City Across Time by Peter Kent

Peter Kent's City Across Time is a remarkable treasure that combines rich illustrations with an excellent timeline of cultural and social history from 30,000 BC to the near future.  And beyond.

My son and his first grade buddy were enchanted for over twenty minutes by the detail of the drawings.  Mr. Kent has created a fictional plot of land and accurately chronicled the changes that occur over time as a result of human occupation.  Each century is marked by illustrations and information that are easily understood by all ages.  The rich drawings clearly depict the layers of culture that are built as successive civilizations come and go.  My son was engaged by the elements that carry from one view to the next - the same tree, streambed or ancient garbage pit.  He searched each page for each item, noting its position as the world above changed.

City Across Time is a book that you and your kids will return to over and over again.  Treat yourself.
see more or Mr. Kent's amazing illustrations
find City Across Time on Amazon
find City Across Time at your local library

The Little Red Hen (Makes a Pizza) by Philemon Sturges/Illustrations by Amy Walrod

Oh, how we loved The Little Red Hen (Makes a Pizza) by Philemon Sturges.  I figured that we would be treated to another version of the Little Red Hen tale and her band of lazy, hungry friends.  Yet another chance to emphasize the virtue of work ethic and sharing in the work to share in the reward.  Mr. Sturges has given this classic a welcome twist - pizza!  The pages unfold with loads of images to identify as the pizza ingredients are gathered. Then the cooking begins.  All along the perennial cast of characters (this time city dwellers) loaf while the Hen cooks.  The second twist comes at the end; I won't spoil it but to say that you can still work a lesson out of the story just not the usual.

After reading this book I went on a trip down pizza memory lane.  Watching the methodical creation of a Shakey's Pizza in Billings, 1973.  The amazing Athens Pizza in Georgia.  High school years devoted to consuming as much of the deep dish majesty at Armand's Pizza in D.C.  

Thanks Little Red Hen for the great turn on a classic and the tasty memories.

Art and Max by David Wiesner

Art and Max by David Wiesner is a visually stunning book about friendship and art.  So many partners come to mind; Laurel and Hardy, R2 and C3PO...you get the picture. These desert dwellers drive each crazy but would be far worse off apart. 

It's fun to watch one character start recreating the other about halfway through the book.  There is real artistic license at work.  You and your kids will read Art and Max more than once to catch the intricacies of Mr. Wiesner's eye-popping illustrations. 

Learn more about Mr. Wiesner's 2007 Caldecott Medal "Flotsam" at http://www.thefishknowthesecret.com/http://www.thefishknowthesecret.com/

This Is The Turkey by Abby Levine/illustrated by Paige Billin-Frye

I picked up Abby Levine's "This Is The Turkey" from my libraries' Thanksgiving kids' book section.  Figured that I had grabbed a heartwarming Thanksgiving children's book that would enterntain and explain this holiday.

Her book offered that and more.  Rich illustrations walk through the process of the day as the kitchen fills with wonderful smells (and cooks!, guests arrive and the table is set.  Halfway through the book the dinner takes a decided turn with an event that made my kids laugh out loud.  Then it ends in a good lesson of "mistakes happen and forgiveness matters" that provided yet another touchstone when one of my children made the other cry (likely five minutes later).  Mistakes happen, remember to forgive.

Learn more about Abby Levine
Check out Paige Billin-Frye's website

Wolf! Wolf! by John Rocco

We thoroughly enjoyed Wolf! Wolf! by John Rocco.  Based on Aesop's fable of The Boy who Cried Wolf, Mr. Rocco's richly illustrated version honors the moral tale while underscoring the joy of new friendship.  Take your time and turn the pages slowly, savoring the details of each picture.  It's a treat when such care is taken by an author/illustrator and you will be rewarded by this book.

I enjoyed learning how Mr. Rocco crafted the story and images for his book.  Read 'the making of Wolf! Wolf!' on his website.

Another favorite is Moonpowder and I'm looking forward to Fu Finds the Way.

Crossing by Phillip Booth; illustrations by Bagram Ibatoulline

This magical book gives new life to Mr. Booth's classic 1957 poem.  Crossing is an homage to the passing of a train and the language of the rails.

Erie and Wabash
Seaboard, U.P.
Pennsy tankcar,
twenty-two, three


The passages rhythmically travel across the pages and get better on the second and third reading.  Your kids will enjoy the repeated readings as much as you do.  As you read they will gaze at Mr. Ibatoulline's finely detailed illustrations.  The images captured a time in America when trains provided spectacle and joy; kids' grinning faces gaze at each other from under the passing cars. 

There is a thrill to see folks gathering around this moving sculpture of steel and sound; reacting to its passage instead of viewing the train as another barrier if  their busy lives. Early readers will find the words accessible.  The view of the entire train will inspire counting of the train cars. Railfans of all ages will love the combination of Mr. Booth's words and Mr. Ibatoulline rich paintings offered in this publication of Crossings.

Pig and Crow by Kay Chorao

Kay Chorao has crafted an endearing tale that chronicles Pig's hard work and perseverance in searching for a friend.  Reminiscent of an Aesop's Fable, Pig repeatedly accepts Crow's trades in the hope that Pig will make a friend.  Each time Crow leaves with a goodie but Pig receives the true reward as he learns about patience and hard work.

Pig is an earnest and gentle soul.  You can't help but to be drawn into his solitary world.  I enjoyed how each vignette showed Pig learning a bit more patience and work ethic. The tone avoids preaching at kids and this does not have the feel of a contrived morality tale.  Instead we are offered a sweet tale that ends with the best gift of all; unexpected friendship.  Pig and Crow is a wonderful book for bedtime.

Learn more about the this talented author and illustrator at kaychorao.com.

It's a Book written and illustrated by Lane Smith

Oh how perfect.  My six year old definitely got some of the exasperation behind the repeated statement "It's a Book" as monkey tries to tell jackass what the book is.  And isn't.  No mouse, it doesn't tweet, no status updates, etc.  You get it.  The interplay is great and the last line leaves you waiting for the next time you will meet these two.

Lane's illustrations are rich in texture and perfectly accompany the, sometimes acerbic, dialog between the two characters.

Check out Lane Smith's work at lanesmithbooks.com

Dinotrux by Chris Gall

We love dinosaurs.  Perhaps 20% of our collection had some kind of dinosaur connection.  So Dinotrux is right up our alley what with its play on words dino names and clever illustrations.  Each species gets inspiration from one vehicle or another.  Enjoy the hungry Craneosaurus, hulking Dozeratops or the terrifying Tyrannosaurus Trux.  My personal favorite was the herd of dozing, brown Deliveradons.  I wonder if UPS has a copy of this book in their lobby?

Check out Mr. Gall's work at his wonderful website.

Finn Throws a Fit by David Elliot/illustrations by TImothy Basil Ering

This book will delight children and, perhaps, restore a bit of parental sanity after a long day with a cranky kid.  Mr. Ering's sweet image of smiling Finn transitions quickly into a simmering, smoldering toddler.  Then the storm arrives in full force causing mom and dad to take refuge.  Easy to laugh at after a long day for child and parent alike.

The plot is easily understood by younger children and within reach of early readers.   Dynamic illustrations support the plot to perfection.

In between the giggling is the chance for readers to acknowledge that mommies, daddies and kids have bad days and that they do pass. Finn Throws a Fit is a good bedtime read.

Boy Saves Earth From Giant Octopus by Frank and Devin Asch

Boy Saves Earth From Giant Octopus is one of those books that draws one into the story again and again.  The creative plot is starts in a tabloid newsroom and ends on the streets as father and son chase one improbable lead after another.  The illustrations are well crafted in a monochrome pallet and provide many cameos that will appeal to readers of a certain age (those who know Elvis).  Sasquatch as cab driver is just an example of the tales that await in this wonderful creation by this father and son team.

Stick Man by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler

Oh how we laughed. Now go get Stick Man. 

No really.  My son loaded grabbed this one of the shelf at the library today and it was the hit of tonight's bedtime reading.  Santa makes a cameo but this is far more than a "holiday book".  The fun is in watching Stick Man declare that he is more than a stick while getting into situations that are normal...for a stick (like dogs, floating down the creek and being used as kindling).  All the while our hero is desperately trying to get back to his family. 

The illustrations beg for repeated exploration as you and your kids predict what will befall Stick Man next. 

Sally's Great Balloon Adventure by Stephen Huneck

Sally's Great Balloon Adventure is a wonderful adventure for kids-and the main character, Sally. A family trip turns into a high flying voyage for this inquisitive and hungry chocolate lab.  Readers (and especially those who have lived with a Lab) will be amazed by Sally's restraint as she soars ever higher while resisting tempation.  My six year old enjoyed retelling the story while my three year olds were captivated by the bold and colorful images.

I especially enjoyed Mr. Huneck's woodcut illustrations.  His art captures perfectly the varied expressions of a Lab.  We look forward to reading about Sally's other adventures.

Ding Dong Ding Dong by Margie Palatini, illustrations by Howard Fine

This book offers enough allusions to King Kong to keep the grownups going while still providing bedtime friendly laughs.  The Ape in question is working his way to the top again but this time he's selling "Ape-On" cosmetics.  You will need to really appreciate puns or this book might just drive you...bananas.  Great intro to NYC for suburban kids and a taste of Gotham for the city kids. 

Rollicking plot and wonderful illustrations.  My three and six year old loved it.

MoonShot The Flight of Apollo 11 by Brian Floca

Ok, so I am a space geek.  As is my whole family.  Brian Floca's Moonshoot The Flight of Apollo 11 was right up our alley. Rich watercolor illustrations accompany text that captures both the science and the emotion behind the moon mission.  Moonshot is faithful to the technology and I appreciated that Mr. Floca makes the content accessible without drawing cartoons.  My favorite image is of a family's reaction to the news that the Eagle has landed.  Each face evokes a different emotion. Look closely at the image on the console TV and see Walter Cronkite removing his glasses to wipe away tears of relief.


The frontspiece alone is worth the trip.  I have never read such a clear description of the different components of the Apollo mission.  Read this one and then go out before bedtime to take a long look at the moon.

Visit Mr. Floca's website for the details behind his Moonshoot watercolors and news about his next book, Ballet for Martha.