Today I Will Fly!

by Mo Willems

***

This is a simple book with very few words...great for a reader who is just starting out, but the message is a great one. And it is presented in such a funny way! Worth checking out.

Babies Don't Eat Pizza

by Dianne Danzig
pictures by Debbie Tilley

***

With a brand new baby at our house we have checked out about every children's book on the subject of newborns, being a big sister, and how to adjust to a new life with baby. There have been some good ones, but I think this is my favorite. It speaks to kids in a comical way about what to expect with a new baby. It discusses everything from the funny way babies look when they come home from the hospital (i.e. misshaped head, peach fuzz, peely skin) to their noisy cries, to the large amounts of stinky diapers. It is filled with colorful pictures that show how fun a new baby can be, as well as some things to look out for!

A Friend Like Ed

by Karen Wagner
pictures by Janet Pedersen

***

This is a cute story about a mouse named Mildred and her quirky best friend Ed. Ed collects buttons and pencil stubs, invents things like a string bean picker, and recites poetry about everything (all things which embarrass Mildred.) Mildred decides that she needs a more "normal" friend who won't embarrass her, but in the end finds that Ed is the best friend for her.
Ed is a good reminder that being yourself is the best way to be!

The Story About Ping

by Marjorie Flack
pictures by Kurt Wiese

***

This is an old favorite (really old...original copyright 1933.) It's a story of a little duck that gets separated from his family (to be more specific his mother, father, 2 sisters, 3 brothers, 11 aunts, 7 uncles, and 42 cousins!) It all ends well though, as Ping finds his way back home after he almost ends up as dinner for a local fisherman's family. He also learns a lesson through it all, which is always nice!

Nine O' Clock Lullaby

by Marilyn Singer
pictures by Frane' Lessac

***

This is a really good book for broadening a young child's view of the world. It explores different locations and cultures by jumping from time zone to time zone around the world. From 9 p.m. in Brooklyn, New York, to 3 a.m in Zaire, to noon in Sydney, Australia; kids really can get a sense that there is always something happening in this great big world of ours. Remember three stars is still a good rating...this one is definitely worth checking out.