Bug on the Bus, written and illustrated by David Catrow. Holiday House, Penguin Random House. 2026. $22.99 ages 3 and up

 

"Fox ran to the bus. 
Hen ran to the bus.

Cat and slug ran to the bus.

Hop on." 

If we want kids to love reading, we need to give them books that encourage their love. You can't go wrong with David Catrow's Bug on the Bus. Besides the fact that it is about public transportation, it is also about an unusual group of passengers. Right from the beginning, early readers will know this bus is about to be boarded by creatures of a different ilk than those that often catch rides together. 

First up is a rather strange looking bug, nattily decked out with a fancy purse that matches her lower legs, curly-cue wings, and a multitude of bright colors. The bug hops on, followed by a scarf-wearing pig, a chunky pup, and a bat that does not run or hop. The passengers become a touch more frantic as an angry chicken chases a fox aboard, followed by a harried striped cat and a very slow-moving snail. 

The fairly astonished, always patient, driver waits for the snail to climb the ramp. Glory be, if it isn't a skunk that arrives just as the bus is about to pull away. All riders but the bug disembark, including the driver with his lunch kit, leaving rhe bug and the skunk to their own bus-i-ness! After meeting as new friends, the pair spend the day having 'fun in the sun'. 

With the perfect number of words for beginning readers, plenty of humor, movement, and endless details to be found in the entirely engrossing illustrations, this book makes kids want to read it on their own with its tribute to short vowels. It's a wild ride, and one of the best books I have seen in the I Like to Read series. 

Cranky, Crabby Crow (Saves the World), written and illustrated by Corey R. Tabor. Greenwillow Books, Harper. 2025. $24.99 ages 4 and up

 

"Crow waits at his spot
on the wire. 
Alone. 

When suddenly ... 

RING - RING
RING - RING"

Crow is sitting on a telephone wire when Squirrel comes along to share some good news. Crow shows no interest; Squirrel scurries away. Hummingbird is interested in playing games. No response, but one loud "KAW!" The same happens with Rat and then Bat. Cat has been watching, and lets Crow know he's putting himself in a bad place ignoring his friends. Crow treats Cat in exactly the same way as the others. 

Still alone, Crow finally receives the message he has been expecting. Asked if he has cleared the area and offering a positive response, Crow can finally begin his mission. Descending on an elevator inside the telephone pole, he reaches his secret lair and finds what he needs to spring into action. He dons the spacesuit, climbs aboard a waiting rocket ship, and zooms toward a gigantic meteor headed straight for Earth. Crow's training bodes well for the task at hand: to dash the meteor into small pieces before it reaches the Earth's atmosphere. Success! Only then does Crow invite his fine friends to join him on the wire: he has a spectacular surprise for them. 

Readers will be delighted to find a secret code on the final spread, which is sure to help them decipher a message found on the endpapers. It's a hit! 

Bear and Bird: The STARS and other stories. Written and illustrated by Jarvis. Candlewick Press, Penguin Random House, 2023. $21.99 ages 4 and up

 

"They didn't say anything to each other. 
Every time Bear looked over, Bird would 
look away. And every time Bird looked 
over, Bear would look away. 

They waited for their new best friends
to arrive."

When it appears that both have been stood up by a best friend they have not yet met, Bear and Bird are able to patch up a lingering argument over a spoon. In keeping with the tone of the first book about the two friends, Jarvis maintains both the charm and humor concerning their shared experiences. 

There are four stories again: The Spoon, The Cake, The Rock and The Stars. Each is based on a misunderstanding and leads to some hilarious repercussions. In the first, neither can remember what a spoon has to do with the way they are treating each other today. They are both angry and determined to find a new friend. A series of letters, floated downriver, pass back and forth to each, unbeknownst to them that it is their friend writing them. A plan is made to meet; meet they do at the assigned place neither knowing why the other is there. When a spoon for their oatmeal is offered, they both laugh delightedly and return home to send a final note of explanation to their 'new best friends'. 

In The Cake, Bear cannot help himself when he eats the cake he finds on his way to Bird's house. Thinking he should bake a cake to put in its place, he does his best. He has no idea how to do that. When baked, the cake looks nothing like the first one, or smell like it. Putting it back where he found it, he has no idea who the intended recipient is. Along comes Bird to offer a surprise ... that same box. A surprise cake for his best friend Bear. What is Bear to do now? 

Two more, equally witty and endearing, tales follow. Just how wrong can things go? Perfect fare for readers striving for independence in their reading. Charming scenes and characters hold attention and add warmth and understanding when things between friends don't go exactly as planned. What fun! 

a bear, a bee, and a honey tree. Words by Daniel Bernstrom and illustrations by Brandon James Scott. Astra, Penguin Random House. 2022. $24.99 ages 3 and up

 

"a hungry bear 
              a busy bee

   a bear 
and a bee
       in a honey tree"

If you want your little one to learn how truly amazing reading is, this is the kind of book you want to give them. A bee's path on the endpapers leads the reader in to the title page where a surprised bear watches the bee pass over his head. That bear (shown on the introductory page) just woke in his cave to sunshine. Turn the page and a yawning bee is doing the same in a honey tree. The bear, the bee and the honey tree are introduced in those words only. Perfect for those wanting to know what is reading is. 

Every double-page spread is filled with movement and sunshine. Hungry, the bear's keen nose leads him to the honey tree. Eureka! The bee is not nearly as keen. It does its best to deter the bear from getting its paws on the honeycomb. When it doesn't work, the bee's grumbles attract the attention of 'a million fuzzy buzzing bees' and the rest of the story is given over to a game of hide-and-seek!

The text is deceptively simple, matching the action shown in the enticing and always entertaining digital artwork. Words are repetitive and give little ones the power to help with the 'reading' which is exactly what we want when they are beginning on their path to a love of reading. 

The phrasing grows in the most delicious ways adding words like sneaky, fretful, angry, fuzzy to the action. Thirty-five wondrous words and brilliant infused light combined with humor, and excitement - what a collaboration! This is certain to be on a repeat cycle for days to come. 

Let's Add Up! Written by Victoria Allenby and illustrated by Maggie Zeng. Pajama Press, 2022. $21.95 ages 3 and up

 

"7 capes + 3 robes = 10 costumes ... 

... or a play!"

This book is a fine addition to the Big, Little Concept Books series by Victoria Allenby. It follows Shape Up Construction! and Listen Up, Train Song! 

What an invitation it is for little ones to begin to think about numbers through play. By taking familiar objects and grouping them together, she gives kids an opportunity to count, combine and come to understand adding on to make a new number. 

She does even better than that ... after coming up with the answer, the concept becomes a new activity to share together. 

"5 drums + 5 tambourines = 10 instruments ...
... or a band."

Once they get the hang of it, readers will be challenged to make guesses about what the resulting activity could be. It won't be long until they are reading it for themselves and perhaps trying some of their own addition ideas. Numbers here go up to 10. 

Maggie Zeng's digital illustrations show wide diversity in the children who remain the same throughout the book's addition challenges. Following the party attended by 9 friends and 1 more, the author offers 4 clear tasks for parents and caregivers to try with young children that will help expand the learning.

Count on! 

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! 

Up and Down and Other Stories, written and illustrated by Sergio Ruzzier. Chronicle Books for Children, Raincoast. 2022. $21.99 ages 3 and up

 

"Whew. 

Fox, the snowflakes are falling 
faster and faster. I could not 
count beyond seventeen. 

Chick, if you cannot count all 
the snowflakes, we might have 
enough snow to go sledding! 

Now we know, Fox:
We need at least 
seventeen snowflakes!"

If you regularly read this blog, you will have met Fox and Chick. They are the central characters in a splendid series of early readers by the wonderful Sergio Ruzzier. The other three books of short stories are: The Quiet Boat Ride (2019), The Party (2020), The Sleepover (2021). Each presents three short stories sure to entertain and entice young children to listen, and then want to read them independently. 

Fox and Chick are adventurous, supportive, funny, sometimes disagreeable, and forever friends. Chick is exuberant, while Fox is unflappable. Chick leaps before he looks, which is what gets him in trouble in the first of three scenarios in this new book. He has climbed a tree without considering how he will get down. Frightened and not wanting to be left alone, he is willing to stay up in the tree forever as long as Fox is nearby. Fox, after many hours of waiting, comes up with a solution, and praise for Chick's resolve. 

In the second, Chick is impatiently waiting for the seventeen snowflakes needed for the sledding season to start. Fox tries to reason with him, and finally agrees that seventeen were surely needed (as well as many, many more). Chick comes away from the experience feeling secure in the knowledge that he was right. Finally, an unexpected gift from Fox has Chick making guesses about what it might be. Those guesses are sure to have readers giggling out loud. 

"Is it four bags of 
potato chips? 
If it's four bags of 
potato chips, I have 
to remember to 
drink some water. 

Once, I almost choked because I ate
four bags of potato chips 
without drinking any water.

It's not potato chips, Chick. 

Huh."

The gift of a book requires a place to put it. So, Chick builds a bookcase. Fox wonders if it will be big enough should Chick gets more books. Chick enlists Fox's assistance for building a bigger one. Well done, Fox and Chick. 

Familiar characters and settings, humorous and heartfelt dialogue, and full-of-charm artwork provide another perfect invitation to the wonder of reading independently. What a ideal collection for someone you love! 

Home Is ... written by Hannah Barnaby and illustrated by Frann Preston-Gannon. Beach Lane Books, 2021. $23.99 ages 2 and up

 

"Home is city, home is town. 
Home is hanging upside down. 

Home is woven,
home is dug, 

Home is roomy,
home is snug."

What is home? Ask children and see what they have to say. 

In this friendly look at the meaning of home, Ms. Barnaby uses rhyming text to explore the many ways humans and animals see their place in the world. Spirited, colorful images accompany the opposing points of view. The words are simple and telling. 

The artwork heightens meaning on double-page spreads that show the differences. The changing perspectives are welcome and invite kids to look closely and discuss. As the book ends, the book is brought full circle, presenting the opening daytime scene in the same place; this time shown at night when all creatures (but the owl) are serenely resting at home. 

Warm-hearted, soothing and peaceful, this is perfect bedtime fare. 

"Home is anywhere you love."                                                                    

Sydney and Taylor Explore the Whole Wide World, written by Jacqueline Davies and illustrated by Deborah Hocking. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, Raincoast. 2021. $9.99 ages 6 and up

 

"Taylor and Sydney crept along the edge
of a road. They kept their noses lifted to 
catch any scent. When they heard water 
nearby, they left the road and scrambled
to the top of a small hill. At the bottom of
the hill was a stream."

Sydney Skunk and Taylor Hedgehog are winning characters in this first book in a new series. Two additional adventures are promised in coming months. Readers quickly learn a lot about each one of them. Fans will be pleased to see them again. 

The two live together in their burrow, which just happens to be situated beneath a potting shed in Miss Nancy's garden. Sydney loves to sit and listen to the sounds he can hear above ground. Taylor has a yen to travel and see the world beyond their cozy home. Because Sydney loves his friend, he finally agrees to accompany Taylor on an exploraion of the world beyond his comfort zone. 

Surprisingly, it is Taylor who shows concern over the many new things and people they will see. Sydney shows his different side, when he is the one who consoles his frightened friend. They have never even come in contact with Miss Nancy, and now they are off feeling 'wild, and fearless, and free'.
What could possibly happen? 

There are some surprise twists as they make their way down unknown paths. Their unique strengths help along the way. When all seems lost in a meeting between themselves and a speeding truck, they find help in the most covenient of places. Soon, they are home safe and sound. What might the future hold for the two of them? We must wait and see. 

A new early chapter book series is sure to find firm fans and much enjoyment. Using gouache and colored pencils, Ms. Hocking assures readers a careful look at two very special friends and the setting in which they live and thrive. 

My Tiny Life by Ruby T. Hummingbird, written and illustrated Paul Meisel. Holiday House, Penguin Random House. 2021. $23.99 ages 4 and up

 

AUGUST 22

I'm hearing a lot of 
chatter about a big 
trip soon. 

SEPTEMBER 4

Eating lots of bugs and
drinking lots of nectar.
Getting ready for the 
big trip."

In this fourth book in the Nature Diary series, young readers learn about the first full year in the life of a ruby-throated hummingbird. As he has done in the other books, Paul Meisel writes in first person, thus making the observations and events more real to those reading it.  

These hummingbirds are familiar sights for many. They live in various parts of North America in the summer, and winter in Mexico and Central America. From the front endpapers where the author includes a monthly map showing the habitat of hummingbirds as well as extra factual information, to the back endpapers where he further describes their many habits and characteristics,Mr. Meisel ensures that readers know much about the bird whose diary they are about to read. 

Now, informed readers are ready to share the dated entries in short sentences made by the hummingbird itself. Every accurately detailed image, created using watercolor, acrylic and gouache, adds context to the personal journey presented. Many relevant details are included in organized, well-designed pages which will attract and fully inform keen birdwatchers. 

Back matter includes a glossary, sources and recommended reading, both periodical and websites. 

Too Small Tola, written by Atinuke and illustrated by Onyinye Iwu. Candlewick Press, Penguin Random House. 2021. $21.99 ages 6 and up

 

"Tola lives in a run-down block of 
apartments in the megacity of Lagos,
in the country of Nigeria." 

Each of the three chapters about Tola begins with that sentence. Her adventures are chronicled with humor, humanity, and quiet wonder. As they unfold, readers are engaged in the daily life of her Nigerian community. 

She lives with her grandmother, her brother and her sister. Each member of the family is a force to be reckoned with; Moji, her sister, is a serious learner who works hard to be an A+ student. Dapo is an accomplished football player, who spends all his time working at his athletic skills and doing little else. Grandmommy is a strong-minded, independent woman. When Grandmommy says something, everybody listens. 

"Tola hurries to put the big shopping 
basket on her head. If Grandmommy 
is upset, soon everybody will be upset. 
Grandmommy passes on her moods 
faster than mosquitoes pass on malaria."

The first chapter relates a shopping trip that requires Tola to go with Grandmommy for two reasons: one is to beat the cheaters and count change as no one can do it faster than Tola can, and the other is to carry a market basket on her head to help bring their many purchases home. Everyone says Tola is 'too small' to do anything important. Tola proves that is not the case. In the second, she awakens to find there is no water in the apartment building (an often-occurring event) and she must help bring water from the well before she can go to school. It is not an easy task, and involves dealing with a bully. Finally, it is time to celebrate both Easter and Eid. When their tailor is hurt, it is up to Tola to help him by measuring all of his clients and then delivering his completed outfits in time for the celebrations. Tola proves that she is capable of all expectations, and size has nothing to do with it. 

An absolutely perfect book for kids making the transition to chapter books. Atinuke has proven time and again that she is a gifted writer and storyteller, attuned to the needs of her young readers. The grayscale illustrations provide a busy urban setting for the action, and a cast of appealing characters. 

I will wait patiently to meet up with Tola in the future. 

The Mosquito, written and illustrated by Elise Gravel. tundra, Penguin Random House. 2020. $12.99 ages 4 and up

 "

"She can find us by detecting the 
CARBON
DIOXIDE 
that we emit when we breathe. She 
can also smell us and feel the heat 
from our bodies. 

Someone has bad breath
around here, yummy!"

Fans of the Disgusting Critters series will be delighted to learn that this10th book is published for their reading pleasure. Many kids love learning about, and being disgusted by, the critters Ms. Gravel has described so far: bat, cockroach, toad, head lice, spider, worm, fly, slug, rat, and now, mosquito. As a reader iof these books for a young audience, some bother me more than others. Kids who listen, and then want to read the books on their own, are delighted by the ewww moments felt as pages are turned. That is exactly what makes the series so popular. As a bonus every time, the books also provide for giggles and guffaws. 

The conversation that happens between reader and critter makes for quality learning concerning what causes the mosquito to be so disgusting to many. As the narrator presents the clear information, the mosquito provides a running commentary on what is being shared. The goofy illustrations add hilarious situations for much of the description shared. 

The speech bubbles that account for the mosquito's need to be a part of the story invite students to work with others to read the book together. One person provides the narrator's comments, while another (in a few cases, more than one) speaks for the mosquito. It's a fun way for parent and child to read and learn together, or for shared reading in an early years classroom. 

Quick facts about this disgusting critter are presented, including habitat, species, and the discouraging tidbit that they have been around for 79 million years! What are the chances we might get to live without them? 
                                                                                 

What About Worms, by Ryan T. Higgins. Hyperion Books for Children, Hachette. 2020. $12.99 ages 3 and up

 

"I am a tiger. 
I am BIG. 
I am BRAVE. 
And I am NOT 
afraid of anything ... 

... except worms."

There are many things this tiger likes. His confidence is indisputable. He loves flowers, apples, books; that is, if they have nothing to do with worms. Think about it ... flowers live in dirt and worms live in dirt; apples are a delicious snack, unless they house a worm; books are sometimes written about worms! What is a tiger to do? 

This tiger does not appreciate their sliminess, their constant moving about, or the fact that it's impossible to tell which end is which. EWWW! As the flower pot is dropped and broken, the apple chomped and discarded, and a new book he thinks must be about worms thrown aside, the tiger hastens away. 

That leaves the worms to express their fear of tigers. They also appreciate what the tiger has left behind, including a book about tigers. They are willing to read it to learn more ... 

"Oh, wow. 
I did not know
tigers are so BIG. 
I did not know 
tigers are so BRAVE.
I did not know tigers
are NOT afraid of 
anything!"

They are soon off with offers of appreciative worm hugs ... if only they can catch tiger. 

Again, this is exactly the book that will inspire little ones to read. How could they resist? Full of humor, emotions, and perfect pacing, this book will have listeners clamoring to read it again! And then again! You know the drill. 

It is a brilliant addition to the Elephant and Piggie Love Reading series. There are six others. Please look for them!  

When We Are Kind, written by Monique Gray Smith and illustrated by Nicole Neidhardt. Orca Book Pulishers, 2020. $19.95 ages 3 and up

"I am kind when
I take care of myself and 
get a good night's sleep

Those are the words we would all love our excited children and grandchildren to take to heart this evening. A good night's sleep on Christmas Eve is often a dream for parents, not their children. The excitement that has been building over the past few weeks has finally truly settled into hoping to be able to sleep through Santa's visit in anticipation of what he has left for them. Will their most fervent wishes come true? Santa does his best, despite the pandemic. 

Speaking of that, this soothing book celebrates and encourages readers in many ways. First and foremost, kindness to others should be at the forefront of our thinking in these uncertain times. Showing we care about the world and the people in it is not a sacrifice. It is an apt response to Dr. Bonnie Henry, who has done her best to inspire the people of British Columbia to "Be kind. Be calm. Be safe."

In first-person voice, Ms. Smith explores ways for young readers to show kindness and generosity toward others. and then (at the centre of the book) switches to allow the speaker to emphasize personal feelings when kindness is experienced. 

"I feel loved 
when my Elders are kind to me"

The rich and colorful illustrations feature Indigenous families, their activities, and their joy as they spend time together. Visually appealing at every turn and offering up details in clothing and surroundings, there is much to see here. The words inspire questions and memories about being kind in the world, and with family and friends. They fully complement the gentle tone of the words. 
                                                                                    

Turtle Walk, written and illustrated by Matt Phelan. Greenwillow Books, Harper. 2020. $21.99 ages 3 and up

 

"Turtle walk. Nice and slow.
Here we go. 
Are we there yet? 
No."

A walk with family is just one of the joys that families can enjoy in these days of isolation and being at home. For this turtle family, the trek takes longer than the epidemic has lasted. Beginning in spring sunshine, the family - two parents and two children - set out to explore their surroundings, an unspoken destination in mind. Around the pond, across fields of flowers they walk. 

By the time spring turns to summer, they are moving ever-so-slowly forward, echoing the same refrain about being there soon. The answer continues to be NO. Patient and plodding, they continue to move forward. Passing a field of sunflowers. a lone grasshopper, children playing outdoors, and brilliant fireflies, they head toward autumn. Not there yet, they are witness to familiar fall activities. Still no end in sight. With the arrival of snow, the walk becomes more labored and even slower. A hill to climb proves difficult. When the answer to the perpetual question is YES, they are in for a big surprise! 

Little ones will love it, and want to hear it again, and for good reason. There is much to see on the quick return trip. All are reminders of their family walk and the absolute joy that ends it. Clear and simple, indeed: a perfect book. It is a 'keeper'. 

                                                                                           

                                                                          

King of the Birds, by Elise Gravel. Harper, 2020. $9.99 ages 6 and up

 

"See? It's not that easy for a bird. I can count because I have a big brain. 

*Crows have bigger brains than most birds. Some scientists say that they are as intelligent as seven-year-old humans."

This is a grand start to a new series, written in graphic format. It introduces two avian characters: Arlo is an overconfident crow, and Pips is s tiny yellow bird. Pips likes to get under Arlo's skin. Arlo doesn't mind answering any question posed or reacting to any comment offered as it allows him to do what he does best ... show-off. 

Arlo is skillful, smart and not afraid to let Pips see how talented he is. Their banter and genuine affection for each other drives their story, while teaching young readers a lot about what crows CAN do. They learn what crows eat, how they behave, and the many skills they have. 

"Look! There's something shiny over there! 

What is it? What is it? What is it?

It's a fork. 

Oh my god. It's so beautiful it hurts my eyes. 

And it's so SHINY! I've never seen anything prettier in my entire life."

Pertinent facts about crows are woven onto the pages in footnotes that are quickly and easily read by the intended audience. The book's humorous tone, the simple sentences and the appealing visual jokes will attract fans to this series, and leave them wanting to have another visit with Arlo and Pips.  

See The Cat: Three Stories About a Dog, written by David LaRochelle and illustrated by Mike Wohnoutka. Candlewick Press, Penguin Random House. 2020. $11.99 ages 3 and up

"See the snake.

Here we go again. 

The snake is under the dog.

YIKES!

The snake is mad.

Shoo! Shoo!"


Oh, Max! Poor guy ... that you are!

In the first of three stories, the narrator is bent on assuring young readers that Max is a cat. Max is having none of it. He explains after every assertion that he is, in fact, a dog.  All new descriptive phrasing is about a cat. Max becomes more and more disgruntled. After a final meltdown, Max realizes his mistake, and is contrite.

The two following stories are equally funny, and highly entertaining. If the reader likes the first story, be prepared for more to enjoy in the last two. Early readers are going to love them, and will soon be sharing the book with anyone who will listen. That is, only after they laugh their way through it time and again. Perfect fare for those on the verge of becoming independent readers.

Finding exceptional fare we categorize as early readers is a task at times. This wonderfully engaging makes that task much easier.
                                                                                   

 

It Is (Not) Perfect, by Anna Kang with illustrations by Christopher Weyant. Two Lions, Thomas Allen & Son. 2020. $23.99 ages 3 and up

"Perfect!

Well ....

         Except ...

                      It needs
                   more towers.

and it needs
     arches."

Your littles will be delighted to see Purple and Brown again. This is their fifth time together. The joy found in the reading never wavers. This time they are at the beach, with sand castle building on their minds.

Their first attempt is deemed 'perfect' by Brown. Both seem very happy with their work of art. Until Purple has a closer look. utters a Hmm, and points out that it definitely is not! So, they add flags. Purple is happy, Brown thinks it needs more. Just when they determine they have achieved success, two friends come along with a Hmm of their own ... and a suggestion for making it even more perfect.

They get to work, redesigning and working hard to bring the new ideas to fruition. Others enter from the sidelines, with further proposals and offering help.

"And a greenhouse.

And stairs.

And a drawbridge ...

MOAT!"

Can you just imagine? Work continues at a pace, until it is finally declared PERFECT! again. Is it?

Just right dialogue throughout makes for an easy read for emerging readers. It won't be long until they are sharing it with all who will listen. Once again, the illustrations are full of fun characters and charming details. As happens with these eternally optimistic bear friends, the day is not a washout. There is more fun to be had!!!                                                                         

This book is sure to be as popular as the first four, and will have fans aching to see the next.

The Old Truck, written and illustrated by Jarrett and Jerome Pumphrey. Norton Young Readers. 2020. $23.95 ages 3 and up

"The old truck
sailed the seas.

braved the skies,

and chased the stars.

But the old truck
grew older.

And older."

This is a story told so simply, and yet marvelous! Its heart is in farm life, and the work farmers do day in and day out. It may not be easy; it is full of rewards. The old truck is as important to the work as those who make the farm viable and profitable.

A young family lives here. When we first meet them, the mother is expecting a child. The father is busy with barn construction. As the story begins, that baby has grown, the parents are loading the truck's bed with produce ready for delivery. The farm grows; the child grows; the family works hard, and so does the old truck.

As happens with old things, the truck eventually needs a rest. It is replaced by a tractor. The farm grows and changes while the old truck finds solace in dreams of sailing, flying, and exploring. The hard work continues as the mom tends chickens, the dad tends the tractor, and the ever-growing girl tends to her bicycle. All is well - and the truck ages.

The girl soon grows to be a young woman, and a capable farmer. The truck rests. One day, the 'new' farmer uses her tractor to haul it from its resting place and work some magic on her old friend. The story comes full circle when she and her daughter use the newly-refurbished truck to haul produce of their own. Bravo!

The Pomphrey brothers created more than 250 stamps to help them tell this outstanding story of resilience and persistence. The shapes and colors on every spread perfectly suit the simple storytelling. Time passes, the seasons change, the truck grows as weary as the farmers, and eventually the young woman takes up the challenge of farming with help from a dear old friend. How amazing is that?

One of my absolute favorite books this year!
                                                                                 

A Day for Skating, written by Sarah Sullivan and illustrated by Madeline Valentine. Candlewick Press, Penguin Random House. 2019. $22.99 ages 3 and up

"Rosy cheeks, cold nose,
sore bottom, frozen toes.

Hot cocoa, snack-bar hut,
drying mittens, warming up.

Good friends gliding in a row.
Holding on and letting go."

There's a lot of melting going on here. We have had sunshine four straight days, and temperatures above zero today. It is needed brightness as everyone struggles with this new reality of staying home and being safe for ourselves and everyone else. Dreary days might just make the self-isolation worse. Yes, I know it is 'spring'; experience tells me we may not have yet seen our last snowfall. That being said, I know for sure we no longer have ice skating rinks. And, if we did have them, we wouldn't be able to use them as we seek to social distance ourselves. I don't want you to miss hearing about a few books I received on Friday.

A Day for Skating is filled with familiar scenes of growing up where snow is with us for five months. Skating is a big deal, especially on a pond. This pond welcomes skaters of all ages. It is surrounded by snow and snow-laden trees. It has a bridge, benches, a skate shack that houses a canteen, and there are lots of visitors. The little girl and her father whose story is told experience the joys and pitfalls of a day skating. They are surrounded by kids skating on their own, or with parents, friends, and even a pup.

It is a happy place. That is evident in the digital art created with watercolor and colored pencils. Each spread offers a look at the action, moving from one detailed scene to the next as the day progresses. The skaters arrive in early morning ready for action. After much hard work, they stop for a snack and cocoa, and skate until early evening and a roaring fire. As darkness descends, it's time to pack up and head for home, where a warm bath and a quiet read result in peaceful slumber.

The brief rhyming text is what early readers need to make it a story they soon can share. The story from scene to scene, with familiarity and appeal. In schools where a skating program is part of the year's activities, this would be a very welcome addition to the library collection.

Do you find yourself wondering what might be happening at the pond once everyone has gone home to bed? Be sure to check it out!