Grumpy Bird

Grumpy Bird by Jeremy Tankard is just that; a story about a grumpy bird.  Poor, poor Bird woke up one day grumpy.  But no matter how much he grumbled at his friends, they still stuck around.

The simple drawings help to point out Bird's bad mood and his friends ignorance of this fact.  Maybe if more people ignored grumpy comments we would all experience more happy endings like Bird.

Favorite line: "You do it by placing one foot in front of the other." (Gotta love sarcasm.)

Pirates Go To School

Pirates Go To School by Corinne Demas and illustrated by John Manders is a great book.  Just imagine for a moment what it would be like to go to school as a pirate (or even with a pirate).  Some days I think this is what my boys must have felt about school (especially recess time).

The illustrations are awesome too!  I love the teachers reactions to these pirate kids.

Favorite line: Pirates learn their letters: X (marks the spot), Y, Z.

What REALLY Happened to Humpty? (from the files of a hard-boilded detective)

What Really Happened to Humpty? (from the files of a hard-boiled detective) by Joe Dumpty as told to Jeanie Franz Ransom and illustrated by Stephen Axelsen is a combination twist on a nursery rhyme and great mystery/detective story.  Detective Joe Dumpty is is on the case - the case of the fall of his brother Humpty Dumpty.  (Insert ominous music.)

I loved this book!  It puts all the classic nursery rhymes that I grew up with into one neighborhood and one story.  Plus, through the miracle of modern medicine, Humpty is on the mend! The only question left unanswered is, "Who did it?"

Favorite line:  Humpty Dumpty was pushed.

Grace for President

Grace for President written by Kelly DiPucchio and illustrated by LeUyen Pham starts with the question, "Where are the girls?"  Grace asks this question when her teacher, Mrs. Barrington, rolls out a poster with all of the president's pictures on it.  Then after much thought, Grace announces she would like to be president.  And that's when the fun begins.

This is a great book on several different levels.  Not only does it demonstrate that we should all be picking our leaders based on who we think will do the best job (not just who is the most popular), but it also does a great job describing the election process.  (In the back is a description of the Electoral College.)

Favorite line: "No girl president? EVER?" Grace asked.

When I Grow Up

In When I Grow Up by Al Yankovic and illustrated by Wes Hargis, little Billy faces the dreaded question during show-and-tell, "What do you want to be when you grow up?"  However, I don't think Billy dreads this question as much as his classmates in this hilarious children's book by first-time author Al Yankovic.  Instead, Billy poetically and long windedly tackles this question with some very crazy, but thoughtful answers.

Okay, I will admit, I am a "Weird All" fan and quite honestly, his book does not disappoint.  It is filled with the same off-beat humor and subtle lessons that made many of his songs famous. 

Favorite line: "Esteemed friends and colleagues and dear Mrs. Krupp, I know what I'm gonna be when I grow up..."

Sleepy Bears

Sleepy Bears by Mem Fox and illustrated by Kerry Argent is a great bedtime story.  It is filled with wonderful poems and beautiful pictures. I especially love the quilt everyone is snuggled up under.

When winter comes, bears sleep whether they are tired or not.  This family of bears is no different.  So, Mama bear tells a dreamy poem for each of her not so sleepy bears.  

Favorite line:  "Bedtime already?" cried the bears as they tumbled inside.

The Boy Who Cried Ninja

The Boy Who Cried Ninja by Alex Latimer is a funny twist on the classic tale of the boy who cried wolf.  Only in this version, Tim is telling the truth and still gets into trouble.  So, what is a boy to do when he gets into trouble for telling the truth and for telling lies?

I really liked the artwork in this book, especially the voice bubbles.  Not only does everyone get a speech bubble, but they speak with words and pictures.  I love it!

Favorite line:  Then he had an idea.