Author: John Keats
Illustrator: Chris Raschka
Publisher: Candlewick, 2017
Age: 4-8
Themes: poetry, identity, art
Opening: “1. The was a naughty Boy,”
Summary: (from my library catalog) As written in a letter to his young sister when he was feeling homesick on a visit to Scotland, this little-known poem by the beloved poet is filled with playful rhymes that are complemented in this volume by vibrant, energetic watercolors.
I like this book because: The visuals got me – the loose and lovely style of Chris Raschka that floats my boat, the layout (I don’t talk about book design as much as I should!), the format, and the magical humor of Keats’ wordery.
Resources/Activities: make a list of everyday objects that help define you and write poems; what would a song about yourself be like? what bird might sing it?
For more Perfect Picture Book Friday picks with teacher/parent resources, check out the list on Susanna Hill’s blog HERE.
Author/Illustrator: Régis Faller
Opening: see photo below
Summary: (from my library catalog) In this wordless picture book, Polo the dog becomes trapped in the ice and snow while out sailing one day, but a friendly dragon helps him escape..
Why I like this book: It’s so cute! I like the sweet simplicity of the renderings, the color palette, and format. It’s a little huggable, and I’d like more people to know about this series. Just last month my friend and critique partner, Ann Kelley introduced me to this Polo book on her blog 
Resources/Activities: Imagine you’re stuck with the same problem as Polo: what would you do to solve it? Go to the author’s page for coloring sheets: 
For more Perfect Picture Book picks with teacher/parent resources, check out the list on Susanna Hill’s blog 
Author: 
Summary: (from my library catalog) 
I like this book because: it’s a buttered-up romance sprinkled with pastry puns, and garnished with delectable characters! Just right for foodies young and old, and all the sweettooths inbetween! Mary Berry would agree, “It’s a good bake!”
Resources/Activities: learn a few dance steps, or go all out and take a swing lesson; bake cupcakes and/or bagels; try to come up with your own pastry puns!
Author/Illustrator: Julie Kim
Opening: Halmoni! We are here!
Summary: (from my library catalog) Searching for their missing grandmother, two Korean children follow tracks into a fantastic world filled with beings from folklore who speak in Korean. Includes translations and information about the folkloric characters.
Why I like this book: It’s bright, culture- and adventure-packed! This is exactly the kind of book I would have poured over as a kid, looking for the unfamiliar and trying to make sense of it, be it language, gesture, or physical elements. There is a bit of mystery on every beautifully rendered and composed page!
Resources/Activities: read other Korean folktale picture books – 
For more Perfect Picture Book picks with teacher/parent resources, check out the list on Susanna Hill’s blog HERE.
julie rowan-zoch 