Tuesday, July 25, 2017

Children's Book Roundup (2)


Summertime means more reading with my little guys, which I absolutely love. We've been reading some new releases as well as some older backlist titles.  Here's a round-up of some of the latest books that we have been enjoying together. 


Chapter Books:


Ancient Animals: Plesiosaur by Sarah L. Thomson  (July 18, 2017 - Publisher: Charlesbridge)  - My son loves all things dinosaurs and ancient animals, so he was thrilled to get his hands on this non-fiction book.  We enjoyed reading about the plesiosaur, how he lived, and how he eventually became extinct. The pictures were appealing and there was just enough detail to keep my little guy engaged. Once he is an independent reader, this book will be perfect for him. If you have a little one that enjoys all things prehistoric and dinosaur, this would be a great addition to your collection.




Dinosaurs Before Dark by Mary Pope Osbourne (June 15, 2010 - Publisher: Random House)  - So many people have recommended The Magic Treehouse series, especially since my son loves topics like dinosaurs, knights, ninjas, etc, which are all covered in this series.  This is the first book in the series and I read it aloud to him. He absolutely loved it. His only complaint was that he wished there were more illustrations to accompany the story.  He is excited to continue the series and see where Jack and Annie are off to next. I love that this book offers a mystery that will be continued into the next book.




Captain Underpants and the Attack of the Talking Toilets by Dav Pikley (June 16, 2000 - Publisher: Scholastic) - Gosh, I am trying really hard to be supportive of my son's interest in this series, but it has been hard. I feel like each book in the series gets weirder and weirder. The potty humor is also grating on me. I think we need a break from it, but it's hard when he loves it so much. I will admit that it is funny from time to time, but I have such issues with how teachers are portrayed and the lack of respect for adults. Am I being a fuddy-duddy? 




Secret of the Water Dragon by Tracey West (February 24, 2015 - Publisher: Scholastic) - This is the third book in the Dragon Masters series and we are thoroughly enjoying it. If you have a little one that enjoys the fantasy genre and you are looking for an easy book for indendent readers, look no further. This series is a good segway to the Harry Potter series.




Dog Man by Dav Pilkey (August 30, 2016 - Publisher: Graphix) - I think reading graphic novels can be a lot of fun, but I didn't really enjoy this one. My son thought it was just ok as well. Dog Man is Pilkey's latest superhero who fights bad guys, especially his nemesis Petey the Cat.  There's a flip-o-rama in this book as well, which delighted my son; however, he was too little to appreciate the drawing exercises at the end of this novel. Older children might enjoy it a bit more. I don't think we will be continuing with this series.


Picture Books:



 

The Berenstain Bears Go to the Doctor by Stan & Jan Berenstain (October 12, 1981 - Publisher: Random House )
The Berenstain Bears: We Love Our Dad!  by Jan & Mike Berenstain (April 23, 2003 - Publisher: Harper Festival)
The Berenstain Bears Get Their Kicks  by Stan & Jan Berenstain (March 17, 1998 - Publisher: Random House)
The Berenstain Bears and the Blame Game  by Stan & Jan Berenstain (January 1, 1997 - Publisher: Random House)

You can't go wrong with The Berenstain Bears series. There's a reason why they have been popular for so many years. While some books are better than others in the series, parents can count on them to explain important things in life like going to the doctors, trying new sports, appreciating your father, and dealing with siblings. I don't think we will tire of the Berenstain Bears in our house anytime soon.



Tyrannasaurus Dad by Liz Rosenberg (May 10, 2011 - Publisher: Roaring Brook) - I like how this book touches on how all dads are different and some dads have a demanding work schedule. Will Tyrannosaurus dad be able to show up for field day? Dinosaur loving kids will like this one.




I'm Dirty! by Kate McMullan (August 15, 2006 - Publisher: Harper Collins) - I am not a big fan of McMullan's books, but my son seems to appreciate them. If you have truck loving little ones in your life, this would be a nice addition to your truck/construction book collection. There are a lot of sound effects, so it's a fun one to read aloud.




Maddie's Monster Dad by  Scott Gibala-Broxholm (July 1, 2011 - Publisher: Two Lions) This is a cute one for Halloween, but I love the message from the author. Maddie is disappointed her dad has to do work instead of playing with her, so she creates her own monster dad. If you have ever had to tell your child you are busy and can't play with him or her right now, this book is a good one as it covers this very subject.




Happy Birthday to You! by Dr. Seuss (August 12, 1959 - Publisher: Random House) - My son's birthday is at the end of this month, so he has been requesting that I read this book to him. It's zany in the only way that Dr. Seuss can be and it will get your kids excited for their own special day. I love the message of "there's no one alive that is you-er than you!"



 

Let's Go for a Drive! by Mo Willems (August 2, 2012 - Publisher: Disney-Hyperion)
Should I Share My Ice Cream? by Mo Willems (June 14, 2011 - Publisher: Disney-Hyperion)

We are slowly reading every book in the Elephant & Piggie series and it's so much fun. Not only does my son love it, I love to read them aloud. Kohl's Cares had a special on these books and was selling Elephant and Piggie stuffed animals. I knew we had to get our hands on a copy.  These books are the best. 


So, have you read any of these children's book? Do you have any recommendations for me? Let me know in the comments below.


4 comments:

  1. I loved the Berenstain Bears! I think there was a cartoon as well. I remember reading one about going to the doctor when I was a kid. I should see if they have one for dentist visits and read it next time I have to go. I hate going to the dentist!

    Mo Willems was definitely well after my time but he is so popular with kids today, especially the Pigeon books and Elephant & Piggie. Our children's department did an Elephant & Piggie party to celebrate the release of the last book. I'm glad your son is enjoying them!

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    1. I saw the cartoon the other day and it brought back memories. I think that the Berenstain Bears are timeless! Yes, the doctor book was a great read right before I took both boys for their checkups. Mo Willems' books are so much fun. Kohl's recently had a few of his books along with stuffed animals of pigeon, Elephant and Piggie. Of course I had to get them! Thanks for visiting, Christina!

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  2. What a great list. We are starting to read Berenstain Bears now. It brings back so many memories as I use to read them.

    We are currently reading all the Elephant and Piggie books too!. They are pretty funny.

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    1. I know! Doesn't it? The Berenstain Bears are certainly timeless. I'm glad you like the Elephant and Piggie books. They are a hit in our house. :) Thanks for visiting, Viki!

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