PPBF: Favorite Tales of Monsters and Trolls

Author: George Jonsen
Illustrator: John O’Brien
Publisher: Random House, 1977
Age: 4-8
Themes: monsters, trolls, fairy tales
Opening: Once upon a time there were thee billy goats named Gruff who lived together on a mountainside. There was not much to eat in their rocky pasture, but they could see a field of sweet green grass just across a deep valley.

Summary: (from my library catalog) Three traditional tales concerning successful attempts to outwit grumpy trolls: The Three Billy Goats Gruff, The Trolls and the Pussy Cat, and The Stone Cheese.

I like this book because: Just for the pictures, to be quite honest! I was doing some research for the 2018 SCBWI narrative art award when I came across this book and am so glad I did! The art is fantastic and I could busy myself for hours on one spread! Just WOW!

Resources/Activities: chose a fairytale and illustrate one scene from it – or more! Act out the fairytales in class.

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

PPBF: I Can See Just Fine

Author/Illustrator: Eric Barclay
Publisher: Abrams Appleseed, 2013
Age: 3-7
Themes: eyeglasses, vision, humorous stories
Opening: see image below

Summary: (from my library’s catalog) Though Paige claims, “I can see just fine, ” her parents grow concerned and decide it’s time for Paige to visit the eye doctor. Paige remains defiant until she finds the perfect frames and more importantly, perfect eyesight.

I like this book because: Last week’s storytime theme was eyewear, and though I didn’t get the chance to read this one to the gang, it is worthy of a post! I love the simple graphic style of rendering in a sweet, macaron palette, and the endearing main character who we all must feel we know well! Perfectly informative without being pedagogical!

Resources/Activities: See last week’s post HERE

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

PPBF: Mrs. Mole, I’m Home!

Author/Illustrator: Jarvis
Publisher: Candlewick , 2018
Age: 2-6
Themes: moles, eyeglasses, home
Opening: see image below

Summary: (from my library’s catalog) Morris Mole can’t find his glasses, but he’s certain he can get home without them. So off he burrows, and up he pops…. ‘Mrs. Mole, I’m home!’ But is he?

I like this book because: It was SUCH a hit with my storytime gang and the adults in the room too! Fun bright illustrations with plenty to pour over in side jokes (look at those worms!) and perfect pacing to keep the whole crowd happy and asking for more!

Resources/Activities: we made paper eyeglasses to color, and I brought any type of eyewear I could find in the house for them all to try on, even a pair with a nose and moustache – which I must say looked best worn upside down!

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

PPBF: Look!

Author/Illustrator: Fiona Woodcock
Publisher: Greenwillow , 2018
Age: 3-7
Themes: double-letter words, spelling, concept books
Opening: Food.

Summary: (from my library’s catalog) A brother and sister spend an exciting day at the zoo where they find balloons, baboons, kangaroos, and more. Told entirely through illustrations and single words containing a double “O”.

I like this book because: It’s beautifully and cleverly illustrated, with just enough texture and detail to keep you looking at each detail on each page, and yet the concept is soo simple! Just LOOK!

Resources/Activities: Play a Guess My Rule game I learned from watching Zoom as a kid, which can be expanded upon – HERE; What other words do you know that have double letters?

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