Ages 3 to 6 - Picks and Reads for Kids-A collection of hand-picked titles for children.

The Building Boy.

8/6/2017

The Building Boy ( 4+ )
By ; Ross Montgomery & David Litchfield
Publisher ; Faber & Faber ( Aug. 2016 )

A powerful tale that traces the cycle of life; love, loss, passions,ambitions and rewards through a simple theme that emphasizes on being inovative and encourages children to be boldly creative. A rare gem of a book!

The story reveals us a beautiful relationship between a little boy and his grandmother; who used to be an Architect. The boy sits next to his grandma every night and listens to stories about her past. She would tell him how she used to build the tallest skycrapers and the most beautiful palaces. They look at her old photographs and dream about building their own beautiful house. She promises him that it will be the best of all.

Montgomery approches his listners with a touching description that offers peace and is well supported by Litchfield`s exquisite opening spreads that oozes with warmth. " Each night before the boy went to bed, he would light the fire........The house would be quiet,except for a turning of a page and the ticking of a clock......."

However as the time passes grandma becomes too old to make dinner or to build the house. On one day the boy comes home to find her gone. The house feels empty.... Then the boy starts to build something out of scrap, he builds day and night for months through rain and snow and finally finishes off a gigantic sculpture of his dear grandma. "And the boy looks into the eyes he had built himself and says "Grandma, wake up" "

The magic comes into life now, when the gigantic grandma holds the little boy`s hand and they run over moon-lit fields and cities with tall skyscrapers, swim through the ocean and finally arrive at a partly built house, on a hill over the city. To the little boy`s question of the house being not completed the grandma answers that "you have allready done it", with the underlying meaning of his allready proven ability to complete the rest.

Montgomery`s beautiful language and moving descriptions together with Litchfield`s ( The Bear and the Piano ) brilliant illustrations will render a compelling impact on the reader and may bring a tear or two.

Race Car Drivers and What They Do.

4/4/2017

Race Car Drives and What They Do ( Ages 3+ )
By Liesbet Slegers
Publisher ; Clavis Books ( May 2017 )

An ideal reading material for the not very bookish dreamers of the grandstand! The book explains what it needs to become a Formula 1 race car driver. It is loaded with information and color. The informative text would have been a bit more simple to match with the illustrations but could overcome that hurdle with guided reading. It`s clear and vibrant illustrations would make it a favorite book for many little races, who`d go back to this again again.

The book touches all related topics from auto tracks, race cars to Formula drivers through a drivers preparation for the race and finally through a race to the finish. An engaging and satisfying read-aloud for little races to snuggle-up with their dads, obviously there will be a lot of questions to be prepared for and certainly some patience needed. The exciting subject matter of the book is also a great way to teach kids about the rewards of hard work and dedication. Sure to be a hit among the younger readers!
( With many thanks to Clavis Books and NetGally for the ARC )

Talk about Nature in the Spring.

3/24/2017

Here are some lovely picture books to celebrate the Spring, when the nature`s at its best. It is such a great time of the year to talk about nature with kids ....

Little Fox in the Forest (3+ )
By : Stephanie Graegin
Publisher :Schwartz & Wade ( Feb 2017 )

A stunning depiction of a child`s fantasy adventure !
A little girl's favourite toy, kept aside while she`s on the swing, is being carried away by a fox. The girl and her friend follow the fox deep into the woods and end up at a tall hedge with an entry way. Through this entrance they witness a wonderful miniature village crowded with woodland creatures of many imaginary types.
A wordless picture book with gorgeous illustrations and an engaging plot is the imaginary wonder world of every wandering child!

A Beetle is Shy ( 4+ years )
By : Dianna Aston & Sylviy Long
Publisher : Chronicle Books ( April 2016 )

A brilliant addition to a curious child`s collection of books. The book explores the amazing world of beetles and offers loads of information about them a child may want to know, in simple, poetic text and admirable art work. A fascinating picture book brimful with knowledge to occupy children for hours!

A Perfect Day ( 2 + )
By Lane Smith
Publisher : Roaring Brook ( February 2017 )

Lane Smith leads the children on a wonderful back yard adventure through his magic pictures and few words
A cat, dog, chickadee and a squirrel were having a perfect day, indulging on the best things in nature when a bear walks in, who ruins everything for everybody but for himself! A wnderfull book with a brilliant underlying theme!

Egg ; Nature`s Perfect Package ( 3+ )
By : Steve Jenkins & Robin Page
Publisher ; HMH Books for Young Readers ( March 2015 )

A book packed with information, science and art. Its simple narration and explanatory illustrations done with collage art are an additional bonus to keep the kids engaged. The illustrations are colorful and simple; even the youngest of the kids could understand by reading the images while the older ones can feed themselves more information through reading the text. From small eggs to big eggs, Egg Layers with the colors , shapes and sizes of each of their eggs and even prehistoric eggs are portrayed.

Mama Built a Little Nest ( 2+ )
By ; Jennifer Ward & Steve Jenkins
Publisher ; Beach Lane ( March 2014 )
Another brilliant addition to any naturalistically inclined kid`s collection. The book provides information on a variety of bird nests; the information is in three fold; rhyming verses for read alouds, realistic, eye catching illustrations and a few lines of information for higher reading levels. .

Because of an Acorn ( 2 + )
By ; Lola Schaefer
Publisher; Chronicle Books ( August 2016)

Through an acorn the book delves into the interconnection between different layers of the ecosystem. The kids will get to see the acorn turning into a tree and then the tree attracts birds, the seeds of the tree turns into fruits and attracts chipmunks and the connections continue untill a whole forest is born. A brilliant picture book for very young readers to learn about nature.

And then it`s Spring ( 3 + )
By ; Julie Fogliano & Erin E.Stead
Publisher ; Roaring Books ( Feb 2012 )
A young boy and his dog decide to plant a garden In their long and difficult wait for the spring. Then the duo is impatient to witness the results; their anticipation is depicted through an array of whimsical illustrations. However, the small changes that occur slowly brings them hope. The changing seasons are artfully depicted in this book and each page; with lively images is a wonderful celebration of nature and will enlighten kids about patience induced rewards.

Have you Heard the Nesting Bird ( 3+ )
By : Rita Gray & Kenard Pak
Publisher : HMH Books for Young Readers ( March 2014 )

The silent anticipation of the mother bird is accentuated in this collage led rhyming picture book.
A girl and a boy walk in the fields in their neighborhood and encounter a number of different birds. They listen to their calls, each one different from the other, but a very silent robin captures their attention... Later they they learn that she was laying eggs. A lovely picture book to explore in the Spring, when all the birds return home from their long journeys !

The Tiny Seed ( 2+)
By : Eric Carle
Publisher : Puffin ( August, 1997 )

The story of a seed that touches changing seasons, oceans, deserts, the life cycle of the plant, and finally about loving and protecting the nature all in one; presented in soft lyrical text and Carle`s mesmeric colorful illustrations! Best for younger kids.

The Last Tree.

2/11/2017

The Last Tree ( Ages 4+ )
By : Ingrid Chabbert & Raul Nieto Guridi
Publisher : Kids Can Press ( April 2017 )

A moving tale about the innocent attempts of two boys trying to save a little sapling. Their touchng efforts to protect the plant and the story`s underlying warning about a greenless future would encourage children to learn more about the threats to the environment, and the need to conserve it.

Two boys living at a future date, when the sight of a tree or a patch of grass are a rare treat, discover a tiny sapling growing in the middle of a vast city. The plant fascinates them endlessly. They suspect it to be the last tree. The kids admire it for a long time and dream about it being a grown tree. Later they learn about a proposed high rise building that will commence at the same place where the plant is. The kids try desperately to save it. They remove it from the construction site and carry it to a far away place, where they plant the sapling and make a silent wish to the stars - to guard it: the last tree!.................Our proganist return years later as an adult to meet the grown tree.

The childrens` longing for a greener world to roll over and play, to experience what thay get to see and read only in books and through childhood tales of their fathers urge them to protect this one last plant: this simple yet emotionaly strong tale could certainly touch the hearts of young readers. It`s expressive and uncluttered illustrations carry the message of the text well. The ashy backdrops on the pages create the perfect ambience for the story and depicts the tree-less - and color-less - world.
( With many thank to Kids Can Press and NetGally for the ARC )

The Blue Hour.

2/5/2017

The Blue Hour
By ; Isabelle Simler
Publisher ; Eerdmans Books for Young Readers ( February 2017 )

A wonderful lyrical celebration of nature's beauty!! The blue hour begins as the day comes to an end. And it is the time when the world turns still, when all the hidden animals come alive just before the night falls.
The author recreates this solitary moment of life through magnificent illustrations in different shades of blue and lulls the readers with her poetic text. From the skyline to the ponds, fauna & flora and animals are all colored in blue shades. Since it is based on the blue hour, she rhythmically introduces a number of lesser known animals who are also blue, in a manner that would arouse the kids' curiosity; a blue fox, a blue jay and the blue poison dart frog to name few. "Among the water lilies, blue poison dart frogs gather,croaking to each other."
At the beginning of the book there is a table of blue shades with thirty-six different shades from pale blue to midnight blue. Her illustrations make use of all those shades which in turn provides a glimpse of the color combinations to kids.
It is a book that will urge children to love and behold nature!!
( With many thanks to Eerdmans Books and NetGally for the ARC )

The Wolf and His Shadow.

1/16/2017

The Wolf and His Shadow
By : Thierry Robberecht & Stephanie Frippiat
Publisher ; Clavis Books ( Oct, 2016 )

A story that addresses the childhood fears through a very scared wolf ; who is afraid of his own shadow. Kids will follow this scaredy cat and his "monster shadow" along it`s eye catching and stand alone illustrations. The monster shadow who follows the wolf everywhere will keep the spirits of our listeners high. It`s wonderful hues of opulent greens, oranges and greys together with it`s expressive images would entertain the viewers till the end. Though I wish that the text were less lengthier and effective in addressing this wonderful plot.

The little wolf didn't want his big, black shadow with great, big teeth to follow him everywhere. He was scared and ashamed of himself. He "dashed to the top of the hill. And he swam around the lake like mad. Nothing helped. His terrible shadow kept chasing him and never got tired". Until the day, when the hunters barged in. The wolf couldn't stay long in his hiding place because his shadow started to creep in. He ran out crying " A black monster with huge teeth is following me " And eventually terrified the hunters and made them run away, never to return........

This empirical plot is excellent to talk about childhood anxieties. And is well supported by it`s awesome illustrations.
( With many thanks to Clavis Publishing and NetGally for the ARC )

the wolf and his shadow

Take Heart, My Child.

11/26/2016

Take Heart, My Child - A Mother`s Dream (Ages 2+ )
By ;Ainsley Earhardt & Kathryn Cristaldy Illustrated by ; Jaime Kim
Publisher ; Simon & Schuster ( November 2016 )

A wonderful lyrical expression of a mother`s love! The author explains her dedication for her child through elegant illustrations and catchy lines. A lullaby that children could relate to, and will cherish in their hearts as much as grown ups.
These beautifully created verses are filled with love and words of wisdom. The soft shaded images done in acrylic are mesmeric and supports the lyrics well.
"May your feet trace new patterns / On warm, sandy shores / May you dive into waves / And yearn to explore / But if you get lost / In the oceans vast tides / Take heart , my child / I`ll be by your side"............

Take Heart, My Child

I Want That Love.

11/3/2016

I Want That Love.
By ; Tatsuya Miyanishi ( Ages 4+ )
Publisher ; Museyon ( December 2016 )

It is the third book in line of Tatsuya Miyanishi`s Tyrannosaurus series. The scary Tyrannosaurus returns with another inspirational story. The action packed line-up of events together with its well-honed illustrations can easily keep the listeners focused. And eventually they will grasp the moving message of "spreading love" versus "tyrannizing".

The mean, giant Tyrannosaurus is the strongest of all and believes that the strongest is the most powerful and rules the world - until he succumbs to old age. Fragile and slow, he cannot tyrannize the small and weak anymore and becomes the target of them instead. Later, having left the area where he had lived, he is cared for by a group of little Triceratops. The kindness and help offered by the little ones slowly change the beastly Tyrannosarus' beliefs as he realizes that love is more powerful and precious than physical strength. This moving tale will give us grown ups pause as it reminds us about aging, decline and selfless love & a little bit of Shel Silverstain`s "The giving Tree" as well.

Other Books in the Series ;

You Look Yummy
By Tatsuya Miyanishi

I Want That Love

You are My Best Friend
By Tatsuya Miyanishi

Maxwell the Monkey Barber.

10/23/2016

Maxwell the Monkey Barber ( Ages 2 to 5 )
By ; Cale Atkinson
Publisher ; Owlkids ( August 2016 )

The story of Maxwell, the talented, big-hearted jungle barber, is a sparkling and fast paced romping rhyme. The eye catching illustrations of the book and it`s exciting line-up of events are capable of attracting the young readers easily. The enthusiastic and cute little monkey "Max" has all the potential to come back to his fans in the future, as kids without doubt will fall in love with this "monkey barber".

Maxwell waits for his friends to arrive at his barber shop. A baboon comes first to get his tangled-up curls snipped off, and to release his friends trapped within. Next comes a lion with a wild mane and the clever monkey clips it off to the satisfaction of the lion.Then a bear, who`s followed by a bald headed elephant. The elephant is miserable about not having hair and Maxwell promises to help him. "Come back tomorrow right at three. I`ll think of something just wait and see"
After many hours of careful thought Maxwell knows exactly what to do. He creates a beautiful wig with multicolored hair - a new trend in the jungle! And he never sends off a customer without his brightening lines;
"And before you go I might say, Your hair`s the best I`ve seen today"

Maxwell`s cheerful personality is well suited for children. His complimenting words and generous nature are tonic for them. Atkinson`s adorable illustrations and rhyming lines will ensure that the kids will cherish this tale.
( With many thanks to Owlkids Books and NetGally for the ARC )

Maxwell the Monkey Barber

The Toothless Fairy.

10/2/2016

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The Toothless Fairy ( Ages 4+ )
By ; Timothy Jordan & Matt LaFleur
Publisher : Night River Press ( August 2015 )

A brilliant Halloween read aloud! It is a story about a very ugly and lonely, single-toothed fairy. A multi-themed book with some lovely colorful illustrations, and a heart warming message about friendship! The themes,text composed of beautiful lyrical descriptions and humorous illustrations together produces an awe-inspiring effect that is capable of grasping kids from the very beginning.

The lonely fairy is too reluctant to find friends because she knows that she looks 'ugly & scary'. Adding to that scariness is her single toothed smile - as it goes the fairy is too fond of sweets and her greed left her with a single tooth! She longingly watches the children playing in the park. As the time passes and the leaves turn to brown, kids everywhere start getting ready for the Halloween. The children parade along on Halloween eve in their costumes, carrying baskets of treats, laughing and joking. Meanwhile our grotesque little fairy watches them from her hidden spot. But after the fun, when all is silent, the fairy remains thinking .....
"So what was it for, this Halloween night,
if not about candy, or having a fright?
Tradition and honoring those who have passed,
and friendship and mischief and having a blast."

Reluctantly though, the fairy decides it`s time to find a friend and have fun, She enters into a little girl`s room deep in the night, lights up her magic wand and offer her a brand new clarinet , the fun begins as they dance and play together.
"Together they played and danced and waltz,
skipped rope with the licorice and juggled the malts.
The girl offered taffy - and boy,was it yummy -"
Till dawn they have fun,finally when the little girl falls asleep the ugly fairy leaves, satisfied and with a signed promise of returning back next year.

This beautiful lyrical flow ends with another lovely verse written from a child`s point of view - in colorful childish handwriting which is the scribbled note - the fairy snuggles into the sleeping girl`s coat as she takes her leave.. Its eye catching Halloween parades, a 'super ugly' fairy and the rhyming verses will all ensure that the kids will return to this, again and again,long after Halloween.
The book has been named a 2015 INDIEFAB Book of The Year Finalist and 2016 Benjamin Franklin Awards Finalist.

(With many thanks to The Night River Press and NetGally for the ARC )

The Toothless Fairy

Baba Yaga.

9/13/2016

Baba Yaga ( Ages 4+ )
By ; An Leysen
Publisher : Clavis Books ( September 2016 )

An astounding recreation with a touch of modernity given to a classic Russian folklore, this book is absolutely breathtaking! Having read some lovely Russian myth-tales as a kid I`m always on the hunt for some good new publications for my kids, but rarely find anything fresh.And this one is one of those ; a simplified version without twists written in clear prose and rhyme. Its anime inspired and beautiful, soft pastel shaded illustrations may make you pause at every page turn.

An`s elegant introductory verses together with her grayish sketches of Baba Yaga in her flying cauldron creates the perfect ambiance for a hair-raising journey into the dark forest of Baba Yaga.
" Baba Yaga is an ugly old witch / She has a rusty witches cauldron / That flies by itself...........Stranger still is her house / all crooked and bent / It runs around on chicken legs!!........Baba Yaga`s face is covered with warts / and she likes nasty old toads / ..........and in her mouth / she has just two teeth/ rotten but razor sharp / and you should know this / they say that she uses them..../ to eat naughty children!! "

Larger-than-life images of innocent little Olga holding her magic doll will capture the reader`s hearts easily.
Compelling as ever with a walking house on chicken legs, a scary cat and a dog and a talking doll, all dosed with some fear, love and magic. Kids will return to this-one again and again!!
( With many thanks to Clavis Books and NetGally for the ARC )

Gracia Meets a Ghost.

8/21/2016

Gracie Meets a Ghost ( Ages 2 to 5)
By : Keiko Sena
Publisher : Museyon Press ( October 2016 )

A multi-themed translation of the famous Japanese author Keiko Sena, it is a book that offers simple humor and excitement for kids, while addressing issues of bespectacled kids and nighttime fears. The book is also suitable to start up a discussion on Halloween or on nocturnal animals. It`s captivating set of events, together with the colorful illustrations will keep the kids engrossed until the end.

Gracie starts wearing glasses and her friends tease her for that. One day she goes off to play with her bunny friends in the mountains. They have lots of fun playing around, but that night when she is going to sleep Gracie realizes that she has lost her glasses. And she walks into the woods to look for them. In the darkness the short-sighted little bunny mistakenly pulls at an owl's eyes first, and then a tail of a mouse. A very bored ghost watches her from behind a tree in the dark woods, it has been a while since he scared anyone and the excited ghost jumps out and yells "BOO" but what a disappointment for the ghost; the little bunny seems not scared at all! Gracie explains to the ghost why she`s not scared of him, "No I can`t see well because I lost my glasses." Planning to scare the little bunny off her wits, the ghost starts to look for her glasses while Gracie takes a nice break .............

With a lovely selection of matte hues the book's descriptive and clear illustrations are capable of telling the story on its own. And the text effortlessly get the kids involved in the storytelling, " What is that? / Is that a balloon? / Is it a sheet flapping in the wind? "

This story reminds me of the rich, ravishing Japanese "Obon" festival - when the spirits of the dead ancestors come to visit their relatives - The colorful and elaborate event; full of traditional activities, elegant dances and lovely lanterns falls in August. And is the Japanese equivalent of Halloween,This book therefore suits Halloween as much as for Obon. Though the book does not mention the Obon festival it might provide an opportunity to introduce this beautiful Japanese event to the kids as well. Surely we can look forward to seeing more of this rich cultural festival of Japan at the next summer Olympics when it will take place in Tokyo between July and August! Have a lovely ghostly read aloud !
( With many thanks to Museyon Press and Netgally for the ARC )

Gracie Meets a Ghost

The Frog Olympics.

8/9/2016

The Frog Olympics ( Ages 2+ )
By : Brian Mosses & Amy Husband
Publisher : Wayland Publishers ( April 2016 )

An absolutely funny romping,rhyming tale! A fabulous book to start up a conversation on Olympics. As the frogs decide to hold a frog Olympics "The news spread quickly / The word went around / From lake and ditch / across boggy ground" frogs of every size and color from far and wide gathers around. A range of competitions from tadpole races to fly catching takes place. And "there were medals for winning the three legged frog and for jumping in and jumping out of a bog"

It`s colorful and humorous illustrations along with simple and rhyming text creates a compelling effect on children. And the theme of different frogs coming from various parts, joining in, emphasizes the celebration of unity and togetherness of the event .

The Frog Olymics

Mr.Matisse and His Cutouts.

7/13/2016

Mr.Matisse and His Cutouts.( 3 to 7 )
By : Annemarie van Hearingen
Publisher ; NorthSouth Books (Sept 2016)

A glimpse of Henry Matisse`s world is presented to children with some gorgeous illustrations,complimented by a few lines of narration.This introduction will surely send the readers to learn more about the artist and his work. However there is more to this book than Mr. Matisse`s work ; among it`s vibrant colors, his story has a wonderful inspirational message for young readers.

Mr.Matisse loved his colors and brushes. His colors gave joy to everyone. Then one day he felt very sick and had to undergo a major operation. He had to stay in the hospital for a long time. He missed his colors and paint too much that he asked his assistant to bring those into his plain white hospital room, but "the sheets weren't smooth and taut like canvas and the walls and ceiling were far away" Mr.Matisse did not give up, -with a pair of scissors and a bag of croissants- he found an alternative method to continue his art and pleased himself and everyone else with his colorful collage art.

Through Mr. Matisse`s story young readers can easily capture the underlying message of "follow your dreams and never give-up". And the book not only introduces Henry Matisse to young aspiring artists it also encourages them to express their thoughts, maybe with beautiful vibrant colors just like Mr. Matisse.
( With many thanks to NorthSouth Books and Net Galley for the ARC )

Mr.Matisse and His Cutouts

Rainy Day Kate.

6/25/2016

Rainy Day Kate ( 3 to 5 )
By : Lenore Blegvad & Erik Blegvard
Publisher : Margart K. McElderry Books -( March 1988)

A story of a little boy`s shattered day dreams are expressed in this moving tale with eloquence. Rhyming narrations accompanied by tell-tale illustrations will entertain it`s readers and listeners equally.
The story commences with our unnamed protagonist; a little boy taking a phone call to invite a friend called "Kate" for a play date. Then his day dreaming starts, what would they do together when Kate arrives; they would play hide-and-seek, swing on the swing, throw rocks in the creek and have some more fun together. But then, the phone rings.......It`s raining hard, and "Kate cannot come out on such a wet day." "Oh What a big flop." And his thoughts are expressed: "Stop rain stop / I am all alone / Alone with me / Nothing to do / No one to see."
The little boy decides to make a Kate. With some pillows, paper, paints and glue he creates a 'Kate', dresses her up, and then it`s party time! All the toys and the cat join in for the fun.
A tale many kids can relate themselves to, is explored with such original creativity, written in simple, appealing language. Colorful illustrations are expressive and offers tranquility.Wet looking water color settings create the ideal rainy atmosphere. This is one of the books that my little boy wants to hear over and over again. I came across this little treasure in a used book store and I am not sure if this is still available in the market. A book that would save a rainy day!
The book "Anna Banana and Me" is another beautiful creation by Lenore & Eric Blegvard.