Books 63-68

63- Don't Let the Pigeon Stay Up Late! by Mo Willems
Writing: A Illustrations: B

I haven't ever read any of these Pigeon books. The illustrations made me think it would be lame. Really, they are just simple. My daughter has so much fun telling the pigeon what to do. The pigeon wants to stay up and has a conversation with the reader about it. He begs to stay up and gives reasons and yawns. The reader has to tell him to go to bed. It can be confusing the first time you read it though because it seems that there are things the author wants you to say. All in all I really liked this and will check out some of the other ones.

64- A Tree is Nice by: Janice May Udry illustrated by: Marc Simont
Writing: A Illustrations: A

This is a Caldecott Medal winner from 1956. This just talks about how nice trees are and has beautiful pictures.

65- and tango makes three by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell illustrated by: Henry Cole
Writing: A- Illustrations: A

I had mixed feelings about this book. It helps to know that the story is a true story and isn't trying to tell your kids that being a family with two daddies is the way to go. So these two penguins in the Central Park Zoo love each other and don't pay attention to the girl penguins. They make a nest and sit on a rock, but nothing happens. Then another set of penguins have two eggs, but will only take care of one. The male penguins get it and raise the chick. They are good daddies and can be seen today at the zoo.

66- Ella Sarah Gets Dressed by: Margaret Chodos-Irvine
Writing: A Illustrations: A

This is a Caldecott honor book. Ella wants to wear a funky outfit. Her mother, father and sister try to convince her otherwise (which I think is lame for a girl of her age, I figure you let them wear what they want). Ella decides to get dressed by herself. She looks crazy, but so do her friends who come over for tea!

67- The Ant and the Grasshopper retold and illustrated by: Amy Lowry Poole
Writing: A- Illustrations: A

This is the traditional story of the ant and the grasshopper. It is set in China. I don't think it is my all time favorite version of this book.

68- My Little People Farm- A lift-the-flap playbook by:Doris Tomaselli Illustrated by: Thompson Bros.
Writing: A Illustrations: A

For a lift-the-flap book, this is great. It goes over lots of concepts for young readers.