Ben's Trumpet

Ben's Trumpet
Written & Illustrated by: Rachel Isadora
Copyright: 1979
Pages: 40
Reading Level: 4-8

"But most of all Ben thinks the trumpeter is the cat's meow."

Ben's Trumpet is a simple story with a powerful effect, because of the illustrations. Rachel Isadora's story is completely in black and white. But the details are amazing. I'm not sure what style it is, but I believe its a scratch or dot drawings sometimes.
I think she uses several styles in her illustrations.
The story is of a young boy who plays his trumpet every night outside the Zig Zag Jazz Club. He loves this club and visits everyday after school. He admirers all the members of the band but especially the trumpeter. Ben plays for his whole family, and one day he was sitting on the steps playing away and the trumpeter says to him " I like your horn." Ben smiles as he walks away. One night he is "blasting away at his trumpet" and some kids see him and ask him what he is doing. After he tells them they laugh and say "Man, you're crazy! You got no trumpet!" Ben puts his hands back into his pockets and walks slowly home. That night during their break the band comes walking out of the club, the trumpeter see's Ben and asks where his trumpet has gone. "I don't have one," Ben says. So he brings Ben back to the club so he can try his out.

Recommended to: Older children, I don't think young children would be able to appreciate the illustrations.
Problems: The book shows his baby brother nude.
My Reaction: This is an awesome book. Not only do you want to go to the Zig Zag Jazz Club after, but you want to take a stab at your very own invisible trumpet. And if I haven't said it enough, the illustrations are amazing. Cover is my favorite because it shows Ben and in his shadow it shows the trumpeter.

Where The Giant Sleeps

Where The Giant Sleeps
By: Mem Fox
Pictures by: Vladimir Radunsky
Copyright: 2007
Pages: 32
Reading Level: 4-8

"But here the elves are wide awake-
sewing with all their might,"

This is my second book by Mem Fox, and has such a different feel for it, because of the illustrations. This book is one you just have to pick up and look at yourself. The Illustrations are dreamy. I can't even describe them accurately. But I love this style. The books cover is of a little town that is in the shape of a Giant, Trees for hair, houses for eyes, and haystacks for buttons. This book is written like a little boys dreams, and at the end shows all the things in his room. Including his very own copy of the book. My very favorite pages are the last two. They say "But here the elves are wide awake- sewing with all their might," (and it shows a picture of little elves with giant needle and thread, trying to sew close the sky- over the moon) "to make a quilt of moon and stars to wrap you in...tonight." This page shows the boy fast asleep wrapped in his very own moon and stars blanket.

Recommended to: Bedtime story, the story is short and sweet. But it has beautiful illustrations that I could look at forever. Fun one to read to a child.
Problems: I couldn't find any, this book has Ogres and gremlins, which might scare little children, but they are illustrated so friendly I highly doubt it.
My Reaction: This is such a beautiful book. The Illustrations really just absorb you into the pages. This is a must have in my home.

Mi diario de aqui hasta alla

My Diary from Here to There: Mi diario de aqui hasta alla
Story/ Cuento: Amanda Irma Perez
Illustrations/Illustraciones: Maya Christina Gonzalez
Copyright: 2002
Pages: 32
Reading Level: 9-12

"Never forget who you are and where you are from. Keep your language and culture alive in your diary and in your heart."
"Que nunca se te olvide quien eres y de donde vienes. manten siempre vivo en tu corazon y en tu diario tu lenguaje y tu cultura"

This book is a true immigration story of Amanda Irma Perez. She and her family immigrated to the United States after her dad found a job here, and got there green cards. The book is wrote in Diary entries, and has both Spanish and English translations. This allows not only people who speak both languages to enjoy the story but learn words from both English and Spanish. The Illustrations in this book are beautiful, done by Maya Christina Gonzalez. Her use of color is brilliant.
The Journey Amanda and her family take is a rough one, but she seems to be the only one affected as she is surrounded by her brothers. Who seem excited to move to America. She is the only one who is scared. They first move to their Grandmothers house, then through several Aunt's home because no one can handle her five brothers. There father eventually gets the Green cards, and they travel to America to meet her father. They hold hand the entire way. And finally reach her father missing a shoe and a hat. Amanda misses Mexico, but learns she can be strong and finds she can still express her culture no matter where she is.

Recommended to: Both Spanish and English reader, I think both can learn a great deal from this book.
Problems: This book shows the difficulty in Immigrating.
My Reaction: I really enjoyed this. In high school I took Spanish, however I remember VERY little. So it was fun reading the Spanish and picking out words I remember, and looking to the English for the words I didn't. This book does an excellent job illuminating the worries someone might face when moving. Especially to a different country.

Cinder Edn

Cinder Edna
By: Ellen Jackson
Illustrated by: Kevin O'Malley
Copyright: 1994
Pages: 32
Reading Level: 4-8

"Oh. Well can you name sixteen different kinds of tuna casserole?"
"Of course," she said, and she begun to name them. She rattled off fifteen different kinds , including tuna casserole with pickled pigs feet, and then she stopped. What was that last one anyways?
"Only fifteen," said Rupert, turning to go.
"Well, maybe I can't name sixteen kinds of tuna casserole," said Edna. "But I do know a great joke about a kangaroo from Kalamazoo."
Rupert stopped in his tracks.
"My Love!" he said. He gave her a kiss. "Will you marry me?"

I'm still surprised every time I read a new Cinderella story. I also love them more and more each time. The silly twist, and the meaningful messages people add to the classic fairy tale is just splendid. This version, Cinder Edna is especially funny and cleaver. The story is about two girls, Cinderella and her neighbor Cinder Edna. They both have horrid stepmother, and stepsister that make them work all day. However at night Cinderella sits by the fire, and Cinder Edna learns new jokes, and casserole recipes, and cleans bird cages for a little money on the side. A Royal ball is announced and both Cinder Ella and Edna get there sisters ready, and when Cinder Ella is finished she sits by the fire and cries. Cinder Edna had used her money saved up for a dress, so she put it on along with her loafers and was ready to dance. Cinder Ella's Godmother luckily was passing by and transformed her into a beautiful gown, and gave her glass slippers. But then she cried how will I get there, fairy Godmother, disappointed that her Goddaughter could not even figure a way to the ball, she transformed a pumpkin and mice into a horse and carriage. Cinder Edna took the bus. They both arrived and everyone though Cinder Ella was a princess, and the prince asked her to dance. Cinder Edna arrived and as his royal obligation, the prince went to greet Cinder Edna, she found him extremely boring. Just then his brother swoops in and says we recycle here. The Prince tells Cinder Edna to just ignore him, however she hands him her cup and they begin to dance. They find out that they have everything in common, and both know the best jokes. The Clock strikes 12, and they both escape to there rides in time. The Princes run after then but end up running into each other on the steps. The Prince distraught for he has lost his only love. His brother replies " Well, didn't you get her name?" asked Rupert impatiently. "The one I love is named Edna." They both end up finding there Cinders, the Prince by trying to fit feet into the glass slipper he found, and his brother by going to the house where Edna's live. They both marry, and you can "guess who lived happily ever after."

Recommended to: Anyone who has read Cinderella. Its hilarious and you realize how silly Cinderella might have been.
Problems: None
My Reaction: I love this book, in case you couldn't already tell. The Illustrations are so unique, and awesome. The last page has Edna and Rupert laughing at a silliest joke book ever, and they have a cat crawling on top of them, Rupert's glasses are about to fly off. And they just look so happy. Loved, loved, loved this book.

Louella Mae, She's Run Away!

Louella Mae, She's Run Away!
By: Karen Beaumount Alarcon
Illustrated by: Rosanne Litzinger
Copyright: 2002
Pages: 32
Reading Level: 4-8

"Fetch the ol' hound dog!
Fetch all your kin!
Louella Mae's run away again!

She's not in the cornfields!
She's not in the hay!
Where, oh where, is Louella Mae?"

Louella Mae, has run away. This cleaver rhyming book is the search for Louella Mae. They look in the cornfields, and the hay. They call the neighbors, and the kin, to find Louella Mae. No luck, so they "round up the horses", and "hitch up the team". They look by the stream, the tree, and the barn. They then go into the forest and find a great big bear, a deep ditch, and a well. The look on the ridge, and the bridge, and then they give up and decide Louella Mae really is gone. The get inside the house and find Louella Mae, the pig, hiding in the tub.
This book is so cleaver, because the whole time you are thinking they are looking for a little girl Louella Mae. Or at least that is what I thought, So I was very surprised to find that it was pig that cause all that trouble and searching.

Recommend to: Everyone, this is a great bedtime story because the rhymes are silly and soothing.
Problems: At one point in the illustrations there is a little girl falling out of the wagon, and throughout the book the little girl is some what ignored. Its a little sad.
My Reaction: Loved it, I picked it off the shelf when I saw the title. My name is Martha Mae, so I love the name. And I feel even more in love when I found out it was a pig, not the little girl I was expecting. I also was very interested to read another children's book by Karen Beaumont. It was similar but the illustrations were so different it felt completely new. Having the publisher always pick the illustrator makes me wonder what they would choose. Because both seemed to fit perfectly for the writing. Yet they were both completely different.

Move Over, Rover!

Move Over, Rover!
By: Karen Beaumont
Illustrated by: Jane Dyer
Copyright: 2006
Pages: 40
Reading Level: 4-8

Move Over, Rover! Is a fun story of Rover the dog and some unlikely friends. The story starts with Rover sitting in his dog house wishing he had friends to play with, in the wonderful sunny weather. It then begins to pour and there is lightening. So as Rover is sleeping the Cat comes up and says, "Move over, Rover!". Rover lets her in, and soon Raccoon comes over and says "Skit-scat, Cat! Move over, Rover!" so they let him in.Then squirrel, and Blue Jay, Snake, and Mouse come along. And each time they let them in, except Mouse. They have a "full house" by the time mouse gets there. Then they all smell an awful smell and "scamper, scurry!" from the doghouse. Then we see skunk all alone in the doghouse, sleeping right through the storm.
After the storm has past all the animals come back out from there new hiding places, and wonder where Rover is. We then see Rover in his doghouse.
"...chewing on a bone.
Soaked and sopping,
tail flip-flopping,
happy he's alone!"

Recommended to: All animal lovers, or any children at all. The animals are so fun.
Problems: Maybe parents might feel its teaching to be rude, since the animals demand to be let inside the doghouse. But at the same time it teaches sharing.
My Reaction: The illustrations are beautiful in this book. And it was fun to go back to the first page and find all the animals I didn't see the first time. Many of the animals are hidden in the grass or leaves so look close, to find them all.

Dog and Bear

Dog and Bear: Two Friends, Three Stories
by: Laura Vaccaro Seeger
Copyright: 2007
Pages: 32
Reading Level: 4-8

This book is a different style than I have seen before. Its a picture book with three short stories with in. All about a dog and a bear. First one is Bear in the Chair, and is the story of a Bear stuck in a chair. The Dog tries to help the Bear get over his fear and allows him to slide down his back. They are trying to get down because they want to go outside to play. But they then realize that he has left his scarf on the chair. So they play indoors.
The next story is called "Play with Me! Play with Me!" And is where dog tries and tries to get bear to play with him. However Bear is reading a story, which happens to be about them. After Bear finishes the story he realizes that Dog just wants to be his friend and play with him. So when he finally stops reading to play with dog he asks "what shall we do?". Dog relies with "Read to Me! Read to Me!"
The final story is called "Dog Changes His Name." This story is about Dog he feels like his name is to boring. He thinks of many names but every time Bear thinks about it and doesn't think it fits him very well. His first idea is spot, but bear says "But you don't have any spots." So they finally decide on "My Best Friend Dog", "or just Dog for short".

Recommended to: Younger children. Its kind of fun because it has several stories so you get to know Dog and Bear more.
Problems: When Dog is trying to find a new name, Bear sort of tells him that he can't be a champ, or a prince, and what not. And that is not the best message to be sending to children.
My Reaction: This story was a little to simple for my personal taste. But it had fun illustrations. I don't think its something I would ever purchase, but if I ever found it in the library it would be good to read to a small child.

Hands

Hands
By: Lois Ehlert
Copyright: 1997
Pages: 20
Reading Level: 4-8

Fun, interactive book, with photographs of vintage everyday objects. Its fun because as she is talking about gardening you are turning the page which is in the shape of a garden glove. Its a simple story of a child learning how to use her hands, which different tools and to do different things. She helps both her father and mother, and decides that one day she wants to be an artist. This book is super fun because the whole book is in the shape of a work glove, and then when you open it up each page is different. Some pages you lift up or open up to the side, so as a child reads it they too are using there hands exploring the pages.

Recommended to: Children ages 4 and up, its some what delicate. As even the copy in our library has some tape repair on it. I can see it easily being destroyed in the hands of a young child.
Problems: It kind of assumes the roles of parents are the mother sews and the father builds things.
My reaction: I really liked it, the vintage look makes it a very hip book. I also really liked the concept of it, and love any book with flip up pages and hidden surprises.

Hello, Snow!

Hello, Snow!
By: Hope Vestergaard
Pictures by: Nadine Bernard Westcott
Copyright: 2004
Pages: 32
Reading Level: 4-8

"Hello, Pants. Goodbye, knees."

This is a very cute picture book, with a bunch of hellos and goodbyes. "Hello, Daddy. Goodbye, bed." This little girl wakes up and sees it has snowed, so she jumps out of bed, and runs and wakes up her dad. Then she gets bunddled up to go in the snow. In the process, she steps on the cat, zips up her thumb, and pulls her hat all the way over her head. They are finally ready and head out the door, She makes a snow mountain and snow man with her neighbor. They then find a sled, and decided to climb up the hill and try it out. "Hello, sled. Let's climb the hill- Goodbye, Daddyyyyyyy!" They crash but try again, this time crashing into her dad, and the snow man. They then say goodbye to the snow, and go in for hot coco.

Recommended to: Anyone, easy read.
Problems: The main character is the stereotypical girl, blonde hair. Who has a perfect family.
My Reaction: I liked the Hello, goodbye through out the book. I also really liked Nadine Westcott's illustrations they really get across movement. I felt like the girl was actually running, and tumbling from page to page.

Overboard!

Overboard!
by: Sarah Weeks
Illustrated by: Sam Williams
Copyright: 2006
Pages: 40
Reading Level: Baby- Preschool

This was such an adorable book, however I think it's going to be more enjoyable for a parent, than child. The whole book is about how babies are always throwing things "Overboard". As most parents know, food only stays on a high chair for so long, and it goes one of two ways. Into a child's mouth, or onto the floor. This book does an excellent job illustrating and describing this. Then the bunny is playing in the bath tub, and over goes the rubber ducky "bye, bye, bye" ducky. The Bunny then throws everything out of his crib, and takes out all the wipes, and diapers. The comes books, and raisins, and the entire diaper bag. Then Bunny decides its his turn to go overboard and jumps off the stairs, but Mama is right near by to catch little bunny. Then its time for bunny to go to bed, so he gets tucked in, says goodnight and gives kisses. And he has time for one last thing to go overboard, and he throws his mobile off the crib.

Recommended to: New Parents, its funny because its so true.
Problems: If parents are trying to break this habit, this wouldn't be a good bedtime story.
My Reaction: I'm a nanny, and I love my job. But this is one of the funniest things children do. My job at lunch time was mainly to break Bridger (the boy I nanny) of this habit. So this book spoke to me. Its such a cute, and colorful book. And this is a fresh idea, that I haven't seen before.

The Happy Day

The Happy Day
by: Ruth Krauss
Pictures by: Marc Simont
Copyright: 1989
Pages: 36
Reading Level: 4-8

This book is very simple and sweet. It is obviously one of the older books we have at the library. As the top of the cover is a different shade of yellow than the rest of the book. The book starts with the snow falling, and everyone sleeping. The field mice,the bears, the little snails, the squirrels and the ground hogs, all sleeping. Then they sniff, in the ground and trees, and shells. They then all run, run out of the holes, and trees. Then continue sniffing, and running, running and sniffing. Till they all reach a single yellow flower. Where they stop, and laugh, and dance. They all gather around the yellow flower excited that it is the first flower that has grown out of the snow.

Recommended to: A young classroom learning about hibernation.
Problems: None
My reaction: I didn't feel like this story had a real ending, I kept trying to turn to the next page hoping it would continue to a real ending. But I really liked how everything was black and white, very simple, till the end with just the yellow flower being yellow. Very cleaver, but not my favorite.

How to Heal a Broken Wing

How to Heal a Broken Wing
Author/ Illustrator: Bob Graham
Copyright: 2008
Pages: 40
Reading Level: 4-8

How to Heal a Broken Wing, is done in a comic book style illustrations. Which is different than most of the books I have read. The book starts with a bird, who is flying through a city, and hits the glass of one of the tall buildings. And falls. No one sees the bird on the ground, as the people are to busy. Then a boy, Will sees the bird "with a broken wing..." Will takes the bird home and takes care of it. They bandage the bird up. And with rest, time, "and a little hope." The bird flies once again.

Recommended to: Any child, most relate really easily with animals.
Problems: The problem I found with this book is that, I personally wouldn't want my child picking up strange birds and bringing them home. And I feel that it is slightly unrealistic that the family cured the bird, and it was able to fly again.
My reaction: I liked the style of the illustrations, at the beginning there is very little color, and then as the boy emerges from the subway he is the only thing that is bright in color. Showing the hope he brings with him. Then as the bird gets better the illustrations get progressively brighter and brighter.

Spot's Big Book

Spot's Big Book of Colors, Shapes and Numbers
by: Eric Hall
Copyright: 1997
Pages: 24
Reading Level: 4-8

Spot is a classic in children's literature. I remember learning how to read with this dog. I picked this book because it teaches so many things in on BIG book. The book starts with colors, and shows many things that are all the same color, and tells a simple story along with each color. "Steve likes wearing his yellow raincoat and hat even when the rain has stopped." This allows the child to see, hear, and read the word yellow. And helps them learn it easier. Then at the end of the colors it has a little test for the child, and asks " What's this color?" and has a bunch of objects and list of colors that they can match together. The book then goes to shapes, triangles, squares, diamonds, and ovals. Each with the same thing, a story and a bunch of objects that are the shapes. The numbers are a little different and it just counts up to 10, each number having one example so you can count with spot. It also has a section in the end where each child can count objects to find how many there are.

Recommended to: Very young children
Problems: None
My reaction: This book includes a lot in it and thus can teach a lot, so I like it for that aspect. However its done in a very basic way, not very creative. But some times this is the best for young learners. Spot will always have a special place in my heart.

Where Is the Green Sheep?

Where Is the Green Sheep?
By: Mem Fox & Judy Horacek
Copyright: 2004
Pages: 32
Reading level: 4-8

This is an easy read that teaches opposites, and colors, and lots of different things. I really liked it, even though the illustrations are very simple and all the sheep are repetitive looking, I think that makes it easier for young children to establish the differences between the sheep. There are thin and wide sheep, up and down sheep, and scared and brave sheep. Then there is a rain sheep, who is the sheep version of Gene Kelly in singing in the rain. (This is my favorite page). There is also slide sheep, clown sheep, and car and train sheep. And through out the whole book every third page or so it asks "Where is that green sheep?" And in the very end it tells you to "Turn the page quietly- let's take a peep..." and you turn the page and there is the green sheep sleeping behind a green bush.

Recommended to: Children learning opposites. Good book to read and discuss with children.
Problems: This is pretty basic, so no problems I saw.
My Reaction: This is a fun way to teach opposites, I will definitely use it with my children. It would also be funny for a child seeing a sheep, do things they do. Like slide, swing, and even sleep.

Papá and Me

Papá and Me
By: Arthur Dorros
Pictures by: Rudy Gutierrez
Copyright: 2008
Pages: 32
Reading Level: 4-8

This book won the Pura Belpre Honor Book Award, so I picked it up knowing it would be good. This is a story about a father and son, who spend the whole day together. This book has illustrations that are stunning, the images flow together into a masterpiece. The neat thing about this book is that there is both Spanish and English. That they speak to each other, and unlike the Dora the Explorer, it isn't obvious what each phrase or word means, but it is explained within the story. The story starts with the boy saying "Good morning", and the papa saying back "Buenos días", they get up and make there own breakfast creation of pancakes and eggs together. They then go to the park and splash in puddles, and the Papá calls him "Agua Man." Then then climb trees, draw in the sand, and then race back home. They are greeted with big hugs at the door from his Abuela and Abuelo, or Grandma and Grandpa.

Recommend to: Everyone, everyone could use a little knowledge of Spanish, and its a proven fact that children can pick up languages easier than adults. But this would be extra special for a father and son.
Problems: The problem I thought some parents might have, is the story never talks about a mother, and leads you to assume the parents are either divorced or the mother is gone. The father also has an ear ring, which might be controversial with some people.
My reaction: I was amazed by the illustrations, and took a while to take in the complete image. The story was simple and easy to follow, and I think that was necessary with such a book. The story hasn't been my favorite but I can see why It won the award.

Bella & Bean

Bella and Bean
Story by: Rebecca Kai Dotlich
Illustrations by: Aileen Leijten
Copyright: 2009
Pages: 40
Reading Level: 4-8

"Peace and quiet with a pinch of grump" muttered Bean.

While walking through the library, I saw this one and at first I put it back seeing it was about mice,and looked rather plain. But I decided I shouldn't judge a book by its cover, and pulled it out. This book was hilarious, I think mainly because it reminded me so much of my mother, and my own friends. The writing style is unlike most children's books. Its funny and sarcastic.
This tale is about two best friends, who happen to be mice. There names are Bella and Bean, and they are two very cute mice. Bella is determined to write poems, and Bean tries to distract her all day. First Bella pops up in the window to show her the new hat she got, then Bella shows her how her window closes. Next she comes and wiggles her toes, and Bella tells her she needs peace and quiet. Bella keeps writing poems, and each one has sometime to do with her friend Bean. She eventually realizes writing poems would be much better with her best friend Bean. She calls her up and they go down to the river together. Bean surprises Bella with a hat of her own, "Now we both look divine." Bella reads Bean her poem:
"My friend is a star,
My friend is a rose,
My best friend Bean
Has the cutest toes."
Bean is thrilled by the poem, and they write one together. And that is the poem they write is the end to the story.

Recommended to: Mothers and daughters, or best girl friends.
Problems: This is a rather gender specific book, I don't know if a boy would get the same enjoyment I got out of it.
My Reaction: I was pleasantly surprised, at this cute book. Bella and Bean are adorable friends, and remind me of my own best friend. Because even if we bug or annoy each other we know we will always love each other. The poems and dialogue mixed together in this book are cleaver. Not to mention the illustrations which are funny, and done in brilliant colors.

The Bad Case of Stripes

The Bad Case of Stripes
By: David Shannon
Copyright: 1998
Pages:32
Reading Level: 4-8

The story of the Bad Case of Stripes starts on her first day of school. She can't decide what to wear, worried about all the people she needs to please. Suddenly she looks in the mirror and see she is covered from head to toe in stripes. Her mother runs in and tells her to get into bed, and decides she isn't going to school. She is relieved because she didn't have any idea what to wear when she was covered in stripes. The next day the doctor comes and finds she has nothing wrong, and suggests she go to school. At school it only gets worst as the children yell out different shapes her skin changes colors faster than tv channels. So they call the doctor again, and he bring specialist who give her all sorts of pills to take. That night she took the pills and woke up as one giant one. Then the news breaks out and word spreads of the color, and shape shifting girl. So her house is flooded with reporters, which makes her all the more embarrassed. They then try every other time or remedy, psychologist, nutritionist, gurus, and old medicine men. She starts sprouting roots, and feathers and even gets a tail. It gets the worst when a therapist tells her "to become one with your room." She forms into the walls and dressers and bed. The story ends with an old lady who knocks on the door. She looks around and tells her she has the worst case of stripes she has ever seen. Then the old lady offers her some green Lima beans. At first Camilla is still worried that people will laugh, and says she doesn't want any. But then she realizes eating Lima beans is nothing compared to her current state. So she finally cries "The truth is...I really love Lima beans." The old lady pops a few in her mouth and instantly Camilla is cured. From then on, Camilla eats Lima beans when ever she wants, and never has a "touch of stripes again."

Recommended to: Children who are concerned about appearances, or afraid to be themselves.
Problems: Camilla portrays the all American girl, who has the perfect family. So this might be controversial for some people.
My reaction: This was actually my first time reading the Bad Case of Stripes, and it was a very fun book. I loved the message it tells. It wasn't my favorite book I have read, but I don't have anything I didn't like. Maybe its just I can't relate as well.

Baby Danced the Polka

Baby Danced the Polka
By: Karen Beaumont
Illustrated by: Jennifer Plecas
Copyright:2004
Pages:34
Reading Level: 4-8

This is a fun flip/ lift book. Baby Dance the Polka, is about nap time. But turns out being more of a fun time. The story starts with the mom putting the baby to sleep, she tells the baby to stay in bed because they have lots to do. But as Mama and Papa start to "shave his whiskers, and Mama washed her wig..." Baby starts to polka with the pig. The mama and papa put baby back in bed, but baby then boogie-woogies, cha-cha's, and shooby- doobies in his bed. The parents finally give up, and forget all there chores, and have a polka-fest. They dance well into the night, and then decide its time for bed. So they put baby back down, and this time he just dreams of dancing instead.

Recommended to: At first I choose Baby Danced the Polka, because it looks like a lower level read, but then I read it and saw that the reading level would be the same, but it is directed at younger children. A great one for parents to read, to there children.
Problems: This might tell children that if they dance enough, they can get out of nap time. And nap time is already enough of a fight, that this might not be the best bed time story.
My reaction: This is a very cute story, and the illustrations are beautiful. My favorite page is the last, and shows the baby sleeping, and his dream over head. Its done with beautiful soft colors.

The Little Green Witch

The Little Green Witch
By: Barbara Barbieri McGrath
Illustrated by: Martha Alexander
Copyright: 2005
Pages: 32
Reading Level: 4-8

The Little Green Witch is going to be a must have in my home. I loved it. I first picked it up because the Illustrator shares my name, and that doesn't happen often. This colorful picture book is a play off the Little Red Hen. Hence the Little GREEN Witch. It was so brilliant, and had all the perfect details. The story starts of telling you about all the people who live in the "twisted hollow tree." The floating ghost, the snoozing bat, and the napping gremlin, and of course the little green witch who did all the "unhousework." It continues to tell about all the things she has to do to keep there home in perfect dirtiness. One day she finds some pumpkin seeds, and asks for some help planting them. Not I, they all say. So she does it herself, she then asks help with watering, picking, scoping and carving the pumpkin. And like the first they all say no in there own special way. The little Green Witch then takes the gloop and makes a "nicely burnt" pie. The smells sends all the other creatures out of there hiding places, she asks "Who wants some pie?" And of course they all reply I do, but the witch replies "I'm going to eat the pie myself." But before she eats the pie she turns the gremlin, bat, and ghost into... little red hens.

Recommended to: Children who have read the original Little Red Hen, its fun to compare what is similar and different. And anyone would get a kick out of the "unhousework."
Problems: If parents feel strongly against children believing in ghost, gremlins, and witches this wouldn't be the book for them.
My Reaction: Loved this book, a perfect book for a classroom around Halloween, or even in the home. The illustrations are beautiful, even the little gremlin looks adorable. At the very end I will admit, I totally thought she was going to turn them into pumpkins, and was more than happy to be wrong. Such a witty, cleaver book.

Noisy Nora

Noisy Nora
By: Rosemary Wells
Copyright: 1973, 1997
Pages: 32
Reading Level: 4-8

Noisy Nora, is a classic. I remember Nora from my childhood. This book does such a wonderful job relating to middle children. Or at least that's how I took it, being a middle child myself. The story shows the frustration of not being the oldest, or the baby. Nora is seen on every page, desperately trying to get attention. She is either hanging on the crib, or wobbling around in a bucket, however everyone seems to ignore her. So she starts doing loud things, slamming the door, "she felled some chairs". Then her family comes back with the same respond every time "Quiet", "Hush", or "Nora, why are you so dumb?" She keeps trying to get there attention till she finally gives up, and decides she is leaving "And I'm never coming back!" Then suddenly with the absent of noise the family realizes that something must be up. They stop what they are doing and start searching around the house to find her. And after they start "sifting through the trash" Nora comes back with a "monumental crash."

Recommended to: Any child who has siblings, and struggles with sharing parent time. This is easily relate to.
Problems: I didn't see any with this book, it is done with mice instead of real people. So most children will be able to relate easily with Nora and not focus on the details of her race.
My Reaction: I loved this book, the illustrations are simply enough that its not distracting. But adds all the more to see Nora flying a kite through the house. I love the rhyme of the story as well. It flows right of the tongue, making it easy to read out-loud.