Every year the Youth Services Department at my library publishes a gift giving guide of books published throughout the year. Each staff member writes short annotations about the books, and the department head revises as needed. Here are my submissions for the year:
Mommy Calls Me Monkeypants by J.D. LesterFilled with all sorts of animals, this rhyming board book celebrates the adorable nicknames mothers call their children. A perfect bedtime story for toddlers. (Picture Book)
Bad Frogs by Thacher HurdBad Frogs do all sorts of bad things – like making rude noises at the table, staying up late, and kissing their girlfriends. Can they ever be good frogs? A fun story about bad manners. (Picture Book)
Mouse Was Mad by Linda UrbanMouse is angry. When he tries to express his anger, various animals try to correct him, which doesn’t work well for Mouse. In the end, Mouse must find his own perfect way to ease his anger. (Picture Book)
Skippyjon Jones: Lost in Spice by Judy SchachnerThe Siamese Kitty boy (who thinks he is a Chihuahua) is back for another adventure. This time Skippyjon is headed for Mars, the planet covered in spicy red pepper, where he meets up with Martians…who look just like him!(Picture Book)
The Odd Egg by Emily GravettAll the birds have an egg…except Duck. When Duck finds a spotted egg, he lovingly takes care of it, just like the other birds. However, when the eggs begin to hatch, Duck is in for a big surprise!(Picture Book)
Life-Size Zoo by Teruyuki KomiyaThis oversized book is perfect for any animal lover! Life size photographs of animals – from aardvarks to zebras – fill the pages, with interesting facts and figures about each animal shared as well. (Picture Book)
All God's Critters lyrics by Bill Staines ; pictures by Kadir NelsonA beautifully illustrated version of the classic folk song, this book is a wonderful edition to any children’s collection. (Picture Book)
Simms Taback's City Animals by Simms TabackAs you fold out each of the pages’ flaps, the animals are alluded to with descriptive phrases, making this book a delightful guessing game of Who am I?(Picture Book)
Boo Hoo Bird by Jeremy TankardWhen Bird is hurt playing catch it takes all of his friends to help him feel better. A cute story about friendship from the author of
Grumpy Bird.(Picture Book)
Duck! Rabbit! by Amy Krouse RosenthalSo, which is it? A duck or a rabbit? The age old question about a certain drawing is discussed in this children’s picture book, with just a dash of humor added.(Picture Book)
The Monsterologist: A Memoir in Rhyme ghostwritten by Bobbi KatzWant to learn more about Dracula, Frankenstein and other creepy monsters? Check out this memoir! Full of rhymes, die-cuts and other surprises, this book is sure to please any monster enthusiast. (Picture Book)
11 Birthdays by Wendy MassAfter overhearing her best friend make a cruel remark on their shared birthday, Amanda does not speak with Leo for a year. When they realized that they are reliving their eleventh birthday over and over again, they must work together to bring life back to normal. (Novel)
The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate by Jacqueline KellyIt’s the summer of 1899, and Calpurnia is nearly twelve. The Texas summer is hot and dry, and there isn’t much for the only girl of seven children to do. But Callie finds a great companion in her scientific minded grandfather and their relationship blossoms over the next several months, as they explore the natural world around them. (Novel)
When You Reach Me by Rebecca SteadIt’s a tale of friendship. It’s a tale of mystery. It’s a tale of impossibilities made possible. It overflows with the WOW factor, and is a story that sticks to you. (Novel)
Kiki’s Blankie by Janie BynumThe ultimate, universal book about a child and her blankie.(Picture Book)
