Author/Illustrator: John Burningham
Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf, 2006
Age: 4-8
Themes: behavior, interpersonal relationships
Opening: Edwardo was an ordinary boy.
Summary: (from my library’s catalog) Each time he does something a little bit bad, Edwardo is told that he is very bad and soon his behavior is awful, but when he accidentally does good things and is complimented, he becomes much, much nicer.
I like this book because: it‘s a good reminder for us all, and unfortunately we need reminders. I was really lucky to be able to attend (for free through my library) a talk called, An Open Mind Is A Terrible Thing To Close, with Dr. Steve Robbins. And in the very same vein this book addresses our biases, how easily we form them, adapt to other people‘s biases and how easily we can change them – if we make the effort. Every elementary classroom should have this book and others like it. Also, the author, one of my favorites, recently passed away, and I am rereading as much of his work as I can get a hold of. RIP, John Burningham.
Resources/Activities: do yourself a favor and read more Burningham, like The Shopping Basket, or Would You Rather, or perhaps one of the books I mention in this post about Burningham
For more Perfect Picture Book Friday picks with teacher/parent resources, check out the list on Susanna Hill’s blog HERE
Author: Peter Bently
Summary: (from my library catalog) The day has arrived for the Dogs’ Summer Ball. It’s so high class that each dog must remove their bottom before they are allowed inside the hall. But in the middle of all the frivolity something unexpected happens and the dogs have to make a hasty exit…with or without the correct bottom!
Why I like this book: It’s HILARIOUS! I have recently mentioned this book so many times it was evident I needed to feature it! The illustrations feature dogs in outfits and accessories that bring on the giggles all by themselves, but this story is just such a hoot, you MUST look for it at your library/bookstore!
Resources/Activities: Think how you might come up with a ‘legend’ for how some strange behavior came to be for other animals.
Why I like this book: The visual interpretations are stories themselves, perfect examples of what an illustrator can bring to the text, especially to something so familiar and seemingly ‘non-illustratable’.
Resources/Activities: For any age group: pick a Mother Goose rhyme and bring it to life: with hand-drawn pictures, a collage, puppet show or cartoon. This book can be put to good use in a high school classroom to introduce illustration as a profession. Check out 
For more Perfect Picture Book picks with teacher/parent resources, check out the list on Susanna Hill’s blog 
Author: Kate Klise
julie rowan-zoch 