Storytime Standouts Weblog - Raising Children Who Love to Read!

Houndsley and Catina and the Quiet Time –
Written by James Howe, illustrated by Marie-Louise Gay, Published by Candlewick Press

When Houndsley and Catina are unexpectedly snowed in, Houndsley is quite happy to relax and enjoy The Quiet Time. Catina is not nearly as content. She has things to do and places to go. Eventually the two settle in and spend an enjoyable day playing board games, baking cookies and writing poetry. In the evening, they join their friends for a snowy outdoor concert. They “began to play so softly that the notes fell on the listening ears like snowflakes on waiting tongues, gently, softly, there for a flicker before melting away.” Terrific for newly independent readers, the Houndsley and Catina books are also a very good choice for children who are ready to enjoy a longer read aloud.

A Birthday for Bear –
Written by Bonnie Becker, illustrated by Kady MacDonald Denton, Published by Candlewick Press

Bear does not like birthdays, parties, balloons or gifts. He would much rather spend his birthday alone, cleaning house. When Mouse decides a celebration is in order, he arrives at Bear’s home with all sorts of lovely treats. Endlessly optimistic, cheery Mouse persists despite Bear’s rudeness and unwillingness to let him into the house. Ultimately, a chocolate cake with icing and sprinkles proves impossible to resist and the two friends share a happy celebration. Like the Houndsley and Catina books, this is a great choice for early readers and younger children who are keen to listen to a “chapter book.”

Alfalfabet A to Z The Wonderful Words from Agriculture
written by Carol Watterson, illustrated by Michela Sorrentino
Published by British Columbia Agriculture in the Classroom Foundation
This home gown alphabet book offers an amazing bounty of fresh, delicious and nutritious treats for young readers. Great for children who are learning the alphabet, Alfalfabet A to Z also offers all sorts of valuable information for older children, their parents and teachers. A perfect accompaniment to your next farm, orchard or veggie store visit.

Guess Again written by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Adam Rex
Published by Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers
Phonemic awareness is a key to early reading success for young children. It is the understanding that words are made up of sounds and the ability to pick out and manipulate those sounds. When we read rhyming books to young children, we help to develop their phonemic awareness.

Guess Again is nothing at all like a “typical’ rhyming book – there are far too many surprises in store – especially if you listen carefully to the clues. Really good fun!

Guess Again! at Amazon.ca

Violet
Written by Tania Duprey Stehlik, illustrated by Vanja Vuleta Jovanovic
Published by Second Story Press
When Violet attends her first day at a new school, she meets red, yellow and blue children but she doesn’t see any purple children. Upon returning home, her mother explains, “I am red and daddy is blue and you, my beauty, are a bit of us both.” Together, they play with paints and discover that many beautiful colours are created through mixing. Simply told, Violet is a lovely story that reminds us of the richness and splendor of a diverse community.

Violet at Amazon.ca

Last Wednesday evening I had the privilege to attend the Seventh Chocolate Lily Choice Award Gala at Kidsbooks in Vancouver. It was a lovely evening and a very special celebration of British Columbia authors and illustrators.

Author Joan Betty Stuchner and illustrator Cynthia Nugent were awarded the Chocolate Lily Book Award for their novel, Honey Cake, published by Tradewind Books.

Chris Tougas, author and illustrator of Mechanimals, by Orca Book Publishers, won the Chocolate Lily Book Award picture book category.

The nominees who spoke at the event charmed the audience with anecdotes about writing and how their nominated books came to be. It was truly inspiring to hear their stories.

Chocolate Lily Book Awards is a choice award that showcases and celebrates the best of BC children’s fiction by encouraging BC grade school students to read the shortlisted titles and vote for their favourite at the end of each school year.

The Imaginary Garden by Andrew Larsen, illustrated by Irene Luxbacher
Published by Kids Can Press
Theo is blessed to have a very special relationship with her grandfather, Poppa. When Poppa moves into an apartment, they decide to create an imaginary garden on his balcony. The first Saturday of spring is marked by the arrival of a giant, blank canvas. Before long, Poppa and Theo have created a long stone wall and beautiful blue sky. Soon they have added beautiful spring flowers to their masterpiece. When Poppa leaves for a holiday, Theo worries about tending their special garden by herself. With gentleness and love, Poppa assures her that she will know what will nurture their imaginary garden. This lovely story would be a great Father’s Day gift for a special Grandpa.

The Imaginary Garden at Amazon.ca

What a delight! Four young animal friends decide a dry but dark cave is the perfect place to take shelter from a downpour. They have just settled into a sociable game of cards when a weary, bad-tempered bear chases them out of the cave and into the rain. Three of the pals decide that the bear’s misery must be due to his rather nondescript appearance. When their ill-advised makeover does nothing to improve the bear’s mood, it is left to ‘a plain but thoughtful sheep’ to make the cantankerous bear comfortable.

The Very Cranky Bear at Amazon.ca

The First Rule of Little Brothers written by Jill Davis, illustrated by Sarah McMenemy
Published by Alfred A. Knopf.
Oh dear, life can be awfully complicated when a younger brother or sister arrives on the scene. Before long, favourite toys are grabbed, tall towers are destroyed and ‘me too’ is an oft-heard phrase. For older children who are learning to get along with a little brother or sister, this picture book will ring true and inject some humor and insight into the experience.

The First Rule of Little Brothers at Amazon.ca

I want to let you know about four new eye-popping picture books that are sure to appeal to youngsters. I sincerely hope you will make time to share special books with the children in your life each and every day.

Welcome Winter
Written by Jill Ackerman, illustrated by Nancy Davis
This sturdy, fun board book caught my eye and will have great appeal for toddlers. The illustrations and text are simple and yet very engaging. I especially liked the description of “snow crunching under boots” and a matching slippery, noisy surface that begs to be touched. Very young children will thoroughly enjoy checking out a variety of textures as they learn about the season of swirling snowflakes, cold temperatures and wind.

Little Scholastic: Welcome Winter at Amazon.ca

Written by Danielle Simard, illustrated by Geneviève Côté
Originally published in French, The Little Word Catcher won a Governor General’s Award for Illustration. It was written with Alzheimer patients and their families in mind but also illustrates the impact of aphasia (an acquired communication disorder that is often due to stroke). Elise’s grandmother is losing her words. When in conversation, she has difficulty coming up with the right word to use. The affliction is terribly difficult for her young granddaughter to understand. Eventually, Elise takes comfort in the thought that perhaps Grandma has given her the words to use. A lovely story about the special relationship between a grandparent and a child, The Little Word Catcher will have special poignancy for families dealing with aging and loss.

Little Word Catcher at Amazon.ca

Smart-Opedia Junior
The Amazing Book About Everything from Maple Tree Press
It is all too easy to get locked into the idea that bedtime stories or even picture books ought to be fictional. For many children, a good nonfiction book will have terrific appeal not to mention loads of valuable information. Smart-Opedia Junior is intended for children aged 5 through 8 and provides all manner of interesting facts. Generously illustrated, youngsters will learn about body science, inventions, plant and animal life, our universe and more.

Smart-Opedia Junior Smart-Opedia Junior: The Amazing Book about Everything the Amazing Book about Everything at Amazon.ca

The 3 Bears and Goldilocks
Written by Margaret Willey, illustrated by Heather M. Solomon
I wonder how many different books tell the recognizable tale of Goldilocks and the Three Bears. I expect there are dozens and dozens of interpretations but perhaps none quite as original or fascinating as this one. Here, a bold and daring Goldilocks discovers a small, cave-like cabin that is home to three extremely untidy creatures. Should we really be surprised that bear porridge is not at all like the oatmeal humans enjoy or that a bear’s bed is similarly unfamiliar? Children who know the traditional story well will thoroughly enjoy the opportunity to consider an alternate account of Goldilocks’ adventure.

Little by Little written by Amber Stewart, illustrated by Layn Marlow
Published by Oxford University Press
For young children who are attempting to learn a new skill, learning ‘little by little’ is a great approach to take. Here we follow Scramble, a young otter, as he learns to swim in spite of his own reluctance and unwelcome criticism from Bear and Beaver. Lovely, warm illustrations accompany a gentle story that will give confidence to toddlers and preschoolers as they take on new challenges.

Little by Little at Amazon.ca

Snow written by Cynthia Rylant, illustrated by Lauren Stringer
Published by Harcourt Inc.
What could be more wonderful for a young child than waking up to freshly fallen snow? Ms Rylant’s evocative writing and Ms Stringer’s lovely paintings beautifully capture the wonder and delight of a snowy day. An exuberant young girl shares the special day with a friend and her grandmother. This beautiful book will surely leave you wishing for a magical snowy day to share with your youngster.

Snow at Amazon.ca

The Jewel Box Ballerinas by Monique de Varennes, pictures by Ana Juan
Published by Schwartz & Wade Books, Random House

To an outside observer, Bibi Branchflower appears wealthy. She has many, many prize possessions but is terribly lonely; she does not have a single friend. One day she visits a small shop and purchases an exquisite jewel box. Upon opening the box, she is captivated by the two beautiful but sad ballerinas inside. Little does Bibi know that her purchase of the jewel box and the care she shows the ballerinas will result in an amazing transformation for herself and the dancers. This thought-provoking story is best-suited to children aged 4 and up.

The Jewel Box Ballerinas at Amazon.ca

Last evening I made a presentation at Queen’s Park Parent Participation Preschool in New Westminster, B.C. I introduced quite a number of books including Owl Moon by Jane Yolen. (Take a look at my January 27th blog entry for info about the book.) I mentioned a website that provides a great tie-in to this amazing book. Thompson Rivers University currently has a webcam on a nest of Great Horned Owls - this morning I can see the two babies. Such a treat!

Also last night we looked at Gymboree’s Play & Learn: 1001 Fun Activities for Your Baby and Child. Every parent has times when a little inspiration has a huge impact. This book is jammed with ideas to help your child learn through play (and to help you as well!)
Play & Learn: 1001 Fun Activities for Your Baby and Child at Amazon.ca

Another book that garnered special attention last night was Dorling Kindersley’s My First Wipe Clean Letters. Unlike many alphabet books that start with ‘A’ and end with ‘Z,’ this book groups like letter shapes together and provides many opportunities for children to use a marker and work towards printing. Bravo!

My First Wipe Clean Letters at Amazon.ca

Owl Moon
Written by Jane Yolen, illustrated by John Schoenherr

In 1988 the Caldecott Medal was awarded to Owl Moon. A special 20th anniversary edition is now available and provides an opportunity to discover the picture book’s wonderful, timeless magic.

It is very late at night when a father and his young daughter venture into the cold. They are seeking a glimpse of a great horned owl. The companions walk together silently and eagerly under an Owl Moon.

Beautifully illustrated, this is a remarkable book that will be enjoyed by the entire family. The depiction of the young girl’s excitement will no doubt inspire parents to bend their bedtime rules and enjoy a moonlit, late night walk.

Owl Moon Twentieth Anniversary Edition at Amazon.ca

The Blue Hippopotamus
Written by Phoebe Gilman, illustrated by Joanne Fitgerald

A finalist for the 2007 Governor General’s Literary Awards, The Blue Hippopotamus is the story of a little hippo who falls in love with the Pharoah’s daughter. When he comes to the sad realization that the young girl will not love a hippo, he seeks the help of a magician and is changed into a clay toy. His love for the girl endures for many years and, when he observes her loneliness as a young woman, he unselfishly wishes for her happiness. His generosity is magically rewarded and he is once again transformed.

Blue Hippopotamus at Amazon.ca

The Magic Rabbit

Written and illustrated by Annette LeBlanc Cate

Ray and Bunny have a very special relationship: they live together, work together and are best friends. One day, while performing their magic show, Ray and Bunny are accidentally separated. The magician doesn’t see a yappy dog chase Bunny down the street and away from him. Both Ray and his friend are devastated. Tired and hungry, the lonely bunny wanders in the dark until the distinctive aroma of popcorn catches his attention.

Truly enchanting, I hope Ms. Cate will continue to conjure charming treats for youngsters.

The Magic Rabbit at Amazon.ca