Looking for a great read? Check out some of the wonderful picture books below.

 Birdie's Bookshelf

A collection new & noteworthy picture books & reviews

 

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 Sick Day for Amos McGee - 2011 Caldecott Winner!

Written by Philip C. Stead; Illustrated by erin E. Stead

Thanks to Sweet on Books for their review :"Amos McGee is a gentle old man who seems content in his comfortable daily routine. He gets up early, winds his watch, enjoys his breakfast, and gets on the bus that takes him to his job at the nearby zoo. Although his days at the zoo are busy, he always makes time for his friends. He plays chess with the elephant, runs races with the tortoise, sits with the penguin, lends a handkerchief to the rhinoceros and reads with the owl. One day, when Amos wakes up, he finds that he’s not feeling well and decides to stay in bed. A two-page spread depicting the animals looking lonely and bored really communicates the impact of Amos' absence. The somewhat alliterative phrases ("arranged his pawns and polished his castles" and "penguin sat patiently") describing how the animals pass the time, carry the reader through this sad day. Eventually, the animals take action and, as if it is the most normal thing in the world, they leave the zoo and take the bus over to Amos’ house. They find him sick in bed, but still thrilled to see them. They keep him company and return all the kindhearted favors that he had shown them during his visits at the zoo. They sit, read, have tea and in the end do what all good friends like to do – they have a sleepover! 

This touching tale of friendship is written and illustrated by a husband and wife team, Philip and Erin Stead. It is the first book that Erin has illustrated and hopefully will not be the last. Her lovely illustrations, created by hand using woodblock printing techniques and pencil, contribute to the serenity of the story and the easy flow of the text. Each page is really a special work of art that could be studied on its own. From the gentle expression on Amos’ face to his bunny slippers and the teddy bear on his bed, the reader can tell that he is sweet and kind. Even his little blue house looks warm and inviting compared to the tall buildings that rise up in black and white on either side. If you look closely, there are many interesting details throughout, like the little mouse under the bed, the bunny on the bus, and the single balloon that sails along with Amos. When it floats away at the end, I am reminded of Goodnight Moon. The strategic use of colors, mostly subtle with some clever pops of red, adds to the dramatic effect of the drawings. In the crowded world of picture books, this one stands out and I’m guessing it will be rewarded for it’s beauty. It has quickly become one of my favorites!"

Big Red Lollipop

Written by Rukhsana Khan; Illustrated by Sophie Blackall

From The New York Times: "It’s not just any big red lollipop. It’s the biggest, sweetest treat in the first take-home goodie bag from the first birthday party Rubina has ever attended. That makes it a treasure to have and hold as long as possible — well, overnight in the fridge, anyway, for enjoying the next morning, after a night of happy dreams.

Rubina is new to birthday parties because her family is new to North America (the author’s bio for Rukhsana Khan, who immigrated to Canada from Pakistan at 3, lets us know she has some of her material first hand). Rubina’s mom, her ami, isn’t clear on the concept at first.

...

“Big Red Lollipop” is a delight, a simple story with considerable depth. Young readers will recognize some universal truths: the brattiness of young siblings, the great unfairness that birth order wreaks on the world. They will also see truthfully rendered social awkwardness, and learn something of the uneasy spot in which young children of immigrants often find themselves, obliged to obey their parents while also instructing them in the mysterious ways of their adopted land.

Khan has an ideal collaborator in Sophie Blackall, whose Chinese ink-and-watercolor drawings convey exquisite detail and precise emotion. Like all the best picture books, “Big Red Lollipop” amply rewards close examination. Read the full review!

 

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Come See the Earth Turn: The Story of Leon Foucault

 by Lori Mortenson

 Illustrated by Raúl Allén 

Tricycle Press, 32 pages

 {I have to give a shout out to my writing bud and critique partner Lori Mortenson -- whose new book just got reviewed all over the place. Here's what The Wall Street Journal had to say...}

 

In early 1851, French scientists assembled in Paris to witness an event that would become known as the "beautiful experiment." Léon Foucault, who had begun life as a sickly and apparently slow-witted child, was to demonstrate something that men had sought for centuries to prove: that the Earth spins on an axis. As Lori Mortensen explains in "Come See the Earth Turn," an atmospheric picture book for children ages 8-12, the experiment took place in a hall that contained a precise line from north to south, known as the Paris Meridian. As the crowd watched, Foucault released a heavy brass pendulum: "The great bob swung back and forth across the line ml. Swish. Swish. Swish. What would they see?" To the wonderment of everyone but Foucault, the pendulum began swinging away from the line.

"In an instant, the scientists knew: The pendulum wasn't swinging in a different direction. The earth was rotating beneath it." The story of Foucault's triumph—enhanced by the visual drama of Raúl Allén's sepia-toned illustrations—makes a surprisingly diverting read for young children. (October, 2010)

 

 

Interrupting Chicken

by David Ezra Stein

Thanks to Travis Jonker at 100 Scope Notes for bringing this one to my attention. Who can resist an adorable interrupting chicken?  Obviously, his Dad can.  Looks delightfully quakin'!

"Papa  is trying to read little chicken a bedtime story, but it isn’t going well. As soon as the story begins, chicken interrupts to hilariously insert herself into the story and prevent trouble. When Hansel and Gretel are about to go into the old woman’s house, chicken can’t be contained: "Out jumped a little red chicken, and she said, “DON’T GO IN! SHE’S A WITCH!” So Hansel and Gretel didn’t. The End!

This sequence of events spoils three classic tales when an exasperated Papa finally asks chicken to write one of her own. But the tables turn and Papa interrupts chicken’s story – with a loud snore.

Stein uses a unique collection of media (*deep breath* watercolor, water-soluble crayon, china marker, pen, opaque white ink) with unique results. Warm and vivid, the illustrations perfectly capture the setting of a bedroom at night. The segments where other stories come into play (when papa is reading famous fables, when chicken creates her own story) are particularly memorable, because they each employ a completely different style than the rest of the book, adding a nice touch of authenticity.

A story about reading stories that will work during storytime. Sounds sort of complicated, but readInterrupting Chicken and it’s easy to see what this is – an expertly crafted, funny, engaging title that should be a part of every collection."

 

 

 

Brontorina by James Howe

I have a soft spot for ballerina picture books so this one caught my eye!

"Brontorina, a very large dinosaur, had a dream. She wanted to dance. Even though she did not have the right shoes (they don't make them in her size after all), she knew that in her heart she was a ballerina.  So, Madame Lucille lets Brontorina join her dance class. But, Brontorina's head hits the ceiling, her tail hits things it isn't supposed to, and she almost falls on a piano.  Madame Lucille realizes that she can no longer help Brontorina learn to dance--she is just too big.  But then a Clara's mother surprises Brontorina with a pair of specially made shoes.  And Madame Lucille realizes that the problem is not that Brontorina is too big--rather her studio is too small!  So, they find a place where everyone can be a successful dancer.

This is a great fun story, one that reminds me of others written on the topic of believing in your dream. Kids will love the hopeful story, the fun illustrations and the clever talking bubbles throughout the book."  Read the full review from A Year of Reading Blog.

 

 

A Nest for Celeste by Henry Cole

From Damian Daily: A Nest for Celeste is illustrator Henry Cole’s first full-length novel.  This fanciful tale geared for children features a mouse named Celeste, who is looking for the safety and comfort of a home.  Along the way, she discovers unexpected friendships, danger, adventure, and an appreciation for art and music.

As an experienced illustrator of children’s books, Henry Cole peppers A Nest for Celeste with black-and-white sketches interspersed throughout the text on almost every page.  Though it is over 300 pages long, the large print and delightful illustrations still make it appropriate for younger readers, while the story itself would capture the imaginations of older as well.  The book features both male and female main characters, which would appeal to young readers of both genders.

In the story, Celeste befriends a teenage boy by the name of Joseph Mason, who works as an apprentice to John James Audubon.  Both Audubon and Mason are based on true characters who traveled throughout the United States cataloguing and painting images of American birds.  John James Audubon is the inspiration behind the name for the National Audubon Society, whose mission it is to protect birds and their natural habitats.

“Celeste was paralyzed, gripped around the chest with fear, unable to breathe much less jump or even move.  Instinct told her to at least wiggle and squirm, but she could not.  Her deep brown eyes could only stare at Joseph, whose own blue eyes showed that he meant no harm; they twinkled in bemusement.”

This book is geared towards middle grade youth.  The writing flows well, is intelligent, and is not overly toned down for young readers.  While the adventures are engaging and the illustrations superb, some of the plot meanders a bit at certain points.  There are times when it is unclear how much importance the peripheral characters serve.  Nonetheless, it is still an enjoyable read, and the illustrations alone are enough to keep the reader turning each page.

 

My Name Is Not Isabella

by Jennifer Fosberry:“”Good morning, Isabella,” the mother said. “It’s time to get up and out of bed.” “My name is not Isabella I am Sally, the greatest, toughest astronaut who ever was ” “Well Sally, blast out of bed, put on your spacesuit and come downstairs for breakfast.”"

So begins the day for Isabella, an imaginative little girl who explores the amazing women who changed history. Her heartwarming adventures as Annie the sharpshooter, Rosa the activist, Marie the scientist, and many more, empowers young girls to realize their true capabilities

 

while inspiring them to let their own personalities shine. Includes a “Women Who Changed the World” section with short bios and educational material.

 

 

 

 

Instruction

Neil Gaiman (Author), Charles Vess (Illustrator)

“A magical, incantatory poem. It could be instructions for a child, a writer, a newly minted adult or an elder. It strikes immediately at the place where stories live and provides a feast of archetypes. ” (Kirkus Reviews )

“Vess’s compositions are distinguished by elegant, winding lines and intimate frames that evoke moments of gentle wisdom. Young readers should relish the chimerical vision while older Gaiman fans should grasp the underlying suggestion that the compass used to navigate fairy tales can also guide us in the real world. ” (Publishers Weekly )

 

 

Cat the Cat, Who Is That?

Mo Willems (Author, Illustrator)

With Cat the Cat, Who Is That? and Let’s Say Hi to Friends Who Fly, Mo Willems introduces a new series for preschoolers on the verge of learning to read. Simple phrasing and speech bubbles tell these stories of enjoying old friends and making new ones (Who Is That?) and meeting all sorts of flying animals . . . including Rhino the Rhino (Let’s Say Hi). Bright colors and funny situations will keep pre-readers captivated and amused . . . and looking forward to more stories they can read all by themselves. (3–5 years)

{Got to love a guy called Mo – and he’s Dutch!}

 

 

 

I Need My Monster 

Amanda Noll (Author), Howard McWilliam (Illustrator)

Noll turns the tables on monster fears by introducing readers to Ethan, a little boy who can’t fall asleep without the ragged breathing and claw-scratching of his favorite monster, Gabe. But Gabe has left a note that he’s gone fishing, so Ethan knocks on his floor to summon a series of substitute ghoulies. Herbert, a horned green thing in a vest, doesn’t even have claws. And Ralph, a four-eyed, six-armed blob, has claws, but they’re painted and manicured. And Cynthia—well, no hard feelings, but a boy wants a boy monster, not a girl. Noll’s slyly humorous text is a suitably wry counterpoint to McWilliam’s dark-hued, exaggerated paintings of the bobble-headed Ethan and his alternately scary and silly beasts. The entire effort strikes a nice balance between creepy and comforting, but especially endearing is Gabe’s early return home as he huddles beneath the bed like a faithful dog and says, “Now, if you don’t mind, I’d like to start the evening with an ominous puddle of drool.” That’s friendship for you. Grades K-2. --Daniel Kraus

 

LMNO Peas

Keith Baker (Author, Illustrator)

{This one makes me even consider eating my peas…well, then again….}

From Booklist: This cheerful alphabet book introduces each letter as a large, colorful shape surrounded by tiny pea creatures, green circles with arms, legs, eyes, mouths, and occasionally accessories such as hats, diving masks or flippers. The pea folk demonstrate occupations and actions beginning with each letter and identified in the rhyming, rhythmic text. The letters L, M, N, and O, which so often run meaninglessly together in the alphabet song, appear on the same double-page spread. Most of the other letters appear on their own pages or spreads, while the four pages devoted to the little characters’ own letter, P, illustrate the lines “We’re painters, / poets, / and plumbers fixing leaks. / We’re pilots, / parachutists, / we’re peas and . . . / we’re unique.” With its digital illustrations’ luminous colors, buoyant spirit, and engaging characters, this handsome picture book is definitely worth a second look, even in the overcrowded field of alphabet books. Preschool-Grade 1. --Carolyn Phelan

 

Saving the Baghdad Zoo: A True Story of Hope and Heroes

Kelly Milner Halls and William Sumner

Animal enthusiasts will enjoy Saving the Baghdad Zoo: A True Story of Hope and Heroes by Kelly Milner Halls and Major William Sumner. Using fantastic photographs, humor, and heartwarming anecdotes, Halls and Sumner re-create the mission to rescue monkeys, dogs, lions, and many other animals while rebuilding the decimated Baghdad Zoo. Full of memorable animals like Lumpy the one-humped camel and Saedia the thirty-two-year-old brown bear, this book combines facts and narration into a moving story. (8–12 years)

 

 

Growing Patterns

Sarah Campbell (Author, Photographer), Richard Campbell (Photographer)

{I love using photography as an illustrative medium for children’s books. And this one does so quite effectively.}

From Booklist: This book introduces the Fibonacci sequence, which begins 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13. Each new number is determined by adding the two preceding it. The presentation uses color photos of flowers with different numbers of petals to illustrate the beginning of the sequence, follows up with photographs highlighting the different spirals seen on pinecones, sunflowers, and pineapples, and includes a picture showing the chambers in a cut-away nautilus shell. The design of the first series of illustrations graphically expresses the Fibonacci sequence by beginning with very small photos and gradually increasing their size in proportion to the numbers in sequence. The book’s intended audience is unclear. The short, simple text on some early pages (“This is a flowering quince. Count the petals.”) will probably put off older readers, while young children may have difficulty even predicting the next number in the sequence, much less understanding the appended “More about Fibonacci Numbers” page. Though the Fibonacci sequence is seldom taught in elementary schools, teachers wanting to introduce it will find the basic ideas here, illustrated with attractive photos. Grades 2-5. --Carolyn Phelan

 

For Good Measure: The Ways We Say How Much, How Far, How Heavy, How Big, How Old

Ken Robbins (Author)

 From Hornbook : Growing up my daughter always asked the inevitable – how far, hoe much longer,  how much money…And I always struggeled to help put concepts such as distance, time and weight into terms that would be meaningful for her. Too bad Ken Robbins book didn’t come out earlier!

Ken Robbins’s For Good Measure: The Ways We Say How Much, How Far, How Heavy, How Big, How Oldexplores all kinds of measurements — distance, weight, volume (liquid and dry), and even time. The author’s cleanly presented, highly saturated photos reinforce his multilayered information, which includes the origins and definitions of archaic as well as commonly used measurements. It’s easy to imagine this book inspiring children to measure their homes and classrooms, either by the foot or by the cubit. (5–8 years)