friday's five

We're still happily reading through the big pile of books we checked out of the library last week, and we have a fair mix of familiar authors and new-to-us authors. This week's five picture books bring lots of laughs, too, which is always a hit with the three to five year old set.

1. Look! A Book! by Bob Staake -- When we checked out our very first Staake book, I was struck by his distinctive illustrations, but I wasn't sure I was a big fan. Well, I can say that my opinion has been solidified, and yes, I do adore his wacky style! This book is filled with his big smiled guys, weird aliens, boxy robots, and scores of funny wild animals. Featuring neat cut out circles for viewing and pages filled with items to search for. The kids have enjoyed looking for the items, and we've even found a few of the extra things listed in the back. This is a book that's getting pulled off the shelf by the kids for their own quiet perusal.

2. Fairly Fairy Tales by Esme Raji Codell and illustrated by Elisa Chavarri -- Could you sum up familiar fairy tales in just three words or short phrases? Think along the lines of: bread crumbs, gingerbread, and witch. That's what this book does, and with a dash of silly and some adorable illustrations, the fairy tales we all know and love become something new. And that something new has been making my kids laugh this week. I enjoy reading this with the kids, because there's fun to be had in talking about the silly, re-imagined fairy tales.

3. Ladybug Girl at the Beach by David Soman and Jacky Davis -- While this would have been PERFECT to read just before our Florida and Delaware beach visits in recent weeks, it's definitely still fitting as we reminisce about the fun the kids had in the waves and the sand. I like the gentleness of the Ladybug Girl books, presenting her character honestly, with her fears and uneasiness addressed but not overdone. She's a free spirit kind of child, expressive and thoughtful, and that makes her perfect for a preschool/kindergarten reading audience.

4. Yoko's Show and Tell by Rosemary Wells -- Yoko is back, and this time the bit of Japanese culture she's sharing revolves around the Girls' Day Doll Festival that's held in March. Unfortunately, Yoko doesn't listen to her mother's directions about the doll that's given to her- a doll that's been in her family for generations- resulting in trouble and disappointment. Of course, there's a resolution to go along with that handy lesson. The appeal of this simple story is more in Wells illustrations than in her story telling, which I sometimes find abrupt. The kids adore this character, so there was excitement to find Yoko on the library shelf.

5. Little Pea by Amy Krouse Rosenthal and illustrated by Jen Corace -- Oh, how I love the work of Amy Krouse Rosenthal. And not just her actual picture books, but the fun work that she does as "missions" that she puts out the world in a highly creative use of social media. We've been re-reading Little Pea this week in preparation for our participation in her latest mission this weekend! I'm not sure that we're supposed to talk about it before it gets officially announced, but you can certainly be sure that I'll be blogging about it once she releases it!

That's what we've been reading in the picture book arena this week. How about you?


Hap-PEA-ly reading away,