Picture Book Pick: Big and Little Are Best Friends

Big and Little Are Best Friends
by Michael Garland
Illustrations by the author
Orchard Books
2017
32 pages
ISBN: 9780545870979

Big and Little Are Best Friends is a sweet story about friends who like different things yet still get along and love each other. Polar opposites attract in this tale of friendship. Rhyming lines like, "Little's books are scary./Big's books are sweet./ Big likes to nibble./Little likes to eat" with captivating illustrations make this an entertaining and MUST read aloud.

In fact, Big and Little are so opposite, they sometimes do fight, "..But they always make up,/ And it's always all right." The classic pairing of a mouse and an elephant is perfect for Big and Little. Although it's been done before, it has never been done with this exhurberance!

Young readers will see that friends can get mad, but that they do forgive and stay friends.

This one is a sure winner. Michael Garland's illustrations are full of soul! Big comes alive in the pages with his lifelike eyes and facial expressions. He is a joy to behold! Who knew a picture book elephant could be so real? Kids are certain to respond to him.

Highly, highly recommended for young readers and to teach values of friendship, acceptance, and forgiveness.

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

Early Reader Pick: Strictly No Elephants

Strictly No Elephants
by Lisa Mantchev
Illustratons by Taeeun Yoo
Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers
(A Paula Wiseman Book)
2014
32 pages
ISBN: 9781481416474

Strictly No Elephants is a  sweet story full of promise for friendship and inclusion. It's Pet Club day and a boy would like to bring his unusual pet, a tiny elephant, to the club. When he's rudely turned away at the door---the cover says it all--he finds a girl who feels left out, too. They form their own group and include everyone no matter what type of pet or person they are.

This cute little book teaches young readers all about true friendship. Friends help each other, friends help friends be brave, friends stick together, and friends help everyone feel better. Illustrations by Yoo show the unwelcome faces of the first club, the sadness of the boy and his elephant (it's no surprise the scene occurs in a downpour), and the happiness of the new group of friends. I love that both the boy and his elephant wear matching red scarfs!

This is an incredible example of a book that can teach young readers values. Everyone will win with this winsome title.

Highly recommended for beginning readers. This book could easily be taught by a pre-K teacher or a Sunday school teacher, but mostly let's hope parents will read this book to their own child/children. It will open the door for conversations about friendship and what it is and how friends should act.

Required FTC 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)

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