The Runaway Bunny Book and CD (Share a Story) [Abridged, Audiobook] [Audio CD]

Title: The Runaway Bunny Book and CD (Share a Story) [Abridged, Audiobook] [Audio CD]
Author: Margaret Wise Brown
Publish Date: December 26, 2006
Publisher: HarperFestival; Pap/Com edition
Pages: 34
ISBN: 0061142719

Price: $9.99
Classification: Book/Audiobook (KIT)
Genre: Picture Book
Age Range: Nursery

Annotation: A little bunny plays hide and seek and mother bunny finds him every time.

Evaluation: A book that mommies can read to their babies to reassure them of there love and steadfastness. Feeling secure is a huge part of being a child, and here the illustrations and plot are profoundly well-executed much like Wise Brown's Goodnight Moon. Furthermore, literacy is encouraged in a new form with an audio component. This is a great tool for families whose parents are learning English or to read. However, almost anyone can benefit from listening to audiobooks as a shared experience. A WONDERFUL family activity that is an alternative to television!

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

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
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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/

The Best Nest

Title: The Best Nest (Bright & Early)

Author: Philip D Eastman (P.D. Eastman)

Price: $8.99

Pages:

• 72 pages

• Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers
• Publisher Date: July 12, 1968

ISBN: 0394800516

Classification: Picture Book

Annotation: Mr. Bird goes out to seek the best nest for Mrs. Bird, when things seem to suddenly go a wry. But have no fear, The Best Nest has the BEST ending!

Evaluation: Another classic that could be overlooked but, alas, I am here to bring it back! It was a childhood favorite of mine, and though maybe not the most modern in style and illustrations, but the storyline is classically heartwarming. It's great for kids to see in a book the bonds between Mr. & Mrs. Bird and I think that in a why they will relate to the family! Also, it has a hidden meaning that makes you appreciate home. I think is simple enough and not to abstract for children to grasp and grow into. And the writing is lyrical, and when Mr. Bird sings, it makes you want to sing it instead of read it!

Are You My Mother?

Title: Are You My Mother?

Author: Philip D Eastman (P.D. Eastman)

Price: $8.99

Pages: 72 pages

• Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers; 1 edition
• Publisher Date: June 12, 1960

ISBN: 0394800184

Classification: Picture Books

Annotation: A little birdie is just born and has lost his mommy. So he goes out looking for her and asking everyone (and everything), "Are You My Mother?"

Evaluation: Another classic PD Eastman tale that is sweet and funny and unforgettable! This is one of the first books I can remember reading! Ever! So, it must tell you about the effect this had on my relationship with storytelling and reading. I think that since it was so fun and had such a lasting impact on my relationship with books...it would be safe to say that I recommend it!

I Love You Forever

Title: I Love You Forever

Author: Robert Munsch

Publish Date: September 2000

Publisher: Firefly Books

Pages: 32

Price: $5.95

IBSN: 1552091090

Classification: Picture Book

Annotation: A mother's cradles her son as a baby, through the years, then finally the son cradles his mother when she grows old. "I'll love you forever / I'll love you for always / As long as I'm living / My baby you'll be." This is the song the mother sings to her son as he is young and she cradles him. Throughout the book which flows easily (with help fromSheila McGraw's sweet pastel illustrations that are both cute and calming). As the boy grows (and no matter what changes he went through) the mother never stops loving him and cradling him (sometimes behind his back as he sleeps). But when mom grows old, the boy cradles her.

Evaluation: I know this book is an incredibly popular tale. It reads easily and the print is the kind that encourages early literacy. Its the perfect bedroom, goodnight tale and definitely a loving tales for mom to read to their children. However for me, I didn't love it. Dare I say somewhat creepy? But, I think that it's a matter of taste. One thing is for sure, this is a beloved book and a favorite verging on instant classic for very many young readers. And the metaphor is endearing for parents.

Official Robert Munsch Website: http://robertmunsch.com/