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.

First Snow in the Woods

Absolutely stunning photography.  This lovely storybook can be read aloud or just absorb the beautiful pictures.  It's one of those picture books that you can just turn the pages and talk about the pictures.  For older children, the story is just right. 

 It's a majestic book because of the photos. 

 It's a memorable book because of the gifted storytelling.

The Legend of the CANDY CANE

The real reason we celebrate Christmas.  I remember when this book came out in 1997.  It was the first time I had ever heard the story about the meaning of a Candy Cane.  My daughter was four years old.  In fact, the book was a gift to her from my mom and dad.  What a special gift indeed.  Just like the gift from God who sent His son Jesus into this world to save us.  

The Legend of the CANDY CANE is a perfect first book to read this Christmas season.  

Perhaps because it tells the true story of this beautiful time of year.

The BLANKET That Had to Go

The BLANKET That Had to Go

Most children get attached to a childhood stuffed animal, toy or blanket.  The BLANKET That Had to Go is a gentle reminder of how important a soft piece of fabric can become to a child's comfort.  It's a touchy situation for sure.  Published in 1981, this BLANKET story has a realistic yet satisfying approach to "losing the blanket" problem.

STOP THAT BALL!

STOP THAT BALL! is one of my favorite childhood books from when I was growing up.  I still have my original copy.  First my mother read it to me.  Then I read it over, and over, and over!  If you don't have a copy of STOP THAT BALL! for your kids, get one.  It's that important.  Of course I may be a bit biased, but I'm pretty sure you'll thank me.  Or least be thankful. It's a great rhyming book, which I am partial to as well.  Also, it's one of those circular stories.  The ending leaves you wondering what happens next. Oh no!

TOOLEY! TOOLEY!

TOOLEY! TOOLEY! published in 1979 by Scholastic is a story about two kids looking for a way to make some money.  They want to go to the movies.  Okay, so the book is a bit dated.  The seventies wasn't really that long ago, was it?  Remember when kids could still walk around on a Saturday afternoon without adults?  The story of Tooley! Tooley! isn't really inspirational.  However, the illustrations and era are a reminder of a different time in America.  Anyway, I love Scholastic books.  They're simply fun to read!

Part-Time DOG

 Part-Time Dog is one of the cutest stories I have in my vast picture book collection.  Not only are the illustrations cute, but the story is too.  Published fifty years ago, it still holds an abundance of charm.  Three adorable ladies live on the same block.  They are rather annoyed with a stray dog.  They end up taking care of him.  Then decide to call the dog catcher because they think he is too much trouble.  A guilty conscience plagues all three of the ladies and they must make a decision about the Part-Time Dog.

PETUNIA

PETUNIA is a pleasant read from 1950.  Petunia the goose gives lots of advice to her animal friends whether they want it or not.  She is a definite know-it-all.  I love the variety of illustrations.  Some pages are black and white.  Then full color, a good mixture.  Petunia would find it hard to be published today because of a couple of pages about fireworks.  The safety police would not approve.  I happen to love Petunia who gives a valuable lesson about the importance of reading in the end.