Otto Grows Down

Otto Grows Down

By: Michael Sussman

Illustrated by: Scott Magoon

I just came across this book by accident. I was looking for picture books that dealt with making wishes. In this book Otto is having his 6th birthday and he notices that his baby sister has the rattle that was his when he was a baby. His parents ask him to make a wish when blowing out his candles, so he wishes that his baby sister didn't exists anymore. Wishes have unintended consequences and when time starts to move backward Otto gets younger and younger, soon his baby sister is gone like he wanted, but other things start happening too! Each day happens in reverse like when he takes a bath he gets dirty instead of clean. The funniest part of the book I had to take a picture of...

Going to the potty in reverse, ewww!


Anyways, this book deals with both the theme of coming to terms with a new sibling, getting older, unintended consequences, and it is funny. A great book that is as entertaining for adults as it is for kids.

Sergio Makes a Splash!

Sergio is a penguin. Sergio loves water.  His class is taking a swimming trip, but Sergio is afraid of deep water. He has his floaties on and all of his friends are waiting... Will he jump in?

You'll have to read the book to find out. The book is so cute, the art makes imaginative use of only three colors (blue, orange, & black), and kids that are afraid of going into the pool (or used to be afraid) can relate. It makes for both a great one-on-one book and a fun read aloud.

Sergio Makes a Splash!
By: Edel Rodriguez

I Ain't Gonna Paint No More!

I Ain't Gonna Paint No More!
By: Karen Beaumont
Illustrated by: David Catrow

This is one of my favorite picture books. It has art, body parts, colors, rhyming words, great art, and it is funny. The rhyming word help develop the early literacy skill of phonological awareness: being able to make the small vowel sounds in words. I have heard several different read out-loud interpretations that entertain and inspire kids to hear the book over and over.

Buy it! Check it out from the library! Believe me it will give you a chuckle and afterword you can sing Head-Shoulders-Knees and Toes.

Ninety-Three In My Family

Ninety-Three In My Family

By: Erica S. Perl

Illustrated by: Mike Lester

Silly, funny, AND mathematical, the story is about a boy who is asked by his teacher how many are in his family he says there are 93 and explains the break down of 88 animals and 5 human members. He goes on to explain the problems that 88 animals cause in the family in its hilarious entirety. I really like the break down tally on the last page. Looking for a picture book that combines math AND fun this is something for you.