Monday, November 24, 2014

BLIZZARD


  











BLIZZARD
By: John Rocco

As the Winter weather approaches, the most fitting book of the season is Blizzard by John Rocco. In case you are unfamiliar with John Rocco and his work, I highly recommend you take a look at Blackout. Yes, above is a picture of me with the author at Book Expo America 2014!

Blizzard is the story of the major snowstorm that hit New England in 1978. People were home-bound for days and one brave boy heads out into the freezing cold to buy food and supplies for his family and neighbors. The store is over a mile away from the boy's house and with tennis rackets on his feet the boy successfully helps his town survive the storm. Readers of all ages are truly going to love this journey. Anyone who has ever gone through a blizzard can relate to the story and the pictures. The most exciting pages in the book are fold-outs of the route the boy takes from his home to the store. It is beautifully and perfectly illustrated with stops the boy makes along the way and footprints in the snow as well as the driveways that are shoveled. John Rocco knows how to take a moment in history and make it relevant and exciting to revisit over and over again. I am sure as we head into our first school closings because of snow this will be the go-to read-aloud in many classrooms! I know it will definitely be read in all of mine!

Wednesday, November 12, 2014

Keep A Look Out For These Upcoming Picture Books!

Get excited for some of these upcoming picture books, you definitely do not want to miss them!

FROG AND FLY 
By: Jeff Mack

It is a common fact that Frogs eat flies and this book is a reminder of just how much. The simple and bright illustrations along with the thought and talking bubbles make this a thoroughly enjoyable read-aloud and a wonderful easy-reader for beginners. The book is broken down into six short interactions between Frog and Fly and though Frog seems to take the win the end is sure to make you smile when you see how Fly gets the last laugh. Frog’s expressions truly bring this story to life and is the perfect tie in to a unit about frogs, amphibians or the food chain. It is sure to be a crowd pleaser for all children.


READY RABBIT GETS READY
By: Brenna Maloney

Anyone who has ever encountered a morning with a toddler can relate to this book. As a parent or caregiver who needs to get out of the house to get anywhere on time is sure to run into the problem of the toddler having more important things to do and Ready Rabbit is no different. Ready Rabbit is well aware that he needs to get up and get ready for the day but he really needs to build space ships and ride his motorcycle because that is much more important than eating breakfast or brushing his teeth. Young children will immediately connect with Ready Rabbit and find they have similar morning routines and the same adventurous interests. What is most appealing about Ready Rabbit is the illustrations on every page. Rabbit himself is a sock puppet and the pictures of the toys around his house are toys children all own including Legos, dinosaurs, animals and more. Rabbit’s imagination is sure to spark creativity to all is sure to be fans, so be prepared for the newest excuses of why your own toddler is not ready for school on time!


LITTLE BABY BUTTERCUP
By: Linda Ashman

If a toddler could write up a summary of a typical day in her life, this book would be the result. Ashman does not miss a beat highlighting daily toddler routine. Starting with morning breakfast she moves on to playing before heading outdoors in rain or shine. Ashman highlights the most popular parts of the playground and the way toddlers love to “help” with chores. Ashman reminds adults that despite a little mess from time to time, a parent truly loves every minute spent with their little one no matter what. Byun’s illustrations are bright and lively and go hand in hand with the text. This book is the perfect read aloud to share with your little one, especially if they are old enough to verbally express the shared similarities between the book and their own everyday routine. I personally cannot wait to share this book with my own children!


Product Details
BY MOUSE AND FROG
By: Deborah Freedman

Mouse is trying to write a story and his friend Frog has better ideas of what should be happening in Mouse’s tale. A lesson in collaboration and friendship, By Mouse and Frog is the perfect read-aloud for any preschool class. The most entertaining part of the story is when Frog gets carried away and starts quoting other famous children’s books. Children will love spotting lines from the Pigeon series by Mo Willems, Goodnight Moon, Chicken Little, Are You My Mother and more! The pictures compliment the dialogue perfectly making this sure to be an instant favorite that parents will not mind reading over and over.