The Story Book Knight #PPBF

 Summer heat has finally given way to autumn chill--perfect book reading weather! If you liked THE SNATCHABOOK, you'll be excited to know that the author/illustrator team has a new book.

 

Title: The Story Book Knight

Author: Helen Docherty
Illustrator: Thomas Docherty
Publisher: Sourcebooks, September, 2016
Intended Ages: 4-8
Themes: Books, being true to yourself, dragons

Opening Line: "Leo was a gentle knight in thought and word and deed.
While other knights liked fighting, Leo liked to sit and read."
Synopsis: When Mom and Dad send Leo off to fight a dragon, Leo uses his own special talent instead.

What I like about this book: Children can't read too many books about nonviolent resolution. And this book adds the element of standing up to parental expectations. I'm a fan of Thomas Docherty's loose illustration style, where simple changes in the characters' eyes carry the emotion. And "trusty steed" Ned adds an unspoken wink of humor throughout the spreads. The story doesn't feel entirely new in the sense that books are a way to resolve issues, but the way Leo appeals to the "baddies" sense of vanity kept me smiling.

Resources/Activities:

• The publisher provides a 12-page educator guide at sourcebooks.com/library
• Read THE SNATCHABOOK with this one. How is the art similar? How is the story similar?
• Read this book with Mark Sperring's THE SUNFLOWER SWORD. Talk about nonviolent ways to resolve disagreements
• Read this book with Oliver Jeffers A CHILD OF BOOKS. Discuss which you prefer and why.
  

Thanks for stopping by! Hope you enjoy my selection this week. 
This review is part of PPBF (Perfect Picture Book Friday) where bloggers share great picture books. Organized and curated by author Susanna Leonard Hill, she keeps an ever-growing list of Perfect Picture Books. #PPBF

Note: My review is based on a Folded and Gathered review copy received from the publisher in exchange for my honest review. No other compensation was received.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

PRESIDENT SQUID - #PPBF

     Can you believe it's September already!?

     Don't think about it as an end to summer, think of it as the restart of Perfect Picture Book Friday reviews!

  Okay, I probably can't compete with summer. But here goes . . .

Title: President Squid

Author: Aaron Reynolds
Illustrator: Sara Varon
Publisher: Chronicle Books, 2016
Intended Ages: 4-8
Themes: Sea creatures, Presidents

Opening Line: "I HAVE REALIZED SOMETHING VERY IMPORTANT. Something that changes everything! No giant squid has ever been president before!"
Synopsis: Sea creatures react to Squid's announcement that he has five qualities that make him President.

What I like about this book: This book doesn't answer questions. Instead, it promotes a discussion of what qualities a president should have. With the upcoming election, the timing is perfect! The silly humor engages readers to explore what is otherwise a somewhat dry, complex topic. Adults reading with their children can laugh along at the satire. The New York based cartoonist and illustrator manages to make trousers on a hot pink squid believable! I do wonder why the squid needed to have teeth but I'm fairly certain no child will think twice. Put this one on the shelf beside Reynold's earlier Creepy Carrots.

Resources/Activities:

• Schools often have mock (and real!) classroom elections. For everything you need, with a squid-related theme, download a free activity guide from Chronicle.
• Read this book along with Doreen Cronin's DUCK FOR PRESIDENT, and Nick Bruel's BAD KITTY FOR PRESIDENT.
• Explore the National Education Association's voter education links. 
• Talk about what qualities you have that make a good president.
• Talk about why someone wants to become president.

Thanks for stopping by! Hope you enjoy my selection this week. 
This review is part of PPBF (Perfect Picture Book Friday) where bloggers share great picture books. Organized and curated by author Susanna Leonard Hill, she keeps an ever-growing list of Perfect Picture Books. #PPBF