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Great Picture Books

If you have a favourite picture book, visit my blog and tell me about it. I might put it on this page or feature it on a future installment of Bookmarks!

A Little Bug Went Kerchoo! by Dr. Seuss

Amanda was very excited to share this story about the crazy things that happened when a little bug went KERCHOO! One small event certainly caused a big ruckus!

Go, Dog! Go! by Dr. Seuss/P.D. Eastman

James enjoyed this easy reader about dogs and their funny activities. He really liked the big dog party up in the treetops at the end of the story.

The New Tricks I Can Do! by Dr. Seuss/Robert Lopshire

James also brought in this sequel to Put Me in the Zoo about a very talented "bear" who can change his spots. In this book, the creature has to find a new job now that the circus has closed. Find out where he ends up!

Naomi's Tree by Joy Kogawa (illustrated by Ruth Ohi)

Bookmarks went to the "birthday" party for a new book, Naomi's Tree, and got to talk to the author and the illustrator. Naomi's Tree is about a little Japanese-Canadian girl who has a lovely tree in her backyard. During the Second World War, her family has to move and leave the tree behind. But when she returns to her old home, many years later, the tree is still there. This beautiful picture book celebrates the magic of friendship and peace.

Mattland by Hazel Hutchins and Gail Herbert

Illustrated by Dusan Petricic

This lovely picture book works for young children on so many levels: it is about moving and adapting to a new home, the joys and comforts of a child's imagination, and the importance of community. When Matt moves to his fourth new home in what looks like a new subdivision still under construction, the muddy ground becomes "Mattland". He is joined by another little girl who shyly helps him add elements to his little kingdom - and when Mattland is threatened by a natural disaster, he finds a whole community of children ready to help save it. What a wonderful message about the role of the global community in helping countries in crisis! Dusan Petricic's illustrations progress from dark colours to light colours and work very well with the story.

Chester by Melanie Watt

Kids Can Press $18.95

Ages 4+

Chester is another hilarious picture book by Blue Spruce award winner, Melanie Watt. Young readers who are probably familiar with her zany Scaredy Squirrel books will love this new character – a fat orange cat with an ego the size of the CN Tower.

Poor Melanie Watt is only trying to write a story-book about a cute little mouse. But her cat, Chester, has other plans! He insists on becoming the hero of the story -everything must be about HIM! No matter how many times Melanie tries to reclaim her picture book, Chester keeps barging right back in again, drawing his own illustrations and writing odes to his own superiority. Chester is so certain that he is creating a masterpiece that he has even reserved a “Place My Award Here” spot on the cover of the book.

In spite of Chester’s efforts (or because of them?), Melanie Watt succeeds in creating an uproariously funny story matched with colourful and engaging illustrations. Children are going to love Chester – almost as much as he loves himself!

Other fantastic picture books that our Bookmarks Reporters have recommended:

Gretzky's Game by Mike Leonetti