Porcupining: A Prickly Love Story

Tue, 02/14/2006 - 2:44pm by Amanda

As it is Valentine's Day, check out this story about a porcupine's search for love. Cushion lives in the petting zoo but never gets any pets or pats because he's so prickly. He makes up a sad, sad song about how lonesome he is and finally goes out to find a wife. But all the other animals reject him! With whom does Cushion finally find love? Read and find out!

Lisa Wheeler has created a sweet love story that's a great read aloud and Janie Bynum's illustrations are adorable.
Enjoy Porcupining: A Prickly Love Story!

Think Cool Thoughts by Elizabeth Perry

Thu, 02/09/2006 - 2:58pm by Tahira

The city is hot. Angel is hot and wants nothing more than to be cool. She counts ice cubes in the hope that they will magically make the summer heat end. Elizabeth Perry's first picture book is a journey into the magic and wonder of childhood.

Leaf Man by Lois Ehlert

Mon, 01/30/2006 - 2:53pm by Tahira

Leaf Man by Lois Ehlert takes the reader on an imaginary journey of a leaf with two acorns for eyes and a burr for a mouth. The beautiful collage pictures of ducks, geese and prairie animals accentuate the simple text with the refrain "A Leaf Man's got to go where the wind blows."

Fantasy Bit - Medieval Magic

Mon, 01/30/2006 - 10:38am by ryanikoglu

"For a green-eyed reader filled with desire" a volume of blank parchment pages may reveal the magic of Northumbria. "Rich with mystery and atmosphere, this is a thought-provoking fable" about magic and greed. Avi does it again for a tale to share-aloud among families, The Book Without Words.

Kid Bits - Loss

Mon, 01/30/2006 - 10:18am by ryanikoglu

For generations Comfort Snowberger's family has owned the funeral home in town. With care and cosmic understanding the family handles the loss of a family member at the same time that Comfort is losing peace with her best friend, Declaration. With southern charm and humor the rhythms of life flow with Each Little Bird That Sings, a lovely family read-together.

History Bits: African American Dance

Wed, 01/25/2006 - 4:55pm by ryanikoglu

Mr Bojangles is a part of 20th Century African-American history. Rap A Tap Tap is a book that shares a part of the Bojangles story with children. Add the sounds of Stars at the Apollo and share the era with family.

History Bits - African American

Wed, 01/25/2006 - 4:21pm by ryanikoglu

A bit of African-American history can start in picture books with Charlie Parker Played BeBop and a recording of his music Diz 'n Bird at Carnegie Hall for ambience.

Toot and Puddle Wish You Were Here by Holly Hobbie

Tue, 01/24/2006 - 2:45pm by Tahira

A bee stings Toot when he takes a trip to the Wildest Borneo. He comes down with a case of the Violet Virus and turns blue. When he returns home, Opal and Puddle try to nurse Toot back to health and find the cure in a nearby meadow. Holly Hobbie's latest in the Toot and Puddle series is a fun adventure that kids will love.

Family Bits: Retro Read

Fri, 01/20/2006 - 3:08pm by ryanikoglu

The Penderwicks is a fun family read aloud, if you are looking for a story of innocence, of four loving sisters, a gentle father, the boy next door, some pets, and a summer's adventure. This book won the National Book Award 2005 for Jeanne Birdsall.

Singing for Dr. King by Angela Shelf Medearis

Fri, 01/13/2006 - 2:42pm by Tahira

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Sheyann Webb courageously accepted an offer to lead the freedom songs during the civil rights marches in 1965. She was only nine years old and wanted to help Dr. Martin Luther King and African Americans gain the right to vote. This Just For You book touches on the subject of peaceful protests during the Civil Rights Movement. It is designed for children to read and discuss the important issues in the book with a parent.