Animal Fantasy
One of the most common forms of fantasy for young children is
that which is written about animals who act like humans. Here are a bunch of animal
fantasy ranging from sloths who like to travel to philosophical ducks. There must
be one here that you would love, too!
Peter and Ernesto: A Tale of Two Sloths by Graham Annable
Peter and Ernesto are content to live in a tree and play
games. But, Ernesto grows tired of their limited view of the sky, so he runs
off on an adventure. And thus ensues, Ernesto’s trip, followed by Peter’s quest
to find Ernesto. The reader gets to see similar things from two different
perspectives, like the floating footbridge that is shaky and funny to Ernesto,
but scary and almost uncrossable for Peter. Lots of great reading, simple
words, complex concepts!
What the Ladybug Heard Next by Julia Donaldson, Illustrated
by Lydia Monks
When the chicken is annoyed that her eggs are disappearing,
the Ladybug offers to listen and report back what she hears. And thus begins the
tale of how the Ladybug saves the day and helps the chicken avoid being stolen
by Hefty Hugh and Lanky Len. Told in rhyme with plenty of repetitive language,
this is a perfect read for a short, fun-filled story time. Plenty of lessons
here as well, if you want them!
Kit and Kaboodle by
Rosemary Wells
Rosemary Wells is a beloved children’s book author and
illustrator who continues to write and illustrate loving books for children. Kit
and Kaboodle are kittens who love to do what they are told. The problem is that
Spinka, a tiny mouse, follows them around and adds a touch of mischief to their
day. Cute stories with a touch of humor, best for the youngest readers in the
house.
The Other Ducks by Ellen Yeomans, Pictures by Chris Sheban
A philosophical exploration of what it means to be yourself
and how you learn about the world around you told through the eyes of This Duck
and That Duck. This might be a little confusing for young readers or listeners,
but with the right teacher or parent, it could be quite interesting indeed.
Somewhere Else by Gus Gordon
First the illustrations: these are a combination of line
drawings and collage interspersed with photographs and other interesting pieces
of artwork. Next the story: George is a goose who stays in one place because he
has a secret; he never learned how to fly. With the help of a good friend,
George travels the world in a hot air balloon and comes home to bake a pie.
Something about this strange amalgam of pictures and words works for me. I love
it!
City Mouse, Country Mouse by Maggie Rudy
An old story, retold with Tansy and Will, two young mice who
find each other. They both love their own homes and cannot leave, but it turns
out, they can’t live without each other. Eventually, they settle, quite
platonically, next to each other in a half way town, half way between the city
and the country. The illustrations are small sets with stuffed mice
interspersed within the scene. The sets are made of scavenged material,
inspired by the worlds of Beatrix Potter.
Through with the Zoo
by Jacob Grant
If you are a goat in a petting zoo and you do not like to be
petted or touched, you have a problem. Goat tries to escape and hide out in the
larger zoo, but soon grows tired of being left alone. When he returns to the
petting zoo, he realizes that it feels pretty good, but it’s also good to get
away once in a while. A perfect story to help children solve simple problems.
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