260 Books: Jeannie Baker wins favorite for the second time!

Our Weekly Favorite:

  

Title: The Story of Rosy Dock
Author/Illustrator: Jeannie Baker

Summary:

"The plant rosy dock is not native to Australia. A newcomer who settled in the desert area of central Australia planted it in her garden. After each rare period of rain the desert blossoms, and over the years the seeds of this plant have blown their way across south, central and western Australia. Full-color collage illustrations."

Why We Loved It:

• I'll say something I never thought I'd say: I enjoyed the collage illustrations of this book. I've never liked collages as children's book illustrations before, but Jeannie Baker has won me over! These are phenomenal. 
• I like the way this story is told very simply.
• The snippet of Science in the author's note is very interesting. (I know, I know. . . I love all author's notes. It's just so fascinating to have a little peak into the story behind the story.) 

Other Books We Read This Week:

Boo Cow by Patricia Baehr and Margot Apple
Hide and Snake by Keith Baker
Seneca by Karen Lee Baker
Otto: The Story of a Mirror
Cock-a-Doodle Quack! Quack! by Ivor Baddiel, Sophie Jubb and Ailie Busby
You Bad Dog! by Leslie Baker
When Sophie Gets Angry- Really, Really Angry by Molly Bang
Olive's Pirate Party by Roberta Baker and Debbie Tilley
Tonight and Tomorrow by Robin Ballard

250 Books: The best of the best and the worst of the worst

We ready some really great books this week, and one really rough one. . . haha! That's one of the big reasons I'm doing this challenge. I'll read the one-star books so you don't have to. ;)

Our Weekly Favorite:

 

Title: Panda and Polar Bear
Author/Illustrator: Matthew J. Baek

Summary:

"A little polar bear wonders what's beyond his wintry world and when he falls over the edge of an ice cliff, he finds out! He's soon befriended by a panda who mistakes the mud-covered polar bear for one of his own. The two become quick pals. But what happens when the polar bear's muddy splotches wash off? Will the two bears stay friends? From the much lauded author of Be Gentle with the Dog, Dear! comes a clever take on a timeless theme. With plenty of heart and humor plus a gratifying surprise ending?kids are sure to flip back to the beginning for more."

Why We Loved It:

• Let's be honest. . . I LOVE panda bears. So I was ready to love this book before I even opened it. And it didn't disappoint. 
• I loved the surprise ending! And I don't want to give it away, so that's all I'll say. But seriously- so cute! 
• The cleverness of the story
• The theme of friendship between two animals who are different could lead to a great discussion about being friends with people who are different than we are. 

Other Books We Read This Week:

Cat Tricks by Keith Baker
Pigeon Poop by Elizabeth Baguley and Mark Chambers
Pomelo Begins to Grow by Ramona Badescu and Benjamin Chaud
Stanley at Sea by Linda Bailey and Bill Slavin
Cock-a-Doodle Quack! Quack! by Ivor Baddiel, Sophie Jubb and Ailie Busby
Steady, Ready, Ghost! by Elizabeth Baguley and Marion Lindsay
If You Happen to Have a Dinosaur by Linda Bailey and Colin Jack
The Curious Little Witch by Lieve Baeten
If Kids Ruled the World by Linda Bailey and David Huyck

240 Books: Back to School

Our Weekly Favorite:

Title: How Many Kisses Do You Want Tonight?
Author: Varsha Bajaj
Illustrator: Ivan Bates

Summary:

"How many kisses do you want tonight? the animals ask, snuggling critters tight. This adorable counting bedtime book celebrates the special ritual of goodnight kisses. Cozy up with you little one for a goodnight kiss- or tow, or three. . . "

Why We Loved It:

• We do most of our story reading right before bed, so bedtime stories really resonate with me. This one was very well written. 
• Who doesn't love a little learning in a bedtime story? I love that this book includes counting. 
• I love that this book switches back and forth between talking about Mommies and Daddies giving bedtime kisses. . . instead of just being about one. My husband and I like to read Emma her bedtime story together when we can, and so this book is perfect for us. 

Other Books We Read This Week:

Happy Birthday, Little Witch! by Lieve Baeten
I thought I heard. . . a book of nighttime noises by Alan Baker
Where the Forest Meets the Sea by Jeannie Baker
DragonQuest by Allan Baillie and Wayne Harris
Tumble Me Tumbily by Karen Baicker and Sam Williams
The Hidden Forest by Jeannie Baker
You Can Do It Too! by Karen Baicker and Ken Wilson-Max
Hickory Dickory Dock by Keith Baker
The Farm Team by Linda Bailey and Bill Slavin

230 Books: We've finally reached the B's!

WOO HOO! This week's reading included some "B" authors! I am beyond excited. :) 1 letter down, 25 more to go.

Our Weekly Favorite:

Title: Teddy Bear Tears
Author: Jim Aylesworth
Illustrator: Jo Ellen Mcallister-Stammen

Summary:

"Imagine having four beloved teddy bears, each of whom is afraid of something at bedtime. That is the challenge for the little boy in Jim Aylesworth's charming bedtime story, Teddy Bear Tears. Just as the boy is ready to settle in for the night, each bear- Willie Bear, then Fuzzy, Ringo, and Little Sam- begins to sniffle and each's particular fear has to be explained away. Whether it is noises outside or concern that there might be something scary under the bed, our hero offers explanations for each and, in the process, just might make the nighttime worry-free for himself, too." 

Why We Loved It:

• Who doesn't love teddy bears? We had Emma hold her teddy bear while we read this story right before bed, which was super-cute.
• I love the concept of being brave in order to help someone else be brave. This book illustrates that very well. 
• It's the perfect bedtime story- sweet and soothing. 

Other Books We Read This Week:

Monster Party! by Annie Bach
Up, Down, and Around by Katherine Ayres and Nadine Bernard Westcott
Elsie Times Eight by Natalie Babbitt
When the Silliest Cat was Small by Gilles Bachelet
Edda: A Little Valkyrie's First Day of School by Adam Auerbach
Cock-a-doddle-doo, Creak, Pop-pop, Moo by Jim Aylesworth and Brad Sneed
Country Crossing by Jim Aylesworth and Ted Rand
M is for Mischief: An A to Z of Naughty Children by Linda Ashman and Nancy Carpenter
Leonardo and the Flying Boy by Laurence Anholt