Day: April 22, 2008

Ladybug Girl

| Tasha

Ladybug Girl by David Soman and Jacky Davis.

First, let me just applaud this book for not being PINK and SPARKLY.  Instead it is red and sparkly and has a girl who is a spunky individual.  Lulu’s parents are busy and her big brother is playing baseball with his friends, so that leaves her to find her own fun along with her dog Bingo.  Lulu spends the day outside in the backyard, running, saving ants from boulders, crossing puddles that could contain sharks, and building a fort of her own. 

Captured in the illustrations are her sense of self and freedom.  Lovely to see in a book for girls, Lulu is not squeamish and has a vivid imagination that keeps her more than busy enough while everyone is busy.  The illustrations are full of movement, breeze and joy.  They capture a day spent outside alone and the fun that can be found there. 

Highly recommended as an antidote to pink sparkly books.  This book could serve as a primer for modern children finding good old-fashioned fun in their own backyards.  Recommended for ages 5-7.

Two New Board Books

| Tasha

A pair of lovely board books crossed my desk and I just have to share them with you!

Subway by Anastasia Suen, illustrated by Karen Katz

Now available in board book format, this is the perfect type of picture book for a board book conversion.  With Katz’s trademark round-faced people in all colors and a rhythmic text that invites bouncing and swaying, this is sure to be a hit on laps everywhere or in toddler classrooms and libraries.  Sturdy pages will stand up to the enthusiasm of the youngest readers.  Sure to be a hit even for those toddlers who don’t know about subway systems.  Even better, it is all about a large vehicle so it invites small boys to enjoy!

Colors/Colores by Eric Carle

Coming out later this week is My Very First Bilingual Book in English and Spanish featuring colors and done by the wonderfully-popular Carle.  Each page features a sliding panel to expose either the English or Spanish word for the color.  Not only is this great fun for small toddlers but it will be of interest to those teaching Spanish in elementary school.  Kindergarteners and first graders are sure to enjoy it.