Nighty-Night and Hair: Leslie Patricelli

Always, always I cheer when Leslie Patricelli offers up a new board book. This round is Nighty-Night and the hilarious Hair.

In Nighty-Night, baby takes us through the evening ritual. A string of couplets helps march your reader to bed. My favorite:

Bye-bye, pants.
Naked dance.

In Hair, it's time for baby to have a haircut. For one hair, that is. "I have a hair!" baby says, then goes on to explain all that must be done for its care. Gender neutral, baby is ever adorable. The book concludes with examples of diverse kinds of hair.

Thank you for two more baby books, Leslie! We heart you!

Nighty-Night
Hair
by Leslie Patricelli
Candlewick Press, 2017

Poetry Friday: I Love You, Honey Bunny

A sweet first board book for readertotz is I Love You, Honey Bunny. With perky, soft ears which poke out of the top, this is a sure cuddle.

"You're sweeter than the sweetest little honeybee.
You fill the world with love--you're amazing to me."

Happy Poetry Friday to you and your bunny!

I love you, Honey Bunny
by Sandra Magsamen
Scholastic

More, More, More: Muhammad Ali

For the older sibling of your readertotz, I suggest Muhammad Ali, A Champion is Born. Written by Gene Barretta, with dynamic illustration by Frank Morrison, the picture book is a strong tribute to the forces and fortitude which shaped Cassius Clay.

Beginning with one knockout after another, the story continues to show good following difficulty. From one stolen bike, one champion grows, a role model for a generation.

"I had to prove you could be a new kind of black man. I had to show the world."

Add this strong work from Katherine Tegen Books to your collection.

"Impossible is nothing." Muhammad Ali

Muhammad Ali, A Champion is Born
by Gene Barretta
illustrated by Frank Morrison
Katherine Tegen Books, 2017

Please, Mr. Panda: by Steve Antony

How often do we wish there was an award for the very best in books for first readers? Often! This is why readertotz proposes The Dorothy Kunhardt Award for Outstanding Board or Novelty Book be awarded by ALA. Today's recommend would have been a contender for 2015. Please, Mr. Panda by Steve Antony is unique and adorable and unexpected.

Various black and white animals approach Mr. Panda who is offering a colorful donut from his box. To each he changes his mind: "No, you cannot have a doughnut. I have changed my mind." Penguin, skunk, ostrich, and orca are offered donuts but then denied. Your readertotz will be delighted when the lemur arrives on scene.

Don't miss this wonderful release from Cartwheel Books. Please?

Please, Mr. Panda
by Steve Antony
Cartwheel Books, 2015