MotherReader

Well, here we are at the end of the ABC Giveaway! I’ve had fun putting it together, and I hope that you’ve enjoyed the book suggestions and storytime ideas. But now it’s time to close up shop and announce our winners, who were selected by random numbers generated at Random.org.

Winning the books reviewed throughout the ABC Giveaway series is Karen, a children’s librarian in Utah who gave some wonderful book suggestions for future alphabet storytimes.

Winning the second ABC set of Cybils-nominated books is Katie, a school librarian in Baltimore, Maryland, who blogs at Book Love.

And for commenting on every single ABC Giveaway post, a bonus prize of five Cybils-nominated titles goes to Aaron, an illustrator from Michigan, who blogs at Bookie Woogie and Chicken Nugget Lemon Tooty.

Congratulations to you all! Please drop me a line at MotherReader AT gmail DOT com so that I can arrange shipping for your prizes.

Thanks again to everyone for playing along and promoting the giveaway. Maybe we can do it again sometime next year. For now, I need to concentrate on the holiday season — maybe share some Christmas book favorites or add more Ways to Give a Book. I have mentioned that I’ve worked hard to make your holiday shopping easier by pairing MotherReader-approved books with other gift ideas — often including links to the actual gifts — which I’ve selected from Amazon for price, appeal, and age-appropriateness, right? Yeah, I probably said something about that. Let me also make it clear that I get a small referral fee if those items or any other items are purchased at Amazon if you come from this site, and that little bit of income helps to support this website and giveaways. So, you know, shop away!

You have until Tuesday, December 14, at 9:00 p.m. EST to enter to win twenty-five picture books with the ABC Giveaway. After that time, I will close all comments and pick the winners to be announced on Wednesday, December 15th. I hope that even if you don’t win the books, I have given you some ideas for titles and storytimes in your own library, classroom, or home. As planned, I’m finishing up the ABC Giveaway with combined letters, because finding a book for X is simply too much work and I’m kind of ready to be done now. Thanks again for following and for all of your wonderful book suggestions. Let’s do this again sometime!

Yasmin’s Hammer
by Ann Malaspina, illustrated by Doug Ghayka

Yasmin and her family live in Bangladesh, and each day she and her little sister go to work breaking bricks to be used in concrete. They used to live in the countryside, but flooding took everything they owned and forced the family to the city to make a living. The girls can’t go to school because their income is needed, but Yasmin longs to be able to read. Working especially hard with her hammer, she is able to put away a few coins to purchase one book — and this one book inspires the whole family to put their greatest effort towards sending the girls to school. Yasmin’s rural life is described with a peaceful tranquility, but the city is also seen with a positive light as bustling and lively. There is harshness, certainly, in their boss and the slum houses. But there is also kindness in the shopkeeper who accepts too little money for a precious book and in the sacrifice of the parents. While conveying the deep poverty of the characters, the story keeps the focus on aspiration, industry, and family. The bright colors of the engaging illustrations reinforce this not as a tale of bleakness, but of hope. While the text and length would be fine for a preschool audience, the topic is little serious for storytimes, but it is perfect for elementary school classroom or library reading times to share a greater world view.

First Come the Zebra
by Lynne Barasch

As a Maasai boy follows the herd to a new home, he meets the boy of a local farmer. Traditional conflicts between the nomadic Maasai and the farming Kikuyu cause the boys to take an immediate dislike to each other. But in an emergency, the boys work together to save a young child, and in doing so find a path to friendship. The story of conflict and resolution is universal, even if the Kenyan setting is unfamiliar to readers, and makes this a wonderful book to share with children. The message seems a bit strong, but the uniqueness of the situation in the story supersedes that minor flaw. The illustrations are delicate watercolors that find the most beauty in the scenes of wildlife. (Honestly, I could just cut out and frame the spread of the zebras crossing the grasslands.) The book would be a fine choice for preschool or elementary storytimes, classroom or individual reading. Oh, by the way, this was a nominee for last year’s Cybils, but it was too perfect a choice not to include it today.

Consider giving one or both of these books along with a donation to Global Movement for Children or look for more Ways to Give a Picture Book or over a hundred other Ways to Give a Book this holiday season.

Song: “The Alphabet Song”

Book: Appaloosa Zebra, by Jessie Haas

Song: “The X Song”

(to the tune of “Where is Thumbkin?”)

Where is X?
Where is X?
Here I am.
Here I am.
How are you today X?
Very well, I thank you.
X away, X away.

(The first time you sing the song, cross your fingers to form the letter X. The second time, cross your arms.)

Book: The Yellow Tutu, by Kirsten Bramsen

Song: “Let’s Give a Yell for Y”

(to the tune of “The Farmer in the Dell”)

Let’s give a yell for Y,
Let’s give a yell for Y.
Y is for you and for yellow too,
Let’s give a yell for Y

Yarn begins with Y...
Yawn begins with Y...

Book: Zee, by Michel Gay

Fingerplay: “Zebras in the Zoo”

(counting on fingers)

Five zebras in a zoo
The first one said, I need new shoes
The second said, I do too
The third one said, My name is Sue
The fourth one said, It’s nice to meet you
The fifth one said, How do you do?

Book: One Night in the Zoo, by Judith Kerr

You can still win twenty-five picture books for yourself or your school. Learn more about the ABC Giveaway.

Willow’s Whispers
by Lana Button, illustrated by Tania Howells

Willow has a lot to say — she just can’t seem to say it loud enough. When it’s time to speak up to get a seat at the table or the right kind of juice, Willow only manages a whisper. With her father’s unconditional support, Willow comes up with a solution. A handmade magic microphone allows her to find her loud voice — and also to find out that she doesn’t even need a microphone after all. The charming story is illustrated with simple cartoon characters against a white background, keeping the focus on the message. This book would be great in classroom and preschool settings, including storytimes, or with a special quiet child waiting to find that strong voice within.

Give this book with a Magic Mic or look for more Ways to Give a Picture Book or over a hundred other Ways to Give a Book this holiday season.

Book: Wake Up, City, by Susan Verlander

Book: Walk On! A Guide for Babies of All Ages, by Marla Frazee, or Night Walk, by Jill Newsome

Song: “This is the Way We Walk to School”

This is the way we walk to school,
Walk to school, walk to school,
This is the way we walk to school,
So early in the morning.

This is the way we wiggle to school…
This is the way we whoosh to school…

Book: Whoosh Went the Wind! by Sally Derby

Song: “Blow, Blow, Blow the Wind”

Blow, blow, blow, the wind
Gently through the trees.

Blow, and blow, and blow, and blow.

How I like a breeze!
Blow, blow, blow the clouds,
Blow them through the sky.
Blow, and blow, and blow, and blow.
Watch the clouds roll by!

Book: A Weekend with Wendell, by Kevin Henkes

Song: “Days of the Week”

(to the tune of “Oh My Darling”)

Sunday, Monday

Tuesday, Wednesday

Thursday, Friday, Saturday

Sunday, Monday
Tuesday, Wednesday

Thursday, Friday, Saturday

Book: Whistle for Willie, by Ezra Jack Keats

Alternate Books: Diary of a Wombat, by Jackie French, or Wombat Walkabout, by Carol Diggory Shields

You can still win twenty-five picture books for yourself or your school. Learn more about the ABC Giveaway.

Lily’s Victory Garden
by Helen L. Wilbur, illustrated by Robert Gantt Steele

During World War II, the government encourages citizens to plant Victory Gardens to ease the strain on food resources, and Lily really wants to participate. She is too young to get a plot in the town square, but bravely asks a neighbor if she can use part of their garden. That family has lost a son in the war, and has not tended their own garden of late, but reluctantly lets Lily work there. As she gets better at gardening, she also brings a bit of joy back to the grieving mother. Life comes again. The soft watercolors reflect the quiet tone of the book. It’s not an ideal choice for storytime, but would work nicely in a classroom setting and as a picture book for older children.

Give this book with seeds and gardening tools or look for more Ways to Give a Picture Book or over a hundred other Ways to Give a Book this holiday season.

Book: The Ugly Vegetables, by Grace Lin

Book: This is the Van that Dad Cleaned, by Lisa Campbell Ernst

Song: “The Wheels on the Van”

(Yeah, “The Wheels on the Bus” song adapted as needed.)

Book: The Village of Basketeers, by Lynda Gene Rymond

Book: Violet’s Music, by Angela Johnson

Book: Zin! Zin! Zin! A Violin, by Lloyd Moss

Song: “What Begins with V?”

(to the tune of “The Farmer in the Dell”)

What begins with V?
What begins with V?
We all know, we’ll tell you so.
What begins with V?

Violin begins with V.
Violin begins with V.
We all know, we’ll tell you so.
Violin begins with V.

(and so on)

Alternate Books: Violet the Pilot, by Steve Breen, or Odd Velvet, by Mary Whitcomb

You can still win twenty-five picture books for yourself or your school. Learn more about the ABC Giveaway.

Today I’m posting both U and V, because I thought that I had them combined in one storytime. As it turns out, I didn’t and I certainly don’t want to smoosh my storytimes together based on my need to post both today... and that’s why you’re getting two posts today. The end.

Bear in Underwear
by Todd H. Doodler

A bear who is bare finds a bag of underwear. He tries on different kinds — some are too big, some are too small — to find the tighty whitey ones are just right. Of course, then all his forest friends want underwear too, and fortunately there is something for everyone. Hooray! There is no moral of the story here, no higher purpose than inviting giggles, starting with the cover itself with its insert of soft underpants. The bright, sharp cartoon illustrations would make this easy to share at storytime — though I kind of dare you to do so. I’m actually laughing as I imagine the scene. The book will be a hit in sharing one-on-one, undoubtably.

I suppose you could give this book with special underwear for the holidays, though that seems wrong. It would be the perfect gift for beginning potty training, as it doesn’t talk about potty training at all, but focuses on the prize — real underwear. Anyway, look for more Ways to Give a Picture Book or over a hundred other Ways to Give a Book this holiday season.

Book: The Umbrella Party, by Janet Lunn

Song: “Rain, Rain”

Book: What’s Up, What’s Down? by Lola M. Schaefer

Rhyme: “Up and Down”

Put your arms up
Put your arms down
Put them through the middle
Move them all around
One arm to the left
One arm to the right
Give someone a hug
And hold on tight.

Book: I Wished for a Unicorn, by Robert Heidbreder

Rhyme: “Five Little Unicorns”

Five little unicorns playing in the sun
The first one said, “I’m having lots of fun.”
The second one said, “See my shiny horn?”
The third one said, “Of course, you’re a unicorn.”
The fourth one said, “I am as white as snow.”
The fifth one said, “So are we, you know.”

Book: The Ugly Truckling, by David Gordon

Song: “What Begins with U?”

(to the tune of “The Farmer in the Dell”)

What begins with U?
What begins with U?
We all know, we’ll tell you so.
What begins with U?

Umbrella begins with U.
Umbrella begins with U.
We all know, we’ll tell you so.
Umbrella begins with U.

Unicorn begins with U…

Up begins with U…

You can still win twenty-five picture books for yourself or your school. Learn more about the ABC Giveaway.

Gracias*Thanks
by Pat Mora, illustrated by John Parra

In poetic text, a boy conveys his thanks to the things that make his day — make every day — special. There is gratitude for both family — like the mother who finds his homework in the trash — and nature: “For the ladybug that landed on my finger, a little red flying surprise, thanks.” While the bilingual book demonstrates thankfulness for the big things, the message is conveyed in the smaller ways these things are seen in daily life. The childlike viewpoint keeps away the clichés that could easily appear in a such a book, and the bright, engaging illustrations spotlight beauty in the ordinary. The artwork joyfully portrays Hispanic culture without establishing a specific setting and features a diverse group of family and friends. An absolutely perfect book to share in the classroom, library, preschool, or home.

Give this book with a journal to record all the things the child is thankful for or look for more Ways to Give a Picture Book or over a hundred other Ways to Give a Book this holiday season.

Book: Duck in the Truck, by Jez Alborough, or The Old Blue Pickup Truck, by Candice Ransom

Book: Night Train, by Caroline Stutson, or Train Song, by Diane Siebert, or for a totally different take, Shark vs. Train, by Chris Barton

Song: “Down by the Station”

Book: Turtle Splash: Countdown at the Pond, by Catherine Falwell, or Emma’s Turtle, by Eve Bunting

Action Rhyme: “There Was a Little Turtle”

There was a little turtle,
He lived in a box
He swam in a puddle,
He climbed on the rocks.

He snapped at a mosquito,
He snapped at a flea,
He snapped at a minnow,
And he snapped at me.

He caught the mosquito,
He caught the flea,
He caught the minnow,
But he didn’t catch ME!

Book: Miss Spider’s Tea Party, by David Kirk, or The Tiger Who Came to Tea, by Judith Kerr

(This review from the Publishers Weekly of the now-famous Kirk made me laugh: “First-time author Kirk’s rhyming text, with its singsong rhythm and counting motif is slack and predictable, but his illustrations are thoroughly original.”)

Song: “I’m a Little Teapot”

Book: The Teeny Tiny Teacher, by Stephanie Calmenson, or This is the Teacher, by Rhonda Gowler Green

You can still win twenty-five picture books for yourself or your school. Learn more about the ABC Giveaway.

(I apologize. I thought this was scheduled to post yesterday, and forgot to check. My bad.)

All the Seasons of the Year
by Deborah Lee Rose, illustrated by Kay Chorao

A mother’s love follows her son through the seasons, all beautifully described and illustrated. “I love you when winter blows/when wind chills our faces, fingers, toes/when snowflakes glitter the quiet night/and morning greets us all in white...” The two are together sharing activities — raking, sledding, gardening, swimming — and enjoying the season joys. While this is a Mommy Love book, it’s not cloying, as most of the text focuses on the special and uniques aspects of each season. The artwork is delicate, detailed, and just so pretty. The title would work well for a preschool storytime on the seasons, but it is meant to be shared with the special child in your life. Please do so.

Give this book with a handmade coupon book for various seasonal activities — sled ride and cocoa date, for example — or look for more Ways to Give a Picture Book or over a hundred other Ways to Give a Book this holiday season.

Book: Some Smug Slug, by Pamela Duncan Edwards

Rhyme: “Squirrels”

Wisky, frisky, hippity, hop
Up he climbs to the tree top.
Whirly, twirly, round and round
Down he scampers to the ground.
Where’s his supper? In a shell
Snappy, cracky, out it fell.

Book: Scaredy Squirrel or Scaredy Squirrel Makes a Friend, by Melanie Watt

Book: Silly Tilly, by Eileen Spinelli, or Silly Sally, by Audrey Wood

Song: “Shake My Sillies Out”

I’m going to shake, shake, shake my sillies out.
Shake, shake, shake my sillies out.
Shake, shake, shake my sillies out.
And wiggle my waggles away.

I’m going to clap, clap, clap my crazies out.
Clap, clap, clap my crazies out.
Clap, clap, clap my crazies out.
And wiggle my waggles away.

Book: Russell the Sheep, by Rob Scotton

Song: “Baa, Baa, Black Sheep”

Book: Sourpuss and Sweetie Pie, by Norton Juster

You can still win twenty-five picture books for yourself or your school. Learn more about the ABC Giveaway.

How Rocket Learned to Read
by Tad Hills

Rocket is minding his own business, taking a nap under a tree when a yellow bird tries to teach him. Rocket is having none of that, and moves his napping place. But he can’t help but hear as the little bird reads a story and then stops just before the good part! Well, Rocket can’t wait to find out what happened in the book, and then eases into the world of the written word. This could be just another “Reading is Great!” titles, but the author saves it from becoming preachy with gentle humor and endearing illustrations. The book also subtly shares that learning to read is work. Fun work, maybe. Rewarding work, definitely. But that it isn’t a skill picked up overnight. This helpful message makes this book a natural for preschool or school storytimes, and will be just a valuable one-on-one with your own beginning reader.

Give this book with some beginning reader titles or look for more Ways to Give a Picture Book or over a hundred other Ways to Give a Book this holiday season.

Book: Duck? Rabbit! by Amy Krouse Rosenthal, or Rabbit Ears, by Amber Stewart

Fingerplay: “Five Little Rabbits”

Five little rabbits sitting by the door.
One hopped away, and then there were four.

Four little rabbits moved under a tree.
One hopped away, and then there were three.

Three little rabbits drinking morning dew.
One hopped away, and then there were two.

Two little rabbits resting in the sun.
One hopped away, and then there was one.

One little rabbit isn’t any fun.
He hopped away to find the others,
and then there were none.

Book: Rattletrap Car, by Phyllis Root

Book: Rain Drop Splash, by Alvin Tresselt

Song: “Rain, Rain Go Away

Book: Ruby the Copy Cat, by Peggy Rathman, or Ruby’s Wish, by Shirin Yim

Song: “Ram Sam Sam”

A ram sam sam
A ram sam sam
Guli, guli, guli, guli, guli
Ram sam sam...

Book: Hello, Robots, by Bob Staake

Alternate Books: Miss Rumphius, by Barbara Cooney; How to Hide a Crocodile and Other Reptiles, by Ruth Heller

You can still win twenty-five picture books for yourself or your school. Learn more about the ABC Giveaway.

The Queen’s Secret
by Frieda Wishinsky, illustrated by Loufane

A little girls has an obsession with the queen. Not about her jewels or throne or castle, but about her purse. What could she be carrying in her handbag? What could a queen possibly need? When fate tosses her a chance to find out, she is very surprised and in keeping the secret makes a new — and royal — friend. A cute story from Canada where they are still connected with that whole queen thing. The rhyming text was uneven in quality, with the best bits describing the possibilities of what the bag might contain, “A pink velvet cape in case of a chill? A stout walking stick in case of a hill?” The illustrations are bright and friendly, and the book would be fun to share with preschoolers who will enjoy the image of a modern-day queen — and being part of the secret.

Gift this book with a purse craft kit or look for more Ways to Give a Picture Book or over a hundred other Ways to Give a Book this holiday season.

Book: Little Quack, by Lauren Thompson

Song: “Six Little Ducks”

Six little ducks that I once knew,
Fat ones, skinny ones, fair ones too.

Chorus: But the one little duck
with a feather in his back,
He led the others with a
Quack, quack, quack.
Quack, quack, quack!
Quack, quack, quack!
He led the others with a
Quack, quack, quack!

Down to the water they did go.
Wibble, wobble, wibble, wobble to and fro.
(Chorus)

Home from the water they did come,
Wibble, wobble, wibble, wobble, ho-hum-hum.
(Chorus)

(BTW, the tune is here.)

Book: Stella, Queen of the Snow, by Marie-Loise Gay, or Sally Jean, the Bicycle Queen, by Cari Best

Nursery Rhyme: “The Queen of Hearts”

The Queen of Hearts,
She made some tarts,
All on a summer’s day;
The Knave of Hearts,
He stole the tarts,
And took them clean away

Book: Quiet! by Paul Bright

Song: “What Begins with Q?”

What begins with Q?
What begins with Q?
We all know.
We’ll tell you so.
What begins with Q?

Quack begins with Q…

Queen begins with Q…

Quiet begins with Q...

(This is song to the tune of “Farmer in the Dell” and can be used for any letter — but is probably never needed more than when you get to Q.)

Book: QPootle5, by Nick Butterworth, or Quick as a Cricket, by Audrey Wood

You can still win twenty-five picture books for yourself or your school. Learn more about the ABC Giveaway.

Please Take Me for a Walk
by Susan Gal

A precocious puppy pleads for a promenade — perhaps in the park — with a pleasant presentation of the plentiful possibilities. His pitch is perfect, his proposal is pleasing, and his puppy-face is precious. And it’s impossible to pass over a polite “please.” Wow, I didn’t think I was going to make it through that paragraph. You may have wondered why I went all alliteration on you. Honestly, it has been a long day and I’m a little punchy. I can easily recommend this lovely book. With its slight text, engaging illustrations, and diverse neighborhood setting, it would be great for preschool storytimes or at home. Don’t pass this one by.

How about giving this book with a puppy? Ah, kidding. I’m uninspired to find a gift other than one of the stuffed animal variety, so take a look for more Ways to Give a Picture Book or over a hundred other Ways to Give a Book this holiday season.

Book: The Pigeon Wants a Puppy, by Mo Willems

Song: “Puppy in the Window”
(Yes, I changed “doggie” to “puppy.” BTW, the tune is here.)

Book: Time to Say “Please”, by Mo Willems

Song: “Please and Thank You”

Say please and thank you,
They’re called the magic words,
If you want nice things to happen,
They’re the words that should be heard.
Remember please and thank you,
’Cause they’re the magic words.
Use ’em in the morning, noon, and night,
’Cause it’s a great way to be polite!
Please and thank you,
They’re the magic words.
(Yes, it’s the Barney song. Sorry.)

Book: Pigs Make Me Sneeze, by Mo Willems

Fingerplay: “This Little Piggie”

Book: Time to Pee! by Mo Willems — or another Pigeon or Elephant & Piggie book if you want to go with the safer choice.

Alternate Books: If you choose not to go with the all-Mo storytime, here are a few other choices: Pssst! by Adam Rex; Mr. Pusskins and Little Whiskers, by Sam Lloyd; Pilot Pups, by Michelle Meadows; A Penguin Story, by Antoinette Portis

You can still win twenty-five picture books for yourself or your school. Learn more about the ABC Giveaway.

Oscar and the Very Hungry Dragon
by Ute Kraus

TeenReader, your favorite literate teen, strikes again with the “O” review, Oscar and the Very Hungry Dragon. This is the tale of a young boy named Oscar who, against his will and the will of the village, has to go up the mountain and become the annual meal of a very vicious dragon. But using the power of good cooking, Oscar makes the dragon seriously consider whether or not human children are really the tastiest thing in the world.

When it comes to literature, I love it when a book takes the middle way (sounds like a band name, doesn’t it?). It makes the average Joe (like myself) feel like they have a place in literature. The dragon, although he starts this way, is neither a godless killing machine nor a soft mushball. (Let’s face it — the he’s-tough-but-really-kind-and-sweet routine has gotten old.) This book is fun to read and a very neat mix of modern and medieval culture.

For the culinary genies in your gift-receiver, a cooking set would be a lot of fun, or a cuddly dragon for the sweetie pies, or look for more Ways to Give a Picture Book or over a hundred other Ways to Give a Book this holiday season.

Book: My Very Own Octopus, by Bernard Most

Fingerplay: “Open, Shut Them”

Open, shut them, open, shut them.
Give a little clap, clap, clap.
Open, shut them, open, shut them.
Lay them in your lap, lap, lap.
Creep them, crawl them, creep them, crawl them
Right up to your chin, chin, chin.
Open wide your little mouth...
But do not let them in.
(Act out the hand motions.)

Book: Owl Babies, by Martin Waddell, or Little Hoot, by Amy Krouse Rosenthal

Fingerplay: “Five Little Owls”

The first little owl has big, round eyes.
The second little owl is of very small size.
The third little owl can turn her head.
The fourth little owl likes mice, she said.
The fifth little owl flies all around,
And her wing hardly make a single sound.
(Count owls on fingers, and then “fly” hands around.)

Book: Over in the Meadow, by Olive A. Wadsworth (I sing it instead of reading it.)

Book: Some “O” name book like Olivia, by Ian Falconer; Olvina Files, by Grace Lin; Otto Goes to Camp, by Todd Parr; Owen, by Kevin Henkes; or Otis, by Loren Long

You can still win twenty-five picture books for yourself or your school. Learn more about the ABC Giveaway.

Nabeel’s New Pants: An Eid Tale
by Fawzia Gilani-Williams, illustrated by Proiti Roy

TeenReader here, filling in for MotherReader to review the “N” book, Nabeel’s New Pants. It is the story of a man named Nabeel going to buy his family and himself some new clothes for Eid. He buys himselfs a lovely pair of pants — the only drawback being that they are four fingers too long. He is sure that he can find someone to shorten them in time for Eid, but that proves harder that he thought.

This book, aside from being a delightful embarkation into another culture, wouild be enjoyable to read at story time. Nabeel, after buying too-long pants, proceeds to ask his mother to shorten them. When she cannot, I was afraid it was going to become one of those books where the author fills page after page with the same dialogue and substituted names (a feat only achieved successfully in The Grouchy Ladybug). But it managed to pull away well before annoyance ensued and embark on the rest of what so many books lack nowadays: the plot.

This is a great book to read just for fun or to learn a bit about another culture. It would go perfectly with a sewing kit or a pretty set of bangles, or look for more Ways to Give a Picture Book or over a hundred other Ways to Give a Book this holiday season.

Book: The Gift of Nothing, by Patrick McDonnell, or Let’s Do Nothing! by Tony Fucile

Book: Our Nest, by Reeve Lindbergh, or The Perfect Nest, by Catherine Friend

Rhyme: “Little Birdie”

Little birdie in your nest.
Little birdie it’s time to rest.
When the sun comes out to play.
Little birdie — fly away!

Book: The Napping House, by Audrey Wood

Song: “Brother John”

Book: The Longest Night, by Marion Dane Bauer

Book: 1000 Times No, by Tom Warburton (If you’re feeling brave enough to try the numerous ways to say one word in many, many ways.)

You can still win twenty-five picture books for yourself or your school. Learn more about the ABC Giveaway.

Maneki Neko: The Tale of the Beckoning Cat
by Susan Lendroth, illustrated by Kathryn Otoshi

In long-ago Japan, a cat came to the home of a poor monk. Though he had very little food to spare, he couldn’t resist the sweet cat and they shared a home. One night the cat was stuck outside in a storm as a samurai was riding seeking refuge. He saw her shape against the shrine, and with her paw raised it seemed that she was beckoning to him. He stayed that night with the gentle monk, and in gratitude bestowed riches on him and his poor village. This story of Maneki Neko, the beckoning cat, is apparently well-known as evidenced by the many, many tributes to the cat in statues made in Japan. It just so happens that I’d never heard it, and as such my mind is now blown because all I can see is instances of this beckoning cat image that I never realized were like, a thing. This particular picture book lays out the story very nicely, with expression and dramatic tension — and even a lesson in graciousness and gratitude. The illustrations are also lovely, with soft colors and gentle landscapes. The story would translate well not only to preschoolers but to early elementary kids as well, either in a storytime or one-on-one. Wonderful book.

It was when I started looking for a gift pairing for this title that I realized the prevalence of the legend. Try searching “beckoning cat” if you doubt me. Consider giving this book with an adorable bank or look for more Ways to Give a Picture Book or over a hundred other Ways to Give a Book this holiday season.

Book: The Grumpy Morning, by Pamela Duncan Edwards, or Good Morning Sam, by Marie-Louise Gay

Song: “Good Morning Song”

Book: Five Little Monkeys with Nothing to Do, by Eileen Christelow

Rhyme: “Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed”

Book: Jeremy Draws a Monster, by Peter McCarty

Song: “Horns, Fangs”
(sung to “Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes”)

Horns, fangs,
knees and claws,
knees and claws.
Horns, fangs,
knees and claws,
knees and claws.
Eyes and ears and tail and paws.
Horns, fangs,
knees and claws,
knees and claws.

Book: The Magical Mystical Marvelous Coat, by Catherine Ann Cullen
(Man, I love this book.)

You can still win twenty-five picture books for yourself or your school. Learn more about the ABC Giveaway.

Library Mouse: A World to Explore
by Daniel Kirk

Hey, Library Mouse has a friend! And she’s a cutie. As he’s looking over the bookshelves, she’s parachuting from the high shelves. She knows about adventure, he knows about research, and together they bring out the best in each other. Incorporated into the story are messages about the value of research and books, certainly, but also about the value of getting outside the comfort zone and exploring the world around us. This may be one of the first picture books I’ve read where I’m primed for the sequel with the line, “‘We didn’t have to leave the library,’ Sarah said with a twinkle in her eye, ‘but just think of the books you could write if you really got to see the world! What do you say we take a little research trip?’” Whoa, slow down, honey. You just met the boy. Kidding — it’s a cute book illustrated with the great Kirk style.

I don’t have a way to give this book with a present, though I do think that it would make a good gift to your school or preschool library. Look for more Ways to Give a Picture Book or over a hundred other Ways to Give a Book this holiday season.

Book: Leonardo the Terrible Monster, by Mo Willems

Book: Lost and Found, by Oliver Jeffers, or Russell and the Lost Treasure, by Rob Scotton

Rhyme: “Little Bo Peep”

Book: One Little Lamb, by Elaine Greenstein

Song: “Mary Had a Little Lamb”

Book: Lizzy’s Do’s and Don’ts, by Jessica Harper, or Library Lion, by Michelle Knudsen (better for older preschoolers and up)

Book: Ladybug Girl, by David Soman, or The Grouchy Ladybug, by Eric Carle

Song: “Ladybug’s Picnic”

Whenever I come to the letter L, I have to face that strange ladybug rhyme. I mean, “Your house is on fire”? What is that all about? So instead, I’m substituting this Sesame Street song, which pokes fun of the rhyme with its line “They talked about the high price of furniture and rugs and fire insurance for ladybugs.” (Watch and learn the song below.)

I apologize for the lengthy break in the ABC Giveaway. I didn’t expect that my holiday weekend would be so consumed with extended family that I wouldn’t have time or energy to blog. Or think, for that matter. I had always planned to put up a new Ways to Give a Book, but had thought I’d be doing the actual work for it over the long weekend. Because apparently I allow myself to forget what family visits are like — perhaps out of self-preservation.

Anyway, I combined the letters J and K because I never did an actual storytime for either, so I was kind of working from scratch. Also, I don’t have Cybils-nominated books for either letter — at least that I’ve received yet — so I’m highlighting two school-themed picture books that I’ve reviewed before.

Jake Starts School
by Michael Wright

When we last saw Jake, his parents were trying to get him to sleep by going everywhere around the house with him. Well, Jake is still having separation issues at school, where he cannot let go of his parents. He literally clings to them through the whole day, making the seesaw hard and bathroom breaks impossible. The teacher is finally able to engage him with a book with the same name as his dog, and Jake finds his school groove. Bright and wacky illustrations fit the silly — and sometimes strained — rhyming text. (“There it was, Room Number 1/where Jake would join his class./It looked so big, he felt so small,/he passed a little gas.”) I can’t call this my favorite book, but kids will enjoy the silly take on starting school.

Kindergarten Cat
by J. Patrick Lewis, illustrated by Alice Busby

The kindergarteners come to school to find that their room has its own cat — and what a smart kitty she is! She may not know her colors or numbers, but she listens to the teacher’s lessons and responds. And boy, is she cute. While many books approach kindergarten with a list of all the things kids do, this slight story allows the reader to see what happens in a more natural way. The illustrations are engaging with a childlike feel, rich colors, and a diverse class. The rhyming couplets seem a bit strained, but it’s unlikely to bother the target audience, who will be thrilled with the idea of a cat in a classroom as even a remote possibility.

Consider giving these books with fun school supplies like a Hello Kitty set or some scented markers, or look for 105 other ways to give a book and 45 ways to give a picture book.

Book: This is the House that Jack Built, by Simms Taback

Rhyme: “Jack and the Candlestick”

Jack be nimble, Jack be quick
Jack jump over the candlestick.

Book: One, Two, Three... Jump! by Penelope Lively

Book: I Love You, Blue Kangaroo, by Emma Chichester Clark

Fingerplay: “The Brown Kangaroo”

The brown kangaroo is very funny
She leaps and runs and hops like a bunny
(two fingers up and hop)
And on her stomach is a pocket so wide
(place other hand on tummy)
Her baby can jump in and go for a ride
(first hand jumps into “pocket”)

Book: Katie Loves the Kittens, by John Himmelman

Fingerplay: “Five Little Kittens”

Five little kittens standing in a row
(hold up five fingers)
They nod their heads to the children so
(bend fingers)
They run to the left, they run to the right
(run fingers to the left and then to the right)
They stand up and stretch in the bright sunlight
(stretch fingers out tall)
Along comes a dog who’s in for some fun
(hold up one finger from opposite hand)
MEOW! See those little kittens run!
(let fingers run)

Alternate Books: A Kiss Like This, by Catherine Anholt; Jumpy Jack and Googily, by Meg Rosoff, and Knuffle Bunny, by Mo Willems.

Go here for more on how to win twenty-five picture books in the ABC Giveaway.

I’ve decided not have ABC Giveaway posts on Thanksgiving or Black Friday, but I will be reposting my 105 Ways to Give a Book list — so come by and do your holiday online shopping with a little help from your MotherReader.

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I Dream of an Elephant
by Ami Rubinger

Color is the name of the game in this book. Well, color and rhyme. Lively elephants dance through the pages with participatory rhymes like, “Jumping and playing the whole morning through! I dream of an elephant whose color is...” Yeah, just keep yourself from saying “Blue!” in your head. The pages also give a huge hint as to what color is requested, which makes this a better book for toddlers. The one small surprise is how the author will handle the orange elephant, since it is notably hard to work the phrase “door hinge” at the end of a rhyme. The illustrations are cute and colorful, as one might expect for a book about colors, and a fun choice for storytime or a bedtime read.

Okay, this book is a bit of cheat for a letter I storytime, but it was nice to be able to include a book of colors and a book that could also be used for E (for elephant). Also, I’m reviewing the books that I was sent for the Cybils — as opposed to those I borrowed from the library — so that I am able to give them away. With this in mind, I’ll direct you to another title for older kids and maybe adults, and for possible gift-giving, and that is Instructions, by Neil Gaiman. You may have read his poem that offers instructions based on fairy tales — instructions that have meaning in real life. “Touch the wooden gate in the wall you never saw before...” Give this with a book of classic fairy tales. You know what? Let’s stop for a moment before the rest of “The Letter I” for the video, which includes the entire book and the poem as read by Neil Gaiman. You’re welcome.



Book: Ish, by Peter H. Reynolds

Book: Incredible Me! by Kathi Appelt

Song: “What Begins with I?”

(to the tune of “The Farmer in the Dell”)

What begins with I? What begins with I?
We all know, we’ll tell you so.
What begins with I?

Ice begins with I...
Islands begins with I...

Book: My Name Is Not Isabella, by Jennifer Fosberry

Book: An Island in the Sun, by Stella Blackstone

Song: “The Waves on the Island”

(to the tune of “The Wheels On the Bus”)

The waves on the island go up and down...
The crabs on the island crawl back and forth...
The clams on the island will open and shut...
the lobsters on the island go snap, snap, snap...
(Hand motions can follow the directions of the song.)

Alternate Books: Iggy Peck, Architect, by Andrea Beaty; Isla, by Arthur Doros; and Ice Cream Bear, by Jez Alborough.

Alpha Oops!: H is for Halloween
by Alethea Kontis, illustrated by Bob Kolar

Yes, it’s an ABC book, but not in alphabetical order. This time H goes first to set the stage — and stage would be the right word here — for Halloween words. The letters themselves portray the words or concepts, so you’ll find the letter P with an eyepatch and sword and D with horns and forked tail (see, they’re a pirate and a devil!). Along with the spooky, Halloween-themed words, the reader enjoys some backstage banter among the characters. Bright illustrations make this fun to share, but know your audience before you blurt out “U for Undead.” Just fair warning.

It feels strange to review a Halloween book just before Thanksgiving, but for the purposes of the ABC Giveaway I wanted to put together a mini-library for year-round entertainment. Plus, if you start ABC Storytime at the beginning of a school year, you will probably hit the letter H around Halloween, so it works. Moving on.

Yeah, there is no easy way to give this book as a gift this holiday season, so just check out 105 other ways to give a book.

Book: Harry’s Home, by Catherine and Lawrence Anholt

Fingerplay: “Houses”

Here is a nest for robin
(Cup your hands.)
Here is a hive for bee
(Put your fists together.)
Here is a hold for bunny
(Form a circle with your hands.)
And here is a house for me.
(Form a peak with your hands.)

Book: Happy Bees, by Al Yorinks

Song: “If You’re Happy and You Know It”

Book: I Call My Hand Gentle, by Amanda Haan

Fingerplay: “Open, Shut Them”

Book: Hamsters to the Rescue, by Ellen Stoll Walsh

Rhyme: “Hickory Dickory Dock”

Hickory, Dickory Dock
The hamster ran up the clock.
The clock struck one
And down he run.
Hickory, Dickory Dock.
(I tell them I’m replacing the traditional mouse with a hamster.)

Alternate Books: Little Hoot, by Amy Krouse Rosenthal; Hiding Hoover, by Elise Broach; Hungry Hen, by Richard Waring

Go here for more on how to win twenty-five picture books in the ABC Giveaway.

Goodnight, Little Monster
by Helen Ketteman, illustrated by Bonnie Leick

This is a typical bedtime book with bath, snack, and favorite toy in bed. Well, typical except for the fact that bath includes a debugging, snack is worm juice — now with fresh worms! — and monster’s favorite lovely is a stuffed slug. The cuteness of the little monster himself provides a great contrast to the creepier, gross-out elements tucked into the illustrations — like the bowl of “candy” that is instead... um, eyeballs. The rhymes make for a fun read-aloud, though the boys will be scrambling over each other to get a closer view of the pictures. Also a fun and different bedtime book for your own little monster.

Consider giving this book with an Ugly Doll — this is just one of the many weird-cute varieties — or look for 105 other ways to give a book.