PICTURE BOOK KID'S PICK "Llama Llama red pajama in the dark without his mama. Eyes wide open. covers drawn... What if Mama Llama's GONE?" Llama Llama's red pajamas have become as beloved as Corduroy's green overalls or Peter's red snowsuit. This rollicking bedtime read aloud is a great choice for any busy mama and her little llama. Kid's love the repetition and rhyme as they identify with Llama Llama's growing fear. Clear, bright illustrations add to the drama. Don't miss the

PICTURE BOOK KID'S PICK FAMILY FAVORITE "Why do dragons love tacos? Maybe it's the smell from the sizzling pan. Maybe it's the crunch of the crispy tortillas. Maybe it's a secret." Oh boy, this is a fun one. If you like drama or tacos or dragons this one is for you. Books with humor are winners with the read aloud set, and this one has it. Just be careful with the spicy salsa! NOMINATED BY MATT (Dad) AND JANE (age 2) #picturebook #humor #kidspick

PICTURE BOOK FOLKTALE "Although he was only one inch tall, he had the heart of a lion." This is a Japanese version of Tom Thumb but with soldiers, a giant monster and a princess. The reviewer notes that small, but mighty little Issunboshi, makes quite an impression. The use of Japanese brushwork for the illustrations adds great drama to this tale. The story illustrates that size isn't everything has a somewhat Disney-like ending. But bravery, cleverness and perseverance save

CALDECOTT HONOR BOOK "A train runs across this track. Red caboose in the back.... This high-interest color concept book hits several sweet spots for the toddler set. Trains, correct names of each cars, bright colors and a short text. The reviewer says," I've gotten this for two generations of nephews and it was their hands-down favorite for three very different little boys, They's ask for it again and again. One even slept with it." REVIEWED BY: KT Horning BGH comments: My bo

KID'S PICK FAMILY FAVORITE We're going on a bear hunt. We're going to catch a big one. What a beautiful day! We're not scared. Nominated by a grandfather who has read this book umpteen times to his granddaughter, this rollicking rhyme is a family favorite. The illustrations provide lots of action and sub plots. Swishy Swashy this book is a winner all around. Michael Rosen's video (link below) gives some hand motion tips on reading this book aloud. Nominated by Grandpa Jim who

"Each time a child is born the world changes. When you were born, there was a new person for your family to love and care for. And because of you there is one more person who can love and care for others." "Something as big and important as peace begins with something small and precious." This book was nominated twice. From the reviewers: I've given this book to new parents many times and it has always been a hit. The illustrations are engaging, but not overwhelming. The mess

"All tucked in and roasty–toasty Blow me a kiss good-night" This line became part of the bedtime ritual at our house with all three of my children when they were 2 to 5 years old. The catchy phrases and different rhythms made this a favorite. We adopted many of the rhymes into our daily language. The playful text and charming art made this a very interactive read. Submitted by K. A., Teacher and parent From BGH: This was a family favorite in our house as well. Our favorite wa

PICTURE BOOK “Cats here, cats there, Cats and kittens everywhere. Hundreds of cats, Thousands of cats, Millions and billions and trillions of cats.” This book is a great place to begin a reading aloud library. Many consider Millions of Cats the grandmother of the American picture book. Art, text and design are seamlessly connected in Wanda Gág’s tale of an old man who goes looking for a cat for his wife. I loved hearing this story over and over as a child. The text, hand-lett

PICTURE BOOK Looking for a good read aloud for a bad day? You need a trip to the Bunny Planet. Three bunnies are having three different very bad days- Felix gets sick in front of the class, Robert has to visit his dreaded cousins, and Claire has a day when nothing goes right. Just when things are at their worst- in comes Janet, queen of the Bunny Planet. Far beyond the moon and stars, Twenty light years south of Mars Spins the gentle Bunny Planet And the Bunny Queen is Janet.