Peaceful Poet

The illustrations are my favorite part of this literary work of art.  Kids of all ages will have a great time seeking the hidden images inside the big pictures. No wonder Bryan Collier won the Coretta Scott King award for illustrators.  The story is also excellently told by Laban Carrick Hill through the use of poetry.  Not only does this book offer biographical information about Dave the potter, but it offers a glimpse into slave life in the mid 1800's. It also serves as somewhat of a "How to" guide for making poetry.


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Peas Please

by Keith Baker

Youngun's will love the bright and cheerful illustrations as much as grownups do! Need a little pick me up during the day? Take a peek at any page of LMNO Peas!

Let me start with a positive reference. My 5 year old nephew chose this bright and beautiful book out of a stack of similar picture books. This is the one he wanted to hear.  He asked may questions about the pictures and vocabulary.  His vocabulary now includes the words acrobats, electricians, inventors, miners, unique, voters, yogis, and his new favorite: outlaws!  

Keith Baker uses precious drawings of peas to illustrate this alphabet book that introduces a wide variety of titles for professions, hobbies, and other activities people do. The peas are drawn in all sorts of outfits and poses. As I said earlier, my nephew's favorites were the outlaws. They wear masks and caps and are robbing lots of money from vaults. My nephew is very interested in Star Wars and superheroes right now so these bad guys caught his attention. 

All young children will find peas to admire and appreciate in this delightful book. A must have for every early learning classroom and library. 

Through the Eyes of Mona Lisa

by Ruthie Knapp

Illustrated by Jill McElmurry

This 2010 Kirkus Reviews Best Children's Books winner will hold the attention of any listener. A great way to introduce biographies or point of view to any age level. 


Ruthie Knapp gives readers a Mona Lisa eye's view of her life as a famous painting.  Readers experience her creation, the admiration by many kings of France, Napoleon, and her placement in the Louvre.  However, she is stolen in the middle of the night by an thief who sadly stores her under his oven for two years. Eventually, she is recovered and returned to her home in the Louvre.


The reader will get a true feeling of what it must have been like to be a famous painting in the Louvre.  Mona Lisa comments "Tall people poke their noses up close. I can smell their breath: garlic, coffee, cigars." 


The author includes a brief description of Leonardo Da Vinci as well which could lead to guided inquiries regarding that famous Italian.  


I highly recommend this book for teachers and libraries of all ages. Yes, it is a gorgeous picture book, however, it serves as a wonderful introduction to point of view and biographies for students of any age.

Short Hypnotic Bedtime Story Full of Love

By Eric Metaxas

Illustrated by Nancy Tillman

This book is perfect for those nights when it's late, you need a meaningful, yet short, story to help your child feel loved and ready for sleep.

The illustrations are dreamlike and fantastical.  They are like falling into the peaceful night of a familiar yet far away dream world.

The story itself is repetative and hypnotic until the end when the pace seems to quicken and felt a bit different than the rest of the story.


Although beautiful, not my favorite bedtime story.  However, if I were a parent, I'd keep this one handy for the nights when I need something loving, hypnotic, and short with mesmerizing pictures. A quick and happy read.

Link & Follie

Bink & Gollie by Kate DiCamillo and Alison McGhee

Illustrated by Tony Fucile

In this Theodor Seuss Geisel Award winning book Bink & Gollie are linked by their friendship and folly.  These girls, despite their very different personalities, are typical best friends. They experience great fun together, yet must also deal with their differences. Bink & Gollie demonstrate how two very different personalities can work well together if they seek to understand each other.  

This book will work best for elementary students, however, it could also work for some middle school students. It also might be good for some grown folks I know! 

The authors use three short stories to help readers develop a better understanding of common relationship issues such as compromise, boundaries, and jealousy. The format is particularly enjoyable thanks to the fabulous illustrations.  Picture book meets graphic novel meets cartoon for elementary readers.

The vocabulary is fantastic. There are many ways this book could be used to introduce a variety of lessons related to writing and vocabulary.  

Lesson Plans

It'll Do

City Dog, Country Frog

Written by Mo Willems

Illustrated by Jon J Muth

The illustrations are very nice, however, the story left me wanting and wondering. I got the feeling that Mo's publishers created this book simply because Mo's name is on it.  

It's not a BAD story, it just didn't feel at all like Mo Willems to me. Friendship wasn't treated as he usually treats it. In this story, friendships don't last and aren't very meaningful. A line that is repeated throughout the story in regards to making new friends is "But you'll do." 

Perhaps the story was written to show that acquaintances come and go throughout our lives?

I was left wondering what happened to the frog.  The story just felt weak and incomplete to me.  Sadly, not Mo's best work, however, like I said, I have the feeling he was pressured to publish.  

Kids will like the illustrations, however, I wouldn't invest in this book for my personal or school library.

Stay tuned for my next Mo Willems review!  It's a good one :)  Despite this not so great book, I still adore Mo!

I Love Cloudette!

Cloudette by Tom Lichtenheld

Lesson Plans

Cloudette is the kind of character I really love. She's friendly, extra cute, helpful, shy, brave, and introspective. Tom Lichtenheld gives us a story filled with cuteness, silly banter, and an important life lesson - make the most of what you have.

The illustrations are fabulous. I especially liked the beginning of the book that offers a size comparison of little Cloudette and an average cloud using a grid. 

Thanks to Cloudette and one of her nicknames - Shortcake - I was reminded of one of my favorite people in the world. Shortcake, you know who you are! Both are overflowing with super sweet cuteness. I wish I could have much more of both of them in my life!

Your elementary students will love Cloudette as much as I do.  They will appreciate the silly banter and the subtle bewilderment Cloudette feels about finding her place in the world.  I plan to share this beautiful book with my middle school students.

Helpful Links:

Activity Guides to Other Tom Licthenheld Books for Kids Sadly, there isn't a guide for Cloudette, but there are several quality guides for his other books. Maybe there will be one by the time you click the link!

Book Trailer at Macmillan Children's Check out this super cute trailer.  It will make you smile.


Tom Lichtenheld's Website

Lesson Plans