PPBF: In the Forest

Author/Illustrator: Marie Hall Ets
Publisher: originally by The Viking Press, 1944
Age: 2-5
Themes: linear stories, animals, imagination

Opening: I had a new horn and a paper hat and I went for a walk in the forest.

Summary: (from my library catalog) The animals join a young boy as he walks through the forest blowing his new horn.

Why I like this book: I love old gems, and especially ones that are so still absolutely perfect for reading to toddlers. It really is not that easy to find titles that can bridge the gap in ages (0-4) of the attendees to my storytime sessions in the bookstore where I work. I might be able to make a book work, but when I don’t have to subtract or embellish, beyond my own dramatic interpretation (!), well, that’s a sign of picture book genius! And I am not the only one who noticed, it is a Caldecott Honor Book too!

Resources/Activities: stage an “In the Forest” parade; play the games mentioned in the book: London Bridge is Falling Down, Drop-the-Handkerchief, and Hide-and-Seek; have a picnic, just like the book!

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