October Picture Book Spotlight: Fall/Spooky

Welcome to spooky season everyone! This month, I will be sharing a variety of titles sure to delight all of our fall lovers!


Crankenstein by Samantha Berger illustrated by Dan Santat
A boy who looks ordinary transforms into grumbling Crankenstein when faced with a rainy day, a melting popsicle, or bedtime but everything changes when he meets a fellow Crankenstein. – provided by our catalog

 

 

 

Truck Full of Ducks by Ross Burach
Did you call for a truck full of ducks? Join the flock on this wacky call-and-response ride to find out just WHO did–and why. – provided by our catalog

 

 

Apple vs. Pumpkin by Jeffrey Burton illustrated by Lydia Jean
In the ultimate seasonal showdown, Apple and Pumpkin take turns making the case for which of them is the the favorite fall treat. -provided by our catalog

 

 

You’re My Little Cutie Pie by Nicola Edwards illustrated by Natalie Marshall
Cuddle up with your little cutie pie and share this festive Thanksgiving board book that’s part of the best-selling You’re My Little series. With cut-outs and raised elements, this hands-on book features rhyming text paired with adorable pumpkin pies, cranberries, turkeys, and more! – provided by our catalog

 

Autumn Babies by Kathryn O. Galbraith illustrated by Adela Pons
Young readers are invited to lift flaps to reveal such insects as ladybugs, caterpillars, ants, and bees. – provided by our catalog

 

 

Creepy Carrots! by Aaron Reynolds illustrated by Peter Brown
The carrots that grow in Crackenhopper Field are the fattest and crispiest around and Jasper Rabbit cannot resist pulling some to eat each time he passes by, until he begins hearing and seeing creepy carrots wherever he goes. – provided by our catalog

 

 

Animals in Fall by Martha E.H. Rustad
In fall, animals are busy getting ready for winter. See how hard they work to make sure they have enough food and shelter for the cold winter ahead. – provided by Goodreads

 

Hedgehugs: Autumn Hide-and-Squeak by Steve Wilson illustrated by Lucy Tapper
Hattie is unhappy that trees are losing their leaves, but Horace and a squeaky new friend show her how much fun autumn can be. – provided by our catalog

 

 


Have you read any of these titles? I would love to hear about what you thought of them in the comments!

August Picture Books Spotlight: Unicorns!

From time to time, I take special requests for themes from the young people that I visit for storytimes. Last month, I had a request for unicorn books and this month, I am so excited to deliver some really delightful titles to our storytime sites! Below are some of my favorites this year!


Thelma the Unicorn by Aaron Blabey
Author of the beloved Pig the Pug series, Blabey delivers another delightful story in rhyme! Thelma is a pony who dreams of a life in the spotlight. After a chance encounter with a paint and glitter truck, Thelma embarks on a lifestyle of the rich and famous. The illustrations are a delight as is the story itself, definitely fun for the whole family.

 

Twinkle, Twinkle Unicorn by Jeffrey Burton and illustrated by Zoe Waring
A magical take on a beloved nursery rhyme, this story gives the ability to change the words and not the vibe! This board book is so great to share with young ones as it is not only a story in rhyme, but it can be sung. Singing is a great way to begin those super important early literacy skills.

 

You Don’t Want a Unicorn by Ame Dyckman and illustrated by Liz Climo
You might be thinking that having a pet unicorn would be awesome. I mean, yes, but, unicorns do not make very good pets. Unicorns are so messy and what nobody talks about is that when they get lonely, chaos ensues! This story is so much fun to share and I will forever keep it in my lineup when unicorns are a part of the theme!

 

There’s a Unicorn in Your Book by Tom Fletcher and illustrated by Greg Abbott
Unicorns love to sing and spread joy but our friend unicorn is having a hard time in this story. Through interactive prompts, young readers help unicorn overcome what is bothering him! My kiddos at home and those that I get to read to all enjoy having the ability to help read the book! The illustrations are adorable and the content teaches about anxiety, consent, and the importance of friendships!

Unicorns are Real! by Holly Hatam
Unicorns are made of magic, glitter, hugs and kisses and so much more! Learn more about unicorns in this adorably illustrated board book sure to delight young readers.

 

Not Quite Narwhal by Jessie Sima
Kelp was born in the ocean among the narwhals but never quite fit in. Kelp’s tusk wasn’t long enough, he was a poor swimmer, and did not like the same food that his narwhal family loved. One day after being swept into a current, Kelp discovers a mysterious being in the distance that looks like him! This story also have gorgeous illustrations and shows the kiddos that you really can have it all sometimes!

 

Today I’ll Be a Unicorn by Dana Simpson
One day a young girl wakes up and decides that she wants to be a unicorn like her best friend! Throughout the story, the child shares just what she would do once a unicorn. The story takes a turn when a unicorn’s diet is introduced! Do you want to be a unicorn or give up your favorite food?! This story was short and adorable!

 

That’s Not my Unicorn by Fiona Watt
Meet five beautiful unicorns, one is the author’s unicorn but the other’s are not! This touch and feel book was well-received by my storytime kiddos and my daughter has loved everything that Watt has ever written!

 


Have you read any of these titles? I would love to hear about what you thought of them in the comments!

May Picture Book Spotlight: SHARKS!

Monthly, I curate a collection of books to share with area early childcare centers for storytime. Usually, the books fit a theme happening in each month but I also love taking requests from my young listeners. In April, one storytime attendee requested that I read shark books! Below are some of my favorites! Have you read any of them? If you have not, place a hold on them today by clicking on the titles!


Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Shark by Jeffrey Burton and illustrated by Zoe Waring
Enjoy a classic bedtime story with your young one while exploring sea life and most importantly, SHARKS! This title is perfect for building important early literacy skills – singing and reading!

 


Baby Shark: Doo Doo Doo Doo Doo Doo illustrations by John John Bajet
Take beloved children’s song and add adorable illustrations by Bajet and share it with your young one. You will not regret it!

 


Oona and the Shark by Kelly DiPucchio and illustrated by Raissa Figueroa
Oona the mermaid has never had a hard time making friends, this is until she meets Stanley the hammerhead shark. Stanley does not seem impressed with Oona’s inventions, toys, or parties. Determined to find common ground, Oona finds the perfect way to create a new friendship. Oona and the Shark teaches young people about compassion and listening to our friends.


A Unicorn, a Dinosaur, and a Shark Walk into a  Book by Johnathan Fenske
Everyone loves a book that has unicorns, dinosaurs, and sharks! Our main characters in this story however, are less than pleased. They are hungry, bored, and unimpressed. What can be done to make the book better for the reader and the characters? You will have to read to find out! This story is very silly and ends on a cliffhanger.

 


Smiley Shark by Ruth Galloway
Smiley shark has the best, brightest, and toothiest grin in the ocean. Hoping to make friends, Smiley sets out to meet a series of ocean animals who are too afraid of Smiley to stick around. When disaster strikes, there is only one fish to save them all, will Smiley be able to save the day?

 


The Three Little Fish and the Big Bad Shark by Ken Geist and illustrated by Julia Gorton
A new take on a classic tale, follow three brave little fishies as they take on a big mean shark set to destroy their homes. I read this to my child’s classroom and she now proclaims “not by the skin on my finny fin fin!” when ask to do something. Thanks Ken Geist…

 


Big Shark, Little Shark by Anna Membrino and illustrated by Tim Budgen
In this book of opposites, you follow a little shark and big shark both with large appetites. Don’t read this before lunch, it just might make you hungry too! This is a great quick read to share with babies and toddlers.

 

 

 


Deep Sea Dive by Salina Yoon
Explore marine life galore with this lift and flap book. Make friends with sea turtles, sharks, jellyfishes, and more while learning a little bit more about each animal hidden behind the flaps. The artwork is so beautiful and eye-catching!