friday's five

Oh, even when you're pouring rain and chilling me to the bone, I still adore you, Friday. Lots of reasons, and this is one of them- a chance to talk picture books! Thanks to a library trip yesterday, we've replenished some of our borrowed book supply, but I'm still hoping for another trip this weekend to add to it. Here's what we're looking at today:

1. Ella the Elegant Elephant by Carmela and Steven D'Amico -- A classic theme for a children's story, teamed with an illustrative style that feels equally as traditional. Ella is worried about starting in a new school, and opts to wear her grandmother's "lucky hat" as a good luck charm. Unfortunately, a bullying classmate chooses her as her new target. Ella shows herself to be the much bigger, um, elephant, when the bully is in trouble, and the "lucky hat" proves itself as well. This is another book on loan from a friend, and while it's longer than most picture books, the kids have really enjoyed listening to the story.

2. Talk, Oscar, Please! by Karen Kaugman Orloff and illustrated by Tim Bowers -- This newly released picture book presents a little boy who adores his daschund pal Oscar. He's the best friend a little boy could have, and life would just be perfect if he could share in the conversation. The boy imagines all the ways that he and his canine buddy would interact and the adventures they'd have if Oscar could talk. The story is okay, entertaining for the children, but this is a case where I think the illustrations outshine the basic story and text. I want to just hug this cute dog!

3. Hip & Hop Don't Stop by Jef Czekaj --Okay, I have to admit it... I don't really care for this book. But, seeing as it's the fourth time one of the kids has grabbed it from the library shelf, I have to admit that it has huge kid appeal, at least in my household. It's not that I dislike it so much as it's not my favorite to read aloud, mostly because it's just very busy. And that might be what my kids love about it the most. A turtle and a rabbit who like in Oldskool County, one in Slowjamz swamp and the other in Breakbeat Meadow, who love to rhyme and rap. Okay, okay, it's actually kind of funny, even if it tires me out to read it aloud.

4. But I Wanted a Baby Brother! by Kate Feiffer and illustrated by Diane Goode -- A baby is coming and it's all Oliver can think about, for he has always- for his "entire life"- wanted a baby brother. What to do when the fateful day comes and alas, he's graced with a baby sister instead? Well, how about many, many months of looking for a replacement? Too bad that all the baby brothers out there don't stack up to baby Julie- they cry (she's nice and quiet), they fuss all night (she sleeps through the night like a champ), and on and on. Here's a little different twist on the classic "new baby" story, in a cute and funny tone. We especially love the part where Oliver misunderstands a sign at the zoo- "CHANGE BABIES HERE." Hee hee.

5. Press Here by Herve Tullet -- Have you heard me RAVE about this book yet? I heart this book so, so very much. I love that it's taking on the idea that kids are more enmeshed with electronic toys and things with apps more than ever, but it does so in an innocent and child-friendly manner. I could go on and on here, but I've already reviewed it over at 5 Minutes for Books, complete with the "book trailer" video that shows the book in action with some very giggly children.


Happy reading on this rainy Friday,