PPBF: Mel Fell

Author/Illustrator: Corey R. Tabor
Publisher: Balzer+Bray, 2021
Age: 3-7
Themes: fledglings, kingfishers, interactive-stories

Opening: see below

Summary: (from my library catalog) …follow Mel on her journey from downward fall to triumphant flight in this tale of self-confidence and taking a leap of faith.

I like this book because: I don’t think you need to be a lover of birds (I am!) or a professional storytime coordinator (I am!) to fall for a book that both introduces a species and is perfect for read-alouds to fall for Mel Fell! I placed a hold on the book because I liked the cover, but knew nothing about it. And because the surprise is so delightful I want new readers to have that same experience, so that’s all you’re getting from me!

Resources/activities: read other books about fledglings, like: A Round of Robins/Hesterman and Ruzzier; My Brother the Duck/Miller and Wiseman; Flight School/Judge; read interactive books together, like: Shake the Tree/Vignocchi, Chiarinotti, and Borando; Get Out of My Bath/Teckentrup

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

PPBF: Louis and Valentine cards

Posted by julie rowan zoch

Author/Illustrator: Julie Rowan-Zoch (ME!)
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2020
Age: 3-7
Themes: teddy bears, frustration, friendship,

Summary: (from my library catalog) Tired of the “dangerous adventures” with his human boy, a teddy bear decides to run away but reconsiders when bedtime arrives.

*photo from a dear friend (great lighting!)*

Why the shameless self promotion: yes, it might be a bit much BUT I wanted to maximize the sharing of the ♥️ Valentine cards to print and color which Tom and I created in time for World Read Aloud Day (2.3.21). That’s it! ♥️ Go to HMH and click on the links to the right under “Available Resources”.

Resources/activities: print out and color 🎁 LOUiS’ Valentine cards and share; make a 🧸teddy with a small towel (see below); have a ☕️🫖 tea party with 🧁cupcakes and invite your friends and stuffed-ones; 🔖tag your most beloved stuffies with contact info; print out LOUiS activity sheets at HMH (click on the links on the right under “Available Resources”.)

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

AND while I’m at it, here’s another nice review my upcoming book!

PPBF: Raising Dragons

Posted by julie rowan zoch

Author: Jerdine Nolen
Illustrator: Elise Primavera
Publisher: Harcourt, 1998
Age: 4-8
Themes: dragons, farm life, friendship
Opening: Pa didn’t know a thing about raising dragons. He raised corn and peas and barley and whet. He raised sheep and cows and pigs and chickens. He raised just about everything we needed for life on our farm, but he didn’t know a thing about raising dragons.

Summary: (from my library catalog) A farmer’s young daughter shares numerous adventures with the dragon that she raises from infancy.

I like this book because: of the way Nolen tells a story. She has the reader believing everything without an ounce of doubt, and identifying with the main character and her firm confidence in her own abilities. Pure magic and an absolute joy to read aloud! Once upon a time I was a parent of young children, and I was reluctant to read long stories to my kids at the end of the day. I realize now I cheated myself from discovering some of the best writing. Don’t miss out. Don’t be a Lazy Julie!

Resources/activities: research all the creatures that are oviparous; compare the shape, color and sizes of eggs; talk about what to do if you should find one in the wild; read more books by Jerdine Nolen!