Sleeping Dragons all Around

• Title: Sleeping Dragons All Around
• Author: Sheree Fitch
• Price: Out of Print
• Publish Date: October 1 1992
• Publisher: Doubleday Canada
• Pages: 32
• IBSN: 0385253982
• Classification: Poetry
• Genre: Picture Book/Verse

Annotation: Melissa has trouble sleeping because she's scared. Maybe it's because of the sleeping dragons around her bed. Based on her son's fears when he was sleeping and scared while at the same time studying The Eve of Sty. Agnes, Ms. Fitch creates a one of a kind antidote to nightmares!

Evaluation: Scared of the night? How about a little poetry? Sheree Fitch creates a story of poems that fight the bedtimes blues and Michele Nidenoff creates illustrations that keep the monsters in check and make them colorful and vivid and fairytale cute with character! Also, I am a HUGE, HUGE fan of the Romantic Poetic John Keats, so I recognized the line right away from the Eve of St.Agnes! Super cute reference that will make poetry-loving moms and dads beam when reading it!

Website of Sharee Fitch/Sleeping Dragons All Around: http://www.shereefitch.com/books/sleepingDragonsAllAround.php

The Poem -The Eve of Saint Agnes by John Keats: http://englishhistory.net/keats/poetry/eveofstagnes.html

Find at a Library: http://www.worldcat.org/search?qt=worldcat_org_all&q=Sleeping+Dragons+all+Around

Goodnight Moon + Toy

Title: Goodnight Moon
Author: Margaret Wise Brown
Pages: 12
Publisher: HarperFestival
Publisher Date: 2005
ISBN: 0689836732
Genre: Board Book Combo Toy
Classification: Board Book

Annotation: Favorite Bedtime read aloud, Goodnight Moon, is packaged here with a plush toy.

Evaluation: Not only is Goodnight moon a favorite early literacy read that encourages memorizing and bedtime ritual (great for sleeping issues) but it also has a toy here that can be used as in dramatic play and literacy tie ins! I love Goodnight Moon, and it was one of my favorite stories as a child. This is really a great way to add more depth and bring the story to life.

Author Website: http://www.margaretwisebrown.com/

The Boy Who Cried Wolf

Title: The Boy Who Cried Wolf

Author: B. G. Hennessy

Pages: 40

Price: $16.99

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing

Publisher Date: March 7, 2006

ISBN: 0689874332

Classification: Picture Books/Fairy Tales

Annotation: The Boy who tends sheep is bored and doesn't know what to do with himself. So out on his little mountainside he makes up a new game, one that he thinks will be really funny. He cries, "WOLF!!!!!!!!!!!" And everybody in the town below comes running...but is this game really funny at all? And what happens when the wolf really comes?

Evaluation: This book takes an old folk tale and familiar saying a new, modern spin, that even the most modern children will be able to relate to. The illustrations are really at the heart of this retelling. They are vulgar (but tame enough for little eyes) and with this edge, convey the feeling of mischief the boy gets himself and the town into. If trying to teach a lesson, or just have a down right good laugh, you'll love this little book!

Author Website: http://www.bghennessy.com/

Tomie dePaola's Mother Goose

Hardcover: 128 pages

Price: $25.99
Publisher: Putnam Juvenile; First Printing edition
Publishing Date: October 2, 1985
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0399212582

Genre: Mother Goose/Nursery Rhymes

Annotation: Beloved children's writer Tomie dePaola's take on 200 classic Mother Goose Rhymes.

Evaluation: From the first year on, children delight in the rhythm and wonder of nursery rhymes. Here, Tomie dePaola gives a fresh, whimsical take on classic Mother Goose as well as a bunch of not as well known rhymes. The pictures are classic dePaola and will not only bring Nursery Rhymes into the Nursery but will likely have you heading to the library and looking for more dePaola titles. Mother Goose is wonderful for devloping early literacy skills with rhyme and play!

Author Website: http://www.tomie.com/

Poky Little Puppy

Title: The Poky Little Puppy

Author: Janette Sebring Lowrey

Price: $11.95

Pages: 24

Publisher: Golden Books

Publisher Date: October 22, 1999

ISBN: 0307160262

Classification: Picture Books

Annotation: "Where in the world is the Pokey Little Puppy?" This little puppy, who is always a little late, finally finds his way home one night to find he's missed out on something sweet.

Evaluation: This is vintage Golden Books at their best, here in the Poky Little Puppy. Mommies and daddies who have a draw to the vintage will appreciate this one, and the children will be enchanted by the relatable pokiness of this sweet pup. My only critique would be (if your a dog owner and you read this to your children) make sure and tell your children not to feed real dogs chocolate custard (or of any kind). Doggies can't eat chocolate! But it sure is adorable in this little Golden Book! And we'll eat up this little story over and over again! Maybe it's time to rediscover Golden Books!

Golden Books on the Web: http://www.randomhouse.com/golden/index.php

No David

Title: No David

Author: David Shnannon

Pages: 32

Price: $16.99

Publisher: Blue Sky Press; 1st ed edition

Publisher Date: September 1, 1998

Classification: Picture Book

Annotation: A familiar struggle with rambunctiousness and the inevitable "NO!" that follows.

Evaluation: This story ends in a sweet little hug which makes it just as good a learning story for little ones as for parents! A great story that is a wonderful, relatable situation. And a great stepping stone to Where the Wild Things Are, but for the younger ones.

Author Website: http://authors.simonandschuster.com/David-Shannon/40015840

Dora the Explorer - Big Sister Dora - DVD

• Title: Dora the Explorer - Big Sister Dora
• Format: Animated, Color, DVD, Full Screen, NTSC
• Language: English (Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo)
• Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only.)
  
• Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
• Number of discs: 1
• Rated: Unrated
• Studio: Nickelodeon
• DVD Release Date: March 22, 2005
• Run Time: 30 minutes
• ASIN: B0007989HU
• 
  
• Annotation: Dora can't wait to share her excitement and all that goes along with the new baby (she'll be a big sister!!) in her house!
• 
  
• Evaluation: A great way to add support and deal with the new baby on the way! Especially helpful with such a beloved and fun favrite character such as dora. Dora is alway fun to read and watch! This could be the biggest adventure yet!
• 
  
• Dora Webpage: http://www.nickjr.com/dora-the-explorer/

How Dinosaurs Eat Their Food

• Title: How Dinosaurs Eat Their Food
• Author: Jane Yolen & Mark Teague
• Price: $16.99
• Hardcover: 40 pages
• Publisher: The Blue Sky Press; First edition
• Pub Date: September 1, 2005
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0439241022
• 
  

Annotation: Imagine how a dinosaur would eat their food? Thing they would be messy? Think they would whine? See how dinosaurs eat their food and prepare to be surprised!

Evaluation: This is the perfect book for both dino-loving children as well as any toddlers and/or children having issues with manners or eating their food right. A little to advance for babies...but PERFECT to grow into! Very easy to read and early literacy starts developing. It's funny and takes away from the "No!" and the "SIT STILL AND EAT YOUR PEAS!" problem and makes having manners relatable and do-able! And all the while the story is bright, fun, and humorous! You can't go wrong with this title, or any of this series!

Author Website: http://janeyolen.com/

Puff The Magic Dragon + CD

• Title: Puff The Magic Dragon
• Author: Peter Yarrow
• Price: $16.95
• Hardcover: 24 pages
• Publisher: Sterling; First Edition edition (August 1, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1402747829

Annotation: Follow the famous Folk Song, Puff the Magic Dragon in this new, beautiful picture book plus CD with music!

Evaluation: This book has been so popular with my read aloud group that then bring it back and insist upon preforming the song and showing me the pages that match the song lyrics! They are so entranced by this book (both the pictures and the music) that you can't help but recommend it to everyone! The dragon here is so love-able it reminds me of How to Train Your Dragon (Dreamworks new blockbuster film). So much so, in fact, it makes you wonder if it may in fact be somewhat inspired by this dragon classic! And yes, the author is the "Peter" from Peter, Paul, and Mary, as they are the writers of the original song. This is an amazingly beautiful book!!!!!

Author Website:

http://www.peteryarrow.net/

Bear Snores On (Classic Board Books)

Title: Bear Snores On

Author: Karma Wilson

Price: $7.99

• Pages: 34
• Publisher: Little Simon
• Publishing Date:
  • September 6, 2005
• ISBN-10: 1416902724

• Classification: Nursery/Board Book
• 
  
• Annotation: It's a cold, wintery night and the forest animals gather in the bears caves. But...the bear snores on. But, when he wakes up, what will happen?!
• • Evaluation: Bear Snores On is part of the Bear series from Karma Wilson. All of her books are adorable, and I highly recommend the board book versions for the littler hands. They are much more appropriate, especially since the story is so perfect for toddlers and little ones. I love that this book only teases at the scary bear, but rather gives us a teddy bear. Also, it seems to be connected to nature which nature-momma's and poppa's will LOVE!

Author Website:

http://www.karmawilson.com/

The Princess and the Potty

Title: The Princess and the Potty

Author: Wendy Cheyette Lewison

Pages: 40

Publisher: Aladdin

Publisher Date: 2005

ISBN: 0689878389

Classifications: Issues, Toilet Training/Parenting/Picture Book

Annotation: What do you do when you have a little Princess who refuses to use the potty? Consult the royal counsel of course!

Evaluation: Every little princess has to do it! This clever little toilet (or should I say Toilette?) training tale appeals to the little princess inside! Sometimes little girls or boys feel somewhat royal and refuse to train! What a perfect medicine is this fairy tale like book for the family who just can't get their little prince or princess on the "throne." Each and every character is relatable and parents and children alike will get a kick out of this book!

And Tango Make Three

Title: And Tango Makes Three

Author: Justin Richardson

Price: $16.99

Pages:

• 32 pages

• Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing
• Publisher Date: April 26, 2005
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0689878451

Classification: Picture Book

Annotation: In New York's Zoo, two male penguins fall in love and together begin sitting on abandoned eggs to keep them safe and warm!

Evaluation: It would be an understatement to say that this books controversy precedes it, but I think it would be a mistake to look at this book as only that, and not what it really is: a great picture book! And though not for all, parents who believe in tolerance (no matter their sexual orientation) will be drawn to this book. And of course, those parents of the same sex will adore and appreciate this sweet, insightful tale. It's hard to take a grown up issue and make it developmentally appropriate, but Richardson does so, and does it WELL!

Author Webpage: http://authors.simonandschuster.com/Justin-Richardson/27409275

Don't Let the Pigeon Stay Up Late!

Title: Don't Let the Pigeon Stay Up Late!

Author: Mo Willems

Price: $14.99

Pages: 40 pages

• Publisher: Hyperion Book CH
• Publisher Date: February 28, 2006
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0786837462

Classification: Picture Book

Annotation: Ever just not want to go to bed? Well, pigeon DOES NOT WANT to go to bed and will think up any and every reason why not to!

Evaluation: The cleverness of Mo Willems is most definitely giving a pigeon a children's mentality. And it comes to life once again in another of his Don't Let The Pigeon...series. He mirrors children's behaviors in a fun and sarcastic way without condescending them. Everyone, as a result, can relate to this silly little pigeon. A fun book to read and reread! Note to fans: notice a little Knuffle Bunny there?

Author Website: http://www.mowillems.com/