Picture Book PIck: Fly!

fly!
by Mark Teague
Beachlane Books
2019
40 pages
ISBN: 97815344451

fly! is a story done with illustrations and  no words. Illustration bubbles above the mommy bird and baby (teen) bird tell the entire story. Teague captures animal behavior well and develops character for both birds via personality through their actions and "dialog" between them.

Baby bird doesn't want to leave the nest where his mother feeds and protects him. Mother tells him he's getting bigger and birds are birds. Birds fly. Soon they will migrate to Florida (Welcome to Florida sign), and he needs to learn to fly. Baby bird imagines flying on a hang glider or using superhero powers complete with cape to fly, or maybe he can take a train or skateboard to Florida. Mother tells him in order to get food and stay safe from predators like cats and owls, he must learn to fly. That does it! The image of an evil owl sends baby bird into the air.

A sweet animal story and a mother's love for her child make fly! a special book. Young readers will have a blast creating dialog for each two-page spread. Early learners and creative writers could use the picture book to develop their own stories.

Highly recommended for all young readers and creative writers.

FTC Required Disclaimer: I received the book from the publisher. I did not received monetary compensation for this review.

Picture Book Pick: How Do Dinosaurs Learn To Read?

How Do Dinosaurs Learn To Read?
by Jane Yolen
Illustrations by Mark Teague
The Blue Sky Press/Scholastic
2018
32 pages
ISBN: 978133233018

Available: Jane 26, 2018

The beloved Teague dinosaurs are back and they are amusing and captivating as they learn to read and treat their books with care. Every parent and librarian will love this book for teaching young ones how to turn pages carefully and how to keep their books away from water.

Fans of the dream team Yolen & Teague will love this latest addition to the series. As expected, each dinosaur makes its appearance on the end papers with their names. Reading tips are included.

Highly, highly recommended for every child's personal library. A great addition to any picture book collection.

FTC Required Disclaimer: I received the ARC from the publisher. I did not receive monetary compensation for this review.

Early Reader Pick: How Do Dinosaurs Stay Safe?

How Do Dinosaurs Stay Safe?
by Jane Yolen
Illustrated by Mark Teague
The Blue Sky Press
2014
40 pages
ISBN: 9780439241045

The charming cover says it all! Kids of any age will smile when they see the giant dinosaur trying to balance his humungous body on a small bicycle while  Mama frantically waves her arms and shouts in the background and the dog happily runs alongside and seems to be enjoying every precious minute. Illustrations by Mark Teague shine throughout the book and each dinosaur is labeled in every two page spread. Dinosaurs featured on the endpapers are having a rocking-saurus great time, and kids will want to point at each of them and recite their names.

Jane Yolen has a knack at captivating young readers with her prose. The playful book teaches kids some general rules of safety: how to dial 9-1-1, to be sure and take a bottle of water on a hike, always wear a bike helmet when riding a bike, hold hands to cross the street, always cross with the light, and never climb too high.

The book shows attention to detail:  the parents depicted are sometimes papas and sometimes mamas.  Kids will beg to read this dinostory again and again. It's so great, parents will find themselves smiling along with their children.

Yolen and Teague have a library of dinosaur books, and kids will want to collect all their titles.

Highly, highly recommended for everyone and dinosaur lovers everywhere.

FTC Required Disclaimer: I received the F & G from the publisher. I did not receive monetary compensation for this review.

This review has been posted in compliance with the FTC requirements set forth in the Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising (available at ftc.gov/os/2009/10/091005revisedendorsementguides.pdf)

Early Reader Pick: How Do Dinosaurs Say I'm Mad

How Do Dinosaurs Say I'm Mad?
by Jane Yolen
Illustrated by Mark Teague
The Blue Sky Press
2013
40  pages

Remarkable, inspired  illustrations by Mark Teague will keep young readers entertained. No child will be able to resist Teague's dinosaurs and their bad behavior. Jane Yolen once again crafts an amazing story this time to help kids deal with anger. Even though kids and adults get angry, they can learn to count to ten and calm down.

Young readers will learn the names of each type of dinosaur, too. Yolen's fun rhymes come to life with entertaining and colorful art by Teague. "When Papa says, 'No!' does he (dinosaur) grumble and pout?/When Mama says, 'No!" does he throw toys about?" Not a good dinosaur who has control over his temper. A good dinosaur calms down and says, "I'm sorry."

This quick read is bound to become a bedtime (or anytime) favorite. How Do Dinosaurs Say I'm Mad? is a must have for every child's favorite book shelf.

Highly, highly recommended ages 2-up and anyone who loves dinosaurs.

FTC Required Disclaimer: I received the F & G from the publisher. I did not receive monetary compensation for this review.

This review has been posted in compliance with the FTC requirements set forth in the Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising (available at ftc.gov/os/2009/10/091005revisedendorsementguides.pdf)

Early Reader Pick: The Three Little Pigs and the Somewhat Bad Wolf

The Three Little Pigs and the Somewhat Bad Wolf
by Mark Teague
Orchard Books
2013
48 pages

This winsome retelling of a childhood classic, The Three Little Pigs and the Somewhat Bad Wolf will delight and entertain young readers. The pigs are cute and brimming with personality. The first two pigs behave in "typical" piggish manner--overeating and overindulging and lying around. The third pig, a girl (of course!), is clever and crafty. She gets to work building a sturdy house that will withstand the elements.

When the first and second pig's house are blown down, they run to the sanctity of the girl pig's brick house. She invites them to stay they must learn to keep the house clean. All the pigs make friends with the wolf who turns over a new leaf and becomes less "bad."

Colorful illustrations by the author are simply delightful; they are full of life and laughter. Each spread has action and minor characters tell a story of their own--whether it's the cat going after a hen or a mama duck and her brood following the pigs, each spread not only features the pigs but other animals, too.

Highly, highly recommended ages 3-up. Wonderful artwork throughout, this book will  inspire wannabe artists and illustrators.

FTC Required Disclaimer: I received the F & G of this book from the publisher. I did not receive monetary compensation for this review.