Posts from the ‘bedtime stories’ Category

MOTHER KNOWS BEST

Adventures of a Pangopup (Endangered and Misunderstood Animals (Book 2) 

Written by Terri Tatchell

Illustrated by Ivan Sulima

A charming picture book written in rhyme that teaches readers to heed their mother’s advice, while also educating them about endangered animals.

The book is part of a series about endangered animals. In this one readers learn about the pangalong and the dik-dik deer. When Pangopup decides to sneak away from his mom, he meets the deer who persuades him to go on an adventure. Will the two new friends survive?

The soft colors and exquisite rhymes teach without being preachy. Preschoolers and primary grade readers will delight in reading the book over and over. Lots of bonuses include drawing activities and information about these two unique animals.

Highly recommended for both home and school libraries.

SUBSCRIBE TO THIS BLOG FOR NEW BOOK REVIEWS EVERY WEDNESDAY AND SUNDAY.

A THANKSGIVING TO REMEMBER

Meatball’s Adventurous Appetite: A Pet Cat’s Funny, Entertaining, and Engaging Read Aloud Thanksgiving Story Picture Book for Kids 3-8

Written by Dr. Feng Zheng-Ward

Illustrated by Roka Studio

This book is part of a series about Meatball and his family. When Mrs. Jones needs to run to the store, she leaves their Thanksgiving turkey on the counter. The cat sees his chance, but fails to foresee the danger.

What follows is a hilarious adventure that creates havoc for the entire family and the fire department.

Will Meatball learn his lesson? What happens to Thanksgiving dinner?

The picture book is a delight for young cat lovers and fans of humorous stories. It includes fun to read highlighted words and story questions.

SUBSCRIBE TO THIS BLOG FOR NEW BOOK REVIEWS EVERY WEDNESDAY AND SUNDAY.

FUNNY BUT ODD

Blimey There’s a Bunyip!: (Laugh out loud funny) (The Misadventures of Blimey Bunyip Book 1) 

Written by Virginia Ferguson Perez

Illustrated by Natasha Kostovska

Book 1 in a series based on a mythical Australian animal called a Bunnyip who gets stuck on the narrator’s toilet (loo).

The story focuses on the outrageous antics the family tries to get rid of the creature who creates all sorts of chaos.

Children who enjoy off-beat humor will love it though vocabulary may appear strange to non-Australian readers. Adults will need to explain cultural nuances.

Recommended for ages two through seven who enjoy animal myths and zany humor.

SUBSCRIBE TO THIS BLOG FOR NEW BOOK REVIEWS EVERY WEDNESDAY AND SUNDAY.

STUBBORN AS A MULE

Sam Says NO! (The Adventures of Sam the Mule)

Written by Dean R. Giles and Brenda Giles

Sam is an adorable mule who lives up to the reputation of being stubborn. Every time he faces a new situation, his answer is no. Sam will not try new foods and refuses to meet new people. Will anyone be able to persuade him to change?

The illustrations are simple but endearing. This series will develop a toddler’s curiosity and help prevent the “no” syndrome. Appropriate for children up to eight years old.

SUBSCRIBE TO THIS BLOG FOR NEW BOOK REVIEWS EVERY WEDNESDAY AND SUNDAY.

JUST TRYING TOO HARD

Bacon Loves Everyone!: A book about the true meaning of belonging and unconditional love. (It’s Bacon’s World! 1) 

Written and Illustrated by Tina Neely

This is a cute interactive picture book with an important message.

Bacon is a pot-belied pig trying to find a forever home. No one seems to choose him. Maybe that’s because he sings too loud. When a couple finally picks him, Bacon meets other animals on the farm. Bacon learns all are unique, but each is loved.

There are clever cartoon illustrations and fun to read aloud rhymes. Especially fun for preschoolers.

SUBSCRIBE TO THIS BLOG FOR NEW BOOK REVIEWS EVERY WEDNESDAY AND SUNDAY.

HIP, HIP, HOORAY FOR PIP

Pip the Bird: For Early Speech & Language Development

Written by Rachel Florence Meyer

Illustrated by Kathy Lee

A wonderful picture book collaboration by a mom and a speech therapist. The protagonist is a little bird named Pip, who assists his fellow animal friends to avoid danger when a gardener comes in the yard with a lawnmower,

The rhymes are crisp and sharp with lots of action words in bold print. Children are encouraged to read aloud. I appreciate the interactive guide for parents and teachers up front before the story begins. Illustrations contain wonderful details and facial expressions.

Highly recommended for parents and teachers of toddlers and preschoolers.

SUBSCRIBE TO THIS BLOG FOR NEW BOOK REVIEWS EVERY WEDNESDAY AND SUNDAY.

GUINNESS RULES

Guinness the Good Girl Goes to School (G3 BOOK SERIES)

Written by Matthew Gillmann

Illustrated by Penny Weber

When Dottie brings her rambunctios dalmation, Guinness to school, all chaos breaks loose. It seems that Guinness cannot contain her friendliness, curiosity, or eagerness to participate.

Readers learn and follow her adventures in the multicultural classroom and community. Nice illustrations and story. One suggestion, the print size might be a bit larger for younger readers.

Reccommended for ages three through eight.

SUBSCRIBE TO THIS BLOG FOR NEW BOOK REVIEWS EVERY WEDNESDAY AND SUNDAY.

CLEVER AND FUN TO READ

The Mosquito Burrito: A Hilarious, Spanish Sprinkled, Rhyming Children’s Book

Written by Didi Dragon

Illustrated by Lenaska Ti

What a fun bilingual read! Dragon cleverly rhymes Spanish and English short phrases that roll off the tongue.

The plot centers around a mosquito who finds himself stuck inside a burrito. After taking a bite, he simply cannot resist eating his way through it. I love the humorous play on words. This book has enthralling illustrations that enhance the plot.

I highly recommend the book as a read aloud for primary grade English and Spanish speakers to promote reading and language skills.

SUBSCRIBE TO THIS BLOG FOR NEW BOOK REVIEWS EVERY WEDNESDAY AND SUNDAY.

AN UNTRADITIONAL GRANDMA

Where’s Gramma?

Written by Tricia Gardella

Illustrated by Greg David

Four grandsons describe a grandmother who keeps them guessing about her next exploit. This grandmother lives on a farm. She fills her days with adventures like collecting bugs, milking cows, diving in a swimming hole, pouring concrete, or climbing a tree.

Visiting gramma is certainly an experience worth looking forward to. A nice book to share when family gathers together. Good choice for preschoolers and older readers. The illustrations complement the mood perfectly.

SUBSCRIBE TO THIS BLOG FOR NEW BOOK REVIEWS EVERY WEDNESDAY AND SUNDAY.

VARIETY IS THE SPICE OF LIFE


If Shapes Could Eat: A fun rhyming story encouraging a healthy relationship with food and trying new things. 

Written by Rella B.

Illustrated by Wendy S.

The protagonists are colorful shapes who get together for a block party. At the party the shapes enjoy a variety of foods including meats, fruits and vegetables. I like the way the author portrayed shapes who were eager to share new things and explained to readers that it is okay if we do not all have the same taste. Also, there were shapes who had allergies and needed to avoid certain foods. This makes children who have allergies feel more comfortable in being different.

The rhymes are crisp and the illustrations fun and colorful. Highly recommened as a bedtime story or read aloud.

SUBSCRIBE TO THIS BLOG FOR NEW BOOK REVIEWS EVERY WEDNESDAY AND SUNDAY.