PPBF: The Queen in the Cave

Author/Illustrator: Júlia Sardà
Publisher: Candlewick Studio, 2022
Age: 
4-10
Themes: dreams, adventure, growing up

Opening: “Does anyone else feel… strange?” asked Franca.

Summary: (from my library’s catalog) Once upon a time there were three sisters: Franca, Carmela, and Tomasina. This is their story of adventure and discovery. A tale of hidden mysteries and new wonders, of finding a strange world beyond home and unlocking the secrets inside themselves.

I picked this book because: it feels like the version of Alice I would have appreciated more as a child, perhaps because siblings were involved, or perhaps because the story feels more contemporary? The illustrations are absolutely delicious in any case and were reason alone for me to pick up this book. And who doesn’t love a fantastical adventure, especially as days are getting shorter and cuddling up to read is something to look forward to!

Resources/activities: Prepare a lasagna to have in the oven if you’re reading together, especially on a day that feels like “when it’s Sunday and it’s starting to get dark out.” You’ll find out why!

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

PPBF: Sheila Rae, The Brave

SheilaRaeCoverAuthor/Illustrator: Kevin Henkes
Publisher: Greenwillow, 1987
Ages: 4-8
Themes: mice, courage, siblings
Opening: Sheila Rae wasn’t afraid of anything.

SheilaRae1Summary: (from my library catalog) When brave Sheila Rae, who usually looks out for her sister Louise, becomes lost and scared one day, Louise comes to the rescue.

SheilaRae2I like this book because: I read a lot of picture books, and as much as I get excited about new ones to love, I rejoice all the more when I find an older classic. Almost 30 years old yet fresh , snappy, and kids can relate just as easily today.

SheilaRae3Resources/activities: discuss individual fears, how to possibly overcome them, and how one person’s abilities differ from another’s.

SheilaRaeBackFor existing PPBF selections including resources and activities, go to Susanna Hill’s blog: HERE

PPBF: The Twin’s Blanket

Author/Illustrator: Hyewon Yum
Publisher: Frances Foster Books, Farrar Strauss Giroux 2011
Genre: fiction
Themes: twins, sisters, blankets, sharing, individuality
Age Level: 3 and up
Opening: We’re look-alike twins. That means we look like each other. That means we share everything.
Synopsis: Told from their POV, five year old twin girls, who have always shared everything, sleep in separate beds with their own blankets for the first time.
Resource/Activity: Project Linus: strives to offer comfort for children who are seriously ill, traumatized, or otherwise in need.
Why I like this book: I love the mother’s creative solution (isn’t that what makes a good mother – resourcefulness?!), and the simple and beautifully colored illustrations. Also one of School Library Journal’s Best Picture Books of 2011.
For more posts on Perfect Picture Books and resources visit Susanna Hill’s blog every Friday.