Puddle by Huewon
Yum
Yum has written and illustrated several books for the
preschool set. Her characters are drawn with simple lines that lead to
extremely expressive faces. The little guy in this story is bored having to
spend a rainy day indoors, but the mom encourages him to draw. At first
reluctant, the young one is drawn to the picture, literally and figuratively
and is soon clamoring to go outside where he can jump in the puddles and enjoy
the dreary day. Another hit for the preschool set.
Splashdance by Liz Starin
Starin knows how to take a goofy idea (a bear practicing to
win a water ballet contest) and to make it even goofier! First the bear is in,
then she is out as no bears are allowed in the pool. Then, after a period of
despondency and depression, the bear finds a new group to practice with. And
while Ursula’s group puts forth the best performance, they do not win the
contest. Ursula’s old partner (a human) and his new partner (a giraffe) win the
contest. Because what is more absurd than a bear in the pool? A giraffe, of
course!
My Thumb by Karen
Hesse, illustrated by Rich Deas
Written in rhyme with a syncopated rhythm, My Thumb is an
ode to thumb-sucking. While there are some things this little sucker can’t do
with her thumb in her mouth, she is still content to suck away, extolling the
virtues of her “soggy, wrinkled, half-baked” thumb. For those little ones who
just can’t kick the habit, finally a book that doesn’t try to convince them to
give it up.
Daddies are Awesome
by Meredith Costain, illustrated by Polona Lovsin.
Another rhyming book all about daddies. The words are
directed at preschoolers with their need to have their hands held and go on
adventures; the pictures are all father dogs and puppies of multiple breeds,
beagles on one page, spaniels the next. Look this one up next year on Father’s
Day!
Marta Big and Small
by Jen Arena, illustrated by Angela Dominguez
A bilingual book that tells a story about Marta with both
Spanish and English words. While most of the book is in English, there is a
proliferation of Spanish words that are translated either in words or pictures.
Makes the use of dual languages seem natural and fun.
