Photo by Alice Chow, volunteer San Bernardino shelter
The San Bernardino City Animal Shelter was always the little shelter that could. While they couldn’t save all the abandoned animals that crossed their doors, the fervent volunteers worked tirelessly to try to save as many as possible. And they did this in spite of little support from the shelter manager, who at times almost seemed to work against the volunteers.
Spring is in the air and the crocuses are blooming! It’s time for reading picture books that will get children excited about seeing baby animals, looking for flowering bulbs, and just enjoying the beautiful colors, smells, and sounds of nature as everything comes to life after a bitterly cold winter. These seven lovely picture books will do just that!
Three great books for young readers who speak Spanish are “Lola quiere un gato,” “Chancho el campeón”, and the little book that’s a big mouthful, “Al bebé le encanta la ingeniería aeroespacial!” These adorable books are also available in English for those who prefer picture books in English. Continue reading
“We’re Not From Here” by Geoff Rodkey is a fantastic story that could be dystopian, except for the humor-filled pages that seem to be anything but dystopia-like, in spite of the novel’s destruction of Earth and the possible extermination of the human race thing going on. Lan, the narrator, and Lan’s sister and parents are living on Mars after Earth is destroyed by a nuclear apocalypse. But things are not great on Mars. Food and water are running out, clothes are turning to rags, and the air processors are failing so everyone is always tired.
There are many different kinds of picture books. Some are bedtime stories, some are sweet or silly, and some have wonderful messages to share for readers of all ages. These nine books are picture books that would be appropriate for a wide range of ages, and they all have lovely themes to discuss with kids.
With “Wildcard,” the sequel to “Warcross,” author Marie Lu fulfills her unspoken promise to readers to keep the action and the tech fast and furious, just like the action in the fictional game of Warcross. The sequel takes the reader forward, but also lets the reader visit the past.
There is no such thing as too many picture books on the bookshelf. They are created to bring joy to young and old because often, adults or older readers are the ones sharing the picture books by reading them aloud. Wonderful authors and illustrators work to make books that will be enjoyed by everyone.
“Hoo Hoo Who” by Mary Maier and Lauren Horton is not just an adorable picture book about an owl whose glasses are broken. He can’t see who is coming to Mouse’s birthday party, so he asks, “Hoo hoo are you?” The hints include yellow feathers, splashy feet and the phrase, “Quack quack with their smiling little beak.” This picture book has lovely illustrations and clever text that will encourage expressive language in young children. Speech pathologist and author Lauren Horton also provides materials on the publisher’s website and blog. (Building Block Press)
“The Deepest Blue” by Sarah Beth Durst is a beautiful story filled with strong and compassionate characters, a rich setting, and a plot with nonstop action. The writing grabs the reader on the very first page and doesn’t let go until the very end.
In “The Fifth Doctrine,” author Karen Robards takes an action-filled plot that has a few twists and turns and creates a book that is gripping, touching, and ultimately an extremely satisfying read. There are a lot of chase scenes and a lot of mistrust and chicanery, and this third book in “The Guardian” series about Bianca St. Ives is a really fun read. Continue reading
“The Truth Lies Here” by Lindsey Klingele is almost like two stories. One story is about mysterious disappearances and deaths in a small Michigan town. Bodies burned almost beyond recognition are found, and the reader meets two of the victims just before they are brutally killed — or rather burned — in the first pages.
“The Rule of One” by twins Ashley and Leslie Saunders is about Mira and Ava, identical twins born in a dystopian future when only one child is allowed for each family. Their mother died in childbirth at home, approved by the totalitarian government only because of the high status of their physician father.
“Which One Doesn’t Belong? Playing with Shapes” by math teacher Christopher Danielson is an amazing picture book sure to make those who read it feel great about their math abilities. It’s a no-brainer, because in this wonderful and creative book of math problems, there are no wrong answers!
