Have You Seen My Dragon? written and illustrated by Steve Light

Have You Seen My Dragon? by Steve Light is one of my favorite new books of this year.  I love the pen and ink drawings with he spots of colors. It reminds me of my childhood books with it's retro look. It also reminds me of walking in the city with my father....we would walk so fast my feet didn't seem to touch the ground.  I remember so well the steam coming from the manhole covers....I sort of wish my Dad had the thought to tell me it was "dragon's breath. I do so love a good "dragon" story.  This is one of the cleverer counting books that I have seen lately that is just as much a story book as it is a "learning" book.  It is the kind of book that parents and children can read together over and over again. It is a must have book for the adventurous and inquisitive child in your life.

Outside the Box: A Book of Poems by Karma Wilson illustrated by Diane Goode

I was looking for something new to write about for Poetry Month that was fun to read.  There are so many new and wonderful poetry books but nothing was striking my fancy.  That is until I came across today's book.  At first I thought it was a new Shel Silverstein but on closer look I saw that it was by one of my favorite Picture book authors Karma Wilson.  She writes all those cute Bear books.  

Outside the Box: A Book of Poems by Karma Wilson and illustrated by Caldecott Honor recipient Diane Goode is a homage to the great Shel Silverstein.  They even dedicate the book to him.  While the illustrations might look like a Shel Silverstein book on closer examination they reminded me more of Dr Seuss. The poems  are quirky and refreshing.  They range from funny to poignant and back again. This is the kind of book that can be given to a family that has children of different ages.  The poems are great for grown ups too. This is a must have new poetry book for a child's bookshelf or a teacher's classroom.