read aloud Mo Willems for me. Nothing better for a smile. Thanks, Ellen, and thanks, Mo!

Happy Photo Friday!

Bath or Bed? Anthony Lewis

2012-01-01T23:45:00.000-08:00

This board book caught my eye because of its unique novelty feature. The happy/sad face pivots on a strong vertical thread on each page. So totz can choose a yes/happy or no /mad face option in answer to questions posed such as:

Does Cassie like washing her face?
Would Kamilla like a kiss?

I can easily imagine totz giggling as they jokingly choose the 'no' option on occasion. This book is a good learning tool about making choices, it's colorful, and is surprisingly sturdy. A very enjoyable find.

Bath or Bed?
Illustrator: Anthony Lewis
Child's Play, 2008

January: Around the Block with Sesame Street

2012-01-01T06:00:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year, totz! TWELVE! 2012!

December: Community Service

2011-12-31T12:01:00.000-08:00

If you didn't drop coins in the Salvation Army kettle this holiday season, drop off clothes and toys at your local Salvation Army store!

Happy new year, totz and parents!

Poetry Friday: A Farmer Went Riding

2011-12-30T08:57:00.000-08:00

Happy Poetry Friday, parents and totz! The last of 2011!

Art by Frederick Richardson, Mother Goose the Original Volland Edition

A farmer went riding
Upon his gray mare;
Bumpety, bumpety, bump!

With his daughter behind him,
So rosy and fair;
Lumpety, lumpety, lump!

A raven cried "Croak!"
And they all tumbled down;
Bumpety, bumpety, bump!

The mare broke her knees,
And the farmer his crown;
Lumpety, lumpety, lump!

The mischievous raven
Flew laughing away;
Bumpety, bumpety, bump!

And vowed he would serve them
The same the next day;
Lumpety, lumpety, lump!

Hippo Says Excuse Me: Michael Dahl

2011-12-26T05:00:00.000-08:00

I love, love, love Hippo Says "Excuse Me" by Michael Dahl! What a find from Capstone, Picture Window Books. A simple text creates a plot full of tension as well as a lesson of where and when one might say, "Excuse me."

Oriol Vidal's illustrations will grab your heart. These large hippos are nearly weightless as they bounce down the street above their little shadows. And due to their trying to squeeze into small spaces, there's ample opportunity so say, "Excuse me." All of the included animals emote through distinct features, adorable proportions, and careful eye placement.

I know you and your totz will love this board book as much as I do. Excuse me, I'm sure of it!

Hippo Says "Excuse Me"
by Michael Dahl
illustrated by Oriol Vidal
Picture Window Books, Capstone
January, 2012

Poetry Friday: What Colour is Your World?

2011-12-23T11:05:00.000-08:00

I'm such a fan of Phaidon Press and this picture book by Bob Gill is perfect for Poetry Friday. What Colour Is Your World? is a look at the colors surrounding us. Certainly, the grass is green, and milk is white. But what if you ask an artist?

"But suppose you asked an artist? 'It's hard
to tell,' he would
answer. 'Colours
keep changing.
Look at this..."

You and your totz will find yourselves looking with new eyes. Originally published in 1962, Gill's illustration and text treatment have a graphic quality that is so fresh today.

Thanks, Phaidon! Happy Poetry Friday, readertotz!

What Colour Is Your World?
by Bob Gill
Phaidon Press, 2008

How Do Dinosaurs Eat Cookies? Jane Yolen & Mark Teague

2011-12-19T00:01:00.000-08:00

This is one of my favorite dino board books by the team of Jane Yolen and Mark Teague. Why? Cookies. Scratch 'n Sniff cookies to be exact. I've always liked a good scratch 'n sniff book and I don't see them often enough.

Told in rhyme and beautifully illustrated by Mark Teague, the book delights in each cookie, yet gently instructs readers not to be greedy and to be sure to share.

To top it all off, there are two dino-shaped cookie recipes in the back to make Cinnama-Saurus Rex and Fossilized Lemon Tracks. Yum!

How Do Dinosaurs Eat Cookies?
Jane Yolen & Mark Teague
Scholastic Cartwheel Books, January 1, 2012

Poetry Friday: Crouching Tiger

2011-12-16T06:00:00.000-08:00

Today we celebrate poetry in prose. Crouching Tiger is a beautiful poetic combination of art and text with great heart. From Ying Chang Compestine's gentle language to Yan Nascimbene's spacious watercolor and ink illustration, you are your totz will love this story of tai chi, family, and the Chinese New Year.

Watch for this work just released from Candlewick Press. Happy Poetry Friday!

Crouching Tiger
by Ying Chang Compestine
illustrated by Yan Nascimbene
Candlewick Press, 2011

It's a Small World: Away We Go!

2011-12-11T21:36:00.001-08:00

As a child, my absolute favorite ride at Disney World was "It's a Small World." No matter the length of the line, I'd wait for a ride in a boat to visit all the dolls dancing and singing in their countries. Author Meredith Rusu has brought that experience to a board book format in Away We Go!

With cleverness, Meredith shares means of transportation in various countries. In England, one might ride a double-decker bus. In India, you might ride a train. While in Italy, a child might paddle a gondola. Nancy Kubo's flat, color illustrations capture the original ride at Disneyland while also bearing a tinge of anime to keep the images fresh.

Thank Disney Press for this fun, well-designed release by looking for a copy to share with your totz. I'm sure you'll run across this title when it releases in a few days. It's a small world after all.

It's a Small World, Away We Go!
by Meredith Rusu
illustrated by Nancy Kubo
Disney Press, December 13, 2011

December Pick for the Older Sibling: Gift Tag, Poetry Friday

2011-12-09T08:07:00.001-08:00

Did you see the holiday e-poetry collection, Gift Tag? It was compiled by Sylvia Vardell and Janet Wong. I'm so happy to be in this work with other poets who write for children. Each entry was motivated by an image. You might click and purchase the book for yourself and gift it to others for just $2.99. It's spot on for little ones and older readers. Gift Tag is full of holiday memories, thoughts, and wishes you'll want to read again and again. You will love it! As a teaser, here's my entry. Happy Poetry Friday!

Tucked Between Branches

A green puff swirls

Like angel hair

Golden eyes wink

Beside warm white lights

A round belly bulges

Like a plump ornament

My Christmas tree troll

Curls a smile

And reaches out to me

Lorie Ann Grover, 2011

Gift Tag
compiled by Sylvia Vardell and Janet Wong
poetrytagtime.com

The Power of Cute: Charise Mericle Harper

2011-12-05T21:29:00.000-08:00

The Power of Cute is subtitled, My Very First Graphic Novel. It's a sturdy lift-the-flap book about a little superhero by the super-prolific and talented Charise Mericle Harper. This superhero wears a hat with bear ears. When approached by a big, scary monster who questions his superpowers, the main character admits that he does not possess any of the powers he is asked about. But he eventually reveals his "power" aka the ability to make big monsters into cute little ones.

With a variety of flaps to lift, wheels to turn, and tabs to pull, I pronounce this book super-cute!

The Power of Cute
Author-illustrator: Charise Mericle Harper
Random House/Robin Corey Books, 2011

Poetry Friday: The Mice of Nibbling Village

2011-12-02T04:00:00.000-08:00

"Do you know Mouse Nibbling?
Within your own home,
Quiet as the rain-drops
And light as sea-foam,
Under the floorboards
On delicate toes,
Mice run through the village
That no one else knows."

So begins The Mice of Nibbling Village by Margaret Greaves, illustrated by Jane Pinkney. Fourteen poems tell how the village mice are going about their day, including cooking, eating, and cleaning. Each traditional, watercolor illustration is joined with a black and white spot image and a poem on the facing page.

Here is a lovely way to celebrate Poetry Friday! With the pitter patter of mouse feet and your own readertotz!

The Mice of Nibbling Village
by Margaret Greaves
illustrated by Jane Pinkney
National Trust, 2011

December: Around the Block with Sesame Street

2011-12-01T09:32:00.001-08:00

At the close of the year, here's a great reminder. Don't give up!

Christmas in the Mouse House: Maggie Kneen

2011-11-28T13:23:00.001-08:00

I really do love Templar Books. The quality is exceptional. This week's recommend is Christmas in the Mouse House. Be ready to visit a turn of the century mouse house preparing for the holidays.

Papa and Mama Mouse have hidden twelve stars throughout the home, and it's the work of the children to find them in order to decorate the tree. Along the way, they decide to make their own ornaments, too.

Author/illustrator Maggie Kneen's traditional, watercolor spreads contain multiple flaps per page and a few pop-ups which expand the story. What fun to search for the stars, find sweet surprises, and spot the Christmas Mouse.

Watch and help the Mouse family create "the most beautiful Christmas tree" ever. This will be a treasured holiday read with your totz!

Christmas in the Mouse House
by Maggie Kneen
Templar Books, 2011

November: Community Service

2011-11-28T08:58:00.001-08:00

Okay, it's the end of November. Do you still have Halloween candy left over? Or maybe you want to buy a bag right now for this idea? Here's the suggestion for this month's community service:

Send that abundant Halloween candy over to the troops! Visit Operation Shoebox for details.

Photo Friday: Turkey Hat!

2011-11-25T17:07:00.001-08:00

Isn't this the cutest? Click here for the free pattern. Thanks thisnext.com!

Happy Thanksgiving, totz and parents!

Shapes: Jan Pienkowski

2011-11-20T23:55:00.000-08:00

I picked up several of Jan Pienkowski's books last week. Though the interior pages are not board, these titles are board book size and are just right for the youngest totz. The present basic concepts in a fun, easy-to-grasp way. The art is bright and bold with a fat black outline, and is reminiscent of one of my favorite authors of books for totz, Todd Parr (The Okay Book).

Jan Pienkowski has a background in advertising, publishing, children's television, and greeting cards. He is the winner of the Kate Greenaway Medal for The Kingdom Under the Sea and Haunted House. He lives in London.

Author-illustrator, Jan Pienkowski
Walker Books, 2008

Poetry Friday: Over and Under the Snow

2011-11-18T07:57:00.001-08:00

"Over the snow I glide. Into woods,
frosted fresh and white.

Over the snow, a flash of fur-a red squirrel
disappears down a crack.

'Where did he go?'
'Under the snow,' Dad says."

Another non-fiction, poetic, picture book recommend today! Over and Under the Snow by Kate Messner with art by Christopher Silas Neal is as crisp, poignant, and fresh as a field of new snow. Who is above and secretly below the winter layers?

Whether it be the size, layout, or father with child outdoors, there's a hearkening back to the beloved Owl Moon by Jane Yolen. This beautiful work will be equally loved.

Over and Under the Snow
by Kate Messner
art by Christopher Silas Neal
Chronicle Books, 2011

November For the Older Sibling: I Want My Hat Back

2011-11-16T19:03:00.000-08:00

Initially, I was attracted to the cover of this book, and the bear's expression. But I wasn't sure I was going to like it. Was it going to be too spare and all about the great art, I wondered? But I loved this book, the minute I read it.

Bear's hat is gone, and he's looking for it with determination and stoic patience. We don't know what his hat looks like, but we go on the journey with him as he politely asks the animals he comes across, one by one, whether they have seen it. They say no, one by one. Eventually, a deer asks a question that creates a "hey, wait a minute" moment for bear.

A sly, wry story that is perfectly illustrated. Totz will love discovering the secret before bear does and may very well be shouting at him to send him in the right direction. Highly recommend this one!

Book trailer

I Want My Hat Back
Author-illustrator: Jon Klassen
Candlewick Press, 2011

Rescue: by Matthew Reinhart

2011-11-14T09:19:00.001-08:00

I had lower expectations for this pop-up book, only because of its soft paper cover, but I was immediately impressed when I opened the work. Matthew Reinhart's Rescue illustrations, text, and engineering have great impact and tot appeal!

What appears to be paper collage creates a great collection of those who give their lives to help others: police officers, lifeguards, helicopter pilots, paramedics, and fire fighters. Each spread depicts the individual on the left and a pop-up action scene on the right. The text on the left describes the rescuer, while the text on the right elaborates on the emergency.

Totz will love the high action of society's heroes. My favorite is the the female pilot. The helicopter shoots up off the page as a hiker climbs the ladder to be rescued.

Don't be fooled by the paper binding. It helps to keep the price down, and Rescue is sturdy. It will hold up to many readings!

Rescue, Pop-Up Emergency Vehicles
by Matthew Reinhart
Robin Corey Books, 2011

Poetry Friday: Monday is One Day

2011-11-11T05:00:00.000-08:00

"The hardest part of going to work is being apart from you.
Let's count the days until we're both at home
with a special thing to do."

I recently attended a reading and signing with Arthur A. Levine. What a lovely opportunity to hear him read his own work.

In Monday is One Day, your totz will find solace in celebrating the small moments with loved ones each day. Yes, daycare, work, and school may separate us, but looking forward to being together eases the situation. The beautiful rhyme and rhythm in the text will have you quickly repeating the lines together.

The sharp, fun imagery and color palette by Julian Hector remind me of the beloved Curious George. How can that not echo comfort?

Enjoy Monday is One Day with your totz this Poetry Friday!

Monday is One Day

by Arthur A. Levine

illustrated by Julian Hector

Scholastic Press, 2011

Michelle Sinclair Colman: Artsy Babies Wear Paint

2011-11-06T23:57:00.000-08:00

This sturdy 20-page board book is perfect for small artsy totzy hands at 5 1/2" square. Whether they're throwing clay at the floor, making their own collections (of stuffed animals), enjoying a still life (by eating it), or posing (au naturel, of course), these urbane babies are sure to inspire a new generation of Picassos. With illustrations by Nathalie Dion the simple text is full of gentle humor about the totz artistic abilities.

About the author and illustrator:

After her first child was born, Michelle Sinclair Colman was inspired to create the first book in this series: Urban Babies Wear Black. Now Michelle draws her inspiration from two urban—and artsy!—children. She and her family make their home in Waccabuc, New York. Nathalie Dion studied graphic art at Concordia University.

Titles in this board book series:

Artsy Babies Wear Paint

Author: Michelle Sinclair Colman

Illustrator: Nathalie Dion

Tricycle Press, 2011

Poetry Friday: November's Around the Block

2011-11-04T06:00:00.000-07:00

Here's this month's Around the Block With Sesame Street. Listen in as Cab Calloway sings "Hi De Ho Man!" Happy Poetry Friday!

October: Community Service

2011-10-31T16:00:00.000-07:00

After you've carved those pumpkins, roast the seeds and share them with friends!

October: Around the Block with Sesame Street

2011-10-31T12:00:00.000-07:00

This encourages me! Everyone makes mistakes. :~)

Baby Einstein: First Book of Baby Farm Animals

2011-10-30T23:43:00.000-07:00

This large board book format from Baby Einstein will be certain to intrigue your totz. Who lives on the farm? Who lives near the pond or in the barn? What do you hear from the baby animals? Multiple sliding windows will keep little fingers busy. Sturdy construction will hold up for many, many readings.

What I found intriguing in this work is the combination of illustration and photography which offers dual opportunities for recognition. An illustrated cow is shown on the same spread with a photo of a cow. Totz will enjoy this First Book of Baby Farm Animals.

First Book of Baby Farm Animals
by Patricia Van Note
Disney Press, 2011

Poetry Friday: North, the Amazing Story of Arctic Migration

2011-10-28T09:07:00.000-07:00

"At the very top
of our world
is a huge wild place
called the Arctic.
Here in winter, the sun
sinks away,
blizzards fill the darkness,
and even the seas
freeze deep."

Celebrate poetry in nonfiction! Watch for this gem to be released in January. You'll feel as if you and your totz are joining the migration in this incredibly, beautiful book.

North, the Amazing Story of Arctic Migration
by Nick Dowson
illustrated by Patrick Benson
Candlewick Press, January, 2012

Emma Dodd: I Am Small

2011-10-23T22:35:00.000-07:00

I really enjoyed this book! It's board book size and will fit nicely in small hands, but the interior pages are sturdy paper rather than actual board. Told from the perspective of a baby penguin, the simple text captures a true totz voice in describing the bigness of the world compared to a totz' small size. The illustrations are white, black, and dusky blue, with hints of silver foil. The antics of baby penguin are cute as he frolics in beautifully quiet, wintry scenes, along with much bigger adults.

The world is big and I am small.

The sky is high, the ocean deep, and the mountains steep, but baby penguin knows how big he is in the hearts of his parents. The ending definitely has the "oh, how sweet!" factor!

Emma Dodd is the creator of the Dot and Dash board book series, and lives in Surrey England.

I Am Small
Author-illustrator: Emma Dodd
Scholastic, Cartwheel Books, September 2011

Poetry Friday: The Bippolo Seed and Other Lost Stories

2011-10-21T09:58:00.000-07:00

"Once of upon of a time, way down south,
Lived a very big bear with a very big mouth
And very big teeth in his very big jaws
And very big claws in his very big paws.
And this very big bear, who was hunting for meat,
One day spied a rabbit who looked good to eat."

From "The Rabbit, the Bear, and the Zinniga-Zanniga." Happy Poetry Friday!

The Bippolo Seed and Other Lost Stories
by Dr. Seuss
Random House, 2011

Oh, David! A Pocket Library: David Shannon

2011-10-17T12:46:00.000-07:00

Today's recommend is Oh, David! A Pocket Library from David Shannon. The Blue Sky Press has gathered the previously published Diaper David board books into a perfect set for small hands. And if your totz haven't met David, here's a great format to introduce them to that realistic rascal.

The included three works in the boxed set are Oh, David!, Oops!, and David Smells! The latter covers senses, and Oops! is a collection of adorable first words like "Ahh!", and "Whee!" Oh, David! illustrates what Mommy always said to David, including, "Oh, David, I love you."

Shannon's illustrations continue to feel fresh with great energy. David's scribbled black eyes will engage every reader. Perspectives are varied and carry rich color. When you line the three books up in their case, the spines collectively show David peeking at you, one more time. There's a sweet reminiscence conjured in two of the books being told in past tense.

I can imagine the older sibling reading Oh, David! picture books, and then thoroughly enjoying sharing this board book set with readertotz. Everyone will love seeing David as a toddler in these three works!

Oh, David! A Pocket Library
by David Shannon
The Blue Sky Press, 2011

Poetry Friday: October, For the Older Sibling

2011-10-14T06:00:00.000-07:00

Aha! I'm combining Poetry Friday with the recommend for the Older Sibling of your totz. It's a perfect fit.

Chirchir is Singing is a quiet, beautiful book full of poetry, suspense, and assurance of one's worth. I was charmed to enter Africa and was captivated by Kelly Cunnane's text. Jude Daly's illustrations are sparse and open, hinting at the vast spaces Chirchir inhabits.

Listen to the opening spread:

"High in Africa,
wind like a cat paw
wipes the sky clean.
Chirchir, Born Quickly, is singing.

Jambo! Hello! Day is growing tall.
Wake up to green sunlight and rooster's call!
"I'm going to help Mama today," Chirchir announces to Rooster,
whose feathers shimmer like fire.
And away she runs."

The language sustains as we enter Chirchir's daily work in Kenya. Share this exquisite work with the older siblings of your totz. And enjoy Poetry Friday!

Chirchir is Singing
by Kelly Cunnane
illustrated by Jude Daly
Schwartz & Wade Books, 2011

Boo Who? A Spooky Lift-the-Flap 15th anniversary!

2011-10-09T23:55:00.000-07:00

Fifteen years ago in 1996, I got "the call" from Scholastic. The one that meant I would finally be a published book author. While some of my other books for children have faded away over the years, Boo Who? is still in print and going strong. My editor at Scholastic tells me it's on the front Barnes & Noble tables again this year.

What's inside? A cast of Halloween characters to guess, large flaps to lift, and a mylar mirror on the last page. It's a not-too-spooky introduction to the characters that make up this holiday I so enjoyed as a tot.

Guess who says boo?
A ghost
Scratch and hiss? Who is this?
A black cat

It's also at the library in my city, so you might visit your library soon to take a look because those Halloween books fly off the shelf this time of year. If you get a chance to take a look, I hope your totz enjoy it!

Boo Who? A Spooky Lift-the-Flap Book
Scholastic (Cartwheel Books)
Ages 2-6
Author-illustrator: Joan Holub

Poetry Friday: A Dog is a Dog

2011-10-07T10:18:00.000-07:00

"A dog is a dog,
whether it's naughty...
...or nice.
Whether it suns on the beach,
or glides on the ice.
A dog is a dog, if it's skinny or fat.
A dog is a dog, unless it's a...
CAT!"

Keep an eye out for this surprising picture book from Stephan Shaskan. You can celebrate Poetry Friday with your totz and their siblings while you all giggle together! Because a dog is a dog, unless...

A Dog is a Dog
by Stephan Shaskan
Chronicle Books, November, 2011

Guess How Much I Love You, the Pop-Up Edition

2011-10-03T07:31:00.000-07:00

I always rejoice when a book reaches its perfect format. The classic Guess How Much I Love You has been released as a pop-up, and it's perfect.

If you wonder how Sam McBratney's text and Anita Jeram's illustrations could be any better, then you must see them combined with Corina Fletcher's paper engineering. The pop-ups further illustrate the story, which is what gives them greater meaning. Little Nutbrown Hare holds onto Big Nutbrown Hare's ear; the latter's arms truly are long and extend widely, and reach clear out of the book to illustrate love.

Two complete scenes unfold at the book's conclusion. One enables you to help Big Nutbrown Hare to kiss Little Nutbrown Hare goodnight. Exquisite.

Big Nutbrown Hare still has the last word, which must ultimately be a comfort to totz. Although, I always did have a pang reading this work. I wanted Little Nutbrown Hare to win the exchange. So maybe, Big Nutbrown Hare whispers his last phrase, after Little Nutbrown Hare is asleep. That may be just my choice. You?

Guess How Much I Love You,
the Pop-Up Edition
by Sam McBratney
illustrated by Anita Jeram
engineered by Corina Fletcher
Candlewick Press, 2011

Poetry Friday: The Cat and the Fiddle

2011-09-30T12:00:00.000-07:00

THE CAT AND THE FIDDLE

Hey, diddle, diddle!

The cat and the fiddle,

The cow jumped over the moon;

The little dog laughed

To see such sport,

And the dish ran away with the spoon.

September: Community Service

2011-09-30T07:00:00.000-07:00

Dry those sunflowers and share the seeds with your local squirrels.

Art by me, Lorie Ann Grover!

For the Older Sibling: A Zeal of Zebras

2011-09-29T18:57:00.000-07:00

I love a picture book with a strong graphic presentation. A Zeal of Zebras from Woop Studios offers that exquisitely!

A collection of collective nouns to illustrate the alphabet and animal kingdom awaits you in this beauty from Chronicle. Each spread presents the noun, facts about the featured animal with spot illustrations, and then a half spread of the collective noun, the letter, and animals grouped in mass.

I find the language evocative of the animals: an aurora of polar bears, a galaxy of starfish, a kaleidoscope of butterflies, and an ostentation of peacocks. While others are completely familiar: a family of porcupines, a hum of bees, and a nest of crocodiles. Some are completely surprising: an embarrassment of pandas, an implausibility of gnus, and a troubling of goldfish.

Outshining even the expressive text and animal facts is the imagery offered, in what really reads as a collection of fine art posters. The line, flat shapes, compositions, and textures are incredibly rich and engaging.

I heartily recommend A Zeal of Zebras for the older sibling of your totz, and your totz, as well. You'll even find yourself sharing this work with your own friends. Definitely, one of my top books for the year!

A Zeal of Zebras
by Woop Studios
Chronicle Books, 2011

Jennifer Adams: Romeo & Juliet / Pride & Prejudice

2011-09-25T22:25:00.000-07:00

Clever, attractive, and informative, these sturdy board books introduce the fundamentals of classic literature, 1-10 counting concepts, and period history. To get so much into small 22-page board books, and yet keep them uncluttered, is an amazing feat.

If you could boil down these classics to ten images (to represent each number 1-10), which would you choose? For Romeo and Juliet, one image would likely be the balcony. Here, it serves to illustrate the number 1.

From Romeo & Juliet (upper image) and from Pride & Prejudice (lower image):

The books can be read at a variety of early ages, and as totz grow they can return to them and absorb new details. Curious totz will have questions about the illustrations which may well lead into discussion points with parents. Note the careful attention to basic historical detail -- the regency clothing and objects in Pride & Prejudice; Medieval clothing and objects in Romeo & Juliet.

The art is gorgeous and these board books will stand up to many readings. (and occasional chewings) As an Austen and Shakespeare fan, I highly recommend them!

Next up from Jennifer and Alison is Jane Eyre!

Jennifer Adams works as a writer and editor in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Alison Oliver runs Sugar design studio in NYC.

Romeo & Juliet
Pride & Prejudice goodreads
Author: Jennifer Adams
Illustrator: Alison Oliver
Gibbs Smith, 2011
For more, visit Gibbs Smith: BabyLit

Poetry Friday: My Little Baby

2011-09-23T21:44:00.000-07:00

I googled Chinese nursery rhymes and found this tonight. Happy Poetry Friday!

Image from Spice Pages, a Cinnamon Flower

My little baby, little boy blue,

Is as sweet as sugar and cinnamon too;

Isn't this precious darling of ours

Sweeter than dates and cinnamon flowers?

Joyce Wan: You Are My Cupcake

2011-09-18T15:00:00.000-07:00

You Are My Cupcake by Joyce Wan is simple and simply yummy. Self-described as a "bite-sized treat for you and your little sweetheart," this glossy, glittery book is eye-catching and, well, sweet.

You are my CUPCAKE.

My sticky little GUMDROP.

The art is bold and the color choices are reminiscent of actual bakery goods. This is a sturdy, board book that totz and babies will ask for again and again. It's about them and how sweet they are. And it has a satisfying ending. What's not to like?

Joyce has created three other children's books, as well as notecards, totebags, magnets, and clothing. I look forward to more books from this talented author-illustrator.

An interview with Joyce Wan at Cakespy.

You Are My Cupcake

16 page board book

author/illustrator: Joyce Wan

Scholastic, Cartwheel Books, 2011

Poetry Friday: The Sandman

2011-09-16T07:00:00.000-07:00

Here's a lesser known rhyme I found at rhymes.org.uk

The Sandman

The Sandman's coming in his train of cars

With moonbeam windows and with wheels of stars

So hush you little ones and have no fear

The man-in-the-moon he is the engineer

The railroad track tis a moonbeam bright

That leads right up into the starry night

So put on you 'jamas and say your prayers.

Leo Lionni: little blue and little yellow

2011-09-12T00:01:00.000-07:00

Originally published in 1959 and recently re-released in board book form to celebrate its 50th anniversary, little blue and little yellow began Leo Lionni's amazing career in children's books. Over the decades, four of Lionni's books have been named in the Caldecott Awards: Frederick, Swimmy (my personal favorite), Alexander and the Wind-Up Mouse, and Inch by Inch.

The main characters in this sturdy board book are scraps of colored paper. Little Blue (a blue scrap) has blue parents, and Little Yellow (a yellow scrap) has his yellow parents. They each have friends of various colors in school and at play.

When Little Blue can't find Little Yellow one day, he searches high and low. When they find each other, they are so happy that they hug it out…and hug and hug until they become green! Uh oh! Now their parents don't recognize them. This dilemma will have totz glued to the story and rooting for a happy ending. Where did little blue and little yellow go? Are they lost?

The two scraps begin to cry, and their tears are blue and yellow, not green. Seeing this, their parents finally recognize their scraps. All ends well.

This book is one I hadn’t seen before, even though it has been around forever. At its heart, it’s a story of friendship and acceptance, but it’s also a fun read, and functions as an intro to color blending. I can see it leading to a family or classroom art project, in which totz create their own colorful, well-blended, scrappy characters.

little blue and little yellow

30 page board book

author/illustrator: Leo Lionni

Alfred A. Knopf , 1959 / 2009 re-release

Photo Friday: Fast Asleep with Her Books

2011-09-09T08:20:00.000-07:00

A dear friend sent this image of her daughter fast asleep among her pile of books. Hug Hug! is close by! May your totz drift off among good friends.

Celebrating Joan's magnetic new release: A Kiss For You!

2011-09-04T08:43:00.000-07:00

This board book (with lift-the-flap magnetic hand) began four years ago as a way to empower young children by showing the many important, loving things little hands can do. In fact, the original title was What Can A Little Hand Do? My editor loved the idea of blowing a kiss, which I had on one of the inside pages. So the title became A Kiss For You!

I made numerous dummies of the book to figure out the best way for the hand to move as a lift-the-flap which folds down on each page in turn, and Scholastic had the idea of adding a magnet so the hand would stay in place easily, until lifted.

Caroline Jayne Church's adorable illustrations added just the right touch that brought the story alive. I hope you and your child enjoy this book, which so many loving hands and minds came together to create.

From Publishers Weekly: "Readers can engage with this sunny board book by maneuvering a hand-shaped flap attached to the back cover, in seven scenes. Gently lifting the hand up and down makes a blonde girl softly pat a puppy. Elsewhere, a boy blows a kiss with the hand, and a brunette girl can play "peek-a-boo, I see you!" with readers...a fun, engaging gimmick. Ages 2–4. (Sept.)"

~ Joan

A Kiss For You!
Ages 2-5
Author: Joan Holub, readertotz co-founder
Caroline Jayne Church, illustrator
Scholastic, Cartwheel Books
September 2011

Poetry Friday: What are Little Boys Made of?

2011-09-02T08:00:00.000-07:00

Is this politically correct these days? Hm. Happy Poetry Friday!

WHAT ARE LITTLE BOYS MADE OF?

What are little boys made of, made of?

What are little boys made of?

“Snaps and snails, and puppy-dogs’ tails;

And that’s what little boys are made of.”

What are little girls made of, made of ?

What are little girls made of?

“Sugar and spice, and all that’s nice;

And that’s what little girls are made of.”

September: Around the Block with Sesame Street

2011-09-01T19:41:00.000-07:00

Just in time for Labor Day! Happy holiday with classic Sesame Street...

August: Community Service

2011-08-30T10:00:00.000-07:00

Photo from Home Cook'n

Have your totz share those extra zucchini with a neighbor! I know my garden is offering up plenty. How about yours?

August: For the Older Sibling, Press Here

2011-08-29T21:00:00.000-07:00

How about the coolest book ever this month, for the older sibling of your totz? A New York Times Best Seller! I have to nominate Press Here by Herve' Tullet. As School Library Journal said, "It's a magic trick that never stops giving." Even my mother was enamored and played along from beginning to end!

Imagine dots: red, yellow, and blue. Now simple instructions which yield results as you turn each page. Sometimes the dots multiply with a press and page turn. They may change color with gentle rubbing, while taps might reorient the groupings. Shaking and tilting moves the dots as well.

You'll find the lights go out until you blow the black away. Clapping increases the dot size, until you begin again, at the start of the book.

With graphic simplicity, you and your child will enjoy the fun reading game of Press Here. And then you will run to share the book with another. Thank you, Herve' and Chronicle! Wonderful!

Press Here
by Herve' Tullet
a Handprint Book, Chronicle, 2011

Baby Animals in the Forest

2011-08-29T10:25:00.000-07:00

I wanted to share another Kingfisher Baby Animal title in their lovely series. This one is called Baby Animals in the Forest. As a collaborative project, the creative text, photographic imagery, expressive font, and bold flat color make this addition to the Baby Animal series a must have for totz animal enthusiasts.

Be introduced to the baby fox, rabbit, and even a boar. Imitate their sounds as you read short facts and action words.

"Deer
I am a young fawn with spotted fur. When I grow up, the spots will disappear! Bleat bleat!"

Spots are added to "spotted" and the word "disappear" is faint. There is much interaction in this little book of precious baby animals. Enjoy it with your readertotz!

Baby Animals in the Forest
Kingfisher, 2011

Poetry Friday: Georgy Porgy

2011-08-26T09:46:00.000-07:00

GEORGY PORGY

Georgy Porgy, pudding and pie,

Kissed the girls and made them cry.

When the boys came out to play,

Georgy Porgy ran away.

Happy Poetry Friday!

August: Around the Block with Sesame Street

2011-08-25T18:21:00.001-07:00

Too cute!

Potty: Leslie Patricelli

2011-08-22T16:20:00.000-07:00

I am always up for a potty book. Pair the topic with Leslie Patricelli's Baby, and you have a wonderful board book which will make your totz giggle and aim for their own successes.

Baby has to go potty, but where should he go? In his diaper, the cat box, or where the dog goes? Questions from Baby will engage your little reader. Baby does decide to use his own potty, whereupon he falls asleep, until he startles himself awake with his own success. The world is bright with future undies!

Tackle potty training with Potty. That squared-nosed baby will be a fun inspiration for certain!

Baby
by Leslie Patricelli
Candlewick Press, 2010

Photo Friday: love.

2011-08-19T09:51:00.000-07:00

Just collaged this image over in Polyvore. Happy Photo Friday, totz!

Sally Rippin: Go Baby Go!

2011-08-15T07:00:00.000-07:00

How about a fresh board book from Australia? With the simple injunction to "Go, baby, go," totz will be introduced to locomotion and Australian animals.

Publisher Allen & Unwin paired Sally Rippin's simple text with Ann James' energetic, loose illustrations in what I believe are grease pencil and watercolor wash. It's the latter which captures my attention as verbs like wriggle, sit up, and travel are explored. Ann's lines are incredibly expressive.

The inclusion of a koala, turtle, and joey help to make this collaboration stand out from the crowd. Travel down under and enjoy totz as loveable as your own in Go Baby Go!

Go Baby Go!
by Sally Rippin
illustrations by Ann James
Allen & Unwin, Australia, 2008

Photo Friday: Retro Summer

2011-08-12T09:10:00.000-07:00

Hope this sparks a bit of summer in your heart, like it does for me up in the cloudy Northwest. It's a collection of my memories. Happy Photo Friday, everyone!

Renee Khatami: little black book

2011-08-08T07:00:00.000-07:00

With concept, text, and design by Renee Khatami and photos by Laura Dwight, your totz can own a little black book for themselves. Traditional textures like bunny fur, and velvet are revisited; yet, touch and feel is refreshed with nylon cat whiskers. Midpoint, the scratch and sniff licorice is a great surprise. Foil stars in a black night sky conclude the simple rhyme about black things.

Watch for this little black book of exploration. Your totz will enjoy the mysteries with all their senses!

little black book
by Renee Khatami
photography by Laura Dwight
Random House, 2011

Poetry Friday: Bed in Summer

2011-08-05T10:03:00.000-07:00

Art by Jessie Wilcox-Smith

Bed in Summer

by Robert Louis Stevenson

In winter I get up at night
And dress by yellow candle-light.
In summer quite the other way,
I have to go to bed by day.

I have to go to bed and see
The birds still hopping on the tree,
Or hear the grown-up people's feet
Still going past me in the street.

And does it not seem hard to you,
When all the sky is clear and blue,
And I should like so much to play,
To have to go to bed by day?

Photototz: Frances Barry

2011-08-02T09:07:00.000-07:00

How professional and ready for the world was author/illustrator Frances Barry at age 6? Isn't she a confident beauty? Her website is adorable, so be sure to take a look!

I recently reviewed Frances' Let's Look at Dinosaurs. Review our thoughts of this book for your totz, and then find Frances' other works, as well. Look at Duckie! Too cute!

Thanks for sharing with us, Frances!

If you are an author or illustrator and would like to add your own photo as a tot to our gallery, send it my way! We'll add you to the roundup: lorieanngroveratclearwiredotnet

Uh-oh! I'm Sorry: Jill Ackerman

2011-08-01T00:01:00.000-07:00

Uh-oh! I'm Sorry is a lesson in manners and etiquette for ages 0-2, but it's a nice reinforcement for totz as well. At ten pages, with oversized lift-the-flaps and rhyming repetitive text, it reassures readers that simple mistakes can always be fixed. For instance, when crayon scribbles venture onto the floor instead of staying put on a drawing:

Sometimes I color outside the lines.
Uh-oh!
(child is joined by mom under flap)
I'm sorry!
It's okay.
We can clean it up.

Though accidents will happen, the set of important words in this book will help the youngest readers cope when they do.

Uh-oh! I'm Sorry
Author: Jill Ackerman
Illustrator: Michelle Berg
Publisher: Cartwheel Books
Series: Little Scholastic

For the Older Sibling: Grandma's Gloves

2011-07-30T12:45:00.000-07:00

I'm a huge fan of Cecil Castellucci. We were delighted to feature her work for older readers at readergirlz. You can read her issue here. So when the picture book Grandma's Gloves arrived, I knew I would be enchanted. And I was.

I was incredibly moved by this honest treatment of a grandmother's senility and eventual death as seen through the eyes of a young girl. The book is beautifully paced, with lovely language. Julia Denos' open, fresh, drawn and painted illustrations are the perfect match to carry Cecil's text. There's light and space and room to breath throughout the difficult topic.

Here is the witness of one generation connecting to another, each blessed with time to hear and be with the other. The child is also able to bridge a gap for her own mother when the grandmother passes. The work is justly receiving awards and notice, such as the California Book Award!

Save this one for your totz' siblings when a loved one departs. Thank you, Cecil and Julia!

Grandma's Gloves
by Ceci Castellucci
illustrated by Julia Denos
Candlewick Books, 2010

Poetry Friday: Smiling Girls, Rosy Boys

2011-07-29T05:00:00.000-07:00

Photo from talk Disney

SMILING GIRLS, ROSY BOYS

Smiling girls, rosy boys,

Come and buy my little toys;

Monkeys made of gingerbread,

And sugar horses painted red.

Little toys are the best! Happy Poetry Friday.

Pat the Bunny: Peekaboo, Bunny!

2011-07-25T08:57:00.000-07:00

If you and your totz can't get enough of patting that adorable first board book bunny, look for Peekaboo, Bunny! With illustrations in keeping with the original Pat the Bunny, your totz are challenged to find Bunny's friends beneath flaps. Where is Squeak, Teddy, and Cat? Each spread offers three flap possibilities for surprise and memory exercise on further readings.

It's so fun to revisit Bunny. And of course you must look for him/her on the last spread. Where is Bunny? He's hiding because he loves to play peek-a-boo with you! (Hm. Is Bunny a male or female?)

Peekaboo, Bunny!
Golden Books, 2009

Poetry Friday: Butterfly, Butterfly

2011-07-22T07:00:00.000-07:00

I'm away on a writing retreat, surrounded by butterflies as I work outside. Happy Poetry Friday! May a butterfly cross your path today!

Image from Colour Lovers Blog

BUTTERFLY, BUTTERFLY

Butterfly, butterfly,

Whence do you come?

"I know not, I ask not,

Nor ever had a home."

Butterfly, butterfly,

Where do you go?

"Where the sun shines,

And where the buds grow."

July: Community Service

2011-07-21T09:06:00.000-07:00

Image from City of Broomfield, CO

Create a drawing to send and thank a member of our armed forces. Here's a handy link!

July: Around the Block with Sesame Street

2011-07-20T09:00:00.000-07:00

I heart Ernie!

Busy Elephants: John Schindel and Martin Harvey

2011-07-18T00:02:00.000-07:00

This 16 page board book is the 14th in the Busy Book collection. Busy Elephants shows elephants engaging in their everyday activities in their natural habitat. There aren't enough wildlife photography books like this for totz, so I'm happy to welcome this one onto my shelves. From a two-page spread:

Elephants splashing
Elephants dashing

The real-life photographs, action verbs, and rhyming text are a delight. Made of sturdy board and glossy photos, its , 7 x 5 inch size makes it perfect for small hands. It's a self-described "elephantastic romp" that I think totz will enjoy.

Busy Elephants
Author: John Schindel
Photographs: Martin Harvey
Tricycle Press, 2011
$6.99

Poetry Friday: Tweedle-Dum and Tweedle-Dee

2011-07-15T08:30:00.000-07:00

Tweedle-dum and Tweedle-dee

Tweedle-dum and Tweedle-dee

Resolved to have a battle,

For Tweedle-dum said Tweedle-dee

Had spoiled his nice new rattle.

Just then flew by a monstrous crow,

As big as a tar barrel,

Which frightened both the heroes so,

They quite forgot their quarrel.

I don't recall this rhyme, do you? Happy Poetry Friday!

Let's Look at Dinosaurs: Frances Barry

2011-07-11T08:58:00.000-07:00

Is that not the cutest dinosaur ever? I was immediately charmed by Let's Look at Dinosaurs.

In a larger format, likely qualifying as a picture book, Frances Barry presents collaged dinosaurs with flaps, to emphasize the featured dinosaurs' unique qualities. However, the pages are thick, and the flaps are durable, so I think little hands will enjoy this as well as a board book.

Frances presents a question on each page.
"I wonder why triceratops has such a large bony frill."

And then an answer is given.
"The frill might have been used to scare off predators."

An additional fact, in small print, for older siblings follows.
"Scientists are still studying how triceratops might have used his tail."

The dinosaurs are made of flat shapes with adorable black-spotted eyes. Even the Tyrannosaurus is endearing with his fierceness.

End papers offer pronunciation, a final fact, and a silhouette of a child for size. Find Let's Look at Dinosaurs for your future paleontolongist. And flip the flap for a munch, crunch, and roar!

Let's Look at Dinosaurs
by Frances Barry
Candlewick Press, 2011

Poetry Friday: Wee Sing, Sillyville

2011-07-08T07:00:00.000-07:00

Oh, my daughters grew up with this video! Enjoy the fun with your totz! Happy Poetry Friday!

The Little Composter: Jan Gerardi

2011-07-04T00:01:00.000-07:00

The Little Composter is a beautifully-illustrated lift-the-flap book with a wonderful message about working and playing with dirt as a very young composter. The rhyme is spot-on, as in:
Peanut shells.
Melon Rind
(under flap)
Citrus peels of any kind.

This small sturdy book is part of the Teenie Greenies series of eco-friendly books for ages 0-4. Also in the series is Eco People on the Go, which teaches totz (in a non-teachy way) about environmentally friendly ways to go green.

The Little Composter
Author/illustrator: Jan Gerardi
Series: Teenie Greenies
Random House, 2010

Poetry Friday: Hebrew Children's Poetry

2011-07-01T10:16:00.000-07:00

This is so beautiful! I'd love to be able to read the Hebrew poetry! Happy Poetry Friday!

June: Around the Block with Sesame Street, Stevie Wonder and Grover

2011-06-30T17:00:00.000-07:00

Oh, how awesome is this? Stevie and Grover! I am also "the short note singer." :~)

June: Community Service

2011-06-30T09:46:00.000-07:00

This is so easy, but it's also helpful to your entire community. With you, totz can clean up trash at your local park. Make a difference today!

I found this adorable drawing on The Harmonica Pocket! Which makes me think how fun it would be to include more children's drawings at readertotz. Thoughts?

I like bugs: Lorena Siminovich

2011-06-27T11:10:00.000-07:00

I was just out gardening this morning and put some time in with the roly polys. It now seems appropriate to share I like bugs by Lorena Siminovich.

This touch-and-feel board book from Templar Books is a tactile discovery of five insect-y spreads. Your totz will have the opportunity to count beetles, butterflies, and bees. The texture inserts are inventive: glitter mylar for the dragonfly's body, satin for the butterflies, and fuzzy bottoms for the bees.

Lorena's collages provide variety in the layered papers which create foreground, objects, and backgrounds. There's so much subtle movement to see and appreciate; your totz will want to look at this work again and again. I like bugs is charming, especially outside, on a summer day!

I like bugs
by Lorena Siminovich
Templar Books, 2010

Poetry Friday: Humpty Dumpty

2011-06-24T09:17:00.000-07:00

Wikipedia asserts Humpty is the most well-known Mother Goose rhyme in English. And I had forgotten Alice interviews Humpty in Through the Looking Glass. Here's to Humpty!

HUMPTY DUMPTY

Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall,

Humpty Dumpty had a great fall;

All the King’s horses, and all the King’s men

Cannot put Humpty Dumpty together again.

Pig Takes A Bath: Michael Dahl

2011-06-20T00:01:00.000-07:00

The title of this book and the cover design made this book stand out on the shelves. Once I ventured inside, I enjoyed the simple story with its striking, colorful art. It begins with an off-stage parent calling:

Little Pig WHERE are you?

Little Pig is having a great time in a mud puddle--that’s where he is. But now it’s time for a bath. Although Little Pig tries to dodge the whole bath thing, he winds up in the tub and undergoes the annoyance of a thorough, step-by-step de-mudding procedure. Until finally:

Little Pig, you’re CLEAN!

I won’t give away the ending, but Little Pig winds up more or less as he began. Totz will sympathize with this pig. They know what it’s like to have their playtime interrupted by the nuisance of bathtime. And they’ll giggle at the ending!

Also keep an eye out for Pony Brushes His Teeth and Bunny Eats Lunch!

Pig Takes A Bath

by Michael Dahl

illustrated by Oriol Vidal

Picture Window Books / Captstone Books, 2010

Poetry Friday: Little King Boggen

2011-06-17T07:14:00.000-07:00

Illustration by Frederick Richardson, Mother Goose, Volland Edition (1915)

LITTLE KING BOGGEN

Little King Boggen, he built a fine hall,

Pie-crust and pastry-crust, that was the wall;

The windows were made of black puddings and white,

And slated with pan-cakes,- you ne’er saw the like!

I'm craving some pancakes now, on this Poetry Friday!

June Older Sibling Pick: Cloudette

2011-06-16T00:01:00.000-07:00

The minute I saw this cover, I wanted to read this picture book. Tom Lichtenheld's art has that effect on me. The book trailer is adorable, too. It's Cloudette's job resume as she searches for a way to make a difference in the world.

Cloudette has personality. The text and art manage to make her so believably childlike that totz and kidz will identify with her. She isn't as big as the other clouds and wonders what she can possibly contribute. She likes being small, but the big clouds can do a lot that she can't -- like creating thunderstorms, for instance. When one of the big clouds' storms whooshes her far away, she meets a frog with a problem--an empty pond. Her solution is perfect and I was cheering for her.

Tom Lichtenheld is also the illustrator of the New York Times bestselling Duck! Rabbit! and Shark vs. Train, and Zero the Hero (Feb 2012 / written by totz co-founder Joan Holub.)

Cloudette

author-illustrator: Tom Lichtenheld

Christy Ottaviano Books / Henry Holt and Company / Macmillan, 2011

Play, Baby: Disney Baby

2011-06-13T10:01:00.000-07:00

Don't let this little cover image thwart you from finding this sweet board book! I had trouble finding a larger pic, maybe because attached to the top back cover is a clever rattle handle. Little hands will grab and hold onto this one!

Play, Baby, a Disney baby board book, features multicultural children with superimposed Disney characters, playing together. Dumbo shakes a rattle, the dalmatians stack cups, while Cinderella's mice help a tot push a ball.

I found the graphic combination charming. The palette is gentle and retro, causing the red handle to pop. The left spreads carry text and silhouettes of the Disney characters.

Grab Play, Baby for your totz and rattle around sweet images and words!

Play, Baby
Disney Press, 2010

Photo Friday: Ellen Elizabeth Grover

2011-06-11T06:44:00.000-07:00

How is it even possible my own sweet tot has graduated high school and earned her AA? How did 17 years fly past? Enjoy every moment and read, read, read to your totz before they fly...

1 2 3 4 U: David Horvath and Sun-Min Kim

2011-06-06T00:01:00.000-07:00

I think this sturdy “Ugly Boards” board book is funny! It’s a counting book: 1 through 10, done in comic book style. The characters are all simple, cartoon monsters, who speak in speech bubbles.

Although the book looks simple, the more you look at the drawings, the more funny things you notice. Like the spread for number 8, for instance. On the left-hand page there are eight monster heads to count. Also, as concept reinforcements--the numeral “8” and the word “Eight.” On the right-hand page, there’s a monster at a lunch table, munching what looks like an 8-shaped pretzel. As you study more closely, you notice that there’s a small jar of “8 DIP” nearby to add a little flavor. And the speech bubble reads:

I ATE 8.

On the back, there’s a little monster holding two cookies in each hand. His speech bubble reads:

I wish 2 + 2 = 5.

(As a confirmed cookie monster myself, I know just how he feels!)

This is a quirky, enjoyable counting book that totz will likely want to ponder more than once. There are others in this series, including ABC U LATER, and UGLY COLORS.

About the creators:

Ugly Dolls creators David Horvath and Sun-Min Kim met at Parsons School of Design. Their characters grew out of letters they wrote to each other after Sun-Min returned to Korea.

1 2 3 4 U

by David Horvath and Sun-Min Kim

Random House, 2009