November Picture Book Spotlight: DINOSAUR TAKE OVER!

Happy NovembROAR!! This month, I am excited to share some delightful Dinosaurific stories to share with your favorite little velociraptor in your life!


Dinosaurs, Dinosaurs by Byron Barton
In prehistoric days there were many different kinds of dinosaurs, big and small, those with spikes and those with long, sharp teeth.
– provided by our catalog

 

 

Never Touch the Dinosaurs by Rosie Greening
This roar-some counting book is perfect for young children. There’s plenty to explore in this innovative board book with silicone textures and silly rhyming text. Little ones will love learning to count down from five as they explore the amazing bumpy dinosaurs on every page.
– provided by our catalog

 

 

 

Penelope and the Problem with Pets by Ryan T. Higgins
Penelope Rex gets a saber-toothed tiger for her first pet, but find ‘Mittens’ a lot to handle.
-provided by our catalog

 

 

Tea Rex by Molly Idle
Cordelia and her brother host a tea party for an unusual guest–a T-Rex!
– provided by our catalog

 

 

 

 

The Dinos on the Bus by Peter Miller illustrated by Tony Neal
The Wheels on the Bus transforms into the squeals on the bus as the little dinos travel up and down, round and round, all through the land. Packed full of actions to join in, with a calming ending to wind down after all the excitement, this is the perfect first picture book to enjoy together. Young readers will stomp their feet and clap their hands in delight as they sing along with this fun-filled, dinosaur reinvention of this popular rhyme!
– provided by our catalog

D is for Dinosaur by Christopher Robbins illustrated by Volha Kaliaha
Take a trip back in time to the Mesozoic Era when dinosaurs walked the earth! With G for giganotosaurus, P for pachycephalosaurus, and X for xenoceratops, the ABCs have never been so T-riffic! Every little dino lover will have a roaring good time learning dinosaur names all the way down to zalmoxes.
– provided by our catalog

 

That’s Not My Dinosaur by Fiona Watt
Turn the pages and touch the patches of different textures to develop sensory and language awareness.
– provided by our catalog

 

 

 

Edwina, the Dinosaur Who Didn’t Know She Was Extinct by Mo Willems
Edwina is well-known in her neighborhood, she plays with kids, she bakes delicious chocolate chip cookies and helps old ladies cross the street. She is well-loved by everyone except for one person: Reginald Von Hoobie-Doobie. He knows for a fact that dinosaurs are extinct and tries to convince everyone that they are. What happens when Edwina finds out?
– 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!

Cozy Up with These Picture Books!

small cartoon child under a grey blanket

January to me is always a time to snuggle up with a good book under an ultra-soft blanket. With great amounts of snow currently falling and more forecasted for our region the next few days, I am excited to share some cozy books with you!  Below are some picture books in our collection that celebrate the cozy season!

The Lumberjack’s Beard by Duncan Beedie

Big Jim Hickory begins his day with exercises and a large stack of pancakes before heading out to chop down trees. After a long day of chopping, Jim is home resting when someone begins pecking at his door. Upon opening, Jim discovers that his job has sent some animal neighbors into a flurry of frustration. Ever the problem-solver, Jim is ready for the challenge of creating a safe home for his disgruntled neighbors.

This book is an absolute delight!

__________________

small cartoon child under a grey blanket

Blanket: Journey to Extreme Coziness by Loryn Brantz

You may be wondering how to reach maximum level coziness. Your wait is over my friend, all you need is this book and your favorite blanket to achieve the blanket cocoon – epic level of cozy!

The artwork is delightful as is the content of this title, I hope that you enjoy!

__________________

Narwhal with a yellow blanketBlankie by Ben Clanton

If you have decided to climb out of your blanket cocoon and looking for fun activities with your blanket. This book will give you some suggestions! Will you turn your blanket into a cape or take it on a living room picnic with waffles? The sky is the limit!

This adorable board book is fun for littles and bigs alike!

__________________

Black hairy monster holding a small child

Wilfred by Ryan T. Higgins

Wilfred was a humungous, hairy, monster who only wanted one thing, a friend. One day, Wilfred discovers a peculiar town full of bald townspeople. With hope in his heart, Wilfred hopes to find friendship on a playground but sends most of the children running in fear. One brave child remained and thus began a beautiful friendship until the townspeople came up with a nasty plan.

This story teaches children empathy while making grownups cry. If you read this title, be sure to have your tissues ready. That said, it is one of my favorites and I share it every year when performing storytimes.

__________________
cartoon child pulling a baby in a red sweater across a room.

That’s My Sweater! by Jessika von Innerebner

There are few things that Olivia loves more than her red sweater. This is why when Olivia comes to find that she has grown out of her beloved garment, she has some things to say. To add to her dismay, Olivia’s baby sibling inherits the sweater and is covering it in unspeakable bodily fluids! On a hunt for justice, Olivia makes a discovery, her parents love a hand-me-down.

For all of the older siblings out there, this is the perfect read!

__________________

2 cartoon pirates and o monkey in a boat next to a sea monster

Ned the Knitting Pirate by Diana Murray and Illustrated by Leslie Lammle

Pirates are a fierce and rugged lot. As they sing their pirate song, it is ruined (made better) each time by Ned the knitting pirate.

Written in rhyme, this book is an absolute blast to read aloud! I enjoy singing and donning a Scottish accent as I read aloud. Like Wilfred, this is a yearly read teaches young people to be proud of who they are and that heroes come in all shapes and forms!

Celebrate Humbug Day with Picture Books Featuring Characters with Big Feelings

Blue book with a grumpy expression

December 21st is Humbug Day, a day to feel your feelings and allow yourself to be grumpy. As someone who loves the complexity of moody main characters, I wanted to share some of my favorites! By sharing stories of characters with big feelings, it helps children learn empathy and better understand the world around them.

Below is a short list of titles featuring characters with big feelings for you to share with the young people in your life!

 

Red cover with a character showcasing an angry face

Little Mad by Nadine Brun-Cosme and Marion Cocklico (Illustrator)  

Little One feels so upset that playtime is over that…poof! She becomes Little Mad!

In this reassuring board book about first feelings, little ones will be able to relate and learn from Little Mad as she learns how to calm down after getting upset. The perfect book for parents and little ones to share, this story proves that sometimes, when you’re feeling mad, all you need is a friend to be by your side.– provided by Goodreads.

 

a red panda, narwhal, and monkey all containing different emotions.

 

A Day Full of Feelings: Beginning Baby by Chronicle Books

New in the Beginning Baby board book Join an adorable group of animal friends for a day at school that’s full of feelings! Whether they are sad or glad, shy or excited, the friends know it’s important to express their many emotions.-provided by Goodreads.

 

 

A sad blue fish

The Pout-Pout Fish by Deborah Diesen and Dan Hanna (Illustrator)  

Swim along with the pout-pout fish as he discovers that being glum and spreading “dreary wearies” isn’t really his destiny.– provided by Goodreads.

 

 

 

Blue book with a grumpy expression

A Very Cranky Book by Angela DiTerlizzi and Tony DiTerlizzi

Cranky doesn’t want to be read. He just wants you to leave him alone. After all, there are so many other things you can do–ride a bike, play a game, or draw a picture. There’s no reason for you to be bothering him! But when other books show up for story time, will Cranky change his mind?-provided by Goodreads.

 

 

 

 

Bear, bunny, and mouse holding onto an umbrella flying away.


Bruce’s Big Storm
by Ryan T. Higgins

Bruce’s home is already a full house.

But when a big storm brings all his woodland neighbors knocking, he’ll have to open his door to a crowd of animals in need of shelter-whether he likes it or not. Readers will love this next installment of the uproarious, award-winning Mother Bruce series.-provided by Goodreads.

a grumpy bear with 3 geese


1 Grumpy Bruce
by Ryan T. Higgins

Long-suffering Bruce once again contends with an increasingly crowded household, this time in an original board book where young ones can count the never-ending party guests. Full of fun characters and humor, 1 Grumpy Bruce is just right for our littlest readers.-provided by Goodreads.

 

 

A blue pigeon

The Pigeon Has to Go to School by Mo Willems

Why does the Pigeon have to go to school? He already knows everything! And what if he doesn’t like it? What if the teacher doesn’t like him? What if he learns TOO MUCH!?!provided by Goodreads.

 

 

 

Large bear and a small duck.

Goodnight Already! by Jory John and Benji Davies (Illustrator)

Meet Bear. He’s exhausted. All he wants is to go to sleep. Meet Duck, Bear’s persistent next-door neighbor. All he wants is to hang out . . . with Bear.- provided by Goodreads.