Book Review: Chicken Little

Chicken Little By Rebecca Emberley and Ed Emberley. Illus. the authors.

2009.32 pg. Roaring Brook/Neal Porter, $16.95 (9781596434646)

Format: Hardcover

Age Group:PreS-K

Genre: Fiction 

Awards: Booklist Editors' Choice: Media, 2011

Subjects/Themes: Folklore, Chickens, Animals

Early Literacy Skills Promoted: Print motivation, phonological awareness, print awareness,

 

Annotation: 

A retelling of Chicken Little. An acorn falls upon Chicken Little's head and she claims the sky is falling. Mass panic ensues.

Reactions/Observations:

Rebecca and Ed Emberley retell the tale of Chicken Little in a more modern but equally entertaining way. Like in the classic, Chicken Little, who is not to clever, mistakes an acorn falling on her head as a piece of the falling sky. She encounters different animals on her panicked retreat, recruiting other panicked animals on the way. Finally they meet a Wolf who promises to keep them “safe”. Little do they know, they’ve been tricked into hiding in the darkness of his tummy! A pitter patter of feet and a great big sneeze change the classic ending to this yarn.

The Emberleys weave an amusing retelling of the classic folktale, Chicken Little. Their illustrations are constructed of collaged textured paper in bright colors which creates a more modern feel to the story. Although based on the original, the new artwork and added bits redefine this story so that it’s entirely new. The revised ending also provides a fresh and friendlier ending especially for the younger audience.

Book Review: Another Brother

Another brother By Matthew Cordell. Illus. the author.2012.unpaged. Feiwel & Friends. $16.99 (9780312643249)

Format: Hardcover
Age Group:Preschool to Gr3
Genre:Fiction

Awards:None listed.

Subjects/Themes: Siblings, Family life, Imitation
Early Literacy Skills Promoted: Print motivation, print awareness
 

Annotation: 

Davy doesn't like his twelve brothers imitating him all the time, but when they finally stop copying him why does he feel lonely?
 

Reactions/Observations:

Cordell tells the story of a family of three: mom, dad, and Davy. Davy enjoys the sole attention of his parents until a brother is born, but not just one brother Davy gets twelve other brothers! Every move Davy makes, his younger brothers copy. He complains, but his dad tells him that one day they’ll find their own interests and no longer copy him. Davy can’t wait…until the day it actually happens. Surprisingly Davy is saddened that his little shadows no longer follow. One day a little sister punctuates Davy’s tale with a light-hearted twist.

The illustrations are amusing and bright. Cordell uses simple lines and highlights of bright watercolor on a white background to depict Davy’s story. Davy’s experience depicts the important lesson that sometimes it’s lonely being the one and only. As an older child, I can relate to the older sibling experience. Other older siblings will easily be able to relate to Davy also. Another Brother was a warm and easily shared story about the pros and cons of siblings.

Book Review: Very Hairy Bear

Very Hairy Bear.by Alice Schertle. Illus. by Matt Phelan.2007. Harcourt,Inc., $16 (9780152165680)

Format: Hardcover
Age Group:PreS-K

Genre:Fiction
Awards:None listed.

Subjects/Themes: Bears, Seasons

ELS promoted: 
Print motivation, phonological awareness

Annotation: 

A very hair bear experiences the four seasons in his wooded home.
 

Reactions/Observations:

Schertle writes a rhyming tale about a “very hairy bear and his no-hair nose”. The bear strolls through the pages with his “no-hair nose” leading him and the audience through the seasons. He dives into water for salmon, digs deep into a beehive for honey, gobbles up blueberries, and finds his way into his den for the winter. 
 

The story has a rhythm created by Schertle’s use of language, which serves as a great literacy tool to promote phonological awareness with early readers. She uses alliteration and rhyme to carry the narrative, but unfortunately the flow is interrupted by parts that don’t rhyme as well as others. Some portions seem forced like “…when soft white snowflakes start to fall and cling to bear hair…(if there’s a bear there)”. Fortunately the illustrations are so charming, it’s easy to ignore the clumsy parts of narration.  Children will still appreciate the rhyming text and the rhythm it creates. Phelan’s use of pastel and pencil are delightful. The scenery communicates the bear's loveable expressions and the change in seasons well.

Book Review:Wonder Bear

Wonder Bear by Tao Nyeu. Illus. the author.

2008.48 pg. Dial, $17.99 (9780803733282)
 

Format: Hardcover
Age Group:Preschool to Gr1
Genre: Fiction

Awards: Society of Illustrators' Founders Award

Subjects/Themes: Imaginary Creatures, Bears, Dreams
ELS promoted: 

Print motivation, print awareness, narrative skills  
 
Annotation: 

A young boy and girl plant seeds before they go to bed.  They dream about a bear that shows them magical places and creatures.

Reactions/Observations:

Reminiscent of Miyazaki’s My Neighbor Totoro, two young children travel into a magical world accompanied by a new friend (in this case, it’s Wonder Bear). In Nyeu’s wordless picture book, a young boy and girl plant a garden which grows overnight into gigantic blossoms that bloom Wonder Bear. Wonder Bear is an enormous white bear with a magical top hat that creates surreal mischievous monkeys, lions made of balloons, and flying sea life to entertain the children.

The artwork is phenomenal! The composition of the illustrations further emphasize the movement of the characters and the narrative. The book’s color scheme has a retro feel to it which adds to the whimsical nature of the imagery. The illustrations alone make this a personal favorite! Although this book is wordless, it provides an opportunity to practice narrative skills through book talking.  It’s unfortunate that the story line is weak in comparison to its strong imagery. Nyeu also authors and illustrates Bunny Days (2011) which shares her light hearted sense of humor that is only touched upon in Wonder Bear. Children will enjoy retelling and re imagining this dreamlike tale.

Book Review: I Want My Hat Back

I Want My Hat Back. By Jon Klassen. Illus. by the author. 2011.40p. Candlewick, $15.99(9780763655983)

Format: Hardcover
Age Group: PreS-Gr.2

Genre:Fiction

Awards:Theodor Seuss Geisel Beginning Reader Honor

E.B. White Read Aloud Award

Colorado Children's Book Award Nominee

E.B. White Read-Aloud Picture Book finalist

Bank Street Irma Black Awards

Cooperative Children's Book Center Choices List

Texas 2x2 Reading List Selection

ALA Notable Children's Books

New York Public Library 100 Titles for Reading and Sharing

CYBIL Award - Shortlist

 Horn Book Fanfare, The

New York Times Book Review Notable Books of the Year

Publishers Weekly Best Books of the Year

New York Times Book Review 10 Best Illustrated Children's Books 

Subjects/Themes:Lost and found possessions, Bears, Hats

ELS promoted:Print motivation, narrative skills, print awareness

 

Annotation:

 A bear almost gives up looking for his hat until he remembers something important. 

Reactions/Observations:

Klassen is known for his illustrations in other books. His first story depicts a bear’s search for his lost red hat. He questions every animal he encounters—the fox, frog, rabbit with a familiar red hat, turtle, snake, and armadillo. Each one answering that they had not seen his hat. The bear finally lies on the floor in defeat when a reindeer walks by to ask what’s wrong. The bear shares his dilemma and describes his hat, only to trigger a memory of seeing his hat! He knows who took it! He runs back to rabbit. With tense glances across pages, bear and rabbit duke it out without saying a word. The audience is unaware of the conflict’s conclusion until squirrel asks about rabbit’s whereabouts. He is answered by bear that has mysteriously reclaimed his cap by unknown circumstances and proclaims his innocence in a defensive although humorous manner. 

The illustrations are simple and expressive. The bear is on the left page discussing with another animal on the right page. Their eyes are dead pan, but in combination with the dialogue the emotions and actions are well depicted. The simplicity leaves much to the imagination which appeals both to its younger audience and the grown up audience. The humor has a dark edge, but not enough to dim the levity of the story. 

I recently used this story as a puppet show. We worried that the kids may not understand the silent moments, but were surprised that the humor and meaningful pauses were equally important parts of the story. Children and parents enjoyed the show.  Although I think the ideal audience would have been preschool and higher. 

Book Review: Sandwich Swap

The Sandwich Swap. By Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah with Kelly Dipucchio. Illus. by Tricia Tusa. 2010. 32 pg. Disney/Hyperion., $16.99 (9781423124849)
 

Format: Hardcover
Age Group: PreS-Gr.2
Genre:Fiction 

Awards: NYSRA Charlotte Award Nominee

Subjects/Themes: Friendship, Multicultural

ELS promoted: Print motivation, print awareness, vocabulary
 

Annotation: 
Best friends Lily and Salma disagree about their preferred foods, but later trade foods and change their minds.
 

Reactions/Observations:

Based on the author’s nursery school experiences, Salma and Lily are best friends (from different cultural backgrounds) until the day their sandwiches come between them. Lily brings a peanut butter jelly sandwich while Salma brings a hummus sandwich every day. Each one pities the other’s “yucky” and “gross” sandwich, but neither understands that their sandwiches symbolize the love their parents both put into making their lunches. They are offended. After their yelling match starts a huge food fight, Salma and Lily are ashamed that they let their differences come between them.  Both decide that they need to be open to what seems foreign or strange and change. First, they offer to try each other’s sandwiches. They trade sandwiches only to find out that they were both wrong! The sandwiches were not gross or yucky.  They were delicious! With the help of their principal, Salma and Lily share their newfound lesson with a multicultural feast of food alongside their classmates.  

The author tells the story of two girls who discover each others' cultural difference through food. Food is a universal unifier.  In this story, it separates them but eventually brings them together. Despite the difference in culture, both girls have a lot in common and spend a lot of time together.  The sandwich symbolizes the difference. Being able to look past the differences to their similarities allows them to stay friends. Multiculturalism is the same. It’s simply being able to respect other cultures and acknowledge the wonderful things in the differences in culture. I enjoyed the sweet story about their friendship and appreciated the common themes of school drama with friends on the playground (or in this case, the cafeteria).  I also enjoyed the warm illustrations depicting their friendship. The illustrations are light and playful, easily inspiring a smile upon the readers’ faces once all the conflicts are resolved.

Book Review: If You Give a Pig a Pancake

If You Give a Pig a Pancake.By Laura Numeroff. Illus. by Felicia Bond.1998. 32p. HarperCollins, $16.99. (9780060266868 ) 
 

Format: Hardcover
Age Group:Toddler to Preschool  

Genre:Fiction

Awards: IRA/CBC Children's Choice

Subjects/Themes:Cumulative Stories, Math, Pigs, Pancakes

ELS promoted: Print motivation, narrative skills

Annotation: 

One thing leads to another when you give a pig a pancake.
 

Reactions/Observations:
Like Numeroff's Mouse, the Pig wants a pancake but you never know what consequences will happen if you hand that pancake over. The sticky syrup must be dealt with. The rubber ducky has to be there. The duck makes the pig homesick for the farm. And the circle continues.

 The cumulative nature of the story creates an opportunity to create anticipation as well as practice narrative skills. It encourages readers to predict what will happen next. If You Give a Pig a Pancake follows the same formula as Numeroff's other "If you give a..." books. Although they can be predictable, Numeroff creates new ways to surprise us.Children enjoy how the anticipation builds throughout the story. Parents will enjoy how they learn to wait .

Book Review: Falling for Rapunzel

Falling for Rapunzel.By Leah Wilcox. Illus. Lydia Monks. 
2003. 32p. Putnam, $15.99. (9780399237942)
 

Format: Hardcover
Age Group:Preschool to Gr2

Genre:Fiction

Awards:Oregon Book Award: Nominee 

Subjects/Themes: Fairytale, Princess

ELS promoted: 
Print motivation, phonological awareness, narrative skills
 

Annotation:
A prince wants to rescue Rapunzel from her tower, but being too far away, she throws out everything out the tower window including her maid. 

Reactions/Observations:
Rapunzel lives in a tall tower. The prince wants to rescue her, but she can't hear his requests to throw down something to help him upstairs.  She throws down everything but the kitchen sink and finally throws out her maid too. Using rhyme, Wilcox tells a fractured fairy tale with hilarious twists and turns. After everything has come flying out the tower window, Prince runs off with the maid only for readers to find out that there was back door to the tower. There was no need for all the tribulations. The artwork is playful and expressive. The rhyming text is paired well so children are able to see how the words rhyme. Also, because the story is based on an already existing fairytale children are able to predict what happens but will be surprised at how the story ends. This is one of my favorite books for storytime. I've read it for all ages of storytime, but it works best for preschool and up.

Book Review: The Easter Bunny's Assistant

 

The Easter Bunny's Assistant.By Jan Thomas. Illus. by author. 2012. 38 p. Harper Collins, $12.99. (9780061692864)

Format: Hardcover
Age Group:Toddler to Kindergarten
Genre:Fiction
Awards:None listed.
Subjects/Themes: Holiday, Easter, bunny, skunk
ELS promoted:Print awareness, Print motivation, Narrative Skills, Vocabulary

Annotation:
The Easter bunny and his special assistant demonstrate how to make Easter eggs.

Reactions/Observations:
The Easter Bunny has a new assistant! Unfortunately it's a skunk. The skunk stinks up the room every time he's happy about something. And making Easter eggs make him exuberant. Easter Bunny's nose is in trouble. Will Easter Bunny and skunk figure out a way to work together? In this super simple story, Jan Thomas weaves another interactive tale for her readers. In simple steps, the Easter Bunny explains to readers how to make Easter Eggs. The illustrations are heavily outlined and rely on fart humor. The latter guarantees it as a success for all ages.  Toddlers and preschoolers will especially giggle for hours about Easter Bunny's talented but stinky assistant.

Book Review: The Very Hungry Caterpillar

The Very Hungry Caterpillar.By Eric Carle. Illus. by author.1984.32p. Philomel, $21.99. (9780399208539)

Format: Hardcover
Age Group:Toddler to Kindergarten
Genre:Fiction 

Awards:American Institute of Graphic Arts Award in 1970
Selection du Grand Prix des Treize in France in 1972
Nakamori Reader's Prize in Japan in 1975.
New York Times "Ten Best Picture Books of the Year" in 1969.
Subjects/Themes: Metamorphosis, change

ELS promoted: Print motivation, print awareness, narrative skills, vocabulary
 

Annotation: 
A hungry caterpillar eats his way through everything until he becomes a butterfly.
 

Reactions/Observations:
A little caterpillar eats through a lot of food until he becomes a cocoon. When he wakes up, the very hungry caterpillar has become a beautiful butterfly. Children will see the step by step process of metamorphosis, allowing them to practice their narrative skills to remember or retell the story. The illustrations are high contrast and easily get the attention of younger readers.  The holes in the pages are playful and show how the caterpillar has eaten through everything. The Very Hungry Caterpillar is a classic. Most parents will remember it and will be able to share it with their own children. 

I recently read this for a family storytime.  Although the majority of the audience was older than the ideal audience for this book, they enjoyed it.  They knew the book by heart which made storytime feel more like they were telling me the story than the other way around.

Book Review: A Soup Opera

A Soup Opera.By Jim Gill. Illus. by David Moose. 2009. 32p. Jim Gill, Inc, $24. (9780981572109)

Format: Multimedia
Age Group:Preschool to Gr2
Genre:Fiction

Awards: 2010 Notable Children’s Book & Recording Award — American Library Association

Subject/Themes: Soup, Opera

ELS promoted:Print motivation, phonological awareness, narrative skills

 

Annotation: This book is about a man and his frustrating quest to eat a bowl of soup.

Reactions/Observations:
This book is about a man and his frustrating quest to eat a bowl of soup. The illustrations are humorous and interesting.  Parent and children must listen to the accompanying CD or sing along to fully enjoy the humor of this unique story.  

Gill gives young audiences their first taste of opera. In its simplest form, it serves as a great sample. The soup opera tells the drama of a man and his bowl of soup set to music. As a drama, the storyteller and audience will become familiar with narrating this story in song. Song is a creative way to hear the simple sounds in the words. This book is unbelievably fun to read and encourage audience participation.  Children and parents will be able to experience the joy of reading together with this book.

Book Review: Knufflebunny

Knuffle Bunny.By Mo Willems. Illus. by author.2004. 40p. Hyperion, $16.99.(9780786818709)
 

Format: Hardcover
Age Group:Toddler to Kindergarten  

Genre:Fiction 

Awards:2005 Caldecott Honor

Publishers Weekly Editors Pick

Publishers Weekly Bestseller

Irma Black Medal Winner

Charlotte Zolotow Honor,ALA Notable Book

 Borders Original Voices Best Children’s Book

Book Sense Book of the Year Honor

IRA Children’s Choice

Child Magazine Best Book

New York Public Library 100 Books for Reading and Sharing Quills Nominee

2005 Texas Library Association’s Texas 2 X 2 Reading List

Nick Jr. Magazine Best Book

CCBC Choice Book 2005

Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books Blue Ribbon 

School Library Journal Best Book

2004 Horn Book Fanfare

 Kirkus Reviews 2004 Editor’s Choice

Capitol Choices 2005, Borders’ Original Voices Selection (Sept. 04)

Book Sense 76 Selection

Joseph-Beth Booksellers Book of the Year

Miami Herald Best Book

 Kansas City Star Best Book

Entertainment Weekly’s Must List

Real Simple Magazine Best Book

Borders “Read To Me” Best Book

Chicago Public Library 2004 Best of the Best Book

Junior Library Guild Selection

School Library Journal Book of the Week

 Family Fun.com Best Book 2004

Subjects/Themes:  Lost and found possessions

ELS promoted: Print motivation, phonological awareness, 

Annotation: 
A trip to the laundromat becomes a disaster when Trixie struggles to tell her father that they've left a very important something behind.
 

Reactions/Observations:
 Trixie heads to the laundromat with her father, but leaves a very important stuffed animal behind: Knuffle Bunny.  She struggles to tell him, but being a toddler does have its limitations.  Somehow dad finally gets it and they race back to the laundromat to save her beloved Knuffle Bunny.

When Trixie babbles, readers are practicing phonological awareness by listening and manipulating the smaller sounds in the words. The illustrations use mixed media, giving it a vintage feel as if these events are part of a scrapbook. Parents will sympathize with dad and recognize the toddler body language. Children will identify with Trixie, will have the upper hand over Dad's inability to understand, and be ecstatic when Knuffle Bunny and Trixie finally find each other again.  Both parents and children will enjoy reading and rereading this book.

Book Review: Ten Little Fingers Ten Little Toes

Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes.

By Mem Fox. Illus. by Helen Oxenbury.
2008. 34p. Harcourt, $16.99 (9780547366203)

Age Group: Baby to Toddler
Genre: Fiction

Awards:New York Times bestseller lists for 18 weeks in 2008/2009

 September 2009 it was on the top of Oprah’s list of best books for children aged 0-2. 
Subjects/Themes: Babies, Toes, Fingers

ELS promoted: Print motivation, phonological awareness
Format: Picture book

Annotation: 
Rhyming text compares babies born in different places and in different circumstances, but they all share the commonality of ten little fingers and ten little toes.
 

Reactions/Observations:
This book uses rhyming text to share a poem about babies from around the world and the families that love them. Fox repeats the phrase that each baby has ten little fingers and ten little toes.  The repeated stanza creates a rhythm for the book. Oxenbury's illustrations are warm and friendly. Each of the stanzas introduces new babies but incorporates the babies from the previous stanzas. Readers are able to deduce their international backgrounds from the clothes they are wearing. 

This book is great for babies and toddlers alike.  Parents are able to interact with their child and the book by pointing out their fingers and toes to the child. The pictures and the actions in the poem keep the focus of the book on the child. I highly recommend this book as a must have for any nursery.  

Book Review: Dinosaur vs. the Potty

Dinosaur vs. The Potty.
By Bob Shea. Illus. by author.
2010. 40p. Disney Hyperion, $15.99. (9781423133391)

Age Group:Toddler to Preschool
Genre:Fiction

Awards:

Topics/Issues: Potty training

ELS promoted: Print motivation

Format: Hardcover

 

Annotation: 
Dinosaur doesn't need to use the potty. He makes lemonades, runs through the sprinklers, and splashes through puddles. He even does a victory dance, but is it really for victory?
 

Reactions/Observations:
 Dinosaur stubbornly refuses that he does not need to use the potty. He claims he wins every time he doesn't have to go, until his victory dance turns into the potty dance. Children will sympathize with Dinosaur and cheer him on so he can ultimately make it to the toilet. The text is large and loud. The illustrations are simple yet enthusiastic. This book will be a good addition to a potty training book list.  It's different yet will definitely become a favorite. 

I've read this one in toddler and preschool storytime.  They enjoy the dinosaur's tantrums and  cheer him on when he finally does need to use the bathroom. Children will like the humor but understand what Dinosaur's going through. Parents will enjoy throwing a tantrum to tell this story to their little ones.  

Book Review: The Donut Chef

The Donut Chef. By Bob Staake. Illus. by author.

2008. 40p. Golden Books, $14.99. (9780375844034)
 

Age Group:Toddler to Kindergarten
Genre:Fiction

Awards:None listed.

Subjects/Themes: Baking, Donuts

ELS promoted: 
Print motivation, print awareness, phonological awareness, vocabulary
Format: Hardcover

 

Annotation: 
A baker opens his donut shop on a small street, but it's not long before competition arrives.

Reactions/Observations:
TThe Donut Chef  is a rhyming blinding array of creative donut creations compete for customers. Staake uses rhyming text and geometric figures to tell the tale of two rivaling donut chefs. The story becomes more and more ridiculous as the two chefs continue their bake off. A simple glazed donut ends the feud, because in the end sometimes simple is best.

This book promotes phonological awareness with its rhyming lines. It also uses innovative ways to introduce descriptive vocabulary to describe the donuts. Children will enjoy the colorful illustrations and the exciting duel of donuts. This book is best for a toddler and preschooler audience.
 

Book Review: Time to Pee!

Time to Pee!By Mo Willems. Illus. by author. 2003. 40p. Hyperion, $12.99.(9780786818686)
 

Age Group:Toddler to Preschool
Genre:Nonfiction

Awards:

Nick Jr. Magazine Best Book

NAPPA Gold Medal Award winner

New York Public Library 100 Books for Reading and Sharing

Entertainment Weekly Book of the Week

Bank Street College of Education 2004 Best Book

Children’s Book of the Month Club Selection
Subjects/Themes: Potty training

ELS promoted: Print motivation, print awareness

Format: Hardcover
 

Annotation: 
Sign carrying mice give encouraging instructions on how to use the toilet.
 

Reactions/Observations:
Willems creates a lighthearted dummy's guide to potty training, complete with sign wielding mice. The mice encourage the children in the book by letting them know when to go but not to panic. They walk them through the steps in a positive tone and even cheer them on when they succeed.  The text is simple and direct. The illustrations are lively and provide a wide array of multicultural faces for children to identify with. As usual, I love this Mo Willems' book.  He's made a potty training book that parents and children can easily reread for additional encouragement.
 
Potty training is probably one of the most requested booklists at my library.  It a hot topic for the age group we serve. I prepared a recommended book list for potty training ages ago and was surprised that Mo Willems’ Time to Pee was not on there! I have remedied this problem since the first discussion post about it. This book is definitely number one on my potty training book list.

Book Review: Press Here

Press Here.By Herve Tullet. Illus. by author.
2011. 56p. Handprint/Chronicle, $15.99. ( 978081189545)

Age Group:Toddler to Gr2
Genre:Fiction.

Awards:2012 Notable Children's Book

Subjects/Themes: Colors, Concept learning, Imagination

ELS promoted: Print motivation, vocabulary, print awareness

Format: Hardcover
 


 

 

Annotation:
Using the reader's imagination, a series of dots multiplies, grows, or changes color by pressing, tilting, or blowing on the previous page.
 

Reactions/Observations:
A series of dots and a large dose of imagination make up the story, Press Here.  The reader presses, tilts, and blows on the illustrated dots to transform the dots. I noticed that print motivation is an important skill portrayed in this story.  Without the preconceived notion that the pages should turn, there wouldn't be any magic to this book. To transform the dots, the reader and audience must know that the pages will turn to the right. The reader must be aware of print. The directions the dots move help identify new vocabulary as well.
 
Tullet's Press Here is wonderful! It's one of my current favorites for story time.  Children enjoy the interaction aspect of the dialogue and the book.  They feel included in the story. They love to reach out and pretend to touch the button to see what will change next.  We have a copy on our story time reference shelf.  It's a hit in in toddler, 5 and under, family, and especially in preschool storytime. 

Book Review: The Terrible Plop

The Terrible Plop. By Ursula Dubosarsky. Illus. by Andrew Joyner. 2009. 40p. FSG, $15.99. (9780374374280)

Age Group:Toddler to Gr1

Genre:Fiction

Awards:Speech Pathology Australia Book of the Year Award Winner - 2009 for The Terrible Plop

Subjects/Themes: Fear, Courage

ELS promoted:Print motivation, phonological awareness, print awareness

Format: Hardcover
 

Annotation: 
When a mysterious sound sends the whole forest running away in fear, only the littlest rabbit is brave enough to find out what's behind the terrible plop.
 

Reactions/Observations:
Using rhyming text and comical imagery, Dubosarsky weaves a comical tale that begins with a stampede of frightened rabbits.  Other animals get swept up in fray and run with them.  Everyone but the grizzly bear is afraid.  The bear coerces a rabbit to take him to the lake to find out what the "terrible plop" is. When the bear meets the plop, he runs too! The rabbit has the last laugh and finds out there's nothing to be afraid of.

The antics remind me of the classic, Chicken Little. Is the sky really falling? Only the brave will know. The illustrations are crisp and expressive. Dubosarsky uses mixed media to create texture, but the crisp illustrations keep the story cohesive. The story was told in rhyming text which serves as great practice for phonological awareness. I read this book in family storytime. Kids enjoyed trying to predict what the "plop" was. They were very surprised to discover the truth behind the plop.