Playhouse

Text: Robert Munsch

Illustrations: Michael Martchenko

Year: 2002

Publisher: Scholastic, Canada

Age:  5 - 10 years

No. of Pages: 30

Book Type: Picture Book

ISBN: 978 0 43998 959 6

Rene, an ambitious little girl asks her dad to build her a playhouse. He builds her a wonderful two-storey playhouse with real windows and a slide.

After a week, though, Rene feels the playhouse would be complete if it had a play barn. Soon, chickens and a play cow are moved to the barn accompanied by her dad's tractor and the bulldozer.

After a month, Rene decides that her playhouse misses a play mommy and play daddy. And that’s when, her parents decide that Rene’s ambitions needs to be handled. :-)

This rib-tickling book is yet another gem from the Munsch-Martchenko duo. :-)

A big thumbs up!

Excerpt

One day, Rene went to her father and said, "Pleeeeeease make me a playhouse! Our farm is way out in the middle of the woods, and I have nobody to play with except my little brothers. I need a playhouse.”

Hide & Seek

By Il Sung Na

Year: 2011

Publisher: Meadowside Children’s Books, London

Age: 4 - 6 years

No. of Pages: 32

Book Type: Picture Book

ISBN:  978 1 84539 545 2

It’s time to play in the forest. The animals decide to play hide-and-seek. Of course, it was the chameleon’s idea, who is after all, an expert at hiding in plain sight.

The Elephant counts from 1 to 10. He finds all the animals except Chameleon.

We loved this book because we got to look for Chameleon, who was cleverly concealed by the author, on every page! :-)

Excerpt

At the edge of the vast rain forest, where sunlight shines through the leaves, the animals gather together.

Something is about to happen!

No Babysitters Allowed

Text: Amber Stewart

Illustrations: Laura Rankin

Year: 2008

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing, New York

Age: 3 – 7 years

No. of Pages: 32

Book Type: Picture Book, Bedtime

ISBN:  978 0 74759 847 3

No Babysitters Allowed addresses the common concerns of a child who’s not happy to see his parents go out for the evening and even less happier to have a babysitter.

Ordinarily, brave and bold Hopscotch is fearless but when he realizes that his parents are going out for the evening, he “doesn’t feel brave at all.”

His babysitter, Mrs. Honeybunch, soon befriends little Hopscotch and they have a great time playing, painting and reading.

Excerpt

Hopscotch and Rabbity pressed their noses to the goodbye window, still waving long after Mummy and Daddy had turned the corner out of sight. 

Duck, Duck, Goose

By Tad Hills, Wikipedia

Year: 2007

Publisher: Boxer Books, Great Britain  

Age: 3 - 6 years

No. of Pages: 40

Book Type: Picture Book

ISBN:  978 1 90625 032 4

Goose’s idyllic life is disrupted by the arrival of the aptly named Thistle, a boastful little duck. Goose is appalled that his best friend, Duck is in awe of his new buddy.

The duo are goaded into doing stuff they don't even like - hold their breath, stand on their heads, hop on one leg and several other maneuvers aimed at making Thistle look good. Soon, Duck and Goose have had enough.

They think up a clever ruse to keep Thistle engaged – they have a nap contest and decide that the winner is whoever falls asleep first and the longest. Of course, Thistle wins while Duck and Goose do the stuff they love most – listen to the river, feel the breeze, look for butterflies, and kick a ball around the meadows.

This is an adorable series and the illustrations are fantastic! :-)

Excerpt

Just then Goose heard twigs snap and leaves rustle. He watched his butterfly flutter away.

One of the bushes came Duck and Thistle.

“You missed it, Duck,” said Goose. “A butterfly was sitting on my head.” 

Other books in this series:

•   Duck and Goose
•   Duck and Goose: How are you feeling?
•   Duck and Goose: 1,2,3
•   Duck, Duck, Goose
•         Duck and Goose Colors
• 
  

Kipper’s Snowy Day

By Mick Inkpen, Wikipedia

Year: 1996

Publisher: Hodder Children’s Books, London

Age: 3 - 6 years

No. of Pages: 32

Book Type: Picture Book

ISBN:  978 0 34093 210 0

This book is about the delightfully charming duo of playful puppies, Kipper (Wikipedia) and Tiger.

It’s snowing and that makes it just the perfect day for fun and frolic. They roll down the hill and make a giant snowdog dressed up with Tiger’s clothes.

They are thrilled to discover more snow the next day and the next. And so, their work of pristine puppy art stands for almost three whole weeks.

Excerpt

Kipper charged down the hill.

‘Are you all right, Tiger?’ he panted.

Tiger pulled off his silly, woolly hat.

A big grin spread across his face.

‘Again!’ he said.

Manners at the Park

Text: Arianna Candell

Illustrations: Rosa M. Curto

Year: 2012

Publisher: Salariya Book Company, UK

Age: 4 - 8 years

No. of Pages: 36

Book Type: Picture Book, Educational

ISBN:  978 1 90817 710 0

It’s never too early to introduce children to rules and manners. The earlier the exposure, the sooner they’ll understand that following rules helps keep everyone safe and happy which is what this book attempts to impart to little ones.

The book takes us into Lily’s neighborhood. As each good manner is explained, we meet Lily’s friends. The book covers most manners and rules while playing at the park – taking turns, litter, involving others, new toys, holding grown-ups’ hands when crossing the road and more.

Excerpt

Rosie loves the swings so much that she could spend the whole day there! She doesn’t see the other kids waiting for a turn, so the queue is getting longer and longer. 

Humphrey’s Corner

By Sally Hunter

Year: 1999

Publisher: Puffin Books

Age: 3 – 6 years

No. of Pages: 30

Book Type: Picture Book

ISBN:  978 0 14056 585 0

An adorable baby elephant is about to start his day. He gathers his Mooey (blanket), a little stool and his beloved Mop, a bunny rabbit. He puts them into a box and looks around for a cozy corner to play in.

Humphrey's Corner is saturated with innocence. The text and story is endearing. The illustrations are suffused with the tender glow of morning sunlight. The font is perfect – handwritten in neat , loving pencil strokes.

A fabulous package. :-)

Excerpt

So Humphrey put his Mooey, the little stool, the bottle with the pretty colours and Mummy’s sparkly necklace into the box with Mop on top …

Baby Tawnies

By Judy Paulson

Year: 2012

Publisher: Random House, Australia  

Age: 3 – 5 years

No. of Pages: 32

Book Type: Picture book

ISBN:  978 1 72475 577 9

The book features a family of Tawny Frogmouths, (a native Australian bird that looks like it belongs to the owl family but does not).

Reggie and Lyla, decide to get adventurous when their parents go out at night to hunt for them. Before long, they've learnt not only to sit on a branch just like their parents but also to flutter their wings and fly!

The book uses clever photography with Tawny Frogmouth dolls as illustrations.

Excerpt

The next night, Lyla and Reggie bounce out onto the branch.

‘Come on, Reggie, let’s fly,’ says Lyla as she flutters her wings and sails into the air.

Reggie lifts his wings up and down, up and down, faster and faster, faster and faster…

Dick and Jane: Jump and Run (Puffin Young Readers - Level 1)

Year: 2013 (this edition)

Publisher: Puffin Young Readers, USA

Age: 3 and above

No. of Pages: 32

ISBN: 978 0 448 45809 0

Here's another encouraging book for beginner-level readers with easy words and tiny sentences. 

The text details Dick and Jane's play time adventures with their little sister Sally and their pets, Spot and Puff.

Excerpt

Look, Dick.

See Puff jump.

Oh, look.

Look and see.

See Puff jump and play.

A Walk in the Park

By Anthony Browne, Wikipedia 

Year: 2013 (this edition), First published in 1977

Publisher: Walker Books, London

Age: 4 and above

No. of Pages: 32

ISBN: 978 1 40634 164 5

This is a sweet tale of budding friendship set amid the starkly different social backgrounds of their families. The illustrations are intriguing with quirky little elements that pop up at odd places and  waiting to be discovered like little Easter eggs. What would you make of a stone chimney that casts the shadow of a man in a bowler hat? Or a fountain pool with a, presumably resident, hippopotamus?

Anyway, the story is about Mr. Smith and his little girl Smudge out on a walk with their dog Albert. As are, a Mrs. Smythe and her son Charles with their dog Victoria. Their mannerisms and clothes suggest starkly differences but the children and their dogs get acquainted pretty quickly.

Excerpt

While the dogs played, Smudge and Charles edged nearer and nearer to each other.

Mr Smith and Mrs Smythe looked the other way.

Smudge went on the swings, swinging higher and higher, as high as she dared. Charles was not so sure. 

Wanda and the Alien

By Sue Hendra

Year: 2011

Publisher: Red Fox, London

Age: 3 – 7 years

No. of Pages: 32

Book Type: Picture Book

ISBN:  978 1 84941 018 2

Wanda, a happy little rabbit befriends an alien. Her friends, however, don’t have the same reaction - they are scared. Once they get to know him, they become such good friends that they beg the alien to stay on for Christmas. :-)

This book sends out a great message to little ones  – “friends come in all shapes and sizes.” One just has to take the time and effort to get to know them.

Excerpt

The alien’s rocket had crash landed and needed to be mended. Wanda fetched her tools.

Wanda and the alien didn’t speak the same language, but they made each other laugh a lot. 

Hooray for Harry

By Kim Lewis

Year: 2006

Publisher: Walker Books, London

Age: 2 – 6 years

No. of Pages: 32

Book Type: Picture Book

ISBN:  978 1 40630 377 3

We picked this book essentially because the cover was simply adorable. The book, certainly, did not disappoint. Three fuzzy-wuzzy friends are on a quest to find a much-loved blanket.

Harry wants to cuddle in his blanket for a nap but he can't seem to find it anywhere. Ted and Lulu help him retrace his steps through the day to find the blanket. 

The impressive detailing in the illustrations make you want to reach out and touch the blanket and the animals. This could have been a lovely touch-and-feel book. 

Excerpt

Harry thought of his blanket, so fluffy and soft. He thought very hard. He thought and thought.

My blanket was a tent, then a swing and a sail. Our picnic made it all sticky. We washed it and washed it and then …

Dick and Jane: Something Funny (Puffin Young Readers – Level 1)

Year: 1951

Publisher: Puffin Young Readers, New York

Age: 3 – 5 years

No. of Pages: 32

Book Type: Illustrated early chapter book, educational

ISBN:  978 0 44846 117 5

This is one of those truly easy-to-read books for early readers. This book also introduces simple chapters to encourage young ones.

Meet Dick, Jane and their little baby sister, Sally as they have loads of fun and adventure during their playtime.

Excerpt

Oh, Jane.

See Sally.

See little Sally.

Little, little Sally.

I-Spy: Wide Eye Reading

Text: Karen Foster

Illustrations: Jan Smith

Publisher: Children First Ltd., UK

Age: 0 to 4 years

Book Type: Board book

No. of Pages: 12

Here’s another delightful bedtime book featuring Hoot, the sweet little owl. The book encourages your little ones to search for and 'spy' through peepholes on every other page. It’s a board book too so you can introduce it safely to your baby.

The book uses the much-loved I Spy theme to introduce the inhabitants of a great, big tree as ‘spied’ by a bat, Batwing.

The sleepy owls ought to bring plenty of bedtime calm to little ones.

Excerpt

Batwing says, ‘I spy two, big bright eyes.’

It’s Wide Eye keeping watch.

Goodnight Wide Eye!

It’s Mine!

Author: Tracey Corderoy

Illustrator: Caroline Pedler

Year: 2012

Publisher: Little Tiger Press, London

Age: 4 and above

No. of Pages: 24

ISBN: 978 1 84895 482 3

There just won’t be enough books for little ones on sharing. :-) This book from Little Tiger Press is outstanding, though.

The object in question is a furry little tiger toy, which is soft to touch, on the pages too!

Baby Bear loves Rory, his striped toy and finds it hard to share it with his friend, Lulu. Mummy arrives to make peace and takes them to the park. After some time of playing by themselves, which is no fun at all, they realize, it is fun to share and play with each other,  after all.

Excerpt

Slowly, Baby Bear held out another toy for Lulu.

“But I don’t want him,” Lulu frowned. “I want Rory.”

“Why don’t we go to the park?” smiled Mummy. “I’ll bring Rory along with me.”

“OK,” mumbled Baby Bear and Lulu.

Scat, Cats! (Puffin Young Readers – Level 2)

Text: Joan Holub, Wikipedia

Illustrations: Rich Davis

Year: 2001

Publisher: Puffin Young Readers, New York  

Age: 3 and above

No. of Pages: 32

ISBN:  978 0 44846 124 3

Here’s another great book for beginner readers with plenty of three, four and five-letter words in small sentences to encourage little ones. And then, it also all about cats – fast cats, loud cats, bad cats, sly cats and more! :-)

Excerpt

Sly cats jump up high.

Show-off cats try to zoom.

Kersplat! Crash! Bang! Boom!

Stop cats!

I Love the Rain

Author: Margaret Park Bridges

Illustrator: Christine Davenier

Year: 2005

Publisher: Chronicle Books, USA 

Age: 4 and above

No. of Pages: 26

ISBN: 978 1 58717 208 3

Read this book and you’ll remember everything that is beautiful and exciting about rain. :-)

I loved it for the highly imaginative narrative and the joie-de-vivre that shines through Molly and Sophie. As they get home from school on a rainy day, they imagine all sorts of happy images for all that a rain means – the drops, the wet street, the puddles.

Of course, my kids wanted to jump into the very next rain that came along. It’s the book. Its happiness is infectious.

Excerpt

“What’s that sound on the roof?” asks Sophie.

“Tap dancers!” I jump in. “A whole chorus line on stage above us.”

We tap our toes all the way to our stop.

I Love You Always and Forever

Author: Jonathan Emmett

Illustrator: Daniel Howarth

Year: 2007

Publisher: Gullane Children’s Books, London

Age: 3 and above

No. of Pages: 24

ISBN: 978 1 86233 621 6

This is a tender story of a parent’s love for his little one, captured elegantly in sensitive prose and poignant illustrations.  

Granted, the protagonists here are mice but any dad would relate to this charming book.:-)

It’s a beautiful day in the woodland. Littletail and her dad, Longtail are playing all her favorite little games.  As they play, Longtail realizes that soon things will not be the same. His little one will grow up and be faster and cleverer than him. Yet, one thing will not change - his love for Littletail is forever.

Excerpt

It was getting late, but Littletail wanted to play one last game.

“Follow the leader!” she said.

Longtail was small – but Littletail was smaller. And she could squeeze through where Longtail could 

not.

“I always get through,” said Littletail proudly.

“Do you always?” laughed Longtail, “Well it won’t be forever, one day you will be just as big as me!” 

Dick and Jane, Go, Go, Go: Puffin Young Readers (Level 1)

Year: 1956 (This edition in 2003)

Publisher: Puffin Young Readers, USA

Age: 3 and above

No. of Pages: 32

ISBN: 978 0 44845 788 8

Meet Dick, Jane and their little baby sister, Sally as they have loads of fun and adventure during their playtime.

This is one of those truly easy-to-read books for early readers featuring the much-loved duo and their delightful family.

Excerpt

Oh, Jane.

Look and see.

See Sally go.

See Tim go.

See Spot and Puff go. 

The Bobbsey Twins: Freddie and Flossie

Author: Laura Lee Hope

Illustrator: Chuck Pyle

Year: 2005

Publisher: Aladdin Paperbacks, New York

Age: 4 and above                                                

No. of Pages: 32

ISBN: 978 1 41690 270 8

Website: Ready to Read

I guess, this is the introductory book to the Bobbsey twins. The book employs a witty tone and friendly words to describe the twins and their fun times.  

Again, it’s from the Ready-to-Read Pre-Level 1 series. The sentences are small and there are plenty of repetitive words and phrases.

The illustrations liven up the text to make this book appealing to young readers. 

Excerpt

Freddie is loud.

Flossie is not.

Freddie plays firefighter.

CLANG! CLANG!