Sleepy Bird, written and illustrated by Jeremy Tankard. Scholastic, 2024. $9.99 ages 2 and up

 

"Bird stormed off. 
If no one would play with him,
he would just walk forever. 

After a little while, 
his wings drooped. 
His legs crumpled." 

It's lovely to see Sleepy Bird return to bookshelves as a board book. Little ones will be delighted to get their hands (and perhaps their teeth) on it. Bird is a loved character who shares the same emotions small children have felt: sadness when hurt, hunger, and grumpiness. 

If you are a parent or caregiver, you are likely to have experienced the drama of bedtime. Bird does it up with panache, insisting that he is not even close to being ready to cuddle up and say good night. Instead, he wants to PARTY! Fox is ready to tuck in, and disturbed by Bird's noise. Fox offers his blankie for comfort. Bird is eager to play. Fox is tired. 

Beaver reminds Bird that it's late and time for bed. Perhaps a story will help him settle. Once again, Bird is not interested in sleep. Rabbit offers a stuffed kitty; Bird is not impressed by that suggestion in the least. Bird is sure nocturnal Raccoon will be up for play. Instead, Raccoon suggests a lullaby.

By the time he gets to Sheep's place, Bird is pretty annoyed. When Sheep suggests counting sheep, and there is only one of her, Bird stomps off. It doesn't take long for signs of fatigue to emerge. In tears, Bird laments the fact that he is not tired and wonders why on earth he should go to sleep. When they hear him crying, his friends are quick to respond. They gather round, offering comfort and everything needed for Bird to find the rest that has been eluding him. 

The surprise ending will have little ones chuckling and begging for more! 

Grumpy Bird, written and illustrated by Jeremy Tankard. Scholastic, 2007. $9.99 ages 2 and up

"Bird walked past Beaver. 
"Hello, Bird," said Beaver. 
"What are you doing?" 
"Let me give you a hint," said Bird. 
"You do it by placing one foot in 
front of the other." 
"Walking!" guessed Beaver." 

Here's some Sunday fun in board book form! 

You are likely to have heard of Grumpy Cat, but do you know Grumpy Bird? Published first in 2007, this is the first time I have seen his story published as a board book for a younger audience. It works so well! 

There is a lot of grumpy in Grumpy Bird. So much so that he doesn't want to eat, play or fly. What's a bird to do when he just doesn't have it in him to fly? Why, he walks. This sounds like it could be a real downer of a book, doesn't it? And yet ... 

It is full of witty words, appealing artwork, emotions felt by most young children, and a message that sneaks up on readers. While obviously thought to be perfect fare for toddlers because of its board book format, it is a book that is sure to appeal to all who read and share it. The artwork is familiar to fans of Jeremy Tankard. Take a careful look at the animals in contrast to the lovely natural backgrounds that provide a setting for his walking adventure. 

Little ones will be totally captivated by the animal characters who choose to walk with Grumpy Bird, despite his demeanor. They maintain their joy in friendship as they choose to join him on the walk he is taking. His sarcasm does nothing to deter them. As they go, they gather more and more intrepid walkers until they form a parade of their own. 

As it likely to happen when friends are patient and thoughtful, and the setting is so appealing, Bird succumbs to the pleasure of being with others and forgets about the grumpiness that started him down the path he is on.  So much fun, and worth reading again and again. 

When my father was alive and our kids were little, they called him Grumpy. It was a beloved nickname. I share this book today in honor of him, and all other fathers, uncles, grandfathers, brothers, caregivers who mean so much to so many. 
                                                                                

Bear Has a Belly, by Jane Whittingham. Pajama Press, 2022. $21.95 ages 2 and up

"Owl has eyes - 

  Big, round eyes.

    Owl has eyes. 

I do too!"

In another of her outstanding books for very young children, Jane Whittingham turns her attention to body parts and their comparisons to nine familiar animals. Repetitive text and bright full-color photographs are ideal for upping the interest while sharing this informative book time and again. 

The animals are shown on the left side of the spread, with three lines concerning the animal, its definitive body part, and a clear and compelling photo of each one. Facing that page is a child showing that same body part, and stating "I do, too!" Perfect for lap reading in the beginning; it won't be long until a slightly older child will be reading it independently. Such fun! 

Following the text itself, the author includes a list of five activities to encourage interaction and play. The overall design of the book is very appealing. The soft, puffy cover encourages touching and has a pleasant feel for little ones. The sturdy pages allow for many readings. 

If this is your first Jane Whittingham book, be on the lookout for more ...  Animals Move, A Good Day for Ducks and others. You will not be disappointed.                                                                                

On Baba's Back, by marianne dubuc. Princeton Architectural Press, Raincoast. 2022. $14.95 ages 1 and up

“Oops! Koko pees
on Baba’s back.” 

Koko and Baba are never apart. Koko does everything on Baba's back. When curiosity overwhelms at the sight of a lovely, flitting butterfly, Koko makes a run for it - alone. No need for worry. It is a successful adventure, and Koko makes a happy return as bedtime nears. Koko knows there is safety with Baba, and open arms and a strong back. 

Independence can be a difficult rite of passage for caregivers like Baba; patience and pride pay off with being able to watch the joyful result of letting go. Ms. Dubuc knows young children and shows that by giving Koko recognizable and childlike behaviors. It is a 'just-right' book little ones because of the repetitive text structure. 

The pencil and watercolor images will be familiar to fans of this fine artist. She creates a setting that is true to the Australian habitat, where koalas live. It is full of charm and worthy of repeated readings. The simplicity of the text is enhanced by that same restraint in creating the lovely illustrations. 

Don't miss the ladybug! 

A Kit Story, written by Kristen Travy and illustrated by Alison Farrell. Chronicle Books, Raincoast. 2022. $14.99 ages 2 and up

"The summer sun crawls higher. 

I nap. 

The summer sun sinks lower. 

I wake."

The animals of the forest that surrounds the fox kit are doing what they do. The reader's attention is drawn to a question the kit asks. As the pages turn, young listeners learn much about this particular fox: what it looks like, how it moves, its habits in each of the four seasons, what it likes to eat, and how it compares to other animals in its environment. 

"Compared to a cow, 
I eat a little.  

Compared to a butterfly, 
I eat a lot. 

Munch. Munch." 

As the seasons pass, the fox's adventures are chronicled in well-chosen language that expands vocabulary, while also providing pertinent information. In autumn, he romps with his vixen sister until the coming winter calls them home. The final two spreads show the family curled up, warm, and resting. 

Alison Farrell's charming images are created in gouache, colored pencil, ink, and digital mixed media. They invite young listeners to stop and enjoy this warm introduction to a fox kit's first year. 

Will Bear Share and Will Sheep Sleep, by Hilary Leung. Cartwheel Books, Scholastic. 2018. $10.99 ages 2-4

"Will Bear share
her berries?

Yes.

Will Bear share
her book? "




What do you think?

Hilary Leung is creating a new series of books he calls 'animal question books'. In this one he puts sharing in perspective for little ones. Double page spreads ask and answer questions concerning what Bear is willing to share. Bear is a happy participant in the idea, until the talk turns to a toothbrush. The response changes abruptly ... and for good reason.

It isn't only the toothbrush that creates a bit of a complication. Favorite toy? Pretty personal. Ice cream? I wonder. Then, it's friends to the rescue ... and a reminder to readers concerning their own willingness to share. I loved the final panel!

Little readers will very much enjoy the pleasing artwork that accompanies this format.

"Will drinking water
help Sheep sleep?

No. 

Will Hopsie
help Sheep sleep?

Nope. "



Parents of toddlers are sure to see their child in this lead-up to bedtime. Haven't we all been privy to the many requests made to stall a child's giving in to sleep? Sheep is so cute, has spent the day playing hard, and is beyond tired after all of the activity.

That is exactly the time when little ones do their utmost to keep those peepers from drooping and sleep from taking over. Once again, the question and answer format shows some absolutely familiar avoidance tactics - brushing teeth, a story, a night light. Lovely backgrounds and intimate, quiet  details help to bring a feeling of peace and quiet. What finally works? You will have to read it to see for yourself.

Irresistible animal characters, done in basic shapes and bold colors will capture attention and encourage discussion of the varied scenarios. Sharing and sleeping are important issues for the toddlers likely to have these books read to them. There are problems to be faced, and surprises to delight. Expect to see all of these animal characters in future additions to this very pleasing series.

Fun to read, and another great couple of books for that baby shower basket!

Who Can? Written by Charles Ghigna and illustrated by Vlasta van Kampen. Orca Publishers, 2018. $9.95 ages 2-5

"Who does fishy flips
and has sharp teeth?

Who does? 

BARRACUDAS "


Oh! I love this book!  And you will, too.

The book begins with a two page spread, and a question. “Who can sing while sitting in a tree? Who can?” Careful consideration of the accompanying illustration offers a clue for the answer to that first question. The tall green-leafed trees conceal a colorful, pointed beak. The left side of the following page reveals the TOUCAN. The right side asks the next question and provides a visual clue to the answer expected. What fun! 

The pattern continues with an invitation (large, bold font) to the reader to provide the answers with great gusto. That will encourage young listeners to join in reading it the second time it is shared. Soon, they will be reading it, mostly on their own. The ample white space focuses the reader on the animal just described and the one to come. The colors are bold and realistic.

Jaunty, rhythmic, and filled with wordplay, it provides many chances to bolster vocabulary and literary understanding. You will find much to consider while reading it together.

One Eagle Soaring, by Roy Henry Vickers and Robert Budd. Harbour Publishing. 2018. $9.95 0-3

"One eagle soars high

Two moose wander by

Three orcas swim the
strait "


My granddaughters live in the beauty of the West Coast on Vancouver Island. It is my hope that they will have opportunity to see each of the creatures featured in this stunning board book! I know they have already come face to face with many of them.

This is the second book in a series titled A First West Coast Book. If you have not seen Hello Humpback!, check it out. The collaborators have won various awards, and rightly so. It will take seconds, gazing at the beauty of the artwork and sharing the simple rhythmic text, to add this to your  'favorites' shelf.

It is a counting book and the animals it presents live on the West Coast. Bears, frogs, bees and orcas will entertain little ones and offer opportunity to count from one to ten again and again. The production is elegant and eye-catching, with embossed, glossy images of each animal. The natural landscapes are alluring, as are the bold colors. Indigenous designs are incorporated on and around the raised details. Small children and those who read this book to them will delight in running fingers over the images every time the book is read.

Add it to a basket of board books for the next baby shower!

Is It Warm Enough For Ice Cream? Written by Violet Peto. DK Books, 2018. $12.99 ages 2 and up

"In spring ...

the sun rises earlier
trees blossom
the first flowers bloom
chicks hatch
rainbows appear
lambs are born
rabbits play
birds return and lay eggs "

My front door is open today to sunshine and a smidgen of warmth! It is the first time in months, and I may just be jumping the gun a tiny bit. But, the sun is shining, the snow is melting quickly, there is no wind, and the kids at the school across the street were out for recess in shirt sleeves this afternoon. We may all be a bit ahead of time, but it feels just lovely!

The title question is asked to lead young readers through the four seasons, beginning in fall and moving toward summer ... when you know the time for ice cream is right! Of course, ice cream is not only eaten on the hot days of summer. It does seem most appropriate when your brow is sweating, your tongue is dry and you long for something cold to help deal with the heat of summer. Our Dairy Queen opened the first of March and there are people there every single time I drive past. Ice cream can, and should, be eaten on any given day, don't you think?

The book's pattern is the same for each of the different times of year. A double page spread heralds some of the signs of the season. Engaging, colorful and clear photographs accompany each of the stated harbingers. Turn the page and the question is asked ... Is it warm enough for ice cream? Asked and answered on the second spread. It may not be warm enough for ice cream, but the particular season is perfect for a lot of other activities. Then, we move on to the next.

The text explores seasons, weather, and what animals and children are doing in such weather. Mixing photographs with detailed digital images invites little ones to take a careful look and think about all the wonder of the presented season. 'NO!' until you finally get to summer, and then a clear 'YES!' Finally, it's really time for ice cream. HUZZAH!

My Heart Fills With Happiness, written by Monique Gray Smith and illustrated by Julie Flett. Orca Books, 2016. $9.95 ages 2 and up

"My heart fills with
happiness when ...

I hold the hand
of someone I love

I listen
to stories ... "

Would that we all take the time each morning to think about what it is that makes us happy. Wouldn't that be the perfect start to each new day?

Dedicated in part to 'the former Indian Residential School students and their families', Monique Gray Smith writes a quiet song of celebration for those simple things that bring so much pleasure to our lives. Julie Flett's strong cast of aboriginal children and adults savor the daily joys brought by family life and being in the company of the people we love.

The textual phrasing is concise and meaningful, inviting readers to think clearly about what makes a heart fill with happiness. The feelings evoked by being with family and taking part in common events are fully on display in the bold colors and familiar surroundings of young children from all over the world. Whether it's walking barefoot in the grass or watching bannock bake, listeners will feel the warmth of the words and relish the memory of the moments that bring joy.

What fills your heart with happiness?
                                                                      

Beach Baby, written by Laurie Elmquist and illustrated by Elly MacKay.Orca Books, 2016. $9.95 ages 2 and up

"Sand dollars

A seal
peering out of the waves

A sandpiper whose peep
startles your dreams

The castle waits for you
with its turrets and shells"

There are so many of the day's experiences to recall as this tiny child is quietly put to bed for the night. When he wakes, the chance to revisit all those wonderful things will be there once more. A day at the beach, with the calm of the ocean waves as background music. Idyllic, is it not?

Elly MacKay uses paper, ink, light and photography to create the absolutely gorgeous, and dreamy, artwork. She captures the beauty of the beach and the ocean environment in close-up images that are detailed and soothing. The morning and evening views of the house atop a nearby hill are both welcoming.  Children listening will succumb to the assurance that tomorrow offers another chance for a visit to familiar places and to the warmth and beauty of the seaside. The soothing illustrations are sure to remind them of their lovely day full of wonder.
                                                                            

Bear and Hare: Where's Bear, by Emily Gravett. Macmillan, Publishers Group Canada. 2015. $11.99 ages 2 and up

"1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Where's Bear?

There.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Where's Bear?"


Oh, my! Have I got a treat for you today!!

Bear and Hare are back for another adventure ... this time, it's game time. The two are playing hide-and-seek. Emily Gravett once more proves why her books remain favorites with children and their parents. She offers brilliantly expressive illustrations alongside clever storytelling that has children at their heart. Emily Gravett knows little ones: she knows how they think, she knows what is sure to strike their funny bone, and she makes books that they REALLY want to read on their own.

I'm not sure you can imagine just how difficult it must be for a bear to find a hiding place. If you can't,  Ms. Gravett is up to the challenge of showing you. There are so many good places for Bear to choose. He tries a lamp shade, then a stack of books, even a transparent fish tank. Poor Hare ... it's frustrating that he makes it so easy.

What if Hare tries to hide? Will that make for a better game? Bear looks in a teapot, under the rug, behind a picture. No Hare! In a clever ploy inspired by noticing Hare's hiding feet, Bear finally finds success in making the game a contest. Without meaning to, he scares Hare into looking in all of the familiar hiding spots that Bear has used. Not finding Bear, Hare is frantic ... and yelling for her friend. Perfect ending!

Boldly colored, expressive faces, humorous, and chock full of opportunities for discussion and new learning, it would be a wonderful addition to your toddler's personal book shelf! If you are a fan of Emily Gravett's work, you will want to pore over the subtle details she includes in this wonderful board book; it is the newest in a series of four. Here are the others: