How Santa Lost His Job by Stephen Krensky & Illustrated by S.D. Schindler

Santa loves his job at the North Pole, but he’s always doing things last-minute. Muckle, a techie elf, has come up with a way to improve Christmas. Enter the Deliverator! This new machine is faster and more efficient at delivering presents than Santa. Has the jolly, old elf been replaced? Who will win in this contest of man vs. machine? This great book is the companion to How Santa Got His Job

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How Santa Got His Job by Stephen Krensky & Illustrated by S.D. Schindler

Santa wasn’t always the jolly, plump man in the red suit whom we have come to know and love. This is story behind the sleigh. Youngsters will learn how St. Nick’s varied jobs, such as chimney sweep, postal worker, and zookeeper, gave him the skills he posses for his current career. So, cuddle up with your little ones for an original, clever twist on the legend of Santa Claus.

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Take me out of the bathtub and other silly dilly songs by Alan Katz & illustrated by David Catrow

Alan Katz has done it again! With more silly, dilly lyrics sung to the tune of familiar songs.  Perhaps, it is because I’m a librarian, but I would have to say my favorite songs is “Give Me a Break” (sung to the tune of “Home on the Range”) The song is about lamenting an overdue library book lost under the bed. Another great book for kids of all ages,

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I'm Still Here in the Bathtub : brand new silly dilly songs by Alan Katz & illustrated by David Catrow

Tired of singing the same old songs to your children over and over again? Well, Alan Katz has just the remedy for that. Take a familiar song and add new, silly words to it. My personal favorite in this collection of songs is “I’m a Menace” sung to the tune of “Frere Jacques,” which has my favorite line, “we are VCR-shopping. For the den. Again.” This is a great book that will have kids in stitches.

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Run, Turkey, Run by Diane Mayr & Illustrated by Laura Rader

It’s the day before Thanksgiving, and Turkey has enough! He’s going runaway and hide with the other farm animals. But can he escape from the farmer and not become dinner? The simple rhyme and humorous pictures will certainly be a holiday delight for little ones.

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Thanksgiving Rules by Laurie Friedman & Illustrated by Teresa Murfin

Percy Isaac Gifford wants tell everyone his rules for having the perfect Thanksgiving. From helping around the house (because the faster you clean, the more closer you get to eating) to what to eat on the table (Everything, of course!) This story told in rhyme is great for the older reader, and will bring a smile to everyone’s face.

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Serious Trouble by Arthur Howard

King Olaf and Queen Olive are very serious people, but their son, Ernest, isn’t. He doesn’t want to be a king, but wants to be a jester instead. Can Ernest’s comic ability keep him being eaten by a three-headed dragon? This is a great book for everyone.

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The Paper Bag Princess by Robert Munsch; illustrated by Michael Martchenko

When Princess Elizabeth’s castle is burnt to the ground by a dragon, she goes off to rescue her betrothed, Prince Ronald Armed with only her wits and wearing the only piece of clothing she can find: a paper bag, Elizabeth defeats the dragon and discovers something about Prince Ronald. A great book for anyone, especially little girls.  

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Mortimer by Robert Munsch; illustrated by Michael Martchenko

Little Mortimer has decided that he much rather sing at the top of his lungs than go to bed. He will not listen to his mother, father, seventeen brothers and sisters, or the police. When Mortimer be quiet? One of my favorite pictures in the book is the dad reading the paper in an armchair and wearing huge earmuffs, but the look on his face tells you that he can still hear Mortimer sings. A great story for bedtime.

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Wempires by Daniel Pinkwater

Jonathan has been obsessed with vampires ever since he saw a vampire movie on television. He convinces his mother to make him a vampire cape, tries bite his classmates, and asks if he can sleep in a coffin. Then one night, he meets real vampires (or ‘wempires’ as they preferred to be called) and discovers how neat vampires really are. The one-line zingers will bring a smile to both children and adults.

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Vunce Upon a Time by Jotto Seibold and Siobhan Vivian

Dagmar the vampire isn’t your average vampire. He’s shy, terrified of humans, and a vegetarian, but loves candy. A skeleton tells him about the holiday where he can get all the candy he wants. See how Dagmar makes an unique costume and makes a new friend. This quirky tale about a little vampire learning about Halloween will delight children of all ages.

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The Dinosaurs are Back, and It’s All Your Fault, Edward by Wendy Hartman and Niki Daly

One night, Edward’s brother teases about the rock under his bed. “It might be an dinosaur egg, Edward.” His brother then suggests what might if the “egg” hatches. Edward would have to feed the growing dinosaur, teach it some manners, and many other daunting things. But Edward turns the tables on his brother, and says that when the moon is full, dinosaurs capture boys who aren’t asleep. This book is sure to tickle anyone’s funny bone, especially those with teasing siblings.

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Dinosaur Bob and His Adventures with the Family Lazardo by William Joyce

Since I started reading Michael Crichton’s Jurassic Park, I’ve had dinosaurs on the brain. This first picture book is about the adventurous family Lazardo who find a gentle dinosaur on their African vacation. Bob the Brachiosaurs and the Lazardo take him back to the states, and this gentle giant soon becomes the talk of the town. Children of all ages will love the humorous story set in the early 1900’s.

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Alistair in Outer Space by Marilyn Sadler; ilustrated by Roger Bollen

Sensible Alistair Grittle is on his way back to the library to return when he is kidnapped by blue, directionally challenged aliens called the Goots. Will Alistair get back to Earth in time to return his library books without accruing any fines? A perfect book for young library lovers and science fiction fans alike. 

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June 29, 1999 by David Wiesner

Caldecott winner David Wiesner delivers another fanticiful and humorous book, this time in the spirit of Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs and Pickles to Pittsburgh. On, May 11, 1999, Holly Evans’ science project is the effect of exterristal conditions on plant growth, and so, she sends vegetable seeds in the air by weather balloon. June 29, 1999, is a day that Holly will never forget, and neither will all of America. Because giant vegetables float down from the sky. Turnips show up in the Rocky Mountains. Cucumbers fly over Michigan. And arugula is in Ashtabula as are many other vegetables. But Holly never planted arugula. Where did these giant vegetables come from? This book is perfect for readers of all ages.

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Oscar and the Very Hungry Dragon by Ute Krause

There is a very hungry dragon near Oscar’s village, and he wants to eat a plump, juicy princess. But since the village doesn’t have any, the next best thing is a child. When all the children put their names in a hat to be drawn for dragon breakfast, guess whose name is drawn? Oscar’s! But this clever boy puts his culinary skills to avoid getting eaten by a dragon. Perfect for children of all ages.

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The Goblin and the Empty Chair by Mem Fox and illustrated by Leo and Diane Dillon

I happened to come across this book while perusing the shelves in the children’s room, and the story and the beautiful illustrations really touched my heart. A lonely goblin decides to hide his face because he thinks it is so hideous and doesn’t want to the world to see him. But one day, he sees a grieving family struggling with their day-to-day lives, and, decides to help them, but under the cover of night. But what he doesn’t know is that the family notices his kind acts and wants to help him in return. This touching story about acceptance, love, and family will touch everyone’s heart and would be an excellent tool in conversations about grief and loss.
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Space Case by Edward Marshall and illustrated by James Marshall

A lonely UFO lands on earth, but finds that some of Earth’s inhabitants aren’t too friendly (a cow and a chicken.) Fortunately, he comes across Buddy McGee and his friends trick-or-treating and spends the next day with them. The deadpan humor will definitely get a smile or two from adults, and the vibrant, humorous pictures will have children laughing.

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Miss Nelson is Missing by Harry Allard and illustrated by James Marshall

The kids in Room 207 are the rowdiest kids around and give poor, sweet Miss Nelson the hardest time. But one day, when the kids arrive at school, they notice something strange: Miss Nelson has gone missing, and in her place is Miss Viola Swamp, the meanest teacher ever. Where is Miss Nelson, and why is this mean teacher making them work so hard and laying down the law? A hilarious read for school-age children and parents.

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Agent A to Agent Z by Andy Rash

Agent A must find a rogue spy through the alphabet or he’ll lose his lose job. This book is reminiscent of the 60’s television show, Get Smart, with the humor and over-the-top spy gadgets. My favorite spy is Agent I, going undercover as a giant mosquito, reminded me of Agent 13 in Get Smart who was always undercover as ridiculous, inanimate objects, such as a tree, washing machine, and the like.  A fun read for older children and their parents

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Ten Little Mummies written by Philip Yates and illustrated by G. Brian Karas

Ten mischievous mummies decided to get break their boredom by rushing out of their tomb and causing messes all over ancient Egypt. But each time they get in to trouble, one breaks off from the group. This humorous book is great for teaching children not only how to count forward, but backwards as well.

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An Undone Fairy Tale by Ian Lendler &illustrated by Whitney Martin

This book has it all! Brave knights! Beautiful princesses! Evil kings! And fire-breathing pretzels?  This is the story of brave Sir Wilbur who must rescue the beautiful pie-making princess from the evil king. But the story keeps getting interrupted by Ned the scenery guy and an unnamed narrator, who keeps telling the reader to slow down so Ned can finish the pictures. Unfortunately, no one listens to the narrator, and Ned has to improvise with what he has. Hilarity ensues. This book will get children of all ages giggling.

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Extra! Extra! fairy-Tale News from Hidden Forest by Alma Flor Ada and illustrated by Leslie Tryon

This is one of the coolest versions of fairy tales I have ever read. Written and laid out like a newspaper, Fairy Tales News tells the stories of Jack and the Beanstalk, Pinocchio, Half-Chicken, and the Tortoise and the Hare as if they are newspaper headlines. Other fairy tales people make the paper as well. Readers will find out where to their stylish hoods from Red Riding Hood’s grandma, and the Three Pigs offer their own building contracting services. This book will definitely appeal to older children and their parents.

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Andrew Clements

During Reading Round Up (the annual spring meeting of the Youth Services Section of the Maine Library Association), Andrew Clements provided a presentation for a group of several hundred excited librarians, including yours truly.  He gave a wonderful presentation.  Hearing about his life helped me understand his writing.  During his talk, he tracked his early adventures visiting Maine for the holidays, saying, "the advantage of sitting in the middle during the car ride was that I had bruises on BOTH sides.  It was good to be balanced."  His family encouraged a love of reading.  He bought books and used the library as a "place to test drive new books."  Eventually, he worked for schools and publishers.  His writing recreates the adventures of his early years, his love of a good tale, and his apt understanding of the amusements and frustrations of school life.  Here are a few of his titles.  For a more complete list, click the link below. 

 

 I got to meet him, too!  It was pretty exciting. There's a picture under the link!