Hot Off The Press! New Picture Books (10)

This is a feature that I do weekly called Hot Off The Press!  based on my visits to Vroman's Bookstore and checking out their wall of new picture books.  Here are the 5 new releases that stood out from the pile this week:

Leap Back Home To Me
Author: Lauren Thompson

Illustrator: Matthew Cordell
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry (April 26, 2011)
Audience: Toddler/Preschool 

With a nod towards Mother's Day, this story celebrates the classic theme of developing some independence while knowing that mom will always be there.  This little frog goes leap frogging all over the place but mama frog is always waiting for him to return.

Itsy Mitsy Runs Away
Author/Illustrator: Elanna Allen
Publisher: Atheneum  (May 3, 2011)
Audience: Preschool


You can have a lot of fun around the "I'm not going to bed" theme and Allen does just that with Itsy Mitsy Runs Away. With a twist on "The House Jack Built" repetitive lines, children will enjoy all of the things Mitsy must do before she can "run away". Below is the official book trailer which gives you a taste of the book.  I think my favorite line was "LITTLE GIRLS don't mow lawns - GROWN-UPS do!"

Chamelia
Author/Illustrator: Ethan Long
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers (May 3, 2011)
Audience: Ages 4 to 6 

There are a lot of picture books or stories that focus on being yourself/celebrating one's uniqueness.   Chamelia wants to stand out but sometimes this can be a challenge for making friends and participating in things at school.  Can Chamelia find a way to fit in that doesn't cause her to be the same as the others. This is an enjoyable story that does a nice job with a common picture book theme.
 

Hooray for Amanda and Her Alligator!
Author/Illustrator: Mo Willems
Publisher: Balzer & Bray Books (May 1, 2011)
Audience: Ages 4 to 7 

Mo Willems does it again. I really enjoyed the 6-1/2 stories about Amanda and her stuffed alligator who is awfully busy for being a toy. Perfect for beginning readers.  Below is a great interview/book trailer which will tell you more about this new offering by Willems.

Ollie and Moon
Author: Diane Kredensor

Photographer: Sandra Kress
Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers (April 26, 2011)
Audience: Ages 4 to 6 

This has been on my list to read for several months and it finally is out. Though it wasn't exactly what I expected, I was still excited about this one.  Ollie & Moon have a great friendship and trying to guess what the end surprise would be kept it interesting too. I enjoyed the cartoon characters layered over real photographs.  Check out the trailer below. 

Hot Off The Press! New Picture Books (9)

This is a feature that I do weekly called Hot Off The Press!  based on my weekly visits to Vroman's Bookstore and checking out their wall of new picture books. However, this is going to be a slightly unusual "Hot Off The Press!" post.  I realized that I never did a post on new books of poetry for children and National Poetry Month is almost over.  So I am going to compromise - two new releases (from the new release wall) and three new poetry books released in 2011 (featured on Vroman's National Poetry Month table). 

The Umbrella
Illustrators: Ingrid Schubert, Deiter Schubert
Publisher: Lemniscaat USA (April 1, 2011)
Audience: Ages 4 and older

This wordless picture book is beautifully illustrated by husband and wife team Deiter & Ingrid Schubert. It is a simple story of a small dog who finds an umbrella and thanks to the wind, ends up going on an adventure around the world. It is important to pay attention to the end pages as well or the reader will miss some important information.  I was so hoping that there would be a book trailer for this one, but alas, I couldn't find one.  

Meow Said The Cow
Author/Illustrator: Emma Dodd
Publisher: Arthur A. Levine Books (May 1, 2011)
Audience: Ages 3 to 6 

A barnyard cat is tired of the noise in the morning by all of the other animals on the farm.  With a swish of his tail and a little spell, cat causes the animals to make different sounds.  Rather than experiencing the peace and quite that cat was hoping for, there is utter chaos.  Soon the animals know just who is to blame and cat returns their voices but not without getting a taste of his own magic.  Young children will enjoy the rhyming text and the silliness of all the animals making different sounds.  

A Dazzling Display of Dogs
Author: Betsy Franco
Illustrator: Michael Wertz
Publisher: Tricycle Books (January 25, 2011)
Audience: 

In 2009, Franco released A Curious Collection of Cats - a book of poetry for children and cat lovers about just that - cats.  Her newest release is for the dog lovers out there. Each poem captures the experience and all of the emotions of owning and loving dogs.  For more wonderful books on poetry for children, including one about cats, check out Betsy Franco's website.  For a fun experience, you can watch the video posted on YouTube by illustrator Michael Wertz who performs the poems to music.  

Lemonade: And Other Poems Squeezed From A Single Word
Author: Bob Raczka
Illustrator: Nancy Doninger
Publisher: Roaring Brook Press (March 15, 2011)
Audience: Grades 2nd to 6th

When I picked this book up, I sat down with my 10 year old niece and we started reading it together.  Bob Raczka did an amazing job creating poems from just the letters in a single word.  The reader has the challenge of viewing the artistic arrangement of the words/letters and discovering the poem.  On the back side of the page, the poem is written out in a more straightforward manner.  I have shared this book with teachers and students.  I admire Raczka's ability to make something look so easy when I know with certainty that it isn't easy.

There isn't a book trailer that I could find for this book, but here is a link were you can take a peek inside the book.  Click here. 

Peaceful Pieces: Poems and Quilts About Peace
Author/Illustrator: Anna Grossnickle Hines
Publisher: Henry Holt and Company (March 29, 2011)
Audience: Grades 2nd to 6th

Anna Grossnickle Hines gets my praise on two levels.  One - this is a remarkable book of poetry, both serious and at times fun, centered around the topic of peace.  Peace both globally and in ourselves and our communities.  She also gets my praise for the quilted illustrations.  In another life and times, I would love to come back both as a poet and a quilter.  Rather than tell you about this book, I want to encourage you to watch the book trailer.  You will see why this book is so amazing. 

Hot Off The Press! New Picture Books (8)

This is a feature that I do weekly called Hot Off The Press!  based on my weekly visits to Vroman's Bookstore and checking out their wall of new picture books.  Here are the 4 new releases that stood out from the pile this week: 

Diego Rivera: His World and Ours
Author/Illustrator: Duncan Tonatiuh
Publisher: Abrahms Books (May 1, 2011)
Audience: Grades 2nd to 5th

This book talks about Diego Rivera's art, what influenced him, and how his style developed over time.  The illustrations are lovely and supports the text well.   The story also proposes what Rivera may have painted if he were painting today and compared it to the pieces that he had painted. I am going out on a limb here and suggesting that this will likely get a serious look by this year's Pura Belpre committee.

The Quite Contrary Man: A True American Tale
Author: Patricia Rusch Hyatt
Illustrator: Kathryn Brown
Publisher: Abrahms Books (May 1, 2011)
Audience: Grades 2nd to 5th

"Beard" Palmer stood up for the right to keep his beard despite being thrown in jail as a consequence for refusing to shave it off.  When I first picked up this title, I was expecting a story about an unpleasant person.  I was pleasantly surprised for the way the story unfolded.  Palmer appears (at least by the way the tale is told) to have been well loved by his family but extremely stubborn when it came to things like standing up for his right to have facial hair or prisoner's conditions (which he managed to speak out against by sneaking out letters to his family).  Text and illustrations work well to tell Palmer's story and the author's note at the end provides readers with more information about the historical trends of facial hair and facts about Palmer.

Clementine
Author/Illustrator: Sebastian Loth
Publisher: NorthSouth (May 1, 2011)
Audience: Pre-K to 1st

Clementine is a snail who loves anything round.  One day, she decides she wants to go to the moon. With the help of a worm named Paul, there are numerous failed attempts.  And though she doesn't quite make it there she does make a remarkable discovery in the process. The illustrations are gentle and the story about a very determined snail will make for an enjoyable read aloud.  

   

Clink
Author: Kelly DiPucchio
Illustrator: Matthew Myers
Publisher: Balzer & Bray (April 1, 2011)
Audience: Pre-k to 2nd

At one point, Clink was a snazzy state-of-the-art robot.  As with all things, newer and supposedly better models appear.  Each day, Clink watches as children clamor over the newer robots.  However, no one appears to want Clink, until one day a little boy comes into the story.  Will he be the one to adopt Clink as his own?  Myers illustrations play well against DiPucchio's text.  Another story that will do well as a read aloud for young children. 

Check out the book trailer for Clink here. 
 

Hot Off The Press! New Picture Books (7)

This is a feature that I do weekly called Hot Off The Press!  based on my weekly visits to Vroman's Bookstore and checking out their wall of new picture books.  Lately there have been so many recent releases that I was unable to get through them all in one visit. Here are the 6 new releases that stood out from the pile this week:

Pablo Neruda: Poet of the People 
Author: Monica Brown
Illustrator: Julie Paschkis
Publisher: Henry Holt & Co. (March 29, 2011)
Audience: Grades 2nd to 5th

Every since reading The Dreamer by Pamela Munoz Ryan, I have been trying to figure out how to ladder it for certain students.  With this book, I have found the perfect introduction.  Brown does a fabulous job of summarizing Neruda's life into 32 pages and still manage to touch on important facts and themes.  The text is enhanced by Paschkis' illustrations in wonderful earth tones and with words in English & Spanish woven into the design.  I read the book through once and then returned to just admire and analyze the pictures.  Definitely a must have for any collection on poets.
 

Perfect Square
Author/Illustrator: Michael Hall
Publisher: HarperCollins/Greenwillow Books (April 1, 2011)
Audience: Ages 4 to 8


Some books begin with a smart concept but then they fizzle.  Hall manages to create a unique concept with Perfect Square and excutes it marvelously. A square begins perfect with four matching corners and four equal sides.  It was happy so says the book.  However, on Monday, something happens to the square and he must over the week continue to change both in color and shape.  There is a wonderful twist at the end.   Browse inside the book, click here

Spring Is Here
Author/Illustrator: Will Hillenbrand
Publisher: Holiday House (March 1, 2011)
Audience: Ages 4 to 8

I somehow missed this book earlier in the month and decided to add it in here.  Mole wakes up to discover that Spring has arrived.  He wants to share it with his friend Bear, who is still asleep.  So begins Mole's attempt to wake his friend.  This is one of those perfect read alouds.  Beautiful illustrations, great text, humor, and a fun twist at the end.  A definite keeper.

The Bear Who Shared
Author/Illustrator: Catherine Rayner
Publisher: Dial Books For Young Readers (March 17, 2011)
Audience: Ages 4 to 8

There are some picture books that have a gentleness about them and this is one that fits in that category.  Norris the bear is waiting patiently for the fruit to fall from the tree.  Tulip the racoon and Violet the mouse are not as patient in waiting.  The smaller animals learn a special lesson in sharing and friendship.  Another beautiful story for read aloud.  Rayner's illustrations blend perfectly with her text for a delightful story.

Chicken, Chicken, Duck

Author/Illustrator: Nadia Krilanovich
Publisher: Tricycle Press (March 22, 2011)
Audience: Ages 2 to 5

Young children will love the bold illustrations of all the barnyard animals and will enjoy repeating the sounds each animal makes.  But what are these animals up to?  The end holds a very special surprise.  Perfect for toddlers and young preschoolers. 

Take a sneak peak inside this book.  Click here.

Little Bea
Author/Illustrator: Daniel Roode

Publisher: HarperCollins (March 29, 2011)

Audience: Ages 2 to 5

This is another wonderful book for the under 5 crowd.  If you watch the trailer, you'll see why.  Bea is a very busy bee.  She has friends to see and things to do.  Another great read aloud that will go over well in a storytime or even in just 1:1 reading.  Don't be surprised if you here "again, again" when you reach the end.  Good news for fans of Little Bea - there will be a sequel out this fall, Little Bea And The Snowy Day.

To check out the book trailer, click here 

Hot Off The Press! New Picture Books (6)

This is a feature that I do weekly called Hot Off The Press!  based on my weekly visits to Vroman's Bookstore and checking out their wall of new picture books.  This week there were so many recent releases that I was unable to get through them all in one visit. Here are the 5 new releases that stood out from the pile this week:

Queen Of The Falls
Author/Illustrator: Chris Van Allsburg
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Books for Children (April 4, 2011 - available now)
Audience: Grades 2nd to 5th

I never really thought about who was the first person to go over Niagara Falls in a barrel.  However, this book gave me a lot to think about.  VanAllsburg retells the real life story of Annie Edison Taylor in a way that will fascinate young readers.  VanAllsburg's illustrations are beautiful. This takes top honor this week and will be one that I recommend.

Click here to watch a video of Chris Van Allsburg talking about the book.  

The Loud Book!
Author: Deborah Underwood
Illustrator: Renata Liwska
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Books for Children (April 4, 2011 - available now)
Audience: Ages 2 to 6 years old

I really loved The Quiet Book and have given it out as gifts.  I wasn't expecting to love The Loud Book even more, but I think I do.  I laughed and smiled at all of the examples of being loud.  Liwska's illustrations are charming and compliment the text wonderfully.  Underwood has a successful companion book on her hands with this one.  I think I will be giving the pair of books as gifts now.

The Cazuela That The Farm Maiden Stirred
Author: Samanatha R. Vamos
Illustrator: Rafael Lopez
Publisher: Charlesbridge Publishing (February 1, 2011)
Audience: Ages 4 to 8

Books that introduce words in another language can be tricky.  Is it just randomly inserting these words into the text or is there a specific purpose.  Vamos's play on The House That Jack Built does so in a wonderful manner.  After each word is introduced in English, the next time it is used it is then given in Spanish.  First, the Farm Maiden stirs a pot and then a cazuela, and it continues in this manner.  Lopez' illustrations are colorful and festive.

Birdsong
Author/Illustrator: Ellie Sandall
Publisher: Egmont, USA (March 22, 2011)
Audience: Ages 4 to 8

Sandall takes a simple, familiar concept, adds in bright fun illustrations, and then executes it well. A bird sits on a branch and sings. He is then is joined by another and another...all with different songs. They are having fun and finally they are joined by one very loud bird who knocks them all off, but it is something very small that makes the biggest change of all.  This one gets the smile award for the week.

The Loopy Coop Hens
Author/Illustrator: Janet Morgan Stoeke
Publisher: Dutton Juvenile (March 17, 2011)
Audience: Ages 4 to 7

I don't usually say this, but I want a book trailer for this book.  I searched but couldn't find one.  Someone make one fast...*waits* Okay, so it isn't happening.  This wins the "make me laugh a lot" award for the week.  The hens in this book are certainly loopy.  They wonder why rooster Sam can fly.  They try.  They see other creatures that fly and wonder why they can't.  Finally, they discover a little secret but realize maybe it doesn't matter after all.   I anticipate that children will get a chuckle out of this one.