What Was That Book?

One of the mom's who comes to my storytimes recently asked me about a book I had read at Preschool storytime, AGES ago. I remembered reading the book based on the basic plot elements she recalled, but could not for the life of me remember the title.

After, some creative searching, I managed to find it:

"When Gertie moves in next door with fancy toys and a huge television set, Molly shares lessons she learned from her grandmother about home-made playthings and imagination."

In this world of screens and instant gratification, I love things that remind us of the simple fun in our imaginations, where a cardboard box can be anything from a race car, to a rocket ship, to a fort or club house! This is one of those books, complete with colorful and interesting artwork.

Click here to request a copy to read with your kids!


And please ask if there is a book YOU need help remembering! I love these kinds of challenges :-)

Best Picture Books of the Year!

Looking to get some great books for your kids for Christmas, or other gift giving celebration?
Mr. Brian - a Children's Librarian in Illinois - has written a great blog post highlighting his 30 favorite picture books of the year!

http://mrbrianspicturebookpicks.blogspot.com/2014/12/my-favorite-30-fictional-picture-books.html

Though some are new to even me, many of his picks have been read in my storytimes. Here are a couple of my favorites from 2014:

1. The Book With No Pictures - B.J. Novak
This is probably by far my favorite book from this year! I even bought my own copy so I could have it available WHENEVER I get the urge to read it in storytime!


It was SO much fun as a storytime read aloud, and would be awesome as a one on one book as well - just as long as the reader isn't afraid to be silly ;-)

Click here to request a copy!


2. Pete the Cat and the New Guy - James Dean

I am a big fan of Pete the Cat. His books are fun to read and sing (look up the songs on his website!), and they all have great messages like not letting bad things get you down. Just keep walking along, singing your song! I love Pete the Cat!

This is the latest installment in the Pete franchise!

Click here to request a copy!



3. The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend - Dan Santat
I have long been a fan of Dan Santat's picture books (the Oh No series and more), and this is a wonderful and innovative book about an imaginary friend waiting to be imagined. It wasn't the easiest storytime read-aloud, but the artwork is incredible and it would probably work really well in a one on one or small group situation.

I had the honor of meeting Dan Santat over the summer, and he really is a cool dude!

 Click here to request a copy!