Anyone Up for Some Adorable Picture Books?

Mondays stink. Even my girls think so. They are OK with school, and they love their teachers and friends, but still, Monday mornings at my house are filled with moans and groans (mine included).

Everyone needs some cheering up on Mondays -- so here are a few picture books for girls (all right, for boys too) that will make you smile on a Monday or any day....

First, give Plaidypus Lost, by Janet Stevens and Susan Stevens Crummel a try. Susan came and did an author's visit at my kid's school last spring, and I was lucky enough to be in the audience. Once you've read a few of her books (which she collaborates on with her illustrator sister Janet), you can imagine how funny she was in person.

Plaidypus Lost (that's right P-L-A-I-D) is a tribute to best loved toys everywhere -- most especially those stuffed friends that go everywhere -- the ones that parents live in fear of losing (see my posts about Knuffle Bunny). This stuffed creature is made out of, yep, you guessed it -- a plaid flannel shirt -- and is constantly in danger of being lost forever. Of course, he is always found by his owner who swears she will "never, ever, ever" lose him again.

With clever, sing-songy prose that is as fun to read as it is funny -- this is one of those books that girls of all ages will love to read -- whether by themselves or with a grown-up.

Another great picture book for girls is Cha-Cha Chimps by Julia Durango. This counting book is filled with hilarious illustrations by Eleanor Taylor and clever rhyming verses. Girls will love this literary dance lesson and mom readers will especially will love the end, when Mama Chimp escapes for a little cha-cha-ing of her own.

I love books that leave us laughing and reading together. These are a few that are sure to leave you and your girls doing the same.

Remember, EVEN Mondays can be fun when you sit down and read a book with your girls!

Enjoy!

Picture Book Pick: Trixie's Back -- and Better Than Ever!

It may seem to many that I am being paid by Mo Willems to promote his books -- sadly, this is not true. I am such a big fan, though -- along with my 7 year old who is a HUGE fan -- that I can hardly help myself. That said, you and your girls MUST read Knuffle Bunny Too: A Case of Mistaken Identity.

My 7 year old immediately pulled it off the shelf when we were at Barnes and Noble the other day, made me squeeze my bottom into one of their teeny Adirondack chairs -- and ordered me to read it with her.

That's what I love about Mo Willems and my darling daughter who is blossoming as an early reader -- she likes to read Trixie's lines and I get to be everyone else.

As we sat, my hips wedged into the tiny chair, we were thrilled to see that Trixie was back -- bigger and better and heading to Pre-K, with her beloved Knuffle Bunny, of course. We chuckled as Trixie argues with her classmate Sonja -- who happens to bring a Knuffle Bunny impostor! We laughed as Trixie realizes in the wee hours of the morning that she is sleeping with the wrong Knuffle Bunny! And we all out guffawed as Trixie refuses to budge until her dear Dad solves the problem.

Willems' illustrations are fantastic as usual -- superimposed over actual photographs. And the subject matter couldn't be more appropriate for girls who still cling to Blankies, Lovies, Wubbies, or in my 7 year old's case, Bear. My own sweet girl felt Trixie's pain, and hugged her Bear a little closer that night.

Your girls will love this picture book -- and so will you. Enjoy Knuffle Bunny Too: A Case of Mistaken Identity -- and have a wonderful weekend!

A Great Series: The All-of-a-Kind Family Books

During a crazy, busy week at my house, where I'm trying to be a good mom, freelance writer, blogger, short-order cook, laundry maid, chauffeur and half-way decent wife (oh, and my seven year old wants me to sew the arm back on her favorite bear -- I guess that makes me a bear surgeon?) -- I am going to instead revert back to my childhood and share one of my favorite series of books ever written. They are the All-of-a-kind Family books, by Sydney Taylor.

Written by the author to share her childhood memories with her own daughter, these books tell the story of a turn-of-the-century Jewish family on New York's Lower East Side. The sisters in the book, Ella, Henny, Sarah, Charlotte and Gertie, live in a tight knit family full of love and tradition.

Girls will enjoy getting to know the family members and reading the funny and sometimes touching stories of their lives. As a girl, I loved the fact that the sisters all seemed to have radically different personalities, not unlike me and my own siblings (and not unlike the two little girls that I call my own). But still -- they all helped each other, loved each other and, most of all, laughed together -- like family is meant to do.

The books describe in detail the different elements of Jewish traditions and celebrations, a part that I particularly enjoyed -- as well as the rich exposition of everyday life in turn of the century New York City. In the first book, for example, we see the family face illness, take a trip to the beach, celebrate the fourth of July -- they even add another family member -- and needless to say all of these events were handled just a little differently 100 years ago!

Enjoy this series of books with your girls -- start with All-of-a-kind Family and move on to the others -- this is a great series for independent readers ages 9-13, but also fun for family read aloud. I can't think of a better way to spend time together!

Now if you'll excuse me ... I've got a teddy bear prepped for surgery.

For an Exceptionordinarily Good Time: Meet Clarice Bean

Picture this: Two girls, ages 7 and 9, sitting at the kitchen table eating ice cream (two different flavors, mind you, since these two girls have no food preferences in common). Then imagine Dad, filling the dishwasher with dinner dishes and Mom, sitting with the girls, an open book in her hands. Mom is reading, and her entire family is utterly cracking up. I'm talking about ice-cream-coming-out-of-nose laughter. Why?

Because Mom (who is me, by the way) is reading the latest Clarice Bean middle grade novel by the fabulous, creative and hilarious Lauren Child. Clarice Bean, Don't Look Now, released only a month ago, arrived at our house via Amazon a few weeks back. Since then, I've been reading the girls a few chapters a night -- chapters with titles like "Never Eat a Polar Bear's Liver -- No Matter How Hungry You Are".

The cast of characters in this book is fantastic, starting with Clarice herself, a British tween with lots of spunk, who is stuck in the middle of a pretty typical nutty family. Her parents are frustrated, her older brother is moody, sister Marcie is a diva and little brother Minal Cricket (you've got to love these names) is a pest. Add to that Granddad, family dog Cement, the fact that Clarice's best friend has moved away and Clarice is now forced to play tour guide to the new girl in class -- and you've got all the right ingredients for a memorable middle grade novel.

Here's a taste of Clarice Bean's life:

"When I go upstairs ... there is an actual live worm on my pillow. To get my revenge, I put Minal's pajamas in the toilet and flush it.

This causes another flood, which makes Mom utterly livid.

Then Dad calls and says he will not be coming home from work for the foreseeable next few hours due to his boss Mr. Thorncliff making him work too hard.

Mom says she is at her wits' end and has had enough of this house and she's not feeling too crazy about some of the people who live in it either."

This scene brought on a raging case of the giggles when I read it aloud to my girls. Why? Maybe because this kind of thing goes on in our house slightly more often than not? And I'm guessing we're not alone....

The best thing about the Clarice Bean books is that they take a look at real life as seen from the eyes of a kid -- and its not all gut-busting humor. Clarice's reaction to her best friend moving away was particularly poignant to our family, who recently faced a heart-wrenching relocation. She must deal with worries, difficult teachers, bullies, making new friends, and even a home renovation.

Although I love this latest book, you may want to start with the first book, Utterly Me, Clarice Bean and move on to Clarice Bean Spells Trouble, which will introduce you properly to this utterly unforgettable series

So, do your girls a favor, and read the Clarice Bean books with them -- because the greatest books for girls are the ones that can bring a family together -- and make ice cream come out of their nose!

As Clarice would say -- have a exceptionordinary weekend!

Robert McCloskey and Some Great Books for Girls

If you are in search of great picture books for girls, give Caldecott Medal -winning Robert McCloskey a try. His classic stories feature curious, sweet characters who are portrayed through detailed illustrations and lyric prose that is perfect for read aloud.

Start with Blueberries for Sal, with beautiful illustrations that are tinted a deep blue. Adorable Sal spends goes blueberry picking with her mother -- only to inadvertently end up trailing a mama bear who is out with her cub doing the very same thing.

Both Sal and the cub are so engrossed in eating their juicy treasures that they don't even realize the mix-up. It's a funny story with a satisfying ending -- a tribute to girls who love adventure -- and filling their tummies!

My personal favorite McCloskey book is One Morning in Maine, the perfect book for girls who happen to be losing their teeth! Sal again makes an appearance as an older girl whose loose tooth disappears in a sandy pile of clams. Now she has nothing to make a wish on (ah, the good old days, when the Tooth Fairy didn't have to dig in the bottom of her purse for four quarters!)

After a futile search, Sal finds a gull feather and realizes that, like her tooth, the gull has lost something that will grow back. She decides to make a wish on the gull's lost feather.

The rest of the morning is spent running errands with her father and her cute baby sister, Jane in their quaint Maine village. You'll get plenty of warm fuzzies meeting the characters who inhabit the town -- hearkening back to a Norman Rockwell-like era.

You'll love it -- and your girls will love it too -- especially when Sal's wish comes true. Enjoy these two great books for girls by Robert McCloskey -- whose stories and illustrations are just utterly charming (he also wrote the timeless classic Make Way for Ducklings -- definitely worth a read!)

Quiet Books Before a Not-So-Quiet Weekend

As I sit at my laptop and count down the minutes until the girls get out of school for the weekend, I am soaking up the quiet.

After a summer of non-stop noise, I relish the hush that falls over the house when I get back from morning drop off. I am able to work on writing assignments, balance the checkbook, do some laundry, go for a walk, eat lunch, and write for fun (to me -- that's fiction).

I know very well that in just a few hours there will be screaming, conspiring giggles, pounding footsteps up the stairs and questions. "Mom, can I ... have a popsicle, can I watch TV, can I keep this snake I just found?"

We all need our quiet time -- am I right? Even children need something non-narcotic to lull them into a relaxed state. I advocate using books for this purpose.

One of my favorite "quiet" sleepy-time books that I read to my girls for years is the classic The Big Red Barn by Margaret Wise Brown. This is a perfect book for all girls who still appreciate read aloud books. The rhyme is rolling and charming, the illustrations, by Felicia Bond, are so adorable -- your girls will love to scan the pages for little suprises.

Now that my girls are older (and have read The Big Red Barn about a million times) they prefer picture story books like Fancy That by Esther Hershenhorn. This book, about a limner (painter of portraits) named Pip enthralls my girls every time we open it up.

The story tells a vivid tale of life in the mid-1800s (through gorgeous illustrations by Megan Lloyd) -- but it also weaves a story of determination, finding one's calling and family love.

Sounds like a lot for a picture book, but Hershenhorn and Lloyd have done such a fantastic job of layering this story and its illustrations -- and my girls delight in discovering all the patterns that occur throughout the pictures and text.

Pip and his sisters are left at the end realizing that siblings are a true gift (sometimes I like to reiterate that once or twice when I finish reading), and when I put my girls to bed, they are smiling and hopefully, maybe thinking that they've got it pretty good.

I hope you have some quiet time this weekend -- I know I probably won't -- but that's OK. As my own mother keeps reminding me -- someday they'll go off to college and there won't be noise after school.

That's the kind of quiet time that I'm more than willing to wait for....

Realistic Fiction Book Pick: Island of the Blue Dolphins

Well, the carpets were clean ... for about two hours. Then the kids came home from school and I could almost see the fluffed-up off-white glow of the dirt-free carpet fibers begin to disappear.

Oh well. And the living room and dining room still look like Fred Sanford's junk shop -- but the good news is that I keep finding great books for girls that had been all but forgotten in the packed bookcases.

Today's Pick: One of my own childhood favorites -- Island of the Blue Dolphinsby Scott O'Dell. This 1961 winner of the Newbery Award for outstanding children's book is one of those timeless masterpieces that speaks volumes about human determination and survival -- and specifically sings to girls of their own ability to rise above their circumstances.

This is the story of Karana, a young Aleut girl whose entire village inadvertently leave her and her brother alone on their native island. When tragedy strikes and her brother is killed -- Karana must fend for herself and learn to survive.

I first read this book when I was ten, and vividly remember putting myself in Karana's shoes. She faces hunger, she needs shelter, she encounters danger and adventure throughout the book. I could picture in my mind her vibrant skirt made of comorant feathers and her hut with a pointed-spike fence surrounding it.

Most of all, I felt her loneliness -- it was real, and a little scary. O'Dell does a beautiful job of showing the reader Karana's interaction with the nature on the island, including her touching friendship with a wild dog.

I think that a main character like this shows girls the God-given strength that we all possess -- to survive when all odds are against us. Whether it be standing up to injustice or coping with divorce, dealing with insecurity or feelings of loneliness -- our girls need to be reminded that they are strong.

Any book that does that -- and is spectacularly written to boot -- is a book worth recommending. Enjoy reading Island of the Blue Dolphins-- a great book for girls!

If your girls are looking for specific genres for school reading programs, this is a great choice for realistic fiction.

Books, Books, Everywhere! Part I: The Board Book Years

Today my living room looks like the children's section of the library has exploded inside of it.

We are having our upstairs carpets cleaned on Wednesday and are taking this opportunity to purge all Happy Meal toys, broken toys and toys that haven't been touched since Christmas 2002.

And we're weeding through books. Emptying out five bookcases, we see what a collection we've amassed over the years since our first daughter was born. So now all of these books are piled high downstairs while my husband moves the bookshelves out of the girls' rooms -- hopefully enabling the carpet guys to nail any lurking dust mites.

AND while hubby's doing the heavy lifting, I've got the task of deciding which books need to go bye-bye. This has proved harder than I thought.

It's an inherited problem -- I grew up in a house where, even during lean years -- there were always books. These books were proudly displayed in over-stuffed bookcases -- reading material that ranged from the Warren Commission Report on the assassination of JFK to my great-grandmother's time-worn cookbooks. As a result, I think it's in my blood to feel funny about actually getting rid of books.

But still -- there are quite a few that my girls no longer read -- and many which they were never crazy about to begin with. I start with those -- make a pile to donate -- and then I stumble on some baby board books.

I find Do You Know New?, by Jean Marzollo, a book that I read over and over again to both of my girls, even as infants. The cute rhyme scheme and the mirrored page at the end were irresistible to both of them.

I can still feel their wiggling little selves in my lap. I'd read: "Do you know blue?" Then I'd ask them the color of the sky and they'd point to the page with chubby toddler fingers and say "Boo!"

Another great book series that my girls enjoyed was the "My First" series by DK Publishing. These are a type of first dictionary -- introducing the concept that every object has a word to go along with it -- an early reading lesson. Plus the pictures are stimulating and colorful and my girls loved pointing to them as I'd call out the corresponding word.

And they liked to chew on them too. Answer me this -- how's a mom supposed to get rid of a book that has her baby's teeth marks etched in the corners? -- even if that baby is now 9 years old?

Nope, sorry, can't do it -- maybe next time we have the carpets cleaned. But not today.

Family, Friends and Fun in the Year of the Dog

Here's another one... one of those books that every girl should read. The Year of the Dog, by Grace Lin, is the story a young Taiwanese-American girl who feels that she doesn't fit in anywhere.

Inside of her tight-knit, traditional Taiwanese family, she is known as Pacy. At school, they call her Grace. She doesn't go to school with any other kids of Asian descent, until the arrival of Melody. With Melody's help, Grace begins to see that she can embrace both her heritage and her life outside of her family.

But even within her own culture, Grace is caught in the middle between Chinese and Taiwanese divisions. When she attends a camp for Taiwanese families and is treated by some girls as an outcast, her pain is almost too much to bear.

Despite her inner conflict, Grace begins to discover herself -- she realizes her love of art and writing, forges a bond with Melody as well as her other school friends, and understands the rich love that bubbles over within her family. The reader can see Grace grow and learn and truly blossom.

The story is helped along by tales that Grace's immigrant mother tells her of her own childhood, which are very poignant and sweet. These stories help Grace, and the reader, see that while we all face self-doubt and adversity, we must strive to rise above it.

I want my girls to rise above adversity and nay-sayers and understand their own self-worth -- don't you? Give your girls a copy of The Year of the Dog for a wonderful example of how to be true to themselves -- and appreciate everything that they have. And be prepared to laugh -- especially during the Science Fair scene!

I read this aloud to my girls, and they loved it -- but it's also great for independent reader from 3rd grade on up.

On a side note, the author of this fantastic book, Grace Lin, lost her husband, Robert, to cancer last week. According to her website, the best way to send condolences is to donate to the Jimmy Fund (the Dana Farber Cancer Institute) or to participate in the Robert's Snow for Cancer's Cure auction, an event orchestrated by Grace and Robert in 2004.

My deepest sympathies to Grace and her family.

Amelia Bedelia Will Tickle Your Funny Bone, Literally

As a kid, I loved to follow the misadventures of Amelia Bedelia, the hapless maid who takes every instruction she is given literally. Today's emergent and early readers can still enjoy the comic mishaps of this silly character in the series of books by the late Peggy Parish.

Early readers will build confidence as they work their way through these books, which are recommended for grades 1-3. Who wouldn't love discovering all the ways that Amelia can twist the words of her employers? Drawing the drapes, dusting the furniture, trimming the tree -- Amelia translates each request in her own special, hilarious way.

As a writer, I love these books because they introduce young readers to the complexities of language -- and in their own way, get these readers to "think outside of the box". Hmm.. wonder how Amelia would "think outside of the box."

As a read aloud, these books also work, and even my 9 year old will occasionally pick up one of her sister's Amelia Bedelia books, just for a good laugh. Give these classic early readers a try -- your girls won't be disappointed.

I hope everyone had a good holiday weekend, it was a rainy one in Houston -- perfect reading weather!

Classic Picture Book: Brave Irene

Every two weeks my girls and I go to the library and check out an enormous pile of books (though I do encourage the girls to store them in one place it can get awfully difficult to keep track of them all!). I am often surprised by the amount of picture books that they bring home and dismiss relatively quickly -- I keep a close eye on these things and take note of the books that they want to read again and again.

One of the books that they can't get enough of is the picture book classic Brave Irene, by William Steig. Perhaps best known today as the author of the original Shrek!, Steig hits the nail on the head with this sweet picture book -- and in my capacity as a "girl book" reviewer, I see tremendous value in this story. Why do my girls like this picture book so much? I think they can see themselves in the main character, Irene.

Irene is a good daughter, who must deliver a dress that her sick mother has made for the duchess. On the way to the duchess' house, Irene encounters a fierce snowstorm. The storm becomes a character in the story that battles against Irene's equally fierce determination. But just when the storm seems ready to declare victory, Irene's ingenuity shines through and she finds her way past the trouble.

Steig's illustrations bring Irene to life, and I love the writing especially as Irene shouts at her nemesis, the wind. But my favorite part is the end, when we see so clearly the love between Irene and her mother.

This book makes a great gift from one generation to the next -- my own mother sent my oldest daughter a copy several Christmases ago. It's a wonderful story of adventure, hope and determination -- a wonderful message to send to any girl.

Classic Books for Girls: Meet Trixie Belden

I first picked up a Trixie Belden book when I was about nine years old. The book had belonged to my mom when she was a girl. Now, after discovering a new edition at the bookstore, I'm passing on this great character to a third generation. My girls love Trixie!

This summer we read the first of the series, The Secret of the Mansion, by Julie Campbell as a read aloud at bedtime. Although my nine year old loved the character and plot, my seven year old enjoyed the story just as much.

In the first book a mystery involving a hidden treasure and a creepy old house is solved by Trixie, and her new best friend, Honey Wheeler. Girls can't help but get pulled into this adventure, as the girls uncover clues and constantly find themselves on the edge of danger.

Parents and girls will take note of the freedom Trixie is allowed (a midnight horseback ride?) that is all but obsolete these days -- remember, the original was written in the late 40s. But girls will love the story and they will relate to Trixie, who is both curious, independent, kind and respectful --personality traits that never go out of style.

If your girl is an independent reader, give her a copy of Trixie Belden -- think of it as a younger version of the Nancy Drew books with a tomboy-ish main character as opposed to the prim and proper Nancy. If you have an early reader who longs for adventure, read this one to her out loud, you'll have her on pins and needles waiting for the ending.

Girls will love reading this series -- and will no doubt pass on these stories to their kids!

On a side note, school starts around here tomorrow. My wish for my girls and all girls going off to school this year -- may your brains be filled with useful knowledge, your hearts be filled with kindness and caring and your imaginations continue to soar! And of course, may you discover many great books!

Picture Book Pick: You're Gonna Love Knuffle Bunny!

I really do try to stick to recommending books that will specifically appeal to girls -- but there will be occasional books in this blog that EVERYONE should love, no matter what!

One of these books is Knuffle Bunny, by a perennial favorite of mine, Mo Willems.

Who can resist the cherubic face of sweet little Trixie as she ventures out with her father to the laundromat toting her best friend in the world -- Knuffle Bunny.

Trixie's hilarious baby talk will have kiddos rolling in the aisles -- as well as her sheer panic when she realize that her beloved Knuffle Bunny is missing!

Parents will giggle at the frustration of Trixie's worn-out Dad as he tries to figure out what is wrong with the kid.

When they head home and Mom points out the obvious ("Where's Knuffle Bunny?") the trio head back to the laundromat and a hilarious search ensues.

The simple, adorable illustrations are wonderful, with real photographs ingeniously incorporated into the scenes. Your kids will love poring over them and then they'll cheer when the search is over and Trixie finally utters her first real words ....

Can you guess what they are?

Kids who still have a favorite snuggly toy will relate to this book, as will adults who know that if that toy ever gets lost -- it's going to be a bad, bad day.

You will enjoy reading this book -- regardless of age or gender -- better yet, let your kiddos act it out for you -- I bet they'll put on quite a show!

Chapter Book Pick: Your Hooligans Will Love Roxie!

Full of adventure and suspense, Roxie and the Hooligans, by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor, is one of our family favorites.

It seems to me that this book is a tribute to every kind of girl -- girls who are self-conscious (Roxie has ears that stick out), girls who are teased (she is pestered by a group of bullies -- the Hooligans), girls who long for adventure (Roxie's uncle is a famous explorer), girls who are independent, and girls who are heroes.

Easy enough for an early independent reader (3rd grade), the story begins with a playground battle that ends with Roxie and the Hooligans trapped in a dumpster and stranded on a deserted island via a garbage barge. Roxie must use the knowledge she's acquired from Lord Thistlebottom's Book of Pitfalls and How to Survive Them, a favorite book which Roxie has all but memorized.

Perhaps the most important tip in the book, is Don't Panic, a concept that is put to the test when the desert island ends up being inhabited not only by Roxie and the Hooligans, but by two bumbling thieves as well.

Although this is a book that can be enjoyed independently, we've had so much fun reading it aloud! I highly recommend sitting down with the kiddos and giving it a try -- the most fun is when the kids begin to recognize the cues and step in with the "Don't Panic" warning that is prevalent throughout the book.

This sweet story of courage, triumph and friendship is filled with humor and captivating illustrations by Alexandra Boiger. Enjoy this book by prolific author Phyllis Reynolds Naylor, it's great family time reading -- and let me know what you think when you are done!

Enjoy your Tuesday,

Christina

Picture Book Pick: On Meadowview Street

Think Green. It's a motto our daughters know by heart. But as a parent I can't help wondering -- by the time they reach adulthood, what will be the state of our environment?

For now, as our children are prompted to reduce, reuse, and recycle, I recommend reading On Meadowview Street, a lovely picture book by author/illustrator Henry Cole.

The premise of this story may be difficult for some adults to handle -- young Caroline and her family move into a new house on a suburban street where everyone's house and yard look identical. But when Caroline decides to protect a flower she's found in her new yard, she suddenly has a miniature wildflower preserve on her hands. When she finds another beautiful flower nearby, what does she do?

Why, she expands the boundaries of her preserve, of course.

Parents may have a hard time finding this story believable -- my own family lives in a subdivision loaded down with restrictions. But when Caroline's father gives in to her plan -- and puts the lawn mower up for sale -- what beleagured homeowner won't take a moment to proclaim an internal "Hip, hip, hooray!?"

This picture book is precious -- my girls loved it and immediately wanted Daddy to start digging them a frog pond. Alas, that was the heartbreaking moment when I had to explain to them that we aren't allowed to put a pond in our front yard. Their big eyes stared at me, forlorn.

"Would we if we could, Mom?" my little one asked.

"You bet," I said, kissing the top of her head. I think tomorrow we'll head to the nearest nature preserve and see what we've been missing.

Our children are amazing -- who doesn't believe that they don't have what it takes to change the world? Allow them to imagine the possibilities -- read On Meadowview Street.

Have a great day!

Christina

Mo Willems: For New Readers and Wannabe Actresses

My Easy Reader pick of the day was found by my 7 year old in our local library. She's a huge fan of the wonderful author/illustrator Mo Willems (of Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! fame), so I wasn't surprised when she selected two books from his Elephant and Piggie series.

In Today I Will Fly!, Piggie is determined to take off into the wild blue yonder, but his elephant friend Gerald is a big party pooper who thinks Piggie is off his rocker.

Of course, Piggie is extremely determined and does indeed find a way to take off. The hilarious dialogue between the two friends is classic Willems, and is continued in My Friend is Sad (Elephant and Piggie) another book from the same series.

In this book, Piggie tries to help Gerald cheer up, but, despite Piggie's memorable attempts, Gerald is still sad. At the end of the book, kids are reminded how much nicer it is to share fun with a friend.

Aside from the sweet, funny text, this book offers a kind of "script" that kids will love to act out. The back and forth between Piggie and Elephant makes for great reading practice for early readers and you'll find that even older kids (like my 9 year old) are more than willing to get in on the action.

I think Mo's books are brilliant in this way -- for picky or reluctant readers they are a great way to have some fun and practice reading aloud at the same time.

You'll never laugh so hard as when the kiddos in your life imitate an elephant who is imitating a robot! Now that is entertainment.

Enjoy this series -- it gets two thumbs up from my own little early reader -- and two more from me!