WHEEP

Here are the books I'm currently raving about.  

Wait and See by Helen Frost and pictures by Rick Lieder (Nonfiction Picture Book)

Do you have the patience to watch the subtle grace of a praying mantis? Even if you don’t, Rick Lieder’s photographs give you the opportunity to be a part of a praying mantis’ world. It’s too difficult to choose a favorite picture, but I love (and also feel a bit spooked) when the praying mantis, illuminated by light, stares directly at the reader. As much as I love praying mantises, I did get the weebie jeebies when hundreds of babies “dropped into the world.” Maybe someday I will have the patience to be a part of a praying mantis’ world. Until that day, I will happily drop into this book.

Sammy by Alix Berenzy (Picture Book)

Sammy is a charming classroom guinea pig who knows how to express his feelings with his impressive vocabulary of WHEEPs, squeals, shrieks, and chuckles. After Sammy emits a loud WHEEP, the teacher and students thoughtfully and carefully examine Sammy and determine he is feeling lonely after the long weekend. During this journey, they discuss the emotions behind each of Sammy’s sounds and help him feel better. What a great way to talk about how our body language can help us figure out each other’s emotions. The illustrations are also so adorable you won’t be able to contain all the SQUEES and may end up competing with Sammy for making the loudest noises.

Mrs. Peanuckle's Kitchen Alphabet by Mrs. Peanuckle and illustrated by Jessie Ford (Board Book)

Exciting text and illustrations, plenty of opportunities for conversation, and multiple words for each letter.

A Bargain for Frances by Russell Hoban and illustrated by Lillian Hoban (Early Reader)

I finally got around to reading a Frances book, and I’m sure glad I did. Frances’ friend, Thelma doesn’t always play fair. When Frances uses Thelma’s tricks to outsmart her, Thelma is shocked. It’s clear she wasn’t thinking about Frances’ feelings. Rather than that being the end of it, Frances does a very big thing and explains her actions and they quickly decide being friends is more important than mean tricks. Now I’m off to read the other Frances books!