[PPBF] Mind Boggling Numbers by Michael J. Rosen (Art by Julia Patton)

Title: Mind Boggling Numbers

Written By:  Michael J. Rosen

Illustrated By: Julia Patton

Published By: Millbrook Press/Lerner, 2016

Genre: Fiction 

Suitable For Ages: 7-11

Themes/Topics: Math Problems/Solving

Opening:  

Dear Ms. Mary Math, 
If I want a piggy bank that can hold a million pennies, how big does it need to be? 
- Super Saver, Sandusky, OH

Brief Synopsis: From the publisher: If you could hike to the moon, how long would it take? Just how many glasses of lemonade would you need to fill an Olympic-size swimming pool? If everyone on Earth owned exactly the same amount of land, how big would your yard be? And how much time would you spend mowing the lawn? Learn the math behind these questions in a hilarious romp through weight, volume, distance and more. The 12 zany scenarios add up to a ton of fun. 

Why I Like This Book: If you're trying to interest kids in math, this book is a big plus! Active and engaging, this book will inspire children to wonder about the "math" of things. I am personally not a big math fan, however, this book and it's equations were unbelievably interesting, AND fun! I don't know which was more interest, the art or the text, so I'll call it even

For MORE about Michael J. Rosen and his books, click here:
http://www.fidosopher.com/Greetings.html

For MORE about Julia Patton and her books, click here:
http://www.juliapatton.co.uk/

For the complete list of books with resources, please visit Perfect Picture Books.

[Board Book] A Review of Birthday Counting by Barbara Barbieri McGrath (Art by Peggy Tagel)

Titlez:Birthday Counting

Written By:  Barbara Barbieri McGrath

Illustrated By: Peggy Tagel

Published By: Charlesbridge Publishing, 2017

Genre: Concept Book / Counting 

Suitable For Ages: 2-4

 Themes/Topics: Counting / Birthdays

Opening:  Welcome to the birthday party! Six colorful balloons help decorate the room. 

Why I Like This Book: In yet another sturdy, quality concept from Charlesbridge with bright colors and engaging art, a child gets to count down from 6 and enjoy a birthday celebration. Just another wonderful board book in their "First Celebrations" collection. These book make perfect shower gifts and/or Grandma visit gifts, or just because I love you gifts for any little one! 

PPBF: Little Red Rolls Away by Linda Whalen (Art by Jennifer E. Morris)

Title: Little Red Rolls Away

Written By:  Linda Whalen

Illustrated By: Jennifer E. Morris

Published By: Sleeping Bear Press, 2017

Genre: Fiction 

Suitable For Ages: 4-8

Themes/Topics: Change / Uncertainty / Fear / Loss  

Opening:  

The little red barn creaked awake. 

He listened for Rooster's crow, 

Piglet's squeal, and Bossy Cow's moo. 

Brief Synopsis: From the publisher: When Little Red Barn wakes one morning, he finds hi animal friends have gone. He's empty and alone. And then big noisy machines lift him up and put him on a truck. As Little Red is transported across the countryside, down a major river, and through city streets, he feels anxious and a little afraid Where is he going? who will be there when he reaches his destination? When Little Red does finally reach his home in a surprising location, he finds things are even better than before. The story of the little barn's relocation and adjustment to a new place will reassure and comfort young readers facing changes in their own lives. 

Why I Like This Book: From the beginning, little listeners and readers will be hooked by the mystery of where Little Red's friends have gone and will gladly follow sweet Little Red along on his journey. In addition to being an adventurous book with a satisfying ending (and wonderful art), Little Red offers a good example of how to cope and be open to change. I enjoyed this book on many levels and kids will too! 

For MORE about Linda Whalen and her books, click here:
http://www.lindaslines.com/

For the complete list of books with resources, please visit Perfect Picture Books.

[PPBF] A CAT IS BETTER by Linda Joy Singleton (Art by Jorge Martin)

 Title: A Cat is Better

Written By:  Linda Joy Singleton

Illustrated By: Jorge Martin

Published By: Little Bee Books / Bonnier, 2017

Genre: Fiction 

Suitable For Ages: 4-8

Themes/Topics: Cat and Dogs / Comparisons

Opening:  

Congratulations! 

I'm your new cat. 

I'm the perfect pet for you.

You may take me home now.  

Brief Synopsis: From the publisher: What makes cats better than dogs? Is it how gracefully they leap through air? How much smarter they are than dogs? How much more musical and cleaner they are? Or is it how good they are at making you think they're all these things? Find out why cats are the purrfect pets in this fantastically funny picture book. 

Why I Like This Book: First and foremost because who doesn't like a cat with attitude? Through humorous delivery, this confident cat highlights all the best reasons to own a cat, and when he runs out of comparisons, comes to a surprising result. This well-written picture book has re-readability and cute, but funny illustrations that help drive cat's points home. 

For more about Linda Joy Singleton and her books, visit:
http://www.lindajoysingleton.com/

For the complete list of books with resources, please visit Perfect Picture Books.

BOARD BOOK REVIEW: Baby's First Book of Birds & Colors by Phyllis Limbacher Tildes

Title: Baby's First Book of Birds & Colors

Written and Illustrated By:  Phyllis Limbacher Tildes

Published By: Charlesbridge Publishing, 2017

Genre: Concept Book / Counting 

Suitable For Ages: 2-4

 Themes/Topics: Counting / Birds

Opening:  Red (scarlet tanager - Male) 

Why I Like This Book: The quality concept book is absolutely stunning and the art engaging. With its color words AND bird words it actually appeals to a wide variety of ages and let's be honest, even adults who are interested in birds and plants. I actually leafed through it again to count how many of the birds I have come across in my life. A wonderful, colorful and sturdy first book of birds for baby (and parent). 

[Board Book] PARADE COLORS by Barbara Barbieri McGrath (Art by Peggy Tagel)

Title: Parade Colors

Written By:  Barbara Barbieri McGrath

Illustrated By: Peggy Tagel

Published By: Charlesbridge Publishing, 2017

Genre: Concept Book / Colors

Suitable For Ages: 2-4

Themes/Topics: Colors / Celebration / Patriotism 



Opening:  

The parade has begun!

Here comes the big red fire engine. 

Synopsis/Blurb (From the Publisher): Prepare your baby to celebrate their first patriotic holiday with all that a parade entails. Readers will encounter things from a marching band to Uncle Sam and everything in between with this vibrant and colorful board book!

Available Now!

Why I Like This Book: The quality concept book will appeal to little patriots who love vibrant colors and fun nouns. Parents will love that it encourages focus and provides a conversation started at the end. A great gift to introduce little ones to a parade! 

BOARD BOOK REVIEW: The Very Berry Counting Book by Jerry Pallotta (Art by Joy Newton)

Title: The Very Berry Counting Book

Written By:  Jerry Pallotta

Illustrated By: Joy Newton

Published By: Charlesbridge Publishing, 2017

Genre: Concept Book / Counting

Suitable For Ages: 2-4

Themes/Topics: Counting / Fruit / Fruity Adjectives


Opening:  

1 one yummy raspberry


Why I Like This Book: The quality concept book will appeal to the very berry sweetest of little ones who love to count and eat fruit. As they listen or read, and listen or read again, they'll learn fun words to describe the things that they eat. It makes a great addition to a summer activity basket to keep little ones busy! 

PPBF: Maddie the Mitzvah Clown by Karen Rostoker-Gruber (Art by Christine Grove)

Title: Maddie the Mitvah Clown

Written By:  Karen Rostoker-Gruber

Illustrated By: Christine Grove

Published By: Apples & Honey Press, 2016
                           A division of Berman House and
                           Gefen Publishing House

Genre: Fiction 

Suitable For Ages: 4-8

Themes/Topics: Overcoming Shyness / Commandments (Judaism) 

Opening:  

Maddie was shy. So shy, that she felt she couldn't ask the waiter for extra cheese at her favorite restaurant.  

So shy, that she couldn't raise her hand at school, even if she knew the answer. 

And when she went to visit Grandma at the senior home, she couldn't talk to Grandma's friends. 

Brief Synopsis: From the publisher: Shy Maddie discovers that with the right costume and training from Giggles the Clown, she can make Grandma and her friends at the nursing home laugh. 

Why I Like This Book: I absolutely love both the story and art portrayed in this book and recommend it highly for children of any religion. Maddie has a universal problem and finds an absolutely clever and inspiring way to over come her character flaw. She is a believable and engaging character who many children will be able to identify with. While this satisfying and brightly-illustrated story nods to the Jewish faith in that Maddie does a mitzvah (good deed done as a religious duty), the plot boils down to a child wanting to overcome her shyness and make her Grandmother and friends laugh. 

It is no surprise to me that PJ Library has recently commissioned 20,000 of this wonderful book to be shared with Jewish families across the U.S. It's an absolutely wonderful book and everyone should take the time to read it, Jewish or not! 

For MORE about Karen Rostoker-Gruber and her books, click here:
http://www.karenrostoker-gruber.com/about/

For the complete list of books with resources, please visit Perfect Picture Books.