The Scarcrow's Hat

It takes a very smart chicken to get "The Scarecrow's Hat" by Ken Brown, for her very own nest.

In this story, which reminds me of one of my old favourites, "Hugh Can Do" by Jennifer Armstrong, a chicken compliments Scarecrow on his hat. Yes, but what Scarecrow would really like is a walking stick to lean on. Chicken knows where to find one.... Badger has a walking stick but what he really wants is a ribbon. Chicken knows where to find one.... Do you see the pattern?

There is a whole chain reaction of animals trading what they don't want to get what they do want. And the best part? Chicken is not trading his hat for anything!

Three Bears....... of the Pacific Northwest

There are three bears in this story "Three Bears of the Pacific Northwest" by Marcia and Richard Vaughan but not like in Goldilocks. In this story one bear is black, one is brown and one is blue. Blue? Yes, blue!

It is the beginning of the story, which is set in the Cascade Mountains all the way down to the Pacific Ocean, when a little blue teddy bear bounces and falls out of the window in a traveling RV. This is a disaster as his little boy is asleep and has no idea. Black Bear, just about to cross the road to his favourite berry patch, is willing to help Blue Bear find the RV and home. On their way they wander through a paradise called The Pacific Northwest where all the flora and fauna, that is the plants and animals, become an amusing and educational part of the adventure.

Another book where the pictures are just delightful!

Three by the Sea

First of all the illustrations of "Three by the Sea" by Mini Grey are absolutely wonderful. Look at those faces of these 3 friends.... Cat, Dog and Mouse. How can you not love this book?

The 3 are happily ensconced in a hut by the sea each with his own special contributions to the household. The dog tended to the garden..... of bones, the cat took care of the housework.... but usually slept instead and the mouse who cooked.... did you say cheese????

Until one night when a stranger arrived announcing they were the winners of a visit from.... the Winds of Change. Our stranger began to stir up trouble... mentioning the garden of bones was odd - no veggies, pointing out the cat was sleeping a lot and simply asking if they had cheese fondue every single night? Well of course this got our friends upset with each other but sometimes it takes a crisis to make you really think about what you can do to make things better .... even perfect.

Amazing ....

If you are looking for some outstanding picture books here are the covers of some that I absolutely love!

Miss Tutu's Star

I am not sure what I love best about this book, "Miss Tutu's Star", by Leslea Newman with pictures by Carey Armstrong-Ellis.... the story or the pictures. Just look at that cover!

I love the rhyming ( see I told you I loved rhymes!) but just listen to how this story begins and you will know why.

"Selena was a little girl

Who did not walk so much as twirl

Who did not skip so much as prance

Because Selena loved to dance. "

However after signing up with Miss Tutu, the ballet teacher....

"Selena took some steps with flair

And landed on her derriere.

She sighed and said, I'm such a klutz.

Miss Tutu said, But you've got guts."

And guts she has as well as passion and perseverance till she makes her debut. Watch out!

Rain Brings Frogs

A Little Book of Hope is the sub title of this simple and sweet book "Rain Brings Frogs" by Mayann Cocca-Leffler. I love it because it is about how you look at things and I think we all need to be reminded from time to time to look on the bright side of things.

I know I do.

Let me give you an example;

" When Mom says, I hate rain. Nate says, Rain brings frogs!"

or

"When his sister says, It's so ugly! (about a scarf she has been given) Nate says, It's so warm!"

Get it?

What the Ladybird Heard

"What the Ladybird Heard" is a sweet story by Julia Donaldson about a ladybird who saves the day! I can hear you asking yourself.... HOW? Can a ladybird loudly moo or cluck like the other farm animals who are her friends? Can she hiss or quack or oink or baa?

Nooooo but, after she hears two thieves who are intent on stealing the prize cow, she makes a plan and her very quiet whisper has all the animals helping to fool the thieves.

Lovely to read aloud with all the rhymes... I do love rhymes...