GreenBeanTeenQueen

Rating : 5/5 Stars About the Book: Set in the style of a silent movie, a fox invites a goose to dinner. Add to Goodreads GreenBeanTeenQueen Says: I was lucky enough to get a galley of this one at ALA Midwinter. When I sat down in my hotel room and needed a break from all my Printz meetings, I opened this picture book and it was just what I needed! The illustrations are done in the style of a silent movie, so right there I'm in love. The illustrations are hilarious with subtle hints as to what is going to happen. I also love that it gives a great talking point about silent films and what movies used to be like. Add in the little chicks repetitive refrain of "that is not a good idea" and you've got yourself a wonderfully riotous storytime read aloud. The story has a very funny plot and kids will love shouting along with warning to the goose-because we all know how these stories go-or do we? I said in January that this was my favorite picture book of the year ...

The King Who Wouldn't Sleep by Debbie Singleton, illustrated by Holly Swain Rating: 4/5 Stars The king very protective of the princess and would not sleep until he found the perfect prince for his daughter. But he is outwitted by a farmer who knows of the perfect way to get the king to fall asleep! This is fun, humorous bedtime story about getting kings (and kids) to fall asleep. I love the illustrations which have a nice cartoon feel. This would be a great read for a bedtime storytime. And I really love that the princess finds love not with a prince but with someone else. Yay for common folk! :) The Princess and the Pig by Jonathan Emmett, illustrations by Poly Bernatene Rating: 5/5 Stars A princess and a pig switch places which ends up causing a lot of craziness!   This is one of my new favorite princess books! The story is hilarious and the fun cartoon-style illustrations add to the humor. I mean, a big in a princess dress? How can you not crack up? I really ...

Too Shy for Show and Tell by Beth Bracken, illustrated by Jennifer Bell About the Book : A young giraffe named Sam must overcome his shyness to share in show and tell. GreenBeanTeenQueen Says:   Too Shy For Show and Tell is a must have in your picture book collection. The story and the artwork portray the feelings of being shy perfectly and children will relate to the story. Sam is afraid of speaking in class, but he's also very shy about opening up to those around him. The illustrator portrays this perfectly as you see Sam ducking his head and not being comfortable interacting with those around him. Slowly throughout the book he gains confidence and the illustrations reflect this as well. The text is simple and wonderful. It never talks down to the reader or makes them feel strange or bad about their shyness. I was painfully shy as a kid and was just like Sam and I could relate to this book so much. The story is very sweet and eases into the subject of being brave withou...

The Further Tale of Peter Rabbit by Emma Thompson, Illustrated by Eleanor Taylor   Rating: 4/5 Stars   About the Book: Peter Rabbit can't stay away from adventure! This time he travels beyond the McGregor's garden and encounters new friends and challenges. GreenBeanTeenQueen Says:   I was nervous when I heard there would be a new Peter Rabbit book, but Emma Thompson captures the essence of the original tales perfectly. It's a fun, delightful tale that fits Peter wonderfully and I really enjoyed it. It has a sly sense of humor. The illustrations are beautiful and look just like the original Peter Rabbit tales. A very nice addition to any collection. Perfect for Peter Rabbit fans new and old alike!

I've come across some great new picture books for Halloween at the Library that I just had to share! Creepy Carrots by Aaron Reynolds, Illustrated by Peter Brown Rating: 4/5 Stars A little bunny names Jasper loves carrots so much he sneaks into the carrot fields to eat all the carrots. He eats them everywhere and everyday. But one day the carrots start to follow him-or do they? Billed as a Twilight Zone type of read for preschoolers, Creepy Carrots is hilarious and just the right amount of scary for young readers. The illustrations are great-Jasper is seeing carrots everywhere but no one else believes him. Readers will notice how what Jasper sees as carrots turn into other orange objects. There's a very fun twist ending that cracked me up and I think preschoolers and their adults will be laughing out loud about those creepy carrots. You may think twice about eating a carrot again though! Sounds Spooky by Christopher Cheng, Illustrated by Sarah Davis Rating:...

Here are some recent favorites I've discovered at the library! Oh No, Little Dragon ! by Jim Averbeck Rating: 4/5 Stars Poor dragon was roaring and firing his flame until-oops!-he swallowed some water and now his flame is out! How can he get it back? The illustrations are adorable. I mean, don't you just want to adopt that cute little dragon on the cover and give him a big hug?? The text is simple, the story is fun, and the illustrations are just too cute making this a perfect read aloud and great for storytimes. I also really appreciated that it had a bit of a sappy storyline (Mama Dragon helps Little Dragon get his fire back) but it never veers into annoyingly sappy territory. Zoe Gets Ready by Bethany Murguia Rating: 4/5 Stars Zoe is trying to get ready for the day, but what clothes will she need? Oh Zoe, I understand your dilemma so well. I hate trying to choose outfits and pick out clothes. (I'll admit that I will lay in bed trying to figure ou...

    Z is for Moose by Kelly Bingham, Illistrated by Paul Zelinsky   About the Book: Moose really wants to be in the alphabet book. Zebra has a plan and has the alphabet organized but Moose has other ideas.   GreenBeanTeenQueen Says: How have I not shared my love of Z is for Moose ? And I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this book! It rivals Robot, Zombie, Frankenstein as my most favorite and adored picture book of the year.   This is one of those picture books that just never seems to get old. It's a blast to read aloud, especially if you really act out Moose's part-his excitement is infectious and you can't help but give a dramatic reading as Moose when you read this one. And the illustrations are fantastic. They really add to the humor of the story and it's fun to spot Moose on the pages. You read this book and try not to laugh-it's just that great. Seriously, I've read this book numerous times this year and I find something new I love with every reading...

I love reading picture books! And as much as I try to write about them on the blog, I haven't had much chance. But I had to share these books from Candlewick Press-they are publishing some of my favorite picture books! Oh No, George! by Chris Haughton Rating: 5/5 Stars If A Ball For Daisy was the book for dog lovers in 2011, Oh No, George! is the book for dog lovers in 2012. George is left at home and he really wants to obey and be good, but there are so many tempting things around-a cake! a cat! trash! What's a dog to do? If you have a dog, you'll be sure to laugh out loud as poor George tries to be good, but isn't always successful. Bold retro-style and simple text make this one perfect for storytimes. I can see preschoolers having a blast yelling out "Oh no, George!" This is one of my favorites of 2012! Robot Zombie Frankenstein! by Annette Simon Rating: 5/5 Stars It's the ultimate game of one-up-only this time it's with robo...