New Baby in the House: 12 Picture Books to Share

I'm sure you can guess why I chose this theme for my booklist this month! We are getting ever closer to meeting our baby girl and we can hardly wait! Now that the move is behind us, she can come anytime. Since my babies have never come early, though, I am not expecting it to be any earlier than my scheduled C-section at the end of this month.

Most of these books are geared toward older siblings, to help ease the transition to a new baby. A few of them simply celebrate babies in general. I hope you can find some that fit your family's needs!

Arthur's Baby, by Marc Brown

When Mother and Father make a surprise announcement--that a new baby will be coming in about 6 months--D.W. is thrilled and Arthur is uncertain. His friends have all kinds of advice and warnings for him. When Baby Kate makes her appearance, it takes Arthur a little while to warm up to her, but then he discovers she's okay.

* * * * *
Many picture book series have similar titles, for everything from new baby like this one, to starting school, losing a tooth, moving, etc. For kids already familiar with the characters, it adds a layer of reassurance--like listening in on the way some good friends handle the issues they might be facing. That is, as long as you as the parent are okay with how the characters handle it!

I appreciated how this one showed 2 different perspectives--with both D.W.'s and Arthur's reactions to their new baby sister. I also liked that neither one was openly antagonistic or said mean things. D.W. was very positive, if a little bossy and over-enthusiastic, while Arthur was more just hesitant. This one gets my stamp of approval!

A Baby for Grace, by Ian Whybrow
Illustrated by Christian Birmingham

Grace wants to be big and help, but everyone correcting her and telling her "No." When her new baby brother comes home, it gets even worse. After her attempt to cut some flowers for the baby (with the super sharp shears) is curtailed, all of her hurt feelings come out. Finally, Dad gives her the little bit of help and attention she needs for her good intentions to finally get her the praise she so desires.

* * * * *
Poor little Grace! At least it ends on a reassuring note. This book made me think about my own parenting and how often I say "no" to my kids. A good reminder for the grownups reading the story that older siblings will need a little extra attention and patience when baby comes home.

The illustrations were all done in softened--almost blurred--lines. I can't tell what medium was used, but it adds a welcome gentleness to the story. The adults are not harsh or snapping at her, just giving her lots of guidance.

Hello Baby! by Mem Fox
Illustrated by Steve Jenkins

The book starts out with, "Hello, baby!...Who are you?" then shows all sorts of animal babies, one per page. At the end, we find out who the most treasured baby really is.

* * * * *
With Steve Jenkins' signature cut-paper illustrations and one short sentence per page, this one will probably be a hit with the younger crowd. As a read-aloud, expect your kids to answer on every page!

How to Rock Your Baby, by Sibley Fleming
Illustrated by John Amoss

New baby comes with an instruction book for diapering and feeding and even burping, but when it comes to rocking all it says it, "Now rock the baby to sleep." The father and the mother come up with lots of ideas for rocking the baby, including a ride in the car and a cricket lullaby, but nothing works! In the end, the mother decides to just do it herself and the baby drifts off to sleep.

* * * * *
Illustrations in sleepy blues, purples, and greens, are just right for this whimsical story. Older siblings may enjoy knowing more than the mother and father on this one!

Little Rabbit's New Baby, by Harry Horse

Little Rabbit is determined to help the new babies (triplets) eat and play, but they don't know how to do anything! Then he gets in trouble for making a mess and making them cry. All Mama and Papa think about anymore are those babies. So then he gets cranky and possessive--which of course doesn't help either. However, when the babies simply won't go to sleep no matter what the grownups try, it's Little Rabbit who saves the day.

* * * * *
Charming illustrations done in pen and ink and watercolor make life in the burrow seem to be a cozy place, just right for raising little bunnies.

Lola Reads to Leo, by Anna McQuinn
Illustrated by Rosalind Beardshaw

Lola loves to read stories with her Mommy. When her new little brother comes along, she finds just the right story to read to him in every situation. She's a great helper. By the end of the day, it's Lola's turn for a story!

* * * * *
I really liked that Lola accepted and was kind to her baby brother from the very beginning. Many of the books in the genre are geared for older siblings who are having a hard time with the new arrival. It's nice to come across one that does not have that as its basic premise.

Also, how can I not like one all about a big sister reading to little brother? :) This book is 3rd in a series about the book-loving Lola. If you're looking for a book with a bit of diversity, the family shown is African American.

Love Song for a Baby, by Marion Dane Bauer
Illustrated by Dan Andreasen

All about the wonder of a new baby, as told to a young child, with the repeated refrain, "...we loved you."

* * * * *
This is a sweet little book. Each 2-page spread includes one stanza of the song or poem, plus a full-page illustration on the facing page. May prove to be reassuring to an child about to become an older sibling for the first time, or just to let a little one know how much they have always been loved. Plus, if your little one loves pictures of babies, they'll be in heaven with the illustrations!

On the Night You Were Born, by Nancy Tillman

On the night you were born, all of nature rejoiced because of how special you are.

* * * * *
Short text on each page, paired with a full-page illustration conveys the sweet message that each baby is precious and unique.

Ruby's Baby Brother, by Kathryn White
Illustrated by Miriam Latimer

At first, Ruby is worried and scared when her new baby brother Leon comes home, but once she holds him she knows everything will be all right. In fact, she immediately begins to come up with all sorts of games for them to play together.

* * * * *
Ruby's imagination sparkles in this addition to the genre. She imagines changing baby brother into a bat at first, then thinks maybe he is an elf that will change her into a mouse. Once she realizes he will be a friend, she imagines up all sorts of fun scenarios for the two of them.

This is the Day! Adapted by Phillis Gershator
Illustrated by Marjorie Priceman

Each day of the week is a day to give babies away to happy mothers. Some want one, two, or three. One even thinks "seven is heaven!"

* * * * *
According to the author's note at this end, the idea for this book was a popular song from the 1960's. That makes sense. It's a short read, with a catchy rhythm to it. Priceman's illustrations add a loose, flowing quality to it. Don't think too hard about the reality of adopting that many babies all at once, and it's all good! My 5-year-old enjoyed it.

What Do We Do with the Baby? by Rick Walton
Illustrations by Paige Miglio

Starting off with, "What do we do with the bunny? What do we do with the baby?" we go through moving with the baby (and bunny), feeding them, cleaning them up, and so on.

* * * * *
Illustrations show a charming family of rabbits taking care of their baby bunny, as the text first asks a question about taking care of a baby, then answers it, all in a rhythmic refrain. A gentle introduction to having a baby around, with no sibling rivalry to speak of.

Where Did That Baby Come From? by Deb Gliori

A tiger wonders where the new baby could possibly be from: the sky? A seed? The store? Or perhaps the zoo? Can we please set it free?

* * * * *
Written in rhyme, with a stanza per page. This older sibling is not impressed with the baby--it leaks, it's messy, etc., and wants it to go back wherever it came from. At least, until the baby cries; then a protective streak is awakened in bigger sibling, who gets baby to laugh.

The illustrations have a smaller picture inset showing what's happening that has prompted that page's musings, with imagined origins of the baby filling up the entire facing page.


* * * * *
Do you have a favorite book about babies? Tell me, please!

How Does Your Garden Grow? 10 Picture Books to Share

May is gardening month for most places! Granted, this year has been a bit different.  With such a wet spring and the upcoming move I haven't gotten much planted. Here in Washington I usually don't plant summer vegetables until Memorial Day weekend, but in the past at least my spring stuff has been up and growing strong by May! Not to mention all the beautiful flowers everywhere.

Yay for May!

Flower Garden, by Eve Bunting
Illustrated by Kathryn Hewitt

     Garden in a shopping cart
     Doesn't it look great?

     Garden on the checkout stand
     I can hardly wait.

A little girl and her dad put together a window box full of flowers for a sweet surprise.

* * * * *
What a lovely little book this is! Flowers to brighten up a city windowsill, and as an expression of love. What could be better?

With 1-2 simple sentences per page, accompanied by richly colored full-page illustrations, this one would be perfect for the younger crowd. Or their mothers. I'm putting it on my wish list to purchase! :)

The Gardener, by Sarah Stewart
Illustrated by David Small
(Caldecott Honor 1998)

Lydia Grace goes to stay with her Uncle Jim in the city, during the Depression, until things get better for her parents. She brings seed packets along and a determination to find a place to grow things in the city. Uncle Jim is a baker and he never smiles, but Lydia Grace is determined to change that, too.

During her sojourn in the big city, she learns to work in the bakery, makes friends, and discovers a secret place up on the roof that she fills with flowers.

* * * * *
Written all in letters, each one a glimpse of Lydia Grace's new life. The illustrations are done mostly in muted, sepia tones, with Lydia Grace herself, her flowers, and some of the other characters adding some spots of color.

Now this is a girl after my own heart! She doesn't let bad circumstances get her down, she's not afraid to learn new things, and she is absolutely crazy about flowers!  I love the last 2 lines of her letter to Grandma: "I can't wait to help you in your garden again. We gardeners never retire."

Left me with a smile on my face!

The Good Garden: How One Family Went From Hunger to Having Enough, by Katie Smith Milway
Illustrated by Sylvie Daigneaull

Maria Luz lives with her family in the hill country of Honduras, struggling to get by with poor soil and not enough food to eat from what they've grown. Then a wonderful teacher comes to the village: Don Pedro. He shows his students how to feed the soil by making compost and how to build terraces to keep the good soil from washing down the hillside when it rains. He teaches them about growing cash crops and shows them how to sell directly at the market instead of to the coyote--the middleman who always takes a hefty cut of any profits.

As the new ideas take hold, the villagers begin to have enough: enough food to eat, enough seeds for next year, enough money to buy what they need and build up their homes. Don Pedro must move on at the end of the year, but his influence keeps spreading.

* * * * *
Longer text telling an important story: the power of education, the power of one person to make a difference in many lives, and the good that can happen when families are able to become self-reliant. Many lessons to be learned from here. This is the kind of book that will help expand your child's view of the world, including some of the problems faced by those in poverty.

Another geared more toward middle grade listeners, though younger children could benefit from a simple retelling while looking at the pictures.

Paddington in the Garden, by Michael Bond
Illustrated by R.W. Alley

Paddington quite enjoys living with the Browns. He likes it even better when they decide to set aside a small garden plot for each of the children and him! Jonathan and Judy get right to work with their plans, but Paddington has a harder time deciding what he wants to do with is space.

He even buys a book to get some ideas. When the book suggests taking a look at your garden site from a distance, Paddington knows just the place: the construction zone across the street has some tall ladders he can climb. Oh dear! Some bears just have a nose for trouble!

* * * * *
Paddington fans will enjoy this addition to the stories about the bear from Darkest Peru. The bear in the blue slicker and red hat is always good for some comfortable storytime fun.

My Day in the Garden, by Miela Ford
Illustrated by Anita Lobel

Three friends visit a little girl on a rainy day, and they spend the whole day playing dress up in elaborate garden-related costumes.

* * * * *
Short text in an extra-large font size describes each costume and game, generally with 1 sentence per page: "Berry-picking with the birds."  Looks fun! Perhaps it will inspire some imaginative fun at your house, too.

Plant a Little Seed, by Bonnie Christenson

A neighbor girl and boy plant seeds in their shared backyard space, until they're able to have a feast together with their families in the fall.

* * * * *
The joys of growing a garden and a friendship, illustrated with strong black outlines and what looks like colored pencil.

The text has a lyrical quality to it, though it I have to admit it bothered me a bit. Some of it rhymed and some didn't, and I found myself listening for the rhyme to resolve, then feeling like I had missed something when it didn't come through.

We had fun finding the bunny in all the pictures, which then becomes a family of bunnies (true to life!)

Quiet in the Garden, by Aliki

A little boy sits quietly in the garden. As he does, he notices all the animals and insects eating and imagines their conversations with each other.

* * * * *
A good introduction to the joys of a wildlife garden. Each page starts off with the boy's observation, such as: "The snail ate holes in some leaves." Then another animal or insect asks "Why did you do that?" Each time the answer is some variation of "I was hungry."

Reading through this myself, I thought the repetitive nature of the questions and answers would get tiresome as a read-aloud. I should have known better! Kids love repetition! My 5-year-old stayed interested all the way to the end. I made an attempt to do different voices for all the creatures, but there were a lot!

The very last page gives basic, illustrated instructions for making your own quiet garden.



Secrets of the Garden: Food Chains and the Food Web in Our Backyard, by Kathleen Weidner Zoehfeld
Illustrated by Priscilla Lamont

A family plants their garden, and a girl watches all the creatures and animals in their interactions throughout the growing season.

* * * * *
I'm surprised this one was in the picture book section of my library, rather than the nonfiction. Almost every page has a pair of chickens sharing facts about various facets of biology. A good, basic introduction to the idea of food chains, as the title suggests, with several different food chains within the garden illustrated and labelled.

I doubt a preschooler would sit through this one without a lot of skipping and summarizing. Definitely more geared toward elementary-aged kids, and those in the lower grades would probably still need it read aloud to them, with the level of  vocabulary presented.

Vegetable Garden, by Douglas Florian

A pair of red-headed siblings and their parents grow and harvest a garden.

* * * * *
This one would work for the toddler crowd. Rhyming text, with just one phrase per page keeps it moving quickly. Illustrations are interesting--pen and ink, plus watercolors. The outlines of the whole page look sort of hazy, like the author painted over the finished picture to purposely smear the hard lines.

A Year in Our New Garden, by Gerda Muller

A family moves into a new house that comes with a large garden spot, but it is overgrown and rundown. They work together throughout a year to plant grass, pull weeds, and grow flowers and vegetables. The boy upstairs offers help and advice, and they enjoy their new garden with friends and family.

* * * * *
Longer text and variety of picture sizes, with a few pullouts illustrating how to make a leaf crown, lemonade, and how some plants--like potatoes and spring bulbs--look above and below ground.

Originally published in German, which makes sense after reading it. It's not sugary. The cycle of life--including death--in the garden is dealt with very matter-of-factly: the children come home from a seaside summer vacation to find their vegetables and flowers shriveled and wilting, and their father tells them it's a natural part of the changing seasons. Later on, they find a dead goldfinch under a bush and bury it at the end of the garden, with a little poem to memorialize it. Then life goes on.

* * * * *

Is your garden up and going this year, or are you still just reading about it like me?

15 Picture Books about Houses & Homes

I have had this topic on my mind a lot over the past few months, as we are getting ready to move.

What does it take to make a house into a home? We have lived in our current home for almost 7 years now and it feels like home. It took quite awhile, though. I don't know that I can pinpoint exactly when it started to feel like ours. Perhaps when I finally got pictures put up on the walls?

It helps that my husband used to work in construction, so he can and will remodel as we go along. With every project we have done, the house has felt a little more like our own. Now, as I look around our home, I can see our touches on nearly every surface.

We've got a mix of excitement and trepidation around here, as we think about what our new home will be like. I'm excited--I think the kids are mostly excited, with a few reservations. This house is all that they have known, after all. The older two were small when we moved here (2 and 9 mos.), so I know they'll probably miss it.

All the more reason to read some good books to get us ready for the change!

Building Our House, by Jonathan Bean

A family moves into a trailer house on wheels in the middle of a weedy field. Then step by step, they build a new house. Everyone pitches in, through all kinds of weather, until the happy day arrives--moving day!

* * * * * *

Prior to my marriage, this book would have been a revelation to me. I hardly knew anything about houses were built. Since then, I feel like I've lived it, to some extent! We've never built a house from scratch--yet--but our first home we basically took down to the studs and built back out from there. There have been many remodeling projects since, in every house we've lived in.

So, this was great! My 9-year old, who is "too old" for picture books usually, picked this one up of his own accord to read. He told me later that it should be nonfiction. I call that a win!

A Family for Old Mill Farm, by Shutta Crum
Illustrated by Niki Daly

A human family looks at house after house, hoping to find the one that is just right. Meanwhile, a raccoon realtor help various animal families find a home at Old Mill Farm. When the humans see it, they know it is perfect--even though it is a bit run-down.

* * * *

Anyone who has gone house-hunting will relate to this story of "not quite right" homes. Even though you know the outcome (it is in the title, after all), it is satisfying to put each piece into place, until all the families have a home.

A Home for Bird, by Philip C. Stead

Vernon is a collector of interesting things. He is out foraging when he finds Bird. Bird doesn't say much, but Vernon makes friends with him anyway. When Bird still hasn't spoken after some time, Vernon's other friends suggest that perhaps he's homesick. So Vernon sets out to find Bird's home, without much luck. However, he proves to be an attentive and determined friend. Then one day, he chances upon Bird's actual home--a cuckoo clock! Once Bird has been safely returned, he speaks!

* * * * *

What a sweet little story this is. Vernon is a frog--I think--and it is obvious from the beginning that Bird is not real. My favorite line (after Bird does not respond at all to introductions): "'Bird is shy,' said Vernon, 'but also a very good listener.'"

I really enjoyed the illustrations, as well. They're a bit out of the ordinary, but I couldn't find anything on the endpapers saying what he used. Looks like perhaps a mix of crayon and watercolor? My little artist daughter was also looking more closely, trying to figure out how to recreate that look. Then the ending is such a perfect climax to this whole story. My kids have asked for this one to be re-read several times.

Homeplace, by Anne Shelby
Illustrations by Wendy Anderson Halperin

The story of a house that has been in the family for 5 generations, starting way back when great-great-great-great-grandpa built it, all the way to the child on his grandma's lap who lives in it now.

* * * * * *

The pictures are what attracted me to this book, and they are wonderful! Packed with detail, in varied panels and sizes, each 2-page spread shows how the family of that generation lived. So the first set talks about what the grandpa did and the next about what grandma did. Each of the grandpas builds onto the house.

Oh, this book made me nostalgic; I guess for what might have been, because this sure was not my experience! In fact, I think it's rare to find any families that have lived in the same home for generations, anymore. We moved 3 times while I was growing up, and my husband's family moved 14 (?) I think. Anyway, how it would be to have such deep roots in a place? I don't know, but this book makes it seem pretty special.

A House for Hermit Crab, by Eric Carle

Hermit Crab grows out of his shell, so he goes looking for another one. He finds one--but it is a little plain. So he carefully begins to gather up sea creatures and friends to decorate, protect, and brighten his home. But what will happen when he grows out of this home?

* * * * * *

Carle's signature painted cut-paper illustrations are as vibrant as ever in this story about making a house into a home.

The House on Dirty-Third Street, by Jo S. Kittinger
Illustrated by Thomas Gonzalez

A girl and her mom are getting a fresh start, but their house is the worst ever! It's filthy and falling down, and the neighbors don't seem all that friendly. Mom has a vision of how it can look, but even she gets discouraged after a whole day of cleaning filth.

They decide to go to the church they saw a few blocks away, and once they get there, the girl asks for prayers for her mom--and for herself, too--to be able to see their new house with eyes of faith. Shortly after services are over, people start showing up to help. Before long, the house is an anthill of activity, as new friends work on everything from the shingles to the plumbing. Guess they can't call it "Dirty-Third Street" anymore.

* * * * * *

To be honest, I was a bit surprised to find this one at my public library. There aren't many picture books that openly feature religion, church, or prayers there. At least, I haven't found very many. Maybe I would find more if I went looking for them.

Anyway, this tender story touched my heart. When all the people showed up to make things happen for this single mom and her daughter, I even got a little misty-eyed. That's how it's supposed to work, folks.

I really liked how the illustrations start with very little color added to the realistic-looking line drawings, while the two are on their own, but as hope and help arrives, color enters their world. A subtle but effective touch.

If the Shoe Fits, by Alison Jackson
Illustrated by Karla Firehammer

The old woman who lived in a shoe tries to find a new home for her brood, with no success. Finally, they settle back into the same worn shoe they came from, after all--"If the shoe fits, then wear it."

* * * * *

The old woman and her children run in and out of all sorts of nursery rhymes on their way back home again.

My favorite was the last page:

          She was still an old woman who lived in a shoe.
          And she still had those children, but she knew what to do.
          She gave them some broth and kissed all their faces,
          Then tucked them in bed and tied up the laces.

Moving House, by Anne Civardi, Illustrated by Stephen Cartwright
An Usborne First Experiences book

Follows the Sparks family as they pack up their things and move into a new house.

* * * * *

Straightforward text and pictures. Nothing really stands out about this one, but if you just need a book that goes through the usual steps involved in moving to a new house, this will do it.

Mr. Postmouse's Rounds, by Marianne Dubuc

Go along with Mr. Postmouse, as he loads up his little wagon with letters and packages, and makes his daily deliveries.

* * * * *

The real fun in this book is the illustrations. Each animal's house is shown as a cutaway, with all kinds of whimsical details. For instance, Mr. Bear's house has a beehive on the roof, connected to a pipe, dripping into a jar of honey. The Crocs' house has water on every floor. The flies live in a dung pile, and there's even a delivery for Mr. Yeti in the snow cave!

This is a book to pore over together!

There Was a Wee Woman..., by Erica Silverman
Pictures by Rosanne Litzinger

The wee woman and her many children simply must find a new place to live. So off they go, looking in all kinds of places, until finally a giant-sized girl finds the perfect solution for them.

* * * * *

Another "Old Woman Who Lived in a Shoe" variation! What are the chances? Ha! This one has a bit of a different ending, as they all end up living happily ever after (one supposes) in a doll house. I'll have to admit, I didn't love these illustrations, but as usual, my children didn't seem to mind at all.

This is the Place for Me, by Joanna Cole

* This one is out of print, and I couldn't find a decent picture for the cover.

Bear's house is falling apart. Everywhere he looks things are broken! Finally, he decides it is time to find a new house to live in. So off he goes. Except that no matter where he goes, there's a problem. The cave he finds has a dragon in it! Some of the houses are too small, too delicious, or too scary. Just when he has almost given up hope, he finds one that will be just right...with a little work.

* * * * * *
I didn't realize until I looked it up on Goodreads, that this was by the same author as the Magic School Bus series! I had no idea she did other books! I don't know why that just rocked my world a little bit, but it did. Weird. Anyway....

My kids love knowing more than Bear in this story, and they always have to point out at the end--"But that's HIS old house!" That little plot device is probably the reason we've kept the book for several years now. Never gets old.

The Very Noisy House, by Julie Rhodes
Illustrated by Korky Paul

There's a very tall house, with 5 floors. At the very bottom of the house lives an old lady who uses a cane to get around. "CLOMP, CLOMP, CLOMP." Right above her lives a dog, who gets all worked up whenever he hears the cane, so he starts barking. Wouldn't you know it, his barking wakes up the cat on the 3rd floor who begins to yowl, which upsets the baby up on Floor 4 and makes him cry, which causes the birds in the attic to start squawking. Can anything quiet down this very noisy house?

* * * * * *
This book has an unusual layout--you have to turn it sideways to read it! I suppose that was so that all 5 stories of the very tall house would fit. The noises are written out in the illustrations, with each piling on top of the other, until the book is visually as noisy as the very tall house. Then, as it quiets down again, each layer of noise visually gets erased as well. Very effective.

This one would be great for a group setting (sometimes I really miss doing storytimes at the library!) It's got a call-and-response rhythm to it. Even at home, your kids will have fun chiming in on all the noises. It has a funny little twist at the end, too.

Juvenile Nonfiction Books

Homes Around the World, by Max Moore
J 726

Photographs showcase several different types of houses spanning the globe, from yurts to igloos to tonganakans.

* * * * *

Though this is labelled as a Level 1 reader for beginners, I would hand it to intermediate readers instead. Each 2-page spread has 3-4 sentences, with many longer words interspersed, for example: "boardwalks," "imagine," and "material," among others.

My one complaint is that it doesn't say where the various houses are located, or who builds them.


[picture not available]
Living Long Ago: Homes and Houses, by Helen Edom

Starting from 40,000 years ago and working forward, this book explores various types of shelter through the ages. The format reminded me of a Magic School Bus book, with many different text boxes on each 2-page spread offering more information, or craft project to do. The illustrations are drawn, with each element labelled. It mostly focuses on civilizations of Europe, including a castle, a Roman town house, Dutch merchants' houses, and so on.

* * * * *
This one would be great for homeschoolers, or those very interested in this subject. Most elementary-aged kids will probably need an adult to read it with them or to them. It could be a bit overwhelming for all but the strongest readers.

Wonderful Houses Around the World, by Yoshio Komatsu
Illustrated by Akira Nishiyama

This book is like a "best parts" combination of the previous two! It begins with a 2-page photograph of people next to their home, along with a paragraph stating where it is, and what happened when the author visited.

Then you turn the page and the next 2-page spread is a cut-away drawing of the dwelling, including a handful of text boxes describing what things are. Each drawn page also has a small box at the top with the question "Who lives here?" and the answer, for instance, "A father, a mother, and three children."

* * * * * *
We really loved this one and spent quite a bit of time finding all the details in the cutaway drawings.


* * * * * * *
What about for you? What do you do to make a house feel like home?

Drip, Drop, Splish, Splash! Picture Books for a Rainy Day

I think I may have mentioned it once or twice, but this has been an extra wet and rainy late winter/early spring. (Today the sun came out, but it is COLD out there! Doesn't seem right!)

So, if you'd like to find an indoor way to enjoy the rain, check out some of these books, cuddle up with your little ones on the couch, and read away!

Blue on Blue, by Dianne White
Illustrated by Beth Krommes

It's a beautiful day along the coast, then the storm clouds build up and the rain pours down.

* * * * *
Oh, the language in this book! It's an illustrated poem, full of rich imagery and descriptive vocabulary, but with just a few short lines per page, it is accessible for even young listeners.

    
     Gray on gray. Dark and glooming.
     Black on black. Storm is looming.

The illustrations are done with scratchboard and watercolor. My scratchboard art never looked like this! The pictures fill up each page, and have plenty of details to notice. My son's favorite page was the pond, where you can see fish underwater if you look closely.

Bunny Loves to Read, by Peter Bently
Illustrated by Deborah Melmon

Peter Bunny's friends can't understand his love of reading, until one rainy day when they're all stuck inside. Peter has just the right suggestions for each of them. By the time the sun comes out again, they're all ready to go play games--as soon as they finish their books!

* * * * *
Okay, so this one has a rainstorm in it, but it's really more about the fun of reading. That's okay with me. I like to read when it's stormy outside, too!

** You can get this in hardcover for only $6.99 on Amazon right now!

Float, by Daniel Miyares

In this wordless picture book, a boy makes a newspaper boat and takes it out for a sail on a rainy day, but what will he do when it sails away from him?

* * * * *
Love the use of color in this one! The boy's bright yellow rain gear, plus the few squares of color on his boat, stand out in the rainy-day palette of shades of gray, leading us through the story. Then at the end, the color scheme is reversed, and it's the world that has become bright yellow and the boy in shades of gray.

I also appreciated the way this story stayed grounded in the real world, while still leaving some room for imagination.

In the Rain with Baby Duck, by Amy Hest
Illustrated by Jill Barton

Baby Duck is grumpy. It is raining and she does not like walking in the rain. Unfortunately for Baby, it is also Pancake Sunday at Grampa's house across town, and she does love pancakes--and Grampa. So off she goes with her parents, pouting all the way. Happily, Grampa knows just what to do for a Baby Duck who does not like the rain.

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This tender story is a favorite of ours (and it's one that we own)! Baby Duck is so adorably grumpy and Grampa so wise and understanding. The illustrations add just the right amount of nuance and color to the story. One of my favorite pages is where the Ducks are eating their pancakes and Baby is lifting up the tablecloth to get a better peek at her boots. My kids' favorite page is where they're going up to the attic, because they always have to help Baby find the "tall, green bag."

Mushroom in the Rain, by Mirra Ginsburg
Illustrated by Jose Aruego & Ariane Dewey

It's raining and one little ant seeks shelter under a tiny mushroom in a meadow. As the rain keeps on, more creatures--each one a little bigger--come to the mushroom and beg shelter. Somehow they all manage to fit underneath. They even are able to hide a frightened rabbit from a hungry fox! How is this possible? Well, what happens to a mushroom in the rain?

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A sentimental favorite from storytime days. I actually made a flannel board set to go with this story, back in the day. It's perfect for that medium, as it's a simple story and easy to remember while you put up each piece. In fact, this is one of those stories that lends itself very well to a child "reading" it right back to you--i.e., retelling it in their own words.

One Rainy Day, by M. Christina Butler
Illustrated by Tina Macnaughton

Little Hedgehog is excited to see the rain, so he can try out his new umbrella and raingear. As he stomps his way through puddles, enjoying the day, he and his umbrella come in very handy for several friends who could use a helping hand.

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A winsome little story about enjoying the rain--and serving your friends while you're at it. Little Hedgehog's umbrella is shiny on every page, which may help keep younger listeners interested.

The Rain Came Down, by David Shannon

One Sunday morning, the rain came down, and it just set everybody off! The bad mood spreads all over town until the rain stops and the sun comes out. Everything is quickly set to rights--though perhaps not in the way it would seem obvious at first.

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Shannon's characteristic illustrations bring a high level of movement to the story, while the problems and arguments keep building momentum up to the climax, then all melt away as quickly as a raindrop in the sun.

Rain School, by James Rumford

Thomas is excited and anxious to go to school with his big brothers and big sisters, but he is surprised that the first thing they have to do is build the school! The children learn how to make bricks, then walls and desks out of dried mud. They thatch the roof with grass and saplings. Finally their school is ready!

After 9 months of learning, the school year is over--and just in time, too. The rainy season has come, melting their school back into a big pile of mud. That's okay, though. The children have the knowledge safely stored in their heads, and they will rebuild their school next year.

* * * * *
Set in Chad, Africa, where the author and his wife taught school. I love the chance to give our kids a different perspective on school! How would it be to first have to build your school every year before you could learn, with just one pencil and one notebook per student? I also love how positive the teacher is, encouraging the students.

The illustrations are simple and colorful, keeping the focus on the story.

The Rainy Day, by Anna Milbourne
Illustrated by Sarah Gill

Three children experience a rainy day, from mist to sprinkles to pouring rain, to squishy mud afterword.

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Vibrant illustrations match the simple text, right on level for preschoolers, telling the story of rain. Where does it come from? What do animals do when it rains? What happens after it rains? This would be a great pick for a spring preschool lesson!

Umbrella, by Taro Yashima

A little girl named Momo receives 2 special gifts on her 3rd birthday: red rubber boots and an umbrella. She is so excited to use them, but her mother keeps making her wait--one day is too windy, another too sunny. When the rain finally comes, Momo is so excited and feels so grown-up carrying her umbrella straight and tall.

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A simple story that most children will probably relate to: having to wait and wait for something you've been promised, but then the excitement and wonder when it finally comes!

This illustration style was not my favorite. In particular, the little girl's face throughout the book was shown as dark pits for eyes and no other facial features.  Some of the pages included a Japanese character, it's name, and the English word as well.

Easy Readers

Drip, Drop, by Sarah Weeks
Pictures by Jane Manning

Pip Squeak really just wants some sleep, but leaks keep springing up! Every time he gets something to catch the water, a new drip starts dropping. What is a mouse to do?

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Rhyming text and lively illustrations, with a funny little twist at the end.

Henry and Mudge in Puddle Trouble, by Cynthia Rylant
Illustrated by Sucie Stevenson

Henry and his big dog Mudge in some spring adventures: the first flower of spring (and what to do with it), a gigantic-sized puddle, and a box of brand-new kittens.

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One of the earliest Henry and Mudge books--#2, in fact. The friendship between the boy and his huge slobbery dog is a winner, no matter the topic.

Detective Dinosaur Undercover, by James Skofield
Pictures by R.W. Alley

Detective Dinosaur goes "Undercover," has a scary dream about blobs "Under the Covers," and has to figure out why he's the only one getting rained on in "Under the Weather."

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The silly scenarios will get your kids smiling. Mine especially liked "Under the Covers." The watercolor illustrations add to the humor. There are 2 others featuring this bumbling dino detective, if your kids love this one.

Cowgirl Kate and Cocoa: Rain or Shine, by Erica Silverman
Painted by Betsy Lewin

Cowgirl Kate and her faithful horse Cocoa have some farm chores to do, but there's time for a little fun too, like racing the wind, and looking for the pot of oats under the rainbow. Cocoa even learns how much he would miss out on if he got sick and the advantages of wearing a rain sheet. No matter what, these pals will have it made!

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This horse has an attitude that cracks me up! Cowgirl Kate knows just how to handle her wily horse, though, and the two look out for each other.


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For more picture books about weather, don't miss my other booklists:

Clouds are Amazing! Books for Kids
8 Picture Books for a WINDY Day


Hope your weather includes some sunshine today!

17 Pictures Books About Quilts to Cuddle Up With

At least half of these books were a Christmas present from my mother-in-law. She found them all at the same garage sale! :)

There's a common thread running through this whole set of books: every patchwork quilt tells a story, and it usually a family story, passed down through generations. One thing I loved, putting this list together, was seeing how many different cultures and traditions were included among the stories. Perhaps quilting can bring together people from vastly different backgrounds, as much as it brings together families.

The Dream Quilt, by Celeste Ryan
Illustrated by Mary Haverfield

Michael often has bad dreams, until his mother gets out a special quilt from when she was a little girl, and teaches him the game that goes along with it. Each night she sends him off to dreamland with a kiss for a stamp. When Granny Rose sees the quilt, however, she notices it needs some repairs and takes it back home with her. Will the bad dreams come back?

Michael's mom teaches him that while a quilt cannot really protect us, God can and will.

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As the shortest one on the list, this one would work great for preschoolers. Cheerful illustrations take us to dreamland with Michael, and back to his cozy warm house again each morning.

The Keeping Quilt, by Patricia Polacco

Polacco tells the story of her family's special quilt, made from her great-grandmother's dress, babushka, and scraps of other family member's clothing. The new Jewish immigrants make it to help them remember their home in Russia.

Over time, the quilt is used for a Sabbath tablecloth, wedding huppas, receiving blanket for each new baby, a tent, a picnic blanket, a cape, even a last covering as grandparents pass on.  Each generation passed on the stories and traditions, along with the quilt. Eventually, the quilt is remade and the original donated to a museum.

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Polacco's signature drawings enliven the story of a special family heirloom. In the illustrations, everything is in black-and-white, except for the quilt, the bright patch of color weaving together the stories as the generations pass on.

The Name Quilt, by Phyllis Root
Illustrated by Margot Apple

Every summer Sadie looks forward to being tucked in under the name quilt. Each patch has a family member's name sewn on it. In place of a book, she chooses a name and her grandma tell her the stories about that person.

When the precious quilt blows away in a windstorm, however, Sadie is sure her favorite tradition has come to and end. Luckily for her, Grandma remembers the names and the stories to go with them. By summer's end, they have a new name quilt, made by the two of them together. It even has Sadie's name on it.

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Family stories come to life with the quilt as a background. I liked the idea that just because the quilt went away, it didn't mean the memories were lost.

Quilt of Dreams, by Mindy Dwyer

Katy finds one square of a quilt in her grandmother's sewing basket, with a label pinned to it: "Kate's Quilt." She is determined to finish it! Together she and her mother painstakingly cut the fabric into triangles and sew them together, all the while remembering Gram, learning about traditions, and building a bond together.

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Watercolor illustrations, many with softened or blurred edges, add to the sweet story for a warm-hearted read about families and quilting.

The Quilt Story, by Tony Johnston
Illustrated by Tomie dePaola

A pioneer girl's favorite quilt is stashed in the attic, where it is later found by various animals, and then another little girl, who also loves it.

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One of the shorter stories on the list; this one would fit the attention span of most preschoolers. DePaola's distinctive illustrations in muted colors bring the story to life.  

The Quiltmaker's Gift, by Jeff Brumbeau
Illustrated by Gail de Marcken

The story of a quiltmaker who lived in the mountains and sewed her beautiful creations to give to the poor and homeless down below. At the same time there lived a greedy king. All he wanted was presents from everyone. More, more, more! When he heard about the quiltmaker, he came to her and insisted that she give him a quilt. She would on one condition: when he gave away everything he owned, she would make him a quilt. As you might imagine, the king was not happy with the condition!

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A modern fable all about greed and generosity. The story was inspiring, but the illustrations were what really won my heart. Each page packed with detail, inset pictures (like blocks on a quilt), bright colors, and whimsy.

Each page also includes a quilt block that has to do with the part of the story on that page. The endpapers show all the blocks with their names, to match up. My copy also has a puzzle poster printed on the back of the dust jacket. So fun!

The Rag Coat, by Lauren Mills

Minna wants to go to school more than anything, but she doesn't have a coat to wear, and with Papa's recent passing, they can't afford to buy one. Then Mama's quilting friends--Minna calls them the Quilting Mothers--come up with a solution. If they all contribute some scraps, they can make Minna patchwork coat, with feed sacks for the lining. That's just what they do.

When Minna gets teased at school about the coat, though, it will take some courage to face the other kids and tell them how special it really is.

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Set in the mountains of Appalachia. I enjoyed this story about a girl overcoming her challenges with pluck, determination, the memory of her Papa, and the support of her Mama and the Quilting Mothers. Each 2-page spread includes one page of text and a picture on the facing page. This one is longer, but one that a lot of elementary-aged kids will relate to.

Reuben and the Quilt, by Merle Good
Illustrated by P. Buckley Moss

Reuben's family works together on a beautiful quilt for auction. The money is going to go to his friends' grandfather, who needs to go to the hospital but doesn't have the money. When their quilt is stolen off the porch, after all that hard work, the family will have to decide how best to respond.

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A gentle story of an Amish community coming together to help one in need, with a bonus helping of forgiveness and turning the other cheek. The illustrations echo the quilt, colors interspersed with black clothing of the characters.

Sebastian and the Balloon, by Philip C. Stead

Sebastian has decided there is nothing at all to see on his street. So he prepares for a voyage to somewhere else. He packs "all the things he would ever need" and sets off in a balloon made from Grandma's quilts and afghans. Before his voyage is through, he meets up with several interesting creatures, 3 old lady sisters who knit, and even repairs a roller coaster.

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This story is so random! Loveably quirky and imaginative. It doesn't have a tidy ending, but perhaps that is so kids can continue the adventure themselves. In fact, it sort of reminded me of one of my kids telling me their dream. The quilt connection is only with the balloon, so more of a sidenote in this story, for sure.

Show Way, by Jacqueline Woodson
Illustrated by Hudson Talbott
Newberry Honor, 2006

The story of a family, starting out in slavery. The seven year old daughter sold off without her family, but with some cloth, needles, and thread. How each generation of girls learned to sew and make quilts: a Show Way that pointed a path to freedom for escaping slaves. All the way down through the years to freedom, to mothers who could read, to little girls who marched to end segregation, to the author and her daughter. Each generation passing down the stories that came before, to always remember and to be courageous.

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This beautiful book brought tears to my eyes. Our library had it in the "picture books geared for older kids" section, I guess because of the little girls who got sold away from their families. It was a bit longer than many picture books, also. I would feel comfortable reading it to my 4 year old, though, and in fact, plan to do so this week! My favorite refrain was about the families, repeated through each generation: "Loved that baby up so. Yes, they loved that baby up."

Jacqueline Woodson is one of my favorite authors. This is another winner.

The Tortilla Quilt, by Jane Tenorio-Coscarelli

Maria lives with her grandmother Lupita on the Olson family ranch in California. Her grandmother is the cook. Maria helps where she can, but she often has time to play with Sarah Olson. Sarah and her mother are making a quilt together in the evenings, and Maria wishes very much that she could make one too, but knows that the cloth would be too expensive. Then her grandmother remembers the stack of empty flour sacks in the kitchen, and Maria begins piecing her quilt from the cut up flour sacks. With the help of the Olsons and her grandmother, Maria's quilt takes shape.

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Written in English, with 3-4 Spanish words per page written underneath their English counterparts. Large text and shorter paragraphs make this a good one for preschoolers. Also includes a recipe for homemade tortillas, as well as the Tortilla Quilt pattern.

Wrapped in Memories, by Nan Slaughter
Illustrated by Lori Lambson

Lyndsey happens upon a quilt made by  her great-grandmother, with a message stitched into one of the squares:

Wrap up in this when you are cold,
The story of my life it will unfold.
It has warmed my heart, but now I'm old,
This I leave you--it's worth more than gold.

She soon finds out that the riches the poem talk about are not money, but family stories. She and her Grandma repair the quilt together and Lyndsey learns about her ancestors. When she decides to stitch "Families are Forever" onto one patch, her Grandma heartily approves.

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As with many of the other books on this list, a treasured quilt provides a link between generations. This one could have used a little tighter editing. Lyndsey's name is spelled differently on at least one of the pages.

Nonfiction

Eight Hands Round: A Patchwork Alphabet, by Ann Whitford Paul
Illustrated by Jeanette Winter

Patchwork patterns from Anvil to Zigzag. Each one is drawn up close, then in a quilt, with a third illustration for the history of the pattern.

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Interesting, including patterns I wasn't familiar with. The histories were quite general--more explaining the name of the pattern and how people used to live than the specific history of that patchwork piece. Perhaps those details are lost to time.

My Grandmother's Patchwork Quilt: A Book and Pocketful of Patchwork Pieces, by Janet Bolton

The story of a special doll's quilt made by the author's grandmother. At the bottom of the page is an outline of the quilt. Then as each block is featured, it's added to the outline. The left-hand page talks about the mechanics of making each block, while the right-hand page is more like a journal entry featuring the animals or people on the block.

Includes 10 quilt squares in a pocket on the back inside cover, with the scenes from the book traced onto them. They are ready to be made into a pattern, cut out of scrap fabric, and sewn back onto the square to make your very own doll-sized patchwork quilt.

Pieces: A Year in Poems & Quilts, by Anna Grossnickle Hines

As the title suggests, the author designed and made quilts to go illustrate her poems--or perhaps it was the other way around! In any case, each poem has a quilt reproduced to fill the entire page.

The quilts are beautiful and must have taken hours and hours! In fact, in the back, she talks a little bit about her process making them. Most of the squares she worked with were 1-1/8".

The poems take you throughout the year, though not strictly month-by-month. Instead, they go by seasons.

One of my favorite poems was the very first:

"Ballet"
Slow motion,
crow lands
on a cedar branch.
Branch bounces.
Crow dances.

Other favorites were "Good Heavens," "To Each His Own," and "Pageantry."

Peaceful Pieces: Poems and Quilts about Peace, by Anna Grossnickle Hines

As with her other book, this book explores a theme through poetry, with quilts as the illustrations.

I liked how the poems covered many different aspects of peace, from letting go of angry feelings, to playing with someone alone on the playground. Other poems consider coming to peace with a sibling, peace between different races, and the interconnectedness of all of us.

These poems are deeper than those in her first book, and would be great discussion starters in a classroom or homeschool setting.

The Quilting Bee, by Gail Gibbons

Includes a brief history of quilting, definitions of quilting terms, and several different quilt blocks by name. A good introduction to the basics, with plenty of illustrations.