The Book Bag, Books for Ages 5 to 8, September/October 2007

The Curious Polka-Dot Present by Cheri L. Hallwood. Our young storyteller is getting ready to celebrate her birthday. Her Mom says a special present will be arriving soon. What could it be? This story also illustrates the love between a child and her grandmother. (Forever Young Publishers, 2007)

Flying Hugs and Kisses (Besos y abrazos en el Aire) by Jewel Sample. This is not your "normal' picture book. This is a story about a family dealing with the loss of a child to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). The story is written for children and helps them understand death, loss, and grief. It is not for every family (obviously), but it is a beautiful book with a message that will reach children with a hug. (LifeVest Publishing, 2003)

I Went to the Party in Kalamazoo by Ed Shankman. What are you doing ten years from today? Well, we are all going to a party, where we'll meet amazing people (and animals), and anything can happen ... as long as it's fun. This rhyming picture book invites kids to participate in celebrating life. "This was fun to read ... even a couple times in a row. It will remind you of reading a Dr. Seuss book, but it is unique, too." (Two Kids Productions, LLC, 2007)

My Adventure to the Fair; Where You Create the Story #5 by Colleen Madonna Flood Williams. In this trip to the fair, your child can fill in the details of his/her trip, including carnival rides, games, a pie eating contest, animals, music, and even fireworks. This is an interactive story where children add words to create the tale and illustrate their work. "Our son loved coming up with the words to fill in the blanks. Some answers were silly and some were very imaginative, but most the most exciting part was that he got to decide." (Orchard Academy Press, Windstorm Creative, 2006)

Punk Farm by Jarrett J Krosoczka. Tonight's the B-I-G night. Sheep, Cow, Goat, Chicken, and Pig, aka the band Punk Farm, has their big rock concert for all of the other animals. In the middle of their last practice, Cow hears footsteps in the farmhouse. Oh, no! Farmer Joe is supposed to be asleep. Will the rest of the barnyard get to hear that screamin' guitar? This is an amped up version of Old MacDonald's Farm. (Alfred A. Knopf, 2005)

When Pigasso met Mootisse by Nina Laden. Pigasso had become so popular in the Pig Provinces, he decided to move to the country. At the same time, fame was udderly unbearable for Mootisse; and he, too, decided to move. At first, the two artists enjoyed living across the street from each other; but then their art egos got the better of them and they built a fence to separate themselves. Is that what they really wanted? This picture book offers a colorful, humorous look at an incident in the lives of Pablo Picasso and Henri Matisse. (Chronicle Books, 1998)

PODCAST Reviews by Just One More Book Listen to reviews of children's books at Just One More Book! There are new reviews three times each week.

A Horse in the House and Other Strange But True Animal Tales by Gail Ablow. "Densely colourful, offbeat illustrations and an unusual hybrid of storytelling and text-book style narration tantalize us with strange but true animal stories that are surprisingly addictive." (Candlewick Press, 2007)

Mama's Saris by Pooja Makhijani. "Wrapped in crimson, green and gold, this warmly worded and richly illustrated account of motherly love shares a glimpse of the caring and compromise that can make minutes meaningful." (Little, Brown and Company, 2007)

The Book Bag, Books for Ages 5 to 8, September/October 2007

http://thereadingtub.blogspot.com/2007/09/book-bag-books-for-ages-5-to-8.html