Extra Yarn by Mac Barnett illustrated by Jon Klassen Picture book * * * * Stars (Great!) One day, Annabelle finds a box of yarn that never runs out. She knits herself a sweater, and then one for her dog, and when her yarn supply continues to grow she gradually clothes the whole town (including people, animals, trees, buildings). The formerly black and white town becomes a colorful place. Then a fashion-conscious archduke – having … Read more
This Moose Belongs to Me by Oliver Jeffers Picture Book * * * Stars (Pretty good) When a moose enters Wilfred’s life, he just knows “that it was meant to be his.” He names his moose Marcel, and gives him some rules to follow in order to be a good pet. Marcel isn’t particularly invested in these rules and does whatever it is that he’s decided to do – regardless. You might say that he’s … Read more
Christmas Wombat by Jackie French illustrated by Bruce Whatley Picture book * * * Stars (Pretty good) Following the format of “Diary of a Wombat,” “Christmas Wombat” details the activities of a wombat as it goes about its day – resting, scratching, eating, and discovering…CARROTS! After a delicious snack, the wombat curls up for a nap in Santa’s sleigh and then finds itself making the rounds on Christmas Eve as packages are delivered to homes … Read more
Lester’s Dreadful Sweaters by K.G. Campbell Picture book * * * Stars (Pretty good) Lester lives a very orderly, meticulous life until the arrival of Cousin Clara (whose “cottage was consumed by a crocodile). She installs herself in his family’s home and begins knitting sweaters – each one more horrific than the last. Lester manages to destroy every single one of them almost as quickly as Clara churns them out, but his reputation is beginning … Read more
Homer by Elisha Cooper Picture book * * * * Stars (Great!) Homer is an older, laid-back family dog (he looks to be a golden retriever or yellow lab). He spends a day on the porch while the other members of his family (other dogs and people, too) come and go about their business. Everyone checks in with him – inviting him along on their adventures and activities – but Homer is happy where he … Read more
Me Want Pet! by Tammi Sauer illustrated by Bob Shea Picture Book * * * Stars (Pretty good) Cave Boy really wants a pet, but none of the animals he brings home to the family cave is acceptable. They all hang around, however, and when a stampede threatens the family’s home the animals save Cave Boy from certain death! After that, they are welcomed with open arms – despite size, allergies, and house-breaking issues. Cute … Read more
The Princess and the Packet of Frozen Peas by Tony Wilson illustrated by Sue deGennaro Picture book * * * * Stars (Great!) Prince Henrik wants to fall and love and get married, but he’s not really sure how to choose the perfect princess. When he asks his brother for help, he tells him how he picked out his own perfect princess – with the pea hidden under the multiple mattresses method. Princess Eva, his … Read more
Small Bunny’s Blue Blanket by Tatyana Feeney Picture Book * * * * Stars (Great!) Small Bunny is very attached to his blue blanket – they do everything together. When Small Bunny’s mom decides blue blanket needs a (gasp!) bath, Small Bunny is skeptical – he likes blue blanket the way it is. Anxious about blue blanket, Small Bunny watches the entire cleaning and drying process. Blue blanket is not the same afterward, but Small … Read more
The Honeybee Man by Lela Nargi Juvenile Fiction/Non-fiction Picture book * * * * Stars (Great!) Fred the Brooklyn beekeeper loves his bees. He climbs up to his rooftop apiaries every morning to greet his colonies with a “Good morning, my bees, my darlings.” And addresses an individual greeting to each of his bee queens (Mab, Nefertiti, and Boadicea). This is an excellent, accessible introduction for younger children to what bees and their keepers do. … Read more
The Book That Eats People by John Perry illustrated by Mark Fearing Picture book * * * * * Stars (Amazing!) This book EATS people. So, if you should find it, be careful. If it makes any funny noises, you’ll want to stop reading immediately, pile stuff on top of it, and probably run for your life – just to be safe. This is the story of the book and the people it’s eaten (a … Read more