2013, END OF SUMMER - BACK TO SCHOOL PICK, YOU'RE WEARING THAT TO SCHOOL?! by LYNN PLOURDE

    

   I say "Oh, yes, Yes!" along with Penelope in LYNN PLOURDE'S latest book, YOU'RE WEARING THAT TO SCHOOL?! 
     Penelope, the hippo knows exactly how she wants to approach her first day of school until her older, wiser friend, Tiny tells her the importance of blending in.  YOU'RE WEARING THAT TO SCHOOL?! boldly addresses embracing uniqueness and what might happen if you stand out from the crowd.  Will Penelope ignore or follow the advice given to her by her seasoned friend? Illustrator, SUE CORNELISON brings to life LYNN'S characters with playfulness and dynamic expression.  The juxtaposition of size, age, and personality make this book a stand-out just like Penelope!
   

 I give this book 5 apples, top of the barrel. LYNN's exuberance for word play and writing children's books along with her public school work as a speech and language pathologist makes this a must read for the start of the year, every year.


     YOU'RE WEARING THAT TO SCHOOL?! is a 32 page picture book perfect for the starting school for the first time or changing schools.  Ages 5 through 8 will enjoy this story, especially girls.  The themes are friendship, uniqueness, fitting-in, peer pressure, starting school or a new school, and being yourself. It will make a great book for your classroom or the library.


    

 If you want to find out more about author LYNN PLOURDE check out her website at:Lynn's Website.  YOU'RE NOT WEARING THAT TO SCHOOL?! is published by Disney/Hyperion and is available at Barnes and Noble, online and through your local independent bookseller as a hardback book.

    

2013, END OF THE SUMMER - START OF THE SCHOOL YEAR PICK, NUGGET & FANG by TAMMI SAUER

    

      A sink your teeth into the perfect picture book for back to school, NUGGET & FANG by award winning author, TAMMI SAUER.  NUGGET & FANG is a delightful story about best friends and their differences.  TAMMI tells the story of childhood innocence and the busting of innocence through the clever characters of a shark and a minnow, natural enemies.   The sweet humor woven into the story makes Fang a lovable, endearing hunk of a shark who tries time and time again to get his point across to Nugget and his school of fishy friends.  The illustrations by Michael Slack are colorful, whimsical, impactful and bring the under the sea adventure to life. The sense of place, characters, and emotions will please kids.  
    

 I give this book 5 apples, outstanding.TAMMI has the ability to create lovable, memorable  characters. A former teacher and librarian, TAMMI knows kids and they will relate.


     This 40 page picture book is for children pre-school through early elementary ages.  It has high appeal for boys and girls.  The themes in the book are friends, school, peer pressure, loss, stereotyping, prejudice. A wonderful addition to personal or professional libraries at home or school!


    

 

 If you want to find out more about author TAMMI SAUER check out her website at:Tammi's Website.  NUGGET & FANG is published by  Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Books for Young Readers and is available at Barnes and Noble, online and through your local independent bookseller as a hardback book & e-reader.

    

THE MONSTORE by TARA LAZAR

    

      TARA LAZAR'S debut picture book, THE MONSTORE is a marvellous, monstrous tale of sibling troubles.  TARA is well-known in children's literature circle for her championing and passion for picture books and their writers and illustrators. Her professionalism and respect transfers into her writing THE MONSTORE, a fast, fun read with twists.  It tickles the reader.  
     TARA takes a brother and little sister relationship and universalizes it in a sophisticated way where the reader or listener relate to both.  Through her ability to spin a unique story, she maintains the tension between siblings and creates a reader/listener rooting and cheering for them and the loveable monsters.  THE MONSTORE leaves the reader smiling and wanting more.  I promised TARA, I would not give away the tricks, twists, nor ending. 
      THE MONSTORE employs a nameless character with the cleverness of Dr. Seuss's Sylvester McMonkey McBean. This monster of a  manager artfully teases and tenses the reader/listener.  Placing TARA'S text with JAMES  BURKS larger than life illustrations completes the package.  Reading THE MONSTORE, one would never suspect this picture book to be TARA'S first. I can't wait for her future books to come out. 

 I give this book 5 apples, cream of the crop. The ability of an author to successfully carry-out empathy and rooting for both characters while creating a modern day McBean with twists and turns makes this a stand-out book.  


     This picture book is for children 4 through 8.  It has high appeal for boys and girls.  This would be a great addition to a home, classroom, or library bookshelf. The themes in the book are siblings and rivalry, family, fairness, and resolving problems. 


    

 If you want to find out more about author Tara Lazar, check out her website at:Tara's Website.  THE MONSTORE is published by  Aladdin, Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing and is available at Barnes and Noble, online and through your local independent bookseller.