Knuffle Bunny
A Case of Mistaken Identity
By Mo Willems
This is a classic tale of how children become friends at a young age. It reminds us of when times were simpler and all we had to focus on was our prize childhood possession, mine was a brown teddy bear named Teddy. The main character, Trixie, in this follow up to Knuffle Bunny has now learned to talk and is enjoying the excitement of sharing her Knuffle Bunny at school, to only be surprised that another classmate has the same “one-of-a-kind” Knuffle Bunny. Of course there’s bickering and the teacher has to remove the bunnies from the girls. Upon the teacher returning the bunnies unknown to the girls, they receive the wrong bunny and each household is disrupted by the switch. As with most children, the girls are able to make up with help from the dads and become friends. I liked the focus of the dads of both girls who play integral parts getting them to school and making the “exchange” in the middle of the night. These father daughter relationships are to be commended and appreciated. Also, the expressions captured by the colored cartoon style illustrations against the realistic black surroundings aid in the charm of this simply enjoyable read.
A Case of Mistaken Identity
By Mo Willems
This is a classic tale of how children become friends at a young age. It reminds us of when times were simpler and all we had to focus on was our prize childhood possession, mine was a brown teddy bear named Teddy. The main character, Trixie, in this follow up to Knuffle Bunny has now learned to talk and is enjoying the excitement of sharing her Knuffle Bunny at school, to only be surprised that another classmate has the same “one-of-a-kind” Knuffle Bunny. Of course there’s bickering and the teacher has to remove the bunnies from the girls. Upon the teacher returning the bunnies unknown to the girls, they receive the wrong bunny and each household is disrupted by the switch. As with most children, the girls are able to make up with help from the dads and become friends. I liked the focus of the dads of both girls who play integral parts getting them to school and making the “exchange” in the middle of the night. These father daughter relationships are to be commended and appreciated. Also, the expressions captured by the colored cartoon style illustrations against the realistic black surroundings aid in the charm of this simply enjoyable read.
Jazz BabyBy Lisa Wheeler
This rhyming story of a baby is exposed to jazz and doesn’t know it yet. The baby surrounded by loving family is enveloping jazz from the time he wakes up until the time he goes to bed. Jazz is not only in his home but in his surrounding neighborhood. I think any music or dance teacher of early childhood students would appreciate the musical tones and notes. I believe students will enjoy the colorful illustrations of happy faces enjoying themselves. It is quite evident that this story is a celebration of life as baby is the center of its musical theme. I also enjoyed the happy depiction of the African American family with generations of love.
Fred Stays with Me!By Nancy Coffelt
A small girl’s bond with her beloved pet helps her handle the disruption of her parents’ divorce. This is an excellent book to share with students whose parents are divorcing or are divorced. It showed that although there are different houses, beds and activities, compromises can still be made in the best interest of the child. The main female character makes it clear that no matter where she goes, her beloved pooch, Fred, stays with her. I believe kids will appreciate the simple text, but the impact that Fred will never leave the girl, is most relevant. Written in first person narrative, can also help readers' connect more with the main character. This is an adorable story with great illustrations to address divorce and separate households. I also appreciated the ability to provide the reader with a positive view on how parents can find ways to make separation easier on a child and most importantly how they can work together.
Yo, Jo!
By Rachel Isadora
In this neighborhood on a typical day, Jomar and his bother, Franklin reveal to us the different ways they communicate with others. Phrases like Yo!, Hey! S’up, Chilling!, and others are used in everyday conversation to one another. However, when the boys’ grandfather comes to visit, this vernacular is not quite appropriate and the generation gap is quite evident. Kind of reminds you what kids say to adults today and most grownups are bewildered with “What did he say?” I think the illustrations capture today’s youth very well with characters dressed in baggy pants, hats worn backwards, big chains and bandanas. I liked the urban landscape as the backdrop for this collage styled view, which celebrates family, language, and culture. Young grade school children will have no problem decoding the phrases in this book.
By Rachel Isadora
In this neighborhood on a typical day, Jomar and his bother, Franklin reveal to us the different ways they communicate with others. Phrases like Yo!, Hey! S’up, Chilling!, and others are used in everyday conversation to one another. However, when the boys’ grandfather comes to visit, this vernacular is not quite appropriate and the generation gap is quite evident. Kind of reminds you what kids say to adults today and most grownups are bewildered with “What did he say?” I think the illustrations capture today’s youth very well with characters dressed in baggy pants, hats worn backwards, big chains and bandanas. I liked the urban landscape as the backdrop for this collage styled view, which celebrates family, language, and culture. Young grade school children will have no problem decoding the phrases in this book.
Hello, Bumblebee BatBy Darrin Lunde
Young readers interested in not just animals but nocturnal animals will enjoy this question and answer exchange of the life of a Bumblebee Bat. This juvenile nonfiction book provides the characteristics, behavior, diet, enemies and habitat of the exotic and endangered Bumblebee Bat. By the end of this book, I thought an activity of furthering the discussion by having students write their own interview book to ask additional questions from the Bumblebee Bat would be an asset. This book could also encourage youngsters with the help of their teachers to discuss nature and mammals. I liked the simplistic questions because they are truly phrased as if from a child. I can appreciate how it avoids overwhelming facts that may be too much to digest for small children. I like the repetitiveness in the story that helps children focus and if you like this question format, I suggest Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What do you see? by Bill Martin.
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