The Cloud Spinner by Michael Catchpool; illustrated by Alison Jay - Hardcover - Random House

The Cloud Spinner by Michael Catchpool; illustrated by Alison Jay - Hardcover - Random House is a wonderful new book that teaches children  to not be greedy.   I love this story of a a little boy who weaves beautiful clothes out of clouds but never uses too many clouds until he is asked to do more.  This is a wonderful story of how excess can be destruct.  Michael Catchpool weaves (pun intended) a magical new fable that teaches without being preachy. As for the illustrations  I have  said this before but I am a huge fan of Alison Jay.   I just love her illustrations and these do not disappoint.   I really love her color palette and the way she complements the text.   This is a must have new classic ----for everyone.

Huff & Puff by Claudia Rueda

Huff & Puff by Claudia Rueda is one of those books that made me look twice.   The second I saw these cute little pigs staring at me I instantly broke out into a smile.   When I looked at it closely I was thrilled to see it was a fun retelling of a classic fairy tale.   Not only is this a sweet story but it is interactive too.  I would love to sit and read this with a child on my lap....to ask them to act like the wolf and "huff & puff"...would be so cute.   I can even see reading this at story time.   The end of the book is sure to induce claps and squeals....a great new read aloud for even the littlest one in your life.

Meet Me at the Moon by Gianna Marino

Stumbled across today's book and was immediately drawn to it.   I loved the title and the cover illustration is precious.

Meet Me at the Moon by Gianna Marino is a sweet story of a mother elephant and her baby.  When the mother leaves to "ask the sky for rain" her baby worries about being alone.   Mama Elephant tells her child in reassuring words that all will be ok....

This is a perfect story for bedtime or story time.   It has a classic feel that is timeless.   This is such a beautifully illustrated and soothing story.

(On a side note the baby elephant is called "Little One"....which is a nickname given to me by a friend...another reason I was drawn to it.)

Perfect new book that is a must have for a child's bookshelf.  It makes a great new baby gift too!

Oh No, George! by Chris Haughton

Came across this book that made me laugh out loud!

Oh No, George! written and illustrated by Chris Haughton is a new book being published this week about a dog named George who tells his owner that he will be "very good" while his owner is out.   The look on his face when he says it is so funny....I love how George then thinks to himself how he "hopes to be good"....but then he sees the cake....and he just LOVES cake....I can understand his dilemma as I too LOVE cake.   Anyway Chris Haughton is now a new favorite illustrator.....I love the quirkiness of his illustrations, the color schemes and the of course how he can convey emotion with just a few brushstrokes. This is a great read aloud at story....a new classic too!

BabyLit board books.....

It seems like I haven't posted in ages.   Life certainly gets in the way.   I discovered today's books because I was looking for something different to write about.    I came across these really cute and eclectic board books.   At first I thought it was kind of silly to make board books out of classic literature....but after looking at them I find them quite charming.   Are they for everyone?  Probably not....but I know of a few parents who would think they are a hoot and fun to read to their kids.

BabyLit from Gibbs Smith publishing has four titles to date:

Alice in Wonderland ,  Jane Eyre, Pride & Prejudice, Romeo & Juliet are written by Jennifer Adams and illustrated by Alison Oliver.   They are by no means a retelling of he classic novels but take images from the stories to teach colors and counting. When I was a buyer of toddler books I would have loved them.   I also knew that they wouldn't be something I could place in all stores.  These clever little books would be put in select stores because they are part of a niche market.   I personally love the illustrations and since I have read all four stories I would understand the images that are presented.  I think they are a great novelty gift for a new mother, especially if she is a reader and lover of literature.   I just think they are a fun way to introduce classics to kids.