Tedd Arnold -- Illustrator of the Goggly Eyes!

Tedd Arnold's unique illustrations (with goggly eyes) and humorous stories make a perfect combination!  His well known series, Fly Guy, is wonderful for kids on the verge of reading.  In addition to his Fly Guy series Arnold has a many other wonderful picture books!

Parts (and sequels) -- a young boy is worried when things start to fall out of his belly button, his nose, his hair.... What is wrong with him!?!  Is he falling apart?  Kids will love this hilarious take on things that happen to our bodies!

Jumping on the Bed  -- Walter cannot resist the lure of jumping on his bed even though he knows he should not. Or course, once he starts jumping he can't stop even when the bed collapses and he falls slowly floor by floor through his apartment building accompanied by his various neighbors.

Green Wilma -- Wilma wakes up one day green and with a appetite for flies.  Her parents try to keep her home from school, but Wilma insists on attending.  During the day she manages to cause a disaster in the cafeteria, eat a fly off her teacher and inspire her classmates to paint themselves green.  A fun, whimsical book with fabulous illustrations and a surprise ending!

The Twin Princes -- When two twin princes are born and no one remembers who was born first, the king must decide which son should rule.  He plans an unorthodox horse race with the one who comes in last winning.  A funny and clever, and perhaps slightly complicated, story with many puns and riddles.

Detective Blue -- Detective Blue is on the case!  In this inventive detective story Detective Blue must find the missing Miss Muffet. As he searches for clues he interviews many different nursery rhyme characters.  A fun book for kids and parents as they try to identify the various rhymes referenced.  Having a book of the original nursery rhymes nearby while reading this book would be a great idea!

Huggly Gets Dressed -- A monster from under the bed decides to dress up in human clothes.  Kids will love the fun illustrations in this charming book. Arnold has written several additional stories about Huggly trying out new things in the human world.

Five Fantastic Books about Dogs

Harry the Dirty Dog by Gene Zion, Illustrations by Margaret Bloy Graham -- An oldie, but a goodie!  The classic story of Harry, who hates to take baths, learning being dirty is not all it's cracked up to be!

How to Be a Good Dog by Gail Page -- a comical book about a dog who tries so hard to be good. Very fun colorful illustrations. My favorite part is Ms. Birdhead, his owner, who actually wears a bird on her head!

Buster by Denise Fleming -- Buster is not excited about the surprise his owner "Brown Shoes" brings home.  He is determined not to notice his new roommate, until she comes to rescue and he realizes that sometimes it's nice to have a new friend.

Superdog by Carolyn Buehner, Illustrated by Mark Buehner -- Chester is tired of being told he is too small and getting picked on. He decides to take matters into his own hands and become a superhero! Instead of worrying about being picked on, he sets out to help others.  Of course, in the end the cat who picked on him is the one who ends up needing help.

Taxi Dog by Debra Barracca, illustrated by Mark Buehner -- Maxi the taxi dog loves his new owner and riding around in his taxi.  They pick up all kinds of interesting and unusual fares as they travel around exciting New York City.

It's so Amazing! Sharing with your children how our amazing body works!

I just read an interesting quote about kids and sex education--it's never too early, but it can definitely be too late!  Here are some great books that cover changing bodies, growing up and sexual health.  The first three books are part of a series, each appropriate for a different age group.  I like how this series presents information in a simple no nonsense manner that is easy for kids to understand and makes the topics easy for parents to talk about.  The last two books focus not on sex, but on puberty, your changing body, and how to take care or yourself.

It's Not the Stork: A Book About Babies, Bodies, Families and Friends by Robie H Harris, illustrated by Michael Emberley -- This book is recommmended for ages four through seven.  It covers the differences between boys and girls bodies and how boys and girls look different as they grow older.  Basic information on the journey of the egg and sperm is included, as well as how babies grow inside a women's uterus. Lastly the book covers different kinds of families and okay touches and not okay touches. Written in a straightforward manner, this book provides kids with an understanding of their bodies and encourages them to be proud of what their amazing body can do. A great book for curious kids!

It's So Amazing! A Book About Eggs, Sperm, Birth, Babies and Families by Robie H. Harris, illustrated by Michael Emberley -- This book is recommended for kids ages eight to ten.  It continues in much the same vein as the pervious book in the series just going into a bit more detail. A great book that can lead to important conversations with your kids.

It's Perfectly Normal: Changing Bodies, Growing Up, and Sexual Health by Robie H. Harris, illustrated by Michael Emberley -- This book is recommended for ages ten and up and covers a wide range of topics. Less emphasis is given on the growth of a baby inside the uterus (hopefully your kids know all that by now!) and more information is given on topics like: puberty, different kids of families, homosexuality, birth control, abortion, sexual abuse, sexually transmitted diseases, making good choices and staying healthy. Kids generally know what information they can handle when and this book, with such a wide range of important topics, makes it a great book to share a little bit at a time.

American Girl has a great series for girls about taking care of their bodies called The Care and Keeping of You by Valorie Schaefer, illustrated by Norm Bendell. This book covers body basics, how your body is changing, eating disorders, fitness and emotional changes that occur when you are going through puberty. One thing I like about this book is that it encourages girls to take control and be proud of their bodies even when they may start to feel out of control. A great book for young girls.

The Boy's Body Book: Everything You Need to Know for Growing up YOU by Kelli Dunham, illustrated by Steven Bjorkman. This book covers the same information as: The Care and Keeping of You, but for boys. This book is a great book to help get kids and parents talking about growing up and taking care of your body.  However, it is a bit wordy so it's unlikely an eight to ten year old would read this book cover to cover. A good reference source and jumping off point for more in-depth discussions.

Riddles for Early Readers to Amaze Their Friends!

There comes a certain age when kids are obsessed with riddles.  They love to tell them, they love to make them up, and they love to laugh at the punch line! I think the thrill is in finally delivering the punchline that everyone has been beating them to for years! Here are some great riddle books for the beginning reader.  An additional benefit: they can read them on their own!

Spooky Riddles by Marc Brown "What does the Mother ghost say to her child when they get in the car? Fasten your sheet belts!"

Dino Riddles by Lisa Eisenberg and Kay Hall, Illustrated by Nicole Rubel "What do you call a dinosaur in a cowboy hat and spurs? A Tyrannosaurus Rex!"

Buggy Riddles by Lisa Eisenberg and Katy Hall, Illustrated by Simms Taback "Why are frogs so happy? They eat whatever bugs them!"

Fishy Riddles by Lisa Eisenberg and Katy Hall, Illustrated by Simms Taback "Why are fish so smart? They are always in schools!"

What do You Hear When Cows Sing?: And Other Silly Riddles by Marco and Giulio Maestro "What do you call a train that sneezes? A-Choo-Choo Train!"

Knock, Knock Who's There: My First Book of Knock Knock Jokes by Tad Hills "Knock, Knock. Who's There. Anita. Anita Who? Anita bath!"



Look for more riddle books under the call number 793 in the non-fiction section or in the Early Readers section of your local library.

Halloween Hoots and Howls Poems by Joan Horton

A poem for the day of Halloween:

Igor's Mummy

Igor's mummy drives the bus

That takes the kids to school.

Boys and ghouls who ride with her

Must always mind this rule:

No throwing things or hitting.

Or making any fuss.

And screaming hyenas had better behave

or else get off the bus.

Some tombstone verses:

Beneath 
this slab lies
Lennie Lixer.
He Fell Into 
A Concrete Mixer.
Poor Stiff

Here Lies the Body of
Jeremy Victor
He Shouldn't Have Hugged
His Boa Constrictor.
Sleep Tight.

Danny Dimm
Was not too Bright.
He Ate a Stick of Dynamite.
Rest in Pieces.


From: Halloween Hoots and Howls. Joan Horton, illustrated by Joann Adinolfi, Henry Holt and Company, New York, 1999.

Five Fantastic Books About Pigs

Pigs are funny animals and kids love them.  Unlike foxes that are sly and owls that are wise, pigs are most often silly, which makes them wonderful characters for children's books. The pigs in these stories are silly, but also occasionally clever.  You can't judge a pig by his sterotype! Here are five wonderfully silly and fantastical tales about pigs.

Me First by Helen Lester, illustrated by Lynn Munsinger -- Popppington always has to be first.  First in line, first for lunch, first on the bus.  One day, on a pig scout outing he meets his match in the Sandwich who shows him that first is not always best.  A fun book by one of my favorite author/illustrator teams.

Pigs by Robert Munsch -- Told in Munsch's usual frantic style this story of pigs in the pigpen will delight children. A daughter doesn't believe her father when he tells her that pigs are smart, but soon learns her lesson.






Pigsty by Mark Teague -- A young boy with a very messy room welcomes his first few pig visitors, but soon he realizes pigs in his room are not all fun and games.

Piggie Pie! by Margi Palatini, Illustrated by Howard Fine --A hungry witch decides that piggie pie would be the perfect thing for dinner.  Can the creative and cunning pigs in the barnyard outsmart the witch and save their skins?






Piggies by Audrey and Don Wood -- A wonderful creative twist on "This Little Piggie."  With detailed and vibrant illustrations by Don Wood the classic fingerplay takes on a whole new life.  Each finger is given its own personality and as the setting changes on each page these personalities come alive. Audrey and Don Wood have collaborated on several other wonderful books including The Napping House and Hackedy Peg.

Four Funny Books About Underwear

'Cause who doesn't love a book about underwear? Not high literature, but lots of fun, young children will laugh out loud at these silly stories. Please be sure to establish underwear sharing guidelines before you start reading!

Underwear by Mary Elise Monsell, illustrated by Lynn Musinger -- all the animals love underwear, except for the grouchy buffalo.  Everyone enjoys picking out their new underwear at the underwear fair, except the buffalo.  Everyone can't say the word "underwear" without laughing, except buffalo.  The animals are determined to change his mind and make him laugh.  Kids will laugh right along with this silly story.

Aliens Love Underpants by Claire Freedman and Ben Cort -- Vibrant, comical illustrations set the tone for this whimsical book.  Aliens come to earth, not to meet earthlings, but to steal their underpants!  Set in rhyme the aliens show us why underpants are so much fun.

Charlie's Superhero Underpants by Paul Bright and Lee Wildish -- Charlie loves his new Superhero Underpants, but one day while they are hanging out to dry they blow away!  Charlie sets off an expedition across the world to find them. When he finally does he is able to trade his woolen hat for the one item that means so much to him.

What Color is your Underwear by Sam Lloyd -- This lift-the-flap book presents each animals with the question "What color is your underwear?" Each animals shows their silly underwear until the surprising ending!

Inspirational Biographies of African American Women

Three of my favorite inspirational biographies about African-American women.  All of these biographies feature strong women who overcame huge obstacles and did amazing things.  Biographies are one of my favorite genres to read, they allow the reader to become immersed in another persons life, very different than their own, and share in their journey.

Wilma Unlimited: How Wilma Rodolph Became the World's Fastest Woman by Kathleen Krull, Illustrated by David Diaz

A truly inspiring story about the will to overcome lifes challenges. Wilma was often sick as a child and at five contracted polio.  Wilma's legs were affected by the illness and doctors thought she would never walk properly again. Wilma's determination live the life she wanted pushed her to strengthen her legs and she soon no longer needed her leg braces. Wilma became a star athlete excelling at running and in high school played many different sports. She was offered a track-and-field scholarship to Tennessee State University then went on to compete in the summer Olympics of 1960.  She amazed everyone by winning the 100-meter dash, the 200-meter dash and 400-meter relay. This once sickly child had become the first American women to win three gold medals in a single Olympic games!  This book has unique illustrations using a combination of lovely watercolors with photographs as backgrounds.

When Marian Sang by Pam Munoz Ryan, pictures by Brian Selznick

Marian Anderson's inspirational story tells of a young girl with an amazing talent and how she overcame racial prejudice to share her gift with the world. Ryan and Selznick beautifully show Marians's confusion when, as a young girl, she is not allowed entrance into a music school due to her race. By 1927 Marian was a successful singer worldwide and was welcomed everywhere....except the United States.  In 1939 Howard University booked a concert with Marian and looked for a place to hold the large crowd she was expected to attract.  They tried to book the 4000 seat Constitution Hall--but were told they had a white performers only policy.  Fans wrote angry letters to the newspapers and first lady Eleanor Roosevelt resigned from the board of Constitution Hall in protest.  At Eleanor's urging President Roosevelt agreed to let Marian perform in front of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. On the day of the performance 75, 000 people, of all races, showed up to hear Marian sing.  I love this book for its wonderful muted illustrations and beautiful story.

Minty: A Story of Harriet Tubman by Alan Schroeder, Illustrated by Jerry Pinkney

This book tells the story of young Harriet Tubman before she escapes to freedom. While some of the exact details of the book are fictionalized, they are based on fact.  Harriet was a 'difficult' slave who was often mistreated and abused by her masters. This book does not shy away from the difficult demeaning life that slaves endured.  The author and illustrator depict the realities of the day to day life of a slave, but also show Harriet's determination to escape to the freedom she deserves. It is easy to imagine the girl that Harriet once was, knowing the determined, brave, spirited woman she became.  Renowned illustrator Jerry Pinkney, has created detailed period accurate illustrations that add wonderfully to the story.

The Poetry of Jack Prelutsky

Jack Prelutsky is one of my families favorite poets.  Humorous and irreverent Prelusky's poems appeal to kids of all ages.

His poems can be laugh out loud funny and spooky too. Some are realistic, some fantasy and some the pure nonsense that kids love.  These collections are best shared read aloud and enjoyed together.




Prelutsky was selected the first Children's Poet Laurete in 2006 and has published numerous poetry collections. Prelutsky, who is also a musician and singer, brought his anthology A Pizza the Size of the Sun to life with joyful renditions of the poems in the audio edition of this book.  The Dragons are Singing Tonight is a wonderful collection of poems dedicated to dragons. The poems are funny, sad, haunting, and silly. Beautiful watercolor illustrations accompany each poem.


Here's a poem to memorize from I've Lost my Hippopatamus: "A centipede was thirsty, But to satisfy its need, It drank too much for it to hold --, And so the centipede."







In Behold the Bold Umbrellaphant Prelutsky combines an animal and an object and creates something totally new. Whimsical and inventive kids will love the ideas presented in this collection and will enjoy coming up with new ideas on their own. An elephant and an umbrella -- an Umbrellaphant!



For more information on Prelutsky and to view his numerous poetry collections check out his website at: http://www.jackprelutsky.com

Classic Folk and Fairy Tales by Paul Galdone

Acclaimed author/ illustrator Paul Galdone published over 100 books for children during his lifetime. He is particularly well-known for his many adaptions of classic folk and fairy tales. His vivid illustrations bring classics to life and are filled with humor and quirky details. There are too many to list, but here are a few of my favorites:

Three Little Kittens

The Little Red Hen

The Three Billy Goats Gruff

Hans in Luck

The Three Bears

Thidwick: The Big-Hearted Moose by Dr. Suess

A lesser known Dr. Suess story my whole family enjoys!  Thidwick, the Big-Hearted Moose, happily lets several animal guests live in his horns.  His grouchy guests are most ungracious and soon Thidwick is afraid they will be the death of him.  A happy event, that happens each year, saves Thidwick and gives the guests their comeuppance. A fun read aloud for the whole family to celebrate Dr. Suess' birthday!

Five Quiet Bedtime Stories

So Sleepy Story written and illustrated by Uri Shulevitz -- This is one of my five-year-olds favorite books. You can see him holding it in the picture on my blog.  The story starts off slowly with illustrations in dark blues and grays, everything sleepy, sleepy.  In fact the word sleepy is used seventeen times in the first four pages! The house is sleeping, the chairs, the dishes, and the little boy. Soon music floats through the window and starts to awaken the sleeping house. The illustrations turn brighter with yellows and oranges as the dishes and chairs awaken and start to dance. Then just as quickly the music drifts away again and the whole house settles back into sleep. A wonderful visual feast with lyrical text accompaniment.

Quiet Night by Marilyn Singer, illustrated by John Manders -- A rollicking counting book that adds a new noisy animal as each page turns.  What starts as a quiet night quickly changes as a frog bar-rums, owls whoo-hoo and fish whap-slap. The cartoonish illustrations present a humorous tone to the book.  Look for an amusing final scene with a group of surprised campers. A fun counting book with a nighttime theme.

Owl Babies by Martin Waddell, and Illustrated by Patrick Benson --  This reassuring bedtime story tells the story of three small owls waking in the night to find their mother gone.  The three owls stick together worrying and wondering what their Mother might be doing.  Bill, the smallest owl, repeats "I want my Mommy," throughout the story.  All ends well with the owl Mother returning and reassuring them that she will always come back for them.  The perfect message that children can never hear enough.

Time for Bed by Mem Fox, Illustrated by Jane Dyer -- Beautiful muted watercolors accompany images of animal parents urging their offspring to go to sleep.  Each page depicts a nighttime scene with a cute rhyme accompanying each image.  One of my favorites, "It's time for bed, little calf, little calf, what happened today that made you laugh?" The final scene is of a mother tucking her child into bed. A sweet bedtime story.

A Child's Good Night Book by  Margaret Wise Brown  -- A lesser known book by Maragaret Wise Brown, of Goodnight Moon fame.  Follows a similar theme of everything in the town going to sleep one by one.  Animals put their babies to sleep, people put their houses to sleep. Finally a child is put to sleep. With soft muted illustrations, a beautiful lullaby of a story perfect for bedtime.