Once Upon A Time...
/The Gift Of Reading To Children…
Children’s books have the magical ability to distill what is truly important in a finite number of words. No matter our age, if we choose to turn the page on a storybook, we will feel that sense of nostalgia for the whimsy and wonder that they offer. Through tales of adventure that are rife with imagination, we will find ourselves.
Among this very special collection you will find fractured fairytales, told with exquisite illustrations and magnificent story’s. You will find tales of fitting in and standing out. You will laugh out loud at the crayons on strike, the endless farts, the pampered cats and sleepy sloths. You will embrace the snuggly hugs and the coolest alphabet book ever. And you will want to board a rocket ship in the cloak of night and the elevator to everywhere.
I could choose to be more expansive on my feelings about reading to children, but this says it all for me.
A Poem That Says It Best…
I opened a book and in I strode
Now nobody can find me.
I’ve left my chair, my house, my road,
My town and my world behind me.
I’m wearing the cloak, I’ve slipped on the ring,
I’ve swallowed the magic potion.
I’ve fought with a dragon, dined with a king
And dived in a bottomless ocean.
I opened a book and made some friends.
I shared their tears and laughter
And followed their road with its bumps and bends
To the happily ever after.
I finished my book and out I came.
The cloak can no longer hide me.
My chair and my house are just the same,
But I have a book inside me.
Anne Wynne
Picture Perfect
…story books with magnificent, luminous & vivid illustrations
The Umbrella – Beth Ferry (Author), Tom Lichtenheld (Illustrator)
In a dreary town where it always rains, a little girl and her dog discover an unexpected way to spread the light. It will turn out that happiness can be contagious, all it takes is one person with a joyful idea. A great book, rain, or shine!
What To Expect: Generosity, Perseverance, Hope
Oh, Olive – Lian Cho (Author, Illustrator)
Olive is the most magnificent artist in the whole world! Her parents are also artists but paint pristine and perfect pictures. But Olive likes to be messy, smearing, splattering, and splashing paint everywhere she goes. Leaving vibrance and magic in her wake. Cheeky and clever fun!
What To Expect: Creativity, Originality, Joyfulness
A Bad Case Of The Stripes – David Shannon (Author, Illustrator)
Camilla loves lima beans, but she never eats them. Why? Because the other kids in school don’t, and she is very very worried about what other people might think of her. So worried in fact that she breaks out in a bad case of the stripes. Bright and vivid artwork with a special story.
What To Expect: Self Confidence, Fitting In, Standing Out
A Child Of Books – Oliver Jeffers (Author), Sam Winston (Illustrator)
A little girl sails her raft across a sea of words, arriving at the house of a small boy and taking him away on an adventure. Through forests of fairy tales and across mountains of make believe, the two have a fantastical journey that unlocks the boy’s imagination. An irresistible delight to a lifelong book lover, one who hopes to inspire the same in a child they love.
What To Expect: Curiosity, Imagination, Adventure
The Night Frolic – Julie Berry (Author), Jaime Zollars (Illustrator)
Where do children go when they drift off to sleep? They float on a warm nighttime breeze, they tumble down a mountain, they sail in silver ships in the night. A beguiling and beautiful invitation to flights of fancy and the sweet dreams they inspire!
What To Expect: Imagination, Adventure, Dreams
The Artist – Ed Vere (Author, Illustrator)
Our brave little hero sets out on an epic adventure to add colour and animation to a drab gray city, bringing beauty to those that live there. A reminder to us all that it’s okay to colour outside the lines.
What To Expect: Self-Expression, Creativity, Bravery
Cat Problems – Jory John (Author), Lane Smith (Illustrator)
What could a pampered house cat possibly have to complain about? Literally EVERYTHING. Which if you’ve had a cat, you understand. Our cat has real life problems. The sunspot he’s trying to bathe in won’t stop moving. He keeps getting served dry food instead of wet. And don’t get him started on the vacuum, it’s an absolute menace! A malcontent kitty narrator steals this show!
What To Expect: Sarcasm, Hilarity, Sharp Wit
The Invisible Boy – Trudy Ludwig (Author), Patrice Barton (Illustrator)
Being invisible sounds like an incredible superpower! But what if you didn’t choose to be invisible? What if you wanted to be included in games and invited to parties? Brian is a quiet boy who always feels invisible, until the day he welcomes a new boy to class and they both blossom. Reading this is a great reminder of how easy it is to help another person feel special.
What To Expect: Kindness, Inclusivity, Friendship
Who Will U Be? – Jessica Hische (Author, Illustrator)
It’s the annual “Find Yourself Field Trip” at Ms. Brackett’s School Of Little Letters, and “u” couldn’t be more excited. She can’t wait to see all the ways letters are used in the world and explore what her own potential might be. Clever storytelling and vibrant illustrations that will instill a love of words in children of all ages!
What To Expect: Self-Expression, Individuality, Curiosity
Teddy’s Midnight Adventure – Yoko Mori (Author), Cathy Hirano (Illustrator)
On a magical moonlit night, Akiko and her Teddy look for his missing button eye, finding the garden a strange and mysterious place at the midnight hour. They will cross paths with many enchanting characters. Charming and utterly lovely to look at!
What To Expect: Friendship, Wonderment, Adventure
5 More Sleep’s ‘til Christmas – Jimmy Fallon (Author), Rich Deas (Illustrator)
What’s more fun that getting ready for the most exciting week of the year! Join one impatient little boy as he count’s down to the big moment. A sweet and spirited spin on a Christmas book that is bound to be a classic.
What To Expect: Anticipation, Joy, Exuberance
Guaranteed Giggles
…wordplay, rhymes and outrageousness bound to cause laughter
The Stinky Cheese Man: & Other Fairly Stupid Tales – Jon Scieszka (Author), Lane Smith (Illustrator)
Long ago people used to tell magical stories of wonder and enchantment. These are not those stories. An unconventional page arrangement and eclectic mix of text and pictures drives this spoof on the fairy tale. A masterpiece and absolute must have for any children’s library.
What To Expect: Absurdity, Cleverness, Silliness
The Most Serious Fart – Mike Bender (Author), Chuck Dillon (Illustrator)
A solitary fart who takes himself too seriously sets out on a mission to change the fart as we know it, but instead learns to embrace his fartiness and the fun that comes with it. Kids love farts, need I say more…also there are hundreds of hidden butts for the kiddos to discover! So I’ve heard…
What To Expect: Hilarity, Absurdity, Cleverness
D Is For Drool – Amanda Noll & Shari Dash (Author), Howard McWilliam (Illustrator)
When Ethan can’t sleep, he doesn’t count sheep, he says his ABC’s. But an alphabet fit for the monster loving boy! He likes things that slither and ooze! A creative and beautifully illustrated spin on the usual ABC books. One more likely to illicit snorting laugher than gasps of fear.
What To Expect: Playfulness, Whimsy, Wit
The Day The Crayons Quit – Drew Daywait (Author), Oliver Jeffers (Illustrator)
Poor Duncan just wants to colour, is that too much to ask? But when he opens his box of crayons, he finds on a message. The crayons have had enough. They quit! Black crayon wants to be used for more than just outlining., and Yellow and Orange are fighting about which is the true colour of the sun. Duncan must find a way to get them back to what they do best. The ransom notes these memorable characters leave are hilarious!
What To Expect: Diversity, Personality, Unity
Attack Of The Underwear Dragon – Scott Rothman (Author), Pete Oswald (Illustrator)
Cole’s dream comes true when he becomes an Assistant Knight to Sir Percival. He learns how to ride a horse, swing a sword, and see to Sir Percival’s every need. Cole realizes he might be able to reach full Knighthood when he discovers his bosses secret. Percival is terrified that an Underwear Dragon will come and destroy the kingdom. What special powers does an Underwear Dragon possess might you ask? No way I’m spoiling that!
What To Expect: Bravery, Gallantry, Loyalty
Wordy Birdy – Tammi Sauer (Author), Dave Mottram (Illustrator)
Wordy Birdy LOVES to talk, but does she love to listen? Not so much. One day, while out for a walk her gift of the gab gets her into hot water. It’s up to her long-suffering friends to save their distracted pal from possible doom. A book that will have the reader and the listener in stitches.
What To Expect: Friendship, Sharing, Acceptance
It’s Only Stanley – Jon Agee (Author,Illustrator)
Mysterious noises keep waking up the Wimbledon family. Every time Mr. Wimbledon returns from checking on the sounds, he reassures the family that it’s only Stanley, fixing the oil tank, clearing the bathtub drain. But what Stanley is actually doing, while his oblivious family snoozes away is absurd, he’s turning the house into a rocket to zoom to another planet for an alien encounter. Deliciously ridiculous!
What To Expect: Irreverence, Fun, Creative Thinking
The Book With No Pictures – B.J. Novak (Author)
You might think a book with no pictures seems boring and absolutely no fun. Except that it is. Everything written on the page must be said by the person reading it aloud. Even if the words are preposterous and nonsensical, which of course they frequently are. Warning: will induce belly laughs in children!
What To Expect: Irreverence, Joy, Creativity
Do Not Open This Book – Andy Lee (Author), Heath McKenzie (Illustrator)
A funny blue monster pleads with you NOT to keep reading. As his pleas grow more impassioned, readers will delight in doing exactly the opposite, no matter the potential consequences.
What To Expect: Irreverence, Fun, Disobedience
My Parents Won’t Stop Talkng – Emma Hunsinger (Author), Tillie Walden (Illustrator)
Parents ruin everything. It’s time to go to the park and Molly can’t wait! It’s going to be awesome and amazing, if only her parents would stop talking to the neighbors already! It’s so boring and it feel like it’s going on forever! Nothing like the full throttle agony of being a kid waiting on their parents!
What To Expect: Irreverence, Impatience, Melodrama
Snoozefest – Samantha Berger (Author), Kristyna Litten (Illustrator)
Snuggleford Cuddlebun is a champion sleeper. So good at it that she decides to go to Snoozefest, a festival that celebrates sleep. Where she gets to lounge in her hammock while bands like the Nocturnal Nesters and the Quiet Quartet serenade the audience. This is festival that all the grownup nappers and dozers need!
What To Expect: Sweet Dreams, Puns & Fun, Cleverness
Teach Your Children Well
…the life lessons & other learning best left to books
The Very Best Hug – Smriti Prasadam-Halls (Author), Alison Brown (Illustrator)
A delightful book about the power of hugs, from bear hugs to cuddles, there are so many to choose from. Full of sweet, silly, and snuggly moments, this is an irresistible story that is guaranteed to warm your heart. Warning: you will want hugs when you are done reading.
What To Expect: Unconditional Love, All Kinds Of Love, Sharing
Lift – Minh Le (Author), Dan Santat (Illustrator)
Iris loves to push the elevator buttons in her apartment building, but when she needs to share the fun, she not very happy about it. That is, until the sudden appearance of a mysterious new button opens up realms of possibility. Places where she can escape and explore on her own. When she discovers that the adventure is so much better when you share it with someone you love, it will be more than she ever imagined. A book that pushes all the right buttons!
What To Expect: Transformation, Adventure, Imagination
The Tragically Hip ABC – The Tragically Hip (Author), Clayton Hammer & More (Illustrator)
With each letter of the alphabet telling the story of a different song of this legendary Canadian band, this is the perfect gift for readers of all ages. And if you are expecting to be seen as cool in any way, this should be your choice for teaching your children the alphabet.
What To Expect: Canadian Lore, Musical Lore, Storytelling & Songwriting
In My Heart – Jo Witek (Author), Christine Roussey (Illustrator)
Happiness, sadness, bravery, anger, shyness…our hearts can feel so many feelings! Some make us feel light as a balloon, others as heavy as an elephant. This brilliant book visits a full range of emotions, describing how they feel inside and outside. Evocative and unique!
What To Expect: All The Feels, Whimsy, Expressing Emotions
The Barnabus Project – Terry Fan (Author), Eric Fan & Devin Fan (Illustrator)
Deep underground beneath Perfect Pets, where children can buy genetically engineered “perfect” creatures, there is a secret lab. This is where Barnabus and his imperfect friends live, all failed projects. He has never been outside his tiny bell jar but dreams of one day seeing above ground. A dream he and his friends set out to realize, no matter how perilous the adventure. A magical and lushly illustrated story about being true to yourself.
What To Expect: Self-Love, Bravery, Friendship
Lost Inside My Head – Vigg (Author), David Warriner (Illustrator)
Vincent has a huge house in his head! It has an entrance, a living room, dark rooms, a control room and so many more rooms. He spends most of his time in the control room trying to figure out how it all works, but with thousands of flashing lights and blinking screens, it can be total chaos. A vivid depiction of a mind that works differently.
What To Expect: Resilience, Hope, Neuro Diversity.
The Liszts – Kyo Maclear (Author), Julia Sarda (Illustrator)
The Liszts make lists. They make lists most usual and most unusual. They make lists in all seasons, for all reasons. They make them every day but Sunday, which is listless. Then one day a visitor arrives and he’s not on anyone’s list. How will they handle this unexpected twist? As a lover of a good list, I couldn’t resist adding this to this particular list!
What To Expect: Spontaneity, Humour, Whimsy
Big – Vashti Harrison (Author,Illustrator)
A beautiful and poignant story tracing the emotional exploration of being big in a world that prizes being small. With spare text and exquisite illustrations, this book portrays how you can stand out and feel invisible at the same time.
What To Expect: Fitting In, Standing Out, Self-Acceptance
Busy Betty – Reese Witherspoon (Author), Xindi Yan (Illustrator)
When Betty gives Frank a big hug, she realizes he needs a bath, pronto! Her best friend Mae is coming over and Betty can’t have the smelliest dog in the whole world. But giving Frank a bath is harder than she thought and it seems impossible. With the help of her friend, she learns she can accomplish anything. A rollicking tale and will give the reader a sense of perpetual motion!
What To Expect: Friendship, Perseverance, Cleverness
Hattie Harmony Worry Detective – Elizabeth Olsen (Author), Marissa Valdez Illustrator)
Hattie is always there to help her friends when they need her. Always finding the perfect thing to calm their worries, but when her own fears start to bubble up, can she help herself? Excellent variety of scenarios to help your kiddo with all kinds of anxious feelings!
What To Expect: Calming Techniques, Self-Awareness, Friendship
Spellbound – Jess Townes (Author), Jennifer Harney (Illustrator)
Willow’s world is perfectly magical, until Rowan is born. When her new baby brother seems to enchant everyone he meets, she becomes convinced he is a real-life wizard. Can Willow put an end to his hocus pocus?
What To Expect: Whimsy, Love, Moxie
