Barry The Fish With Fingers

Barry The Fish With Fingers

By: Sue Hendra

Oh the things fish could do if they had fingers. Barry does! He helps his friends with many things that fingers are great for like finger puppets, opening jars, and so much more! Bright, brilliant illustrations and snappy, funny story make this picture book a clear winner. Fun for kids and adults, I've used this book for Story Time several times and it always gets positive responses.

The Dark

The Dark

Written by: Lemony Snicket
Illustrated by: Jon Klassen

This book deals with the subject being afraid of the dark. It is also an observation on that which is in the light and that which is in shadow. What scares us about the dark? Why? In this picture book the little boy, Lazlo, talks to the dark and surprisingly, somewhat spooky, the dark talks back. What the little boy learns is that there is nothing to fear from the dark.The art work illustrates a perspective that kids and some adults have about the dark and the tone that Klassen creates is a perfect match for Snicket's story.

I have read this book to kids who were not scared or worried after hearing the books. What happens is an amazing conversation about the dark and what about it scares them (and us). On so many levels I love this book: as a story, as art, as a conversation, and as a read out loud. This is on my list of favorite picture books, maybe it will make yours too.

That Is Not A Good Idea!

That Is Not A Good Idea!
By: Mo Willems

This picture book is great! The art, the characters, the style, and most importantly the twist at the end. One of my friend's said the ending is very M Night Shyamalan, think the movies Sixth Sense or The Village. I crack up when I read this book, and I love reading it to adults and kids. The book is set-up like a silent movie and very vaudeville in style. The facial expressions on the characters are expressive, as they usually would have to be in silent movies. It is about a fox and a goose who meet and decide to go for a walk together in the woods, which of course sounds like "That is Not A Good Idea!".

I don't want to give anything away, you'll have to read the book. It really is... a good idea!

I Want My Hat Back

I Want My Hat Back

By: Jon Klassen

Winner of of multiple awards, "I Want My Hat Back" has great art and a simple lovable story. Each time I read it I notice something I hadn't seen before. There are so many opportunities for read-out-loud fun, and fun questions you can ask kids after reading it to them. The art is simple and stark but it works beautifully. What is said is just as important as what is not said, the artwork is as much a part of the story as the text. There is so much to like about this book and I highly recommend it.

That Is Not a Good Idea! 

By: Mo Willems

 This seems like a straight-forward story of a fox trying to catch and eat the goose, but like all Mo Willems books there is a hilarious twist. The style of the picture book reminds me of silent movies and vaudeville. The art is cute and the text is perfect for read out loud fun. The ending on first read, takes you by surprise first time and just makes you want to giggle.

I highly recommend this book for teachers, librarians, and parents. It works in all situations and kids will want to hear it multiple times because it is an easy laugh.

The Disney Ballad of Nessie

The Disney Ballad of Nessie
written by: Kiernan Lachlan
illustrated by: Andy Harkness

I never thought that I'd suggest or choose a Disney book, but this has both a beautiful story and beautiful illustrations; on top of those are some great messages for kids. Nessie lives in the forest with her friend McQuack then a man comes and builds a country club / miniture golf course forcing  Nessie and McQuack to move. They have trouble finding a place to live and Nessie cries in despair so much that it fills a valley creating a loch, her new home. One of the best lines I have read in a children's picture book is here, "Dinna be afraid to cry; it really is okay! Sometimes it's through our tears that we find a better way."

Lessons for adults as well as children. An all around amazing book. 

Lines That Wiggle

lines that wiggle

By: Candace Whitman
Illustrations by: Steve Whitman

This is one of my favorite picture books. The use of color, the illustrations, the creativity, and the way it all connects. I have used this book for as inspiration for art activities with elementary age children. Love the monsters in the illustrations which make it usable for a monster theme. It is a fabulous picture book to give as a gift because it is almost like a piece of art.

The simplicity of the text makes it sharable with toddlers and preschool-age children but the complex illustrations and art make it great for use with elementary age children.