New Picture Books for Storytime -

She’ll Be Coming ‘Round the Mountain –

Bonnie Bandit, perched atop one of her six white horses, enthusiastically gallops to the forefront of the new picture books. Written by Jonathan Emmett and illustrated by Deborah Allwright, this delightful rendition of the classic song is all one could hope for. With suggested actions for each verse, loads of extra details (Her pajamas are ‘flowery and frilly, and they make her look quite silly‘) and eye-popping illustrations, this gem will appeal to adults who fondly remember belting out the song and youngsters who will love to ‘Slurp-slurp, Bish- Bosh, Toot-Toot‘ and ‘Yee-Ha‘

Perfect for bedtime or circle time, this is one bandit y’all should all go out to meet!

Wag A Tail

A first glance, one might assume that Lois Ehlert’s Wag A Tail is best suited for preschool-aged children. The brief rhyming text tells a tale of sixteen mostly well-behaved dogs. The graduates of the Bow Wow School meet at a farmers market and subsequently move on to a dog park for playtime.

Ms Ehlert’s bold illustrations are constructed from handmade paper, scraps of fabric and buttons. They are truly fascinating for children (and adults) who are interested in creating art from odds and ends. This book would be a great jumping off point for teachers who are interested in inspiring primary-aged children to create art from paper, scissors and found objects.

At our house, we had a laugh when we read the descriptions of the Bow Wow School graduates. My nine-year old decided he is much like “Bebe… an Affenpinscher, Loyal, but difficult to train. Determined and fearless, sometimes snappy. This dog was born to run.”

I think I’m more like “Queenie” - especially since she’s “smart, loves children… and doesn’t need much exercise.” If only it were true!

Mother’s Day & Father’s Day Song and Finger Play Fun (sources unknown)

My Special Friend...

To the tune of "Bingo"

I have a very special friend

And Mommy / Daddy is her / his name-o.

M-O-M-M-Y, M-O-M-M-Y, M-O-M-M-Y,

And Mommy / Daddy is her /his name-o

 Daddy’s Hammers

Daddy works with one hammer,

One hammer, one hammer,

Daddy works with one hammer,

Then he works with two.

Daddy works with two hammers,

Two hammers, two hammers,

Daddy works with two hammers,

Then he works with three.

etc.

Daddy works with five hammers,

Five hammers, five hammers,

Daddy works with five hammers,

Then he goes to sleep!

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Storytime Standouts is part of three Webrings; the Early Childhood Webring, the Children’s Literature Gathering Webring and the Canadian Book Ring.

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Happy Spring!

Carolyn Hart