A Wish to be a Christmas Tree

I always like to read new picture books about Christmas. This year I started with A Wish to be a Christmas Tree.  What beautiful illustrations! The story is written in rhyme, which I personally enjoy. Just read the biography about the artist and you'll see why this book is so good.  Easy to read.  Will probably become a favorite at your house too.

MOON BEAR

I've always been a bear fan.  Moon Bear is very educational and has several layers of learning.  It can be used for different ages.  For instance, new vocabulary words like, scat.  Oh, well I guess that's part of the bear truth. Ha, ha.  I learned a few new things too. I also got the warm fuzzies at the end. It left me wanting to help this cute little endangered species.  Oh, species, another word. 

See what I mean?

LEO The Lightening Bug

Leo has to choose to not give up.  Well, he doesn't have to choose that, but he does.  Just like kids and adults, the choices we make are determined by our attitude!  Leo The Lightening Bug is a predictable story, but that's okay.  It ends how it should and encourages us to keep trying. 

Cute illustrations too.

PUT ME IN THE ZOO

Naturally I love rhyming picture books.  That's because writing rhyming picture books comes naturally to me.  I've  had this book for a long time.  Originally published in 1960, I find it makes a great early reader.  Growing up in the sixties, I read a lot of books like this one.  The illustrations, simple story, and rhyme keep it relevant for small children. 

 Especially today, when getting back to the basics is needed.

SKIPPY SCALLOP

I picked up this colorful oceanic book at Cannery Row on my last trip to the seashore.  Always on the lookout for picture books, the bright and well done illustrations caught my eye. It's a thoughtful book about the ocean's environment.  Yet done without being preachy or boring.  Skippy Scallop is just one of Suzanne Tate's Nature Series. I'm looking forward to exploring the rest.

Crinkleroot's Visits to CRINKLE COVE

I really thought that this book was printed in the sixties.  The  illustrations, simplicity, innocence and sheer cuteness made me think so.  However, when I got home from my favorite used book store, I found otherwise, 1998,  Apparently it's a series.  I will probably get the rest!

Strega Nona Does It Again

Tomie de Paola author and illustrator of the Strega Nona series is one of  my favorites.  I love his art and storytelling.  His latest book Strega Nona Does It Again doesn't disappoint. A relative wears out their welcome and only Strega Nona knows how to get rid of her. Tactfully and skillfully of course!  

Love Is My Favorite Thing

Plummie the dog's character and voice is very creative.  It's probably pretty close to what a dog or pet is thinking. I think. Because I love picture books and write stories, I found Plummie very realistic.  There's a definite charm to Love Is My Favorite Thing. The illustrations are super cute. 

Whether you're a pet lover or not, you'll smile.

HEDGEHUGS

The name says it all.  A child can guess all the way through this cute book as to how the hedgehogs will ever be able to hug.  I love the illustrations. Colorful. Simple. I found this while looking for a new Valentine's Day book.  I think it's fine for anytime of year.  Hedgehugs is one of those books I'll look at again and again. 

I think you will too.

The EDMUND FITZGERALD

A very good book for ages eight and up.  Here is the story behind the famous Gordon Lightfoot song from the seventies.  The subject matter is why I think it should be for older children.  Unless you have a more mature child.  It's a somber book.  Outstanding storytelling.  The Song of the Bell poem is also weaved throughout.  Strong illustrations. A story that needs to be remembered.

A STORY FOR BEAR

I fell in love with this adorable bear.  What a great example of letting our imaginations go!  The above picture alone can strike up quite a conversation.  Luckily I found this book at my favorite used book store.  Drawn to the book because of the heartwarming bear on the cover.  I took a chance and was right, 

the story is as good as the cover.

Grandpa Green

A very unique story about a boy and the life and history of his great-grandpa.  A few of the illustrations seemed a little strange.    

I wasn't sure what to expect in this story.  I liked the ending.  It's a short read.  Perfect for a quick read or go slow and guess the shapes of each topiary.  

One of those books that can be used for multi-purposes.

A VISIT to OMA

I was really surprised with this story.  It took me to a way different place than I thought it was going.  Picture books don't usually surprise me like that!  I don't want to give away what happens.  However, A Visit to Oma is not the typical visit your grandma book.  Well written.  Colorful illustrations.  Easy to understand.  Except, I think based on the story line's twist, above eight years old would be appropriate.  Truly worth reading and sharing.