"Although this story is based on Tibetan teachings, it resonates with all readers because it encourages us to make choices, not to fear change, and to be mindful of the life that we live." ~Judy B.

A Tibetan woodcutter dreams of exploring the world, but is too busy with his life to ever leave his valley. After he dies, he is taken on a journey through the cosmos and all the places on Earth as he makes choices that lead him to a new life. First published as part of the debut list for Barefoot Books in 1993, this gentle and inspiring look at life after death is just as relevant today.

Judy B. says:
"This delightful story tells of a woodcutter in Tibet who dreams of visiting other countries, other worlds.

When he dies, he is given a choice of the body and soul that he would like to inhabit, and the place to live, and he is reminded of all of his dreams and heart's desires.
 
His most lovely and interesting choice is at the end of the story.
 
Although this story is based on Tibetan teachings, it resonates with all readers because it encourages us to make choices, not to fear change, and to be mindful of the life that we live."

"This book is just fabulous, start to finish, words and illustrations both. I just love it when this happens." ~Jocelyn

"Hey Duncan! You make me work harder......"

"Dear Duncan, It has been great being your favorite color....."
 
"Duncan, OKAY, listen here kid......."

One day, much to Duncan's surprise, all the crayons in his box came to life and wrote him letters.

Complaints, compliments- and in one case a request for arbitration.

Kids and adults alike will laugh out loud when reading what each crayon had to get off it's chest.

Even better, Duncan took what was said into thoughtful consideration when drawing his next picture.

Black rainbow and green strawberries, anyone?

I am looking forward to asking the kids at Story Time what THEIR crayons are saying to them, then writing that down on their pictures.

This book is just fabulous, start to finish, words and illustrations both.  I just love it when this happens.

--Jocelyn

Jocelyn Had To Grown A Third Thumb To Tell You How Much She Loves These Books

In this sweet bedtime book for younger readers, kangaroos Cooper and Mama take a special journey to dreamland through nursery rhymes and song.

Jocelyn says:

"Cooper the kangaroo can't sleep, and asks, 'Please can you sing, then I'll go to my bed?'

Mama kangaroo indulges him.

The fun thing is Numeroff has written new words to familiar children's songs, so the reader can sing the new song, confident of the tune.

A happy, cosy book- combined with a little singing- is a magical combination.

I am quite taken with this cheerful bedtime picture book.

2 thumbs up!"

Fish wishes to be all sorts of animals because each one is special, then realizes there is something good about being a fish, too.

Jocelyn says:

"This fabulously illustrated beginning reader is irresistible!

With simple words the story is told of Fish who imagines how fun it would be to be someone else- a bobcat- or a butterfly- or a skunk!
"I wish I were a skunk. I could make a big stink!"

In the end, though, a juicy mayfly dinner reminds Fish of the pleasures of being a fish. 'To stay a fish is what I wish.'

What do YOU wish you were?

This would be great for Story Time read aloud as well as a welcoming beginning reader.

I love this book!"

Harvey Potter was a very strange fellow indeed. He was a farmer but not like any farmer you've ever met. He didn't grow corn, okra, or tomatoes. Harvey Potter grew balloons. No one knew exactly how he did it, but with the help of the light of a full moon, one friendly child catches a peek of just how Harvey Potter does it. And keeps some magic for herself.

Jocelyn says:

"Where do balloons come from? 

Well, I'll tell you--Harvey Potter grows them on a genuine, U.S. Government Inspected Balloon Farm---but not everyone is happy about those balloons, no-sireee. Just ask Wheezle Mayfield.

This book has the perfect balance of fantasy and suspense for the picture book crowd.

It is the best kind of picture book. The story grows right before our very eyes- just like those balloons growing in Harvey Potter's fields, and the illustrations are superb.

I think of this book as dessert.

Just this once, may I say 3 thumbs up?"

"Jerry Pinkney has become one of my most favorite artists." ~ Jackie

This companion to the Caldecott Medal-winning The Lion & the Mouse is Jerry Pinkney's most stunning masterpiece yet. Even the slowest tortoise can defeat the quickest hare, and even the proudest hare can learn a timeless lesson from the most humble tortoise: Slow and steady wins the race! Here is a superbly rendered journey from starting line to finish that embodies the bravery, perseverance, and humility we can all find inside ourselves.

Jackie says:
"Jerry Pinkney has become one of my most favorite artists.  There is so much depth and detail to his work, I have literally sat for hours just soaking in his beautiful illustrations.  I cannot praise him enough nor can I recommend him highly enough.  Come in and look at the book--I'm betting you'll leave the store with it, and perhaps at couple of his other works as well."

"I'm crazy for these sorts of books that require participation from their readers that truly does seem like magic.." ~Jackie

There is magic in every tree.The tall, silent one in the woods.The small, bumpy one in the park.Even the bare brown tree in your backyard.

As the seasons change, trees change, too.They sprout leaves. The leaves change color.Sometimes flowers bloom. Sometimes apples grow.Trees shelter birds and feed squirrels and bees.

There is magic in every tree.And in this book, you become the magician.How?Tap, clap, wiggle, jiggle, and then . . .turn the page.

Watch a wonderful trailer for this book HERE. 

Browse in the book HERE.

Jackie says:
"This book is in the vein of one of my favorites, Press Here by  Herve Tullet.  I feel in love with it at the first page.  I'm crazy for these sorts of books that require participation from their readers that truly does seem like magic.  For a few moments, I can be a child again, and I appreciate the little break from being so grown up. "

"It's brevity will allow for multiple readings, which is handy, since I can imagine it will be asked for again and again by your own little monsters." ~Jocelyn

 

Beloved author Jane Yolen scares up a new rhyming read-aloud about the snarfing, growling, snoring way that monsters go to bed.

Creep, gurgle, crawl, tumble! Meet two young monsters who are far from scary - they’re too busy having fun. They go to school, play outside with their friends, and eat after-school snacks. But they also have a bedtime, whether or not they’re ready for it! Young children and parents alike will find much to identify with as they follow these lovable little monsters getting ready for bed. With wildly colorful illustrations full of whimsy and warmth, Kelly Murphy brings Jane Yolen’s gently rhyming tale to rambunctious life.

Jocelyn says:

"This cheerful, richly illustrated going-to-bed book has gentle but hilarious illustrations accompanying a simple rhyme which leads little monsters from school through dinner and bath to bed. With a final 'I'm not sleepy' all is quiet and tucked-in in this safe and cozy monster town, with only the nightlights glowing on the last page.

 It's brevity will allow for multiple readings, which is handy, since I can imagine it will be asked for again and again by your own little monsters.

Wonderful!"

These guys are so popular, Jane Yolen wrote another book for them!

Those little monsters are back — and on the move! Jane Yolen takes her rhymes to the playground, aided by Kelly Murphy’s exuberant illustrations.

Stretching, twirling, tumbling, jumping! Welcome to a playground teeming with monsters, bristling with energy, and scaring up ways to have fun. Monsters swing and slide and piggyback ride. Monsters run three-legged races and fall on their faces. Monsters eat monster-sicles and vie for the fountain (Gulp...Grrrr...Grumble...Growl...All better now!). In this high-octane sequel to Creepy Monsters, Sleepy Monsters, wild and whimsical artwork revs up a read-aloud text that will have little listeners jumping up to join the action.

Jackie's a HUGE Fan Of This Hilarious Children's Picture Book

Kids will giggle as they count all the animals that have frightened the monkeys off the pages. Full of fun reader interactions and keeps readers guessing until the very last page! Matching Mac Barnett's brilliant wit are Kevin Cornell's luminous illustrations, which will have young readers begging to count the monkeys all over again.

Jackie says:
"This is definitely NOT a bedtime book.  It involves giggling, yelling, and banging of pots, among all sorts of other wonderful things.  I took this book through a test drive when my "grands" came to visit me this spring, and it was silly and joyful success.  Mac Barnett is so very good at writing really engaging children's books, and I love Kevin Cornell's illustrations.   This book has firmly landed on my 'Fantastic Children's Books'."

Believe in the Power of Imagination! Jackie LOVES This Book!

Press the yellow dot on the cover of this book, follow the instructions within, and embark upon a magical journey! Each page of this surprising book instructs the reader to press the dots, shake the pages, tilt the book, and who knows what will happen next! Children and adults alike will giggle with delight as the dots multiply, change direction, and grow in size! Especially remarkable because the adventure occurs on the flat surface of the simple, printed page, this unique picture book about the power of imagination and interactivity will provide read-aloud fun for all ages!



 Jackie says:
"I saw an ad for this book and went to check it out--and fell completely in love with it.  My face nearly cracked because my smile was so big, and I really can not think of this book without smiling yet again.  It's all about the power of imagination, and written in a marvelously clever way.  This may be a children's book, but based on the half dozen people I grabbed yesterday and had them read the book (it only takes a minute), grown-ups get a lot of pleasure out of it too."