Let's Play Rough

Dad may think he's about to spend some quiet time on the couch, but is quickly pounced on by his young son. "Let's play rough," he says. Soon Dad joins in as a big monster bear who tosses, tickles, and tumbles his son (all in fun, of course). Written by Lynne Jonell, with acrylic and grease pencil illustrations by Ted Rand, this is another fun story for families to share.

Grandpa Has a Great Big Face

Grandpa's face is very big, and so are his ears, hands, feet, and tummy; but the best and biggest part is his heart. A heartwarming story about the love between a grandfather and grandson told by Warren Hanson, with equally warm illustrations by Mark Elliott, this is a fun story for families to share.

Red Rubber Boot Day

What is there to do on a rainy day?--the question every kid asks once in a while. In this easy picture book, readers will see the rainy day through the eyes of a young boy who fills part of his day with drawing, reading, playing with blocks, and playing 'cave' in his closet; but finally, he just has to run outside in the rain and splash in puddles in his red rubber boots. Written by Mary Lyn Ray with exuberent acrylic illustrations by Lauren Stringer, this is a wonderful book to share on a rainy day.

Bravemole

The hero of this fable is an ordinary mole. He has an ordinary job, digging, tunneling, and moving earth from here to there. He also has a loving molewife and molebaby at home. Then one day dragons attacked the tallest molehill in the forest. Hundreds of moles ran away in terror, and Mole wanted to run away too, but then he realized he could help save other moles from the disaster. Written and illustrated by Lynne Jonell, and inspired by the events of 9-11, this is a story of courage, and could be used as a discussion starter about courage and bravery.

My Day With Anka

Anka is an immigrant from Czechoslovakia, who does housework once a week for Karrie's family. In this story, readers will learn about a typical day that Karrie and Anka spend together; from making warm kalaches for breakfast, to window washing, vacuuming, and other household activities. A first book by Minnesotan Nan Ferring Nelson, illustrated by Bill Farnsworth, this is a warm story with a multicultural touch and could be used for a unit introducing children to different cultures.

We're Rabbits

Can three hungry rabbits eat an entire garden of tasty vegetables and not get caught? You're just going to have to read this "hare" raising tale of an encounter between the gardener and these three rabbits to find out. Written by Lisa Westberg Peters, with colorful acrylic illustrations by Jeff Mack, this could go along with a reading of Peter Rabbit, or a spring unit on gardens.

Smiling

What makes you smile?, a sunny day?, playing with a pet?, other activities? This simple concept book will take readers around the world to find out what makes people smile. The light rhyming text by Gwenyth Swain and endnotes to identify where each picture was taken make this a complete package to use with young children or early readers.