Two weather stories

Stormy Weather by Debi Gliori


This is a bedtime story that includes the sentiment of a parent keeping a child safe, no matter what the weather. Rain, snow, wind and storms – you as a child are safe with me. The illustrations are exceptional. Animal parents protect their children, reading them bedtime stories, tucking them into a nice little bed, or holding them in their wings/arms. Pay attention to the end papers in this book, too, for a little more of the story.

Ages 3-6

I love these illustrations!  Melody

Groundhog Weather School by Joan Holub

Learn about famous prognosticators, or in this case, hognosticators, as we learn about groundhogs and groundhog day. Lots of text in this book make it better for school age, 6-8.

Four for the first day of summer

Puffling  by Margaret Wild, illustrated by Julie Vivas

A pulling is a baby puffin, of course. How many books have you read about puffins? Probably not very many. Make sure you read this one. The author has included, just before the title page, all the information about puffins you will want to share with your young reader before starting the book. Now you will know a little about puffins, and more about families and being brave.

The illustrations are done in watercolor and pastel, and are delightful. They are both puffin like and also show the affection between parents and child.

This books was first published in Australia.  Ages 3-6

Little Devils by Robert J. Blake

Speaking of Australia, how about a story with Tasmanian Devils in it? This little book features the animals as themselves, growling, fierce and protective. The author included information at the end of the book. The story itself revolves around the mother not returning from a hunting trip and her pups coming looking for her, finding her in a trap and helping her escape.

Ages 5-9

Sugar Cookies: Sweet Little Lessons on Love by Amy Krouse Rosenthal

The illustrations alone are reason enough to borrow this book from the library. On the second reading, the reader can discover a vocabulary building book for little guys and girls. Long words like ‘compassionate’ and ‘tenderness’ are explained in cookie language that little people can understand, even if the concepts are rather abstract.

Ages 4-6

My Heart is Like a Zoo by Michael Hall

And here is one last vocabulary building book for little guys. ‘Eager as a beaver, steady as a yak, hopeful as a hungry heron fishing for a snack …’These concepts are much simpler, as are the illustrations. Don’t forget to look for the hearts on each picture!

Ages 4-6

 

Cinderella and a princess of unusual ability

Glass Slipper, Gold Sandal: a Worldwide Cinderella  by Paul Fleischman
  What a delight this multicultural Cinderella story is! The author and illustrator (Julie Paschikis) have worked together to create a book that is informative and fun to read. Each country's version is labeled, in the border art. The Cinderella changes in appearance from country to country, too. The end papers have a world map and the countries that appear in this book are labeled.
 





Princess Hyacinth: the Surprising Tale of a Girl who Floated  by Florence Parry Heide

  I love this book! Princess Hyacinth is not your average princess. She has this little problem ... without a heavy crown, or being tied down, she will float away. She is not bothered by this idea in the least. When she finally finds a way to float outdoors, she loves it. The little boy with the kite is instrumental in helping her return to earth each day.
  The text is unusual for a picture book. Different font size and colors of text blend with unusual word placement.
  I am still smiling about this Surprising Tale, hours later.  - Melody

A few animal stories