PPBF: Don’t Cross the Line

Author: Isabel Minhós Martins
Illustrator: Bernardo P. Carvalho
Publisher: Gecko Press, 2016
Age: 4-8
Themes: dictators, soldiers, resistance
Opening: The story truly begins on the end papers (see further below) but especially on the following title page:

Summary: (from my library catalog) This slapstick postmodern tale is also a profound statement about dictatorship and peaceful revolution, from an award-winning author/illustrator team.

Why I like this book: My friends here could say they could spot this ‘Julie pick’ a mile off, I’m sure! The strong, clean compositions, the loose, playful, colorful rendering style. This title reminds me strongly of one of my favorite classics, Drummer Hoff, from Ed Emberley (whose exhibit KAHBAHBLOOOM at the Worcester Art Museum goes through April 7, 2017)

Resources/Activities: I find this is a perfect book to share consider the times we find ourselves in: kids WANT to discuss these topics – let them lead how far, and how deep they would like to go with it. We all belong to groups. Everyone is political.

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

PPBF: 1 Big Salad

Author/Illustrator: Juana Medina
Publisher: Viking, 2016
Age: 2-6
Themes: vegetables, salad, creativity
Opening: One Avocado Deer.
Summary: (from the publisher) Count from 1 avocado deer to 2 radish mice and all the way up to 10 clementine kitties, which all add up to one big, delicious salad!

Why I like this book: It’s as clean and fresh as a real one! The layout and design are crisp and inviting. The concept delicious! My kids may love a good salad now, but we started off counting how many ‘leaves’ one had to eat. The creativity in this book may have some reluctant eaters asking to make their own!

Resources/Activities: make your OWN salad! Dressing recipe included in the book.

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

PPBF: One Little Two Little Three Little Children

Author: Kelly DiPucchio
Illustrator: Mary Lundquist
Publisher: Balzer & Bray, 2016
Age: 2-6
Themes: children, families, rhyming stories
Opening: One little, two little, three little children.
Summary: (from my library catalog) A rhyming celebration of the diversity and universality of children and their families.Why I like this book: The more I read to toddlers, the more I love solid rhythmic rhyming stories that embrace concepts without becoming pedagogic. This hits the mark in the best way, enhanced by beautiful soft illustrations where everyone can find a character with which to identify.Resources/Activities: discuss what kinds of families there are and what matters, what makes a family a family.For more Perfect Picture Book picks with teacher/parent resources, check out the list on Susanna Hill’s blog HERE.