Book Review: Your Baby's First Word will be Dada!!-Jimmy Fallon

For most new moms and dads, when their child starts talking, they hope their first word will be "Mama" or " Dada". But in the animal world, it is most likely that a piglet will " Oink", a puppy will " Woof" and a duckling will " Quack". And while it might be frustrating, in time ( and in some form), they may one day say " Dada".

This is a really cute book from Jimmy Fallon of The Tonight Show. I love the oddly-cute animals like the triangular-shaped mice and the half-circle chickens. I would have like a bit of a plot, but I'm assuming that the intended audience is for the under 3 set, they can just point at the pictures and say the animal sounds in the bubbles (or  perhaps I could use  this for the animal/farm section of Mother Goose on the Loose.) Perfect for new dads.







Your Baby's First Word will be "Dada" by Jimmy Fallon
Age Range: 2 and up
*** (3 stars)



Looking for more books celebrating Dad ? Here are some recommendations:

• Daddy Hugs  by Nancy Tafuri
• Saturday with Daddy  by Dan Andreasen
• Hero Dad by Melinda Hardin
• The Fathers are Coming Home by Margaret Wise Brown

By the way, Fallon wrote a children's book long before he was married and had kids. It's called Snowball Fight!! and it's a good read aloud for winter.

Book Review: Bow Wow's Nightmare Neighbors-Mark Newgarden

About 7-8 yrs ago when I did my first outreach programs at the Merrillville public schools, I read a wordless, comic-like picture book called Bow Wow Bugs a Bug, in which a little yellow dog had some fun with a flea.  In his latest adventure, Bow Wow ventures to a spooky house to deal with some cats who bit him on the tail while napping and stole his doggie bed. With creeks and scares around very corner ( not to mention an even bigger tail-biting cat ), can Bow Wow retrieve his bed on a dark and stormy night?

Like the first Bow Wow, I laughed and laughed my head off ( plus felt the need to make spooky sounds and spooky music, like "Dun-Dun-DUNNNNN"). I'll have to keep this book in mind for upcoming Halloween programs ( or when things go bump in the night).


Bow Wow's Nightmare Neighbors by Mark Newgarden
Age Range: 2 and up
***** (5 stars)

Looking for more books featuring dogs? Here are some suggestions:

• Bow Wow Bugs a Bug by Mark Newgarden
• Traffic Pups by Michelle Meadows
• Homer by Elisha Cooper
• Shaggy Dogs, Waggy Dogs by Patricia Hubbell

Book Review: Show Time with Sophia Grace and Rosie-Sophia Grace Brownlee and Rosie McClelland

Yay, Sophia Grace and her cousin Rosie are back!! The school's having a talent show and they're planning a big song and dance number with lots of glitter and purple tutus. And so much more. It's going to be grrrr-eat!!

Once again  my inner sparkle princess giggled and delighted at Youtube's and Ellen DeGeneres's favorite singing British cousins ( who are once again recaptured adorably and glittery through Shelagh McNicholas's pencil and water color illustrations). I especially love the BIG surprise ending that says everyone is a star.

Show Time with Sophia Grace and Rosie by Sophia Grace Brownlee and Rosie McClelland
Age Range: 5 and up
Lexile: 540
**** ( 4 Stars)







Looking for more glittery, girly reads? Here are some recommendations:

• Tea Time with Sophia Grace and Rosie by Sophia Grace Brownlee and Rosie McClelland
• Pink Me Up by Charise M. Harper
• Puptastic! by Victoria Kann
• Fancy Nancy by Jane O'Connor

By the way, the girls also have a direct to DVD movie, Sophia Grace and Rosie's Royal Adventure. 

Book Review: The Best Part of the Day- Sarah Ban Breathnach

 As day folds into night, have you ever ask yourself " What was the best part of the day?" Was it tending the garden or picnics with friends? Or the sand in your toes or catching summer's fireflies? Snuggle in safe and warm and celebrate " the best part of the day."

A beautiful written  book from the author of Simple Abundance (and beautifully illustrated by Wendy Edelson), this book helps children remember life's little moments, every day of the season. It may even encourage parents and grandparents to start a new bedtime ritual. Perfect for all ages.

The Best Part of the Day by Sarah Ban Breathnach
Age Range: All Ages
***** (5 stars)

Looking for more books that teach thankfulness? Here are some recommendations:

• Bear Says Thanks by Karma Wilson
• Thanksgiving Day Thanks  by Laura Elliot
• The Thankful Book by Todd Parr

Book Review: Yoda: The Story of a Cat and His Kittens-Beth Stern

Once upon a time there was a Persian cat named Yoda, who dreamed about being a supercat. But then his owners do not want him, so he is taken to a animal shelter, where his fur becomes dirty and becomes skinny as a string bean. But then a lady named Beth adopts him, and while it is heaven, something is missing. Perhaps some kittens will help.

This is such an adorable, funny illustrated  book from Howard Stern's wife(and yes, this really is a true story). I especially love  all the little, sarcastic cartoon bubbles from big, blue-eyed Yoda ( especially when he is trying to keep the kittens out of trouble). A must have for animal ( and cat) lovers.

Yoda: The Story of a Cat and His Kittens by Beth Stern
Age Range: 6-8
Lexile: 530
**** ( 4 Stars)

Want more books featuring cats? Here are some recommendations:

• My Name is Bob by James Bowen
• Little Lola by Julie Saab
• Cheetah Can't Lose by Bob Shea
• I Love Cats  by Sue Stainton

Book Review: Edible Colors-Jennifer Vogel Bass

Carrots are orange but did you know they could also be purple, white, or yellow? Or how about corn being red, white, and blue besides yellow? And did you know about red bananas, blue pumpkins and Buddha's Hand? How amazing can fruit and vegetables be!!

I love this vibrant colorful book ( and am a fruit and veggie lover.) Besides being a color primer, this book encourages children to think beyond the color box and fruit and vegetables are really cool ( besides being good to eat.) I do use there was some background information on each item featured, but maybe that would be a great activity for the classroom.

Edible Colors by Jennifer Vogel Bass
Age Range: 2 and up
*** 1/2 ( 3 and half stars)

Note-For those wondering what a Buddha's Hand is, it's a Japanese citrus that looks like creepy hand, here is a picture.)



Looking for more books on fruits and vegetables? Here are some suggestions:

• Little Sweet Potato by Amy Bloom
• Fruit and Vegetables  by Carrie Branigan
• Veggies with Wedgies by Todd Doodler
• Fruit  by Honor Head

Book Review: The Secret Life of Squirrles-Nancy Rose

 

 Mr. Peanut is no ordinary squirrel. Instead of gathering nuts or climbing trees, he plays the piano and cooks on the grill. But he is very lonely. So one day he sends a letter to his cousin, requesting a visit. And oh what fun they have.

I love this cute, odd book of squirrels playing with doll furniture ( especially the grill and hot dogs!!) A wonderful book about friendship, there are tips on to take pictures of wildlife and an interview with author/photographer Rose. ( By the way, she also has a website, The Secret Life of Squirrels, where you can see more of Mr. Peanut and friends in action.)


The Secret Life of Squirrels by Nancy Rose
Age Range: 3 and up
***** ( 5 Stars)

Want more books featuring squirrels? Here are some recommendations:

• Miss You Like Crazy by Pamela Hall
• Nuts to You by Lynne R. Perkins
• The Busy Little Squirrel  by Nancy Tafuri
• The Tale of Squirrel Nutkin by Beatrix Potter

Book Review: Who Wants a Hug?-Jeff Mack

Everyone loves Bear. He's always happy and he gives great big hugs. But Skunk find this annoying, and he has some stinky plans to stop him.

Someone needs a hug.....

This is a cheerful, brightly-colored laugh out loud  read.  I especially love it every time Skunk's plans backfire ( reminds me of  the old Bugs Bunny and Elmer Fudd cartoons.) Ending is a bit predictable, but kids will laugh their heads off.



Who Wants A Hug? by Jeff Mack
Age Level: 4 and up
**** (4 stars)

Looking for more books about hugs? Here are some suggestions:

• Big Hugs, Little Hugs by Felicia Bond

• Daddy Hugs  by Tim Warnes

• The Giant Hug by Sandra Horning

• Time for A Hug by Phillis Gershator

Book Review: If You Give a Mouse an iPhone-Ann Droyd

What happens if you give a mouse an iPhone?

Well, he not going to ask for a cookie... or anything at all.  In fact, he will not know what is going on, especially if he falls out of a roller coaster ( because he didn't buckle up) or opens up all the zoo cages ( don't ask) or falls straight into the sea ( don't worry kids, he's safe). But when the battery runs out... look out!

This is a very funny, LOL ( laugh-out loud) modern parody of Laura Numerof's If You Give a ... series, with lots of cute cartoony scenes ( especially when the mouse panics).  Perfect for readers of all ages.




If You Give a Mouse an iPhone by Ann Droyd ( aka David Milgrim)
Age Range: All Ages
***** ( 5 Stars)

Looking for more books by author/illustrator David Milgrim? Here are some of his books:

• Santa Duck
• Another Day in the Milky Way
• Santa Duck and his Merry Helpers
• Time to Get Up, Time to Go

And he does have one other book under "Ann Droyd", Goodnight iPad: A Parody for the Next Generation, located in Adults under the call number 818.602 DROY.

Book Review: The Book with No Pictures- B.J. Novak

The following review is all about a book with no pictures.

Now that might sound like a bad idea, especially for a children's book. It probably sounds boring and no fun, right? But as everyone knows, a book works like this: Everything the words say, the person reading the book has to say . No matter what. So that means if the words are " Boo Boo Butt" or strange sounds or a funny song, the person.. has to do it. No matter what.!

This is a very funny and clever book. Using just text of various sizes ( and color) and lots of white space, author/actor B.J. Novak ( Saving Mr. Banks, The Office) creates a book that just begs to be read aloud to lots of little kids ( and possibly over and over again.)



The Book With No Pictures by B.J Novak
Age Range: 5-8
***** (5 Stars)

Here is the book trailer ( to give an idea of how the book works). Enjoy!!







Looking for more funny, off-beat books? Here are some suggestions:

• If You Give a Mouse an iPhone by Ann Droyd
• This is a Moose by Richard Morris
• Dragons Love Tacos by Adam Rubin
• Is Everyone Ready for Fun? by Jan Thomas
• New Socks by Bob Shea

Book Reviews: Books for a Quiet Holiday

For the most of us, the holidays are a season of hustle and bustle. There are endless weeks of shopping, preparing, and partying. Yet these two books celebrate the quiet moments.

The Christmas Quiet Book by Deborah Underwood- Fans of Underwood's The Quiet Book  and The Loud Book will love the holiday companion that celebrates Christmas's quiet moments.  In digitally colored pencil artwork by Renata Liswka ( plus simple text from Underwood), bunnies, bears, and other animals quietly make snow angels,  drink cocoa, and try to stay up for Santa.  A perfect read to calm little ones to bed.

 





Noel by Tony Johnston- On Christmas Eve, the sounds of bells from "an icicle-pointed steeple" call a community to gather and sing " Noel".  Beloved children's author Johnston's lyrical and haunting words celebrates the beauty and calm of the season, matched wonderfully with watercolor artwork by Cheng-Khee Chee. Using a watercolor method called "saturated wet-paper technique" ( which is described in the back of the book), Chee's images of snow-covered carolers and twinkling street lights seem to glow from the pages.  A warm and wonderful holiday read.


The Christmas Quiet Book by Deborah Underwood
Age Range: 3-7

Noel by Tony Johntson
Age Range: 5-8
Lexile: 500

Both books: ***** ( 5 stars)

Looking to create a quiet holiday? Here are a few CD recommendations ( Please note that most of theses will be up in the regular AV department):

• Noel-Josh Groban
• December-Kenny Loggins
• Ultimate Relaxation Christmas Album-Various artists
• A Smooth Jazz Christmas-Dave Koz
• Wintersong-Sarah McLachlan
• My Christmas by Andrea Bocelli

Book Review: Roc and Roe's 12 Days of Christmas-Nick Cannon

It's the holiday season and Morroccan (Roc) and Monroe (Roe) Cannon are ready to deck the halls!!  They're going to decorate the tree with choo choo trains, festive fairies and an angel with sparkly, shiny wings! Yippee.

This is a cute, modern take on the Christmas carol "The 12 days of Christmas". I love AG Ford's Saturday morning-looking artwork of Nick Cannon and Mariah Carery's twins ( who make a cameo in the book) and all the stuff that they add to the tree (most of which is clumped at the bottom). It's also good to use for story times because the kids will know the song (and they help you count).

Roc and Roe's 12 Days of Christmas by Nick Cannon
Age Range: 3-5
**** ( 4 stars)

Looking for more Christmas books? Here are some suggestion:

• A Cookie for Santa by Shephanie Shaw "NEW"
• Christmas Parade by Sandra Boynton
• Here Comes Santa Cat by Deborah Underwood "NEW"
• Must Be Santa  by Tim Moore
• Elmo's 12 Days of Christmas by Sarah Albee

Book Review: Baking Day at Grandma's-Anika Denise

 

One cold winter's day, three little bears  bundle up and head to Grandma's. Why? Because it's baking day, it's baking day. After planting a kiss on Grandma's nose, the three put on aprons and help make chocolate cake ( cuz it's great!) And while they wait, they dance to "old time music, soft and sweet/ skippy notes and tapping feet".

This is such an warm and wonderful book, full of happy rhymes and lovely artwork that seems to glow from its pages. And it's even sweeter that the three wrap up the cake pieces to share as gifts than sample themselves ( and that we get a recipe for chocolate cake!) A great read aloud for wintry nights ( and snuggles with Grandma or Grandpa)


Baking Day at Grandma by Anika Denise
Age Range: 4 and up
***** ( 5 stars)

Here is an interview with Anika Denise and her husband, Christopher ( the book's illustrator). Enjoy!

Want more books about grandmas? Here are some suggestions:

• Grandma by Jessica Shepard
• Nana in the City by Lauren Castillo
• I'm Not Sleepy by Jane Chapman
• Full, Full, Full of Love by Trish Cooke

Book Review: Uni the Unicorn-Amy Krouse Rosenthal

 

In a  faraway magical land lives Uni the Unicorn. Like most unicorns, Uni has golden hooves, sparkling purple eyes, and a special horn that can mend and heal. But Uni believes ... little girls are REAL. All her friends laugh at her, telling her " There's no such thing as little girls." Yet  Uni believes that somewhere, someday, she'll meet a little girl, and they will ride through the meadow, slide down the rainbow and be the best of friends.

Filled with whimsical and dreamy illustrations, this book is perfect for believers, big or small, young and old.

Uni the Unicorn by Amy Krouse Rosenthal
Age Range: 5 and up
Lexile: 720
***** ( 5 stars)

Looking for more books with unicorns? Here are some suggestions:

• Lily the Unicorn by Dallas Clayton
• Unicorn Thinks He's Great by Bob Shea
• Blizzard on the Blue Moon by Mary Pope Osborne
• The Midnight Unicorn by Neil Reed

Book Review: Nelly Gnu and Daddy Too!-Anna Dewdney

 

Nelly Gnu loves her daddy. He can do anything!! And today, they're making a playhouse. But it  needs  more than windows and a roof. So it's time to shop! But it's a big shop, and poor Nelly gets lost. Can Daddy save the day?

Fans of Anna Dewdney's Llama Llama  series will love this new character ( especially girls who love doing things with their dad), filled with bright colors and cute rhymes.   Welcome little Nelly (and Daddy too)!



Nelly Gnu and Daddy Too by Anna Dewdney
 Lexile:200
Age Range: 2 and up
***** (5 Stars)

Want to learn about Llama Llama and his friends? Visit his website, featuring games and more!!

Want more stories about fathers and daughters? Here are some recommendations:

• The Favorite Daughter by Allen Say
• Pink Me Up  by Charise M. Harper
• It's the Best Day Ever, Dad! by Brooke Shields
• Daddy's Girl by Garrison Keilor
• Love Your Heart by Tim McGraw

Book Review: Let There Be Light-Archbishhop Desmond Tutu

 

For most of us ( religious or non-religious), the Bible story of creation has always been moving. And Let There Be Light shows just how moving it can be.

Drawn from his Children of the God Storybook Bible, author and Nobel Peace Prize winner Archbishop Desmond Tutu presents a simple but powerful telling of how the world was created. What makes this book more wonderful are the breathtaking artwork of Nancy Tillman (author and illustrator of some wonderful books On the Night You Were Born and The Spirit of Christmas). There seems be a magical, warm glow with each picture. I especially love the picture with the powerful waves of the ocean. A book meant to read again and again ( and possibly worth adding to your shelf!!)

Let There Be Light by Archbishop Desmond Tutu
Age Range: All Ages
***** ( 5 stars)

For a preview of the stunning artwork, check out the book's trailer-

Want more books on the creation story? Here are a few recommendations:

• Let the Whole Earth Sing Praise by Tomie DePaola
• Creation by Gerald McDermott
• Who Made Me? by Shirley Tulloch
• I Sing for the Animals by   Paul Goble

Book Review-Goatilocks and the Three Bears-Erica S. Perl

 

Most of us know the story of Goldilocks and the Three Bears. But what if instead of girl it was... a goat? Would she like porridge ( or perhaps eat the bowl)? Would she cause a mess? How will the bears react?

This is an oh-so-cute take on a beloved fairy tale, filled with bright colors, cute cartoon-like drawings  and a very happy, unusual ending.

Goatilocks and the Three Bears by Erica S. Perl
Age Range: 4 and up
**** ( 4 stars)

Want more alternative takes on Goldilocks and the Three Bears? Here are some recommendations:

• Goldie Socks and The Three Libearians by Jackie Hopkins- The bears help Goldie Socks look for the perfect book.
• Rolling Along with Goldie Locks and the Three Bears by Cindy Meyers-Goldie Locks befriends Baby Bear, who uses a wheelchair and goes to physical therapy.
• Goldilocks and the Three Dinosaurs by Mo Willems- Goldilocks breaks into a house of ...dinos!!!

Book Review-Let's Do Nothing-Tony Fucile

 

Meet Saul and Frankie. They've done everything, from reading every comic book ever written to baking enough cookies to feed a small country. So what left for them to do? NOTHING!!!

But can doing nothing actually  be fun? Well, you'll have to read this fun, laugh-out loud AWESOME book for yourself. (Which by the way was written and illustrated by a former Disney animator!!!) Reminds me of Phineas and Ferb or Arthur and Buster.

 Unless you actually are doing .. something. Still, read anyway!!

Let's Do Nothing by Tony Fucile
Age Range: 4 and up
Lexile: 360
***** ( 5 stars)

Want a preview? Here's the book trailer:  
 


Want more fun books about imagination? Here are some recommendations-

• The Snowy Day by Ezra Keats
• Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak
• I'm Bored by Michael Ian Black

Book Review-Tap the Magic Tree-Christine Matheson

 

Trees are magical. Want to see? Tap it once, then again. Watch pink buds form, them blow away with a swish and a kiss. See apples grow and shake them from a tree with a plop plop kerplop.  And that's not all, there's more when fall and winter comes. And it happens over and over.

This is a neat and colorful book for teaching the seasons ( especially great for storytimes!!)

Tap the Magic Tree by Christine Matheson
Age Range: 3-8
***** ( 5 Stars)



For a preview, here's  the book trailer-

There's even more fun with some classroom activities ( click on the link)

Want more books about the season? Here are some recommended titles:

• A Year with Friends by John Seven
• All the Seasons of the Year by Deborah L. Rose
• Turning of the Year by Bill Martin
• What Makes the Seasons by Megan Cash

Book Review: The Easter Bunny's Assistant-Jan Thomas

 

The Easter Bunny has a new assistant. His name is Skunk, and today they're going to be showing the kids how to make beautiful Easter eggs. Decorating eggs is very exciting, but when Skunk gets excited, it...stinks.

Once again, Jan Thomas has created another funny, LOL book. It is very cute , full of bright colors and big, big print. Also like that the steps are repeated again in the back ( and with more specifics and when an adult's help is required.)



The Easter Bunny's Assistant by Jan Thomas
Age Range: 2-5
***** ( 5 stars).

And if you like this book, here are some of Thomas's other books:

• Can You Make a Scary Face?
•  The Doghouse
• Rhyming Dust Bunnies
• What will The Fat Cat Sit on?
• Birthday for Cow
• Here comes the Big,  Mean Dust Bunny