Johnny Tractor Saves the Parade

TITLE: Johnny Tractor Saves the Parade
AUTHOR: Dena Neusner
ILLUSTRATOR: Dave Hill
PUBLISHER: Running Press Kids
COPYRIGHT: 2009

This book features John Deere characters Johnny Tractor, Allie Gator, and Corey Combine. They make plans to have a special Merriweather Farm parade and hang posters so people will come. After a rain storm messes up their posters, no one shows up at the parade. What can the farm equipment do now? Should the parade be cancelled? Johnny Tractor has an idea. Preschool and primary aged children will enjoy this story.

My son and I liked this book. He is a lover of John Deere tractors so this is one he wants to read over and over!

A Visitor for Bear

TITLE: A Visitor for Bear

AUTHOR: Bonny Becker
ILLUSTRATOR: Kady MacDonald Denton
PUBLISHER: Candlewick Press
COPYRIGHT: 2008

Bear has a sign posted on his door that says "No Visitors Allowed." His feelings about visitors are challenged when a little mouse..."small and gray and bright-eyed..."comes to his door and then keeps showing up in his house. This is a cute story of friendship that will make the reader laugh as the mouse keeps appearing in Bear's house. It will be enjoyed by preschool through primary aged children.

My son and I enjoyed reading this book several times and laughing together at the silly mouse.

The Read and Share Toddler Bible

TITLE: The Read and Share Toddler Bible
AUTHOR: Gwen Ellis
ILLUSTRATOR: Steve Smallman
PUBLISHER: Thomas Nelson
COPYRIGHT: 2009

I'd like to recommend The Read and Share Toddler Bible by Gwen Ellis and illustrated by Steve Smallman. With 40 Bible stories from both the Old and New Testament and a bonus 60 minute DVD as well, this is a nice Bible for youngsters ages 4 and under. This full color Bible is a nice size for little ones to hold and carry around.

I enjoyed reading this book and watching the DVD with my son. One thing I particularly liked was a note to parents at the end of each story that gave an idea of something to do with your toddler related to the story. This would be nice for family reading time and would also make a nice gift for a child.

Biscut Visits the Doctor

TITLE: Biscuit Visits the Doctor
AUTHOR: Alyssa Satin Capucilli
ILLUSTRATOR: Pat Schories
PUBLISHER: Harper Festival
COPYRIGHT: 2008

It is time for the cute dog Biscuit to go to the vet for a check up. He is a good dog and gets a treat at the end. Preschool through primary aged children will enjoy this book.

My son and I love stories about Biscuit. Add this to a list of enjoyable Biscuit books!

Stuff! Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

TITLE: Stuff! Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
AUTHOR: Steven Kroll
ILLUSTRATOR: Steve Cox
PUBLISHER: Marshall Cavendish Children
COPYRIGHT: 2009

This is a story about a pack rat named Pinch. He is hesitant to join his friends in a tag sale because he doesn't want to lose his stuff. He changes his mind though when he sees how much others enjoy things that he didn't even really value. Primary and elementary aged children will enjoy this book. The bright, fun illustrations are very appealing and add to the story.

My son and I totally enjoyed this book and read it several times together. I highly recommend this book for the elementary classroom and school library. It will be enjoyed over and over.

Baseball Hour

TITLE: Baseball Hour
AUTHOR: Carol Nevius
ILLUSTRATOR: Bill Thomson
PUBLISHER: Marshall Cavendish Children
COPYRIGHT: 2008

This book is about children practicing baseball. It shows all that would go on in a baseball practice from the warm-up to the closing team chant. It's written with only a couple lines per page and the text rhymes. Primary and elementary aged children will enjoy this book.

When I saw this book on the shelf at the library, I was in awe of the beautiful illustrations. My son and I read this multiple times. Besides being a great read, I appreciate the fact that the illustrations show both girls and boys playing baseball.

The I Believe Bunny

TITLE: The I Believe Bunny

AUTHOR: Tish Rabe

ILLUSTRATOR: Frank Endersby

PUBLISHER: Thomas Nelson

COPYRIGHT: 2009

Thomas Nelson has a new children’s book called The I Believe Bunny by Tish Rabe and illustrated by Frank Endersby. This is actually part of the “I Believe Bunny” series. This book is the tale of a bunny who does all he can to help a mouse in trouble. Bunny finds out that prayer does work! The book is appropriate for preschoolers through primary aged children.

I enjoyed reading this book to my son. He also enjoyed the pictures and the story. The cute illustrations add to the enjoyment of this book. I appreciate finding a book I can share with my child that teaches a strong biblical truth in a story with text understandable for young children. I look forward to other books in this series.