Picture Book PIck: Dragon Night

Dragon Night
by J.R. Krause
G.P. Putnam's Sons
2019
32 pages
ISBN: 978525514244

"Cozy. Well-crafted bedtime reading." --Kirkus Reviews

Young Georgie is afraid of the night. The dragon is afraid of the knight. When the dragon steps from the pages of Georgie's favorite book, they form a friendship that is sweet and mutually beneficial. Together they travel through the night until the dragon teaches Georgie that the night is beautiful and full of stars. It's quiet and tranquil and Georgie falls asleep by his dragon.

Next day, Dragon worries because he's afraid to get back in the book. Georgie saves the day and makes the dragon a new story book where the knight is kind.

Quiet, beautiful illustrations in soothing tones are perfect for a bedtime read. A quaint way to teach children and speakers new to English about homophones. Who can resist a book in which a character steps out of a book? Magical!

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

Picture Book Pick: Tomorrow I'll Be Brave

Tomorrow I'll Be Brave
by Jessica Hische
Penguin Workshop/Penguin Random House
2018
40 pages
ISBN: 9781524787011

Insightful and positive, this quick read is a bedtime story sure to teach and instill qualities of confidence, having fun whether you win or not, learning new things, asking questions, creating things and being brave.

Colorful illustrations by the author are gender neural and sure to appeal to young readers. The words: adventurous, strong, brave, creative, smart, confident, and  curious  come alive in an illustration near the end, and readers learn that even if they didn't do all those things today, there is always tomorrow to try again.

Powerful and appealing, give this little beauty to every child in your life!

Highly, highly recommended age two and up.

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

Picture Book Pick: A Creepy Pair of Underwear

A Creepy Pair of Underwear
by Aaron Reynolds
Illustrated by Peter Brown
Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
2017
32 pages
ISBN: 9781442402980

Jasper Rabbit and his mother go to the store to buy him new underwear. Mother buys him the usual white underwear, but Jasper sees glowing green underwear and pleads for her to buy them because they are, "so creepy. so comfy." He brings out his full arsenal of I'm old enough and I'm not a baby. Jasper wins and later wears his underwear to bed. He doesn't realize until he's in his dark room that his underwear glow. Jasper is freaked out. He keeps trying to throw the creepy green underwear away even trying to ship them off to China! He cuts them into a million glowing pieces. Problem solved.

He is finally free of the creepy underwear but now there's a new problem. His room is too dark! Jasper goes back to the store all by himself and buys more creepy green underwear and uses them as "flags" or decorations to light his dark room. The illustration of Jasper in his decorated room will take readers by surprise and is genius! Jasper faces his fear of the dark and the underwear and embraces both. The underwear which used to be a problem have now become a solution. He is no longer afraid to sleep in his room.

Illustrations by Caldecott Honor winner Peter Brown are spectacular. The book is done in black, white and shades of gray except for the florescent green underwear which make a statement on every page! Winsome and fun, kids will love turning the pages for each two page spread and pointing out the underwear.

Young readers love books about underwear and this one is a sure winner! It is funny, charming and beautiful. This is the perfect bedtime book for anyone still afraid of the dark.
Highly, highly recommended beginning readers and everyone else.

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

Young Reader Pick: Tiny and the Big Dig

Tiny and the Big Dig
by Sherri Duskey Rinker
Illustrated by Matt Myers
Scholastic Press
2018
32 pages
ISBN: 978054504292

Available January 30, 2018

Tiny and the Big Dig is a book with tremendous heart! Tiny is a small dog who loves to dig. Digging is hard work but don't let Tiny's size fool you! He is determined and strong. The cover depicts Tiny in all  his digging glory, his puppy face alive with elation as a surprised snail watches over him. A bird and a cat try to tell Tiny that he's too small to dig such a big hole, but Tiny just won't quit. Tiny's owner, a little boy, believes in his dog.

Tiny says, "I am little, yes, that's true/ But wait and see what I can do." Tiny finds every kind of bone but believes there is a very, very big bone yet to be discovered. Young readers will squeal with delight when they see the bone Tiny discovers! (Spoiler alert: it's a dinosaur).

Tiny and the Big Dig is fun and written in rhyme that young ones will learn more of  each time they read. This is likely to be their favorite bedtime story. For those who are too little or too weak, Tiny is like the little engine that could. He never gives up! This is a lesson children need to learn.

Sadly, you can't buy Tiny and the Big Dig for Christmas since it's on sale January 30, 2018, but put it on your list for a Valentine's Day or Easter gift for that special little one you know.

Highly, HIGHLY recommended. This is the book that you and your children will LOVE.

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

Bedtime Story Pick: The Too-Scary Story

The Too-Scary Story
by Bethanie Deeney Murguia
Arthur A. Levine Books/Scholastic
2017
32 pages
ISBN: 9780545732420

Available June 27, 2017

Bethanie Murguia ( Zoe's Room, Zoe's Jungle) continues to wow the preschool and young readers world! Her clever stories depict  sibling rivalry and family love that adults will remember from their younger years. Little ones will giggle at  the active banter between the younger brother and the older sister.

Grace wants a scary story; Walter wants a story, but not a too-scary story. Papa gamely begins his story, " One night, two brave explorers and their dog were walking through the forest. It was very, very dark." Walter decides dark is too scary, so Papa lightens it up. Each time Papa begins to tell a creepy story, Grace is enamored while Walter is terrified. Poor Papa has to balance the scary elements (dark, forest, shadow) with not too-scary elements (fireflies, bunnies). In the end, the children are snug in their beds and they each got their kind of story.

Illustrations capture the spookiness of the forest, the presence of the animals in the night,  the fear in the children's eyes, and the intelligence and curiosity of their dog who is their constant companion. It is a book like this one that will make city dwelling kids beg for a dog!

Highly, highly recommended for preschool and young readers. This one is sure to be Audrey approved! (My little niece)

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

Picture Book Pick: If Not For You

If Not For You
by Bob Dylan
Illustrations by David Walker
Atheneum Books for Young Readers
2016
32 pages
ISBN: 978145164881


Reviews:

• "A floppy-eared dog and his pup treasure each other’s company in anthropomorphic domestic scenes that every child will recognize.... The palette and technique of the acrylic illustrations are soft and rounded using broken lines and delicate highlights. They provide a warm and fuzzy feeling that adds to the theme of love between a parent and child. The lyrics to Dylan’s 1970 song “If Not for You” are the text. VERDICT: Walker has done a fantastic job of interpreting Dylan’s song for children."
• – School Library Journal, March 2016
•  
• "Walker illustrates the 1970 Dylan tune with an adorable parent-child canine pair. Using minimal backgrounds and props to keep the focus on the relationship, Walker masterfully conveys emotions in his acrylic illustrations...the pictures are so poignant that parents could make up their own words."
•  
• – Kirkus Reviews, March 2016

My Review:

 

 

Publishing coup! Simon and Schuster (Atheneum) somehow got Bob Dylan's consent to publish his lyrics "If Not For You" in  a children's picture book. This is a match made in heaven. Note to publishers: Dylan has quite the music catalog. You may want to lock him down into publishing more of his earlier work.

 

Sweet little love song "If Not ForYou" lives again for a whole new generation. In this rendition, illustrator David Walker captures sweet moments between dog parent and little puppy. The cover alone is worth a smile. A red balloon, a happy bluebird and parent holding onto the little one's hand as little one seems excited  (up on tiptoes). and the loving way the parent dog looks at his/her baby is priceless.

 

Walker captures the charm of the poetry and the dogs are loveable and huggable. The bluebird is their constant and joyful companion. This is one smile for a mile of a book!

 

Great grandparents might have to break out the old vinyl and play "Girl From North Country" (Dylan with Johnny Cash version the best) for the kiddies after reading this one.  

 

This is also a great gift for any true Bob Dylan fan. With Father's Day coming up and Mother's Day looming, this is the perfect book.

 

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

 

 

 

 

Bedtime Pick: Putting the Monkeys To Bed

Putting the Monkeys To Bed
by Gennifer Choldenko
Illustrations by Jack E. Davis
G.P. Putnam's Sons
2015
32 pages
ISBN: 9780399246234


Hilarious, warm, and comforting with a bit of silliness and sass, Putting the Monkeys To Bed is a sweet story of how one boy is finally  able to calm himself and his "monkeys" down for the night.

Sam is unhappy about having to go to sleep. He still has a million questions and wants his mom to come in and answer them. He would like another story, but Mom is adamant. She tells Sam to go to sleep and that she will answer his questions in the morning. She tells Sam to practice his breathing--deep, calming breaths. Sam's monkeys have other ideas and soon make the breathing part of a happy monkey song. When Sam decides to "read" his favorite book---one that he knows by heart--the monkeys cuddle up closer and soon all are  fast asleep. Never doubt the power of a book! If a book  can calm Sam and his monkeys, it is powerful indeed!

This is a cute read  for all those little ones who positively hate bedtime and will use any excuse to stay awake. When the deep, calming breaths don't help, a story will.

Highly recommended pre-school.

FTC Required Disclaimer: I received this book 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)

Fairy Tale Twist: Prince of a Frog

Prince of a Frog
story and illustrations by Jackie Urbanovic
Orchard Books (Scholastic Inc.)
2015
32 pages
ISBN: 9780545636520


Prince of a Frog takes the classic fairy tale and twists it in such a way that it will have kids giggling and their parents and grandparents amazed at the transformation from classic tale to new story.

Hopper is a gregarious frog who longs for fun and games, so much so, that he just doesn't fit in at the small pond. A wise old turtle advises him that he may not be a frog at all; perhaps he is a prince. Hopper isn't sure what that means but he knows he has to find a princess and kiss her. He looks high and low and nearly runs into trouble in the woods but is saved by a likeable, outgoing dog. The dog is kind and sweet and shows him that he truly is a prince and has been one all along.

Charming and sweet, Hopper and Princess are two cute characters bound to become favorites. Jackie Urbanovic hits all the right notes in this retelling of a well-known tale.

The illustrations capture the friendship and joy between the two main characters and the final page is sheer beauty!

Highly, highly recommended for any beginning reader and perfect for a friendship story.

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)

Picture Book Pick: Never Ask a Dinosaur to Dinner

Never Ask a Dinosaur to Dinner
by Gareth Edwards
Illustrations by Guy Parker-Rees
Scholastic Press
2015 (Published in U.K. 2014)
32 pages
ISBN:9780545812962

read an excerpt

Clever rhyming content is matched with winsome and whimsical illustrations and the outcome is amazing and entertaining. A boy tries to discover which animal would be the best one for comfort at bedtime. Fierce animals like sharks, tigers and bison all have drawbacks as bedtime pals. Some animals are too loud, or too pointy, or too growly. The boy finds out that his own teddy bear is the best animal to take to bed and that counting sheep will put him fast asleep.  You won't want to ask a dinosaur to dinner, "...because a T. rex is ferocious/and his manners are atrocious,/And you'll find that if he's able.../He will eat the kitchen table!"

Dinosaurs are always  winners with the younger set and this book is no exception. The smiling blue dinosaur on the cover is ready to sit down to dinner. He's got his bib on and holds a fork and knife. Never mind the mess he's made at his feet. The boy is waving to the dinosaur ignoring his own teddy bear who is reaching up to be held. No young reader is going to walk by this book without picking it up. The cover design alone will sell this title.

Highly, highly recommended for dinosaur lovers and anyone who likes a rhyming bedtime story.

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: 8: An Animal Alphabet

8: An Animal Alphabet
by Elisa Cooper
Illustrations by he author
Orchard Books (Scholastic)
2015
40 pages
ISBN: 9780545470834


8: An Animal Alphabet is sure to delight eager young readers and learners. They will be so busy finding the hidden animals, they may forget to count to eight. The delight in this book is in all the not-so-well known animals included by author/illustrator Elisha Cooper. Some not so cute and not so cuddly animals who make an appearance are: the albatross (the last time I saw a mention of him was in the poem "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner"), the boar, the cockroach, the cicada, the earthworm, the dung beetle, the flying squirrel, the gerbil, the hedgehog, the ibex, the ibis and the impala to name a few. There is a helpful "Did You Know" section in the back that lists little known facts about each animal. I wish there was a bit more detail and that the type on these pages were a little larger to make it easier to read and understand.


Each page has 8 of one type of featured animal for that letter of the alphabet; the letter "A" for example, has 8 ants and other animals that begin with "A" featured. The child must count the 8 ants and then figure out which animal goes to each animal name (and point to the picture of that animal). Get ready for countless hours of fun. And get ready to read this one over and over and over and did I say over again? Young readers may never tire of this beauty!

8:An Animal Book is sure to become a childhood favorite. If you have children or grandchildren, this book is for them!

Mother's Day, Father's Day and Grandparent's Day is just around the corner. If you know anyone who has this wonderful job, be sure and give them this book as a gift.

Highly, highly recommended for every child, parent, grandparent and book lover.

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)

Picture Book Pick: Believe It or Not, My Brother Has a Monster!

Believe It or Not, My Brother Has a Monster!
by Kenn Nesbitt
Illustrations by David Slonim
Cartwheel Books (Scholastic)
2015
32 pages
ISBN: 9780545650595

Available June 30, 2015

This fun and frolicking tale takes place last Halloween when a boy's older brother finds a monster in the park. All kinds of creepy characters join in the lively romp that takes place when the older brother takes the monster home and hides him in his bedroom. Funny rhymes are spot on and illustrated with fanciful  glee by illustrator David Slonim. Readers will sense the joy that both the writer and illustrator must have experienced while working on this lively picture book. Lizards, rats, bats, spiders, toads, ravens, slugs and cats  soon appear and wreak havoc on the bedroom.

There is so much to love about this children's book. First of all, it rhymes and the rhymes work. The storyline is great and captures Halloween, fright night, monstrous creatures and a younger brother's worship and adoration of his "cool" older sibling. As each creature is added, their count goes up, so this is a rhyming, counting book that is funny, silly, scary and is a Halloween read. That makes it a home run!


Highly, highly recommended. Believe It or Not, My Brother Has a Monster! will become every child's favorite book and fun bedtime read. Kids will be delighted when they realize what kind of monster the brother brought home. And fear not! They won't have nightmares about this monster.

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)

Max and the Won't Go To Bed Show
by Mark Sperring and Sarah Warburton
Scholastic Press
2014
32 pages
ISBN: 9780545708227

Max is a mighty magician and a little too--tricky. He uses his grand magic show and top hat full of tricks to make his  bed time later and later. He'll do anything to stall for just a few more minutes. So, take your seats, ladies and gentlemen, for the greatest show on earth.

Max can make cookies disappear (by eating them), he can tame savage beasts (his family's pampered pup), he can disappear (running and hiding), he can even pull out rabbits, bears and raccoons (stuffed toys).

When he finally gets into bed, Max demands not one story...not two stories...but ten stories! Finally, even a great magician like Max gets tired...and sleeps.

Vibrant  art in reds and yellows capture the activity and excitement of Max's "tricks." Young readers will see themselves in Max and probably dream up some new "tricks" of their own.

Recommended for pre-school and beginning readers. Sure to be a bedtime favorite.

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

Family Pick: My Bibi Always Remembers

My Bibi always Remembers
by Toni Buzzeo
Illustrations by Mike Wohnoutka
Disney Publishing Worldwide
2014
32 pages
ISBN: 9781423183853

Available September 2, 2014

My Bibi Always Remembers is a heartfelt homage to grandparents everywhere. Author Toni Buzzeo weaves a magical tale of an elephant family and their close relationships with one another. Captivating illustrations by Mike Wohnoutka capture not only the magnificence and majesty of the elephants but the nuances of playfulness, joy, love and belonging.

Tembo is the youngest in a family of elephants. Bibi is her grandmother and leader of her  family--in an elephant family, the oldest female is entrusted with keeping them all safe and remembering where to find food and water. Tembo is playful and forgetful, losing her way as she gets sidetracked by the sights. Each time she falls behind, Auntie or Bibi finds her. Bibi leads the family to the water where they drink and rest.

Tembo's expressions and childlike wonder for the world are palpable in each spread. Her sense of whimsy, joy, and fun are infectious and will captivate young readers and parents (and grandparents).
Repetitive phrasing calls for reading aloud and story times.

My Bibi Always Remembers would be a lovely gift for a new grandparent or grandbaby. Grandparents Day is celebrated September 7 this year, so get your copy when the book goes on sale September 2, 2014.

Highly, highly recommended for young readers and parents and grandparents everywhere.

FTC Required Disclaimer: I received the F & G from the author. 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)

Picture Book Pick: The Night Parade

The Night Parade
by Lily Roscoe
Illustrations by David Walker
Orchard Books
2014
page count undetermined (not published on website)
ISBN: 9780545396233

Available August 26, 2014

Beautiful, captivating and friendly watercolor and pen and ink illustrations feature alive, energetic, and wide awake children who leave their homes and go on adventures while their parents and siblings sleep. The children build sandcastles and visit faraway lands. They play hide and seek and paint pictures. They practice somersaults and parade in the night.

An eager dog follows the children on all their adventures. He is a constant companion and takes part in the magical mayhem. The children read books and say good night to their friends. Just before dawn, the children return home and wave at the moon as they climb into their beds.

If you've ever wondered what goes on after the lights go out, this picture book will give you the answers. Charming, fun and clever, The Night Parade is a magical jaunt for young readers and sure to be a bedtime favorite.

Highly, highly recommended for young readers  and bedtime reading time.

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: Fairy Tale Fun

The Cat, The Dog, Little Red, The Exploding Eggs, The Wolf, and Grandma
by Diane and Christyan Fox
Scholastic Press
2014
32 pages
ISBN: 9780545694810

Available August 26, 2014

A cute cartoon cat and dog caper comes to life and careens across the pages of this charming early reader. The buttoned-up cat is reading the story of Little Red Riding Hood to an energetic, precocious dog. The cat, becomes increasingly perplexed, then downright irritable as the witty, wag (yes, pun intended) of a dog continues to question the story.

The cat begins reading until the dog hears that Little Red wears a cape...he becomes exhilarated...he loves capes, and superheroes and superpowers! As the story continues, the dog interjects with questions kids are likely to think of and interrupt the story when they hear it. The dog seemingly wants to rewrite the story so it makes sense! Why would the wolf not eat Little Red when he first sees her in the forest? What is he waiting for? By this time, the cat asks the dog if he wants to hear the story or not.

Uproariously hilarious! Utterly captivating with unique insight and wisdom, this little gem will have wide kid and parent appeal. Giggles galore for everyone and sure to bring a smile. The dog is charming and cool and kids will love him!

Highly, highly recommended for early readers and witty parents. What a great whimsical romp with the clever, quizzical canine and forthright feline.

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

Early Reader Pick: Hiding Phil

Hiding Phil
by Eric Barclay
Illustrated by the author
Scholastic Press
2013
32 pages

Eric Barclay has illustrated four books; this is his first as author and illustrator and he knocks it out of the park!

Three children and their dog find a loveable blue elephant at a bus stop. They ask him to play with them and take him home. Phil and the children jump rope, play on the see-saw, and the kids give Phil a bubble bath in their baby pool (it's a large baby pool, indeed).

It suddenly dawns on the kids--maybe Mom and Dad won't be so happy to see their new LARGE playmate. They try to hide Phil but find out the hard way that it's difficult to hide an elephant. Mom and Dad find Phil and take him back to the bus stop but then give Phil a second chance.

Hiding Phil is cute, clever, and contagious. Young kids will love Phil and the kids' attempts at hiding him. The captivating artwork brings Phil to life and the expressions on the kids' faces tell the story. Even the small dog is perfect on every page.

Highly, highly recommended ages 3-5 and older. This is the perfect bedtime story and one sure to make little ones giggle (okay, and parents, too).

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)

Book Giveaway: Hiding Phil

Hiding Phil
by Eric Barclay
Illustrated by the author
Scholastic Press
2013
32 pages

I have FIVE copies up for grabs!

Playful illustratons match the winsome children and loveable blue elephant Phil. Early readers are sure to giggle at the children's whimsy and ask for you to read Phil's story again and again and again...you get the picture.

For your chance to win a copy, Post a comment to the blog. Please include your first name, city, state and email. Deadline for posts is October 14 at noon MST. Winners will be chosen randomly by Randomizer. Please check your email in the afternoon of October 14.

Books will ship from Texas courtesy of Scholastic. Good luck and start posting!
Pamela

Young Readers Pick: Good Night, Sleep Tight

Good Night, Sleep Tight
by Mem Fox
Illustrations by Judy Horacek
Orchard Books
2013
32 pages

Bonnie and Ben are thrilled when their favorite babysitter comes to sit for them. It's bedtime and Skinny Doug entertains the two children with nursery rhymes. The kids fall in love with his delivery and the funny rhymes including "It's raining, it's pouring" and "Pat-a-cake." They beg Doug to say them again, but Doug has tons more rhymes in his repetoire.


The kids yell for more and finally all three of them are fast asleep. Young readers will love all the rhymes. Some are well known, others will be new to most. "This is the way the ladies ride: trit, trot, trit, trot" and "Round and round the garden" are two rhymes that young readers are likely not familiar with.

Colorful, vibant art by Judy Horacek will captivate children. This book could be a babysitter's best secret weapon. If every babysitter was as fun as Sklnny Doug, kids would beg their parents to go out more often.

Highly recommended ages 3-5. This is a must have for bedtime reading.

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)

Young Readers Pick: When a Dad Says "I Love You"

When a Dad Says "I Love You"
by Douglas Wood
Illustated by Jennifer A. Bell
Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
2013
32 pages

Available April 16, 2013

Charming, inspiring, and sweet, this beautiful homage to fathers and their little ones is sure to become a well-loved bedtime, or anytime, story. Animal fathers are depicted with their sons and daughters; giraffes, koala bears, mice, turtles, brown bears, lions, elephants, frogs and several other animals are thoughtfully illustrated showing their love as fathers.

Fathers show their love in many ways and not just by voicing it aloud, "in the plain old ordinary way." Dads show their love by making pancakes for breakfast, or calling you by a silly yet loving nickname. They show their love by singing your favorite song, over and over and over and over....Dads show their love by sharing their knowledge and their past, by helping  you with  your homework, by taking you stargazing, and by picking you up and carrying you to your bed, and by saying, "I love you/ In the plain old ordinary way."

This little treasure shows a real love story of a father's love and care for his child. The father animal in each illustration is smiling and looks concerned and caring. The child animal is happy and smiling. Young readers will love this book and likely ask their dads to read it again and again and again!

When a Dad Says "I Love You"  would make a great Father's Day gift for a new father or a soon-to-be father.

Highly, highly recommended for young readers age 3-up and any father.

FTC Required Disclaimer: I received this book 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)

Pre-School Pick: I Will Keep You Safe and Sound

I Will Keep You Safe and Sound
by Lori Haskins Houran
Illustrations by Petra Brown
Scholastic Press
2013
32 pages


Loving parents--a brown bear, a rabbit, a robin, an alligator, a dolphin, a squirrel, a beaver, a horse, and a cat-- reassure their babies that even when rain is pouring down or when waves are crashing against the beach, their babies will be safe. "I will keep you safe and sound," is repeated as each creature cuddles its child.

The animals are beautifully depicted by illustrator Petra Brown. Using watercolor, brown pencil and a watercolor method known as gouache--in which an opaque pigment is applied in strokes--give the book a soft and warm appearance. The faces of the animal parents are loving and caring. The baby creatures appear happy and content. One page depicts a "...Kitten in the moonlight, Lost...then found, I will keep you safe and sound." The lost kitten looks fearful, but is greeted by his mother and reassured and lovingly cuddled.

Children will appreciate the rhythm and rhyme of this sweet story, and this book is likely to be their favorite new bedtime read.

I Will Keep You Safe and Sound is a great gift for new parents. This book should be included in the Official Parenting Starter Kit!

Highly, highly recommended for pre-school and bedtime. Parents and grandparents must read this loving and caring book to their little ones and continue to keep them safe and sound.

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