Guys, I get to read a lot of good books here at the store. It’s one of the (many) perks to working at Kids Nook. But this little gem by Julia Donaldson is definitely in my Top 5 favorites. Rhyming Rabbit may seem like a silly book designed with glitter to attract readers, but the story is perfect for those of us who love what words can do.
The Rhyming Rabbit by Julia Donaldson
Illustrated by Lydia Monks
I remember when I was a little girl I used to be my mom and dad to let me camp out in the treehouse in our backyard. They said I could… but only if I brought my little brother! Ugh! What was I going to do?
That’s the exact question in today’s story: Pirates Aren’t Scared of the Dark! In this story we learn that not only should we include our siblings in our games to make them more fun, but that sometimes we’re going to be super grateful to have them around!
Pirates Aren’t Scared of the Dark!
By Maudie Powell-Tuck and Illustrated by Alison Edgson
I’ll admit, the first thing that drew me to this picture book was the cute sparkly cover. But this story is more than sparkling decorated pages: it’s a great story about friendship and learning to appreciate each other.
Mouse and the Moon
by M Christina Butler and Tina Macnaughton
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Most of us are familiar with the story of the Pied Piper of Hamelin. It’s an old legend that cautions listeners about the dangers of trusting strangers and/or not paying your debts, depending on which side of the story you fall on. Regardless, it’s a creepy story, and so when I saw Steven Kellogg had written his own version… Well, I could resist!
What I found was not necessarily the story of the Pied Piper we all know, but rather a beautiful tale about the power of words, names, and having a kind heart.
The Pied Piper’s Magic
by Steven Kellogg
Some days are just no good, and that’s fine! We all have those moment when we just want to sit inside and pout. But while we may want to do this, it’s never a good idea to make a habit out of it, or to ignore the efforts of our friends to cheer us up.
Today’s story is about a bear who stayed inside and pouted for too long: Gruff the Grump. Take a look and see what happens to this Grumpy bear!
“Gruff the Grump”
Written by Steve Smallman, Illustrated by Cee Biscoe
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One of the most popular children’s book authors out there right now is Oliver Jeffers. He was the illustrator for The Day the Crayons Quit, and the creator of How to Catch a Star and, my favorite, This Moose Belongs to Me. This week we’re taking a look at one of his books of a different ilk: The Heart and the Bottle, a story about loss, grief, and finding your heart again.
The Heart and the Bottle
by Oliver Jeffers
I’ll admit: I was definitely that kid who loved to make things up as she walked around her small town. The tunnel under the bridge was full of magic creatures and it was totally possible that trolls lived in our playset. It was a way to liven up my world, but also to face my own fears.
The star of our book today, Ruby, has the same way of seeing the world. But how will she cope when she has to face something she’s never seen before?
Ruby’s School Walk
by Kathryn White and Miriam Latimer
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When I was a kid one of my favorite thing to do was sit down and “read” Where’s Waldo (Where’s Wally for all of you Brits out there). The weird illustrations of funny people doing silly things would make me giggle, but the best part was looking for the man in the red and white striped sweater. This week though, I may have found my new favorite “seek and find” books called Look! A Book!
Look! A Book!
By Bob Staake
Ordering take out is certainly convinent, but what would happen if you change your mind when the food has already come? That’s what this adorable little book is about!
The Lamb Who Came for Dinner
by Steve Smallman and Joelle Dreidemy
Anger is a part of life, no matter whether you’re a human or a dinosaur apparently. Expressing this emotion can be difficult, especially for children. Like most of the “How Do Dinosaurs…?” books, “How Do Dinosaurs Say I’m Mad?” is here to help kids understand how to deal with life… through dinosaurs.
How Do Dinosaurs Say I’m Mad?
by Jane Yolen and Mark Teague
Kids Nook 