PPBF: The Battle Of the Vegetables

Author: Matthieu Sylvander
Illustrator: Perceval Barrier
Publisher: Clarion, 2016 (orig.: 3 contes cruels, l’écoles des loisirs, 2013)
Age: 5-8
Themes: gardens, vegetables, humorous stories
Opening: In the vegetable garden, the leeks generally lead a calm, monotonous – maybe even boring – life.
Summary: (from my library catalog) Three interconnected tales reveal the dangers, both from within and without, of life in a vegetable garden as leeks meet one of Santa’s reindeer, carrots plot an escape, and an unlikely romance leads to an inevitable conclusion.

Why I like this book: The humor in the text and illustrations is well cultivated for the early elementary set – and the kid in every gardener. Dig in!

Resources/Activities: come up with alternate titles for the stories; write sequels; what other characters would you like to see grow? Plant seeds – the season is nigh!

For more Perfect Picture Book picks with teacher/parent resources, check out the list on Susanna Hill’s blog HERE.

 

PPBF: You Belong Here

Author: M.H.Clark
Illustrator: Isabelle Arsenault
Publisher: Compendium, 2016
Age: 2-5
Themes: animals, poetry, stories in rhyme
Opening: The stars belong in the deep night sky and the moon belongs there too, and the winds belong in each place they blow by and I belong here with you.
Summary: (from the publisher) This classic bedtime story journeys around the world, observing plants and animals everywhere, and reminding children that they are right where they belong. Perfect for new babies, adoptive families, or for sharing with loved ones of any age. .

Why I like this book: Lyrical rhyme that flows over the pages, softly, gently and so smoothly you feel like you’re floating along with the poem! Arsenault manages to keep her signature red discreetly yet powerfully. Ahhh…

Resources/Activities: discuss other animals, plants or things that belong together and why.For more Perfect Picture Book picks with teacher/parent resources, check out the list on Susanna Hill’s blog HERE.