Tag: rhyming

Posted in picture books, Preschool Reads, Uncategorized

STEM Books to Explore

Posted on by Rosemary Kiladitis

I’m back with some new books to explore fun STEM concepts. I really miss having a Discovery Club at my library… maybe I’ll use these as a way to gauge some interest again.

Tree Spirits (2nd Ed., Revised), by Louise Wannier/Illustrated by April Tatiana Jackson, (Sept. 2023, True Roses Books), $24.95, ISBN: 9780990997658

Ages 3-8

This book was published in September of last year, but I’ve just seen a copy and wanted to include it here. Incorporating nature and art, Wannier creates fun rhymes that encourage readers to think and wonder at different photos of trees. The repeated questions invite readers to look at each photo, considering the swirls and bumps, shapes and bends of the featured trees. The author offers her point of view, and Jackson, with a turn of the page, offers an overlaid illustration of an animal in the tree. Color photos are crisp, with texture and detail. The rhyming text incorporates different emotions, making this a helpful inclusion in social-emotional collections as well as nature science and STEM/STEAM collections. A nice additional purchase.

 

Tree Spirits is an interactive picture book that encourages creativity, social-emotional intelligence, and seeing the world with fresh eyes. With 25 color photographs of trees, the rhyming text asks, “What do you see when you look up at this tree?” inviting a child to use their imagination. Turning the page reveals an illustrated overlay of a charming animal inspired by the lines and shapes of the tree bark. Each animal introduces a different emotion, helping children understand their inner spirit and feelings.

All About Color, by Elizabeth Rusch/Illustrated by Elizabeth Goss, (March 2024, Charlesbridge Publishing), $17.99, ISBN: 9781623543532

Ages -8

Rusch gets into deep stuff in this exploration of color, telling readers right off the bat that “Color doesn’t exist. The sky is not blue”, giving a few additional examples before explaining that we perceive color when light sends messages to our brains. Rusch discusses how color helps us in our day-to-day lives: they can describe emotions, like “seeing red” and “feeling blue”; they can warn us, as illustrated by the bright red triangle on a black widow spider; they can let us know when to stop and go, as with a traffic light. Goss’s boldly outlined illustration offers bright color washes to communicate Rusch’s succint explanations. Rusch uses simple sentences to allow emerging readers to enjoy this book on their own or as part of a readaloud. A good introduction to the science of color. All About Color is the companion title to All About Nothing (2023), an introduction to negative space.

 

 

Hands on Science: Motion, by Lola M. Schaefer/Illustrated by Druscilla Santiago, (Feb. 2024, Charlesbridge Publishing), $16.99, ISBN: 9781623542450

Ages 4-8

This introduction to the science of motion is too much fun! Enter the Physics Lab and let the narrator take you on an interactive journey where you can poke, tilt, and push the book to learn about gravity and friction: poke a dollop of whipped cream to discover how your finger’s force can change its shape, and guide a marble through a series of inclines to see how it changes its path. Scientific terms are bolded for easy reference, and colorful illustrations keep readers engaged. Caregivers and educators will love these easy experiments: no muss, no fuss! If you have a Science Club, you may even want to set up similar experiments to guide scientists through during a readaloud. Schaefer includes examples of journaling observations and predictions; back matter includes additional ways we use forces every day, and an experiment for readers (and their grownups!) to conduct at home. This is the third entry in the Hands-On Science series by Schaefer and Santiago. A very good addition to STEM collections for emerging readers. Download the free Hands-On Science activity kit at the Charlesbridge Publishing website.

 

 

 

Posted in Early Reader, Fiction, Preschool Reads

Tow on the Go!: A fun Easy Reader series to watch

Posted on by Rosemary Kiladitis

It’s always a good day when I get to review Easy Readers! They’re so much fun, I can still read (most of) them at storytime, and I hardly get to review them. This new series, Tow on the Go!, is part of the Ready-to-Read series, and is all about vehicles – which, as I’ve said in the past, is an insta-win with my Corona Kids.

Tow on the Go! The Mambo Rescue!, by Patricia Lakin/Illustrated by Chiara Galletti, (Aug. 2023, Simon Spotlight), $4.99, ISBN: 9781665920063

Ages 4-6

Tow Truck Mo is a happy yellow tow truck who’s ready to pull his friends out of a jam – just give him a sec to play mambo music, because mambo makes Mo go! In this first Tow on the Go! adventure, Mo zooms through the snow to help 10 cars who have gotten stuck. How does he do it? Mambo, baby! Once he gets his friends grooving to the mambo beat, they’re able to get moving… right out of the snow. Adorable rhymes make this a great readaloud, with lines like “Mambo music does the trick. / It will free you super quick!” This is a great excuse to get the kidlings up and moving during storytime, too. Happy anthropomorphic trucks sport bright colors and big expressions; Mo is a happy tow truck ready to help. Large font helps emerging readers get the hang of reading and recognizing loads of sight words.

 

 

Tow on the Go! The Splish-Splash Puddle Dance!, by Patricia Lakin/Illustrated by Chiara Galletti, (Dec. 2023, Simon Spotlight), $4.99, ISBN: 9781665920094

Ages 4-6

The more recent Tow on the Go! book has a new character: Race Car Ro is having a great time splish-splashing in puddles after the rain, but he accidentally gets stuck in a hole and needs some help: it’s Mo to the rescue once again! What happens when Ro is too ticklish for Mo’s hook and his lasso won’t catch? Time to mambo free! This sweet series is all about looking on the bright side, and finding new solutions: “Can you mambo just like me? Dancing just might set you free!” Friendly-faced, bright cars and rhyme make these a delight to read out loud and gets kids – and grownups – moving. I hope readers get to meet more cars and trucks as Mo dances a mambo through more books.

 

 

Posted in picture books, Preschool Reads

Blog Tour: Nona’s Nerves by Modello Brown (Def Jam series)

Posted on by Rosemary Kiladitis

I’ve got a blog tour for you today! The second book in Modello Brown’s Hip Hop Littles series is out today, and it’s all about tackling nerves. With a great message and a hip-hop rhyme beat, I give you Nona’s Nerves!

Nona’s Nerves, by Modello Brown, (Dec. 2023, Bookbaby), $19.95, ISBN: 979-8350919639

Ages 3-7

Nona’s a little girl who’s been practicing for the school talent show. She’s been working so hard, and she’s ready! But the day of the talent show, when she and her other Hip-Hop Littles are all together, Nona feels a little bit of stage fright coming on. Everyone is just so good… what if she can’t match up? No way, say her friends! When the other Hip-Hop Littles see Nona having a moment of doubt, they gather ’round and remind of her of times that they felt anxious, too. Jordan talks about being afraid that no one would talk to him on his first day of school, and Rian tells Nona that he was afraid of taking the bus. Each of the Littles shares a time they felt scared and anxious, and how another friend stepped in to help: “Anxiety and nervousness are normal things to feel. / But with friends all around you soon enough your hurt will heal”. Supported by her friends, Nona goes on stage and sings her heart out, and her friends are there to celebrate together at the show’s end.

With expressive, colorful cartoony illustration and a catchy rhyme, this multicultural group of friends has lessons to teach. The first story, Jordan’s First Day, is all about that moment Jordan recalls in Nona’s Nerves. Filled with positive messages about friendship and resilience, the Hip-Hop Littles explain that feelings of anxiety and worry are normal and nothing to be ashamed of – and that they can be overcome. A good series for Pre-K and Kindergarten audiences, and a good suggestion for social-emotional learning collections.

Posted in picture books, Preschool Reads

Fried Rice & Marinara and VOOKS!

Posted on by Rosemary Kiladitis

I’ve been catching up on emails, and have been chatting with a publicist who sent me the cutest book link on an app called VOOKS. Have you heard of this? I swear, being away from day-to-day children’s librarianship, I feel so out of the loop (one of the reasons I still fight to keep working on my blog!). VOOKS is a storytime app with animated, read-along narration. It’s adorable! There is a subscription fee for the app, but you can also watch videos for free on their YouTube channel; that’s how I enjoyed Fried Rice & Marinara, a VOOK original story by NFL Network anchor Mike Yam.

Fried Rice & Marinara, by Mike Yam/Illustrated by Laura Dong, (Apr. 2023, VOOK Books),
ISBN: 9781737726951 ($17.99 for a hard copy available)

Inspired by Yam’s cultural heritage: growing up with a Chinese immigrant father from Hong Kong and an Italian mother, this rhyming story celebrates diversity and family. Young Mikey Yam’s fourth birthday is coming up, and he’s got a big choice to make: what kind of food should he have at his party? He loves all the delicious Italian foods on his mom’s side of the family, but there’s also such amazing Chinese food on his dad’s side! What’s it going to be: “Ravioli or Dumplings? Linguine or Lo Mein? All of these options were hurting his brain.” He asks his grandmothers, Bahboo and Nonna, but he’s still not arriving at an easy answer until the most delectable decision of all comes to him: why choose just one? The animation and rhyming narration is fun to listen to, and kids will love the expressive cartoon artwork. The story depicts a multicultural, multigenerational family and friends that come together to celebrate and cook together – Mikey’s friends help create the final dish – and celebrate Mikey’s party and everyone’s rich cultural differences.

Posted in picture books, Preschool Reads

Farm Boots teaches kids about the seasons on the farm

Posted on by Rosemary Kiladitis

Farm Boots, by Lisl H. Detlefsen/Illustrated by Renee Kurilla, (March 2023, Feeding Minds Press), $17.99, ISBN: 9781948898119

Ages 3-6

An enjoyable rhyming look at farming and the seasons using the different boots farmers and farm workers use for different tasks at different times of the year. Colorful pages show diverse families lacing up work boots, slipping on rubber boots, and getting ready for a day of work and play. Rhyming verse keeps the story fun and upbeat – “On rainy days, / use boots for puddles. / Feed newborn friends, / get cozy cuddles” – as the seasons progress. Young farmers help milk cows, show their prized animals at fairs and ride horses and muck out stables, harvest pumpkins and cranberries, all showing off the many different types of boots it takes to get the jobs done. Short sleeves give way to sweatshirts and flannel, then puffer jackets and hats, back to rolled-up jeans and t-shirts; farm chores go from outside chores to keeping sheep safe and warm in a barn, sipping cocoa, and harvesting a tree for the holidays. Back matter includes an illustrated glossary of the different types of boots appearing in the story, with descriptions to provide further context. A fun readaloud for all that pairs well with books like Clothesline Clues to the Jobs People Do (2012) by Kathryn Heling, Deborah Hembrook, and Andy Robert Davies and Julia Cook’s What Shoes Will You Wear? (2014).

Download an educator guide and coloring sheets at Feeding Minds Press’s website. Add some farm coloring pictures from JustColor.net for a fun storytime extension activity.

Posted in picture books

Better late than never blog tour & giveaway: Chimpansneeze by Aaron Zenz

Posted on by Rosemary Kiladitis

Bear with  me on the title of this post: I missed a blog tour date, which I’ve been fighting hard against doing since I’ve been rededicating to my blog. But life happens, and sure enough, the 13th came and went with nary a post about this adorable book. I couldn’t let that go, so please, enjoy this hilarious rhyming, cumulative tale of consequences. I give you…

The Chimpansneeze, by Aaron Zenz, (Nov. 2023, Two Lions), $15.99, ISBN: 9781662518225

Ages 6-8

Two friends go for a walk in the beginning of this zany story of cumulative disaster: “A chimpanzee and a kinkajou / took a walk one day through the wild. / The kinkajou spotted buttercups, / so he plucked them up and smiled.” Sounds like a sweet friendship story, right? Hold on: those buttercups that Kinkajou is holding sets off an allergy attack for poor Chimpanzee, who lets loose with a thunderous chimpansneeze that sends poor Kinkajou flying… and then the fun really begins! Filled with rhyming animal disasters that get progressively funnier and wackier, this is a first-class readaloud choice that will keep readers in stitches. Colored pencil illustrations show cartoony animals in various stages of chaotic distress, with flying loaves of bread, poodles slipping in mustard, and so much more. Brilliant wordplay and a catchy rhyme scheme will keep this book in high demand at storytime. A great add to collections and a heck of a feel-good book. The Chimpansneeze is a companion book to Aaron Zenz’s Hiccupotamus (2012).

Aaron Zenz used up forty-nine colored pencils and broke eighty-one pencil tips during the making of The Chimpansneeze. He is the author and illustrator of more than forty-five children’s books. He wrote and illustrated the Amazon bestseller The Hiccupotamus, as well as Chuckling Ducklings, Monsters Go Night-Night, and Little Iffy Learns to Fly. He has also illustrated books written by other authors, including The Spaghetti-Slurping Sewer Serpent by Laura Ripes and Orangutangled by Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen. He lives with his large family in a small town in West Michigan. Learn more about him at http://www.aaronzenz.com, and follow him on Instagram @AaronZenz.

‘Tis the season, right? This time, I’ve got a TWO BOOK giveaway: One lucky winner will receive a copy of The Chimpansneeze along with its companion The Hiccupotamus, courtesy of Two Lions (U.S. and Canada addresses). Enter the Rafflecopter giveaway here!

Posted in picture books, Preschool Reads, Uncategorized

Halloween Picture Books for Spooky Fun Read-Alouds

Posted on by Rosemary Kiladitis

Vlad the Fabulous Vampire, by Flavia Z Drago, (Sept. 2023, Candlewick Press), $17.99, ISBN: 9781536233322

Ages 3-7

Flavia Z Drago returns to the world of Gustavo the Shy Ghost (2020) and introduces readers to Vlad, a vampire whose passion is fashion – but he’s so worried that his friends will discover that – GASP! – he has rosy pink cheeks that make him look “horribly alive”! He tries to design fabulous fashion to disguise his cheeks, but he know that deep inside, he isn’t being honest to himself or his friends. One day, he discovers that Shelley, his best friend, has been keeping a secret of her own, and the two form an even stronger support system that inspires them to love their unique qualities and encourage uniquene in others. Mixed-media illustrations and folk-art illustrations bring this story to life, with positive, affirming storytelling. Readers will love spotting Drago’s other characters, Flavia and Gustvavo. A delightful addition to picture book collections. Download a free activity kit at publisher Candlewick’s page!

 

 

 

There Was a Young Zombie Who Swallowed a Worm, by Kaye Baillie/Illustrated by Diane Ewen, (June 2023, Kane Miller), $13.99, ISBN: 9781684645787

Ages 3-6

In this Halloween-y take on There Was an Old Lady… a young zombie gobbles up everything around him with amusing consequences. Young zombie, a green-skinned kid with head bandages, a torn green shirt and bright red ragged pants, munches his way through a bevy of creepy crawlies and ghouls, from the titular worm through bats, ghosts, and trolls until his tummy finally gives out. A fun seasonal take on the cumulative favorite, the rhyme scheme makes for a fun readaloud, with phrases like, “He swallowed the bat to catch the worm. / I don’t know why he swallowed the worm. / It made him squirm” and “He swallowed the troll to bother the beast, / Who grizzled and grumbled at being his feast”. As the story continues, kids wll be able to chime in with some passages they remember, and there are plenty of chances to get readers up and squirming, fluttering and flapping, giggling, and cackling. Colorful, expressive characters are cartoony, never scary, and endpapers show everyone who ends up in the Young Zombie’s hungry maw. A fun additional purchase for holiday collections.

There Was a Young Zombie Who Swallowed a Worm was originally published in 2022 in the U.K.

 

 

Billy and the Beast, by Nadia Shireen, (June 2023, Kane Miller), $13.99, ISBN: 9781684645893

Billy is a little girl who can think fast – and she needs to, because she and her trusty sidekick, Fatcat, have to thwart a big, hairy beast from eating some adorable forest friends… and Fatcat! Billy is a girl of color, out on a stroll with her feline friend, saying hello to a Hedgehog, a Fox, some mice, and bunny rabbits, when they come across a big, blue, hairy Beast who’s making a “big pot of TERRIBLE soup” and needs “all sorts of unusual ingredients”. A quick look at the recipe, and Billy realizes that those ingredients include the animals she and Fatcat just encountered on their walk! Her quick mind and resourcefulness helps her come up with ways to keep the animals safe from the Beast, but when he reveals his final ingredient, Billy decides to enact some old-school fairy tale justice in a laugh-out-loud resolution. Cartoon artwork and expressive facial expressions make this a great read-aloud choice. Pair this with Alyssa Satin Capucilli and Tom Knight’s Bone Soup (2018) for a snacky storytime.

Billy and the Beast was originally published in the UK in 2018, and has two companion books, Billy and the Pirates and Billy and the Dragon.

 

The Pumpkin Who Was Afraid of the Dark, by Michelle Robinson/Illustrated by Mike Byrne, (June 2023, Kane Miller), $13.99, ISBN: 9781684647286

Ages 4-7

Boo is an adorable pumpkin who doesn’t like Halloween: she isn’t scary and she doesn’t want to be! All the other spooky pumpkins in Boo’s patch are chosen, but poor Boo sits all by herself. She doesn’t have scary cutout eyes or a wicked smile; she’s round, has big, friendly eyes, and a sweet smile. It turns out that she’s the best pumpkin choice for a brother and sister who venture into the patch: the little boy, dressed as a bat, is afraid of scary things! Told in rhyme, this sweet story takes the spookiness out of Halloween and talks about the fun: being with family, dressing up, and choosing the perfect pumpkin from the pumpkin patch; a pumpkin that will softly glow and keep the creepy stuff away. The brother and sister are brown-skinned, with expressive faces; Boo is softer than her fellow Jack-0-lanterns. She’s round and softly outlined; she’s a colorful orange with slightly more orange cheeks and bright green stringy arms, legs, and hair. A fun rhyming readaloud for holiday collections and a great opportunity to hand out pumpkin crafts!

The Pumpkin Who Was Afraid of the Dark was originally published in the UK in 2022.

Posted in picture books, Preschool Reads

Back to School Picture Books

Posted on by Rosemary Kiladitis

The end of Summer Break is nigh, but don’t fret. Here are some fun picture books to get readers into thoughtful school mode.

Marker, by Anna Kang/Illustrated by Christopher Weyant, (June 2023, Two Lions), $17.99, ISBN: 9781542039611

Ages 3-7

The companion to Anna Kang and Christopher Weyant’s Eraser (2018) is every bit as playful, wonderful, and perfect for back-to-school reading. The teacher’s school supplies are having their meeting and getting ready for the first day of school. Marker has always been one of the teacher’s go-to supplies, but there’s a new supply in town: Pinking Shears! The decorative scissors make beautiful, decorative cuts and she quickly earns admiration from the other supplies, even taking Marker’s spot in the vaunted “Teaching is my Superpower” mug. Her self-confidence diminished, Marker makes a mistake, which upsets her so much, she makes another mistake! Her friends rally around her, and Marker’s fear comes out: she’s permanent. Her mistakes can’t be erased. Luckily, these supportive supplies are there to save the day, and help Marker understand that it is okay to make mistakes. Kids will love being reunited with their school supply friends, including Eraser, Pencil, and Sharpener. Kang uses character dialogue to tell the story, and creates a delightful character study using the familiar aspects of each of the supplies: Stapler, for instance, can’t wait to “sink [their] teeth into those math packets”, and Post-Its helps construct a play city out of their notes. Class Rules include familiar guidelines like, “Be respectful and kind”, “Include others, don’t exclude”, “Raise your hand to speak”, and “Listen”. Filled with school supply puns and wonderful messages about making mistakes, Marker should be on the top of your back-to-school purchases and read-alouds.

 

Twenty Questions, by Mac Barnett/Illustrated by Christian Robinson, (March 2023, Candlewick Press), $17.99, ISBN: 9781536215137

Ages 4-8

Award-winning creators Mac Barnett and Christian Robinson join forces to present this thought-provoking and fun book, filled with questions – and the answers can go anywhere! Barnett and Robinson begin with a fairly straightforward exercise: a bright green tree with a bevy of animals in and around it, accompanied with a question: “How many animals can you see in this picture?” From there, the questions become more fun, more interesting: a tiger threads itself through a spread of leaves, and the question asks, “How many animals can you not see in this one, because they’re hiding from the tiger?” A police car meanders by a group of women, and Barnett asks, “Which of these ladies just robbed a bank?” Interesting, colorful mixed media illustrations punch up a series of questions that ask readers to stretch their imaginations. The final spread is a great conversation opener for students. A sense of fun runs through the book – share that feeling with the kids! An excellent choice for picture book collections. Download a Teacher Tip card at Candlewick’s website.

Twenty Questions has a starred review from Booklist and was an Indie Next pick.

 

Never Let a Diplodocus Draw, by Rashmi Sirdeshpande & Diane Ewen, (Aug. 2023, Kane Miller), $13.99, ISBN: 9781684645800

Ages 3-7

The third book in “Never Let a Dinosaur…” series from Sirdeshpande and Ewen is here! The imaginative young girl is back with a new dinosaur and a new adventure, this time, teaching her diplodocus to draw. In cumulative fashion, the diplodocus lets her imagination run wild, becoming a global art sensation; her artwork selling for “gazillions” of dollars and her scupltures in demand from mayors all over the world’s cities. What happens when the paint factory can’t hold any more paint? You’ll have to read to find out. The story touches on the many ways we create and enjoy art, and Ewen’s colorful illustations place humans and dinosaurs side by side. A fun readaloud with a playful conclusion, Never Let a Diplodocus Draw is a cheery art storytime readaloud and pairs wonderfully with its predecessors, Never Show a T-Rex a Book and Never Let a Stegosaurus Do Sums.

 

All the Wonderful Ways to Read, by Laura Baker/Illustrated by Sandra de la Prada, (Aug. 2023, Kane Miller), $15.99, ISBN: 9781684645473

Ages 3-7

Inviting readers to join the “most welcoming club in the world”, Baker weaves a rhyming tale about all the ways there are to enjoy a story: “Will you pore over / e…ve…ry / word in a hush? / Or speed to the end in / an almighty rush?”Animals and humans enjoy books in a variety of locales, from a tent under the stars to a hot air balloon in this paen to the joy of reading and imagination. Baker touches on favorite genres and formats, like graphic novels and poetry; the process of finding that just-right book; and the experience of reading: “Will you laugh out loud? Gasp out loud? Call out together?” Reading is an activity that unites readers, thus creating what Baker calls – with great reason – “the most welcoming club in the world”. de la Prada’s cheery illustrations show groups of readers together; parents and children, and solitary readers alike, all enjoying a story and showing everyone that there’s no one way to enjoy a book. Navy blue endpapers display a variety of outlined characters reading; books are a bright yellow, offering a beacon to adventure. An excellent readaloud choice for those first weeks of school, for library class visits, and storytimes alike. All the Wonderful Ways to Read was originally published in Great Britain.

Posted in picture books, Preschool Reads

Concept Book Party!

Posted on by Rosemary Kiladitis

I love filling up the Concept book section at my library. They’re such fun ways for little learners to explore the ABCs, 123s, colors, opposites… all of the foundational learning. I’ve got some new (and new-ish) concept books here for you to enjoy. Dive in!

Some of These are Snails, by Carter Higgins, (May 2023, Chronicle Books), $15.99, ISBN: 9781797220185

Ages 2-4

I love a Carter Higgins book. Her 2021 book Circle Under Berry played with shapes and colors, and concepts of proximity in a charming, fun way; he’s back with Some of These are Snails, which promises more rhyming, concept fun. Now we’re learning to sort: Higgins introduces colorful animals and shapes, inviting learners to sort them out: “Can you sort by color? / Can you sort by size? / Can you sort by shape or find the animals with eyes?” Higgins also works with size, putting three shapes together to demonstrate how some are bigger than others, reinforcing which shape is which for reference: “big bigger biggest / owl square purple / small smaller smallest / orange turtle circle”. It’s fun to read, fun to listen to, and the brightly colored collage artwork will keep everyone’s attention (and makes for a fun after-program craft: get paper plates and tissue paper!). There are so many ways to read this story during a readaloud: audience participation, felt boards, cutout shapes, shakers to invite readers to chime in when looking for “animals with eyes” or bees versus ovals. Absolute fun and proof that learning is delightful. Visit Carter Higgins’s author webpage for free companion resources to her books, including Some of These Are Snails.

Some of These are Snails has a starred review from Booklist.

 

1, 2, 3, Do the Robot, by Michelle Robinson/Illustrated by Rosalind Bearshaw, (Aug. 2023, Kane Miller), $13.99, ISBN: 9781684645664

Ages 2-6

This STEM/STEAM focused rhyming adventures stars a a young inventor named Layla, who creates a robot friend. The two create other robots, spend some time tinkering, and throw a robot dance party that will have readers dancing in their seats during a readaloud (or, if you’re like me, get them up and dance). I love a good tinkering story (add The Most Magnificent Thing, Izzy Gizmo, Geraldine, and the Questioneers series for a STEAM-tastic display and readaloud). Layla is a brown-skinned girl wearing an orange jumpsuit and green pompoms on her head – who says science can’t be fun? The rhyme scheme is playful and consistent, making for a fun readaloud; the robots are adorable and look like they’ve been tinkered from items around the house, like a colander and springs. Layla’s room is full of fun details: toys mix with science tools like beakers, yarn, a sewing machine, tape, test tubes, and measuring tape. Fun for early STEAM clubs! 1, 2, 3 do the Robot teaches STEAM concepts and is the companion to Robinson and Beardshaw’s 1, 2, 3 Do the Dinosaur (2020) and 1, 2, 3, do the Shark (2021).

 

Tow Truck 1, 2, 3, by Eric Ode/Illustrated by Ken Culotta, (Aug. 2023, Kane Miller), $14.99, ISBN: 9781684645541

Ages 3-7

Three friendly tow trucks save the day in this fun rhyming story that teaches color concepts. Each tow truck has a different color, size, and function; they work together to help rescue other vehicles that need help. Truck One is a flatbed who can use her movable ramp to help a car stuck by a highway; Truck two has a hook and chain to pull a friend stuck in the mud. Truck Three also has a hook and chain, and is smaller than Trucks One and Two, giving them passage to smaller spots and able to rescue a friend who’s gotten stuck in a hard-to-reach spot. Cars are colorful, with bright, primary colors, and with friendly, anthropomorphic faces. Endpapers show the cars heading out from the garage to start their day, and returning at the end of the day with the friends they’ve helped. The rhyme scheme makes for a good readaloud, and kids love car stories. A fun addition to collections where vehicle books, like those by Stephen Savage, Kate and Jim McMullan, and Sherri Duskey Rinker do well.

 

Posted in picture books, Preschool Reads

BOOP! is irresistible!

Posted on by Rosemary Kiladitis

BOOP!, by Bea Birdsong/Illustrated by Linzie Hunter, (June 2023, HarperCollins), $19.99, ISBN: 9780063214804

Ages 4-7

If BOOP! is not the most-read book of the summer, I will take it personally. This adorable book invites readers to boop – lightly tap – dog snouts (snoots) of all shapes and sizes. The story is an interactive delight, with cheerful and vibrant illustrations of a plethora of dogs, noses held high, awaiting an engaging BOOP! from readers. Birdsong’s playful narrative extends rhyming invitations and praise no one will be able to resist: “Booper[s] extraordinaire! The boopiest booper[s] with booping flair!” A perfect readaloud that will enchant readers of all ages, BOOP! begs to be read out loud and shared. (Just remind your kiddos to ask their adults for permission before they boop a snoot.)

Have some doggie coloring pages on hand for post-storytime enjoyment, and if you have stuffies available for booping, put them out! Add songs like “B-I-N-G-O” and the chorus from “How Much is That Doggie in the Window?” for a Doggie storytime.