A Parade of Elephants by Kevin Henkes

I love love love Kevin Henkes.  His books always make me happy when I see them.
 So when I saw his new book A Parade of Elephants  I could feel the smile creep onto my face.  I have become quite attuned to seeing elephants ever since my great-nephew Ben was born.  His Mom, my niece, chose elephants as her theme and that still continues even though he is almost 4 years old and mostly into skeletons, ninjas and cars.

This new Kevin Henkes book is the perfect bedtime book but also great for story time.  It has counting and colors and action (I'm thinking of the "marching") which is a little bit of what children need to learn while growing.  This is a great new baby book or just a great gift in general.  I can't wait to read it to Ben sometime soon.  

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.

Count 1, 2, 3 With Me by Connie Arnold illustrated by Ginger Nielson

Count 1, 2, 3 With Me by Connie Arnold and illustrated by Ginger Nielson is a cute little rhyming book for the preschool set.  I learned about Connie Arnold when she wrote to me about her first children's book Animal Sound Mix-Up a few years ago.  She has now introduced me to her second children's book.  I like this because it is a great book to read aloud to children and the illustrations are sweet and accessible. I especially love the sleeping "cats".  This is a great way to teach counting to children that can be read over and over again.  This makes a great gift for showers and 1st birthdays...or just something to bring during the holidays when visiting.

Dog in Charge by K.L Going illustrated by Dan Santat

Just the other day I was having a discussion about the differences between dogs and cats.   I think I have mentioned before that I prefer dogs over cats but sometimes cats can be cute (sometimes).

Dog in Charge by K.L. Going and illustrated by Dan Santat is great new book that is a wonderful read aloud.   I love how this book reads.   It is funny and sweet.   Dan Santat's illustrations perfecly match the whimsical  text.  The expressions on "Dog's" face are priceless.   I think this is a great story time book to read with a group of children.   It has phrases to repeat with a little bit of counting too!  A must have new picture book!

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.  

Lyle, Lyle Crocodile: Lyle Walks the Dogs by Bernard Waber illus by Paulis Waber

I have been dog sitting my brother's dog for the past few days.   Little Bear is a cute little Yorkie Poo who is really sweet.   I hate leaving him home when I need to go out.   My sister said "welcome to parenthood".


I love going on walks with him because for a little dog he can really move.   When I saw that Bernard Waber had come out with a new Lyle book about walking dogs I felt it was kismet....I love Lyle!   Lyle has always been one of my favorite characters.   No matter what kind of day I was having as a kid if I read my Lyle book I felt better.   He makes me smile.  

Lyle, Lyle Crocodile: Lyle Walks the Dogs by Bernard Waber and illustrated by Paulis Waber (his daughter) is a great addition to the Lyle series of books.   It is written for the younger child but still captures the character we know and love.   It is a great counting book too!   


When I was in the stores we sometimes did school visits.   I remember going to a school with my co-worker and friend Lindsay where we read Lyle books.   She was a trooper because as I read she sat there dressed as Lyle....it was a very big and heavy costume that was also very hot to wear.   The kids loved it and that made it worthwhile.   


No matter what Lyle is a great classic character and this is a great book to add to the collection.