Who ends up in The Doghouse?!

The Doghouse by Jan Thomas


Very simple picture book with bright illustrations and simple text perfect for toddlers. The animal characters are depicted with such bold expressions, you can't help but smile. I love Jan Thomas' artwork! Excellent choice for a storytime on feelings, or sharing one on one with your little one who may be a wee bit scared of unknown places.

Sometimes you just have to GROWL!

The Story of Growl by Judy Horacek

This Australian import by Judy Horacek features an adorable purple monster named Growl who loves to growl. Unfortunately Growl growls a bit too often and loud for the likes of her neighbors and soon a law is put in place restricting growling on Eucalyptus Drive. Growl is sadder than sad: "running is hard when you're trying not to cry." Then one night, her growling comes in handy. Cute, simple story with delightful illustrations shows children and adults alike that there is a time and place for everything. Not a must have - but one that if you did have it, you and your child would enjoy it over and over again.

He shoots! He scores!!!

Big Kicks by Bob Kolar

I read this book and couldn't wait to log onto goodreads so that I could post my review. I loved it! Imagine my dismay when I saw that the book's average rating was only 2.82. What was I missing?!? So, I read the book again. And again. I decided that I wasn't missing anything - I was getting it.


This IS an adorable story about a Biggie Bear filling in for Dog on the soccer team, and even though he's really bad at sports, he accidently helped the team to win. They all celebrate together eating peanut butter and banana sandwiches and listening to jazz.


You know, that's the only part of the book that bothered me; it's the second picture book this month I have read in which the characters eat PB&B sandwiches (read about the Grumbling Splunk below). Are they the new thing?! I might have to try one...

Swine time

Mercy Watson Thinks Like a Pig by Kate DiCamillo

A book review from my 9 year old daughter who has been reading Mercy books since they first came out and even though they are under her grade level now, she still wants to read them to see what Mercy is up to: Mercy Watson is a very cool pig. I love how in every book they end with eating buttered toast. There is always a mystery like in the one I just read, Think like a pig, they wondered who ate the flowers. Mercy is a pig, so what do you think happened? I definitely recommend this book for kids like me who like funny books and cool pigs. I rate this one 5 stars!

I've got a secret!

The Secret Olivia Told Me by N. Joy

I needed a book to read aloud to two assemblies - one of K-3rd graders and another 4th-5th graders - for March is Reading Month. This was recommended to me by another librarian and I have to say, it was a total hit. The kids, all ages, as well as the teachers and administrators, all enjoyed the book. While I was reading I could hear murmers of agreement and gasps of "oh no". On top of the simply stated story of a traveling secret, the illustrations are bold and eye-catching. By using black silhouettes for the people and a red balloon representing the growing secret, on a stark white background, the images pop, even in a gym when sharing the book with very large groups!

Moon over Star

The Moon Over Star by Dianna Hutts Aston

On a warm summer's day in 1969, crickets chirp in the long buffalo grass and it feels like the whole world is bubbling with anticipation. Mae and her family await the first moon landing which brings with it the opportunity for hopes and dreams to be explored and realized. Diane Hutts Aston recounts mans first steps on the moon through the eyes of a young girl. The story is told with heart and feeling. This quiet historical story is coupled with lively and moving, yet tender, illustrations by Jerry Pinkney.

PB&B and Grumbling Splunks, OH MY!

Otis and Rae and the Grumbling Splunk by Laura Espinosa


Otis wants to eat PB&B and his pal Rae wants to tell stories – scary stories of the Grumbling Splunk!!! That’s ok, right? There really isn’t such a things as a Grumbling Splunk out there in the woods, or is there?!?! With bright, cheerful illustrations reminiscent of Japanese cartoons (which considering they have a Saturday morning cartoon called Sushi Pack, it’s not really surprising), Laura and Leo Espinosa bring the comic book style to the young. It is definitely a fun read, with a story that children can relate to and will make adults giggle and grin.

Foggy Foggy vellum

The Foggy, Foggy Forest by Nick Sharratt



Fairy tale characters and fantastical creatures are hiding behind vellum pages in this unique novelty book. For those who like I Spy games, they will love this new take on the hide and seek format. Creatures such as a unicorn are hidden in silhouette on the right side, but when you turn the page, the creature that was hiding is show in full color. I am interested to see if Nick Sharratt finds another creative use for this technique.