Toy Boat by Randall De Seve and Illustrated by Loren Long

Published by Philomel Books (An imprint of Penguin)

Pages: 40

Ages: 2 and up

Publishers Summary: A little boy has a toy boat. He made it out of a can, a cork, a yellow pencil, and some white cloth. The boy and his boat are inseparable, until one day when the wind pushes the toy boat out into the wide lake. Alone now, the little boat must face fierce waves, a grumpy ferry, a sassy schooner, and a growling speed boat. How the little boat misses the boy! But if he is going to survive, he must figure a way to do it on his own.

Loren Long has a timeless and magical touch. As he did with The Little Engine That Could, he creates a world of toys and children that go right to the soul. Toy Boat will sail into young hearts and stay there.

The Turkeybird Speaks: “This is an amazing book! The boat in here steals the show for sure. Not to mention all of the other big boats he runs into! It’s incredible! He gets taken out into the ocean and thrown around in a storm, then almost run over by a huge boat! Whoa!

“The only part I don’t like is when the boat gets sad because he’s not with his little boy anymore. It’s just so sad. I know if he were my boat I would be sad and would want him to come back home. But it gets better! The boat makes it home and the little boy is so so happy to see him! I could read this book over and over again, thank goodness my mom likes it so much!”

Mom’s Two Cents: “Not too long ago I wrote a post titled, Parents vs. Children: When We Love Books Our Kids Don’t. It was all about me venting that my tastes and the tastes of Turkeybird and Littlebug were sometimes very very different. Toy Boat made the list of books I loved that Turkeybird did not. Well, the day has finally come that he is loving this wonderful book and I couldn’t be happier! Not that I don’t enjoy reading pretty much anything to him, but it’s so nice when you both love a book.

“Everything about this book is delightful. Initially I picked up Toy Boat because I’m a bit of an illustration snob and Loren Long is one of my absolute favorites. If you don’t agree, I’d hope to persuade you to take a look at her website. Everything she illustrates is gorgeous. Besides the illustrations, I was drawn to the little boy, so much like my own. So often in his own little world with just a few favorite toys and books keeping him constantly thinking.

“Toy Boat though is not so much about the little boy, but the boat itself. His adventure away from the boy and into the unknown is so similar to the life we all experience at some point. He travels, at first excited at the wonderment before him, but soon longs for the boy he left behind. With sudden hopelessness engulfing him the boat is met by another friendly, but bigger boat who gently guides him back to the boy he loves. And the boy…is there on the beach eagerly awaiting the toy boat’s return.

“This is a story I hope to share with both Turkeybird and Littlebug for some time. It’s exciting to be able to share a story that means so much to me with Turkeybird now and see his excitement as we read along together. Toy Boat has so much meaning to be gained and I know as they both grow, the meaning will change for each of them. But for now, I’m happy to share the excitement of the little boy as his boat returns from his big adventure across the sea!”

Please take a look at the illustrator’s website, Loren Long children’s book gallery, for some amazing sketch to finished image comparisons. You will be astounded at how beautiful they are!

Some other Randall and Peter DeSeve books you might enjoy!
(There’s at least one of these I think a certain Whimsical blogger might just adore!)

The1stdaughter Recommends: Ages 3 and up. Wonderful illustrations, a fantastic adventure and a touching meaning make this a perfect book for kiddos to “grow” into.

For the Comments: How do illustrations affect your buying decisions when it comes to children’s books? Make or break?

This book was purchased for our home library.
Purchasing products by clicking through the links in this post will provide us a modest commission through our affiliate relationship with IndieBound.

Simple Steps Activity Book by Molly Smith and Illustrated by Tad Carpenter

Published by Chronicle Books

Pages: 80

Ages:9-12

Publishers Summary: It’s easy and fun to be green! Printed on 100% recycled materials and developed in partnership with the Natural Resources Defense Council, this one-of-a-kind activity book encourages kids to reduce waste and make their homes, schools, and neighborhoods more environmentally friendly. It’s packed with plenty of in-book and out-of-book activities and 2 pages of stickers. Kids will have a blast while they develop an understanding of local and worldwide environmental challenges.

The Turkeybird Speaks: “I love sticker books! Did you see the discussion all about how sticker books helped me to learn to speak? It was great, if I do say so myself! Sticker and activity books are some of my favorite types of books most of all because I love to learn new things. Also they’re great because I get to work with mom and dad. I always love being able to find the right sticker or draw something that they get really excited over! It’s so neat to have them say that I did a ‘great job’!

“This activity book has been so much fun, because there are stickers and I get to color in it. One of the first activities I did was learn all about different whales from all over the world. It was so so neat! My mom even took a picture:

“I just love learning about the outdoors and outer-space right now, so it was perfect! There are pages all about animals and plants and even some about cars, which you all know I am a huge fan of. It was also really fun to learn how to help mom by making sure to turn my light off when I leave my bedroom and not run the water too long after I wash my hands. There were so many things to learn, and I’m still not done. I’m hoping that tomorrow I’ll get to do a little bit more with mom or dad, because it’s just so much fun!”

Mom’s Two Cents: “The Baker and I are definitely of the mindset that we have the ability to impact our environment by taking small and simple steps. We believe it’s important to care for not only the earth we live on, but also our bodies, by way of monitoring our food sources. Yes, for some it may be extreme, but for us it works. That’s not to say we aren’t without fault when it comes to being ‘green’, but we definitely try our best to be mindful of our individual impact on the earth. Because of this we also feel responsible to carry that knowledge on to Turkeybird and Littlebug and Simple Steps is a great book for just that purpose.

“Yes, the book is for kids a bit older than ours, it recommends ages 9-12, but there’s no need to hold back. I’m a firm believer that activity books are meant to be an involved activity with both parent and child. So, if you take this advice to heart it’s easy to take topics like ‘The Problem with Plastic’ and ‘Energy in Motion’ and make them applicable even to little kids. Besides, Simple Steps is loaded with fantastic stickers and coloring activities that you can use to help illustrate each of the topics. As you can plainly see, The Turkeybird gets pretty excited about finding the right sticker to go in the right place:

“This is definitely one of my new favorites when it comes to activity books. Some activity books can be pretty basic and carry very little variety, but not Simple Steps. From our homes to the forests and oceans, you learn how we each have an impact on our world and what we can do even as children to make a difference. In addition to that there’s even a guide to buying seasonal produce and using your local farmer’s markets. Simple Steps is just that, the simple steps we can take in our individual lives to improve the quality of life for ourselves and everything in the earth around us. A wonderful activity books for kids and parents to share and learn from.

The1stdaughter Recommends: Ages 3 and up. A perfect activity book for little ones beginning to learn about our earth and great for parent interaction!

For the Comments: Is there anything “simple” your family does to try and make the earth a more healthy place for all of us?

Simple Steps has quickly become a favorite that we want to share. Because of this, There’s A Book is offering 5 copies to our wonderful readers. Each winner, 5 total, will receive one copy of the Simple Steps Activity Book by Molly Smith.

Details: Five winners will be chosen at random after the contest closes to receive one copy each. You MUST fill out the form below, comments will not count as entries. Only one entry per household. Must be a follower of There’s A Book. Giveaway is open to US/Canadian Residents only. The giveaway will run from June 24, 2010 until July 16, 2010 midnight EST.

This book was provided by Lara from Chronicle Books. Thank you! Make sure to take a look at their website and find them on Twitter here.
Purchasing products by clicking through the links in this post will provide us a modest commission through our affiliate relationship with IndieBound.

Max Spaniel: Funny Lunch by David Catrow

Published by Scholastic

Pages: 40

Ages:4-8

Publishers Summary: Our lovable spaniel is back! Readers will dine with delight as Chef Max serves up one hysterical meal after another at his very own diner. New readers will laugh out loud as Max’s pizza pie special creates a wacky lunchtime.

This clever and funny story by David Catrow is easy to read and features loads of visual humor!

The Turkeybird Speaks: “Can I have a dog mom? Please? Pretty pretty please? Especially one that makes pizza and does magic? I will definitely start eating better if you’ll get me a dog that will cook for me! How great would that be? Perfect, just perfect!

“Max is the dog I’d love to have. He’s funny and does the goofiest things. I mean, who puts a sweater on someone after they ask for Chili? It’s just hilarious! This is one book that will have every guy in your life begging for a dog of their own and rolling on the ground with all of the silly things Max does. Just love it!”

Mom’s Two Cents: “The Max Spaniel series is a fun and entertaining take on a not-so-ordinary day in the life of a not-so-typical dog. Max has inherited the ability to cook and entertain all in one place, his own little dinner – ‘Max’s Diner’. On the day we visit Max he’s decided his daily special is to be a pizza pie, but he doesn’t quite accomplish a perfect pie. And in the end he has to come up with some creative ideas to fill the order of a bus full of demanding doggie customers.

“What I love about The Max Spaniel books is not only the fun and entertaining factor for little kiddos, but the creativity they learn from it. Being creative can take on so many forms and it does just that in these books. In Max Spaniel:Funny Lunch Max comes up with all sorts of ways to entertain and feed his guests, this is the more straight forward example. When it comes to a tough situation David Catrow shows through Max that there is always more than one solution to a problem. In doing so he helps children to see how being creative can, in some cases, leave you with a very positive outcome and in Max’s case – a bus full of happy customers.

“An entertaining book that will have children everywhere asking for their very own Max and just maybe being a little creative about how they ask.”

Giveaway!

Five (5) Winners will receive one (1) copy of Max Spaniel:Funny Lunch AND Max Spaniel:Dinosaur Hunt!

Details: Entries will be accepted until Sunday May 23, 2010 at midnight EST. Giveaway open to US/Canadian Residents only. You MUST fill out the form below and a follower of There’s A Book to enter the giveaway. Only one entry per person per household.

This contest is currently closed and the winners will be announced shortly. Thank you again to all who entered, please make sure to check our Giveaways Page frequently for new opportunities to win!

For the Comments: Do you have any pets? What would you want them to make you for dinner?

This book and giveaway were provided by Big Honcho Media for review. Thank you!
Purchasing products by clicking through the links in this post will provide us a modest commission through our affiliate relationship with Amazon.com.

How Do Dinosaurs Play with Their Friends? and How Do Dinosaurs Clean Their Rooms? by Jane Yolen and Mark Teague

Published by Blue Sky Press

Ages: Baby to Preschool

Pages: 12

Publishers Summary for How Do Dinosaurs Play with Their Friends: The latest in the How Do Dinosaurs series, this board book teaches little ones how to be a friend and playmate. Youngsters will love, as always, the playful text and humorous illustrations.

Publishers Summary for How Do Dinosaurs Clean Their Rooms: Come along for some BIG fun as your favorite dinosaurs learn to pick up and put away their toys. How do dinosaurs clean their rooms? With trash cans and dusters and brooms! Now Jane Yolen’s playful, read-aloud text and Mark Teague’s hilarious illustrations show your own little dinosaurs just how fun and easy it can be.

The Turkeybird Speaks: “Mom and Dad first bought How Do Dinosaurs Clean Their Rooms? back when I was still too little to read it, but I still loved all the pictures! All the dinosaurs, the trucks and even the kitty on the last page. I even liked all the mommies and daddies telling the dinosaurs they needed to clean up. One of the dinosaurs even lines up his cars just the way I do with mine! So neat!

“Then, my mom got a package a few weeks ago with How Do Dinosaurs Play with Their Friends? and I was so excited to open it up! I really think there was some secret reason she got this one for me. What can I say? I’m three and my toys do not belong to my little sister! But after reading this a few times, I can see where maybe I might have been wrong in the way I was treating my ‘sharing’ situations and I’ve been trying to do better. Again, this one is one of my favorites too. I’ve read it every night for the last week and just don’t ever get tired of it. It’s wonderful! And it’s dinosaurs! How could you go wrong?”

Mom’s Two Cents: “So, do your little ones have problems sharing or cleaning? Or even eating, going to bed, being kind, counting, colors…the list goes on and on. These books are delightful! Even my Littlebug is drawn to the wonderful illustrations and short story lines. Perfect for early learners and some just needing that extra nudge in the right direction.

“As The Turkeybird said, we initially picked the How Do Dinosaurs Clean Their Rooms? up when he was very little. In fact we were still living in Virginia and took a trip with some friends to a big book sale warehouse out in the middle of nowhere near Harrisonburg. They had more books than I had ever seen in one place, it was just ridiculous and so much fun! Most of the books were not exactly what I was looking for, but I’m so glad I found this one (along with a couple of other house favorites). And then, when I saw that they also had How Do Dinosaurs Play with Their Friends in a board book edition I knew we had to have it! Definitely some good decisions!

“The How Do Dinosaurs? series is one every home with little kiddos should have. These books are wonderful and the illustrations are perfect, highlighting the minute details even in the scales on the back of each dinosaur. They teach basic life lessons all while making it fun and entertaining for kiddos to pick up again and again.”

The1stdaughter Recommends: Ages 1 and up. As an adult I’ve truly enjoyed reading these and have rarely tired of them. I highly recommend these for every home with little kiddos!

For the Comments: How did you learn manners? Through a book, a class, or just mom and dad? We’d be interested in knowing, so make sure to leave a comment and tell us all about it!

These books were purchased for our home library.
Purchasing products by clicking through the links in this post will provide us a modest commission through our affiliate relationship with Amazon.com.

There’s A Book is being featured over at Mrs. Magoo Reads! Make sure to stop by and start following her. She offers wonderful reviews on all the similar types of things we like here at There’s A Book. Definitely worth the stop!

As if that were not enough, in honor of The Turkeybird’s 3rd birthday and the site just almost getting to the 100 follower mark we decided to throw a bit of a giveaway for our wonderful readers!

The details:

The giveaway will go through until the 15th of April 2010. The only requirement I have is that you be a follower (oh, and over 13). It’s open to everyone everywhere, because I’m going to make it easy this time around.

One winner will recieve a $25 gift certificate from the online bookseller of their choice! This will be sent directly to their email inbox once they confirm who they want their certificate from. Easy, right? Think of all the fun books you could get with $25!!!

Now…if we manage to get over 100 followers we will add another winner!  ~Two~ winners will get $25 to an online bookseller of their choice! So, go! Advertise, tell your friends all about it and you just might double your chances!

Just fill out the form and we will be announcing the winner(s) on April 16th!

The Giveaway is now closed…Thank you to everyone who entered!

So, we’ve all been there. You’re in a book store, online or in the library and there it is…the most beautiful, colorful and wonderful children’s book ever! It even has one of those bright and shiny stickers on the front. You’re thinking, “They thought it was great, why wouldn’t my son (or daughter)? I mean I LOVE it!” You take it home and that night you sit down, eager to read it to your little one for their newest bedtime treat! You’re both excited, and then…page after page, the book falls flat with your little one. Instead, they push it aside abruptly only to pick up that same old book about the car with the mouse driving it (let’s not even mention you’ve already read it every night for the last three months).

What’s a parent to do? How do you handle the disappointment when your son or daughter just doesn’t seem to appreciate the “finer” things in life? Do you hide it away and hope for another day? Or do you secretly stash it for your own personal enjoyment?

This topic came up with a friend of mine the other day. We were discussing how difficult it can be to find books that match both our little one’s tastes and our own. It can get cumbersome to read the same book night in and night out, especially when it’s one you are completely sick of and never really loved to begin with. For me, it’s a fine line, you need to keep the kiddo interested or they may never learn to love reading, but it’s also important to expose them the wonderful options out there. If we continue to allow the same book to be read every night they may never learn to love another and one that may be one they love even more.

So, tell me, are there any books that you just love that your son or daughter (old or young, I think it applies to all ages) still hasn’t learned to appreciate? And what do you do to encourage your children to try other books?

Here are a few I’m IN LOVE with that I’m really hoping Littlebug or the Turkeybird “grow” into (I know, some of you will be appalled, but that’s just how it goes!):

Toy Boat by Randall de Seve illustrated by Loren Long

Published by Philomel Books (A division of Penguin Books)

Pages: 40

Ages: 4-8

Publishers Summary: A little boy has a toy boat. He made it out of a can, a cork, a yellow pencil, and some white cloth. The boy and his boat are inseparable, until one day when the wind pushes the toy boat out into the wide lake. Alone now, the little boat must face fierce waves, a grumpy ferry, a sassy schooner, and a growling speed boat. How the little boat misses the boy! But if he is going to survive, he must figure a way to do it on his own.

Charley Harper 123s by Charley Harper

Published by AMMO Books

Pages: 20

Ages: 4-8

Publishers Summary: Charley Harper 123’s, is a board book companion to the skinny version of the ABC’s. In this book, counting from 1 to 10, is demonstrated through a colorful and playful range of creatures. From 1 Ladybug Lounging, to 2 Birds Nesting, to 3 Chimpanzees Playing, all of the animals featured are active, delightful, and easy to count.

Moo Baa La La La by Sandra Boynton

Published by Little Simon (A division of Simon and Schuster)

Pages: 14

Ages: Baby-Preschool

Publishers Summary: It’s BIG fun from Sandra Boynton in this big, big size of this favorite title. Great for laps and sharing, this oversized edition on thick, sturdy board material is perfect for oversized fun for children of all ages. This raucous story about the sounds animals make — including three pigs who say la la la! – is just right for reading aloud.

The Curious Garden by Peter Brown

Published by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Pages: 40

Ages: 4-8

Publishers Summary: One boy’s quest for a greener world… one garden at a time.
While out exploring one day, a little boy named Liam discovers a struggling garden and decides to take care of it. As time passes, the garden spreads throughout the dark, gray city, transforming it into a lush, green world.

These books were purchased for our home library.
Purchasing products by clicking through the links in this post will provide us a modest commission through our affiliate relationship with Amazon.com.

Scaredy Squirrel by Melanie Watt

Published by Kids Can Press, Ltd.

Pages: 42

Ages: 4-8

Publishers Summary: Scaredy Squirrel never leaves his nut tree. It’s way too dangerous out there. He could encounter tarantulas, green Martians or killer bees. But in his tree, every day is the same and if danger comes along, he’s well-prepared. Scaredy Squirrel’s emergency kit includes antibacterial soap, Band-Aids and a parachute.

Day after day he watches and waits, and waits and watches, until one day … his worst nightmare comes true! Scaredy suddenly finds himself out of his tree, where germs, poison ivy and sharks lurk.

But as Scaredy Squirrel leaps into the unknown, he discovers something really uplifting …

The Turkeybird Speaks: “This book is one of those that I just can’t put down. My favorite is when my dad reads it, ‘wake up, eat a nut, look at a view, eat a nut…’, he just does such a good job! Scaredy Squirrel is one of those characters you love instantly, I mean, he’s really a flying squirrel! He can fly! How cool is that? And he’s afraid of bee’s and I am not a fan at all. I once had one sting me and my thumb swelled up like a balloon! So of course you want to stay away from those terrible bugs!

“My favorite part though has to be his emergency kit! He has everything you could ever need in there to keep away all the scary things you might encounter! Although I’m still not quite sure why he’s afraid of sharks? I LOVE sharks! But my mom doesn’t, so maybe it’s an adult thing??? Anyway, the emergency kit! My mom and I even drew one up together. They have one you can print off on the website for the book and it is incredible! You have to try it out! Of course we included band-aids, just like squirrel, because they are my favorite thing to stick to my body (even if I don’t have a ‘good’ reason for it, as my mom would say)!

“This is a definite must read with any guy or girl you know! Pick it up and enjoy Scaredy Squirrel’s funny adventure!”

Mom’s Two Cents: “The Turkeybird is right, this is one funny book! It was actually awarded the ALA’s award for most Notable Children’s Book in 2007 and I completely agree. My husband, The Baker, reads to The Turkeybird every night before bed as there time together the rest of the day is limited and this is something they love to do together. Well, at least every other night he asks for this book. I love to hear him chuckle in the other room as he see’s Scaredy Squirrel fall from the tree to discover he can fly and that the world outside his tree isn’t really as bad as he first thought.

“One of the funniest things about the book is all the crazy things Scaredy Squirrel is afraid of. Below is a picture from the book (provided via the publishers website) of all the crazy things he thinks are outside of his front door:

“I love it! Martians, killer bees, tarantulas, poison ivy, germs and sharks. Now, I do have to say, I’m not a fan of sharks, never have been, but Martians? Hilarious! But the truly great thing about it is, I know we all know a little boy or girl who is terrified of something so completely random and impossible that they will never truly be hurt by it, but that doesn’t mean they can’t fear it. The author mentioned this in her discussion of the book:

From the author: “Mélanie has often noted how the Scaredy Squirrel books helped her work out her own insecurities and fears, as the success of these titles has required her to venture out into the unknown, and like Scaredy she has found the experience truly uplifting.”

“In reality, though this book is funny and entertaining it teaches a wonderful lesson to children of all ages. When we stay in our shells, be it our homes or a safe place (a job, a city, a rut, anything), we could be missing out on all the world has to offer us. In Scaredy Squirrel’s case it was knowing he could fly and see more of the world around him. Granted he still has some other fears to overcome, but it’s all about taking things one step at a time. And who couldn’t use that?”

The1stdaughter Recommends: Ages 3 and up. For kids (and adults) who may be frightened to step outside of their front door (or even their comfort zone).

Make sure to visit the publishers website for some fun activities too!

For the comments: So, what irrational fear do you have? Sharks, the dark, martians?

This book was purchased for our home library.
Purchasing products by clicking through the links in this post will provide us a modest commission through our affiliate relationship with Amazon.com.

We’ve been going pretty strong, but yesterday was a doozy! The poor Turkeybird spent close to 2 hours at the dentist office getting 2 root canals and a filling. Initially they told us he was going to have to have his front tooth pulled, but because he did so well in the chair and the tooth wasn’t as bad as they thought he was able to keep them all! Yay! This is great because we were about ready to begin the mourning of a tooth passing. So sad.

Well, like I said, he did great! But the aftermath was a little more than predicted. The Turkeybird had quite the afternoon coming off of all the medication and we are now desperately in need of a mental health day. So, no reviews today, but I promise, we will be back tomorrow with maybe even a review from the Turkeybird himself. Until then read, relax, and have a great day! We’ll see you tomorrow!

I Love My New Toy! (An Elephant and Piggie Book) by Mo Willems

Published by Hyperion Books for Children

Pages: 64

Ages: 4-8

Publishers Summary: In “I Love My New Toy!” Piggie can’t wait to show Gerald her brand-new toy. But will an accidentally broken toy accidentally break a friendship?

The Turkeybird Speaks: “Give me a minute…thanks! I needed a second to compose myself. The best part about this book…my mom, reading it to me. She’s amazing! If I could get her to read it over and over for hours every day I would, because it’s great. Hold on, I think I might be able to get her to read it!…

“Hahaha! That was great, I mean really! You are missing out on life if you haven’t read this, because if I’m not mistaken they have studies proving that laughter helps you live longer, right? I can’t stop laughing! Haha! Every time I even see this book I have to chuckle, it’s so much fun. And if it couldn’t get much better, it’s all about a toy! Wonderful. Mo Willems is by far one of my favorite authors and illustrators. He’s a genius! Go out get this book and read it to the nearest 2 to 4 year old you know, they will love you forever for it.”

Mom’s Two Cents: “One of my favorite things about this book, The Turkeybird’s reaction. I honestly can say that very rarely do I see him light up the way he does when I read this book to him. And who doesn’t appreciate that? It was a joy, yet again today when he ran into my room with this book in tow and a huge grin on his face. I’d read it once and then he’d say ‘again! again!’. How could I refuse such plea’s? It truly was the highlight of my day.

“I Love My New Toy! is the story of a little Piggie (insert the nearest preschool age child in your life) and her adventure getting, losing and regaining a toy and more importantly a friend. Piggie initially chooses to share her toy with her good friend Gerald, but he causes strife by breaking it…or so they think. Piggie goes through a range of emotions and eventually finds that it’s better to forgive than hold a grudge. It teaches children that friends are the things to be treasured not just our possessions.

“When we purchased this for The Turkeybird it was in the hopes that it would help him with sharing. I’m not entirely sure that it’s helped so far, but it has taught him some other very valuable lessons. It’s helped him put names to feelings and emotions he’s had. Recently he had a toy break and I think reading the book helped him understand it was okay, he had other toys and friends to play with. He still values the things he has, but I’m pretty sure it’s helping him to see they aren’t what is important in life.

“A great book with a great message that’s also very entertaining. Perfect for reading together between you and your toddler or even a group of toddlers together could be great!”

The1stdaughter Recommends: Toddlers of any age will love being read this book. Also great for teaching children about different emotions by putting a name to them in a way they can understand. And helping them to see what is important in life.

Also check out Mo Willems site for some fun activities for little ones.

Winner of the 2009 Cybils Easy Reader Award. More about this later this week!

This book was purchased for our home library.
Purchasing products by clicking through the links in this post will provide us a modest commission through our affiliate relationship with Amazon.com.

Little Pea, Little Hoot, Little Oink

By Amy Krouse Rosenthal and illustrated by Jen Corace

Published by Chronicle Books October 2009

Ages: 4-8

Pages: 80 Total (3 Individual books)

The Turkeybird Takes Over: “Let me just take the reigns while Littlebug goes off to chew on some other book. I’m not sure exactly why my parents thought that these books would be more appropriate for Littlebug, but they were wrong. She received them this Christmas and no sooner had she received them did she toss them to the side for a more flashy glowing singing worm thing. In my opinion, she’s made a grievous mistake. These books will soon become classics, as anyone with any taste will obviously see upon their first reading.

“Now, I’m not going to say that Littlebug doesn’t have any good taste (she must, she likes my “That’s Not My Truck” book), it just so happens that in this particular case she has fallen a bit short. In fact, I think she may have fallen asleep.

“But that’s besides the point! These books have everything! From skateboarding to playing with dad to going to school and even cleaning up my room (which believe it or not, I like to do). Just incredible books with wonderful fun friends I’m sure you’ll enjoy. Pea, Hoot and Oink are some of the best characters in modern literature and you would be just silly not to pick these up!”

Mom’s Two Cents: “When the Turkeybird speaks, he speaks. I won’t argue one bit. We judged a book by it’s cover so to say and by so doing gave the wrong book to the wrong child. That’s not to say that Littlebug won’t enjoy these in a year or so from now, because I’m pretty sure she will, she just doesn’t today.

“He’s right though, these are great books! For me as well as for the kids. I honestly LOVE reading these aloud to The Turkeybird. They’re so fun and entertaining, but also have a twist of teaching to them. Each book focuses on a different point of a child’s life of learning, be it sleeping, what to eat or cleaning up. Each one is taught in such a way that it makes each task seem like the enjoyable part of the day and not the chore to be completed. The illustrations are simple and beautiful. And overall wonderful books, great for the whole family. (I think I’d even read them without children.)”

The1stdaughter Recommends: Age 3 and older, boys and girls alike will love these delightful stories.

“If you’re still thirsty for more take a look at this adorable book trailer for the third book in the series Little Oink”:

These books were purchased for our home library.
Purchasing products by clicking through the links in this post will provide us a modest commission through our affiliate relationship with Amazon.com.