Beware of the Frog by William Bee.

Just the cover alone warns you that this is no ordinary picture book, so don’t be reading this to kids who freak out easily.  But kids who are a little older than most picture book readers and others who enjoy a good twist will completely adore this book.

Sweet Mrs. Collywobbles lives on the edge of a dark woods.  Luckily, she has something to protect her from the odd things that may live in the woods.  She has her pet frog.  What will happen when the Greedy Goblin who loves to steal things comes out of the woods and heads for Mrs. Collywobbles house?  Will he heed the Beware of the Frog sign on the gate? 

I couldn’t spoil this book for you.  You must head out and get a copy to see what happens next.  The illustrations have a vintage style to them with modern pops.  The voice of the book switches between near saccharine when talking about Mrs. Collywobbles to darkly sinister when creatures come out of the woods.  It is a delight to read aloud and work with those voices as well as the twists of the book. 

Highly recommended, this is the read-aloud of the year for me.  This is the book I would hand to those worried parents who have to read in front of second and third grade classrooms.  It will delight kids of that age, guaranteed.  Younger children will a taste for the strange will also enjoy it.

Doctor Ted by Andrea Beaty and Pascal Lemaitre.

Ted, a young bear, bumped his knee as he got up and realized that he needed a doctor.  Not seeing one anywhere, Ted decided instead to become a doctor himself.  Now he is ready to deal with his mother’s possible case of the measles, his teacher’s probable mumps, and the many issues his principal faces.  Somehow no one appreciates his help, until an incident at the playground shows exactly why every school has room for another doctor.

This book is a treat.  The illustrations are boldly done with their bright colors and thick black outlines.  Ted is a charming main character whose embodiment of his new role is believable and very funny.  The writing in the book is frank and simple, adding to the humor.  It is perfect for reading aloud, especially for a smaller group where the pictures can be enjoyed more fully.

Let’s hope that Doctor Ted will be making housecalls all across your neighborhood.  Appropriate for ages 4-6.