friday's five, a triumphant return?

It's been almost four years since I last posted a friday's five roundup, and I was reminded of this old practice when I was talking with a friend about a couple new-ish picture books that I had enjoyed and thought her little ones would like, as well. In our short conversation, I was struck by how much I missed sharing book recommendations, even though my day-to-day life right now doesn't involve any interactions with small children. Maybe especially because of that fact? Either way, I thought it would be as good a time as any to try to bring this practice back.

So, let's do this, shall we? I've got five titles that all feature animal characters and encourage a bit of giggling, which always makes for a fun read-aloud experience. Don't forget to utilize that local library of yours-- a golden resource for so many of us!

1. Harriet Gets Carried Away written and illustrated by Jessie Sima

A few months ago when I was still working as a nanny for a little boy, this book was in heavy rotation in our reading routine. The cover drew us both in when we saw it on the library shelf, and I am a big fan of the simple pun in the title. But, the star of this show is Harriet, a little girl who adores costumes and is preparing for her dress-up birthday party. Little did she expect a pack of penguins to mistake her for one of their own, but that's exactly what happens, and she has to convince them to return her to the store where she and her dads were party shopping. Read this for laughs and silliness, and take a moment to appreciate the simple way of including gay parents in a story about a wacky little kid.

2. Grumpy Monkey written by Suzanne Lang and illustrated by Max Lang

Just look at that face. But don't try to suggest to this particular monkey that he may be feeling a bit grumpy, because that is simply not the case. He is not grumpy, it's just that nothing is feeling quite right for him on this day. He does, however, take advice from a variety of his jungle pals, to see if he can cheer himself up, but nothing works. In fact, he's left feeling even, um, not grumpier than before. But perhaps all he needs is a little time and acceptance from a friend. This seriously animated story emphasizes that all emotions are okay- a lesson presented in a way that still allows for kids to giggle.

3. Sterling, Best Dog Ever written and illustrated by Aidan Cassie

Poor Sterling, a long, pointy-nosed dog living in a cardboard box in an alley. In search of a home, he ends up in a box of cutlery being delivered to a lovely family. Could this be his home? He tries so very hard to live up to his role as another piece of silverware, but things go a bit awry in that attempt. Perhaps there's a different way that Sterling could fit in with this new family and in this home? Little ones will absolutely giggle at Sterling's antics, and they'll be exposed to a depiction of a mixed-race family that emphasizes the family and not their differences.

4. How to be a Lion written and illustrated by Ed Vere

Leonard isn't your typical lion. When most folks think of lions, they picture fierce creatures ready to pounce and eat smaller animals. But, Leonard is definitely more of a gentle soul. He appreciates the warm sunshine, and he loves to think up poems. When he befriends a duck named Marianne, his fellow lions aren't too keen on the fact that Leonard hasn't chomped her yet. When faced with admonition for not being fierce, Leonard and Marianne find a way to express that each creature must be true to himself. While this one is less silly than the others, the animal characters are adorable and the story reinforces a positive message.

5. I am a Cat written and illustrated by Galia Bernstein

Simon the housecat is confronted by a variety of much bigger cats who laugh in the face of his assertion of being a cat like them. How in the world could a small being like him be a cat like a graceful and speedy cheetah? Or a tough, high-jumping puma? Or a super-strong tiger? But Simon isn't willing to give up that easily. When the lion points out the characteristics that the big cats all share, Simon bravely states that he has all the same traits, too... just smaller! In the end, they pounce and play together like all cats do, and young animal lovers can see the similarities up close. This would make an interesting reading companion with the previous book for cat-loving readers. 

Wow, look at that, it's like I never even stopped this old feature. Hopefully there will be some hits on this list-- or in the archives of friday's five-- for your young bibliophile!


Happy reading,