I love this time of year, as I usually go through the girls' bookcases and box up books they have outgrown or no longer read, and take inventory of holiday theme books to pull from the shelves and incorporate in our homeschooling. And, with everyone sick these past few weeks, we have been doing a lot of reading -- the girls on their own now that they can read, as well as snuggling up with me on the couch and enjoying a good book together. I have a handful of books pulled and ready to share for Groundhog's Day coming up Friday, February 2nd, for Valentine's Day, St. Patrick's Day and even Easter. I had so much fun browsing through the books as I was able to recall reading the last year to the girls and how much they love reading holiday books with me. Some of their favorites including Charlie Brown and Snoopy. In addition to the books I pulled from the girls' bookshelves, I also have some new books that we were recently sent from the folks at Simon & Schuester that I will be sharing with the girls again (we have already read many of them over a dozen times so far -- usually at bedtime), that will be perfect for Valentine's Day and Easter, both fast approaching.
Here is the wonderful selection of new children's books we were sent (11 books in total) and have been enjoying. These books would make for great additions to your child's growing reading library, to gift for the holidays in place of candy or toys, or simply pick up and share as the holidays grow near. I am also including a handful of books that are not holiday related, but will be instant hits with young children and beginning readers, who are fans of Alvin and the Chipmunks, Eloise and the "Mouse Loves" series by Lauren Thompson.
(Also available in hardcover and Kindle version)
Synopsis:
"Watch out, ’cause here they come! Join Alvin, his brothers, and the Chipettes as they try to help an orphaned bird in this Level 2 Ready-to-Read based on a popular episode of Bagdasarian Productions’ hit TV show, Alvinnn!!! and the Chipmunks, airing on Nickelodeon.
When the Chipmunks find a baby bird that’s fallen from its nest, Alvin doesn’t want to get too attached. But the little bird quickly worms his way into Alvin’s hat…and his heart, creating an unlikely friendship. Alvin and his new feathered friend are now best friends forever!"
- Age Range: 5 - 7 years
- Grade Level: Kindergarten - 2
- Series: Alvinnn!!! and the Chipmunks
- Hardcover: 32 pages
- Publisher: Simon Spotlight (December 19, 2017)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 1534409297
- ISBN-13: 978-1534409293
- Product Dimensions: 6 x 0.6 x 9 inches
My Thoughts:
My youngest daughter, Bella, is a huge fan of the animated Alvin and the Chipmunks series on television. She is quickly filling up our DVR with new and reruns of this show, which is a must see each day for her. She can't get enough of Alvin, Simon and Theodore...and, how can I blame her as I used to love all things Alvin growing up. When I am not running around the house doing stuff, I will sit and watch the show with her, and she fills me in on the characters and what is happening or will happen (if it is a rerun that she has seen over a dozen times already). And, when she is not watching this show, she is picking up one of her many Alvinnn!!! and the Chipmunks books from Simon & Schuster. She is a beginner reader, so I like that she can sit with these level 2 books and read them mostly on her own. The words she may not know, she can slowly sound out and get. When she isn't reading the books on her own, she is asking my husband or I to read them to her at bedtime. And, just like when we sit and watch the show together, Bella is talking mine or my husband's ear off about the book and what is going to happen next (as if we hadn't already read it many times before). :-)
As you can see in the synopsis above, this book is based on a popular episode from the hit animated series which airs daily on Nickelodeon. Bella, being such a huge fan of the show, had already seen the episode this book is based off of, so she knew what was going to happen. She got all excited with the illustrations in the book, as they are scenes from the show. Bella really liked the part in the story where Alvin tried dressing up as a bird to try and teach the little big how to be a bird, and do things like dig for worms, take a bath or play with other birds. All I kept hearing from my girls when I read this book to them was "oh, look how cute" and "poor birdie." They found themselves rooting for the little bird, even though they knew what happened in the end. This book was really a fun read, and is great for those of us wishing spring would get here already, along with the warmer weather and the birds returning.
I love seeing my girls, especially my youngest daughter who struggled to read in the beginning, get excited about reading, thanks in part to the wonderful assortment of books, some featuring their favorite characters from shows and movies, from the folks at Simon and Schuster.
(Also available in hardcover and Kindle version)
Synopsis:
"Watch out, ’cause here they come! Join Alvin, his brothers, and Dave on a camping trip in this Level 2 Ready-to-Read based on a popular episode of Bagdasarian Productions’ hit TV show, Alvinnn!!! and the Chipmunks, airing on Nickelodeon.
Fed up with how dependent The Chipmunks have become on technology, Dave decides to take them camping for a weekend. No electricity, cell phones, or Internet. To Dave’s surprise, it turns out the kids actually enjoy camping, and surprise him with a campout in their backyard as a thank you."
- Age Range: 5 - 7 years
- Grade Level: Kindergarten - 2
- Series: Alvinnn!!! and the Chipmunks
- Hardcover: 32 pages
- Publisher: Simon Spotlight (December 19, 2017)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 1534409327
- ISBN-13: 978-1534409323
- Product Dimensions: 6 x 0.6 x 9 inches
My Thoughts:
Just like with the previous Alvinnn!!! and the Chipmunks I just reviewed, this book, too, is based on a popular episode from the hit animated series, which already aired on Nickelodeon. This episode/book is all about the campout Dave takes the boys on to try to get them to put down their video games and electronics. And, just like the episode, this book will have your kids laughing and getting into the story.
I don't know about you, but it is hard to get my girls attention when they are playing on their iPads or using our phones. It is like they are off in another world...I guess that is how we look when we are on our devices, too. We have tried to limit electronics with the girls, but because we home and use the iPads and gaming devices as part of school it is hard to put these devices down. I remember last summer we tried to go a whole weekend without phones and iPads for the girls, my husband and myself. It was a like a tech withdrawal for all of us. We did things like camping out in the back yard, going hiking, or taking day trips to the beach or a local museum. While it was hard not to be able to reach for our phones and tablets, I have to say that this was the best time we had connecting as a family without any distractions, and we made some wonderful memories that weekend. Who knows, maybe we will try this again soon...even though I know my girls will say, "No." In the meantime, we will continue to enjoy this book that shows how Alvin and his brothers struggled at first to disconnect and try to enjoy camping with Dave. Can they do it? You will just have to pick up this book and read it to your child to find out. :-)
Synopsis:
"Good grief! Is this the year Charlie Brown finally has a Valentine? Find out in this adorable shaped board book with foil on the cover.
Charlie Brown is certain this is the year he will get a Valentine from the Little Red-Haired Girl. He is so certain, he checks the mailbox every time he passes by. But when Valentine’s Day comes and there’s still no Valentine, Charlie Brown is sad. Still, he can’t help but check one more time—maybe that Valentine got stuck in the back of the mailbox. He peeks in the mailbox and this time there is a Valentine waiting for him—a live one, of the beagle variety, waiting to give him a big Valentine’s Day smooch!"
- Age Range: 2 - 5 years
- Grade Level: Preschool - Kindergarten
- Series: Peanuts
- Board book: 12 pages
- Publisher: Simon Spotlight; Brdbk edition (December 5, 2017)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 1534401105
- ISBN-13: 978-1534401105
- Product Dimensions: 7 x 0.4 x 7 inches
My Thoughts:
This year's for my girls' Valentine's exchange with their homeschool friends, they will be sending out Peanuts Valentine's and stickers for their friends to enjoy. Like their Mom, my girls LOVE anything Charlie Brown or Snoopy. So, when they saw this and the handful of other Charlie Brown/Peanuts books arrive in the mail recently, they were all smiles and couldn't wait to sit down and read the stories with me.
My youngest is a huge Sally fan and loves to say "Sweet Babboo" whenever she sees this in a Peanuts book or in one of the movies we watch around the holidays. She giggles, thinking this is so cute how Sally calls her love Linus. And, this book had a handful of "Sweet Babboo" lines in the story, so it made Bella happy and all smiles.
"Poor Charlie Brown" my girls kept saying as we read this book. They hoped that he would get a Valentine from someone special and not just a rock. As we read through the story and they saw Charlie Brown going to the mailbox to find it empty, the girls felt sad for Charlie Brown. They kept saying how sweet he was and how if he was a real person they would definitely send him a Valentine in the mail to make him smile.
So, does Charlie Brown get a Valentine's card? You will just have to read this book to find out. It really is a board book that kids of all ages will enjoy reading or having it read to them. And, once you are done reading the book, you will want to watch the movie this book is based on. We will be watching it this week as we gear up for fun Valentine's Day themed activities for school.
(Also available in hardcover and Kindle version)
Synopsis:
"Join Charlie Brown, Lucy, and the rest of the Peanuts gang as they celebrate Valentine’s Day in this Level 2 Ready-to-Read!
It’s Valentine’s Day and Charlie Brown is trying to find the courage to give the Little Red-Haired Girl a valentine! With a little encouragement from Lucy, he finally goes for it. Is this the year everything finally works out for Charlie Brown?
This paperback edition comes with two pages of stickers!"
- Age Range: 5 - 7 years
- Grade Level: Kindergarten - 2
- Lexile Measure: 730 (What's this?)
- Series: Peanuts
- Paperback: 32 pages
- Publisher: Simon Spotlight; Reissue edition (December 5, 2017)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 153440502X
- ISBN-13: 978-1534405028
- Product Dimensions: 6 x 0.2 x 9 inches
My Thoughts:
When my girls were done crafting with the fun stickers that come with this book, we snuggled up to read the story together. Similar to the "Who's Your Valentine, Charlie Brown" this book is all about Charlie Brown and his hopes to get a Valentine, especially from the little red-headed girl he is so fond of. You can't have a Charlie Brown story without a visit to Lucy's psychiatric help booth, where he pays a nickel in hopes of getting some advice. My girls always giggle when they see this in books or the Peanuts movies we watch. They always feel bad for Charlie Brown and hope that he gets some useful advice that will help the situation or make him feel better. But, knowing the value of a nickel, they are realizing that Lucy's advice really isn't worth it and never helps the situation. Go figure!
This is a fun book to read to kids, especially around Valentine's Day. The story itself is easy to follow and flows nicely, and the illustrations really help to bring the story to life, and keeping kids of all ages engaged from start to finish. If you are looking or a fun Peanuts book to share with your kids this Valentine's Day, I highly recommend this book. My girls can't get enough of it, and this is one book we will read time and again.
(Also available in Kindle version)
Synopsis:
"Twelve of your favorite Peanuts gang adventures are now available in one dazzling edition!
It’s the adventures of Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and the rest of the Peanuts gang! Where will Snoopy’s imagination take him today? Will Charlie Brown ever kick that football? Will Linus ever let go of his blanket? Find out in this treasury of twelve favorite Peanuts stories, each of which can be read aloud in five minutes. This sweet collection is perfect for busy little Peanuts fans who are always on the go!
This collection includes the following full-length stories sure to delight any Peanuts fan...
Peanuts 5-Minute Stories features:
Snoopy Takes Off!
Go Fly a Kite, Charlie Brown!
Lose the Blanket, Linus!
It’s Hockey Time, Franklin!
Cool Like Snoopy
Messy Like Pigpen
Sweet Like Sally
Snoopy for President!
Kick the Football, Charlie Brown!
A Best Friend for Snoopy
A Best Friend for Woodstock
Snoopy and Woodstock’s Great Adventure
- Age Range: 3 - 7 years
- Grade Level: Preschool - 2
- Series: Peanuts
- Hardcover: 192 pages
- Publisher: Simon Spotlight (December 12, 2017)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 1534411623
- ISBN-13: 978-1534411623
- Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 1 x 10.4 inches
My Thoughts:
Next to the "Be Kind, Be Brave, Be You!" book I will be sharing my thoughts on in a moment, I have to say that this Peanuts collection book was by far my favorite of all the Peanuts/Charlie Brown books we received over the past few weeks from Simon and Schuster. Why? I love when I can pick up a book at a reasonable price (in this case only $8.28 -- a steal, if you ask me!) and can get an collection of stories to share with your children. This book contains 12 full-length stories. Each story can be read to your child in about 5 minutes, making them great for on-the-go reading or to share a couple stories at bedtime. My girls have been requesting this book at bedtime, and I have found myself looking forward to bedtime reading, as I like the different stories that make up this fun Peanuts 5-Minute Stories collection.
I could break down each story and share how much my girls love each and every story, but I will not bore you. Instead, I will just say that each of the stories is a joy to read, and will put a smile on both you and child's faces. Fans of Peanuts will go crazy for this collection of stories, and you will find that your child will not want to put the book down, or will continually reach for it at bedtime, so that you can read them a few Peanuts stories. With Valentine's Day and Easter fast approaching, this book would make a great gift to surprise your child with.
(Also available in Kindle version)
Synopsis:
"Celebrate everyday acts of kindness and bravery with the Peanuts gang in this uplifting board book that’s perfect for gift-giving!
Give a gift from the heart and then you will see...
...being kind may take time but the cost is free.
It’s tough to be brave when you’re high in the sky.
It’s true: you may flop, but you also might fly!
Go sing in the rain if it makes you smile.
There’s only one you. You have your own style!
In this ode to kindness, bravery, and being yourself, Snoopy, Charlie Brown, and the whole Peanuts gang encourage young and old fans to look inside and discover that caring and courage are contagious!
This special board book is the perfect gift for Peanuts fans of all ages and anyone who’s looking to spread a little more kindness in the world."
- Age Range: 5 and up
- Grade Level: Preschool and up
- Series: Peanuts
- Board book: 26 pages
- Publisher: Simon Spotlight; Brdbk edition (January 16, 2018)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 1534412514
- ISBN-13: 978-1534412514
- Product Dimensions: 5.8 x 0.6 x 6.9 inches
My Thoughts:
I have to admit as I read this book to my girls for the first time, I couldn't help but think that this book would make for a great graduation gift to give someone graduating any level of school -- preschool, Kindergarten, high school and even college. I could even see it being a great read at a commencement ceremony, as the content of the story will resonate with kids and adults of all ages. As you can see in the photos I shared above, this book is a reminder to be kind, be brave and most importantly be yourself. As kids grow up, they may find themselves wanting to change to fit in with the so-called "in crowd" or popular kids. But, when they do this, they usually find themselves losing themselves and the person they want to be in life. This book, although only 26 pages in length, has such an important message and reminder for people. I couldn't help but take time after reading the book the first time with my girls, to talk about the important messages in this book, and how I hope they never forgot the person they are, and how they are both unique and growing into beautiful, well-rounded and kind young ladies, and that I am proud of them both.
This is a must-have book to have in your family's library and one you will find yourself reaching for time and again. I find every opportunity to share this quick read with my girls, as a reminder for them to be kind, brave and themselves. And, I love when I get to the end of the book and they are both smiling their innocent smiles...oh how I wish I could freeze time and enjoy this precious time with them. But, I know that as they grow, this book will resonate with them, and be a reminder for them, as they grow and spread their wings.
(Also available in hard cover format)
Synopsis:
"In this hilarious Level 1 Ready-to-Read that’s perfect for emerging readers, Eloise learns to cook…or does she? How marvelous!
Nanny and the cook try to teach Eloise to cook. But Eloise doesn’t think they should bother—she’s got room service!"
- Age Range: 4 - 6 years
- Grade Level: Preschool - 1
- Series: Eloise
- Hardcover: 32 pages
- Publisher: Simon Spotlight (January 16, 2018)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 1481476807
- ISBN-13: 978-1481476805
- Product Dimensions: 6 x 0.4 x 9 inches
My Thoughts:
Who doesn't love Eloise? I grew up having my Mom read these stories to me, and used to watch the Eloise movies on television with the kids I used to babysit. Now, fast forward to today and I get to enjoy Eloise all over again with books and more Eloise movies, with my two girls...who like their Mom loves all things Eloise.
If you have a child who love Eloise, then you will definitely want to pick up this book, which is filled with all the hi jinks and hiccups you expect from Eloise. This story is about Eloise learning how to cook with eggs, but things don't work out quite like they planned. As you read through this easy to read story (this book is a level one in the Ready to Read series, so it is perfect for beginner readers to try and read, with a little help from a parent or caregiver), you will find yourself giggling at all the blunders of Eloise and her egg-cooking experiences in the kitchen of the hotel she lives in. My girls couldn't stop laughing as I read this book to them, and my youngest kept saying, "Oh, Eloise," whenever something went wrong, which was most of the time.
We really had fun reading this book, so much so that I have lost count of how many time we have read it. It has become a staple at bedtime and one of the books my girls love to pull from the shelf and read on their own during their reading block as part of our homeschooling. They both highly recommend this Eloise book, and I have to agree with this. It sure is a fun read, and will delight beginner readers and fans of Eloise.
(Also available in hardcover and Kindle versions)
Synopsis:
"On a warm, windy day Mouse discovers splashing frogs and fluttering birds in this beautiful Pre-Level 1 Ready-to-Read book about spring!
One bright, sunny day Mouse and Momma head outside to play. The wind blows in something feathery and plump—a bird; and something wiggly and pink—a worm; and something green, that hops and leaps—a frog. But before it’s time to go back inside, Mouse finds something that’s soft and new with petals…the prettiest flower he’s ever seen! Could it mean spring is finally here?
Young readers are sure to enjoy Lauren Thompson’s simple, energetic text and Buket Erdogan’s sweet, playful illustrations as they learn to recognize words and begin to read on their very own!"
- Age Range: 3 - 5 years
- Grade Level: Preschool - Kindergarten
- Series: Mouse
- Paperback: 32 pages
- Publisher: Simon Spotlight (January 16, 2018)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 1534401849
- ISBN-13: 978-1534401846
- Product Dimensions: 6 x 0.3 x 9 inches
My Thoughts:
I am partial to books about Mouse, as this was the series that was like a light bulb for my youngest daughter as she struggled to read. She fell in love with Mouse and spent hours trying to sound out and read the "My Loves Snow" book. And, once things clicked and she was reading on her own, she was so proud of herself, and wanted more Mouse books. So, when I heard the folks at Simon and Schuster were releasing "Mouse Loves Spring," I knew one Mouse fan who would go crazy for this book...and, that Bella did! Her eyes twinkled when they saw me take this book out of the box we were sent, and couldn't wait to read it. This is a pre-level one reader in the Ready-to-Read series, so is great for beginning readers. There were a few words Bella was not familiar with, but because a lot of the text is repeated in the story, once I told her the word or she sounded it out, she remembered it, and it make for an easy read from that point on.
Like the title says, this book is all about spring. And, with spring fast approaching, this book is a perfect book to share with your kids as you count down the days until the warmer weather comes, and the flowers and wonders of spring start peaking out. Bella loved this book, and hasn't stopped reading it. She will end our bedtime reading each night with this book, which she reads to me. I wonder which Mouse book will release next? Bella, for one, will be one of the first in time to buy and enjoy. But, in the meantime, we are enjoying this new "Mouse Loves" book by Lauren Thompson, and the other Mouse books I have picked up for Bella to enjoy.
If you have a struggling reader in your house, and can't seem to find a book or series that gets them excited about reading, why not consider this children's series. Like I said, it wasn't until Bella sat down to read "Mouse Loves Snow," that reading clicked for her, and she has been reading non-stop since then. :-)
(Also available in Kindle version)
Synopsis:
"Celebrate Easter with Snoopy, Charlie Brown, and the Peanuts gang in this all-new 8x8 storybook that comes with a sheet of festive stickers!
It’s Easter morning!
Linus, Charlie Brown, and the whole Peanuts gang eagerly await the Easter Beagle. Every year he bounces down the lane delivering brightly painted eggs and spreading the joy of spring. But this year, the Easter Beagle is sick, and doesn’t want to do his job. Even when Linus pushes him on his way, he’s not the surprise the kids expect. Will the happy day be bogged in gloom, or can someone spark the spirit of the season?"
- Age Range: 3 - 7 years
- Grade Level: Preschool - 2
- Series: Peanuts
- Paperback: 16 pages
- Publisher: Simon Spotlight; Stk edition (January 16, 2018)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 1534410163
- ISBN-13: 978-1534410169
- Product Dimensions: 8 x 0.3 x 8 inches
My Thoughts:
Just like the Peanuts Valentine's paperback book I reviewed above, this Easter paperback also contains fun stickers your kids will go crazy for. Whenever my girls find stickers in a book, they are quick to tear them out and either put them on their walls or add to a piece of paper and embellish the picture with their own unique artistic flare. This was no exception when they saw the stickers in the cute book about Easter. It got the girls excited about Easter and asking how many more days until Easter. I told them we had to get through a few other holidays before then -- but, that they could enjoy this book in the meantime, as I know how much they love Easter and egg hunts.
My girls wondered when we first read this book what would happen if the Easter Bunny got sick and couldn't delivery eggs to the backyard. They both said it would be a sad time, and one they would never want to experience --- if only life was this easy, right?...worrying about not having eggs to find on Easter morning. Well, that is the case in this Peanuts story when Snoopy, AKA the Easter Beagle gets sick and Easter is in jeopardy. Will Easter morning bring a day the Peanuts gang will remember as there are no eggs in sight to hunt for? Or, with the Easter Beagle pull through his illness and bring a smile to the kids' faces when they wake to see eggs a plenty? Don't worry, I will not spoil the ending for you. You will just have to pick up this cute Easter-themed book to share with your child to find out. :-)
(Also available in Kindle and Audio versions)
Synopsis:
"Little Duck and all of her friends on the farm celebrate Valentine’s Day by inviting a newcomer to join in the fun in this charming addition to the award-winning Click, Clack series from the New York Times bestselling and Caldecott winning team who brought you Click, Clack, Moo and Click, Clack, Surprise!
It’s Valentine’s Day and on the farm that means a Valentine’s party. Little Duck is wildly excited. She hangs balloons, streamers, sparkling lights, and hearts everywhere, and hand-makes a valentine for everyone. On top of a hill, a little fox hears the music from the party and follows Little Duck’s many decorations to the barn…but foxes are not at all welcome on farms. The chickens stop dancing. The sheep stop dancing. The pigs stop dancing. The mice hustle off to hide. Will Little Fox ruin the dance? Or, perhaps, she’s just what the party needs!"
- Age Range: 4 - 8 years
- Grade Level: Preschool - 3
- Series: A Click, Clack Book
- Hardcover: 40 pages
- Publisher: Atheneum/Caitlyn Dlouhy Books (December 5, 2017)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 1481444964
- ISBN-13: 978-1481444965
- Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 0.4 x 10 inches
My Thoughts:
In addition to the Mouse book, my youngest daughter is a huge fan of "Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type" book from Doreen Cronin and Betzy Lewin. I have lost count of how many times I have read "Click, Clack, Moo: Cows that Type" to Bella. And, now with an animated cartoon streaming based on this NY Times Bestselling series, my girls are all about this mischievous yellow duck and all the farm animals on Mr. Brown's farm.
This book is a great book to share with kids for Valentine's Day as it is about getting ready for the Valentine's Day dance on the farm, and all the planning and preparations that go into making the barnyard dance a success. But, if you are familiar with this series you know that things always go wrong, and in this case there is an unexpected guest in attendance. Will this ruin the party or make it more fun for the barnyard friends? My girls couldn't stop giggling and smiling as we read this book. And, my youngest has my husband read it to her each and every night since we received it in the mail. She loves how he makes different voices for the farm animals, and I love to watch them bond over a cute book like this.
If your child is a fan of Farmer Brown and his barnyard animals, then you will definitely want to add this book to your child's growing "Click, Clack, Moo" collection.
(Also available in Kindle version)
Synopsis:
"A mutant potato learns that he’s pear-fect just the way he is in this bright, fun, and silly picture book from the creator of It Came in the Mail that will have kids collapsing in giggles (and rescuing the contents of the vegetable drawer).
Rot is a mutant potato. Like most mutant potatoes, Rot loves all sorts of games and contests. So when he sees a sign for the “Cutest in the World Contest,” he can’t wait to enter.
But when Rot realizes who he’s up against—an itty-bitty baby bunny, a little-wittle cuddly kitten, and an eenie-weenie jolly jellyfish—he loses confidence. Will the judges find room in their hearts for an adorable mutant potato?"
- Age Range: 4 - 8 years
- Grade Level: Preschool - 3
- Hardcover: 40 pages
- Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers (December 19, 2017)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 148146762X
- ISBN-13: 978-1481467629
- Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 0.4 x 11 inches
My Thoughts:
Out of all the books we were recently sent from Simon and Schuster, this was the one that I questioned if the girls would like. They both saw the cover art and read the title of the book and thought it was silly, and didn't want to read it. But, I told them to give it a chance, and they were both glad they did, as they loved the book. Come on, who can resist a mutant potato who only wants to win the "Cutest in the World" contest? :-)
My girls liked the mix of typewriter and print text that fills the pages of this wonderfully illustrated children's book. You really can't make a mutant potato look cute, but the illustrator does a great job in bringing the story to life, and having kids root for Rot, as the story progresses. Be warned there is a page where Rot shows off his best side, his back side, and it will leave your kids in stitches. My girls couldn't stop laughing when I got to this page the first time we read it, and now whenever we read the story, they linger on this page and giggle. :-)
Does Rot win the contest? This is just one page-turner you will have to pick up and share with your child to find out. You will not be disappointed, and find yourselves falling in love with Rot and this story, like my girls and I did. Never just a book by its cover, and always give a book a chance is what my girls now say, after they saw this book, and didn't think it would be a fun read. They were so happy that we read it, and now recommend it to their friends. :-)
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I hope I gave you some ideas for gift ideas this Valentine's Day and Easter, as well as for books to add to your child's library. The folks at Simon & Schuster never disappoint with their amazing selection of books for children, especially their "Ready to Read" books, which my girls love to read on their own. Stay tuned next month when I will be sharing more great titles from Simon & Schuster that are releasing this Spring.
You can learn more about the above mentioned children's books, as well as other recently releases titles by visiting the Simon & Schuster website here: http://www.simonandschuster.com/kids.
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