Potty: Leslie Patricelli

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

It's Vacation Time: Lerryn Korda

A story about the wonderful places imagination and friendship can take you.

Summer is here, and a group of friends are going on vacation. Little Nye is making icepops to take along. Nella is overstuffing her suitcase, so Lester removes things to lighten the load. Out go toys for beach games. Fling away the flippers. No more masks. But the suitcase still won't shut? What's the problem now? Turns out that rubber raft and some imagination is really all they need for their journey. And of course, ice pops.

The bright, attractive, contemporary illustration style is perfect for totz. The pages are not board, but they're sturdier than picture book pages. Totz will enjoy the trip!

It's Vacation Time
author-illustrator: Lerryn Korda
Candlewick
ages 1-3

Let's Save the Animals: Frances Barry

Let's Save the Animals is skillfully designed so that large lettering tells a story about saving the animals, while brief, in-depth information, which is more appropriate for children slightly older than totz, is included in small type. This makes it easy for you to choose whether the smaller-type content is appropriate to share with your totz. Candlewick states the age as 4-7.

The illustrations are cut-paper images of each animal and simple collage landscapes with cut-outs and reveals. The forms are large and the animals are depicted in a somewhat realistic style that's not cutesy, but has graphic appeal. Unusual partial pages have been bound between full pages. For instance, an elephant's head turns as a half page between spreads that show the entire elephant; a rhino's grassland environment turns as another partial page to work with two rhino spreads.

It begins:

(In large type:)

I wish we could save
all the endangered animals in the world!

I'd save the African elephant,
stomping across the plains
and showering in the lake.

(In smaller type that a parent may or may not choose to share with totz:)
Humans are taking over the land where elephants live. Sometimes elephants are killed for their ivory tusks.

On the inside back cover, there are simple suggestions that empower young children:

I can help protect and save the animals
with these simple actions:

(In big type:)
Let animals sleep, feed,
and play on their own.

(In smaller type)
Disturbing animals in their natural habitats
can do more harm than good.

This is a beautiful book with a poignant, simple, deftly-delivered message.

Let's Save the Animals
A Flip the Flap Book
Ages 4-7

Frances Barry
Candlewick Press

December Pick for the Older Sib: The True Story of Goldilocks

In this prequel to the Goldilocks fairy tale, Mama Bear and Papa Bear invite the very good Goldilocks to into their home, hoping she might be a good influence on naughty Little Bear. But Little Bear doesn’t like Goody Two-Shoes Goldie (as he calls her), and Goldilocks thinks he’s un-BEARable! Eventually, Little Bear decides to mend his naughty ways, but then he becomes so very good that Goldie is a little bored. She soon gets an idea that will turn things around. As the Bear family goes off to visit . . . well, you'll have to read the book for your self to see how things turn out.

This 8x8" novelty book is jam-packed with all kinds of cool things to manipulate: lift-the-flaps, envelopes with messages inside, a wheel to turn, a tab to move, some high-relief art, and most elaborate of all in the end -- a pop-up Bear house. The art is very appealing and works well with the story.

It's recommended for ages 3 and up, but I think the story and moveable parts make it skew a little older. Overall, a delightful book thats perfect for your totz older sibling!

The True Story of Goldilocks

Candlewick, Templar Books
Author: Agnese Baruzzi
Illustrator: Sandro Natalini
2009

Ten Sleepy Sheep: Phyllis Root, Susan Gaber

My pick this week is Ten Sleepy Sheep by Phyllis Root, illustrated by Susan Gaber. What a fun concept to turn the tables and find the sheep not wanting to go to sleep themselves in the countdown.

Phyllis' rhyme has a beautiful, elegant cadence that contributes to the quiet tone of the book.

"Nine sheep race
past the tall green gate.
Wind sighs.
Whippoorwill cries.
Sleep, sleep."

The rich language spills naturally in the reading and will be memorized by parents and totz. Counting down from ten to one is an adventure in the onset of night.

Susan's paintings in acrylic and pastel continue the tone set by Phyllis in their gentle detail. Apart from the first and last spread, each is a painting bordered by white with an accompanying spot illustration. Every spot encapsulates the one sheep drifting off to sleep.


Susan has a wonderful palette that reflects the deepening night while still remaining colorful.

Ten Sleepy Sheep is a beautiful addition to any totz board book collection. Count down to sleep as you read this lovely book before bed.

Ten Sleepy Sheep
by Phyllis Root
illustrated by Susan Gaber
Candlewick, 2009

Art for Baby: the very best for your totz

If there was a Kunhardt Board Book Award, Art for Baby would be short listed for certain. This is exactly what Joan and I are calling for when we ask for the best for our totz.

Templar Books, an imprint of Candlewick Press, has collected twelve black and white images from eleven contemporary artists. Special thanks go out to the galleries who were so generous with their art that they allowed the pieces to be included in this work. Thanks also to the Outset Contemporary Art Fund and the NSPCC who helped in this collaboration.



What more beautiful images to expose your totz to than Paul Morrison's Cryptophyte or Takashi Murakami's Ohana? (both above) Black and white high contrast images aid newborns in object recognition. What a beautiful way to present art and life to the youngest readers. Other artists include Keith Haring, Julian Opie, and Damien Hirst.

A removable paper frieze for your nursery is also provided. Our thanks go out to Templar Books for raising the board book bar and presenting the very best to the market. This book is exquisite perfection.

Art for Baby
9.6 x 9.5 inches
Templar Books, Candlewick Press, September 8, 2009

For the Older Sibling: Song of Middle C

The art is what initially attracted me to this book. It's a pleasing blend of the contemporary and the retro. The palatte is subdued, the lines simple, and there's plenty of fun to be had here.

Now on to the story, which I thoroughly enjoyed. Told in first person, it's a fun, realistic, smart tale about a girl who's facing her first piano recital -- "Dance of the Wood Elves." Her mom says "Practice Makes Perfect." So she practices and teaches us a thing or two about preparation and piano skills as we await her big day. On recital day, she practices bowing in front of her mirror. She wears her lucky underwear (pink with music notes) for good measure. All the kids line up waiting for their turns to perform, but . . .

At the recital, I wait and wait and wait.
Did you know that piano recitals take a long,
long time? Especially when your song is the
very last song on the program.
The very, very last song.
But am I nervous?
Hoo boy, no!
Not one tiny bit.
That's because I'm cool as a cucumber.

Then, she's on the bench and things quickly go awry:

Fingers? Hello?
Wood elves, where are you?
Lucky underwear, don't fail me now!

I like her spunky way of thinking, which serves her well as things don't go as planned. Any child who has ever been faced with the pressure of performing in the spotlight--and haven't we all-- will relate to this cute book!

Song of Middle C
Alison McGhee, author
Scott Menchin, illustrator
picture book
Candlewick Press, 2009

~ Reviewed by Joan Holub, author

A Surprise for the Nutbrown Hares: Sam McBratney

I was surprised, just like the nutbrown hares. Because this book is fatter (about 3/4 inches thick) and has many more pages than most board books. However, it is truly a board book. It's small with sturdy pages. And Candlewick says its for ages 2-4.

The team of Sam McBratney and Anita Jeram is probably best known for the best-selling family classic, Guess How Much I Love You. This book follows a similar style. On a windy day, the Nutbrown Hares have been playing and chasing leaves, and now Big Nutbrown Hare has to rest. Imagine his surprise when he opens his eyes and sees . . . a box monster hopping toward him! Is he dreaming? Should he run away? And what will Big Nutbrown Hare’s response be when the box monster sheds his convincing disguise?

Totz will relate to the situation that unfolds and will enjoy reading this with mom and dad. Anita's website is fun and has art and cards for purchase.

A Surprise for the Nutbrown Hares
Sam McBratney, author
Anita Jeram, illustrator
Candlewick, 2009

~ review by Joan Holub, author

Silly Suzy Goose: Petr Horacek

Suzy Goose may look like your average white goose with an orange bill and feet, but she has a big imagination. She can see the merits of being all sorts of other animals:

If I were a giraffe, I could S T R E T C H up high.

But she can see the merits of just being herself as well.

With cut-paper and collage illustrations which are pleasingly reminiscent of Eric Carle, this sturdy board book is filled with examples of animals and common action words and sounds associated with them. It's longer than average at 17 pages (32 spreads) and is suggested for ages 1 to 3.

Also see Lorie Ann's review of this book in her June 15th post. We reviewed the same book without realizing each other had chosen it. I think this speaks well for this book.

Silly Suzy Goose
Petr Horacek, author-illustrator
board book
Candlewick Press, 2006

~ reviewed by Joan Holub, author

Petr Horacek: Silly Suzy Goose

Suzy Goose doesn't like to be just like everybody else. Who does? Wouldn't it be great to flap like a bat, squawk like a toucan, or slide like a penguin? Suzy compares herself to animals throughout the world and finds she comes up short, repeatedly. Until she compares herself to a lion and discovers it might be helpful to appear just like every other goose!

Petr Horacek's text and illustrations for Silly Suzy Goose are fresh and delightful. The theme of wanting to stand apart is handled in a new way that will engage your totz through the various large type verbs and mixed media illustrations. From watercolor to collage, Suzy's story is brilliant in color. The plot is well-paced and varied compositions contribute to the fun beat.

I really enjoyed how Suzy incorporated her discoveries and experiences into her life and grew. All of this in a board book with wonderful humor! Enjoy Silly Suzy Goose!

Silly Suzy Goose
by Petr Horacek
Candlewick Press, 2009

Wednesdays Win: A Little Kitty

Drop a comment here on readertotz for a chance to win A Little Kitty, an adorable board book by Jane Feder and Amy Schwartz just published by Candlewick Press! Good luck, and don’t forget to check back to see if you’ve won next Wednesday when we'll announce the winner and also post a new contest for yet another book! (Due to mailing costs, open to USA only.)

~ Joan Holub and Lorie Ann Grover

Wednesdays Win: A Little Puppy

Drop a comment here on readertotz for a chance to win A Little Puppy, an adorable board book by Jane Feder and Amy Schwartz just published by Candlewick Press! Good luck, and don’t forget to check back to see if you’ve won next Wednesday when we'll announce the winner and also post a new contest for yet another book! (Due to mailing costs, open to USA only.)

Congratulations to DebReader, winner of the May 13th Wednesday Win, Mommy Calls Me Monkeypants on readertotz! Please email joanholub at aol dot com with your snailmail addy.

~ Joan Holub and Lorie Ann Grover

For the Older Sibling: Higher! Higher!

YAY! *running around the room* Leslie Patricelli has a new picture book! Higher! Higher! is spot on perfect for the older sibling of your readertotz and your totz themselves!

A little girl and her father go to the park to swing. "Higher! Higher!" she calls as the father faithfully pushes her. She soars higher than the giraffe in the zoo, buildings, mountains, planes, into outer space where she waves at a passing monkey in a rocket ship and greets an alien on a swing. "Hi!" Then it's back, back down to earth and the arms of her father, so she can shout, "Again!"

True to a child's experience and imagination, this work will resonate with your readers. Leslie's colors and shapes are in keeping with her well-loved board books. It's such a treat to sink into the textures with the larger format. The canvas shows through beautifully. What a great effect for the glow of the earth, the stars, and even the little girl's face. Be sure to spot Baby in the plane. And take a moment to appreciate and enjoy the hand lettering.

Pick up Higher! Higher! and then hit the swings!

Higher! Higher!
by Leslie Paricelli
Candlewick Press, 2009

~Lorie Ann

More, More, More! If I Could, Susan Milord

Joan and I are receiving wonderful works from publishers. Of course there are far more picture books being printed than board books. To share the very best, occasionally, we'll offer a review titled "More, More, More!" as Vera Williams so eloquently put it. We still remain a board book blog. But this will keep our content fresh!

The revised edition of If I Could by Susan Milord and illustrated by Christopher Denise came to my attention. It's absolutely dear. The original cover is above and the revised is below. I prefer the revised! It's bright and active.

On one ordinary day, a raccoon mother and child share their wishes for each other. Each endearment could be spoken by either character.

"If I could,
I'd rouse the sun
and make it shine
till day is done."

The lasting note is:

"I couldn't love you
more than I do.
But if I could,
I would."

With delightful layered illustrations in acrylic and charcoal, your heart will be stirred along with your totz'.

If I Could
by Susan Milord, illustrated by Christopher Denise
Candlewick, 2009, revised

~Lorie Ann Grover

Maisy's Fire Engine: Lucy Cousins

My girls and I have always been a huge fan of Lucy Cousins. In fact, I may have to dig out our all time fav to review soon. But, Maisy's Fire Engine recently came to my attention, and I wanted to share it first.

So, yes, boys love books about transportation. Girls may also find an interest in books about vehicles. But why not combine a book about a fire engine with an emotional story? This is exactly what Lucy has done! All totz will be engaged. Best of all, Maisy is at the wheel. Girl power!

As Maisy and Cyril check the fire engine, Little Black Cat is scared and flees to the roof of a nearby house. Through the fire fighters help, there's a rescue and then a fun ride together. All the action occurs in eight full bleed spreads.

With her trademark bright, flat colors and heavy black outlines, Lucy tells a simple compelling story for your readertotz. I'm a great lover of her simple lettering and bold backgrounds.



Inside Story



Check out The Maisy Fun Club for great activities with Maisy!

Maisy's Fire Engine
Lucy Cousins
Candlewick Press, 2002

Jamie Harper: Yum Yum, Baby Bundt

Big sister and Baby Bundt are an appealing duo in Yum Yum, Baby Bundt, a sturdy new board book that's billed as a "Recipe for Mealtime." Its first two pages offer a list of ingredients for baby's lunch beginning with: "1 hungry Baby Bundt; 1 bib, washable; 1 high chair; Handful of toys; 1 plastic plate; 1/2 cup noodles with sauce;" and so on. I think this is an interesting format. When I was little, I loved make-and-do activities with steps to follow, and this is somewhat like that in concept.

This felt like a story the big sister was telling rather than a story told by an adult, something I appreciated. The interaction between Big Sis and Baby as she helps with feeding is light-hearted fun, and Sis often gets creative as shown in the illustration below.















Yum Yum may very well prompt your totz into offering to help with a younger sibling's feeding time.
















Inside Scoop:
A former pastry chef, Jamie Harper is obsessed with scrapbooking, as you can see at her blog. If you're like me and have a fascination with seeing the workplaces of authors and illustrators, you'll enjoy Jamie's photos and notes about her studio and how she works.

Yum Yum, Baby Bundt
Jamie Harper, author-illustrator
Candlewick Press, 2009

~ Joan Holub, author/illustrator