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Pancakes,Pancakes!

2/23/2016

Pancakes,Pancakes!
( Ages 3 to 6)
By : Eric Carle
Publisher : Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers ( 1992)

Eric Carle, with his vibrant brush strokes is revealing the long story behind pancakes, leaving no space to wonder but to indulge in his wonderful feast of colourful images! Jack wakes up in the morning to the crowing of the Rooster, craving for pancakes. His mother is very busy and in-need of Jack`s help to make pancakes. Jack sets off to work under his mother`s guidance; first to cut wheat, take it to the miller on Donkey`s back, milk the Spotted Cow, churn butter and collect an egg. Finally, all ingredients come to the table and together they proceed to prepare their delicious, one hundred percent homemade, breakfast.

A brilliant treat for little inquisitive minds. The book addresses several age ranges, as the small ones will learn about how flour,eggs and butter are made, while the older ones will still enjoy all of this information provided in story form and learn how to make a pancake. The story even mentions the sounds of few farm animals along the tale "Kee-ke-ri-kee crowed the Rooster"...... / "Cluck Cluck said the Black Hen and went inside the hen house." The detailed illustrations provide lots of information about the story and supports the text well.
An ever attractive subject with Carle`s images, kids will want to read this again and again! Many questions will come along and making pancakes will never be the same after reading this, there will be many volunteers!!

This book is also available on YouTube.

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Ignis.

2/17/2016

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Ignis ( Ages 4+ )
By : Gina Wilson & P.J.Lynch
Publisher : Walker Books (Oct.,2001)

The amazing art work of this story would doubtlessly leave anyone in awe.Every page of this book is unique and a masterpiece.
Any little reader will be intrigued by these illustrations and will want to hear the story,though it`s a bit on the long side, content as they could be they may listen in awe. as it happened in my household.
The opening spreads reveal a joyous moment of young Ignis`s days,where a group of young dragons, brilliantly coloured with Emerald, Blue and Ruby scales with Ignis in the middle, jumping up into the air with the ball in his hands, are playing outside the mouth of a deep fire lit cave in a pre-historic like setting. With magnificent boulders and dark giant trees lining the edges of an open ground with some deep holes filled with crystal waters and a bare greenish area where many dragons are seen roaming and some in the far away skies. One could see water flowing down from a waterfall and seeping into the holes in the ground.

It`s "Dragonland" where fiery red scaled,flaring nose-trilled handsome Ignis lived with his Gran-dragon and sister Flamma. Although he`s the most handsome and admired for his flying and running skills Ignis was mostly sad for he lacked the best ; Ignis cannot breath fire like any other dragon. He couldn't light stars or play "Fling a Flame" and "All Blaze Together" like others in the night, he could only watch.But his dear friend, the amber eyed girly Scintilla always tried to comfort him on such instances just like his Gran-dragon who used to say "All in good time,Never worry" only that it didn't help him.He was greatly distressed and he said "I don`t feel like a dragon at all. Maybe I`m really something else." And off he goes in search of his dragon fire. Along his way he met a Hippo a Loquax and a little girl called Cara.After spending some time with each one of them he bid them goodbye as he`s on a quest for fire, with Cara`s encouraging words in his fiery heart he left for the mountains. The story end with pure pleasures of self discovery as Ignis whooshes out towering flames while his elders were talking "Mysteries and Miracles and Flames that Light up the World".

Gina Wilson`s writings are no less magnificent than Lynch`s illustrations, Skillfully written with simple phrases and sublime literary descriptions the story flows." When all was soundless and still,save the faintest shushing of breezes and twittering of jewel-birds,the Slothy-Sillent once came dangling down from the branches in dappled lengths and stretches." Here`s a storyline unique and gripping with an equally compelling subject as dragons are an ever fascinating subject for children. The book will take you to a magical mysterious world and with the author`s lyrical text and Lynch`s wonderful images one would feel like watching a movie. A collectable.

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1-2-3 Peas.

2/16/2016

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1-2-3 Peas ( The Peas Series )
( Ages 2 to 6)
By : Keith Baker
Publisher : Little Simon ( 2014)

A great book to practise counting for kids which comes as a follow up on New York Times best seller "LMNO Peas". With attractive pastel shaded images and cute little peas the book is no doubt a hit.

The rhyming text ensures that children will enjoy while counting along " One pea searching look, look, look / Two Peas Fishing Hook,Hook,Hook." One could see these tiny peas involved in various activities from fishing, rowing,planting,biking and driving around the large colourful numerals, naturally will keep children busy scanning the activity filled spreads. The numerals are on spotlight by large size and vibrant colours, while the tiny peas with skinny arms and legs, dressed in various pieces of headgear is a very attractive feature.
And what better way is there to introduce counting than counting with peas , an innovative parent/teacher may do one hundred things with tiny peas from counting to additions. Kids can count along from 1 to 20 and then to 100 by tens. The book addresses two levels of counting as the first twenty numbers, counting in individual numbers is for the introductory level and then as the book moves on to counting by tens which is the next level for those around five years. And the final spread will be a pleasant surprise with one hundred peas sitting on a giant number 100, each holding a pennant of their number.

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Everything Goes : On Land.

2/16/2016

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Everything Goes : On Land ( Ages 2 to 5)
By : Brian Biggs
Publisher : Balzer + Bray ( Sept.,2011)

An ideal book for little vehicle-lovers. This is a busy book full of cars, trucks, bikes, trains, and construction vehicles as well! Slightly cartoon-like images and caption boxes provide answers to the many questions that may occur to their minds as they ride along with Henry and his dad into the big city.The story of Henry and his dad in a little purple car riding through the pages, keep the busy pages intact and woven into a story.Their conversations are helpful in providing information that many little readers would wish to know. Although the book is unique in it`s illustrations and story telling features, it reminds me of Richard Scarry`s 'Busy' books.But this one is more educational.

This is a book to keep kids engaged for hours looking into details, making up many side stories, counting and (together with a grownup) they could make use of it`s seek and find features. Illustrations are colourful and every detail is made interesting to look at (there are birds with hats, for example). There is no doubt that children will adore this book -a book that provides lots of fun and learning facilities.

This is the first book in a series of three, the other two being 'Everything Goes : In the Air' and 'Everything Goes : By Sea'

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Who is King?: And Other Tales From Africa.

2/12/2016

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Who is King ?: And Other Tales From Africa
( Ages 3+ )By : Beverley Naidoo & Piet Grobler
Publisher : Fances Lincoln Children`s Books ( Apr., 2015)

A unique collection of short stories from Africa with gorgeous colourful illustrations. The themes in its ten short stories feature all kinds of animals from the African Savannah. These vibrant and rich folklore are laid with a splendid collection of pictures that would take us readers into Africa.The short stories are written in the traditional way, though in simple language with phrases and sometimes providing bits of additional information embedded into the stories.

In "Who is King" the lion wants to check that all the animals knew who the boss is. And many more animal tales are included from a story of how the Tortoise bewitched the animals in leopard`s tea party with his music:"The Tortoise and his Banjo" to how the elephant got his trunk. Few tales about ancient African communities are retold. The story about Unanana who lived alone with her babies, "Unanana and One Tusk", flowing with love and warmth and a Zulu lullaby "Tbulani bantwana lalani..". Some rich folktales from Ethiopia, Ghana, Nigeria, Malawi, South Africa,Lesotho and Zimbabwe are provided, which are both insightful and humorous. The award wining author illustrator duo revels a continent across the world, leaving the readers in wonderment.

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To Celebrate Love On this Valentine`s Day

2/10/2016

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When you`ll be proudly presented with a handmade gift or a card why not give them a book in return.Here`s a hand picked list of picture books to celebrate with your little ones on this Valentine`s day.

Bearcub and Mama
By : Sharon Jennings
Publisher : Kids Can Press (2007)
A beautiful, heartwarming and a comforting story about the bond between a mother and a child.Little bear follows his mama everywhere she goes and he learns his life. He is taught how to catch fish and to find honey.As he grows he starts to be on his own,explore the country sometimes, and on one such occasion a storm blows in...little bear is frightened but what will he do... and The book won many awards.

Love Me Love You
by : Susan O`Keefe & Robin Spowart
Publisher : Boyds Mills Press(2001)
Snuggle up and follow the rabbit mom and her little bunny throughout the day while they eat,play hug and cuddle. With rhyming text and soft pastel shades spreading warmth and love, a lovely book to celebrate love between a mother and her little ones!

Ballad of Valentine ( Ages 4+ )
By : Alison Jackson & Tricia Tusa
Publisher : Dutton Juvenile (2002)
A hilarious romping rhyming tale, to the tune of well known folk song "My darling Clementine". A gentleman sends his love letters to a girl named Valentine but they never get delivered. This amazing lyrical tale starts with the lines "In a cabin/In a canyon/Near a mountain laced with pine/Lived a girl who was my sweetheart/And her name was Valentine" From handing his notes to a mailman "To a mailman / To deliver rain or shine" to a homing pigeon which flies to Madagascar instead of to Valentine and skywriting "But the wind erased three letters / And now you are my _al_n_ine" However finally as the feelings are mutual it`s Valentine who delivers her token of love to her beau.

I Love You Already ( Ages 3+)
By : Jory John & Benji Davies
Publisher : HaperCollins ( 2015)
This book comes from the same author illustrator pair of the celebrated book "Goodnight Already!" The hilarious tale of two good chums, bear and the duck, where the duck wants to have some fun and play while the lazy bear wants to do exactly the opposite.And the duck assumes that the bear doesn't like him,bear explains that he does of course. A lovely book to tell kids that sometimes friends may have different interests but they do love their friends! "I like you already but I need my quiet time"

Roses are Pink,Your Feet really Stink. ( Ages 4+)
By : Diane deGrot
Publisher : HarperCollins (1997)
Little Gilbert is supposed to write Valentines cards to all his classmates. Without trouble he wrote some nice rhymes to many of his friends." Your name is Frank / It isn't Hank/You lent me your mitt/So you I thank /Gilbert."
But he couldn't think of anything nice about Lews who tweaked his nose or Margarat who teases him about his glasses.So he wrote " Roses are Red/You wet your bed/I think that you have rocks in your head." to one and a similar one to the other. But as the teacher found out about his notes he had to correct his faults and so did his pesky classmates.

Wherever You are My Love will Find You
By : Nancy Tillman
Publisher : Feiwel & Friends (2012)
A book to celebrate love with your loved ones no matter how old they are.With captivating images of a little boy in different landscapes joined by different animals from elephants to pandas coupled with heart warming lines "So I sent love to follow wherever you go./ It`s high as you wish it. It`s quick as an elf./ You`ll never outgrow it...It stretches itself./ So climb any mountain.. climb up to the sky!.." Almost all of Nancy Tillman books are a collective celebration of parental love and qualifies as wonderful gift books by parents and bedtime reads.

Thank you and Good night ( Ages 2+)
By : Patrick McDonnell
Publisher : Little Brown Books for Young Readers ( 2015)
Such a delightful book that praises the spirit of friendship and childhood innocence.Three friends, a rabbit(Clement) a bear ( Alan) and an elephant(Jean ) get together for a pajama party. They have fun:bouncing on the bed,playing hide and seek, making silly faces and dancing together but eventually as everyone gets sleepy,it`s time for bed but not before taking time to say thank you for the day,night and for good friends.
This lovely book with it`s amazing artwork comes from a Caldecott Honor recipient author Patrick McDonnell.

Ollie`s Valentine ( Ages 2+)
By : Olivier Dunrea
Publisher : HMH Books for Young Readers ( 2015)

A lovely book for the Valentines day from Gossie & Friends series, Where Gossie,Gertie,Peedie and BooBoo all have Valentines but not Ollie and he wants one too. Who Ollie`s valentine is a surprise for him and for the readers as well.With Olivie`s lovely duckling images and the whole book decorated in shiny foil hearts this would be an ideal gift!

Guess How Much I Love You( 1+ )
By : Sam McBratney & Anita Jeram
Publisher : Candlewick ( 2008)-first published in 1994

This timeless picture book read to and by almost two generations of children is another celebration of parental love. The little Nut Brown Hare and the big Nut Brown Hare wants to explain just how much they love each other " The Little Nut Brown Hare who was going to bed,held on tight to big Nut Brown Hare`s very long ears" and starts to declare his love,the big Nut Brown Hare replies expressing his love to the little one. And in the end the " Little Nut Brown Hare and Big Nut Brown Hare discover that love is not an easy thing to measure"

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There`s a Bear on My Chair.

2/9/2016

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There`s a Bear on My Chair ( Ages 2 to 5)
By : Ross Collins
Publisher :Nosy Crow ( June.,2015)

An unwelcome visitor in the house, sitting on his chair, What would the poor mouse do? The bear is too big, He might even break the chair,and that`s his favorite chair. The little mouse is unhappy and wants the bear out!
With brilliant romping rhyming verses and splendid pictures, Ross Collins has created a tale to remember. As there are always a few number of books that we carry in our memories to our adulthood, this is destined to be one of those.
It`s presented in such a delightful way,with a very white bear in muted colour backdrops sitting on a yellow chair provides peace and simplicity. The mouse is doing everything possible to get the bear out of his chair. While the bear, sitting on the chair is doing the same to ignore the mouse, which in-turn creates a hilarious outcome.
The duo depict a common situation that many little kids get into; always drawn to others' belongings from food to toys to many other things. The bear with his silly facial expressions, together with each others tactics, from dressing up to reading a paper ensures that readers will stay attached to the book till the end. The text, full of expressions with red highlights, different font sizes and it`s hilarious rhyming effect are memorable. "I understand that bears are rare. I know they need utmost care".... "But still I cannot stand this bear". The text and the illustrations compliment each other well. "I must admit he has some flair. He has fine taste in leisurewear. I`m fond of how he does his hair. But still I wish he was not there" And finally as the mouse leaves, the bear decide to go back home. And there`s a big surprise awaiting for him as he enters his house.
This book has been nominated for the CILIP Kate Greenway Medal 2016.

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Pancakes,Pancakes!

Ignis.

1-2-3 Peas.

Everything Goes : On Land.

Who is King?: And Other Tales From Africa.

To Celebrate Love On this Valentine`s Day

There`s a Bear on My Chair.

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