New babies can be a fraught experience, and we've got several storytimers who are going through that process right now, so a small break from Halloween gives us some cute takes on new siblinghood.
The Baby Tree
Sophie Blackall
A cute compilation of all the different prominent American cultural myths about "where babies come from" from storks to cabbage patches to hospitals (vaguely) to the baby tree of the title and cover. At the end, the confusion is cleared up by a medically accurate but child-appropriate explanation of how the baby is made from a seed and an egg, and grows inside the mom until it's old enough to be born. Cute AND useful!
Baby Can
Eve Bunting, Maxie Chambers
Sibling rivalry starts early, and here we have an older sibling who is just a mite jealous of all the attention baby is getting for accomplishments that he can do just fine, but doesn't seem to get noticed or praised for! An attentive and complimentary (and distracting) family good-naturedly accomodate his need for attention in a positive and child-centered way, and by the end, the baby and brother are celebrating their successes together.
Bobo and the New Baby
Rebecca Minhsuan Huang
Bobo is an adorable dachshund, and he lives very happily with the Lees, until they bring home a baby. Suddenly everything Bobo wants must take second place to the baby - all the time! Despite that, Bobo is determined to be helpful and tries to kill a bee in the house, and initially gets yelled at, but when the Lees realize Bobo was trying to protect the baby, they formally introduce the two, and Bobo once more feels like an integral part of the family. (Hardcore echoes of Lady and the Tramp here, but that's probably because it's in the news with the new movie right now.)
Showing posts with label storytime. Show all posts
Showing posts with label storytime. Show all posts
Thursday, November 7, 2019
Wednesday, November 6, 2019
Tuesday Storytime: More Creepy Fun
These were picked out by my coworker for a morning of spooky sillyness.
Click, Clack, Boo!
Doreen Cronin, illustrated by Betsy Lewin
The book sticks to the classic format, but here we're substituting creepy and silly halloween sounds into the mix. Funny and light.
Me and My Dragon: Scared of Halloween
David Biedrzycki
The irrepressible boy and his bright red pet dragon (who may or may not be imaginary) navigate the sometimes scary rituals and proceedings of a traditional American-style Halloween, and discover the fun behind the scary costumes and dark nights out.
Little Blue Truck's Halloween
Alice Schertle, illustrated by Jill McElmurry
A cute "lift-the-flap" book features Little Blue Truck and friends as they head into a cozy Halloween night. Very good for kids hesitant about the whole deal, or parents trying to navigate the line between religion and culture.
Click, Clack, Boo!
Doreen Cronin, illustrated by Betsy Lewin
The book sticks to the classic format, but here we're substituting creepy and silly halloween sounds into the mix. Funny and light.
Me and My Dragon: Scared of Halloween
David Biedrzycki
The irrepressible boy and his bright red pet dragon (who may or may not be imaginary) navigate the sometimes scary rituals and proceedings of a traditional American-style Halloween, and discover the fun behind the scary costumes and dark nights out.
Little Blue Truck's Halloween
Alice Schertle, illustrated by Jill McElmurry
A cute "lift-the-flap" book features Little Blue Truck and friends as they head into a cozy Halloween night. Very good for kids hesitant about the whole deal, or parents trying to navigate the line between religion and culture.
Tuesday Storytime: Pumpkin Time
It's October and that means Halloween! Getting into the spirit early with a trio of pumpkin-related stories.
Ten Orange Pumpkins
Stephen Savage
A fun, slightly spooky, counting book - watch out for the enormous spider towards the end!
Pumpkin Cat
Anne Mortimer
Cat and Mouse prepare all spring and summer for a pumpkin, and when it's finally grown in the fall, Mouse has a final surprise for Cat.
Boo! Haiku
Deanna Caswell, illustrated by Bob Shea
This "guess who" format is fun with the haiku rhythms, and the guesses aren't too hard, as long as the adults are willing to offer additional clues - even then "skeleton" was a bit over their heads. Overall tho, very satisfactory as a creepy fun call and response book.
Ten Orange Pumpkins
Stephen Savage
A fun, slightly spooky, counting book - watch out for the enormous spider towards the end!
Pumpkin Cat
Anne Mortimer
Cat and Mouse prepare all spring and summer for a pumpkin, and when it's finally grown in the fall, Mouse has a final surprise for Cat.
Boo! Haiku
Deanna Caswell, illustrated by Bob Shea
This "guess who" format is fun with the haiku rhythms, and the guesses aren't too hard, as long as the adults are willing to offer additional clues - even then "skeleton" was a bit over their heads. Overall tho, very satisfactory as a creepy fun call and response book.
Monday, October 21, 2019
Tuesday Storytime: Elephants on Parade
There are so many good picture books featuring elephants. It's really just astounding. Here are three of my perennial favorites:
Elmer
David McKee
Elmer is a patchwork-colored elephant - the only one in his herd. He always feels just a little bit out of place, so he plays the prankster and joker and always cracks the other elephants up, but when he thinks that they ONLY like him for his jokes, he sets off to try to become normal elephant color to fit in better. When he realizes that he's liked for himself, and that his patchworks mean that he is individual in a way the other elephant's can't be, he becomes a bit more accepting of his differences.
Tweak Tweak
Eve Bunting, illustrated by Sergio Ruzzier
A cute "growing up" story by Eve Bunting gets even more adorable with soft-edged and fluffy illustrations by Ruzzier. A mama elephant takes her baby out on a walk and they talk about what they see, and what's possible for baby elephants to do, or not to do as the case may be. Very cute, and a fun way to introduce the idea that not everything is right for everybody, and that families and people may be different and have different abilities.
Small Elephant's Bathtime
Tatyana Feeney
Sweet short story about Small Elephant, who really doesn't like bathtime, but when DAD starts having all the fun in the bath, now we can't have that, can we? It's a cute twist on the "wait til your FATHER comes home" trope (which is hopefully becoming more of a thing of the past) and an adorable family with good problem-solving skills.
Elmer
David McKee
Elmer is a patchwork-colored elephant - the only one in his herd. He always feels just a little bit out of place, so he plays the prankster and joker and always cracks the other elephants up, but when he thinks that they ONLY like him for his jokes, he sets off to try to become normal elephant color to fit in better. When he realizes that he's liked for himself, and that his patchworks mean that he is individual in a way the other elephant's can't be, he becomes a bit more accepting of his differences.
Tweak Tweak
Eve Bunting, illustrated by Sergio Ruzzier
A cute "growing up" story by Eve Bunting gets even more adorable with soft-edged and fluffy illustrations by Ruzzier. A mama elephant takes her baby out on a walk and they talk about what they see, and what's possible for baby elephants to do, or not to do as the case may be. Very cute, and a fun way to introduce the idea that not everything is right for everybody, and that families and people may be different and have different abilities.
Small Elephant's Bathtime
Tatyana Feeney
Sweet short story about Small Elephant, who really doesn't like bathtime, but when DAD starts having all the fun in the bath, now we can't have that, can we? It's a cute twist on the "wait til your FATHER comes home" trope (which is hopefully becoming more of a thing of the past) and an adorable family with good problem-solving skills.
Friday, September 27, 2019
Tuesday Storytime: Scaly Shenanigans
A fun trio of books featuring alligators, dragons, and dinosaurs, selected by my coworker.
Gator Dad
Brian Lies
Celebrates an anthropomorphic gator dad and his kids having a delightful summery "do nothing" sort of day, where somehow an awful lot of things get done, and memories get made. Really suprisingly sweet and innocent and wholesome-hearted.
Me and My Dragon
David Biedrzycki
A boy and his dragon go to the beach, where lots of things get all messed up, and of course it is always the dragon's fault. The shame-faced dragon reforms when things go a little bit too far, and peace is restored... or is it?
If You Happen to Have a Dinosaur
Linda Bailey, illustrated by Colin Jack
This is a very helpful how-to book on what you can do to keep your particular type of dragon happy and employed, or at least occupied, in a manner that suits both the dragon and you. There are dragons that like to blow leaves around, and ones who love to vaccuum, and ones who will scare away the neighborhood bullies, or conveniently eat your homework for you! Cute and tongue firmly in cheek.
Gator Dad
Brian Lies
Celebrates an anthropomorphic gator dad and his kids having a delightful summery "do nothing" sort of day, where somehow an awful lot of things get done, and memories get made. Really suprisingly sweet and innocent and wholesome-hearted.
Me and My Dragon
David Biedrzycki
A boy and his dragon go to the beach, where lots of things get all messed up, and of course it is always the dragon's fault. The shame-faced dragon reforms when things go a little bit too far, and peace is restored... or is it?
If You Happen to Have a Dinosaur
Linda Bailey, illustrated by Colin Jack
This is a very helpful how-to book on what you can do to keep your particular type of dragon happy and employed, or at least occupied, in a manner that suits both the dragon and you. There are dragons that like to blow leaves around, and ones who love to vaccuum, and ones who will scare away the neighborhood bullies, or conveniently eat your homework for you! Cute and tongue firmly in cheek.
Tuesday, September 17, 2019
Tuesday Storytime: Jungle Fun
Last week's storytime was a lot of fun as we interactively explored the jungle, and learned about friendship and conservation along the way.
The Rain Forest (Scholastic "First Discovery Book")
Gallimard Jeunesse, and Rene Mettler, illustrated by Rene Mettler
This transparency-flip book lets kids see scenes of the jungle from one viewpoint, and then reveals all the hidden mysterious creatures and life in the scene that may not have been obvious at first glance. It is a bit small, but we had mostly younger children, so they crowded around and we spent a lot of time examining all of the wonders of the rain forest.
What's in the Jungle? (lift the flap board book)
Renee Jablow, illustrated by Rosario Valderrama
A cute simple book with rhyming sets giving clues to what animals is hiding behind the flaps, easy enough for the youngest kids to guess. Very VERY short.
Explorers of the Wild
Cale Atkinson
A boy and a bear cub share a parallel story of solo exploration in a magical forest and mountain, until they encounter each other and after a brief moment of fear, realize what they have in common, and use their bravery and friendship to go further and explore more deeply than they ever did before. Very cute and I love the faux cartoon-rustic art style.
The Rain Forest (Scholastic "First Discovery Book")
Gallimard Jeunesse, and Rene Mettler, illustrated by Rene Mettler
This transparency-flip book lets kids see scenes of the jungle from one viewpoint, and then reveals all the hidden mysterious creatures and life in the scene that may not have been obvious at first glance. It is a bit small, but we had mostly younger children, so they crowded around and we spent a lot of time examining all of the wonders of the rain forest.
What's in the Jungle? (lift the flap board book)
Renee Jablow, illustrated by Rosario Valderrama
A cute simple book with rhyming sets giving clues to what animals is hiding behind the flaps, easy enough for the youngest kids to guess. Very VERY short.
Explorers of the Wild
Cale Atkinson
A boy and a bear cub share a parallel story of solo exploration in a magical forest and mountain, until they encounter each other and after a brief moment of fear, realize what they have in common, and use their bravery and friendship to go further and explore more deeply than they ever did before. Very cute and I love the faux cartoon-rustic art style.
Monday, September 16, 2019
Tuesday Storytime: Funny Animals
This storytime was compiled and given by a different co-worker, as both of us were on vacation at the same time! Cute and good books tho, very well chosen.
One, Two, Cockatoo!
Sarah Garson
Essentially a counting and tongue-twister book, it's a silly romp through an idealized jungle canopy where cockatoos (and eventually other animals) all get involved in counting and dancing and frolicking around being generally silly.
Llama llama mess, mess, mess
An Anna Dewdney book (by Reed Duncan (her former spouse?) and illustrated by JT Morrow)
The shine is a bit off of this continuing series, but it still manages to be sprightly and cute, and handle child-level concerns and thought-patterns quite well. This time around, Llama llama sees what happens when no-one cleans up, and he doesn't like the chaos as much as he thought he would. Maybe a BIT of cleaning might be ok?
Kiss Goodnight
Amy Hest, illustrated by Anita Jeram
Always a sweet ending book. Sam gets all the standard bedtime rituals, but he's still waiting! For the most important part of bedtime, of course.
One, Two, Cockatoo!
Sarah Garson
Essentially a counting and tongue-twister book, it's a silly romp through an idealized jungle canopy where cockatoos (and eventually other animals) all get involved in counting and dancing and frolicking around being generally silly.
Llama llama mess, mess, mess
An Anna Dewdney book (by Reed Duncan (her former spouse?) and illustrated by JT Morrow)
The shine is a bit off of this continuing series, but it still manages to be sprightly and cute, and handle child-level concerns and thought-patterns quite well. This time around, Llama llama sees what happens when no-one cleans up, and he doesn't like the chaos as much as he thought he would. Maybe a BIT of cleaning might be ok?
Kiss Goodnight
Amy Hest, illustrated by Anita Jeram
Always a sweet ending book. Sam gets all the standard bedtime rituals, but he's still waiting! For the most important part of bedtime, of course.
Wednesday, August 28, 2019
Tuesday Storytime: Rainy Day Storytime
We got drenched this morning, so I pulled one of my usual fall storytimes forward to celebrate the sudden thunderstorm.
Tap Tap Boom Boom
Elizabeth Bluemle, illustrated by G. Brian Karas
Urban residents take to the subway underground station to seek shelter from a sudden rainstorm, and find friendship and fun while down there.
Rain
Sam Usher
A boy is DELIGHTED that it's a rainy day, and can't wait for all the rainy-day adventures to begin, but his grandfather persuades him to wait and wait and WAIT for the rain to end before heading outside for the eventual fun. Gets a little surreal at the end, might confuse littler ones as to what's real and what's imaginary.
Like a Hundred Drums
Annette Griessman, illustrated by Julie Monks
A lovely nature-and-farm-animal focused look at an incoming thunderstorm, heavy on the anticipation. The people are almost an afterthought, and it's a surprisingly lyrical and longing take on the subject.
Tap Tap Boom Boom
Elizabeth Bluemle, illustrated by G. Brian Karas
Urban residents take to the subway underground station to seek shelter from a sudden rainstorm, and find friendship and fun while down there.
Rain
Sam Usher
A boy is DELIGHTED that it's a rainy day, and can't wait for all the rainy-day adventures to begin, but his grandfather persuades him to wait and wait and WAIT for the rain to end before heading outside for the eventual fun. Gets a little surreal at the end, might confuse littler ones as to what's real and what's imaginary.
Like a Hundred Drums
Annette Griessman, illustrated by Julie Monks
A lovely nature-and-farm-animal focused look at an incoming thunderstorm, heavy on the anticipation. The people are almost an afterthought, and it's a surprisingly lyrical and longing take on the subject.
Tuesday, August 27, 2019
Tuesday Storytime: Summer Adventures
Last week's storytime was done by my coworker, celebrating the last dregs of summer fun before school starts back up.
Ice Cream Summer
Peter SÃs
Summer Days and Nights
Wong Herbert Yee
Maisy Goes on Vacation
Lucy Cousins
Ice Cream Summer
Peter SÃs
Summer Days and Nights
Wong Herbert Yee
Maisy Goes on Vacation
Lucy Cousins
Friday, August 16, 2019
Tuesday Storytime: Imaginary Selves
There's lots of focus placed on imaginary friends, but this time around I wanted to focus on how children imagine themselves as bigger, stronger, or more interesting people (or versions of themselves) to empower themselves through life and challenges. Here we have three different versions of "imaginary selves" helping kids face some pretty common kid struggles: baby siblings, bedtime, and new schools.
Rodeo Red
Maripat Perkins, illustrated by Molly Idle
Rodeo Red does NOT like that new cowpoke Sideswiping Slim. That ornery thing snaps up toys, food, and even messes up her favorite hat! Not only that, but the "law" (mom and dad) are inexplicably and unfairly on that little snake's side! When he steals her sidekick Rusty the (stuffed) dog, Red just has to set things right. After a few botched attempts, an unwanted gift proves to be a welcome distraction. Maybe, just maybe, things can get set right with this rascal eventually.
Bedtime for Batman
Michael Dahl, illustrated by Ethen Beavers
A sweet side-by-side comparison story shows a small boy in Gotham readying for bed in the persona of his favorite caped crusader, Batman. While the boy faces challenges like the potty and managing to stuff all of his toys into the bin, Batman is cleaning up familiar evildoers from the sewers. The comparisons are funny and sweet, and the story is full of good rituals (with a checklist at the end for good measure). There's a companion story "Sweet Dreams, Supergirl" (and one with Superman and Wonder Woman) which is also adorable, but I liked the paired storytelling of this one best.
Ally-saurus and the First Day of School
Richard Torrey
Ally-saurus is a dinosaur for her first day of school, which helps her be brave and gives her something to focus on while she learns to navigate desks and class rituals. When lunchtime comes, despite being shunned by the "princess table," she finds a set of friends (all of whom have their own favorite animal (or item) to play happily, even with the princesses, during recess and afterwards into class again. A positive story about the impact of imagination and acceptance and being friendly.
Rodeo Red
Maripat Perkins, illustrated by Molly Idle
Rodeo Red does NOT like that new cowpoke Sideswiping Slim. That ornery thing snaps up toys, food, and even messes up her favorite hat! Not only that, but the "law" (mom and dad) are inexplicably and unfairly on that little snake's side! When he steals her sidekick Rusty the (stuffed) dog, Red just has to set things right. After a few botched attempts, an unwanted gift proves to be a welcome distraction. Maybe, just maybe, things can get set right with this rascal eventually.
Bedtime for Batman
Michael Dahl, illustrated by Ethen Beavers
A sweet side-by-side comparison story shows a small boy in Gotham readying for bed in the persona of his favorite caped crusader, Batman. While the boy faces challenges like the potty and managing to stuff all of his toys into the bin, Batman is cleaning up familiar evildoers from the sewers. The comparisons are funny and sweet, and the story is full of good rituals (with a checklist at the end for good measure). There's a companion story "Sweet Dreams, Supergirl" (and one with Superman and Wonder Woman) which is also adorable, but I liked the paired storytelling of this one best.
Ally-saurus and the First Day of School
Richard Torrey
Ally-saurus is a dinosaur for her first day of school, which helps her be brave and gives her something to focus on while she learns to navigate desks and class rituals. When lunchtime comes, despite being shunned by the "princess table," she finds a set of friends (all of whom have their own favorite animal (or item) to play happily, even with the princesses, during recess and afterwards into class again. A positive story about the impact of imagination and acceptance and being friendly.
Thursday, August 15, 2019
Tuesday Storytime: Summer Fun
These were selected by my coworker!
An Island in the Sun
Stella Blackstone, illustrated by Nicoletta Ceccoli
A "House that Jack built" narrative structure, and a lovely rhyming flow make this sweet but fairly empty story move along quickly, held largely together by the utterly beautiful illustrations of sun and wind and water and islands in a tropical imagination of a world. Beautiful but slight.
North, South, East, West
Margaret Wise Brown, illustrated by Greg Pizzoli
An unpublished little gem from Margaret Wise Brown has a little bird fluttering off into different climates as she flies in each cardinal direction to discover where she most wants to be - finally (seemingly) returning home to settle and raise a family who end the story by taking wing in all different directions just like their mother.
Leo Can Swim
Anna McQuinn, illustrated by Ruth Hearson
Leo is Lola's little brother, a Black British child who has family-and-child-centered real-life adventures with his family and father, much as Lola does in her books. In this story, Leo and his dad go to a swim class at a local pool, and encounter locker rooms, swimming gear, a swimming lesson, and a nice rest after class. Perfect little books for explaining life experiences for kids about to start on them personally, or for kids who may never have that experience to learn about them in a realistic way.
An Island in the Sun
Stella Blackstone, illustrated by Nicoletta Ceccoli
A "House that Jack built" narrative structure, and a lovely rhyming flow make this sweet but fairly empty story move along quickly, held largely together by the utterly beautiful illustrations of sun and wind and water and islands in a tropical imagination of a world. Beautiful but slight.
North, South, East, West
Margaret Wise Brown, illustrated by Greg Pizzoli
An unpublished little gem from Margaret Wise Brown has a little bird fluttering off into different climates as she flies in each cardinal direction to discover where she most wants to be - finally (seemingly) returning home to settle and raise a family who end the story by taking wing in all different directions just like their mother.
Leo Can Swim
Anna McQuinn, illustrated by Ruth Hearson
Leo is Lola's little brother, a Black British child who has family-and-child-centered real-life adventures with his family and father, much as Lola does in her books. In this story, Leo and his dad go to a swim class at a local pool, and encounter locker rooms, swimming gear, a swimming lesson, and a nice rest after class. Perfect little books for explaining life experiences for kids about to start on them personally, or for kids who may never have that experience to learn about them in a realistic way.
Wednesday, August 14, 2019
Summer Reading Storytime, space, week 8
Last week of Space! We say goodbye with a set from my coworker:
Mail Harry to the Moon!
Robie H. Harris, illustrated by Michael Emberley
Our unnamed narrator is QUITE DISPLEASED with the new addition to the family, especially now that his things (and food, and parental affection) are getting seriously infringed upon. When smaller ideas - toss him in the trash, flush him down the toilet - don't gain any traction, he goes for the ultimate solution and decides that they need to just Mail Harry to the Moon! But the next morning he's shocked by the silence - did they ACTUALLY do it? But the baby's too young to be on the moon by himself! So off he goes to the rescue, deciding it's really not that bad to have a baby brother after all.
Space Cows (easy reader)
Eric Seltzer, illustrated by Tom Disbury
This silly story reminds me of Sandra Boynton's goofyness, but in a easy-reader format. Nothing serious or ponderous, just a silly little nonsense rhyme featuring cows in spacesuits cavorting about in space and on the moon, and in spaceships.
A Big Mooncake for Little Star
Grace Lin
This sweet fable (adapted from childhood memories of the actual Chinese Moon Festival, although not from the mythology associated with it) has Mama and Little Star as a small family, baking lovely tasty mooncakes that Little Star can't resist slowly nibbling on through the month, leaving a trail of crumbs as the milky way. Sweet and gentle and a fun "just-so story" for the phases of the moon being caused by a hungry little girl.
Mail Harry to the Moon!
Robie H. Harris, illustrated by Michael Emberley
Our unnamed narrator is QUITE DISPLEASED with the new addition to the family, especially now that his things (and food, and parental affection) are getting seriously infringed upon. When smaller ideas - toss him in the trash, flush him down the toilet - don't gain any traction, he goes for the ultimate solution and decides that they need to just Mail Harry to the Moon! But the next morning he's shocked by the silence - did they ACTUALLY do it? But the baby's too young to be on the moon by himself! So off he goes to the rescue, deciding it's really not that bad to have a baby brother after all.
Space Cows (easy reader)
Eric Seltzer, illustrated by Tom Disbury
This silly story reminds me of Sandra Boynton's goofyness, but in a easy-reader format. Nothing serious or ponderous, just a silly little nonsense rhyme featuring cows in spacesuits cavorting about in space and on the moon, and in spaceships.
A Big Mooncake for Little Star
Grace Lin
This sweet fable (adapted from childhood memories of the actual Chinese Moon Festival, although not from the mythology associated with it) has Mama and Little Star as a small family, baking lovely tasty mooncakes that Little Star can't resist slowly nibbling on through the month, leaving a trail of crumbs as the milky way. Sweet and gentle and a fun "just-so story" for the phases of the moon being caused by a hungry little girl.
Summer Reading Storytime, space, week 7
Last week of the SRP, but we're going to roll the storytimes for 8 weeks and end on the last day of July.
Here are our second-to-last space summer reading books for Pendleton's Family Storytime group!
Moondogs
Daniel Kirk
His parents are desperate to get him a pal, but Willy is convinced that no pet will be as good as a moondog. But when an alien threatens everyone, a good old earth mutt saves the day, and changes Willy's mind.
Boy + Bot
Ame Dyckman, illustrated Dan Yaccarino
A cute short fable of good friends trying their best to meet needs even in the face of unexpected challenges (and operating systems). The weird tiny scientist at the end is icing on the cupcake.
Garcia and Collette go Exploring
Hannah Barnaby, illustrated by Andrew Joyner
Garcia and Collette can't decide WHERE to explore, so they build their own devices (rocket and submarine) and head off on their respective adventures, but they realize the true fun of exploring is having someone to share the fun. Back they come, the inventions are invented upon, and a mutually-enjoyable destination is discovered in the end.
Here are our second-to-last space summer reading books for Pendleton's Family Storytime group!
Moondogs
Daniel Kirk
His parents are desperate to get him a pal, but Willy is convinced that no pet will be as good as a moondog. But when an alien threatens everyone, a good old earth mutt saves the day, and changes Willy's mind.
Boy + Bot
Ame Dyckman, illustrated Dan Yaccarino
A cute short fable of good friends trying their best to meet needs even in the face of unexpected challenges (and operating systems). The weird tiny scientist at the end is icing on the cupcake.
Garcia and Collette go Exploring
Hannah Barnaby, illustrated by Andrew Joyner
Garcia and Collette can't decide WHERE to explore, so they build their own devices (rocket and submarine) and head off on their respective adventures, but they realize the true fun of exploring is having someone to share the fun. Back they come, the inventions are invented upon, and a mutually-enjoyable destination is discovered in the end.
Tuesday, August 13, 2019
Summer Reading Storytime, space, week 6
The end of summer got away from me!
For this week, we had some cute stories picked out by my coworker:
Little Fox and the Missing Moon
Ekaterina Trukhan
After a nightmare where he eats the moon, Little Fox (and eventually his friends) head out into the dark night to find it. A bit wandering, but cute illustrations, and a sweet story.
No, No, Kitten!
Shelley Moore Thomas, illustrated by Lori Nichols
Kitten just needs a bowl and a basket and a laser pointer and a spaceship... What? Kitten wants to go to Jupiter, of course!
Roaring Rockets
Tony Mitton, illustrated by Ant Parker
Nonfiction content in a narrative form, with anthropomorphic animals as the cast, and wobby "crayon" faux naif illustrations. Super cute and I appreciate the attentiveness to veracity.
For this week, we had some cute stories picked out by my coworker:
Little Fox and the Missing Moon
Ekaterina Trukhan
After a nightmare where he eats the moon, Little Fox (and eventually his friends) head out into the dark night to find it. A bit wandering, but cute illustrations, and a sweet story.
No, No, Kitten!
Shelley Moore Thomas, illustrated by Lori Nichols
Kitten just needs a bowl and a basket and a laser pointer and a spaceship... What? Kitten wants to go to Jupiter, of course!
Roaring Rockets
Tony Mitton, illustrated by Ant Parker
Nonfiction content in a narrative form, with anthropomorphic animals as the cast, and wobby "crayon" faux naif illustrations. Super cute and I appreciate the attentiveness to veracity.
Wednesday, July 10, 2019
Summer Reading Storytime, space, week 5
Our 5th week of summer reading, and another week of themed storytimes for the little kids to go along with the program themes. Today we're looking at Science and Exploration!
Cece Loves Science
Kimberly Derting and Shelli R. Johannes, illustrated by Vashti Harrison
ISBN: 9780062499608
Cece and her science partner Isaac are documenting a science experiment for class: everything from coming up with a Hypothesis to Testing Parameters, to the Experiment itself, and Documenting Results. They're trying to see if Cece's dog Einstein likes vegetables. I'd like to see some interesting science-based story-stretchers based on this book and some of the narrative and scientific elisions it makes, but that's just me being picky. It's cute and fun and Cece is a great science-based protagonist.
Life on Mars
John Agee
ISBN: 9780399538520
Our intrepid ungendered protagonist marches steadfastly around on Mars, missing the forest for the trees, or in this case, the giant red alien monster for the dirt and rocks and one pretty flower. At least until he gets back to his spaceship and discovers that SOMETHING is out there in a cute little finale.
Mae Among the Stars
Roda Ahmed, illustrated by Stasia Burrington
ISBN: 9780062651730
A fictionalized account of "daydreamer" Mae Jemison, who made history as the first African-American woman astronaut, AND in space. An excellent if slightly trite rendition of the "follow your dreams and don't let the haters (or well-intentioned realists) get you down" tradition of inspirational storybook, with illustrations that drag the quality up by main force.
Cece Loves Science
Kimberly Derting and Shelli R. Johannes, illustrated by Vashti Harrison
ISBN: 9780062499608
Cece and her science partner Isaac are documenting a science experiment for class: everything from coming up with a Hypothesis to Testing Parameters, to the Experiment itself, and Documenting Results. They're trying to see if Cece's dog Einstein likes vegetables. I'd like to see some interesting science-based story-stretchers based on this book and some of the narrative and scientific elisions it makes, but that's just me being picky. It's cute and fun and Cece is a great science-based protagonist.
Life on Mars
John Agee
ISBN: 9780399538520
Our intrepid ungendered protagonist marches steadfastly around on Mars, missing the forest for the trees, or in this case, the giant red alien monster for the dirt and rocks and one pretty flower. At least until he gets back to his spaceship and discovers that SOMETHING is out there in a cute little finale.
Mae Among the Stars
Roda Ahmed, illustrated by Stasia Burrington
ISBN: 9780062651730
A fictionalized account of "daydreamer" Mae Jemison, who made history as the first African-American woman astronaut, AND in space. An excellent if slightly trite rendition of the "follow your dreams and don't let the haters (or well-intentioned realists) get you down" tradition of inspirational storybook, with illustrations that drag the quality up by main force.
Tuesday, July 9, 2019
Tuesday Storytime: still space, even though the SRP is on a break for the 4th
This week's selections were chosen by my coworker:
The Babysitter from Another Planet
Stephen Savage
ISBN: 9780823441471
The Moon (Bamboo and Friends)
Felica Law, illustrated by Nicola Evans
ISBN: 1404812822
Chicken in Space
Adam Lehrhaupt, illustrated by Shahar Kober
ISBN: 9780062364128
The Babysitter from Another Planet
Stephen Savage
ISBN: 9780823441471
The Moon (Bamboo and Friends)
Felica Law, illustrated by Nicola Evans
ISBN: 1404812822
Chicken in Space
Adam Lehrhaupt, illustrated by Shahar Kober
ISBN: 9780062364128
Sunday, June 30, 2019
Summer Reading Storytime: space, week 4
My coworker picked these out, they're super cute!
Planet Kindergarten
Sue Ganz-Schmitt, illustrated by Shane Prigmore
ISBN: 9781452118932
Really cute gloss of the first day of kindergarten as a mission to space, and it holds together quite nicely. I especially like the touches of having various kindergartners be various types of aliens just through hair and clothing and poses. Very fun, and lots of nudge-nudge wink-wink about what things "really" are. Short and cute.
Kitten's First Full Moon
Kevin Henkes
ISBN: 9780060588281
Kitten roams outside at night and discovers the moon, the night, and a nice puddle of what looks like milk, but is in fact the reflection of the beautiful moon. Soft, gentle, and sweet. A classic.
On the Launch Pad: A Counting Book About Rockets
Michael Dahl, illustrated by Derrick Alderman and Denise Shea
ISBN: 1404805818
Lovely little counting book with BRIGHT simple illustrations of rockets getting ready to blast into space. Super short and sweet, with lovely primary colors and nice textural color washes and collage pieces to add depth and visual interest. An excellent visual walkthrough of the process (very simplified) of getting a rocket ready to liftoff and head off into space, centered into a counting book where the visual elements match the number of that particular page. Hard work to set it up, but it's a breeze to read through, and a delight to look at the finished design.
Planet Kindergarten
Sue Ganz-Schmitt, illustrated by Shane Prigmore
ISBN: 9781452118932
Really cute gloss of the first day of kindergarten as a mission to space, and it holds together quite nicely. I especially like the touches of having various kindergartners be various types of aliens just through hair and clothing and poses. Very fun, and lots of nudge-nudge wink-wink about what things "really" are. Short and cute.
Kitten's First Full Moon
Kevin Henkes
ISBN: 9780060588281
Kitten roams outside at night and discovers the moon, the night, and a nice puddle of what looks like milk, but is in fact the reflection of the beautiful moon. Soft, gentle, and sweet. A classic.
On the Launch Pad: A Counting Book About Rockets
Michael Dahl, illustrated by Derrick Alderman and Denise Shea
ISBN: 1404805818
Lovely little counting book with BRIGHT simple illustrations of rockets getting ready to blast into space. Super short and sweet, with lovely primary colors and nice textural color washes and collage pieces to add depth and visual interest. An excellent visual walkthrough of the process (very simplified) of getting a rocket ready to liftoff and head off into space, centered into a counting book where the visual elements match the number of that particular page. Hard work to set it up, but it's a breeze to read through, and a delight to look at the finished design.
Saturday, June 29, 2019
Summer Reading Storytime: space, week 3
My turn again!
Three fun ones about rockets and heading off into space, to tie into our program this afternoon where a team from the local amateur radio club will be using HAM radios to ask questions of an astronaut (an actor in costume, hidden in the building).
Hedgie Blasts Off!
written and illustrated by Jan Brett
ISBN: 0399246215
Hedgie works the clean-up crew for the Professor's space program, but something's gone terribly wrong, and the robot that they want to use to for the mission has malfunctioned. Only someone Hedgie's size can fit into the rocket, so Hedgie finally gets to realize his dreams of being an astronaut, as he heads out to the mini-planet of Mikkop and the malfunctioning magic geyser that shoots up the sparkles needed to nourish the beautiful tourist-pleasing plants of the tiny planet. A cute look at astronauts, eco-tourism, conservation, and the interdependence of life, even on tiny little planets in outer space, all narrated by a humble Hedgie.
Space Boy
written and illustrated by Leo Landry
ISBN: 9780618605682
While no formal diagnosis is given, this book seems written with Spectrum individuals in mind. Nicholas is headed to bed, but the world is too noisy. Dogs are barking, kids are crying and playing, cars are zooming outside; there's nothing for it but to drag on the spacesuit, head out back to the rocketship, and head to the moon for some peace and quiet. But after a while, and once he's settled down, he realizes he misses his family, (and hopes things have settled down there also) and heads back home to bed. Very sweet, and a good allegory of taking time to yourself and creating a quiet place in your mind (or backyard) to retreat to when things get too overwhelming.
Otter In Space
written and illustrated by Sam Garton
ISBN: 9780062247766
I dearly love the Otter books. They're just too adorable for words, but this one might be my favorite. After Otter Keeper takes Otter (and friends) to the Space Museum, and there's a familiar breakdown in the gift-shop when money never goes quite as far as it ought to, Otter (and friends) hatch a plan to find a moon rock of their very own in their back yard, building space suits and rockets and rock-retrieval-systems to help with the very hard work. They pick an excellent moon rock from the garden (and by excellent I think they picked the biggest, dirtiest one they could find) and dragged it triumphantly inside, whereupon Otter Keeper comes home from work and is Not Pleased. Compromises are made, rocks are washed, and Otter (and friends) decide that Pirate Treasure is an easier journey than Moon Rocks for tomorrow.
Three fun ones about rockets and heading off into space, to tie into our program this afternoon where a team from the local amateur radio club will be using HAM radios to ask questions of an astronaut (an actor in costume, hidden in the building).
Hedgie Blasts Off!
written and illustrated by Jan Brett
ISBN: 0399246215
Hedgie works the clean-up crew for the Professor's space program, but something's gone terribly wrong, and the robot that they want to use to for the mission has malfunctioned. Only someone Hedgie's size can fit into the rocket, so Hedgie finally gets to realize his dreams of being an astronaut, as he heads out to the mini-planet of Mikkop and the malfunctioning magic geyser that shoots up the sparkles needed to nourish the beautiful tourist-pleasing plants of the tiny planet. A cute look at astronauts, eco-tourism, conservation, and the interdependence of life, even on tiny little planets in outer space, all narrated by a humble Hedgie.
Space Boy
written and illustrated by Leo Landry
ISBN: 9780618605682
While no formal diagnosis is given, this book seems written with Spectrum individuals in mind. Nicholas is headed to bed, but the world is too noisy. Dogs are barking, kids are crying and playing, cars are zooming outside; there's nothing for it but to drag on the spacesuit, head out back to the rocketship, and head to the moon for some peace and quiet. But after a while, and once he's settled down, he realizes he misses his family, (and hopes things have settled down there also) and heads back home to bed. Very sweet, and a good allegory of taking time to yourself and creating a quiet place in your mind (or backyard) to retreat to when things get too overwhelming.
Otter In Space
written and illustrated by Sam Garton
ISBN: 9780062247766
I dearly love the Otter books. They're just too adorable for words, but this one might be my favorite. After Otter Keeper takes Otter (and friends) to the Space Museum, and there's a familiar breakdown in the gift-shop when money never goes quite as far as it ought to, Otter (and friends) hatch a plan to find a moon rock of their very own in their back yard, building space suits and rockets and rock-retrieval-systems to help with the very hard work. They pick an excellent moon rock from the garden (and by excellent I think they picked the biggest, dirtiest one they could find) and dragged it triumphantly inside, whereupon Otter Keeper comes home from work and is Not Pleased. Compromises are made, rocks are washed, and Otter (and friends) decide that Pirate Treasure is an easier journey than Moon Rocks for tomorrow.
Saturday, June 15, 2019
Summer Reading Storytime: space, week 2
And my turn at bat!
City Moon
Rachael Cole, illustrated by Blanca Gomez
ISBN: 9780553497083
Sweet city-based story about walking the streets of a city and seeing the moon and the stars among the city lights and features, and wondering why all the rest of the city seems so busy and bustling. Very sweet and a good addition to my "here's what cities are like" collection for all of my current very rural kids.
Moon Plane
Peter McCarty
ISBN: 0805079432
Classic sweet story of imagination and freedom.
Sleepy Solar System
Dr John Hutton, illustrated by Doug Cenko
ISBN: 9781936669493
Much less fact-based than 8 Little Planets from last week, this one is more fantastical, focusing pretty exclusively on the fantastical idea of bedtime from a planetary perspective, with Mother earth and Father moon, and all the other planets as various siblings. Cute but super light and fluffy.
City Moon
Rachael Cole, illustrated by Blanca Gomez
ISBN: 9780553497083
Sweet city-based story about walking the streets of a city and seeing the moon and the stars among the city lights and features, and wondering why all the rest of the city seems so busy and bustling. Very sweet and a good addition to my "here's what cities are like" collection for all of my current very rural kids.
Moon Plane
Peter McCarty
ISBN: 0805079432
Classic sweet story of imagination and freedom.
Sleepy Solar System
Dr John Hutton, illustrated by Doug Cenko
ISBN: 9781936669493
Much less fact-based than 8 Little Planets from last week, this one is more fantastical, focusing pretty exclusively on the fantastical idea of bedtime from a planetary perspective, with Mother earth and Father moon, and all the other planets as various siblings. Cute but super light and fluffy.
Friday, June 14, 2019
Summer Reading Storytime: Space, week 1
And we're off to the races!
These were selected by my coworker.
8 Little Planets (board-book/cut-out book)
Chris Ferrie, illustrated by Lizzy Doyle
ISBN: 9781492671244
Sweet little rhymes are filled with easy facts and fun info about all the different "official" planets.
Best Frints in the Whole Universe
Antoinette Partis
ISBN: 9781626721364
I've read this cutie before about two alien "frients" who get into a spectacular argument over sharing and responsibility and owning up to mistakes. Very cute, and full of fun tongue-twisters for the reader.
Earth Space Moon Base
Ben Joel Price
ISBN: 9780385373111
Funky 1950s esque story about a tag-team of astronaut, robot, and test monkey who have to save the world (and their moon base) from scaaaaary moon aliens.
These were selected by my coworker.
8 Little Planets (board-book/cut-out book)
Chris Ferrie, illustrated by Lizzy Doyle
ISBN: 9781492671244
Sweet little rhymes are filled with easy facts and fun info about all the different "official" planets.
Best Frints in the Whole Universe
Antoinette Partis
ISBN: 9781626721364
I've read this cutie before about two alien "frients" who get into a spectacular argument over sharing and responsibility and owning up to mistakes. Very cute, and full of fun tongue-twisters for the reader.
Earth Space Moon Base
Ben Joel Price
ISBN: 9780385373111
Funky 1950s esque story about a tag-team of astronaut, robot, and test monkey who have to save the world (and their moon base) from scaaaaary moon aliens.
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