Author/Illustrator: John Burningham
Publisher: Candlewick Press, 1996 (originally published by Jonathon Cape, 1980)
Age: 3-5
Themes: shopping, city life, problem solving
Opening: “Run down to the store for me, will you, Steven, and buy six eggs, Five bananas, four apples, three oranges for the baby, two doughnuts, and a bag of chips for your snack. And leave this note at Number 25.”
Summary: (from my library catalog) On his way home from a quick trip to the store, Steven encounters several marauding animals ready to relieve him of his goods.
Why I like this book: this book embodies what I love so much about John Burningham’s work: he incorporates something to learn without hitting kids over the head, gives a child character’s imagination full credit, and in the illustrations he also packs in humor and emotion in just the right amounts. Brilliant!
Resources/Activities: go shopping with a list; think about who might approach you wanting any of the items on your list and why; make a note of different scenes you pass along the way; did you forget anything on the list?
For more Perfect Picture Book picks with teacher/parent resources, check out the list on Susanna Hill’s blog HERE.
Author: Karen Beaumont
Why I like this book: This is a great rhyming read aloud with a stinky surprise ending! Perfect for toddlers.
Resources/Activities: a good companion read to The Mitten; try putting this on as a pre-school play, narrated by a parent or teacher; discuss how animals seek shelter in a storm.
For more Perfect Picture Book picks with teacher/parent resources, check out the list on Susanna Hill’s blog 
Author/Illustrator: K.G. Campbell
Why I like this book: I was taken with the cover, and my interest anchored with the opening line! I especially like the juxtaposition in using soft color and lines, which is quite the opposite of what we usually find in comics or graphic novels portraying villains or superheroes. And of course the dry humor, in both text and illustrations. Although my own child suffers from severe food allergies, I think this will be a good segue into discussing how very dangerous it can be to expose someone to an allergen intentionally, and at the same time let those having to deal with allergies see a little humor in the tragedy of it all.
Resources/Activities: discuss food allergies and the tragic consequences of exposure; talk about the possible differences between villains and super-heroes, and the different ways their stories can be told; why do you think the author/illustrator chose the colors he did and how do colors amplify what an author wants us to understand about main characters?
For more Perfect Picture Boo
k picks with teacher/parent resources, check out the list on Susanna Hill’s blog 
Author/Illustrator: Vera Brosgol
Why I like this book: An editor at Roaring Brook showed me this one back in February, and I have been sooo good at waiting sooo long to share it with you! I love finding picture books with an adult as the main protagonist, and I have totally fallen for this snarky Grandmother! Actually, I fell for the cover straight away! AND it’s a great read-aloud! The superb color palette and beautifully rendered compositions are icing on the cake!
Resources/Activities: learn how to knit at Imagination Soup: 
For more Perfect Picture Book picks with teacher/parent resources, check out the list on Susanna Hill’s blog 
Author/Illustrator: Sydney Hanson
Why I like this book: A hilarious rhyming read aloud, perfect for those going back to school! The bright illustrations really make the story come to life! A superb classic!
Resources/Activities: discuss what other habits frogs or toads have that might make it difficult to live in a human world and fit in well; Are all frogs green? What is the difference between a frog and a toad? What kind of frogs and/or toads can you find in your area?
For more Perfect Picture Book picks with teacher/parent resources, check out the list on Susanna Hill’s blog 
julie rowan-zoch 