Sail Away, Little Boat by Janet Buell, illustrated by Jui Ishida. 

Lovely, lovely, lovely!  This picture book is a combination of poetic language and evocative illustrations.  It is the story of a little toy sailboat that floats down a little brook, into a river and finally into the ocean where some children discover it.  The illustrations are stylized and really evoke the feeling of a brook and a river.  The artist stays away from making everything blue and instead selects a palette of deep greens and greys.  The text of the book is gently rhyming poetry that matches the illustrations perfectly. 

Children will enjoy seeing all of the animals along the little boat’s trip and realizing how rivers pour into the ocean.   The book’s poetry reads aloud well and the entire trip will quietly captivate your preschool audience.  This is definitely a journey worth sharing. 

Overboard! by Sarah Weeks, illustrated by Sam Williams. 

Doing a toddler story time?  Do I have a book for you!  Overboard is the story of a little baby bunny who enjoys throwing all sorts of things out of his high chair, his crib, the bathtub, etc.  The book has charming pictures that share the joy of throwing things down.  The illustrations are combined with a bouncy, rhythmic text that will engage toddlers and preschoolers immediately.  This one is perfect for sharing with groups but will also be enjoyed one-on-one.